THESE EYES
New York City, New York | Film Short
Horror, Drama
It takes a lot of people to make a film and with this funding we’ll make sure that our cast and crew are all fed and taken care of as well as ensuring the visual effects are at the highest quality they can be.
THESE EYES
New York City, New York | Film Short
Horror, Drama
4 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $1,900 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
25 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
It takes a lot of people to make a film and with this funding we’ll make sure that our cast and crew are all fed and taken care of as well as ensuring the visual effects are at the highest quality they can be.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
These Eyes is a deeply personal and powerful story that explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the devastating consequences of being ignored when asking for help. What would you do if you needed help and no one believed you?
Max, a recently traumatized EMT, attends a birthday party with her boyfriend, hoping for a break from the weight of her experiences. However, things quickly take a disturbing turn when Max becomes the only person able to see a disembodied nervous system lurking in the shadows, threatening to burn everyone alive. As the creature’s power grows stronger, Max’s warnings go unheeded, and she is forced to confront it on her own in a desperate attempt to save everyone before the nightmare becomes a fiery reality.
This story is more than just a chilling horror tale—it is a cautionary reminder of the real-life dangers faced by marginalized individuals when their struggles are dismissed. Too often, people who are dealing with mental health issues, trauma, or are otherwise marginalized, are ignored when they ask for help. Max’s battle isn’t just against the horrific creature in the shadows, but against the lack of understanding and support from those around her. Her warnings are brushed off, and as a result, lives are put at risk.
This is a story that highlights the deadly consequences of ignoring someone in need.
We are passionate about telling this story because it speaks to an urgent, often overlooked issue in our society: the failure to acknowledge and respond to the struggles of those who are suffering. It’s a story about being unheard, being unseen, and the catastrophic effects that can follow. Max’s journey of confronting her trauma is not only a fight for survival, but a fight to be seen and understood. As filmmakers, we are committed to shedding light on these important issues through a lens of horror and suspense, blending the intensity of the supernatural with the very real emotional and psychological struggles many people face in their daily lives.
As someone who has struggled with the isolation of not being sure of who to turn to for help I believe my experience will help enrich this story with grounded emotions. It’s scary to not know who to ask for help, so what better way to make a scary situation easier to swallow than with a horror film? We live in a time where more and more minorities and those in need are being ignored which means making this film and sharing this message is important now more than ever.
This campaign will help to feed and take care of our cast and crew throughout the production. The film will then be released online through the director’s social media and YouTube @mannymannymartinez once it is completed and submitted to film festivals.
By sharing These Eyes, we hope to start a conversation about mental health, trauma, and the importance of listening to and supporting those who are often marginalized or overlooked. It’s a story that we believe is not only important, but necessary. And with your support, we can bring this vital narrative to life, shining a light on these themes in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
TALENT
Costs $500
Your support helps us pay talented actors, ensuring standout performances that bring our story to life with depth and authenticity!
CREW
Costs $500
Your donation helps feed our crew and shows them appreciation, ensuring they stay energized and motivated to create their best work on set!
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Costs $300
Your support funds production design, crafting stunning sets and props that immerse viewers in our story and elevate the film's visual exper
LOCATION
Costs $300
Your support helps us secure amazing an location that bring our story to life, adding depth, authenticity, and atmosphere to every scene!
SPECIAL EFFECTS / MONSTER
Costs $400
Your support funds special effects to bring our monster to life, creating jaw-dropping visuals that make our story thrilling & unforgettabe.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We’re thrilled to introduce the talented team behind These Eyes!
Each member brings a unique skill set and passion for storytelling, from award-winning filmmaking to expert casting and cinematography. With years of experience and a deep commitment to creating something special, this team is dedicated to bringing you on this terrifying adventure. Meet the visionaries who are working tirelessly to turn this exciting project into a reality!
Manny Martinez – Director & Writer
Manny is an award-winning filmmaker featured in the New York City Independent Film Festival, Gothamite Film Awards, and Museum of the Moving Image. A director, writer, actor, editor, and sound designer, Manny has been telling stories for as long as he can remember. Currently studying film at the School of Visual Arts, he crafts narratives with brevity, humor, and heart.
Maura Garnett – Producer & Casting Director
Maura is a recent SVA graduate and a proud member of New York Women in Film & Television and Teamsters Local 817. She’s worked as a Casting Assistant on AMC’s The Terror alongside Emmy-nominated Casting Director Mark Saks, and is now working on a top-secret project with Emmy-winning Casting Director Ross Meyerson. Maura has produced numerous films and has collaborated closely with Manny on all of his previous projects.
Matt Haller – Assistant Director
Matt is an energetic filmmaker from New Haven, CT, now based in NYC. With a background in directing, producing, and writing, he ensures the smooth operation of the set. His short films include Trading Post (2022), Goodbye, Darren (2023), and You Will Find Love (2024). As a published essayist and art curator, Matt has worked with the Roxy Cinema, NYU’s Colloquium of Unpopular Culture, and the Millennium Film Workshop in Brooklyn.
Nadia Santo – Director of Photography
Nadia brings an electrifying energy to the project, specializing in cinematography, gaffing, and camera operation. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, she captures the dramatic essence of These Eyes, ensuring every moment resonates with our audience.
We’re incredibly excited to have you join us on this journey! With your support, we can bring These Eyes to life and share this unforgettable adventure with the world. Every contribution, big or small, helps us craft our film — we couldn’t do this without you!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
These Eyes is a deeply personal and powerful story that explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the devastating consequences of being ignored when asking for help. What would you do if you needed help and no one believed you?
Max, a recently traumatized EMT, attends a birthday party with her boyfriend, hoping for a break from the weight of her experiences. However, things quickly take a disturbing turn when Max becomes the only person able to see a disembodied nervous system lurking in the shadows, threatening to burn everyone alive. As the creature’s power grows stronger, Max’s warnings go unheeded, and she is forced to confront it on her own in a desperate attempt to save everyone before the nightmare becomes a fiery reality.
This story is more than just a chilling horror tale—it is a cautionary reminder of the real-life dangers faced by marginalized individuals when their struggles are dismissed. Too often, people who are dealing with mental health issues, trauma, or are otherwise marginalized, are ignored when they ask for help. Max’s battle isn’t just against the horrific creature in the shadows, but against the lack of understanding and support from those around her. Her warnings are brushed off, and as a result, lives are put at risk.
This is a story that highlights the deadly consequences of ignoring someone in need.
We are passionate about telling this story because it speaks to an urgent, often overlooked issue in our society: the failure to acknowledge and respond to the struggles of those who are suffering. It’s a story about being unheard, being unseen, and the catastrophic effects that can follow. Max’s journey of confronting her trauma is not only a fight for survival, but a fight to be seen and understood. As filmmakers, we are committed to shedding light on these important issues through a lens of horror and suspense, blending the intensity of the supernatural with the very real emotional and psychological struggles many people face in their daily lives.
As someone who has struggled with the isolation of not being sure of who to turn to for help I believe my experience will help enrich this story with grounded emotions. It’s scary to not know who to ask for help, so what better way to make a scary situation easier to swallow than with a horror film? We live in a time where more and more minorities and those in need are being ignored which means making this film and sharing this message is important now more than ever.
This campaign will help to feed and take care of our cast and crew throughout the production. The film will then be released online through the director’s social media and YouTube @mannymannymartinez once it is completed and submitted to film festivals.
By sharing These Eyes, we hope to start a conversation about mental health, trauma, and the importance of listening to and supporting those who are often marginalized or overlooked. It’s a story that we believe is not only important, but necessary. And with your support, we can bring this vital narrative to life, shining a light on these themes in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
TALENT
Costs $500
Your support helps us pay talented actors, ensuring standout performances that bring our story to life with depth and authenticity!
CREW
Costs $500
Your donation helps feed our crew and shows them appreciation, ensuring they stay energized and motivated to create their best work on set!
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Costs $300
Your support funds production design, crafting stunning sets and props that immerse viewers in our story and elevate the film's visual exper
LOCATION
Costs $300
Your support helps us secure amazing an location that bring our story to life, adding depth, authenticity, and atmosphere to every scene!
SPECIAL EFFECTS / MONSTER
Costs $400
Your support funds special effects to bring our monster to life, creating jaw-dropping visuals that make our story thrilling & unforgettabe.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
We’re thrilled to introduce the talented team behind These Eyes!
Each member brings a unique skill set and passion for storytelling, from award-winning filmmaking to expert casting and cinematography. With years of experience and a deep commitment to creating something special, this team is dedicated to bringing you on this terrifying adventure. Meet the visionaries who are working tirelessly to turn this exciting project into a reality!
Manny Martinez – Director & Writer
Manny is an award-winning filmmaker featured in the New York City Independent Film Festival, Gothamite Film Awards, and Museum of the Moving Image. A director, writer, actor, editor, and sound designer, Manny has been telling stories for as long as he can remember. Currently studying film at the School of Visual Arts, he crafts narratives with brevity, humor, and heart.
Maura Garnett – Producer & Casting Director
Maura is a recent SVA graduate and a proud member of New York Women in Film & Television and Teamsters Local 817. She’s worked as a Casting Assistant on AMC’s The Terror alongside Emmy-nominated Casting Director Mark Saks, and is now working on a top-secret project with Emmy-winning Casting Director Ross Meyerson. Maura has produced numerous films and has collaborated closely with Manny on all of his previous projects.
Matt Haller – Assistant Director
Matt is an energetic filmmaker from New Haven, CT, now based in NYC. With a background in directing, producing, and writing, he ensures the smooth operation of the set. His short films include Trading Post (2022), Goodbye, Darren (2023), and You Will Find Love (2024). As a published essayist and art curator, Matt has worked with the Roxy Cinema, NYU’s Colloquium of Unpopular Culture, and the Millennium Film Workshop in Brooklyn.
Nadia Santo – Director of Photography
Nadia brings an electrifying energy to the project, specializing in cinematography, gaffing, and camera operation. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, she captures the dramatic essence of These Eyes, ensuring every moment resonates with our audience.
We’re incredibly excited to have you join us on this journey! With your support, we can bring These Eyes to life and share this unforgettable adventure with the world. Every contribution, big or small, helps us craft our film — we couldn’t do this without you!