The Day Players
Boulder, Colorado | Film Feature
Crime, Mystery
A crew of young criminals pulls off a gala heist, kidnapping a CEO’s daughter. But as doubts grow and tensions rise in hiding, a mysterious figure’s scheme and an undercover agent’s presence set off a chain of deception, betrayal, and blurred loyalties.
The Day Players
Boulder, Colorado | Film Feature
Crime, Mystery
1 Campaigns | Colorado, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,480 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A crew of young criminals pulls off a gala heist, kidnapping a CEO’s daughter. But as doubts grow and tensions rise in hiding, a mysterious figure’s scheme and an undercover agent’s presence set off a chain of deception, betrayal, and blurred loyalties.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We are blown away by the incredible support and generosity this community has shown.
Thanks to you, we're well on our way to bringing this story to life!
Because of this momentum, we're excited to announce a few stretch goals. These are opportunities to make the film even stronger, and for those still interested in contributing, know that every dollar you donate will continue to make a real impact.
Here's our plan if we raise more than our amount:
$5000-$6000: Enhanced production design —
Authentic police gear, detailed heist props, and richer set pieces to create a more immersive world.
$6000-$7000: Upgraded equipment —
Advanced lighting setups, camera rigs, and expanded lens options to elevate the look and feel of the film.
$7000-$8000: Film festival submissions —
Covering the costs of submitting to a variety of top festivals to get the film seen by wider audiences.
$8000+: Marketing and promotion —
Building momentum around the film’s release through trailers, posters, screenings, and social media outreach.
Again,
Thank you!
You are making a huge impact on this film, and our community!
The Day Players is a plot driven heist story that opens where most heist films end—with the getaway.
As a crew of amateur criminals celebrates a seemingly flawless robbery, small inconsistencies begin to surface. The plan went too smoothly and the man who hired them—an elusive figure known only as Senior Brazil—is nowhere to be found.
Told through non linear story beats and shifting perspectives, the film blends the structural intrigue of The Usual Suspects with the ensemble energy of Ocean’s Eleven, and the sharp twists of a modern mystery like Knives Out. If The Usual Suspects was about discovering who was really in control, and Ocean’s Eleven was about the thrill of the job, this film lives in the uneasy aftermath—where doubt creeps in, and no one knows who to trust.
It plays like a puzzle box, leaving the audience questioning everything they just watched. We lean hard into atmosphere, plot, and tension—showing that even on a tight budget, great storytelling can still win.
Control
Who’s really running the show? This film explores what happens when people start realizing they were never in charge to begin with—and how far they'll go to take back control.
Trust
At its core, this is a story about people thrown together under pressure—each with their own motives, secrets, and doubts. The cracks start to show the moment trust becomes a gamble.
Identity
Everyone’s playing a role—whether it’s a con, a cover, or who they think they need to be. The line between pretending and becoming gets thinner with every scene.
Because stories like this invite the audience to lean in.
With a big ensemble cast, overlapping motives, and a series of twists that slowly reveal the bigger picture, it’s the kind of film that keeps you thinking long after it’s over.
It’s not just about the heist—it’s about the people involved, the cracks in their plan, and the way everything unravels when trust starts to fall apart.
We grew up loving films that reward close attention—where every detail matters and the payoff comes from seeing how all the pieces fit together.
This story taps into that same feeling. It’s about the players behind it, the flaws they didn’t see coming, and how fast everything unravels when suspicion takes hold.
We’re a crew that lives and breathes every part of the process.
Writing, lighting, shooting, editing, scoring—we do it all ourselves, and we do it with purpose.
We started with no money, no connections, just a love for movies and a need to prove that we could make something that mattered.
Since then, we’ve grown into a tight-knit team of writers, artists, and technicians who obsess over every frame and every beat of the story.
We don’t make films to check boxes.
We make them to chase the stuff that sticks with people.
We know how to stretch a dollar, we know how to move fast, and we care more than anyone else in the room.
That’s what makes us different.
Click here for our Website!
Because original stories need champions—especially now.
We’re living in a time when studios are playing it safe, churning out remakes.
But the heart of film has always come from people with something to say and the guts to say it their own way.
This is the moment to support stories that haven’t been watered down, built by teams who aren’t afraid to take risks.
We’re not trying to make something for algorithms—we’re making something for people.
And with your help, we can prove that bold, original, plot-driven films still have a place and a future.
To maximize on-screen value, we’re allocating $2,000 to secure visually compelling locations that enhance the story’s atmosphere.
$1,000 will go toward essential gear and rentals to ensure high-quality visuals and sound.
$750 is set aside for catering, keeping our cast and crew well-supported on set.
Finally, $1,250 is dedicated to our production design team, allowing us to craft distinct, immersive environments that reflect the film’s tone.
*Pre Production- January - June 2025
We have locked the script, and are now in our Pre-Production Process.
*Production- June 1st - July 1st 2025
We're shooting for a month, and thanks to you we can take care of our cast and crew.
*Post Production- July 2025
We are going to fly straight into post-production!
We want to make the best movie
possible.
*Distribution- May 2026
We will be considering festivals, theater release, and streaming as options for the The Day Players.
We will have private screenings in Boulder and Los Angeles for our Campaign Supporters.
We are Incredibly excited to share this story and our journey with you!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and for being a part of this community!
Remember that no contribution is too small.
We are extremely grateful to you.
We understand if you’re unable to contribute
but some free ways you can help us are:
FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK
(If we gain 250 followers on the Seed & Spark platform, we will have access to Filmmaker Perks that will help with the film’s production)
SHARE THE LOVE
By sharing this link with family, friends, or any content creators you may know!
Thanks!
Created by:
@nottalbert
@ethan_mcaleavy
@annessabuggy
Click here for Merlin Productions Boulder Website
If we all work together, we can bring this story to life.
We're eternally grateful.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Locations provide the essential backdrop that establishes mood, authenticity, and visual identity of the film.
Catering
Costs $750
Film catering provides energy that maintains crew morale and productivity throughout production.
Gear
Costs $1,000
Film gear delivers the technical capability and artistic tools necessary to capture the director's vision.
Production Design
Costs $1,250
Production design crafts the visual world that transports audiences into the story's universe.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
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Zach Mund -
An actor, writer, and producer who has been in the film industry for four years. His credits include three features and over a dozen shorts. Zach’s strengths are in songwriting and music production, with expertise in visual arts. Zach has been with Merlin since it's inception, participating in every projects. His notable projects include "Who Killed Bradly?", and "Mustard Man".
Ethan McAleavy
He is passionate about every aspect of post-production. Whether he's creating plugins, color grading, building a better sound library, or 3D modeling, he's always pushing the future of Merlin's post house. Ethan has been with Merlin since the beginning, working as a editor, director, and gaffer. His notable projects include "White Abyss", and "Mustard Man".
Albert DiCesare -
An actor, writer, and musician currently living in Los Angeles. He has worked on most Merlin Production films, either acting as a lead alongside Zach Mund in Mustard Man, or helping write feature films with Roman Lynch. As an establishing member of Merlin, Albert has been a vital player in every project. Albert's most notable projects include "Mustard Man", and "White Abyss".
Nicole Vann -
She is Cinematographer, Graphic Designer, and Producer currently based in Boulder CO. Nicole has a wide variety of experience in all aspects of the filmmaking process. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Film and Television, she has gone on to work for two feature films and a multitude of short films. Nicole has been a part of Merlin since it began. You can see her cinematography work featured in "Mustard Man", "Who Killed Bradley?", and "White Abyss".
Roman Lynch -
A versatile writer, director, and producer dabbling in several genres, including action, comedy, and horror. Inspired by the nature of guerrilla indie filmmaking, Roman strives to bring efficiency, authenticity, and enjoyment to every project he works on. As a founding member of Merlin, Roman has contributed to nearly every project in the catalog. His notable credits include writer/director of "Mustard" Man and "Banito".
Kat Houston -
An actor, writer, and DP currently based in Los Angeles, CA, having worked on many projects both in front of and behind the camera.
Kat was one of the directors of photography and music writers on "Mustard Man", and helped extensively with the pre-production of "Who Killed Bradley?".
Christy Knudson -
A cinematographer and 1st AC based out of Los Angeles, California. She was born in raised in Walnut Creek, CA and studied at Santa Barbara City College before moving to Los Angeles to further pursue a career in film production.
Annessa Buggy -
She has been acting in musical theater since she was 8 years old and started her journey acting behind the camera last year. In August, she finished acting in a supporting role in a feature film and is now directing her own film at SBCC. She is a hardworking, versatile actress who can play a wide variety of roles and is passionate about everything film!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We are blown away by the incredible support and generosity this community has shown.
Thanks to you, we're well on our way to bringing this story to life!
Because of this momentum, we're excited to announce a few stretch goals. These are opportunities to make the film even stronger, and for those still interested in contributing, know that every dollar you donate will continue to make a real impact.
Here's our plan if we raise more than our amount:
$5000-$6000: Enhanced production design —
Authentic police gear, detailed heist props, and richer set pieces to create a more immersive world.
$6000-$7000: Upgraded equipment —
Advanced lighting setups, camera rigs, and expanded lens options to elevate the look and feel of the film.
$7000-$8000: Film festival submissions —
Covering the costs of submitting to a variety of top festivals to get the film seen by wider audiences.
$8000+: Marketing and promotion —
Building momentum around the film’s release through trailers, posters, screenings, and social media outreach.
Again,
Thank you!
You are making a huge impact on this film, and our community!
The Day Players is a plot driven heist story that opens where most heist films end—with the getaway.
As a crew of amateur criminals celebrates a seemingly flawless robbery, small inconsistencies begin to surface. The plan went too smoothly and the man who hired them—an elusive figure known only as Senior Brazil—is nowhere to be found.
Told through non linear story beats and shifting perspectives, the film blends the structural intrigue of The Usual Suspects with the ensemble energy of Ocean’s Eleven, and the sharp twists of a modern mystery like Knives Out. If The Usual Suspects was about discovering who was really in control, and Ocean’s Eleven was about the thrill of the job, this film lives in the uneasy aftermath—where doubt creeps in, and no one knows who to trust.
It plays like a puzzle box, leaving the audience questioning everything they just watched. We lean hard into atmosphere, plot, and tension—showing that even on a tight budget, great storytelling can still win.
Control
Who’s really running the show? This film explores what happens when people start realizing they were never in charge to begin with—and how far they'll go to take back control.
Trust
At its core, this is a story about people thrown together under pressure—each with their own motives, secrets, and doubts. The cracks start to show the moment trust becomes a gamble.
Identity
Everyone’s playing a role—whether it’s a con, a cover, or who they think they need to be. The line between pretending and becoming gets thinner with every scene.
Because stories like this invite the audience to lean in.
With a big ensemble cast, overlapping motives, and a series of twists that slowly reveal the bigger picture, it’s the kind of film that keeps you thinking long after it’s over.
It’s not just about the heist—it’s about the people involved, the cracks in their plan, and the way everything unravels when trust starts to fall apart.
We grew up loving films that reward close attention—where every detail matters and the payoff comes from seeing how all the pieces fit together.
This story taps into that same feeling. It’s about the players behind it, the flaws they didn’t see coming, and how fast everything unravels when suspicion takes hold.
We’re a crew that lives and breathes every part of the process.
Writing, lighting, shooting, editing, scoring—we do it all ourselves, and we do it with purpose.
We started with no money, no connections, just a love for movies and a need to prove that we could make something that mattered.
Since then, we’ve grown into a tight-knit team of writers, artists, and technicians who obsess over every frame and every beat of the story.
We don’t make films to check boxes.
We make them to chase the stuff that sticks with people.
We know how to stretch a dollar, we know how to move fast, and we care more than anyone else in the room.
That’s what makes us different.
Click here for our Website!
Because original stories need champions—especially now.
We’re living in a time when studios are playing it safe, churning out remakes.
But the heart of film has always come from people with something to say and the guts to say it their own way.
This is the moment to support stories that haven’t been watered down, built by teams who aren’t afraid to take risks.
We’re not trying to make something for algorithms—we’re making something for people.
And with your help, we can prove that bold, original, plot-driven films still have a place and a future.
To maximize on-screen value, we’re allocating $2,000 to secure visually compelling locations that enhance the story’s atmosphere.
$1,000 will go toward essential gear and rentals to ensure high-quality visuals and sound.
$750 is set aside for catering, keeping our cast and crew well-supported on set.
Finally, $1,250 is dedicated to our production design team, allowing us to craft distinct, immersive environments that reflect the film’s tone.
*Pre Production- January - June 2025
We have locked the script, and are now in our Pre-Production Process.
*Production- June 1st - July 1st 2025
We're shooting for a month, and thanks to you we can take care of our cast and crew.
*Post Production- July 2025
We are going to fly straight into post-production!
We want to make the best movie
possible.
*Distribution- May 2026
We will be considering festivals, theater release, and streaming as options for the The Day Players.
We will have private screenings in Boulder and Los Angeles for our Campaign Supporters.
We are Incredibly excited to share this story and our journey with you!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and for being a part of this community!
Remember that no contribution is too small.
We are extremely grateful to you.
We understand if you’re unable to contribute
but some free ways you can help us are:
FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK
(If we gain 250 followers on the Seed & Spark platform, we will have access to Filmmaker Perks that will help with the film’s production)
SHARE THE LOVE
By sharing this link with family, friends, or any content creators you may know!
Thanks!
Created by:
@nottalbert
@ethan_mcaleavy
@annessabuggy
Click here for Merlin Productions Boulder Website
If we all work together, we can bring this story to life.
We're eternally grateful.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $2,000
Locations provide the essential backdrop that establishes mood, authenticity, and visual identity of the film.
Catering
Costs $750
Film catering provides energy that maintains crew morale and productivity throughout production.
Gear
Costs $1,000
Film gear delivers the technical capability and artistic tools necessary to capture the director's vision.
Production Design
Costs $1,250
Production design crafts the visual world that transports audiences into the story's universe.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Zach Mund -
An actor, writer, and producer who has been in the film industry for four years. His credits include three features and over a dozen shorts. Zach’s strengths are in songwriting and music production, with expertise in visual arts. Zach has been with Merlin since it's inception, participating in every projects. His notable projects include "Who Killed Bradly?", and "Mustard Man".
Ethan McAleavy
He is passionate about every aspect of post-production. Whether he's creating plugins, color grading, building a better sound library, or 3D modeling, he's always pushing the future of Merlin's post house. Ethan has been with Merlin since the beginning, working as a editor, director, and gaffer. His notable projects include "White Abyss", and "Mustard Man".
Albert DiCesare -
An actor, writer, and musician currently living in Los Angeles. He has worked on most Merlin Production films, either acting as a lead alongside Zach Mund in Mustard Man, or helping write feature films with Roman Lynch. As an establishing member of Merlin, Albert has been a vital player in every project. Albert's most notable projects include "Mustard Man", and "White Abyss".
Nicole Vann -
She is Cinematographer, Graphic Designer, and Producer currently based in Boulder CO. Nicole has a wide variety of experience in all aspects of the filmmaking process. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Film and Television, she has gone on to work for two feature films and a multitude of short films. Nicole has been a part of Merlin since it began. You can see her cinematography work featured in "Mustard Man", "Who Killed Bradley?", and "White Abyss".
Roman Lynch -
A versatile writer, director, and producer dabbling in several genres, including action, comedy, and horror. Inspired by the nature of guerrilla indie filmmaking, Roman strives to bring efficiency, authenticity, and enjoyment to every project he works on. As a founding member of Merlin, Roman has contributed to nearly every project in the catalog. His notable credits include writer/director of "Mustard" Man and "Banito".
Kat Houston -
An actor, writer, and DP currently based in Los Angeles, CA, having worked on many projects both in front of and behind the camera.
Kat was one of the directors of photography and music writers on "Mustard Man", and helped extensively with the pre-production of "Who Killed Bradley?".
Christy Knudson -
A cinematographer and 1st AC based out of Los Angeles, California. She was born in raised in Walnut Creek, CA and studied at Santa Barbara City College before moving to Los Angeles to further pursue a career in film production.
Annessa Buggy -
She has been acting in musical theater since she was 8 years old and started her journey acting behind the camera last year. In August, she finished acting in a supporting role in a feature film and is now directing her own film at SBCC. She is a hardworking, versatile actress who can play a wide variety of roles and is passionate about everything film!