The Demon Core
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
History, Science
Reckless scientist, Louis Slotin, sacrifices his own life to save his colleagues during a criticality incident involving a plutonium core known as Rufus. While Slotin fights for his life against third-dimensional burns – his friends, colleagues, and family will stop at nothing to be at his side.
The Demon Core
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
History, Science
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,498 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Reckless scientist, Louis Slotin, sacrifices his own life to save his colleagues during a criticality incident involving a plutonium core known as Rufus. While Slotin fights for his life against third-dimensional burns – his friends, colleagues, and family will stop at nothing to be at his side.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Check out our updated campaign video!
After the success of the Manhattan Project, Los Alamos continues its nuclear research and experiments. On May 21, 1946, daredevil and soon-to-be retired scientist, Louis Slotin, conducts a criticality demonstration for his replacement and a room full of scientists.
During the criticality experiment, in which he would commonly use a flathead screwdriver and his bare hands to control the radioactive material, Slotin makes a fatal error - allowing the plutonium core to reach super-critical state. With everyone present now in danger, Slotin moves without hesitation to remove the reflective dome sustaining the super-critical state. By doing so, he seals his fate - he has 9 days to live. 
Wishing to keep the accident under wraps and out of the public eye, Major General Leslie Groves mandates no one be allowed to visit Slotin from the outside during his final hours. Slotin's friend and co-worker, Phillip Morrison, fights against this mandate in secret while assembling a team of the greatest chemists, physicists, and engineers to give Slotin a fighting chance.
While Slotin fights for his life against third-dimensional burns on all major organs, gangrene, and dissolving limbs, he looks back on his life - remembering the events leading up to and surrounding the incident. These include a visit from the woman he loves, Betty Wilson - who now stops at nothing to be at his side.
Louis Alexander Slotin
Louis Slotin (35 years old) was more than a hero. A Canadian-Jewish physicist and chemist, Louis wanted to bring justice to the oppressed. And although he was a brilliant, caring, relatable man, he was also cavalier and often reckless - described by his colleagues as a cowboy-scientist. In a failed demonstration with the plutonium core known as the Demon Core in 1946. Louis was faced with a split-second decision: sacrifice himself and save his colleagues, or let everyone die. Louis would choose to sacrifice himself and die a painful death over the course of nine excruciating days.
Meet our actor for Louis - Connor Paolo!
CONNOR PAOLO is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Eric van der Woodsen in The CW's teen drama Gossip Girl and Declan on ABC's television series Revenge. In 2006, Connor attended the Professional Performing Arts School and then began taking classes at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. Connor's motion picture debut was in Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning Mystic River, in which he played the role of Young Dean, followed by his roles in Oliver Stone films Alexander and World Trade Center. For his role as Steven McLoughlin in World Trade Center, Connor was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor. Connor's upcoming releases include: Tayarisha Poe's The Young Wife, Vivan Kerr's Seance, Blair Underwood's Viral, and Francis Gallupi's award-winning debut feature The Last Stop in Yuma County.
Meet our actress for Betty - Ryan Lucy!
RYAN LUCY is an actress, visual artist, and former professional ballerina based in Los Angeles. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she has been acting since she left her short ballet career to foster more of her artistic interests and has since gone on to star in a range of projects from high budget action/sci-fi to surreal indie period pieces. Ryan has been training with Billy O'Leary Studios since 2017, both privately and in on-going scene study and camera technique, in addition to participating in improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade.Her latest credits are roles in American Horror Stories and Benjamin Finkel's feature film Family. In 2021, she had the pleasure of working with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper on a holiday short film set in the 1960s. She appeared as a naive Audrey Hepburn wannabe in Richard Corso's latest film The Switcheroo Room, and as a young ballerina in Aida Gevorgyan's Iris.
Meet our actor for Leslie Groves - Drew Waters!
DREW WATERS grew up in Orange, Texas. During his years there he excelled as a high school athlete. After graduation, Drew gave up an athletic scholarship to pursue a career with the US Navy. He rose quickly through the ranks and became responsible for nearly 100 F-14 fighter jets. As he neared the end of his military career, Drew was discovered by a modeling scout. When world-renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber discovered Drew’s unique talent, he encouraged the young model to try his hand at acting. Drew had always harbored a desire to act and, with Weber’s encouragement, enrolled in various classes and workshops to hone his skills.With over 80 credits to his name, Drew now has the successful acting career he always dreamed of. His very first television role was as a recurring character on NBC’s “Surface”, which then led to roles on such notable shows as “Chase”, “Victorious”, and AMC’s “Breaking Bad”. Drew then landed the role for which he is still most recognized today, Coach Wade Aikman on NBC’s Emmy® Award winning hit show “Friday Night Lights”.
Note From the Director
About a year and a half ago, I came across a true story that I was willing to give my 110% to and sacrifice anything (much like the protagonist) to achieve. That story is of Louis Slotin — a brilliant, and reckless scientist who sacrificed his own life to save his colleagues during a criticality incident in 1946 involving a plutonium core known as the Demon Core. After months of intense research and guidance from nuclear physicists/academic historians — The Demon Core was written and submitted as my USC thesis film.
In an unbelievable and 
welcomed chain of events, the script was then awarded the Sloan Foundation’s Grant — to receive this honor/grant, I had to propose and promise a film that accurately depicts science and furthers public knowledge about a scientific individual/topic. Following this the script was then read by the Los Alamos National Laboratory — who allowed me to go behind the military gates of the facility to walk the Slotin building and stand in the exact spot where Louis made his heroic sacrifice as well as give me access to many recently declassified documents/photos. Their hope in giving me access to these was that I would accurately depict the science being conducted at Los Alamos during that time — as well as to educate audiences on the dangers of nuclear experiments.
Protecting and informing of Slotin’s legacy will be the main objective of this film with a special emphasis on Dr. Slotin as more than just a scientist — a hero that gave the ultimate sacrifice to save his colleagues.
My whole life and career has been having to find the cheapest ways to bring my stories to life — and I am probably better off for it. But I have hit a brick wall with this one. I have this incredibly important story in my hands — a story of a Jewish-Canadian Scientist that gave everything to protect his friends/colleagues — and for the first time in my filmmaking journey I am stuck and feel helpless. There just isn’t an easy DIY when it comes to period accuracy and/or working with the cameras that the Sloan Grant and USC allow for. To finally be able to bring this film to life would mean more than I could possibly hope to put into words. And you’d certainly see your contribution in the final product — the gratitude and appreciation for whatever help was given would bleed off the screen in the multiple facets you’d help fund.
- J. Zachary Thurman
Shooting Location
Wendover Air Force Base
The Wendover Air Force Base is a former United State Air Force Base that is located in Utah whose facilities have been preserved. During World War II, it served as a training base for B-17 and B-24 bomber crews, as well as the 509th Composite Group. Once the United States joined World War ll, Wendover Field was the Army Air Force's largest bombing and gunnery range.
Our team is very lucky to have found a location that resembles the visual aesthetic of Los Alamos in the 1940s! Currently, the existing facilities that have been preserved include most of the original hangers (including the Enola Gay B-29 hanger), most of the hospital complex, and many barracks. The Wendover Field has also been used for various film and television shows including The Philadelphia Experiment (1984), Con Air (1997), Mulholland Falls (1996), Independence Day (1996), and The Core (2003).
The location is one of our larger expenses, as well as the travel necessary to get our team there, but it's a vital element to this project in order immerse the audience into Louis' story in 1940s Los Alamos.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
As part of our mission to bringing Louis Slotin's legacy to life - it's extremely important to remain historically accurate, which of course being a period piece is NOT cheap.
Some of our major expenses include:
Demon Core Prop
This prop is extremely important to the story and we have calculated the exact measurements of the real plutonium core to make a replica that's identical. To put the expense in perspective - the first quote that we received to build this prop was $35,000. We have found other options that are cheaper, of course, but it's props like this for the film that we need in order to bring Louis' story to life.
Special FX Make Up
A second equally important aspect of this story that needs to be historically accurate is portraying the third-dimension burns that Louis suffered from for the 9 days after the incident. This included Louis Slotin's hands sloshing off, burns on his stomach, and his hair falling out. The biggest challenge is the hands, which are custom-made silicone gloves and we need multiple to show the progression of Louis' suffering.
We are lucky to have an amazing special fx make up artist - Patrick Bradberry - that has done amazing work in the past and we know will be able to bring Louis' experience during his last days to the screen. However, being one of the best in the business, him and his team are not cheap! But given the sensitivity of this element of the film, it is something that needs to be done right.
Here are some pictures of Patrick and our actor for Louis - Connor Paolo - getting the molds made!
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Our team is so excited to get to the Wendover and start shooting this amazing story that deserves to be told!
What we promise to you is:
- We will make this film as historically and period accurate as possible
- We will bring Louis' story to life and honor his legacy
- You'll see every contribution made on-screen
Thank you so much for your time and consideration! We appreciate any donation large or small, any amount helps!
If you would like to check out more of the director J. Zachary Thurman's work, you can view it at this website: www.jzacharythurman.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $9,000
The Wendover Air Force Base is the perfect place for us to take the story back to 1940s Los Alamos and is vital to telling Louis' story.
Production Team & Travel
Costs $12,000
This is to pay our amazing crew that are traveling to Wendover, Utah to put their hard work into making this amazing film.
Costumes
Costs $6,000
For a period piece, historically accurate costumes are extremely important and costly.
Period Accurate Medical Props
Costs $4,700
The hospital scenes are the heart of the film and need to feel realistic to immerse you as an audience in those moments.
Period Accurate Laboratory Props
Costs $5,800
Period accurate laboratory props are important to make the incident come to life on screen.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CAST
CONNOR PAOLO - Louis Slotin
CONNOR PAOLO is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Eric van der Woodsen in The CW's teen drama Gossip Girl and Declan on ABC's television series Revenge. In 2006, Connor attended the Professional Performing Arts School and then began taking classes at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. Connor's motion picture debut was in Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning Mystic River, in which he played the role of Young Dean, followed by his roles in Oliver Stone films Alexander and World Trade Center. For his role as Steven McLoughlin in World Trade Center, Connor was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor. Connor's upcoming releases include: Tayarisha Poe's The Young Wife, Vivan Kerr's Seance, Blair Underwood's Viral, and Francis Gallupi's award-winning debut feature The Last Stop in Yuma County. He can currently be seen in A Creature Was Stirring and Ambush with Aaron Eckhart. Other credits include Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams, as well as his return to the role of “Martin” in The Stakelander (a follow up to his performance in Jim Mickle’s Stakeland).
RYAN LUCY - Betty
Ryan Lucy is an actress, visual artist, and former professional ballerina based in Los Angeles. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she has been acting since she left her short ballet career to foster more of her artistic interests and has since gone on to star in a range of projects from high budget action/sci-fi to surreal indie period pieces. Ryan has been training with Billy O'Leary Studios since 2017, both privately and in on-going scene study and camera technique, in addition to participating in improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade.Her latest credits are roles in American Horror Stories and Benjamin Finkel's feature film Family. In 2021, she had the pleasure of working with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper on a holiday short film set in the 1960s. She appeared as a naive Audrey Hepburn wannabe in Richard Corso's latest film The Switcheroo Room, and as a young ballerina in Aida Gevorgyan's Iris. Her commercial credits include major ad campaigns for Chevrolet, McDonalds, and Mountain Dew. Her credits also include a range of feature length independent films, including the protagonist's polyamorous ex-girlfriend in the sign language film What? (2021), the missing daughter in Matt Allen's Bigfoot horror film Hoax (2019), and Death in music industry indie comedy Stadium Anthems (2018). She has also been featured as a recurring talent in new media series for Crypt TV, Snapchat, and Awesomeness TV. Ryan is still an avid dancer and has appeared in music videos for Camila Cabello, The Buttertones, and Atticus, to name a few.In her free time, she enjoys writing, photography, making art films, going for walks, and embarking on mystery adventures.
DREW WATERS - Leslie Groves
DREW WATERS grew up in Orange, Texas. During his years there he excelled as a high school athlete. After graduation, Drew gave up an athletic scholarship to pursue a career with the US Navy. He rose quickly through the ranks and became responsible for nearly 100 F-14 fighter jets. As he neared the end of his military career, Drew was discovered by a modeling scout. When world-renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber discovered Drew’s unique talent, he encouraged the young model to try his hand at acting. Drew had always harbored a desire to act and, with Weber’s encouragement, enrolled in various classes and workshops to hone his skills.With over 80 credits to his name, Drew now has the successful acting career he always dreamed of. His very first television role was as a recurring character on NBC’s “Surface”, which then led to roles on such notable shows as “Chase”, “Victorious”, and AMC’s “Breaking Bad”. Drew then landed the role for which he is still most recognized today, Coach Wade Aikman on NBC’s Emmy® Award winning hit show “Friday Night Lights”. His success on “Friday Night Lights” led to roles on other critically acclaimed shows like “Wire in the Blood” (opposite UK actor Robson Greene), “Breakout Kings”, “Magic City”, “Major Crimes”, and HBO’s “True Detective” opposite Colin Farrell. Most recently, Drew has guest-starred on hit shows including “The Resident” and “NCIS: LA” and is currently in production on the new David E. Kelly series “Love and Death” for HBO with Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemmons. Drew has also appeared in numerous feature films such as Mad Money with Diane Keaton, Wonderful World with Matthew Broderick, The Hit List with Cuba Gooding, Jr., Cowgirls and Angels with Academy Award Winner James Cromwell, Home Run, The Warrant and Parkland with Paul Giamatti and Marcia Gay Harden. Drew has also commanded the starring role in several films including The Redemption of Henry Meyers, The Ultimate Life co-starring Peter Fonda, and most recently Desperate Riders co-starring Trace Atkins and Tom Berenger.
CREW
J. ZACHARY THURMAN - Writer & Director
J. ZACHARY THURMAN is best known for the horror-comedy Finley (2019) and the feature film Furry Nights (2016; Distributed by Terror Films). Thurman was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he later attended Georgia State University’s production program. With 60+ awards including Best Horror Short at the Crimson Screen Horror Festival, he graduated with a degree in Film and Television. Thurman then went on to found and head Unplugged Films LLC, an Atlanta-based production company, in an attempt to help new filmmakers create low budget indie films. Recent clients include: How Stuff Works, Delta, The Home Depot, 22squared, Atlanta Hawks, and Turner Broadcasting. He graduated from the Graduate Film Program at the University of Southern California in 2023 -- where he has created award-winning shorts like Dream Jar and Run, which won him the Best Director award from Hollywood Horror Fest. Recently, he has served as Director of Photography for the upcoming feature What The Dog Saw (2024) and has received the prestigious Sloan Foundation Grant for his screenplay entitled The Demon Core which he will helm as director in 2024.
SABATINO CIATTI - Producer
SABATINO CIATTI JR., a recent graduate of the esteemed University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts, centers his filmmaking philosophy on connecting disparate people through authentic stories that inform and inspire. After earning a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Film and Media Studies, Sabatino matriculated to his dream school, the University of Southern California, to pursue an MFA in Film and Television Production. While there, he strengthened his skills in Cinematography, Directing, and Producing through working on numerous award-winning films across all genres. In 2021, Sabatino served as the Cinematographer on Morse Code, a short narrative drama about grief in the wake of suicide. The film earned a DGA award and high praises for its visual style. Sabatino added to his growing list of directorial credits with the co-direction of the period feature film, Jack and Lou. The film tells the gripping true story of machine-gun Jack McGurn, and boasts a talented cast including Sebastiano Pigazzi and Linda Hamilton. Sabatino's dedication to authenticity shines through in his upcoming film, WRESTLE-OFF, which tells the story of a female wrestler dealing with isolation from her team and the grief of losing her father. Currently in post-production, WRESTLE-OFF promises to be a raw and emotional journey that will resonate with wrestling fans and film fans alike.'
JOSHUA POWELL - Producer
JOSHUA POWELL is an international British filmmaker. Before joining the School of Cinematic Arts, Joshua gained practical knowledge of the industry by taking on roles on commercial and independent projects in both London and Sydney. His tenure at SCA saw him write and produce multiple award-winning short films. Among his accolades, Joshua co-wrote the feature screenplay, "Jack and Lou: A Gangster Love Story," currently in post-production, and he further expanded the narrative's reach by directing its podcast adaptation, starring Lisa Kudrow, and available on Spotify. Currently, Joshua is focusing on the promotion of two Sloan-grant-winning shorts; “Balam,” an animated fantasy short that delves into the world of Mayan culture, and “Neither Donkey Nor Horse”, a period drama which explores the true story of the inventor of the N-95 mask, Dr Wu Lien-Teh. Joshua's filmmaking ethos is centered on reviving historical narratives, making the past resonate with contemporary audiences. He is deeply committed to unveiling these hidden gems from history, and transforming them into engaging and enlightening cinematic experiences.
HALLE COTTLE - Editor
HALLE COTTLE is a University of Southern California MFA graduate who studied in the Film and Television Production program. She received her bachelor's degree at Pennsylvania State University in film and moved to New York City to begin her professional career in the industry. While working in the New York film scene, Halle worked on a variety of feature films, including Uncut Gems,The Woman in the Window, and The Photograph. Her focus is in post production as an editor, but has professional experience as an online editor and post-production supervisor. Some post production companies in Los Angeles that she has worked for are Company 3, Deluxe VR, EFilm, and Cakewalk Post. Since graduating she has worked as an editor, DIT, and VFX artist for feature films such as Maya, Place of Bones, No Address, and The Gringo that Stole Christmas. She has just recently edited an independent feature titled What the Dog Saw.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Check out our updated campaign video!
After the success of the Manhattan Project, Los Alamos continues its nuclear research and experiments. On May 21, 1946, daredevil and soon-to-be retired scientist, Louis Slotin, conducts a criticality demonstration for his replacement and a room full of scientists.
During the criticality experiment, in which he would commonly use a flathead screwdriver and his bare hands to control the radioactive material, Slotin makes a fatal error - allowing the plutonium core to reach super-critical state. With everyone present now in danger, Slotin moves without hesitation to remove the reflective dome sustaining the super-critical state. By doing so, he seals his fate - he has 9 days to live.
Wishing to keep the accident under wraps and out of the public eye, Major General Leslie Groves mandates no one be allowed to visit Slotin from the outside during his final hours. Slotin's friend and co-worker, Phillip Morrison, fights against this mandate in secret while assembling a team of the greatest chemists, physicists, and engineers to give Slotin a fighting chance.
While Slotin fights for his life against third-dimensional burns on all major organs, gangrene, and dissolving limbs, he looks back on his life - remembering the events leading up to and surrounding the incident. These include a visit from the woman he loves, Betty Wilson - who now stops at nothing to be at his side.
Louis Alexander Slotin
Louis Slotin (35 years old) was more than a hero. A Canadian-Jewish physicist and chemist, Louis wanted to bring justice to the oppressed. And although he was a brilliant, caring, relatable man, he was also cavalier and often reckless - described by his colleagues as a cowboy-scientist. In a failed demonstration with the plutonium core known as the Demon Core in 1946. Louis was faced with a split-second decision: sacrifice himself and save his colleagues, or let everyone die. Louis would choose to sacrifice himself and die a painful death over the course of nine excruciating days.
Meet our actor for Louis - Connor Paolo!
CONNOR PAOLO is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Eric van der Woodsen in The CW's teen drama Gossip Girl and Declan on ABC's television series Revenge. In 2006, Connor attended the Professional Performing Arts School and then began taking classes at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. Connor's motion picture debut was in Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning Mystic River, in which he played the role of Young Dean, followed by his roles in Oliver Stone films Alexander and World Trade Center. For his role as Steven McLoughlin in World Trade Center, Connor was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor. Connor's upcoming releases include: Tayarisha Poe's The Young Wife, Vivan Kerr's Seance, Blair Underwood's Viral, and Francis Gallupi's award-winning debut feature The Last Stop in Yuma County.
Meet our actress for Betty - Ryan Lucy!
RYAN LUCY is an actress, visual artist, and former professional ballerina based in Los Angeles. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she has been acting since she left her short ballet career to foster more of her artistic interests and has since gone on to star in a range of projects from high budget action/sci-fi to surreal indie period pieces. Ryan has been training with Billy O'Leary Studios since 2017, both privately and in on-going scene study and camera technique, in addition to participating in improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade.Her latest credits are roles in American Horror Stories and Benjamin Finkel's feature film Family. In 2021, she had the pleasure of working with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper on a holiday short film set in the 1960s. She appeared as a naive Audrey Hepburn wannabe in Richard Corso's latest film The Switcheroo Room, and as a young ballerina in Aida Gevorgyan's Iris.
Meet our actor for Leslie Groves - Drew Waters!
DREW WATERS grew up in Orange, Texas. During his years there he excelled as a high school athlete. After graduation, Drew gave up an athletic scholarship to pursue a career with the US Navy. He rose quickly through the ranks and became responsible for nearly 100 F-14 fighter jets. As he neared the end of his military career, Drew was discovered by a modeling scout. When world-renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber discovered Drew’s unique talent, he encouraged the young model to try his hand at acting. Drew had always harbored a desire to act and, with Weber’s encouragement, enrolled in various classes and workshops to hone his skills.With over 80 credits to his name, Drew now has the successful acting career he always dreamed of. His very first television role was as a recurring character on NBC’s “Surface”, which then led to roles on such notable shows as “Chase”, “Victorious”, and AMC’s “Breaking Bad”. Drew then landed the role for which he is still most recognized today, Coach Wade Aikman on NBC’s Emmy® Award winning hit show “Friday Night Lights”.
Note From the Director
About a year and a half ago, I came across a true story that I was willing to give my 110% to and sacrifice anything (much like the protagonist) to achieve. That story is of Louis Slotin — a brilliant, and reckless scientist who sacrificed his own life to save his colleagues during a criticality incident in 1946 involving a plutonium core known as the Demon Core. After months of intense research and guidance from nuclear physicists/academic historians — The Demon Core was written and submitted as my USC thesis film.
In an unbelievable and welcomed chain of events, the script was then awarded the Sloan Foundation’s Grant — to receive this honor/grant, I had to propose and promise a film that accurately depicts science and furthers public knowledge about a scientific individual/topic. Following this the script was then read by the Los Alamos National Laboratory — who allowed me to go behind the military gates of the facility to walk the Slotin building and stand in the exact spot where Louis made his heroic sacrifice as well as give me access to many recently declassified documents/photos. Their hope in giving me access to these was that I would accurately depict the science being conducted at Los Alamos during that time — as well as to educate audiences on the dangers of nuclear experiments.
Protecting and informing of Slotin’s legacy will be the main objective of this film with a special emphasis on Dr. Slotin as more than just a scientist — a hero that gave the ultimate sacrifice to save his colleagues.
My whole life and career has been having to find the cheapest ways to bring my stories to life — and I am probably better off for it. But I have hit a brick wall with this one. I have this incredibly important story in my hands — a story of a Jewish-Canadian Scientist that gave everything to protect his friends/colleagues — and for the first time in my filmmaking journey I am stuck and feel helpless. There just isn’t an easy DIY when it comes to period accuracy and/or working with the cameras that the Sloan Grant and USC allow for. To finally be able to bring this film to life would mean more than I could possibly hope to put into words. And you’d certainly see your contribution in the final product — the gratitude and appreciation for whatever help was given would bleed off the screen in the multiple facets you’d help fund.
- J. Zachary Thurman
Shooting Location
Wendover Air Force Base
The Wendover Air Force Base is a former United State Air Force Base that is located in Utah whose facilities have been preserved. During World War II, it served as a training base for B-17 and B-24 bomber crews, as well as the 509th Composite Group. Once the United States joined World War ll, Wendover Field was the Army Air Force's largest bombing and gunnery range.
Our team is very lucky to have found a location that resembles the visual aesthetic of Los Alamos in the 1940s! Currently, the existing facilities that have been preserved include most of the original hangers (including the Enola Gay B-29 hanger), most of the hospital complex, and many barracks. The Wendover Field has also been used for various film and television shows including The Philadelphia Experiment (1984), Con Air (1997), Mulholland Falls (1996), Independence Day (1996), and The Core (2003).
The location is one of our larger expenses, as well as the travel necessary to get our team there, but it's a vital element to this project in order immerse the audience into Louis' story in 1940s Los Alamos.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
As part of our mission to bringing Louis Slotin's legacy to life - it's extremely important to remain historically accurate, which of course being a period piece is NOT cheap.
Some of our major expenses include:
Demon Core Prop
This prop is extremely important to the story and we have calculated the exact measurements of the real plutonium core to make a replica that's identical. To put the expense in perspective - the first quote that we received to build this prop was $35,000. We have found other options that are cheaper, of course, but it's props like this for the film that we need in order to bring Louis' story to life.
Special FX Make Up
A second equally important aspect of this story that needs to be historically accurate is portraying the third-dimension burns that Louis suffered from for the 9 days after the incident. This included Louis Slotin's hands sloshing off, burns on his stomach, and his hair falling out. The biggest challenge is the hands, which are custom-made silicone gloves and we need multiple to show the progression of Louis' suffering.
We are lucky to have an amazing special fx make up artist - Patrick Bradberry - that has done amazing work in the past and we know will be able to bring Louis' experience during his last days to the screen. However, being one of the best in the business, him and his team are not cheap! But given the sensitivity of this element of the film, it is something that needs to be done right.
Here are some pictures of Patrick and our actor for Louis - Connor Paolo - getting the molds made!
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Our team is so excited to get to the Wendover and start shooting this amazing story that deserves to be told!
What we promise to you is:
- We will make this film as historically and period accurate as possible
- We will bring Louis' story to life and honor his legacy
- You'll see every contribution made on-screen
Thank you so much for your time and consideration! We appreciate any donation large or small, any amount helps!
If you would like to check out more of the director J. Zachary Thurman's work, you can view it at this website: www.jzacharythurman.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $9,000
The Wendover Air Force Base is the perfect place for us to take the story back to 1940s Los Alamos and is vital to telling Louis' story.
Production Team & Travel
Costs $12,000
This is to pay our amazing crew that are traveling to Wendover, Utah to put their hard work into making this amazing film.
Costumes
Costs $6,000
For a period piece, historically accurate costumes are extremely important and costly.
Period Accurate Medical Props
Costs $4,700
The hospital scenes are the heart of the film and need to feel realistic to immerse you as an audience in those moments.
Period Accurate Laboratory Props
Costs $5,800
Period accurate laboratory props are important to make the incident come to life on screen.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CAST
CONNOR PAOLO - Louis Slotin
CONNOR PAOLO is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Eric van der Woodsen in The CW's teen drama Gossip Girl and Declan on ABC's television series Revenge. In 2006, Connor attended the Professional Performing Arts School and then began taking classes at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. Connor's motion picture debut was in Clint Eastwood's Academy Award winning Mystic River, in which he played the role of Young Dean, followed by his roles in Oliver Stone films Alexander and World Trade Center. For his role as Steven McLoughlin in World Trade Center, Connor was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor. Connor's upcoming releases include: Tayarisha Poe's The Young Wife, Vivan Kerr's Seance, Blair Underwood's Viral, and Francis Gallupi's award-winning debut feature The Last Stop in Yuma County. He can currently be seen in A Creature Was Stirring and Ambush with Aaron Eckhart. Other credits include Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams, as well as his return to the role of “Martin” in The Stakelander (a follow up to his performance in Jim Mickle’s Stakeland).
RYAN LUCY - Betty
Ryan Lucy is an actress, visual artist, and former professional ballerina based in Los Angeles. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she has been acting since she left her short ballet career to foster more of her artistic interests and has since gone on to star in a range of projects from high budget action/sci-fi to surreal indie period pieces. Ryan has been training with Billy O'Leary Studios since 2017, both privately and in on-going scene study and camera technique, in addition to participating in improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade.Her latest credits are roles in American Horror Stories and Benjamin Finkel's feature film Family. In 2021, she had the pleasure of working with Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper on a holiday short film set in the 1960s. She appeared as a naive Audrey Hepburn wannabe in Richard Corso's latest film The Switcheroo Room, and as a young ballerina in Aida Gevorgyan's Iris. Her commercial credits include major ad campaigns for Chevrolet, McDonalds, and Mountain Dew. Her credits also include a range of feature length independent films, including the protagonist's polyamorous ex-girlfriend in the sign language film What? (2021), the missing daughter in Matt Allen's Bigfoot horror film Hoax (2019), and Death in music industry indie comedy Stadium Anthems (2018). She has also been featured as a recurring talent in new media series for Crypt TV, Snapchat, and Awesomeness TV. Ryan is still an avid dancer and has appeared in music videos for Camila Cabello, The Buttertones, and Atticus, to name a few.In her free time, she enjoys writing, photography, making art films, going for walks, and embarking on mystery adventures.
DREW WATERS - Leslie Groves
DREW WATERS grew up in Orange, Texas. During his years there he excelled as a high school athlete. After graduation, Drew gave up an athletic scholarship to pursue a career with the US Navy. He rose quickly through the ranks and became responsible for nearly 100 F-14 fighter jets. As he neared the end of his military career, Drew was discovered by a modeling scout. When world-renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber discovered Drew’s unique talent, he encouraged the young model to try his hand at acting. Drew had always harbored a desire to act and, with Weber’s encouragement, enrolled in various classes and workshops to hone his skills.With over 80 credits to his name, Drew now has the successful acting career he always dreamed of. His very first television role was as a recurring character on NBC’s “Surface”, which then led to roles on such notable shows as “Chase”, “Victorious”, and AMC’s “Breaking Bad”. Drew then landed the role for which he is still most recognized today, Coach Wade Aikman on NBC’s Emmy® Award winning hit show “Friday Night Lights”. His success on “Friday Night Lights” led to roles on other critically acclaimed shows like “Wire in the Blood” (opposite UK actor Robson Greene), “Breakout Kings”, “Magic City”, “Major Crimes”, and HBO’s “True Detective” opposite Colin Farrell. Most recently, Drew has guest-starred on hit shows including “The Resident” and “NCIS: LA” and is currently in production on the new David E. Kelly series “Love and Death” for HBO with Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemmons. Drew has also appeared in numerous feature films such as Mad Money with Diane Keaton, Wonderful World with Matthew Broderick, The Hit List with Cuba Gooding, Jr., Cowgirls and Angels with Academy Award Winner James Cromwell, Home Run, The Warrant and Parkland with Paul Giamatti and Marcia Gay Harden. Drew has also commanded the starring role in several films including The Redemption of Henry Meyers, The Ultimate Life co-starring Peter Fonda, and most recently Desperate Riders co-starring Trace Atkins and Tom Berenger.
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J. ZACHARY THURMAN - Writer & Director
J. ZACHARY THURMAN is best known for the horror-comedy Finley (2019) and the feature film Furry Nights (2016; Distributed by Terror Films). Thurman was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he later attended Georgia State University’s production program. With 60+ awards including Best Horror Short at the Crimson Screen Horror Festival, he graduated with a degree in Film and Television. Thurman then went on to found and head Unplugged Films LLC, an Atlanta-based production company, in an attempt to help new filmmakers create low budget indie films. Recent clients include: How Stuff Works, Delta, The Home Depot, 22squared, Atlanta Hawks, and Turner Broadcasting. He graduated from the Graduate Film Program at the University of Southern California in 2023 -- where he has created award-winning shorts like Dream Jar and Run, which won him the Best Director award from Hollywood Horror Fest. Recently, he has served as Director of Photography for the upcoming feature What The Dog Saw (2024) and has received the prestigious Sloan Foundation Grant for his screenplay entitled The Demon Core which he will helm as director in 2024.
SABATINO CIATTI - Producer
SABATINO CIATTI JR., a recent graduate of the esteemed University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts, centers his filmmaking philosophy on connecting disparate people through authentic stories that inform and inspire. After earning a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Film and Media Studies, Sabatino matriculated to his dream school, the University of Southern California, to pursue an MFA in Film and Television Production. While there, he strengthened his skills in Cinematography, Directing, and Producing through working on numerous award-winning films across all genres. In 2021, Sabatino served as the Cinematographer on Morse Code, a short narrative drama about grief in the wake of suicide. The film earned a DGA award and high praises for its visual style. Sabatino added to his growing list of directorial credits with the co-direction of the period feature film, Jack and Lou. The film tells the gripping true story of machine-gun Jack McGurn, and boasts a talented cast including Sebastiano Pigazzi and Linda Hamilton. Sabatino's dedication to authenticity shines through in his upcoming film, WRESTLE-OFF, which tells the story of a female wrestler dealing with isolation from her team and the grief of losing her father. Currently in post-production, WRESTLE-OFF promises to be a raw and emotional journey that will resonate with wrestling fans and film fans alike.'
JOSHUA POWELL - Producer
JOSHUA POWELL is an international British filmmaker. Before joining the School of Cinematic Arts, Joshua gained practical knowledge of the industry by taking on roles on commercial and independent projects in both London and Sydney. His tenure at SCA saw him write and produce multiple award-winning short films. Among his accolades, Joshua co-wrote the feature screenplay, "Jack and Lou: A Gangster Love Story," currently in post-production, and he further expanded the narrative's reach by directing its podcast adaptation, starring Lisa Kudrow, and available on Spotify. Currently, Joshua is focusing on the promotion of two Sloan-grant-winning shorts; “Balam,” an animated fantasy short that delves into the world of Mayan culture, and “Neither Donkey Nor Horse”, a period drama which explores the true story of the inventor of the N-95 mask, Dr Wu Lien-Teh. Joshua's filmmaking ethos is centered on reviving historical narratives, making the past resonate with contemporary audiences. He is deeply committed to unveiling these hidden gems from history, and transforming them into engaging and enlightening cinematic experiences.
HALLE COTTLE - Editor
HALLE COTTLE is a University of Southern California MFA graduate who studied in the Film and Television Production program. She received her bachelor's degree at Pennsylvania State University in film and moved to New York City to begin her professional career in the industry. While working in the New York film scene, Halle worked on a variety of feature films, including Uncut Gems,The Woman in the Window, and The Photograph. Her focus is in post production as an editor, but has professional experience as an online editor and post-production supervisor. Some post production companies in Los Angeles that she has worked for are Company 3, Deluxe VR, EFilm, and Cakewalk Post. Since graduating she has worked as an editor, DIT, and VFX artist for feature films such as Maya, Place of Bones, No Address, and The Gringo that Stole Christmas. She has just recently edited an independent feature titled What the Dog Saw.