Trotline
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
Best friends botch a break-in, only to realize their target—and their motives—aren't what they expected.
Trotline
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
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.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
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.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
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.

