Trotline

New York City, New York | Film Short

Comedy, Drama

Gabriela Castrillon

1 Campaigns | New York, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $3,060 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

29 supporters | followers

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Best friends botch a break-in, only to realize their target—and their motives—aren't what they expected.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

This film is based on the small county I grew up in and is grounded in the absurd stories I heard throughout my childhood. These experiences mixed with the tone of my favourite film, "Superbad", I want this film to be a cultivation of what I love and all it’s chaos. I only hope you all love it too.

The Story


After losing their jobs at Sonic, Nilly and Sarah, childhood friends from  a small town in Maryland, have always been partners in crime—literally. But as they edge into adulthood, their latest scheme is their most ambitious yet: breaking into a wealthy summer home for some quick cash. They target a secluded house, thinking it’s an easy score. Little do they know, the house is actually an AirBnB, and there’s nothing of value for them to steal—except some silverware.


As they fumble through their failed heist, Sarah, always the first to dive into ridiculous situations, doesn’t understand why Nilly seems more desperate than usual. It’s only when the house alarm blares and tensions rise between the girls, that Nilly finally confesses the truth—she’s pregnant, and she needs the money for something far more important than Sarah’s superficial wants.


Out of breath and out of options, they find themselves trudging down a long, deserted road, with the distant sound of police sirens growing louder.  Their future is uncertain, but at least they have each other.




i) Tone



I want to contrast the serious situation and topic, with the unconventional nature of these characters. The comedic elements in their dynamic should balance the chaotic elements of their journey. I've taken inspiration from 'Superbad' 'Book Smart' and 'Y Tu Mama Tambien.' Duo dramedies, that test their friendship, all in an engaging journey.


ii) Color Pallet



We found a great location in Connecticut with beautiful scenery. I want to utilise the greenery around me, and contrast it with the cool tones of the mansion. I want the colors to separate the locations, and evoke the feeling that they have stepped into a foreign location, with no hospitality.


iii) Lighting



The vivid greenery will be lit and shaped mostly by natural light. I want to utilise the brightness and bring out the saturated colors from the outdoors. Contrastingly greatly with the dull lighting, desaturating the colors indoors. I want the outside to feel natural, comfortable, and familiar, meanwhile inside I want to feel fabricated and unfamiliar.


iv) Camera



I want to use wider shots outside, encapsulating the environment. The distance will allow the audience a sense of relief and bring out humorous elements. However once inside, I want to shoot closer, tight frames on the actors faces. I want to increase the tension and make the audience feel claustrophobic inside a mansion.




BUDGET BREAKDOWN:


Equipment - $1,700

Insurance - $300

Transportation - $250

Catering - $250

Production Design - $150

Fees - $200

Contingency - $150


Total Estimated Budget: $4000






Your support means a lot. Every donation will be used effectively and with careful intention. We have a dedicated and experienced team working on this project. We are currently working on rehearsals with our actors and solidifying a strong production plan. We plan on shooting the November 22nd weekend. After filming, we will have around of editing, color grading, sound designing, and a wonderful score.


We are so excited to have the final project, which we plan to deliver before the end of the year. Which is why your donation means so much!


If you cannot donate at this time, spreading awareness also means a lot. Follow us on Instagram, forward our fundraiser through email, tell your mothers, sisters and friends. Please feel free to share this fundraiser however you'd like.


https://www.instagram.com/trotlinefilm/


Thank you! :)

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Equipment

Costs $1,700

We want to ensure we rent the right equipment, at the ideal cost, to capture every moment from the script.

Insurance

Costs $300

We need to cover any potential damage on set and to the equipment.

Transportation

Costs $250

We are shooting this project in a house in Connecticut. This covers cost of travel for our cast and crew.

Catering

Costs $250

We need to feed our wonderful cast and crew, so they can focus and be happy on set.

Production Design

Costs $150

Cost of props, set design, and other artistic details to make the film more immersive.

Fees

Costs $200

We are anticipating $200 worth in fees from renting equipment, vans, and also from the fundraising platform.

Contingency

Costs $150

As with all film sets, something is bound to go wrong. We want to ensure any unforeseen events don't derail production!

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Director: Gaby Castrillon

Gaby Castrillon is a Junior studying Film and TV at NYU Tisch. She is also minoring in Buisness Entertainment, Media and Technology, Producing, and Buisness. She is a mentor for Femmes in Film and is currently interning at Falco Ink, a premier P.R and Film Marketing firm based in NYC. As a filmmaker, she's constantly challenging herself and hopes to bring enjoyable stories, blending comedy and drama in her work. She's embarking on her first personal project and is confident in her direction.


Producer: Alex Sevak

Alex Sevak is a Junior co-concentrating in Management and Entrepreneurship at NYU Stern. He originally entered NYU through Tisch Drama, where he studied acting and BEMT. He has contributed to numerous projects at NYU as an actor, producer, writer and director. While studying at Stern he's focused on merging the artistic and business sides of the entertainment industry.


Director of Photography: Lucas Farol

Lucas Farol is a Los Angeles and New York City-based cinematographer in his third year at NYU, studying Film and Television. Passionate about visual storytelling, Lucas has shot short films, all over the world aiming to capture life in its essence. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Lucas continuously explores new techniques to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant films.



Current Team

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