How we make our art is just as important as what we say with it. We intend to share this film's affirmative message by creating compensated opportunities for underrepresented filmmakers and upholding a supportive, professional environment at every stage of production.

**UPDATE**

Thank you all for your contributions to [subtext] - we got the green light!

If you did not get the chance to contribute and would like to support the project, or you would like to contribute more funds, you can use our Paypal donation link here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=UVPMCH8JAUCQW&no_recurring=0&item_name=%5Bsubtext%5D+-+A+Short+Film&currency_code=USD 

 

Two deeply insecure people on a first date speak their subtext out loud -- but the actors play it as if they're sharing normal small talk. Neither person knows what's really going on with the other until an event happens in the middle of the date that forces them to say exactly what they're thinking. In the end, their vulnerability finally allows them to make a genuine connection.

 

I always like my work to be a little bit weird. I love plays that aren't entirely based in realism because of how it can allow for more creative ways of expressing emotion. Something my heart gets even if my head doesn't - like a Dali painting.

Honesty is also a huge theme in my work. I'm obsessed with finding shared experiences that we don't even realize we have because we don't talk about them. A first date felt like a great scenario to explore the dichotomy between our burning desire to be known and our equally burning desire to present the most ideal version of ourselves. We want to move on from the trauma in our past, but at the same time, our past shapes who we are. When we hide our true selves in favor of some idea of what we think we should be, we rob ourselves and other people of the true connections that come from being honest and vulnerable.

We also can't take ourselves out of the context of the time that we are living in. When we avoid talking about what's really going on in the world, we don't make progress as a society.

It's like some dating advice I once got: if a couple never fights, that doesn't mean there's no conflict in their relationship - it means they aren't talking about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This film is led by an all-female team and will create compensated opportunities for underrepresented independent filmmakers. A professional, people-forward approach will permeate every level of this production. 

Our goal is to film in early January, so by fundraising in October we ensure that we can put down some deposits and give our crew an expectation what we can pay them. The closer we get to our goal, the more money our crew can earn (yay)!

The pandemic has also made filming more complicated. In order to ensure a safe working environment, we will use funds raised to purchase masks, covid tests, and sanitizer to follow industry Health & Safety protocol. As a former H&S scheduler on two professional sets, Olivia knows a thing or two about avoiding covid on set! And hey, it's winter, we don't want to get colds and flus either. 

 

During the campaign, the creative team will start our prep work. This will include finalizing the script, hiring all the crew members, rehearsing with the actors, scouting the location, and setting up the shot list. Then, we will commence filming in mid-December or early January.

After we shoot the film, we will begin the post-production process and hire editors to create the rough and final cuts of the film. And after that, we will enter the short into the film festival circuit. This will help the project gain momentum and allow us to show it to wider audiences.

 

The best way to help is with a pledge! 100% of your contribution will go towards production costs. 

Be sure to follow this campaign on Seed & Spark, as well as our official social media pages, for updates as we add new team members and begin filming! This way you can see exactly how your contribution is making an impact. 

Can't pledge right now? Share our campaign with someone who can! This especially goes for those of you popular folks with a lot of followers.  Or maybe you already pledged and want to tell everyone else how awesome this film is gonna be. Get them to join you! Make your money turn into MORE money! Big budget mindset.

Here are some examples of social media posts you can use. Feel free to copy and paste:

Help filmmakers @olivia_haller and @erinbrownthomas_filmmaker by supporting their surreal short film about two people on a first date who can only speak in...[SUBTEXT]. Support them on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/subtext

I just found out about [SUBTEXT] directed by @erinbrownthomas_filmmaker and written by @olivia_haller and WOW, you've got to support this short! Join them on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/subtext

I'm so excited to see the new surreal dramedy [SUBTEXT], by @olivia_haller and directed by @erinbrownthomas_filmmaker - Support them on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/subtext

 

Our official socials to follow are:

Instagram: @subtextshort

Facebook: Subtext - A Short Film

 

Can't make a monetary pledge but have services or items you can donate or loan?  Check out our list below! We can offer credit and/or advertising. You can get in touch by sending a DM to our Instagram or Facebook accounts.

Here are a few things we are looking for:

Featured Extras/Background 
Craft services (snacks, coffee, bottled water)
Catering
PPE
Outdoor folding tables/tent/chairs

We appreciate anything you can do. We can't do this without you!