Stained
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
When Bree awakens covered in seemingly blood, she must piece together the previous drunken night spent with her ex-boyfriend, Jack. But as visions of Jack taunt Bree for supposedly killing him last night, she attempts to uncover the truth and rid herself of their toxic relationship for good.
Stained
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
2 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,070 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
23 supporters | followers
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When Bree awakens covered in seemingly blood, she must piece together the previous drunken night spent with her ex-boyfriend, Jack. But as visions of Jack taunt Bree for supposedly killing him last night, she attempts to uncover the truth and rid herself of their toxic relationship for good.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Bree awakens in her bed, her appearance a mess and covered in what seems to be blood. A series of text messages from the night before reveal that Bree had invited her toxic ex-boyfriend, Jack, over while in a drunken state of longing, although he’s nowhere to be found. That’s until Bree goes to clean herself up and Jack mysteriously appears looking as sharp as ever and claiming that Bree killed him last night. From there, Bree works to unravel the mystery while enduring cruel remarks and bickering from Jack, forcing her to confront the volatile nature of their relationship.
BREE - A creatively minded young woman who’s in the process of painting a vintage dresser and moving into her new apartment as a way to separate herself from her ex-boyfriend, Jack. She has a checkered on-and-off relationship history with Jack, where she hates him one day yet finds herself missing him the next, which ultimately comes to a boiling point in the events of the film.
JACK - Bree’s ex-boyfriend who comes off as charismatic, charming, and handsome, but is often narcissistic, spiteful, and unloyal, having had a track record of sleeping around with many different women while supposedly in a relationship with Bree.
When I initially read the script, one of the major draws was all the exciting visual filmmaking opportunities the script had in its pages. Though I am still very excited to see visuals Jo and I conceived come to life, delving into the layers of the story and my emotional connection has opened a whole other door of opportunities.
The film deals with themes of relationships and overcoming trauma. But when boiled down to its purest and most universal form, it's a story about moving forward and not letting your past define you. It’s a theme that strongly resonates with me during this period of my life as I am sure it does for many others.
The goal of this film is to make sure Bree’s struggles strike a chord with our audience. We will feel her seemingly insurmountable fear and helplessness when faced with Jack’s specter. The claustrophobia of being trapped in her apartment and her own mental prison. When we are able to feel these lows, it will be all the more satisfying seeing her overcome her obstacles
The film takes place entirely in Bree’s apartment, which will be of a clean and simplistic style with just enough character and flair shining through, contrasted heavily by splotches of dried blood. The color palette will be composed of cool colors as the cinematography and lighting will evoke styles reminiscent of 70s era thrillers.
Stained is part of the BFA Thesis film program at Columbia College Chicago. Our timeline plans for a 3-day shoot in early October 2024, with editing occurring during the following winter and spring, and submissions to festivals beginning Summer 2025.
Our goal of $4,700 is the minimum amount of money needed for Stained to go into production. Given that we are a student production, most of that money will go towards securing our location, feeding our cast and crew, and fully realizing our vision for production design.
While our posted goal is the minimum amount needed to shoot the film, below are a few stretch goals that will greatly aid in the production process.
$5,200 - Contingency
Funds to pull from for unplanned expenses.
$5,500 - Marketing and Film Festival Costs
Covers all marketing and festival entry fees to get Stained off the ground and exposure.
Stained will need all the outreach we can get to help us reach our goal, so we kindly ask that you tell friends and family and share us on social media (Instagram: @stained_film). Feel free to email [email protected] with inquiries or media opportunities as well.
Thank you for your interest in Stained and we look forward to making this story come to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Art Department
Costs $800
Covers props, set dec, wardrobe, and HMU expenses
Location
Costs $1,900
Secures the apartment location over our 3-day shoot.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $1,000
Keep our cast and crew fed.
Transportation
Costs $650
Get our cast, crew, and equipment to and from set.
Miscellaneous
Costs $350
Covers expenses ranging from stunt coordinator, various supplies, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Brennan Rosser - Director
Brennan Rosser is a senior at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and Television with a concentration in directing. Raised in Menomonee Falls, Brennan began his filmmaking journey by creating stop-motion shorts in his bedroom and directing live-action shorts with his friends and neighbors. Upon going to film school, he found film as more of a means to express himself and gained a deeper interest in not only directing but also screenwriting. Aside from his interest in film, Brennan has an immense passion for music, frequently exploring new albums and artists as well as regularly creating amateur recordings on Guitar and Bass. He is also very passionate about illustration, frequently doodling in his spare time.
Hayden Myers - Producer
Hayden Myers is a senior student at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and TV with a concentration in Producing. Raised in Rockton, Illinois, Hayden grew a love for filmmaking creating homemade movies with friends, later finding a knack for line producing and development work in his time in college. He enjoys creating airtight, fast-paced films that keep the viewer in suspense whilst also leaving a meaningful impact on them after the credits roll. Outside of film, he enjoys reading graphic novels, learning metal songs on guitar, and being overly invested in sports.
Jo Hutton - Director of Photography
Jo is a senior at Columbia College Chicago pursuing a BFA in film and television. After leaving her hometown in Pittsburgh to explore filmmaking, cinematography showed her a way to communicate deep themes and perspectives as well as create different atmospheres with light. Jo feels the most present when being a part of the production process as it allows people to not just put their minds into their stories but also their physical bodies and energy. Aside from visual storytelling, Jo enjoys escaping to alternate worlds through other activities like reading, listening to music, biking, and spending time in nature.
Eren Serpen - Editor
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Eren Serpen is a senior at Columbia College Chicago pursing a BFA in Editing and Post Production. Growing up in Muscatine, Iowa, Eren has always shared a love for creative art forms such as animation and music, and discovered his passion for filming during the COVID pandemic. Art has always been integral to Eren’s life, allowing him to express and assess the human experience. During his college studies, he discovered his joy for post-production, becoming enamored with the power of blending visuals and audio to craft immersive narratives. The role offers endless creative potential in timing, enhancing emotional arcs, and creating engaging auditory experiences, among many other aspects. Aside from filming, enjoys hiking, live music, drumming, reading, and has recently become invested in photography.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Bree awakens in her bed, her appearance a mess and covered in what seems to be blood. A series of text messages from the night before reveal that Bree had invited her toxic ex-boyfriend, Jack, over while in a drunken state of longing, although he’s nowhere to be found. That’s until Bree goes to clean herself up and Jack mysteriously appears looking as sharp as ever and claiming that Bree killed him last night. From there, Bree works to unravel the mystery while enduring cruel remarks and bickering from Jack, forcing her to confront the volatile nature of their relationship.
BREE - A creatively minded young woman who’s in the process of painting a vintage dresser and moving into her new apartment as a way to separate herself from her ex-boyfriend, Jack. She has a checkered on-and-off relationship history with Jack, where she hates him one day yet finds herself missing him the next, which ultimately comes to a boiling point in the events of the film.
JACK - Bree’s ex-boyfriend who comes off as charismatic, charming, and handsome, but is often narcissistic, spiteful, and unloyal, having had a track record of sleeping around with many different women while supposedly in a relationship with Bree.
When I initially read the script, one of the major draws was all the exciting visual filmmaking opportunities the script had in its pages. Though I am still very excited to see visuals Jo and I conceived come to life, delving into the layers of the story and my emotional connection has opened a whole other door of opportunities.
The film deals with themes of relationships and overcoming trauma. But when boiled down to its purest and most universal form, it's a story about moving forward and not letting your past define you. It’s a theme that strongly resonates with me during this period of my life as I am sure it does for many others.
The goal of this film is to make sure Bree’s struggles strike a chord with our audience. We will feel her seemingly insurmountable fear and helplessness when faced with Jack’s specter. The claustrophobia of being trapped in her apartment and her own mental prison. When we are able to feel these lows, it will be all the more satisfying seeing her overcome her obstacles
The film takes place entirely in Bree’s apartment, which will be of a clean and simplistic style with just enough character and flair shining through, contrasted heavily by splotches of dried blood. The color palette will be composed of cool colors as the cinematography and lighting will evoke styles reminiscent of 70s era thrillers.
Stained is part of the BFA Thesis film program at Columbia College Chicago. Our timeline plans for a 3-day shoot in early October 2024, with editing occurring during the following winter and spring, and submissions to festivals beginning Summer 2025.
Our goal of $4,700 is the minimum amount of money needed for Stained to go into production. Given that we are a student production, most of that money will go towards securing our location, feeding our cast and crew, and fully realizing our vision for production design.
While our posted goal is the minimum amount needed to shoot the film, below are a few stretch goals that will greatly aid in the production process.
$5,200 - Contingency
Funds to pull from for unplanned expenses.
$5,500 - Marketing and Film Festival Costs
Covers all marketing and festival entry fees to get Stained off the ground and exposure.
Stained will need all the outreach we can get to help us reach our goal, so we kindly ask that you tell friends and family and share us on social media (Instagram: @stained_film). Feel free to email [email protected] with inquiries or media opportunities as well.
Thank you for your interest in Stained and we look forward to making this story come to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Art Department
Costs $800
Covers props, set dec, wardrobe, and HMU expenses
Location
Costs $1,900
Secures the apartment location over our 3-day shoot.
Catering and Crafty
Costs $1,000
Keep our cast and crew fed.
Transportation
Costs $650
Get our cast, crew, and equipment to and from set.
Miscellaneous
Costs $350
Covers expenses ranging from stunt coordinator, various supplies, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Brennan Rosser - Director
Brennan Rosser is a senior at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and Television with a concentration in directing. Raised in Menomonee Falls, Brennan began his filmmaking journey by creating stop-motion shorts in his bedroom and directing live-action shorts with his friends and neighbors. Upon going to film school, he found film as more of a means to express himself and gained a deeper interest in not only directing but also screenwriting. Aside from his interest in film, Brennan has an immense passion for music, frequently exploring new albums and artists as well as regularly creating amateur recordings on Guitar and Bass. He is also very passionate about illustration, frequently doodling in his spare time.
Hayden Myers - Producer
Hayden Myers is a senior student at Columbia College Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Film and TV with a concentration in Producing. Raised in Rockton, Illinois, Hayden grew a love for filmmaking creating homemade movies with friends, later finding a knack for line producing and development work in his time in college. He enjoys creating airtight, fast-paced films that keep the viewer in suspense whilst also leaving a meaningful impact on them after the credits roll. Outside of film, he enjoys reading graphic novels, learning metal songs on guitar, and being overly invested in sports.
Jo Hutton - Director of Photography
Jo is a senior at Columbia College Chicago pursuing a BFA in film and television. After leaving her hometown in Pittsburgh to explore filmmaking, cinematography showed her a way to communicate deep themes and perspectives as well as create different atmospheres with light. Jo feels the most present when being a part of the production process as it allows people to not just put their minds into their stories but also their physical bodies and energy. Aside from visual storytelling, Jo enjoys escaping to alternate worlds through other activities like reading, listening to music, biking, and spending time in nature.
Eren Serpen - Editor
Eren Serpen is a senior at Columbia College Chicago pursing a BFA in Editing and Post Production. Growing up in Muscatine, Iowa, Eren has always shared a love for creative art forms such as animation and music, and discovered his passion for filming during the COVID pandemic. Art has always been integral to Eren’s life, allowing him to express and assess the human experience. During his college studies, he discovered his joy for post-production, becoming enamored with the power of blending visuals and audio to craft immersive narratives. The role offers endless creative potential in timing, enhancing emotional arcs, and creating engaging auditory experiences, among many other aspects. Aside from filming, enjoys hiking, live music, drumming, reading, and has recently become invested in photography.