The Obedience Project
San Diego, California | Film Short
Sci-Fi, Thriller
Unexpectedly stuck in a 1950s simulation, test subject Mary undergoes a brutal experiment that molds women into becoming the “ideal” wife that every man desires. The Obedience Project will represent the oppression women feel every day through an entertaining, exaggerated and fantastical medium.
The Obedience Project
San Diego, California | Film Short
Sci-Fi, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $5,285 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
35 supporters | followers
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Unexpectedly stuck in a 1950s simulation, test subject Mary undergoes a brutal experiment that molds women into becoming the “ideal” wife that every man desires. The Obedience Project will represent the oppression women feel every day through an entertaining, exaggerated and fantastical medium.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Full disclosure, I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started writing this film.
I began writing this script solely with the intention to create a spectacle, as large of a scale as possible. Having this film be my Senior Thesis film, I wanted to go all out. It’s my last project in film school, so why not? I had no intention of placing myself in the story. During the process of writing, I found myself subconsciously including a lot of themes I have experienced as a woman. This pushed me to reevaluate the struggles I feel on a daily basis being a woman living in a patriarchy.
I have always been in love with the feeling and aesthetic of the 1950s, specifically sitcoms associated with this era. Something I have never been able to get past, though, is the expectation for women during this time to fit in the mold of the “perfect housewife” whose only responsibilities are to cook, clean, bare children, and to be a servant to their husbands. I am so proud of how our society has evolved, but unfortunately, still see (and experience) many of these misogynistic themes today.
I decided to create an imaginary organization that uses experimental simulations to place women in this time period, “training” them to revert back to that time period etiquette so that they learn how to “treat a man right.” Before you ask, yes. This organization is supposed to seem exaggerated and unrealistic. The reason being that sometimes the best way to relay a message is to formulate it in a way that goes over the top, making the severity of it the thing that makes it memorable.
Building a 1950s sitcom-looking set from scratch has been a very challenging and fun task to take on, the intense period piece research our Production Designer has done has been incredible to see. Stylistically, we are planning on shooting our film in two different ways: traditional television sitcom style, and modern day thriller style. We will also be shooting in both color and black and white. The use of the contrasting cinematic languages will further immerse us into this twisted world that our main character is experiencing. These exciting aspects will challenge our Director of Photography and allow them to have a lot of creativity stylistically.
Our team hopes you can see the passion we have towards this project. We intend on using this special platform of filmmaking to promote a story that really means something, while still making it intriguing and entertaining. We will be sending this film to many film festivals because we believe that the world is meant to see it. It would be selfish to hold a story like this captive as it would provide relatability to many audience members, something I would have loved to see while growing up. Thank you for your time reading this and we hope you consider supporting, The Obedience Project!
With Gratitude,
Shaylen Haller
Writer / Co-Director / Producer
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Department (Camera + Lenses + Accessories)
Costs $1,500
To allow us creative flexibility for the look of our film.
G&E Equipment (Equipment + Insurance + Expendables)
Costs $350
To give our gaffer the funds for the equipment that they want.
Cast (Shoot Days + Rehearsal Days)
Costs $1,000
To support the talent with the money for their quality work.
Food (For Our Wonderful Cast & Crew)
Costs $600
To properly nourish the hardworking members of this filmmaking process.
Art Department (Props + Set Dec)
Costs $600
Since we are building this 1950s world from scratch, we need the funds to pull it off.
Stylist (Costumes + Hair & Makeup)
Costs $200
Properly providing the resources for the stylist for this period piece.
Festival Submissions (Local & National)
Costs $200
We want to share this film and this important message with the world!
Score (Composer & Original Song)
Costs $400
We are exciting to be writing an original song for this film, but need to be able to fund it.
Contigency (Backup Funds for Unforeseen Expenses)
Costs $300
Providing a safety net for unexpected payments.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Shaylen Haller is a Director / Producer who has worked in the production department on projects with budgets ranging from $1k to $500k. Her summer internship at a Huffman Creative Production Company in Los Angeles taught her the ins and outs of successful producing which she brings to each project she works on, whether it be music videos, short narrative films, or commercials. While producing allows her to bring a vision to light, she also has passion for creating that vision through writing. Producing and writing both allow her to be a storyteller in two different ways, leaving her fulfilled with this art. She is ecstatic to work alongside this team who she feels extremely lucky to collaborate with.
Kyla Harrison is a filmmaker excited to explore the world of artistry and the craft of directing. She has been directing since high school whether it be PSA’s, commercial’s, or theatre! Now in college, and having learned more about the process and technique behind directing it’s all she ever thinks about. Everyday life has become a medium for exploration for Kyla to observe people’s interactions with one another, communication, and societal relations. She undertook a sociology minor that has greatly impacted her artistic statement and helped sanctify the stories she wants to tell. She’s looking forward to the creative and collaborative process that this film entails!
Connor has had experience working as camera assistant as well as Director of Photography for student films as well as independent work for the past few years. He is always trying to challenge himself to progress his visual style and to put his efforts in camera towards supporting the story first. This film is greatly exciting due to its highly visual nature and potential for a creative presentation style. He is incredibly excited to work on The Obedience Project and to get as much from it as he will put into it.
Brittney Khansari has a background in art and design as well as autocad software. She has been the art director on several projects in film and theatre, and has experience as a production designer. She has knowledge of drafting construction floor plans, elevations and research boards. Designing sets with a fixed budget and building sets are also jobs Brittney has taken on before. Being able to visually convey and communicate her ideas is what drives Brittney to want to build these immersive worlds. She’s excited to use her skills to work on a project like The Obedience Project which will heavily rely on spectacle.
Patricia Quimzon is a video editor and colorist currently based in San Diego. Although she is an experienced content producer for a local e-commerce marketing company, her experience goes beyond just marketing. Through her freelance work, she has honed in her storytelling skills and has taken part in multiple creative projects stemming from music videos to short documentaries. Being raised in a Filipino American household, she has continuously broken down cultural gender norms, making her decision to join this project all the more exciting to be a part of.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Full disclosure, I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started writing this film.
I began writing this script solely with the intention to create a spectacle, as large of a scale as possible. Having this film be my Senior Thesis film, I wanted to go all out. It’s my last project in film school, so why not? I had no intention of placing myself in the story. During the process of writing, I found myself subconsciously including a lot of themes I have experienced as a woman. This pushed me to reevaluate the struggles I feel on a daily basis being a woman living in a patriarchy.
I have always been in love with the feeling and aesthetic of the 1950s, specifically sitcoms associated with this era. Something I have never been able to get past, though, is the expectation for women during this time to fit in the mold of the “perfect housewife” whose only responsibilities are to cook, clean, bare children, and to be a servant to their husbands. I am so proud of how our society has evolved, but unfortunately, still see (and experience) many of these misogynistic themes today.
I decided to create an imaginary organization that uses experimental simulations to place women in this time period, “training” them to revert back to that time period etiquette so that they learn how to “treat a man right.” Before you ask, yes. This organization is supposed to seem exaggerated and unrealistic. The reason being that sometimes the best way to relay a message is to formulate it in a way that goes over the top, making the severity of it the thing that makes it memorable.
Building a 1950s sitcom-looking set from scratch has been a very challenging and fun task to take on, the intense period piece research our Production Designer has done has been incredible to see. Stylistically, we are planning on shooting our film in two different ways: traditional television sitcom style, and modern day thriller style. We will also be shooting in both color and black and white. The use of the contrasting cinematic languages will further immerse us into this twisted world that our main character is experiencing. These exciting aspects will challenge our Director of Photography and allow them to have a lot of creativity stylistically.
Our team hopes you can see the passion we have towards this project. We intend on using this special platform of filmmaking to promote a story that really means something, while still making it intriguing and entertaining. We will be sending this film to many film festivals because we believe that the world is meant to see it. It would be selfish to hold a story like this captive as it would provide relatability to many audience members, something I would have loved to see while growing up. Thank you for your time reading this and we hope you consider supporting, The Obedience Project!
With Gratitude,
Shaylen Haller
Writer / Co-Director / Producer
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Department (Camera + Lenses + Accessories)
Costs $1,500
To allow us creative flexibility for the look of our film.
G&E Equipment (Equipment + Insurance + Expendables)
Costs $350
To give our gaffer the funds for the equipment that they want.
Cast (Shoot Days + Rehearsal Days)
Costs $1,000
To support the talent with the money for their quality work.
Food (For Our Wonderful Cast & Crew)
Costs $600
To properly nourish the hardworking members of this filmmaking process.
Art Department (Props + Set Dec)
Costs $600
Since we are building this 1950s world from scratch, we need the funds to pull it off.
Stylist (Costumes + Hair & Makeup)
Costs $200
Properly providing the resources for the stylist for this period piece.
Festival Submissions (Local & National)
Costs $200
We want to share this film and this important message with the world!
Score (Composer & Original Song)
Costs $400
We are exciting to be writing an original song for this film, but need to be able to fund it.
Contigency (Backup Funds for Unforeseen Expenses)
Costs $300
Providing a safety net for unexpected payments.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Shaylen Haller is a Director / Producer who has worked in the production department on projects with budgets ranging from $1k to $500k. Her summer internship at a Huffman Creative Production Company in Los Angeles taught her the ins and outs of successful producing which she brings to each project she works on, whether it be music videos, short narrative films, or commercials. While producing allows her to bring a vision to light, she also has passion for creating that vision through writing. Producing and writing both allow her to be a storyteller in two different ways, leaving her fulfilled with this art. She is ecstatic to work alongside this team who she feels extremely lucky to collaborate with.
Kyla Harrison is a filmmaker excited to explore the world of artistry and the craft of directing. She has been directing since high school whether it be PSA’s, commercial’s, or theatre! Now in college, and having learned more about the process and technique behind directing it’s all she ever thinks about. Everyday life has become a medium for exploration for Kyla to observe people’s interactions with one another, communication, and societal relations. She undertook a sociology minor that has greatly impacted her artistic statement and helped sanctify the stories she wants to tell. She’s looking forward to the creative and collaborative process that this film entails!
Connor has had experience working as camera assistant as well as Director of Photography for student films as well as independent work for the past few years. He is always trying to challenge himself to progress his visual style and to put his efforts in camera towards supporting the story first. This film is greatly exciting due to its highly visual nature and potential for a creative presentation style. He is incredibly excited to work on The Obedience Project and to get as much from it as he will put into it.
Brittney Khansari has a background in art and design as well as autocad software. She has been the art director on several projects in film and theatre, and has experience as a production designer. She has knowledge of drafting construction floor plans, elevations and research boards. Designing sets with a fixed budget and building sets are also jobs Brittney has taken on before. Being able to visually convey and communicate her ideas is what drives Brittney to want to build these immersive worlds. She’s excited to use her skills to work on a project like The Obedience Project which will heavily rely on spectacle.
Patricia Quimzon is a video editor and colorist currently based in San Diego. Although she is an experienced content producer for a local e-commerce marketing company, her experience goes beyond just marketing. Through her freelance work, she has honed in her storytelling skills and has taken part in multiple creative projects stemming from music videos to short documentaries. Being raised in a Filipino American household, she has continuously broken down cultural gender norms, making her decision to join this project all the more exciting to be a part of.