The Loudness Around Me
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
A raw, intimate portrayal of invisible pain and sensory overload—Aiden’s movie date unravels as Hyperacusis traps him in a world of noise, anxiety, and isolation. A powerful exploration of unseen struggles, resilience, and the hope found in being truly understood.
The Loudness Around Me
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,550 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
49 supporters | followers
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A raw, intimate portrayal of invisible pain and sensory overload—Aiden’s movie date unravels as Hyperacusis traps him in a world of noise, anxiety, and isolation. A powerful exploration of unseen struggles, resilience, and the hope found in being truly understood.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Aiden is in the process of preparing for his date. He's trying on different outfits to see what will work well. As he prepares, he can hear his roommate, Nick, from the other room playing his music to Aiden feels like is way too loud. Because of how loud it feels, Aiden goes to Nick's room to address the issue. When Nick is told to lower the volume, he says that the volume on his tv isn't loud at all.
“You’re nervous, and everything else is bothering you because of it.”
Nick feels like Aiden is just uptight because he doesn't want to mess his first date with Isabella. Aiden feels like he's being ignored, but ultimately takes Nick's advice and tries to relax.
Aiden and Isabella arrive to the movie and sit down. While watching the previews, the noise gets overwhelming to the point that Aiden has to step out to cool down. He returns to the movie in time to see it start. The noise once again gets overwhelming, so he steps out. Unfortunately the lobby is a lot louder than the previous time. He sees himself at a crossroad in the situation. He can either try to cool off outside in the lobby, or he can try to suck it up to impress Isabella. He decides to go back into the movie screen room to watch the movie with Isabella.
“I knew I shouldn’t have eaten those burritos before this.”
Aiden feels like he's in a pickle, so he feels the need to try and play it off as if nothing is wrong because he is afraid that she won't understand him. He decides to use humor to distract Isabella from the situation at hand.
This is a short lived hope unfortunately. He can’t handle the level of noise and goes back out to the lobby. The noise level is really bad and gets worse as a whole movie gets out. The sound gets louder and louder to the point that he can’t handle it anymore and starts to have an anxiety attack. He can't handle the noise. This causes Isabella to leave him.
Aiden is on his living room couch, heartbroken about the date and feels like a complete failure. Nick sees that Aiden is down in the dumps and decides to sit next to him to comfort Aiden. Nick proceeds to tell Aiden how Aiden's story reminds him of his cousin's friend had similar issues, and tells him about how that friend went to see an audiologist.
“Maybe you should see one like him.”
Apparently after seeing an audiologist, Nick's cousin's friend has been fine ever since and has been able to live his life.
Aiden does a hearing exam at Doctor Land’s office. After going through the hearing exam, the results of the test conclude that he has a hearing condition called Hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is a condition where individuals have a lowered tolerance to everyday loud noises.
“I fortunately have a treatment plan if you’re willing to try it.”
Doctor Land mentions that she has a treatment plan for Hyperacusis and goes to get the paperwork. Aiden can't believe what she just told him. Doctor Land looks through her files, but didn't have any spare ones in her office. She gets up and goes to print more copies in the back. This leaves Aiden crying tears of joy.
Aiden - He tends to have a firm grasp on what he likes and wants to do in his life. He takes action first and lets others lead after him.While this has lead Aiden to succeed scholarly and relationship wise, his unexpected diagnosis and how he manages it shows he really isn’t as in control as he think he is of his life.
Isabella - She is kind and understanding and moves through life with a sense of flowing. With Aiden asking her out, she is a little taken back at first as she didn’t expect for him to be so direct but likes the fact that he took action.
Nick - Aiden’s roommate and his best friend. They’ve known each other since middle school and Nick is more laidback than Aiden. When he sees Aiden struggling he usually is there to listen and lend an ear to him.
Doctor Land - A renowned audiologist who has studied the science of the ear for over 25 years. She enjoys understanding the complexities of it and helping her patients achieve comfort and sometimes getting their life back.
The goal for this film isn't just to make a short film. We are using this film to start a movement that will spread awareness about the little-known, yet very crippling disability Hyperacusis. We want people to understand that lower tolerance to sound and heightened hearing is an actual thing. In a world where there are a lot of loud noises, and people who are sound sensitive, we want every one of these people to have a voice. Instead of being shamed for not being able to handle the level of noise, we can let people understand that too loud can be too loud for someone. With this film, we can create a world that listens with care and compassion.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $600
We want our awesome cast to be rewarded for their excellence. This expense will cover each talent's wages
Food
Costs $1,700
This will help pay for keeping our cast crew fed throughout filming between crafty and meals. We don't want anyone starving on set.
Lenses
Costs $3,000
Our film will be shot on the ARRI Alexa Mini. To pair with this, we will be using the ARRI Ultra Primes and an Optimo 17-80mm Zoom Lens.
Camera Accessories
Costs $1,400
Accessories we need are a Microforce, and also CFast 2.0 500GB Cards. These will help with certain shots planned, and maximize record time.
Truck
Costs $150
We’re gonna have a lot of gear to haul around. In order to do this efficiently, we will be renting a U-Haul for the weekend.
Other Expenses
Costs $650
These are other on set expenses like wardrobe, hair and makeup, and production design as well.
Film Festivals
Costs $1,500
To start a movement with a film, you need people to see it. This will cover the cost of film festivals submissions and travel.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
I’m a director, sound designer, writer, and director of photography who tells stories that don’t fit the mold. I’m drawn to the beauty in the unconventional—capturing perspectives that are often overlooked—and I bring them to life through bold visuals and immersive soundscapes. My mission is to create work that celebrates the magic in difference.
My name is Spencer Presley and I'm known for my filmmaking and photography. For years I've used my skills to help and create work for all to enjoy and view and hope one day to see my name out there.
My name is Alex and I'm a director of photography originally from Dallas, Texas. Ever since I was in high school, I've always wanted to be a filmmaker and specifically do cinematography. I've worked on various projects from short films to even a TV show since then.
I'm Lexi Lewis! I'm a writer, singer, and editor from Marietta, GA. My goal is to build a powerful and cohesive story that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
I’m Natalia Pino, a graphic designer, illustrator, and writer rooted in Miami and shaped by my Latin American heritage. Justice and advocacy are the heart of my creative mission.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Aiden is in the process of preparing for his date. He's trying on different outfits to see what will work well. As he prepares, he can hear his roommate, Nick, from the other room playing his music to Aiden feels like is way too loud. Because of how loud it feels, Aiden goes to Nick's room to address the issue. When Nick is told to lower the volume, he says that the volume on his tv isn't loud at all.
“You’re nervous, and everything else is bothering you because of it.”
Nick feels like Aiden is just uptight because he doesn't want to mess his first date with Isabella. Aiden feels like he's being ignored, but ultimately takes Nick's advice and tries to relax.
Aiden and Isabella arrive to the movie and sit down. While watching the previews, the noise gets overwhelming to the point that Aiden has to step out to cool down. He returns to the movie in time to see it start. The noise once again gets overwhelming, so he steps out. Unfortunately the lobby is a lot louder than the previous time. He sees himself at a crossroad in the situation. He can either try to cool off outside in the lobby, or he can try to suck it up to impress Isabella. He decides to go back into the movie screen room to watch the movie with Isabella.
“I knew I shouldn’t have eaten those burritos before this.”
Aiden feels like he's in a pickle, so he feels the need to try and play it off as if nothing is wrong because he is afraid that she won't understand him. He decides to use humor to distract Isabella from the situation at hand.
This is a short lived hope unfortunately. He can’t handle the level of noise and goes back out to the lobby. The noise level is really bad and gets worse as a whole movie gets out. The sound gets louder and louder to the point that he can’t handle it anymore and starts to have an anxiety attack. He can't handle the noise. This causes Isabella to leave him.
Aiden is on his living room couch, heartbroken about the date and feels like a complete failure. Nick sees that Aiden is down in the dumps and decides to sit next to him to comfort Aiden. Nick proceeds to tell Aiden how Aiden's story reminds him of his cousin's friend had similar issues, and tells him about how that friend went to see an audiologist.
“Maybe you should see one like him.”
Apparently after seeing an audiologist, Nick's cousin's friend has been fine ever since and has been able to live his life.
Aiden does a hearing exam at Doctor Land’s office. After going through the hearing exam, the results of the test conclude that he has a hearing condition called Hyperacusis. Hyperacusis is a condition where individuals have a lowered tolerance to everyday loud noises.
“I fortunately have a treatment plan if you’re willing to try it.”
Doctor Land mentions that she has a treatment plan for Hyperacusis and goes to get the paperwork. Aiden can't believe what she just told him. Doctor Land looks through her files, but didn't have any spare ones in her office. She gets up and goes to print more copies in the back. This leaves Aiden crying tears of joy.
Aiden - He tends to have a firm grasp on what he likes and wants to do in his life. He takes action first and lets others lead after him.While this has lead Aiden to succeed scholarly and relationship wise, his unexpected diagnosis and how he manages it shows he really isn’t as in control as he think he is of his life.
Isabella - She is kind and understanding and moves through life with a sense of flowing. With Aiden asking her out, she is a little taken back at first as she didn’t expect for him to be so direct but likes the fact that he took action.
Nick - Aiden’s roommate and his best friend. They’ve known each other since middle school and Nick is more laidback than Aiden. When he sees Aiden struggling he usually is there to listen and lend an ear to him.
Doctor Land - A renowned audiologist who has studied the science of the ear for over 25 years. She enjoys understanding the complexities of it and helping her patients achieve comfort and sometimes getting their life back.
The goal for this film isn't just to make a short film. We are using this film to start a movement that will spread awareness about the little-known, yet very crippling disability Hyperacusis. We want people to understand that lower tolerance to sound and heightened hearing is an actual thing. In a world where there are a lot of loud noises, and people who are sound sensitive, we want every one of these people to have a voice. Instead of being shamed for not being able to handle the level of noise, we can let people understand that too loud can be too loud for someone. With this film, we can create a world that listens with care and compassion.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $600
We want our awesome cast to be rewarded for their excellence. This expense will cover each talent's wages
Food
Costs $1,700
This will help pay for keeping our cast crew fed throughout filming between crafty and meals. We don't want anyone starving on set.
Lenses
Costs $3,000
Our film will be shot on the ARRI Alexa Mini. To pair with this, we will be using the ARRI Ultra Primes and an Optimo 17-80mm Zoom Lens.
Camera Accessories
Costs $1,400
Accessories we need are a Microforce, and also CFast 2.0 500GB Cards. These will help with certain shots planned, and maximize record time.
Truck
Costs $150
We’re gonna have a lot of gear to haul around. In order to do this efficiently, we will be renting a U-Haul for the weekend.
Other Expenses
Costs $650
These are other on set expenses like wardrobe, hair and makeup, and production design as well.
Film Festivals
Costs $1,500
To start a movement with a film, you need people to see it. This will cover the cost of film festivals submissions and travel.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
I’m a director, sound designer, writer, and director of photography who tells stories that don’t fit the mold. I’m drawn to the beauty in the unconventional—capturing perspectives that are often overlooked—and I bring them to life through bold visuals and immersive soundscapes. My mission is to create work that celebrates the magic in difference.
My name is Spencer Presley and I'm known for my filmmaking and photography. For years I've used my skills to help and create work for all to enjoy and view and hope one day to see my name out there.
My name is Alex and I'm a director of photography originally from Dallas, Texas. Ever since I was in high school, I've always wanted to be a filmmaker and specifically do cinematography. I've worked on various projects from short films to even a TV show since then.
I'm Lexi Lewis! I'm a writer, singer, and editor from Marietta, GA. My goal is to build a powerful and cohesive story that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
I’m Natalia Pino, a graphic designer, illustrator, and writer rooted in Miami and shaped by my Latin American heritage. Justice and advocacy are the heart of my creative mission.