The Dead Follow
Dallas, Texas | Film Short
Crime, Horror
Our project tells the story of a teenage psychic medium in the age of gangster rap. We want to embrace Latino-American culture and take ownership of its rich stories in a genre not often allowed to the community.
The Dead Follow
Dallas, Texas | Film Short
Crime, Horror
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $19,250 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
44 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Our project tells the story of a teenage psychic medium in the age of gangster rap. We want to embrace Latino-American culture and take ownership of its rich stories in a genre not often allowed to the community.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
We are creating a pilot of our show The Dead Follow to be able to pitch to platforms like NETFLIX.
Help me bring my nightmare to the big screen. These stories are told by our protagonist who grew up in the hood of South Dallas. We follow a teenager living in one of the roughest neighborhoods while battling with his own paranormal demons. He's a medium, which gives him the ability to see a ghost. We go along on a unique journey from the perspective of a young Latino growing up in a dangerous environment where the gangs and violence are only a part of his misfortunes. As he overcomes more challenges he learns to use his gift to his advantage.
The inspiration for this story came from my personal experiences growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas. Our town was ramped with gang violence and crime. So much so that our high school was one of the first schools in the state to implement metal detectors at every entrance. For as long as I can remember seeing, feeling, and touching the dead was something that I could do. Before I lose you, I promise you it's not as exciting as it might seem. Imagine living in hell only to go home and be surrounded by death.
I quickly realized how unique my story was. The best way for me to cope with the circumstances I was dealt with was to write it all down. Years later I find myself with stories I'm ready to share. From overcoming the neighborhood to overcoming ghosts and everything in between, I'm excited to tell my story through this film.
What We Need
Film and Television are an important way to transform the perception of Hispanics within American Horror. However, it's also an expensive one. We need to pay for necessities such as hiring a professional writer for screenplay polish, hiring a casting director to help us attach cast members and various pre-production costs that will help us secure investors. This is where you come in, your contributions will help us get this important project made.
What You Get
Every little bit counts, and we want to personally thank each and every one of you for your contributions. When you support this campaign you have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of perks, to show our sincere appreciation. Some of the perks include a personal shout out on the campaign's social media, a private link to view the feature as soon as it is released, or even a credit on the project!
The Impact
To celebrate the contributions of Latinos and build a diverse perspective in the Horror Genre. The Latino community is rich with horror stories, and folk tales ready to be told. By contributing you are helping create a change that will launch a fresh new look in American Horror. Representation matters, it informs how others see us, but most importantly how we see ourselves.
Other Ways You Can Help
In order to reach our goal, we will need help from as many of you as possible. In addition to contributing to the campaign, sharing the link to the campaign via social media will help to spread the word about this important story and its impact.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $8,000
It's important to pay our crew for their time and hard work. Help us get our crew paid!
Lighting
Costs $4,000
A great looking show requires great lighting equipment to give it a unique look!
Permits
Costs $2,000
While it's not be the most exciting aspect of filmmaking, we need permits for all locations we film.
Craft Services
Costs $2,000
Ever tried working with a hungry cast and crew? We don't recommend it! Help us keep our crew fed!
Insurance
Costs $2,000
We need to make sure our crew and equipment are protected while we're filming, safety first!
Hard Drives
Costs $500
We need to store all of the footage on external hard drives because they're such large files!
Camera Rental
Costs $2,700
We want everything to look just right, so we need to rent a professional-grade camera to film on!
Sound Equipment
Costs $500
Sound is the most important part of a movie, so we need to rent the best equipment for the job!
Editing
Costs $1,300
Editing puts all the images together and lets us create the spookiest of movies!
Share this update!
About This Team
Oscar Mendoza
Director/Writer/Executive Producer
Oscar graduated from Sunset High school in 1995 and later attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio where he received a BA in MIS. He has an MBA from Texas A&M Commerce University and is the owner of Eco Urban Builders and Eco Urban Tours. Oscaar is the author of the Book of the Dead and his second book is called The Dead Follow. Oscar is married to Lupe Mendoza, and has two kids. Olivia is 14 and his son Ronin is 10.
Jasmine Guillén
Actor
Jasmine Guillén is a commercial and film actor in the United States. She was born in Orange, CA on December 22, 1993 and was raised in Santa Ana, CA, the heart of Orange County. She comes from a family of six , and is the youngest of her siblings. In 2015, Jasmine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a full ride scholarship and received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Jasmine has acted in tv-series, independent / feature films, music videos, and commercials, some which include Crimestoppers USA, Goody Goody Liquor, Cici's Pizza, and Chili’s International.
Gerardo Cardona
Actor
Gerardo began his acting career his freshman year of high school, and continuing it his senior year. He studied the arts at the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Theatre. After a myriad of characters portrayed at the university, he took his career to the camera to embark on television, film, and commercial acting. He signed with Grit Talent located in Dallas, Texas and has been seen on shows such as Queen of the South and The Purge, as well as with commercials for companies such as Academy Sports and Outdoors, Gexa Energy and Sam’s Club. He began modeling professionally in 2019 and has done print work for Black Magic Shine and Mr. Electric.
Arnulfo Perez
Actor
Arnulfo Perez was born in Dallas TX, Oak Cliff. His story began there in Methodist hospital on April 5th, 1967. He comes from a family of seven and is second to the oldest. He was born and raised in a musical environment. He grew up around Little Joe and la familia, Roberto Estrada y los Hi lites in Grand Prarie TX at the Hi Hall Ballroom. His uncles were part of the Hi lites As he grew older he learned to appreciate the art of music and the environment it came with. He knew that would be one of his passions in life. His other passion would be acting and if the opportunity were to arise he would jump at the chance to partake in one of his dreams. He would give it to God and let him guide him. He lived for his wife and son. All he did and all he was was for them.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
We are creating a pilot of our show The Dead Follow to be able to pitch to platforms like NETFLIX.
Help me bring my nightmare to the big screen. These stories are told by our protagonist who grew up in the hood of South Dallas. We follow a teenager living in one of the roughest neighborhoods while battling with his own paranormal demons. He's a medium, which gives him the ability to see a ghost. We go along on a unique journey from the perspective of a young Latino growing up in a dangerous environment where the gangs and violence are only a part of his misfortunes. As he overcomes more challenges he learns to use his gift to his advantage.
The inspiration for this story came from my personal experiences growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas. Our town was ramped with gang violence and crime. So much so that our high school was one of the first schools in the state to implement metal detectors at every entrance. For as long as I can remember seeing, feeling, and touching the dead was something that I could do. Before I lose you, I promise you it's not as exciting as it might seem. Imagine living in hell only to go home and be surrounded by death.
I quickly realized how unique my story was. The best way for me to cope with the circumstances I was dealt with was to write it all down. Years later I find myself with stories I'm ready to share. From overcoming the neighborhood to overcoming ghosts and everything in between, I'm excited to tell my story through this film.
What We Need
Film and Television are an important way to transform the perception of Hispanics within American Horror. However, it's also an expensive one. We need to pay for necessities such as hiring a professional writer for screenplay polish, hiring a casting director to help us attach cast members and various pre-production costs that will help us secure investors. This is where you come in, your contributions will help us get this important project made.
What You Get
Every little bit counts, and we want to personally thank each and every one of you for your contributions. When you support this campaign you have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of perks, to show our sincere appreciation. Some of the perks include a personal shout out on the campaign's social media, a private link to view the feature as soon as it is released, or even a credit on the project!
The Impact
To celebrate the contributions of Latinos and build a diverse perspective in the Horror Genre. The Latino community is rich with horror stories, and folk tales ready to be told. By contributing you are helping create a change that will launch a fresh new look in American Horror. Representation matters, it informs how others see us, but most importantly how we see ourselves.
Other Ways You Can Help
In order to reach our goal, we will need help from as many of you as possible. In addition to contributing to the campaign, sharing the link to the campaign via social media will help to spread the word about this important story and its impact.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $8,000
It's important to pay our crew for their time and hard work. Help us get our crew paid!
Lighting
Costs $4,000
A great looking show requires great lighting equipment to give it a unique look!
Permits
Costs $2,000
While it's not be the most exciting aspect of filmmaking, we need permits for all locations we film.
Craft Services
Costs $2,000
Ever tried working with a hungry cast and crew? We don't recommend it! Help us keep our crew fed!
Insurance
Costs $2,000
We need to make sure our crew and equipment are protected while we're filming, safety first!
Hard Drives
Costs $500
We need to store all of the footage on external hard drives because they're such large files!
Camera Rental
Costs $2,700
We want everything to look just right, so we need to rent a professional-grade camera to film on!
Sound Equipment
Costs $500
Sound is the most important part of a movie, so we need to rent the best equipment for the job!
Editing
Costs $1,300
Editing puts all the images together and lets us create the spookiest of movies!
Share this update!
About This Team
Oscar Mendoza
Director/Writer/Executive Producer
Oscar graduated from Sunset High school in 1995 and later attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio where he received a BA in MIS. He has an MBA from Texas A&M Commerce University and is the owner of Eco Urban Builders and Eco Urban Tours. Oscaar is the author of the Book of the Dead and his second book is called The Dead Follow. Oscar is married to Lupe Mendoza, and has two kids. Olivia is 14 and his son Ronin is 10.
Jasmine Guillén
Actor
Jasmine Guillén is a commercial and film actor in the United States. She was born in Orange, CA on December 22, 1993 and was raised in Santa Ana, CA, the heart of Orange County. She comes from a family of six , and is the youngest of her siblings. In 2015, Jasmine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a full ride scholarship and received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Jasmine has acted in tv-series, independent / feature films, music videos, and commercials, some which include Crimestoppers USA, Goody Goody Liquor, Cici's Pizza, and Chili’s International.
Gerardo Cardona
Actor
Gerardo began his acting career his freshman year of high school, and continuing it his senior year. He studied the arts at the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Theatre. After a myriad of characters portrayed at the university, he took his career to the camera to embark on television, film, and commercial acting. He signed with Grit Talent located in Dallas, Texas and has been seen on shows such as Queen of the South and The Purge, as well as with commercials for companies such as Academy Sports and Outdoors, Gexa Energy and Sam’s Club. He began modeling professionally in 2019 and has done print work for Black Magic Shine and Mr. Electric.
Arnulfo Perez
Actor
Arnulfo Perez was born in Dallas TX, Oak Cliff. His story began there in Methodist hospital on April 5th, 1967. He comes from a family of seven and is second to the oldest. He was born and raised in a musical environment. He grew up around Little Joe and la familia, Roberto Estrada y los Hi lites in Grand Prarie TX at the Hi Hall Ballroom. His uncles were part of the Hi lites As he grew older he learned to appreciate the art of music and the environment it came with. He knew that would be one of his passions in life. His other passion would be acting and if the opportunity were to arise he would jump at the chance to partake in one of his dreams. He would give it to God and let him guide him. He lived for his wife and son. All he did and all he was was for them.