Spring Break, your final year of college. You're back in that small town, catching up on gossip, eating too much comfort food, visiting old friends, feigning optimism about the post-grad world. And then the murders start. But there's something different at the root of these crimes...
Spring Break, your final year of college. You're back in that small town, catching up on gossip, eating too much comfort food, visiting old friends, feigning optimism about the post-grad world. And then the murders start. But there's something different at the root of these crimes...
Participating In

Communal Nightmares
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Story
Mission Statement
The majority of leads in this project will be filled by a diverse cast. They are not pigeon-holed, stereotypical leads for people of color - they are interesting characters who happen to be diverse. Behind camera: women, POC and LGBTQ+ keys and crew. Because it matters who tells the story.About The Project
We need at least 1000 FOLLOWERS (free) and $7,500 in PLEDGES to be finalists in the COMMUNAL NIGHTMARES rally.
This would be huge!
Demetria Harvey as GABBY
The nursing student forced to take charge of the situation. Fear: letting people down.
Jon Shockness as NEIL
The college athlete turned flower-child. Fear: not belonging anywhere.
Shira Roth as YUMA
Neil's Muslim girlfriend meeting the family for the first time during Easter. Fear: being the other.
Anthony Jones as KEVIN
The small town deputy who just wants to start a family. Fear: being alone.
Anthony Crawford as Jazon
Gabby's cousin who hasn't left home and can't seem to do right. Fear: to try and to fail.
Daniel Rachlitz as TYLER
The "entrepreneur" who is here to gentrify the neighborhood. Fear: dying. Go figure.
Haydn Winston as WILSON
The enigmatic killer with a very curious past... Fear personified.
We are currently in Development. Your contributions go towards:
Script re-writes, location scouting, assembling crew, etc.
All contributions after $2K go towards Pre-Production!
All contributions beyond our goal roll over to Production!
This includes:
- Recruiting notable talent to round out the cast.
- The best camera and lenses to tell the story.
- Travel and Lodging for cast and crew.
- Catering (a hungry crew is an ineffective crew).
We've come up alongside talented creatives who span race, gender, and nationality - so when it is time to crew up, we make sure to look within that same community. The New Freedom has a team of black, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and others both in front of AND behind the camera. Because, honestly, it really does matter who is telling stories about issues and experiences.
We're all about bringing in a collection of talented creatives and letting them shine. We've committed to bringing our cast and keys to a small, rural community in Ohio and employing local artists and craftspeople to build out the rest of our production family. We'll provide opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to artistic endeavors.
Incentives
$5
Thanks!
We appreciate you :)
$10
Horror Image
Ever wanted to flee from a masked villian IRL? Us neither. But in a sharable photo...
$20
Customized Movie Poster
What's your favorite scary movie? We'll put you in it!
$30
President Mask (Signed)!
We're exploring presidential legacies, and happen to have some cool masks. Let us send you one, signed by the cast and creative team!
Claimed: 3 of 30
$35
Tarot Reading
Find out what kind of craziness is in store for you with a personal tarot reading.
Readings in Denver or over Skype. One reading.
(Responsible for own travel.
Claimed: 1 of 25
$40
Numbered Exclusive Stills
Get a signed, numbered exclusive still from the film! Limited and Exciting.
Claimed: 2 of 20
$50
Lapel Pin!
Get a custom, quality-made The New Freedom Lapel Pin!
Also includes: Signed Still.
$50
Horror Party
We're throwing an all out horror themed summer rager in Denver.
Join us for drinks, dancing, and the macabre. Venue TBA. Band TBA.
Plus Lapel Pin, Digital Deliverables.
(Responsible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 15
$50
Headshot Flash Sale!
Brilliant Denver-based photographer will capture your essence.
Studio headshots (Normally $300) will be available for $50.
Up to five prints.
(Responsible for own travel).
$60
TNF Shirt
Would it be a campaign without a sweet t-shirt?
Get our custom, quality shirt.
Includes: Lapel Pin.
$75
Storyboard Wall Art
An iconic Denver-based artist who also happens to be our DP has been drafted to make art from our storyboards.
These will be very cool additions to your art collection or for gifts.
Also: Lapel Pin!
Claimed: 5 of 20
$75
Stick N Poke
Denver-based tattoo artist will schedule you in for some new ink.
A very exclusive, incredibly cool perk.
Grab these while they last.
(Responible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 10
$100
2 NIGHTS IN BRECKENRIDGE, CO.!
Exclusive End of Campaign Incentive:
Two Night Stay at Resort in Breckenridge.
One Bedroom Suite at Base on Peak 8.Includes sitting room and kitchenette!
A direct line from town to the resort.(Over $500 value!)
Final $100 contribution wins this incentive.
Responsible for own travel.
Dates to be arranged with suite owner, subject to blackout periods.$100
Original Beats!
Neil aka Jon aka Kid Astronaut will fashion original music for you.
Get a music track for those lyrics you've been writing on the train.
Or dedicate a song to someone special.
The possibilities are endless.
Claimed: 1 of 6
$100
Ghost Writer
Not as spooky as it sounds.
Olivia J. Carmel and/or Sterling J. Cook will take that short idea you've been chewing on and write it into a shootable screenplay.
Plus Digital Deliverables.
(Up to 2 drafts).
Claimed: 0 of 5
$142
Chief and Screen
You (+1) hang out with cast and crew, experience the Mile High (literally - this is Colorado), and be the first to see the film. There will be laughs, slurpees, crunchy snacks, etc. After a long shoot, we'll be looking forward to this one!
(Responsible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 5
$150
Script Consultation
Credited screenwriters Olivia J. Carmel and/or Sterling J. Cook will give you a one-hour consultation on your script.
Give those ideas a polish and get them shoot ready!
Claimed: 1 of 5
$200
Wrap Party Invite!
Come out and join the cast and crew at the wrap party!
Balloons, drinks, horror stories.
Watching the DP and the AD become friends again.
Always a good time!
(Responsible for own travel)
Claimed: 2 of 10
$250
PA for a Day
Ever been on a set? It's the best feeling in the world. Trust us. If it weren't, we'd all be dentists or programmers and be retired by now. Come catch the film bug as our official PA! Work on the film, get an IMDB credit, have a cool experience to tell your friends about.
(Responsible for own travel).
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$300
Be in the Film!
This is going to be a fun shoot, and you can be a part of it.
Come be a featured extra in the film!
(Responsible for own travel)
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$750
Be Murdered in the Film!
This is your time to shine, er... sort of.
Get an on-screen, featured death in this film!
(Responsible for own travel)
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,000
Associate Producer
Do you have a convertible,
yet feel something is missing?
Get into the Movie Biz.
IMDB credit as Associate Producer.
Name in Credits.
(Plus all Digital Deliverables)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$4,000
Executive Producer
Have a convertible
AND a pool with a view,
yet still feel something is missing?
Get into the Movie Biz.
Credited on IMDB as Executive Producer.
Approved Graphic Card before Fim.
(Plus all Digital Deliverables)
Claimed: 0 of 2
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Thanks!
We appreciate you :)
$10
Horror Image
Ever wanted to flee from a masked villian IRL? Us neither. But in a sharable photo...
$20
Customized Movie Poster
What's your favorite scary movie? We'll put you in it!
$30
President Mask (Signed)!
We're exploring presidential legacies, and happen to have some cool masks. Let us send you one, signed by the cast and creative team!
Claimed: 3 of 30
$35
Tarot Reading
Find out what kind of craziness is in store for you with a personal tarot reading.
Readings in Denver or over Skype. One reading.
(Responsible for own travel.
Claimed: 1 of 25
$40
Numbered Exclusive Stills
Get a signed, numbered exclusive still from the film! Limited and Exciting.
Claimed: 2 of 20
$50
Lapel Pin!
Get a custom, quality-made The New Freedom Lapel Pin!
Also includes: Signed Still.
$50
Horror Party
We're throwing an all out horror themed summer rager in Denver.
Join us for drinks, dancing, and the macabre. Venue TBA. Band TBA.
Plus Lapel Pin, Digital Deliverables.
(Responsible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 15
$50
Headshot Flash Sale!
Brilliant Denver-based photographer will capture your essence.
Studio headshots (Normally $300) will be available for $50.
Up to five prints.
(Responsible for own travel).
$60
TNF Shirt
Would it be a campaign without a sweet t-shirt?
Get our custom, quality shirt.
Includes: Lapel Pin.
$75
Storyboard Wall Art
An iconic Denver-based artist who also happens to be our DP has been drafted to make art from our storyboards.
These will be very cool additions to your art collection or for gifts.
Also: Lapel Pin!
Claimed: 5 of 20
$75
Stick N Poke
Denver-based tattoo artist will schedule you in for some new ink.
A very exclusive, incredibly cool perk.
Grab these while they last.
(Responible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 10
$100
2 NIGHTS IN BRECKENRIDGE, CO.!
Exclusive End of Campaign Incentive:
Two Night Stay at Resort in Breckenridge.
One Bedroom Suite at Base on Peak 8.Includes sitting room and kitchenette!
A direct line from town to the resort.(Over $500 value!)
Final $100 contribution wins this incentive.
Responsible for own travel.
Dates to be arranged with suite owner, subject to blackout periods.$100
Original Beats!
Neil aka Jon aka Kid Astronaut will fashion original music for you.
Get a music track for those lyrics you've been writing on the train.
Or dedicate a song to someone special.
The possibilities are endless.
Claimed: 1 of 6
$100
Ghost Writer
Not as spooky as it sounds.
Olivia J. Carmel and/or Sterling J. Cook will take that short idea you've been chewing on and write it into a shootable screenplay.
Plus Digital Deliverables.
(Up to 2 drafts).
Claimed: 0 of 5
$142
Chief and Screen
You (+1) hang out with cast and crew, experience the Mile High (literally - this is Colorado), and be the first to see the film. There will be laughs, slurpees, crunchy snacks, etc. After a long shoot, we'll be looking forward to this one!
(Responsible for own travel).
Claimed: 0 of 5
$150
Script Consultation
Credited screenwriters Olivia J. Carmel and/or Sterling J. Cook will give you a one-hour consultation on your script.
Give those ideas a polish and get them shoot ready!
Claimed: 1 of 5
$200
Wrap Party Invite!
Come out and join the cast and crew at the wrap party!
Balloons, drinks, horror stories.
Watching the DP and the AD become friends again.
Always a good time!
(Responsible for own travel)
Claimed: 2 of 10
$250
PA for a Day
Ever been on a set? It's the best feeling in the world. Trust us. If it weren't, we'd all be dentists or programmers and be retired by now. Come catch the film bug as our official PA! Work on the film, get an IMDB credit, have a cool experience to tell your friends about.
(Responsible for own travel).
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$300
Be in the Film!
This is going to be a fun shoot, and you can be a part of it.
Come be a featured extra in the film!
(Responsible for own travel)
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$750
Be Murdered in the Film!
This is your time to shine, er... sort of.
Get an on-screen, featured death in this film!
(Responsible for own travel)
Plus: Wrap Party Invite, Shirt and Lapel Pin.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$2,000
Associate Producer
Do you have a convertible,
yet feel something is missing?
Get into the Movie Biz.
IMDB credit as Associate Producer.
Name in Credits.
(Plus all Digital Deliverables)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$4,000
Executive Producer
Have a convertible
AND a pool with a view,
yet still feel something is missing?
Get into the Movie Biz.
Credited on IMDB as Executive Producer.
Approved Graphic Card before Fim.
(Plus all Digital Deliverables)
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
OLIVIA CARMEL - Producer/Director
Olivia Carmel is a Denver-based filmmaker. She works regularly for clients like Foundation for a Better Life and Postmodern Company to produce PSA content for broadcast, as well as various agency commercial and non-scripted work. She is a longtime director of narrative works, including her debut short film, The Stones We Throw, and an ongoing visual poetry series (premiering in late 2018). She is passionate about storytelling in all forms but especially appreciates independent, low-budget filmmaking. She is co-founder of the Denver Filmmakers Collective as well as the Festival Director for the Copper Mountain Film Festival. As a female filmmaker, she strives to work with other women and proudly comes with an Inclusion Rider.
DEMI BARELA-DEHERRERA - Cinematographer
Demi Barela-Deherrera is a Denver-based director, cinematographer, and photographer. Her works range from fashion, to music videos, to narrative. Currently the in-house director and video producer for oVertone; some of her other clients include Yelp, Arae, Buffalo Exchange, and Steve Madden. Her editorial photos have appeared in Denver Style Mag, Crave and Rank among others. She is an obsessive collector of new techniques and loves to experiment. Her work is fanatical in its use of bright color and neon. She is a Denver native who is tirelessly working to keep the local bar raised high.
STERLING COOK - Writer/Producer
Sterling Cook is a Denver-based filmmaker. Primarily a producer, Sterling has written and directed a number of short films, including MOLLY SAYS YES, based on Joyce's "Ulysses" and selected as an installment in Lars Von Trier's GESAMPT. Other works include Sheryl Glubook's LILY 'N' ROSE, the WINESBURG SERIES for James Franco TV, and Lee Amir-Cohen's THE OTHER PLACE. After studying cinema in San Francisco, and working on creative and corporate media in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Sterling returned to Colorado, where his passion for filmmaking was ignited by his grandfather, playwright Robert L. Cook, who screened classic films for him during visits. His goal is to assist in strengthening the narrative film community in Denver.
JON SHOCKNESS - Associate Producer
Jon Shockness is a former member and co-founder of noteworthy Denver-based hip-hop act, Air Dubai and currently creates music as Kid Astronaut. He recently released new music, New Moon, and continues to write and perform music professionally. Jon began as a model and has since appeared onscreen in several projects from commercial to narrative. This will be his first leading role in a feature film that serves as an important intersection of his artistry and activism.
ZACH GUTIERREZ - Associate Producer
Zach Gutierrez can typically be found behind a camera but on occasion steps into a producing role. He is a horror movie buff and in fact, his first works were micro-budget horror films that he directed and filmed on his own. He will bring his appreciation of the horror genre along with his experience crafting his own works to this project. He currently divides his time between Weekend Films and Movie Company, and is a co-founding member of the Denver Filmmakers Collective along with director, Olivia Carmel.
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