The Cost
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, War
Veterans are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than combat. “The Cost” aims to illuminate the struggles of mental health and military identity, while confronting the cultural stigma of seeking therapy. We aim to advocate for military members to not seek suicide as a solution to their problems.
The Cost
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, War
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,803 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
27 supporters | followers
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Veterans are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than combat. “The Cost” aims to illuminate the struggles of mental health and military identity, while confronting the cultural stigma of seeking therapy. We aim to advocate for military members to not seek suicide as a solution to their problems.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Cost focuses on the importance of seeking psychological help when needed. The film follows Marine Corps Scout Sniper David Cervantes, who fails to take a critical shot in active combat, endangering himself and his unit. As a result, his commanding officers send him home, requiring him to attend therapy to obtain a clean bill of health before he can return to duty.
This film is a blend of "Good Will Hunting" and "American Sniper", set in a realistic environment. Our team aims to honor the military while telling a compelling and relatable story.
We seek to address the stigma that many service members and veterans face, where seeking help is often viewed as a sign of weakness. Unfortunately, this mindset contributes to the high rate of suicide among military personnel.
Four out of five team members are military veterans from diverse backgrounds, united by a love for the arts and a shared experience of losing friends due to these harmful beliefs. This film is written, directed, produced, and acted primarily by veterans, and we are passionateout telling this story. While we do not aim to solve the problem, we hope to make a difference and normalize the act of seeking help.
Stretch Goals
Our initial goal of $10,000 is the minimum needed to produce the film at a quality everyone involved can take pride in, while ensuring we do not exploit the work of our production team.
If we raise $15,000, we will be able to afford better equipment, such as cameras and lenses, and cover our post-production costs.
If we reach $20,000, we can cover festival, distribution, and promotional expenses, allowing us to complete the film and present it to a wider audience.
If we achieve $30,000, we will be able to offer our team more respectable day rates, as they are currently working for well below the average compensation, driven by their passion for the project and its message.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $1,600
It takes a village - and we have an incredible Cast to make a film! For a 2 day shoot
CREW
Costs $1,500
Our village does it all - a Cast is nothing without their Crew. For our two day shoot.
Rental Equipment
Costs $2,000
Help us look and sound great by renting a camera with lens and mics for our two day shoot.
Post Production
Costs $500
Once the shoot is over we need the help of our amazing editors to bring this idea to the Big Screen
Craft Services
Costs $300
We have to feed our hungry Cast & Crew
Insurance
Costs $1,000
To have funds if someone bumps their head and breaks a C Stand. Because we gotta pay for the C Stand.
Miscellaneous
Costs $800
Funds for all of those last minute items that we forgot at home.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
I have partnered with a team of extremely talented creatives both veterans and non veterans to help make a hopefully informational and impactful short film.
Our Producer/ Writer
Adriel Arenas
Adriel is a Marine Corps Veteran turned Actor and Writer-Producer from Miami, FL. He completed a 12-month conservatory program at the Lee Strasberg School of Acting in Los Angeles to deepen his understanding of the art of acting. Since then he was in an Off Broadway play Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine, as well as independent short films, in the L.A. area.
Producer:
Sharmisa Ford
Sharmisa is passionate about capturing the stories of everyday people. After 12 years of active military service, she discovered her calling in film and television—a space where her logical and creative talents could unite to bring extraordinary stories to life. As a producer, she is dedicated to fostering a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, ensuring the creation of meaningful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Director:
Ernesto Rodriguez
Ernesto was raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico and served in the United States Army from July 2001-March 2016 as an Airborne Infantryman. He is an advocate, veteran, and flimmaker. This is his 3rd short film with a feature in development. He carries a film degree, and certification as an actor to better communicate with actors from Lee Strasberg
Actors
Adriel Arenas is David Cervantes
Adriel is a Marine Corps Veteran turned Actor and Writer-Producer from Miami, FL. He completed a 12-month conservatory program at the Lee Strasberg School of Acting in Los Angeles to deepen his understanding of the art of acting.
A.T. Branch is Dr. Boucher
A.T. is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Captain turned Actor and Artist-Songwriter from Nashville, TN. Along this journey, so far, you can find him popping up in music videos for the likes of Kane Brown, Chrissy Metz and Kameron Marlowe. And if you don’t blink, you might spot him acting on an episode of BET+’s “The Family Business” and in the upcoming season of Apple TV’s “Palm Royale”.
Aisha Kumari is Niki Cervantes
Aisha is an actor and writer-producer with a body of stage and screen work in the UK and the US. Her award-winning play Treya’s Last Dance and subsequent work Wisdom Teethhave enjoyed production runs in London, NY and LA. She impressed critics with her work in Salvage, following that up with a sensitive lead performance in All For Her. She is currently running post-production on her short ‘WBS’ (wt) and refining her newest script for late 2025 production.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Cost focuses on the importance of seeking psychological help when needed. The film follows Marine Corps Scout Sniper David Cervantes, who fails to take a critical shot in active combat, endangering himself and his unit. As a result, his commanding officers send him home, requiring him to attend therapy to obtain a clean bill of health before he can return to duty.
This film is a blend of "Good Will Hunting" and "American Sniper", set in a realistic environment. Our team aims to honor the military while telling a compelling and relatable story.
We seek to address the stigma that many service members and veterans face, where seeking help is often viewed as a sign of weakness. Unfortunately, this mindset contributes to the high rate of suicide among military personnel.
Four out of five team members are military veterans from diverse backgrounds, united by a love for the arts and a shared experience of losing friends due to these harmful beliefs. This film is written, directed, produced, and acted primarily by veterans, and we are passionateout telling this story. While we do not aim to solve the problem, we hope to make a difference and normalize the act of seeking help.
Stretch Goals
Our initial goal of $10,000 is the minimum needed to produce the film at a quality everyone involved can take pride in, while ensuring we do not exploit the work of our production team.
If we raise $15,000, we will be able to afford better equipment, such as cameras and lenses, and cover our post-production costs.
If we reach $20,000, we can cover festival, distribution, and promotional expenses, allowing us to complete the film and present it to a wider audience.
If we achieve $30,000, we will be able to offer our team more respectable day rates, as they are currently working for well below the average compensation, driven by their passion for the project and its message.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
CAST
Costs $1,600
It takes a village - and we have an incredible Cast to make a film! For a 2 day shoot
CREW
Costs $1,500
Our village does it all - a Cast is nothing without their Crew. For our two day shoot.
Rental Equipment
Costs $2,000
Help us look and sound great by renting a camera with lens and mics for our two day shoot.
Post Production
Costs $500
Once the shoot is over we need the help of our amazing editors to bring this idea to the Big Screen
Craft Services
Costs $300
We have to feed our hungry Cast & Crew
Insurance
Costs $1,000
To have funds if someone bumps their head and breaks a C Stand. Because we gotta pay for the C Stand.
Miscellaneous
Costs $800
Funds for all of those last minute items that we forgot at home.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
I have partnered with a team of extremely talented creatives both veterans and non veterans to help make a hopefully informational and impactful short film.
Our Producer/ Writer
Adriel Arenas
Adriel is a Marine Corps Veteran turned Actor and Writer-Producer from Miami, FL. He completed a 12-month conservatory program at the Lee Strasberg School of Acting in Los Angeles to deepen his understanding of the art of acting. Since then he was in an Off Broadway play Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine, as well as independent short films, in the L.A. area.
Producer:
Sharmisa Ford
Sharmisa is passionate about capturing the stories of everyday people. After 12 years of active military service, she discovered her calling in film and television—a space where her logical and creative talents could unite to bring extraordinary stories to life. As a producer, she is dedicated to fostering a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment, ensuring the creation of meaningful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Director:
Ernesto Rodriguez
Ernesto was raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico and served in the United States Army from July 2001-March 2016 as an Airborne Infantryman. He is an advocate, veteran, and flimmaker. This is his 3rd short film with a feature in development. He carries a film degree, and certification as an actor to better communicate with actors from Lee Strasberg
Actors
Adriel Arenas is David Cervantes
Adriel is a Marine Corps Veteran turned Actor and Writer-Producer from Miami, FL. He completed a 12-month conservatory program at the Lee Strasberg School of Acting in Los Angeles to deepen his understanding of the art of acting.
A.T. Branch is Dr. Boucher
A.T. is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Captain turned Actor and Artist-Songwriter from Nashville, TN. Along this journey, so far, you can find him popping up in music videos for the likes of Kane Brown, Chrissy Metz and Kameron Marlowe. And if you don’t blink, you might spot him acting on an episode of BET+’s “The Family Business” and in the upcoming season of Apple TV’s “Palm Royale”.
Aisha Kumari is Niki Cervantes
Aisha is an actor and writer-producer with a body of stage and screen work in the UK and the US. Her award-winning play Treya’s Last Dance and subsequent work Wisdom Teethhave enjoyed production runs in London, NY and LA. She impressed critics with her work in Salvage, following that up with a sensitive lead performance in All For Her. She is currently running post-production on her short ‘WBS’ (wt) and refining her newest script for late 2025 production.