It is human nature to categorize people, to make assumptions, to create a narrative, to judge - but how far do you take it? Exploring bias, and categorization through the lens of horror, The Night Courier is the story of a woman's brutal journey to finally seeing the oppression of those around her.
It is human nature to categorize people, to make assumptions, to create a narrative, to judge - but how far do you take it? Exploring bias, and categorization through the lens of horror, The Night Courier is the story of a woman's brutal journey to finally seeing the oppression of those around her.
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Story
Mission Statement
Horror has been used for generations to take on our fears of the world around us - through a cautionary tale, a way to explain the unexplainable, or an inadvertent social commentary. The Night Courier explores common themes in an uncommon world and leaves you questioning the society you live within.About The Project
A single night offers a suffocating glimpse into the life of a woman whose occupation is feeding people to monsters. When one of her victims escapes, the story escalates into a hellish cat and mouse chase. Through the analogy of vampires and the metaphors of horror, The Night Courier explores how our differences pit us against each other, and how our humanity might bring us together.
In a society where vampirism is known and somewhat common, a night courier is hired to feed those who have been turned and are unable to live amongst us. The effects of vampirism occur on a spectrum where some are able to pass as 'normal', while the effects make others so volatile that average life is impossible.
The courier's assignment is to capture the chosen prey and deliver it. When one of those selected victims escapes, a situation that has been meticulously planned slips out of her control.
Forced to deal with the issue, the courier is placed in a scenario that opens her eyes to the oppression of communities around her in an unconventional way.
Mason and Tabitha, creators of award-winning films September and By Sunrise have assembled a team of extremely talented humans for their film The Night Courier.
First up, the extremely talented screen & stage actor - Emily Tynan McDaniel. Emily is magnetic, both in person and on-screen.
Emily Tynan McDaniel - Character Study
Alongside Emily, will be Drez Ryan. Drez is no stranger to horror. His role in HBO's The Outsider will make your skin crawl. The subtlety that Drez brings to his performance is always astounding.
And, as if Drez and Emily weren't strong enough on their own, The Night Courier will also have appearances by renowned writer, director, and actor Jennifer Trudrung, Paul Gregory Clark, and Maximillian Koger.
The extremely talented Nicholas Byers and Darren Conrad will also propel the story forward. Both actors have outstanding resumes and their presence on screen will likely leave you on the edge of your seat.
Behind the scenes will be award-winning cinematographer Bridget LaMonica, director Mason McDonald, well-known SFX artist John Lauterbach, renowned Makeup Artist Jennifer Yates, and stunning production designer, Zachary Gladwin.
One of the most pivotal parts of any film is quality sound and the score. We will be working with Bill Piveta on production sound, Robert Gowan on post-production sound, and Zachary Briggs of Mordaga will be creating the chilling score.
Get a taste of Zach's music by watching our pitch video, and the interviews with our crew. Meet the rest of our crew here over the next few weeks as we share their stories!
So, now you know who we are, and you may have an idea of the tone and visuals we are going for, but let's dive in a little deeper.
Almost as much as the characters themselves, the visual landscape of The Night Courier is pivotal to completing the tone of the story.
Pulling visual inspiration from films such as Prisoners, Don’t Breathe, You Were Never Really There, and No Country for Old Men. The Night Courier sets out to paint the atmosphere in shadows and silhouettes, amplifying the idea that less is so much more.
Color is a huge component within the visual language of any story. Each character of The Night Courier has their own color that represents who they are as well as the mentality they find themselves in.
Now that you have met our cast and crew, and seen our vision - you understand where our budget is going, and why. These talented people deserve the best. They are putting so much creative and physical energy into this project.
It is extremely important to us that our set is not only inclusive, but welcoming, and safe. We do our best, no matter our budget, to make sure that everyone is taken care of. We want to not only pay our team something for their work but also provide a good on-set experience. Warm meals, healthy (and delicious) snacks, the tools they need to make good movies, and everything in between. And all of that was BEFORE COVID-19 was a thing.
Now on top of what we already aim for, we need to make sure that we are minimizing risk, and being as calculated as possible in how we run our set. We need PPE. We need COVID compliance measures in place. We need funds if rapid testing is required. We need extra supplies to ensure we are minimizing contact. And we want to do all of this and provide a safe set, all while still retaining the magic of making movies. Our budget is built to cover it all.
Okay, all of that is great, but why?
You love movies or someone involved with this project, or you wouldn't be here. So - why not join in the production? There are so many creative minds at work here, and we want them to be able to bring this story to the screen with quality and to expand their talents and resume.
To be honest, we can't fund this out of our own pockets. That's the long-term goal, but it isn't the reality. Without this funding, The Night Courier won't happen for a very long time, if at all. We need people like you to go on this journey with us. And, we will do our best to return the favor. Both through our incentives, but also through this film.
And if that's not enough, you will also be making some creative, passionate people really happy to be working on a film. Your contribution gives these wonderful people the opportunity to pursue what they love. So hop on board, and join us on our journey of making The Night Courier. It doesn't get better than that.
Incentives
$15
O+
O+ may be one of the most common blood types, but your generosity is uncommon. We want to share just how awesome you are with the world! We will give you a social media shout out for helping us reach our goal!
$25
O-
We're not fooled. There's nothing negative about you; a universal donor blood type O-! You're giving spirit is inspiring, and we want to tell the world!
Not only will you get a shout out from us on social media for your kindness, but you also get your choice of a postcard designed by one of two talented artists on our crew!
$50
A+
Bloodtype A+ is a winner no matter how you look at it! Your support means so much to us, that you're going to get your name in the CREDITS with a special thanks.
As well as a postcard designed by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer, Zach Briggs!
AND a social media shoutout!
$100
A-
We don't care that your grade school teacher didn't give you a + because blood type A- is a star to us! A movie star!
Send us a photo of yourself and we will photoshop you into a scene from your favorite horror movie so you can share with your friends just how badass you are on your social media.
You'll also get your name in the CREDITS of The Night Courier!
Sold Out!
$250
B+
Be positive! It's obvious to us that you're a true lover of horror, blood type B+. Our composer is too! Zach Briggs of Mordaga is crafting a custom score for The Night Courier, and we are going to share it with you via digital download.
Plus, send us a photo of yourself and we will photoshop you into a horror movie scene so you can share with your friends just how badass you are on social media!
We will also send you a print of your horror movie stardom just for kicks!
Oh, AND, you get a special thanks in the CREDITS, because you're just the best.
$500
B-
You're a rare breed of film lover, blood type B-. And, we won't let that go unnoticed! Not only will you get a digital download of the score, AND a social media shoutout - but we will also send you a sweet treat from Tabby Cakes!
Our editor and producer Tabitha creates some magical things, and she is going to bake you a half dozen cookies themed after your favorite horror movie! (If you have allergies, let us know!)
You will also be invited to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
$1,000
AB+
There aren't many like you, blood type AB+, and for that we are thankful! We want to show you our appreciation for that.
- Choice of an exclusively designed postcard by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer and Artist, Zach Briggs
- A half dozen of Tabby's cookies themed after your favorite horror movie! (If you have allergies, let us know!)
- A printed and signed copy of the script.
- A digital download of The Night Courier Score.
- An invitation to the private screening of the film with cast and crew upon its completion
- And you will also be invited to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
$5,000
AB-
The rarest of the rare - you're a real gem, blood type AB-.
Not only will you get EXECUTIVE PRODUCER status in the film, but you will have the opportunity to give notes on the film before the final cut!
You will also get:
- Choice of an exclusively designed postcard by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer and Artist, Zach Briggs
- A half dozen of Tabby's cookies themed after your favorite horror movie!
- A printed and signed copy of the script.
- A digital download of The Night Courier Score.
- An invitation to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
- An invitation to the private screening of the film with cast and crew upon its completion.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
O+
O+ may be one of the most common blood types, but your generosity is uncommon. We want to share just how awesome you are with the world! We will give you a social media shout out for helping us reach our goal!
$25
O-
We're not fooled. There's nothing negative about you; a universal donor blood type O-! You're giving spirit is inspiring, and we want to tell the world!
Not only will you get a shout out from us on social media for your kindness, but you also get your choice of a postcard designed by one of two talented artists on our crew!
$50
A+
Bloodtype A+ is a winner no matter how you look at it! Your support means so much to us, that you're going to get your name in the CREDITS with a special thanks.
As well as a postcard designed by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer, Zach Briggs!
AND a social media shoutout!
$100
A-
We don't care that your grade school teacher didn't give you a + because blood type A- is a star to us! A movie star!
Send us a photo of yourself and we will photoshop you into a scene from your favorite horror movie so you can share with your friends just how badass you are on your social media.
You'll also get your name in the CREDITS of The Night Courier!
Sold Out!
$250
B+
Be positive! It's obvious to us that you're a true lover of horror, blood type B+. Our composer is too! Zach Briggs of Mordaga is crafting a custom score for The Night Courier, and we are going to share it with you via digital download.
Plus, send us a photo of yourself and we will photoshop you into a horror movie scene so you can share with your friends just how badass you are on social media!
We will also send you a print of your horror movie stardom just for kicks!
Oh, AND, you get a special thanks in the CREDITS, because you're just the best.
$500
B-
You're a rare breed of film lover, blood type B-. And, we won't let that go unnoticed! Not only will you get a digital download of the score, AND a social media shoutout - but we will also send you a sweet treat from Tabby Cakes!
Our editor and producer Tabitha creates some magical things, and she is going to bake you a half dozen cookies themed after your favorite horror movie! (If you have allergies, let us know!)
You will also be invited to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
$1,000
AB+
There aren't many like you, blood type AB+, and for that we are thankful! We want to show you our appreciation for that.
- Choice of an exclusively designed postcard by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer and Artist, Zach Briggs
- A half dozen of Tabby's cookies themed after your favorite horror movie! (If you have allergies, let us know!)
- A printed and signed copy of the script.
- A digital download of The Night Courier Score.
- An invitation to the private screening of the film with cast and crew upon its completion
- And you will also be invited to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
$5,000
AB-
The rarest of the rare - you're a real gem, blood type AB-.
Not only will you get EXECUTIVE PRODUCER status in the film, but you will have the opportunity to give notes on the film before the final cut!
You will also get:
- Choice of an exclusively designed postcard by our talented Production Designer, Zachary Gladwin, or our Composer and Artist, Zach Briggs
- A half dozen of Tabby's cookies themed after your favorite horror movie!
- A printed and signed copy of the script.
- A digital download of The Night Courier Score.
- An invitation to the watch party release of The Night Courier Trailer!
- An invitation to the private screening of the film with cast and crew upon its completion.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
We spent a lot of time bringing together a team of very talented independent filmmakers from all over the southeast.
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Community
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