THE SECOND BIRD
Kittery, Maine | Film Feature
Experimental, Comedy
You've never seen something like this— THE SECOND BIRD is an ambitious experimental film told over an entire year. We're intersecting the ebb and flow of New England's seasons, alongside Jacob's wavering mental state. This story is hilarious, poignant, and absurd. Made by passionate, local artists.
THE SECOND BIRD
Kittery, Maine | Film Feature
Experimental, Comedy

1 Campaigns | Maine, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $3,525 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
24 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
You've never seen something like this— THE SECOND BIRD is an ambitious experimental film told over an entire year. We're intersecting the ebb and flow of New England's seasons, alongside Jacob's wavering mental state. This story is hilarious, poignant, and absurd. Made by passionate, local artists.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Private Donations are still open!
Scan our codes below, rewards pricing is the same as listed on this page. In your donation, please add an email address so we can contact you!
If you've already donated or participated in a raffle, you can pay the difference to unlock a reward! Reach out for any questions [email protected]
Vnmo: @jacobjc & PP: @jacobjc
~ ABOUT THE FILM ~
After a painful death in the family, Jacob has become a cynic who is now attempting to navigate his life forward. He’s lost his sense of humor, and his relationships are crumbling. And through the grieving process, a crucial decision is made: he's going to become a stand-up comedian, and learn to laugh again. But perhaps not in the way he expects.
A NOTE FROM WRITER / DIRECTOR JACOB J. CHRISTIANSEN:
"I originally wrote this story out of grief over the loss of my grandmother. I did it all outside in my journal, perhaps as a coping mechanism. But then something incredible happened- The Second Bird began to transform, as did I. Suddenly I was writing me into these funny situations, elevated versions of things that happened in real life. T2B Jacob became this alter ego of sorts. My grandmother, she was this witty, absurdly funny storyteller, and I want this film to encapsulate that, celebrate it. Sure, plenty of her tall tales weren't true... but a surprising amount were."
~~WHY DO I CARE?? ~~
(Impact)
This story is obviously very personal. But we believe it's widely relatable as well, and important. We're making a statement; everyone deals with mental health in their own ways, and Jacob is choosing comedic relief as his.
Also you're going to laugh your a** off. That's gotta count for something.
~ VISUAL INSPIRATION ~
The Second Bird is utterly New England. The coasts, the clouds, the Whites, the mud. All of it! We're taking visual inspiration from nature documentaries & landscape photography, Bennett Christiansen's work in particular. Ben is actually working on our camera team. Jacob Christiansen (bossy older brother) is a professional editor and VFX artist, who claims he can make "cool s**t".
~ WHEN WILL IT BE DONE? ~
"Tell them when it's ready, dammit!"
Jacob says due to the seasonal nature of the film, it will naturally take some time to capture everything. Our current estimate is Early 2026, maybe a bit longer. Some scenes have already been captured, but there's still about 75% of the film to go. Thankfully, our longer production timeline allows us to also work on editing simultaneously, which has already begun.
Click to learn more about Seapoint Studios! And the amazing indie film projects we sponsor across New England.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental Equipment
Costs $500
We need to rent gear to shoot with! Lighting, sound, and camera equipment.
About This Team
These are the artists your money will support.
We have a really awesome New England based cast and crew working on The Second Bird, and we're still expanding! Not everyone involved is pictured, and we are still casting for some supporting roles throughout the film. We look forward to updating our list soon! Below is a list of credits for those involved.
Pre-Production
--------------------
Written & Directed by Jacob J. Christiansen
Co-Produced by
Story Editors:
Harrison Dinius
John S. Bono
Script Consultants:
Crew
--------------------
1AD/2AC - John S. Bono
Script Supervisor - Joshua Phillips
DP - Jonathon Millman
Cam Op - Bennett Christiansen
1AC - Gyani Wasp
PA - Marielle Christiansen
Sound - Mez
Cast
--------------------
Jacob J. Christiansen (himself)
John S. Bono (himself)
Mark Chernyshov (himself)
Tabitha Whitney (herself)
Joe Bell (himself/waiter)
Jaci Kjernander (herself/mentor)
[TBD] Paul Kandarian (secret role)
Post-Production
--------------------
Edited by Jacob J. Christiansen
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Private Donations are still open!
Scan our codes below, rewards pricing is the same as listed on this page. In your donation, please add an email address so we can contact you!
If you've already donated or participated in a raffle, you can pay the difference to unlock a reward! Reach out for any questions [email protected]
Vnmo: @jacobjc & PP: @jacobjc
~ ABOUT THE FILM ~
After a painful death in the family, Jacob has become a cynic who is now attempting to navigate his life forward. He’s lost his sense of humor, and his relationships are crumbling. And through the grieving process, a crucial decision is made: he's going to become a stand-up comedian, and learn to laugh again. But perhaps not in the way he expects.
A NOTE FROM WRITER / DIRECTOR JACOB J. CHRISTIANSEN:
"I originally wrote this story out of grief over the loss of my grandmother. I did it all outside in my journal, perhaps as a coping mechanism. But then something incredible happened- The Second Bird began to transform, as did I. Suddenly I was writing me into these funny situations, elevated versions of things that happened in real life. T2B Jacob became this alter ego of sorts. My grandmother, she was this witty, absurdly funny storyteller, and I want this film to encapsulate that, celebrate it. Sure, plenty of her tall tales weren't true... but a surprising amount were."
~~WHY DO I CARE?? ~~
(Impact)
This story is obviously very personal. But we believe it's widely relatable as well, and important. We're making a statement; everyone deals with mental health in their own ways, and Jacob is choosing comedic relief as his.
Also you're going to laugh your a** off. That's gotta count for something.
~ VISUAL INSPIRATION ~
The Second Bird is utterly New England. The coasts, the clouds, the Whites, the mud. All of it! We're taking visual inspiration from nature documentaries & landscape photography, Bennett Christiansen's work in particular. Ben is actually working on our camera team. Jacob Christiansen (bossy older brother) is a professional editor and VFX artist, who claims he can make "cool s**t".
~ WHEN WILL IT BE DONE? ~
"Tell them when it's ready, dammit!"
Jacob says due to the seasonal nature of the film, it will naturally take some time to capture everything. Our current estimate is Early 2026, maybe a bit longer. Some scenes have already been captured, but there's still about 75% of the film to go. Thankfully, our longer production timeline allows us to also work on editing simultaneously, which has already begun.
Click to learn more about Seapoint Studios! And the amazing indie film projects we sponsor across New England.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Rental Equipment
Costs $500
We need to rent gear to shoot with! Lighting, sound, and camera equipment.
About This Team
These are the artists your money will support.
We have a really awesome New England based cast and crew working on The Second Bird, and we're still expanding! Not everyone involved is pictured, and we are still casting for some supporting roles throughout the film. We look forward to updating our list soon! Below is a list of credits for those involved.
Pre-Production
--------------------
Written & Directed by Jacob J. Christiansen
Co-Produced by
Story Editors:
Harrison Dinius
John S. Bono
Script Consultants:
Crew
--------------------
1AD/2AC - John S. Bono
Script Supervisor - Joshua Phillips
DP - Jonathon Millman
Cam Op - Bennett Christiansen
1AC - Gyani Wasp
PA - Marielle Christiansen
Sound - Mez
Cast
--------------------
Jacob J. Christiansen (himself)
John S. Bono (himself)
Mark Chernyshov (himself)
Tabitha Whitney (herself)
Joe Bell (himself/waiter)
Jaci Kjernander (herself/mentor)
[TBD] Paul Kandarian (secret role)
Post-Production
--------------------
Edited by Jacob J. Christiansen