That You Are Here
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Family
When her terminally ill mother expresses the wish to die, a daughter must come to terms with her role as a caregiver. That You Are Here explores the intricacies of neurodegeneration, the caregiving journey, and the bond between mother and daughter.
That You Are Here
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,563 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
92 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
When her terminally ill mother expresses the wish to die, a daughter must come to terms with her role as a caregiver. That You Are Here explores the intricacies of neurodegeneration, the caregiving journey, and the bond between mother and daughter.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
That You Are Here is a story for us all: at some point in our lifetimes, each of us will care for someone ill or old or fragile in some way—or will need the care of someone ourselves. It is tragic and beautiful. It defines our humanity and challenges our resilience. By entering the world of a daughter caring for her ill mother, we open ourselves up to understanding the weight of that care, the cruelty of neurodegenerative diseases, and the ephemeral nature of our own existence.
(Photo by Fabio Gibin on Unsplash)
The story takes place over the course of a single day and focuses on the relationship between a daughter and her mother, who suffers from a neurodegenerative disease. While their relationship is very loving, it has become increasingly distant because the daughter solely focuses on routine and safety. When, in a heated moment, the mother tells her that she wants to die, the daughter realizes that her mother still craves new experiences and adventures. In her death wish, she is expressing a desire for life.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
This story is deeply personal to us and in particular to our co-writer, co-producer, and lead actor Micòl Martinelli, whose own mother was the inspiration for the short. For more than 10 years, she suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder in which specific parts of the brain gradually deteriorate and die. It is a dark, horrible disease and the years spent caregiving for her were devastating. But, there were many moments of joy, of connection, of learning, of realizing what it means to be alive, to support each other—to be human.
A little background on Micòl's mother, interview with and narration by Micòl
Micòl has a PhD in linguistics and her research focused on how to train healthcare professionals and the public at large to talk with (rather than to) people who have communication disorders, especially those who have them because of a neurodegenerative disease.
We have partnered with Un Passo Insieme (A Step Together) an Italian non-profit foundation that works with individuals and families to help people with disabilities achieve their autonomy and promote their social inclusion. Micòl worked closely with Un Passo Insieme during her mother’s illness and after. Founder and president, Dr. William Liboni, along with director of operations, Dr. Andrea Vezzoli, and the whole team at Un Passo Insieme are excited to help bring this project to life. They have offered us their expertise and the use of their facilities to shoot many of the scenes of our film. We are incredibly grateful for their support and excited to collaborate on this project!
Also collaborating with Micòl on this project are Elise Poston and Marcelo Pico. Elise and Micòl met in graduate school more than ten years ago and have been close friends ever since. They decided to collaborate on a short film together not long after the death of Micòl’s mother. Micòl was eager to channel her experience into something creative and Elise was thrilled to jump into the project.
Behind the scenes of how the project came together, interview with Elise and Marcelo
Elise brought her partner Marcelo into the project as co-director and cinematographer. Marcelo brings ten years of experience in videography and cinematography. He also is the editor-in-chief of Talk Film Society, a podcast network and website dedicated to film criticism. With over 20 unique podcasts under his umbrella and hundreds of features and reviews, Marcelo brings a dedicated community of film lovers and a wealth of experience.
We are a unique production team. Micòl is based in Torino (Turin), Italy where our story takes place and where she and her family made their home during her adolescence; while Elise and Marcelo are based in Austin, TX (USA). The three of us have been collaborating across continents for more than a year to bring this project to life.
Northern Italy is vitally important to our story and we can’t imagine setting it anywhere else. We are excited not only to shoot the mountain landscape and the charming city, but also to contrast this stunning scenery with the often monotonous and claustrophobic reality of illness and caregiving.
Inspiration for our short
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Our team firmly believes that this is the most important project for us right now because of the urgency of its theme and the unique insight we bring to it.
Not only was the story co-written by an insider, but it also addresses the enormous complexity of communication and understanding on a number of levels: through language (the daughter is American but her mother is Italian), through environment (the isolation of nursing homes versus the freedom of the Italian landscape), and through the insider/outsider irony (the mother and daughter are insiders in their own world, but they’re outsiders in a world that ignores their realities, but even they still have difficulty understanding each other).
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Research shows that millions of people are affected by neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, with estimates starting at 60 million, with many suffering from comorbidity (the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient): around 55 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, another estimated 10 million from Parkinson’s, and between 5 and 10 million from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Many thousands more are affected by rarer disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s diseases, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). These numbers have skyrocketed in the past three decades and projections suggest these numbers will continue to rise in the future, doubling every 20 years.
A few facts about neurodegenerative diseases
We need to tell more of these stories now to help fund critical research which could save lives in the future through prevention, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments. And the stories of their caregivers also deserve to be told.
And we need to raise awareness of not just the diseases but of the lives of those affected—to increase empathy, to build solidarity, to advocate for rights. We believe that none of these objectives are ever out of date. And what better tool than film, the best empathy generator there is!
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Tragically, neurological diseases affect so many people: not just the people suffering from them, but also their families, friends, and communities. And sadly, these families often feel alone.
We would like to change that. Because it’s inspiring to us to meet so many people who, when given the chance and the representation, can finally see they have a community who wants to support them, advocate for them, give them access to resources and connections.
Do you personally know any caregivers? Someone who has taken care of or is taking care of an older or ill person? Do you know anyone who’s affected by dementia? Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or ALS? Do you know someone with a rare disease or trying to find answers to confusing symptoms? Do you know anyone who’s had to relocate, to give up a job, or go into debt to care for an ill parent or child?
Our bet is that you answered yes to at least one of these questions. And even if you haven’t, you may encounter one of these people in your life, or be one yourself. Representation matters, so the best we can do is open our ears, and eyes, and hearts to better understand each other and to shine a light on stories that help us grow and connect. We want to create a portal of empathy and awareness and that starts with you joining us on our campaign!
What we hope for the future, a behind-the-scenes interview with Elise and Marcelo
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
We are currently in pre-production. That means we are working hard on comprehensive planning to minimize risks, including scheduling, scouting locations, hiring crew, casting, and storyboarding.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
- Development: July 2024 - January 2026
- Pre-production: January 2026 - April 2026 (We're here!)
- Production: Summer 2026
- Post-production: Fall 2026
- Distribution: Fall 2026
BUDGET
Base Goal: $17,875 – funds the short in full.
Stretch Goals:
- + € 3.000: funds submission and attendance to festivals.
- + € 5.000: funds upgrades to equipment for higher quality picture.
- + € 7.000: funds upgrades to post-production (color and score).
- + € 10.000: funds screenings locally and online.
If we don't raise a minimum of 80% of our Seed&Spark funding goal,
we won't receive any of our funding.
To help us achieve these goals, we've partnered with SIMA Studios, who have agreed to operate as our Fiscal Sponsor. We are perfectly aligned with SIMA’s mission to amplify the impact of creative works to inspire activism, compassion, and social transformation. Partnering with SIMA allows us to operate as an international production while also allowing us to accept tax-exempt donations from US-based and international organizations and individuals. Learn more here!
· ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
We’re approaching festival submissions with care and intention. Our goal is to place this short in spaces where it will truly be seen. We will aim for festivals that uplift underrepresented voices and where stories like ours are championed and heard. We want to make sure we are starting a dialogue, inviting audiences to hear stories that are often hidden and unseen, expanding the community and underscoring the need for help and care.
To get there, we need your support!
- PLEDGE to our campaign—every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to creating something meaningful and powerful.
- SHARE & FOLLOW our Seed&Spark page—by tapping the heart in the top right corner, you help us unlock access to film festival waivers, production equipment, and other essential resources.
- FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook @thatyouareherefilm to stay connected, receive updates, and become part of our growing community.
- LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE our posts to help amplify our story and extend its reach.
Every single interaction brings us closer to making this dream a reality—thank you for being a part of this story’s future!
Share the project with these pre-written messages!
I’m so excited to support @thatyouareherefilm, a poignant story about caregiving, neurodegenerative diseases, and the love between mothers and daughters set in the Northwest of Italy. Support now on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
I just pledged to @thatyouareherefilm, a powerful exploration of the weight of caregiving and the difficult journey of loving someone who is terminally ill. Please consider supporting and sharing: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
@thatyouarehere is a story for us all: at some point in our lifetimes, each of us will care for someone ill or old or fragile—or will need the care of someone ourselves. It is tragic and beautiful. It defines our humanity and challenges our resilience. This story is needs your support: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
Thank you so much for checking out our campaign!
We hope you’ll consider joining our community.
Micòl, Elise, Marcelo
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
O Me! O Life!
By Walt Whitman
Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who
more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever
renew’d,
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around
me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O
life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Red Komodo 6K (Rental)
Costs $860
Filming 101: camera!
DJI RS3 Pro Camera Gimbal (Rental)
Costs $270
Who doesn't appreciate ultra-smooth cinematic footage?
Atmos NINJA V Monitor (Rental)
Costs $230
We need to see what we're doing! Have you seen the size of camera screens?!
Lenses (Rental)
Costs $350
A camera without lenses is like a director without a vision—lots of buttons, no point.
Cast & Crew
Costs $6,500
It takes a village, as they say.
Post-Production
Costs $3,470
The "second film": editing, sound design & mixing, and color correction & grading.
On-set Services
Costs $1,155
We'll need well-fed folks on the job—we will be in Italy, after all.
Production Design
Costs $350
Environment is everything and this one is special. We want to get it just right.
Other Production Equipment
Costs $3,490
Including: shoulder rigs, tripods, stands, lights, filters, adaptors, lavaliers, boom poles, blimp systems and other miscellaneous.
Locations & Permits
Costs $200
No B&Es here.
Contigency Fund
Costs $1,000
In case of emergency... or to pay the fees for the fiscal sponsor we will partner with as an international co-production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is a wonderful trio of film freaks, each with our own interests and personalities but all with a shared passion for stories and film! The three of us have been collaborating across continents for more than a year to bring this project to life.
We are Micòl, Elise, and Marcelo.
The inspiration for the short came from Micòl's experiences as a co-caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder.
Micòl and her family are Italian and during Micòl's early adolescence made their home in her mother's hometown Turin, a city in the Northwest of Italy set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps.
Because of her mother's challenges with communication during her illness, Micòl decided to specialize in communication issues in neurodegenerative disorders during her doctoral studies in linguistics.
Micòl's passion for film started when she was very little, when her father used to take her to see plays and movies at local venues around their home in Rome, where she was born and raised. She started acting in elementary school and continued throughout her life, participating in various school productions. She took a number of acting on camera courses at university, while pursuing a degree in psychology, and participated in a few student movies for dear friends in the Screen Studies department. She continues to work on her skills and enjoys meeting other fellow actors. As many of us, she has had to shift priorities when pursuing her passion for acting. She feels that this is the project where she can finally commit to throwing herself in the deep end.
Also collaborating on this project are Elise Poston and her partner, Marcelo Pico.
Elise and Micòl met in graduate school more than ten years ago and have been close friends ever since. They decided to collaborate on a short film together not long after the death of Micol’s mother. Micòl was eager to channel her experience into something creative and Elise was thrilled to jump into the project.
Elise and Micòl in 2016
Elise has a background in book publishing and live theater, specifically children’s literature and musical theater. She's directed musicals and has been a stage-manager. She's also a very passionate film fan and loves any movie that makes her feel big feelings. She particularly loves sumptuous visual storytelling, distinct characters, and anything music-driven, from queer romance to dark character studies. Anything camp, too!
When asked about why the story resonates with her, she said: "I am very close with my own mother and have always been drawn to mother/daughter storytelling. I’ve also seen my parents age and watched them care for their own ailing parents. This is a near-universal experience. Plus, the love and labor that goes into caregiving is often carried out by women and, as with so much other female labor, is often unseen and unacknowledged. Telling this story is important."
Elise brought her partner Marcelo into the project as co-director and cinematographer. Marcelo earned a film degree in 2012 and brings more than ten years of experience in videography and cinematography.
He is also the editor-in-chief of Talk Film Society, a podcast network and website dedicated to film criticism. With over 20 unique podcasts under his umbrella, over 1,000 individual episodes, and hundreds of features and reviews, Marcelo brings a dedicated community of film lovers and a wealth of experience. Together Elise and Marcelo also host the theater and film podcast Stage to Screen on the Talk Film Society network.
When asked about his inspiration and dreams, he said: "I'm excited to get behind the camera once again and to continue making shorts and eventually a feature film [...] What excites me about this project is collaborating with both Elise and Micòl, they're both smart and dedicated to making something special [...] and capturing not only the beautiful landscape of the region, but also a sense of the history for these special characters in the film."
Elise and Marcelo visit the Criterion Closet, SXSW 2025
Please join three old friends as we embark on a new journey and help us tell a story that needs to be told.
Cinematically yours,
Micòl, Elise, Marcelo
A look at the origin story of That You Are Here
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
That You Are Here is a story for us all: at some point in our lifetimes, each of us will care for someone ill or old or fragile in some way—or will need the care of someone ourselves. It is tragic and beautiful. It defines our humanity and challenges our resilience. By entering the world of a daughter caring for her ill mother, we open ourselves up to understanding the weight of that care, the cruelty of neurodegenerative diseases, and the ephemeral nature of our own existence.
(Photo by Fabio Gibin on Unsplash)
The story takes place over the course of a single day and focuses on the relationship between a daughter and her mother, who suffers from a neurodegenerative disease. While their relationship is very loving, it has become increasingly distant because the daughter solely focuses on routine and safety. When, in a heated moment, the mother tells her that she wants to die, the daughter realizes that her mother still craves new experiences and adventures. In her death wish, she is expressing a desire for life.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
This story is deeply personal to us and in particular to our co-writer, co-producer, and lead actor Micòl Martinelli, whose own mother was the inspiration for the short. For more than 10 years, she suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder in which specific parts of the brain gradually deteriorate and die. It is a dark, horrible disease and the years spent caregiving for her were devastating. But, there were many moments of joy, of connection, of learning, of realizing what it means to be alive, to support each other—to be human.
A little background on Micòl's mother, interview with and narration by Micòl
Micòl has a PhD in linguistics and her research focused on how to train healthcare professionals and the public at large to talk with (rather than to) people who have communication disorders, especially those who have them because of a neurodegenerative disease.
We have partnered with Un Passo Insieme (A Step Together) an Italian non-profit foundation that works with individuals and families to help people with disabilities achieve their autonomy and promote their social inclusion. Micòl worked closely with Un Passo Insieme during her mother’s illness and after. Founder and president, Dr. William Liboni, along with director of operations, Dr. Andrea Vezzoli, and the whole team at Un Passo Insieme are excited to help bring this project to life. They have offered us their expertise and the use of their facilities to shoot many of the scenes of our film. We are incredibly grateful for their support and excited to collaborate on this project!
Also collaborating with Micòl on this project are Elise Poston and Marcelo Pico. Elise and Micòl met in graduate school more than ten years ago and have been close friends ever since. They decided to collaborate on a short film together not long after the death of Micòl’s mother. Micòl was eager to channel her experience into something creative and Elise was thrilled to jump into the project.
Behind the scenes of how the project came together, interview with Elise and Marcelo
Elise brought her partner Marcelo into the project as co-director and cinematographer. Marcelo brings ten years of experience in videography and cinematography. He also is the editor-in-chief of Talk Film Society, a podcast network and website dedicated to film criticism. With over 20 unique podcasts under his umbrella and hundreds of features and reviews, Marcelo brings a dedicated community of film lovers and a wealth of experience.
We are a unique production team. Micòl is based in Torino (Turin), Italy where our story takes place and where she and her family made their home during her adolescence; while Elise and Marcelo are based in Austin, TX (USA). The three of us have been collaborating across continents for more than a year to bring this project to life.
Northern Italy is vitally important to our story and we can’t imagine setting it anywhere else. We are excited not only to shoot the mountain landscape and the charming city, but also to contrast this stunning scenery with the often monotonous and claustrophobic reality of illness and caregiving.
Inspiration for our short
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Our team firmly believes that this is the most important project for us right now because of the urgency of its theme and the unique insight we bring to it.
Not only was the story co-written by an insider, but it also addresses the enormous complexity of communication and understanding on a number of levels: through language (the daughter is American but her mother is Italian), through environment (the isolation of nursing homes versus the freedom of the Italian landscape), and through the insider/outsider irony (the mother and daughter are insiders in their own world, but they’re outsiders in a world that ignores their realities, but even they still have difficulty understanding each other).
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Research shows that millions of people are affected by neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, with estimates starting at 60 million, with many suffering from comorbidity (the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient): around 55 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, another estimated 10 million from Parkinson’s, and between 5 and 10 million from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Many thousands more are affected by rarer disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s diseases, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). These numbers have skyrocketed in the past three decades and projections suggest these numbers will continue to rise in the future, doubling every 20 years.
A few facts about neurodegenerative diseases
We need to tell more of these stories now to help fund critical research which could save lives in the future through prevention, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments. And the stories of their caregivers also deserve to be told.
And we need to raise awareness of not just the diseases but of the lives of those affected—to increase empathy, to build solidarity, to advocate for rights. We believe that none of these objectives are ever out of date. And what better tool than film, the best empathy generator there is!
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Tragically, neurological diseases affect so many people: not just the people suffering from them, but also their families, friends, and communities. And sadly, these families often feel alone.
We would like to change that. Because it’s inspiring to us to meet so many people who, when given the chance and the representation, can finally see they have a community who wants to support them, advocate for them, give them access to resources and connections.
Do you personally know any caregivers? Someone who has taken care of or is taking care of an older or ill person? Do you know anyone who’s affected by dementia? Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or ALS? Do you know someone with a rare disease or trying to find answers to confusing symptoms? Do you know anyone who’s had to relocate, to give up a job, or go into debt to care for an ill parent or child?
Our bet is that you answered yes to at least one of these questions. And even if you haven’t, you may encounter one of these people in your life, or be one yourself. Representation matters, so the best we can do is open our ears, and eyes, and hearts to better understand each other and to shine a light on stories that help us grow and connect. We want to create a portal of empathy and awareness and that starts with you joining us on our campaign!
What we hope for the future, a behind-the-scenes interview with Elise and Marcelo
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
We are currently in pre-production. That means we are working hard on comprehensive planning to minimize risks, including scheduling, scouting locations, hiring crew, casting, and storyboarding.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
- Development: July 2024 - January 2026
- Pre-production: January 2026 - April 2026 (We're here!)
- Production: Summer 2026
- Post-production: Fall 2026
- Distribution: Fall 2026
BUDGET
Base Goal: $17,875 – funds the short in full.
Stretch Goals:
- + € 3.000: funds submission and attendance to festivals.
- + € 5.000: funds upgrades to equipment for higher quality picture.
- + € 7.000: funds upgrades to post-production (color and score).
- + € 10.000: funds screenings locally and online.
If we don't raise a minimum of 80% of our Seed&Spark funding goal,
we won't receive any of our funding.
To help us achieve these goals, we've partnered with SIMA Studios, who have agreed to operate as our Fiscal Sponsor. We are perfectly aligned with SIMA’s mission to amplify the impact of creative works to inspire activism, compassion, and social transformation. Partnering with SIMA allows us to operate as an international production while also allowing us to accept tax-exempt donations from US-based and international organizations and individuals. Learn more here!
· ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
We’re approaching festival submissions with care and intention. Our goal is to place this short in spaces where it will truly be seen. We will aim for festivals that uplift underrepresented voices and where stories like ours are championed and heard. We want to make sure we are starting a dialogue, inviting audiences to hear stories that are often hidden and unseen, expanding the community and underscoring the need for help and care.
To get there, we need your support!
- PLEDGE to our campaign—every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to creating something meaningful and powerful.
- SHARE & FOLLOW our Seed&Spark page—by tapping the heart in the top right corner, you help us unlock access to film festival waivers, production equipment, and other essential resources.
- FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook @thatyouareherefilm to stay connected, receive updates, and become part of our growing community.
- LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE our posts to help amplify our story and extend its reach.
Every single interaction brings us closer to making this dream a reality—thank you for being a part of this story’s future!
Share the project with these pre-written messages!
I’m so excited to support @thatyouareherefilm, a poignant story about caregiving, neurodegenerative diseases, and the love between mothers and daughters set in the Northwest of Italy. Support now on @seedandspark: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
I just pledged to @thatyouareherefilm, a powerful exploration of the weight of caregiving and the difficult journey of loving someone who is terminally ill. Please consider supporting and sharing: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
@thatyouarehere is a story for us all: at some point in our lifetimes, each of us will care for someone ill or old or fragile—or will need the care of someone ourselves. It is tragic and beautiful. It defines our humanity and challenges our resilience. This story is needs your support: seedandspark.com/fund/that-you-are-here
Thank you so much for checking out our campaign!
We hope you’ll consider joining our community.
Micòl, Elise, Marcelo
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
O Me! O Life!
By Walt Whitman
Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who
more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever
renew’d,
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around
me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O
life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Red Komodo 6K (Rental)
Costs $860
Filming 101: camera!
DJI RS3 Pro Camera Gimbal (Rental)
Costs $270
Who doesn't appreciate ultra-smooth cinematic footage?
Atmos NINJA V Monitor (Rental)
Costs $230
We need to see what we're doing! Have you seen the size of camera screens?!
Lenses (Rental)
Costs $350
A camera without lenses is like a director without a vision—lots of buttons, no point.
Cast & Crew
Costs $6,500
It takes a village, as they say.
Post-Production
Costs $3,470
The "second film": editing, sound design & mixing, and color correction & grading.
On-set Services
Costs $1,155
We'll need well-fed folks on the job—we will be in Italy, after all.
Production Design
Costs $350
Environment is everything and this one is special. We want to get it just right.
Other Production Equipment
Costs $3,490
Including: shoulder rigs, tripods, stands, lights, filters, adaptors, lavaliers, boom poles, blimp systems and other miscellaneous.
Locations & Permits
Costs $200
No B&Es here.
Contigency Fund
Costs $1,000
In case of emergency... or to pay the fees for the fiscal sponsor we will partner with as an international co-production.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our team is a wonderful trio of film freaks, each with our own interests and personalities but all with a shared passion for stories and film! The three of us have been collaborating across continents for more than a year to bring this project to life.
We are Micòl, Elise, and Marcelo.
The inspiration for the short came from Micòl's experiences as a co-caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder.
Micòl and her family are Italian and during Micòl's early adolescence made their home in her mother's hometown Turin, a city in the Northwest of Italy set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps.
Because of her mother's challenges with communication during her illness, Micòl decided to specialize in communication issues in neurodegenerative disorders during her doctoral studies in linguistics.
Micòl's passion for film started when she was very little, when her father used to take her to see plays and movies at local venues around their home in Rome, where she was born and raised. She started acting in elementary school and continued throughout her life, participating in various school productions. She took a number of acting on camera courses at university, while pursuing a degree in psychology, and participated in a few student movies for dear friends in the Screen Studies department. She continues to work on her skills and enjoys meeting other fellow actors. As many of us, she has had to shift priorities when pursuing her passion for acting. She feels that this is the project where she can finally commit to throwing herself in the deep end.
Also collaborating on this project are Elise Poston and her partner, Marcelo Pico.
Elise and Micòl met in graduate school more than ten years ago and have been close friends ever since. They decided to collaborate on a short film together not long after the death of Micol’s mother. Micòl was eager to channel her experience into something creative and Elise was thrilled to jump into the project.
Elise and Micòl in 2016
Elise has a background in book publishing and live theater, specifically children’s literature and musical theater. She's directed musicals and has been a stage-manager. She's also a very passionate film fan and loves any movie that makes her feel big feelings. She particularly loves sumptuous visual storytelling, distinct characters, and anything music-driven, from queer romance to dark character studies. Anything camp, too!
When asked about why the story resonates with her, she said: "I am very close with my own mother and have always been drawn to mother/daughter storytelling. I’ve also seen my parents age and watched them care for their own ailing parents. This is a near-universal experience. Plus, the love and labor that goes into caregiving is often carried out by women and, as with so much other female labor, is often unseen and unacknowledged. Telling this story is important."
Elise brought her partner Marcelo into the project as co-director and cinematographer. Marcelo earned a film degree in 2012 and brings more than ten years of experience in videography and cinematography.
He is also the editor-in-chief of Talk Film Society, a podcast network and website dedicated to film criticism. With over 20 unique podcasts under his umbrella, over 1,000 individual episodes, and hundreds of features and reviews, Marcelo brings a dedicated community of film lovers and a wealth of experience. Together Elise and Marcelo also host the theater and film podcast Stage to Screen on the Talk Film Society network.
When asked about his inspiration and dreams, he said: "I'm excited to get behind the camera once again and to continue making shorts and eventually a feature film [...] What excites me about this project is collaborating with both Elise and Micòl, they're both smart and dedicated to making something special [...] and capturing not only the beautiful landscape of the region, but also a sense of the history for these special characters in the film."
Elise and Marcelo visit the Criterion Closet, SXSW 2025
Please join three old friends as we embark on a new journey and help us tell a story that needs to be told.
Cinematically yours,
Micòl, Elise, Marcelo
A look at the origin story of That You Are Here