Strawberry
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Romance, Horror
Sadie is stuck in two worlds: reality and dreams. Sadie is stuck between loving two men: one lives and the other has long passed. She uses the strawberries to satisfy both her worlds and love, but what if she doesn't want to be saved? What do we become when we're unable to reclaim what we've lost?
Strawberry
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Romance, Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $13,365 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
75 supporters | followers
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Sadie is stuck in two worlds: reality and dreams. Sadie is stuck between loving two men: one lives and the other has long passed. She uses the strawberries to satisfy both her worlds and love, but what if she doesn't want to be saved? What do we become when we're unable to reclaim what we've lost?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis:
Strawberry follows Sadie, a 25 year old suburbanite grieving the loss of her former lover through vivid dreams while navigating her current relationship. The only thing that soothes her emotional turmoil is her unnatural obsession with strawberries. The stronger her emotions, the greater her desire for the seemingly innocent snack. Either Sadie learns to live with what she can't control or she falls victim to the monster within.
Strawberry is currently in pre-production with the first day of production set for March 15th, 2025.
We seek to raise $15,000 to cover principle photography (e.g. locations, labor, food) and post-production (e.g. editing, sound mixing, color grading). Upon completion of post-production, we plan to dive into a festival run at festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, ABFF, Beyond Festival, Oscar Michaeux, TIFF, Bronze Lens Film Festival, and Cannes for our premiere along with other festivals specializing in horror stories.
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Creators' statements
J.W. Parks: I’ve never been one who’s good at communicating when I need help. That has led to some very self-destructive periods and moments in my life that I look back on in horror but also hilarity. I hate to say it, but that self-destructive behavior has affected those around me. Long conversations about relationships, arguments with friends, ignoring sound advice, etc. Although I’m still learning to be more vulnerable and grow one day at a time, there seems to be some nagging voice that gnaws at my mind that wants to give into the darkness. Sadie is my creation and no one knows her better than I do. The craving for a desire that you can no longer have that leads you down a dark and unrecognizable path that will lead to certain demise, that is me. Or at least a part of me that I’m letting go with love. Elliot is also another part of me. He is a sliver of the dark masquerading as the light, the part of yourself you don’t quite recognize until you’re too far gone. Building this story has been one of the most sobering experiences of my journey as an artist. I cannot wait to express this film and have it connect with audiences.
Jalen Ellis: When J.W. came to me and said he wanted to make a short about a girl turning into a strawberry because she misses the love of her life, it made perfect sense me. Sadie’s unending push to avert her eyes from what she is doing to herself has been one of the realest fictional experiences I’ve had the chance to help develop. Digging into what grief truly takes away from a person has led to a lot of deep examinations on what bonds really mean to me. This has pushed the story into making a unique space for sharing genuine examinations and conversations on experiencing loss amongst ourselves and our peers. Trying to communicate about what we no longer have beyond a general “I’m sorry for your loss” always feels like a daunting task, but this film finally offers a medium where we can go beyond offering condolences and suffering in silence. Through the story of Sadie, Elliot, and James, we may all be able to talk our way through our struggles just a bit better, and that means the world to me.
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark! It’s free, and once we hit a certain number of followers we’ll get access to a ton of perks, products, and services that could really help us as we finalize the film.
- Stay connected and spread the word. Follow and share our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook. Not sure what to say? Feel free to use this:
"Oh my god Sadie is turning into a Strawberry. Help her! directed by @Justoutdownshaw. Show your support @seedandspark seedandspark.com/fund/strawberry-2
- Send this campaign out to someone you know. Text, email, and anything you can do to get our film out there is super helpful. Let’s do this together.
One last reminder to FOLLOW us here on SEED & SPARK and check back for updates!
We are so excited to make this film and share it with you! Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Labor
Costs $3,500
This is for our wonderful crew, who are taking time out of their busy days to help bring this film to life.
Production expenses
Costs $7,500
This includes props, makeup, catering, crafty, gear, and caffeine!
Locations
Costs $1,500
Our story mainly takes place in an apartment. Where else is Sadie going to eat the strawberries?
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Help us bring this film to the finish line!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
J.W. Parks is a director, writer, and producer from Sterling, Virginia. After graduating from film school at Morehouse College, he took a one way flight to Los Angeles (which was quite foolish of him in many regards, especially during a historic Hollywood double strike). He aims to tell perspective-challenging stories of the human condition in all of its glory and messiness. FREE THE BUNS, a short film he worked on, will be premiered at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival.
Actor, director, writer, and producer Jalen Ellis is an independent storyteller focused on delivering stories about community, no matter what shape it takes. Having studied acting and filmmaking at Morehouse College, Stanford University, and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, he is looking to build, play, and explore with like-minded collaborators. Recently, Jalen starred in Kamera Ready Productions’ COMPULSIVE KICKBACK, which was accepted into the 2024 Micheaux Film Festival. His self-written, directed, and produced Morehouse College thesis short, RUN IT BACK, debuted at the first edition of the TAKEOUT film festival in 2024 as well. His short LAST MINUTE won a Jury Prize at the Atlanta University Center's Panasonic-sponsored Campus Movie Fest in Spring 2020.
Tyreek Voltaire (b. 2000) is a first-generation Haitian-American photographer whose passion lies in fashion and editorial portraiture. His journey as an artist began as a means of sharing his passions with others and allowing them to see a deeper aspect of his personality. As he continues to explore different forms of self-expression through image-making, he realizes more intimately how his work encourages the act of amplifying colorful, complex, and long-living stories.
Mallory Shofi (she/they) is an award-winning filmmaker and special effects makeup artist with a passion for creating nightmarish films and creatures. Shofi was born and raised in Ridgefield, CT, where she developed her love for crafting monsters and characters. She graduated in 2022 from Emerson College with a BA in Film Production. Through her college education, she worked as a makeup artist on Hulu's TV series CASTLE ROCK (Season 2) and Mattson Tomlin's MOTHER/ANDROID. Shofi has directed and designed the makeup for several short psychological horror films including her thesis film, PROTECTOR, which won awards at Indie Short Fest (Best Student Director - Female), London Indie Shorts Fest (Best Narrative International Short), and Dark Scream Film Festival (Best Student Horror Short). That same year, she was presented with an Outstanding Makeup Artistry award by professional makeup artist, Bobbi Brown. After settling in California, Shofi co-created an independent genre production company, Dead End Entertainment, alongside close collaborators. Once she received an education in SFX Lab Work from Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA in 2024, Shofi booked her first feature film as the SFX department head. Since then, she's created creatures, trauma wounds, beauty looks, and everything in between for a variety of films. When she's not working on set, Shofi is an avid yogi and cat-lover.
Sizwe Chapman is an Editor and content producer from Jackson, Mississippi. As a graduate of Morehouse College and an experienced industry professional, he has gained valuable experience as a current Assistant Editor at Saylor Agency and freelance editor for clients such as Starz, Beats by Dre, and SpringHill alongside other endeavors in producing, editing, and cinematography. Editing is his passion because of the ability to capture the abstract elements of a story and enhance it with an additional layer of creativity and perspective.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis:
Strawberry follows Sadie, a 25 year old suburbanite grieving the loss of her former lover through vivid dreams while navigating her current relationship. The only thing that soothes her emotional turmoil is her unnatural obsession with strawberries. The stronger her emotions, the greater her desire for the seemingly innocent snack. Either Sadie learns to live with what she can't control or she falls victim to the monster within.
Strawberry is currently in pre-production with the first day of production set for March 15th, 2025.
We seek to raise $15,000 to cover principle photography (e.g. locations, labor, food) and post-production (e.g. editing, sound mixing, color grading). Upon completion of post-production, we plan to dive into a festival run at festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, ABFF, Beyond Festival, Oscar Michaeux, TIFF, Bronze Lens Film Festival, and Cannes for our premiere along with other festivals specializing in horror stories.
Creators' statements
J.W. Parks: I’ve never been one who’s good at communicating when I need help. That has led to some very self-destructive periods and moments in my life that I look back on in horror but also hilarity. I hate to say it, but that self-destructive behavior has affected those around me. Long conversations about relationships, arguments with friends, ignoring sound advice, etc. Although I’m still learning to be more vulnerable and grow one day at a time, there seems to be some nagging voice that gnaws at my mind that wants to give into the darkness. Sadie is my creation and no one knows her better than I do. The craving for a desire that you can no longer have that leads you down a dark and unrecognizable path that will lead to certain demise, that is me. Or at least a part of me that I’m letting go with love. Elliot is also another part of me. He is a sliver of the dark masquerading as the light, the part of yourself you don’t quite recognize until you’re too far gone. Building this story has been one of the most sobering experiences of my journey as an artist. I cannot wait to express this film and have it connect with audiences.
Jalen Ellis: When J.W. came to me and said he wanted to make a short about a girl turning into a strawberry because she misses the love of her life, it made perfect sense me. Sadie’s unending push to avert her eyes from what she is doing to herself has been one of the realest fictional experiences I’ve had the chance to help develop. Digging into what grief truly takes away from a person has led to a lot of deep examinations on what bonds really mean to me. This has pushed the story into making a unique space for sharing genuine examinations and conversations on experiencing loss amongst ourselves and our peers. Trying to communicate about what we no longer have beyond a general “I’m sorry for your loss” always feels like a daunting task, but this film finally offers a medium where we can go beyond offering condolences and suffering in silence. Through the story of Sadie, Elliot, and James, we may all be able to talk our way through our struggles just a bit better, and that means the world to me.
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark! It’s free, and once we hit a certain number of followers we’ll get access to a ton of perks, products, and services that could really help us as we finalize the film.
- Stay connected and spread the word. Follow and share our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook. Not sure what to say? Feel free to use this:
"Oh my god Sadie is turning into a Strawberry. Help her! directed by @Justoutdownshaw. Show your support @seedandspark seedandspark.com/fund/strawberry-2
- Send this campaign out to someone you know. Text, email, and anything you can do to get our film out there is super helpful. Let’s do this together.
One last reminder to FOLLOW us here on SEED & SPARK and check back for updates!
We are so excited to make this film and share it with you! Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production Labor
Costs $3,500
This is for our wonderful crew, who are taking time out of their busy days to help bring this film to life.
Production expenses
Costs $7,500
This includes props, makeup, catering, crafty, gear, and caffeine!
Locations
Costs $1,500
Our story mainly takes place in an apartment. Where else is Sadie going to eat the strawberries?
Post Production
Costs $2,500
Help us bring this film to the finish line!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
J.W. Parks is a director, writer, and producer from Sterling, Virginia. After graduating from film school at Morehouse College, he took a one way flight to Los Angeles (which was quite foolish of him in many regards, especially during a historic Hollywood double strike). He aims to tell perspective-challenging stories of the human condition in all of its glory and messiness. FREE THE BUNS, a short film he worked on, will be premiered at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival.
Actor, director, writer, and producer Jalen Ellis is an independent storyteller focused on delivering stories about community, no matter what shape it takes. Having studied acting and filmmaking at Morehouse College, Stanford University, and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, he is looking to build, play, and explore with like-minded collaborators. Recently, Jalen starred in Kamera Ready Productions’ COMPULSIVE KICKBACK, which was accepted into the 2024 Micheaux Film Festival. His self-written, directed, and produced Morehouse College thesis short, RUN IT BACK, debuted at the first edition of the TAKEOUT film festival in 2024 as well. His short LAST MINUTE won a Jury Prize at the Atlanta University Center's Panasonic-sponsored Campus Movie Fest in Spring 2020.
Tyreek Voltaire (b. 2000) is a first-generation Haitian-American photographer whose passion lies in fashion and editorial portraiture. His journey as an artist began as a means of sharing his passions with others and allowing them to see a deeper aspect of his personality. As he continues to explore different forms of self-expression through image-making, he realizes more intimately how his work encourages the act of amplifying colorful, complex, and long-living stories.
Mallory Shofi (she/they) is an award-winning filmmaker and special effects makeup artist with a passion for creating nightmarish films and creatures. Shofi was born and raised in Ridgefield, CT, where she developed her love for crafting monsters and characters. She graduated in 2022 from Emerson College with a BA in Film Production. Through her college education, she worked as a makeup artist on Hulu's TV series CASTLE ROCK (Season 2) and Mattson Tomlin's MOTHER/ANDROID. Shofi has directed and designed the makeup for several short psychological horror films including her thesis film, PROTECTOR, which won awards at Indie Short Fest (Best Student Director - Female), London Indie Shorts Fest (Best Narrative International Short), and Dark Scream Film Festival (Best Student Horror Short). That same year, she was presented with an Outstanding Makeup Artistry award by professional makeup artist, Bobbi Brown. After settling in California, Shofi co-created an independent genre production company, Dead End Entertainment, alongside close collaborators. Once she received an education in SFX Lab Work from Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA in 2024, Shofi booked her first feature film as the SFX department head. Since then, she's created creatures, trauma wounds, beauty looks, and everything in between for a variety of films. When she's not working on set, Shofi is an avid yogi and cat-lover.
Sizwe Chapman is an Editor and content producer from Jackson, Mississippi. As a graduate of Morehouse College and an experienced industry professional, he has gained valuable experience as a current Assistant Editor at Saylor Agency and freelance editor for clients such as Starz, Beats by Dre, and SpringHill alongside other endeavors in producing, editing, and cinematography. Editing is his passion because of the ability to capture the abstract elements of a story and enhance it with an additional layer of creativity and perspective.