UNDERTOW
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Crime
Two years after losing his son, Eddie, a young photographer now grieving father remains trapped in guilt while his ex-wife struggles to move forward. When he develops a forgotten roll of film on the anniversary of his son's passing he discovers a forgotten memory that forces him deeper into despair.
UNDERTOW
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, Crime
3 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,350 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
78 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Two years after losing his son, Eddie, a young photographer now grieving father remains trapped in guilt while his ex-wife struggles to move forward. When he develops a forgotten roll of film on the anniversary of his son's passing he discovers a forgotten memory that forces him deeper into despair.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Two years after the tragic loss of their three-year old son, Benji, Eddie and his ex-wife Sarah carry their grief in very different ways.
Splitting under the weight of their loss, Sarah struggles to move forward trying to build a new life. Eddie, on the other hand, is trapped by unrelenting guilt. Abandoning his pursuit of photography he drifts through the ghostly relics of the life he lost.
On the anniversary of the accident, Sarah visits Eddie at their former home and leaves him a box of memories — including a roll of film from a family beach day.
Driven by a need for connection with his son, Eddie develops the film in his basement darkroom. He relives the joy and innocence of that day, but as he studies the final negative, something seems off. Enlarging a series of prints, he discovers a mysterious shape in the background — Benji, captured in his last moment of life. The smile on Benji’s face as he looks back at his father crushes Eddie, reinforcing his guilt and driving him further into a desire for punishment.
I started this project because I wanted to build a piece of acting material to work on.
This little scene that I wrote quickly became the foundation for a short film. A piece where I can explore the types of films that inspire me - the kinds of films that made me want to be an actor. It’s what’s excited me about this whole process.
New Hollywood cinema. Character stories. I’ve taken inspiration from films like The Conversation, Blow Up, Manchester by the Sea, and put them all together into one little ride.
Undertow is a short film about a man who looks away for one second, and it costs him
everything. A young artist stuck in his grief, struggling to find a way through. I think this is a guy we can all relate to - someone who punishes himself for the mistakes he’s made. With suspense, heartbreak, and rage I see this is an opportunity to make something great.
I’ve been told: If you want to be an artist: make art.
Crowdfunding exists to help artists like me make work independently and your support makes that possible. Let’s make a great movie!
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Blow up (1966)
The Conversation (1974)
We had our first pre-production meeting in November 2025 and set our sights on shooting in May 2026. After a couple of monthly meetings and much discussion and passion, we decided to make the first week of June 2026 our goal for production.
With a 5-day shoot schedule planned, we plan on housing our pre-casted cast up in Long island during filming, keeping local to our locations already in talks.
After we wrap, we will dive into post-production where we aim to have a finished product just in time for festival
submissions starting October 2026.
We are heading into crowdfunding with the goal of reaching a minimum of $15,000. This would cover the costs of compensating our cast, some of our crew, locations, camera gear, grip & electric rentals, travel, and meals for our team!
As this is indeed a low-budget independent short film we would be so grateful for your support and contribution
to help us tell this story.
Stretch goals are intended to keep us optimistic yet hopeful for whatever financing may come our way.
With $25,000... This stretch goal would allow us to give more to our art departments (production design, costumes, props, special effects, editing, and music). We’d also be able to pay all of our crew industry-standard rates for their dedicated time.
With $50,000... Reaching this dream goal would elevate every aspect of our production and contribute to endless possibilities! This would allow us to put just as much contribution into post-production as on-set production as well as giving us wiggle room for any other unanticipated costs.
As an addition to Seed&Spark crowdfunding – we plan to use social media and other forms of outreach. We are dedicated to authentic storytelling through independent mediums allowing artists to create and spread their creativity.
Our ultimate goal is to share this intimate and emotionally grounded piece with other artists and hope that everyone can take something away from it. Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to sharing all of our updates with you along the way.
Follow us on Instagram: @undertowmovie
Produced by: @offtheroofproductions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $3,000
This would cover cost and insurance for a local rental space that mimics the interior of a police station-- this is crucial to the script.
Production & Costume Design
Costs $2,000
From costumes to set design, we want to create an authentic setting. Police uniforms & photo equipment are needed!
Crew
Costs $4,500
We would love to pay industry-standard rates for the time and dedication of each and every one of our crew members.
Crafty
Costs $2,000
As we know, food costs are $$$! We are determined to keep our cast & crew well fed and energized for the entirety of the 5-day shoot.
Post-Production
Costs $3,500
Post is just as if not more important. Films come alive in the editor's room, along with sound and score, and a bit of visual effects.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Adam Thompson, Luca Bella Sisino, Olivia Corso, Gracie Paulson
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Two years after the tragic loss of their three-year old son, Benji, Eddie and his ex-wife Sarah carry their grief in very different ways.
Splitting under the weight of their loss, Sarah struggles to move forward trying to build a new life. Eddie, on the other hand, is trapped by unrelenting guilt. Abandoning his pursuit of photography he drifts through the ghostly relics of the life he lost.
On the anniversary of the accident, Sarah visits Eddie at their former home and leaves him a box of memories — including a roll of film from a family beach day.
Driven by a need for connection with his son, Eddie develops the film in his basement darkroom. He relives the joy and innocence of that day, but as he studies the final negative, something seems off. Enlarging a series of prints, he discovers a mysterious shape in the background — Benji, captured in his last moment of life. The smile on Benji’s face as he looks back at his father crushes Eddie, reinforcing his guilt and driving him further into a desire for punishment.
I started this project because I wanted to build a piece of acting material to work on.
This little scene that I wrote quickly became the foundation for a short film. A piece where I can explore the types of films that inspire me - the kinds of films that made me want to be an actor. It’s what’s excited me about this whole process.
New Hollywood cinema. Character stories. I’ve taken inspiration from films like The Conversation, Blow Up, Manchester by the Sea, and put them all together into one little ride.
Undertow is a short film about a man who looks away for one second, and it costs him
everything. A young artist stuck in his grief, struggling to find a way through. I think this is a guy we can all relate to - someone who punishes himself for the mistakes he’s made. With suspense, heartbreak, and rage I see this is an opportunity to make something great.
I’ve been told: If you want to be an artist: make art.
Crowdfunding exists to help artists like me make work independently and your support makes that possible. Let’s make a great movie!
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Blow up (1966)The Conversation (1974)
We had our first pre-production meeting in November 2025 and set our sights on shooting in May 2026. After a couple of monthly meetings and much discussion and passion, we decided to make the first week of June 2026 our goal for production.
With a 5-day shoot schedule planned, we plan on housing our pre-casted cast up in Long island during filming, keeping local to our locations already in talks.
After we wrap, we will dive into post-production where we aim to have a finished product just in time for festival
submissions starting October 2026.
We are heading into crowdfunding with the goal of reaching a minimum of $15,000. This would cover the costs of compensating our cast, some of our crew, locations, camera gear, grip & electric rentals, travel, and meals for our team!
As this is indeed a low-budget independent short film we would be so grateful for your support and contribution
to help us tell this story.
Stretch goals are intended to keep us optimistic yet hopeful for whatever financing may come our way.
With $25,000... This stretch goal would allow us to give more to our art departments (production design, costumes, props, special effects, editing, and music). We’d also be able to pay all of our crew industry-standard rates for their dedicated time.
With $50,000... Reaching this dream goal would elevate every aspect of our production and contribute to endless possibilities! This would allow us to put just as much contribution into post-production as on-set production as well as giving us wiggle room for any other unanticipated costs.
As an addition to Seed&Spark crowdfunding – we plan to use social media and other forms of outreach. We are dedicated to authentic storytelling through independent mediums allowing artists to create and spread their creativity.
Our ultimate goal is to share this intimate and emotionally grounded piece with other artists and hope that everyone can take something away from it. Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to sharing all of our updates with you along the way.
Follow us on Instagram: @undertowmovie
Produced by: @offtheroofproductions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $3,000
This would cover cost and insurance for a local rental space that mimics the interior of a police station-- this is crucial to the script.
Production & Costume Design
Costs $2,000
From costumes to set design, we want to create an authentic setting. Police uniforms & photo equipment are needed!
Crew
Costs $4,500
We would love to pay industry-standard rates for the time and dedication of each and every one of our crew members.
Crafty
Costs $2,000
As we know, food costs are $$$! We are determined to keep our cast & crew well fed and energized for the entirety of the 5-day shoot.
Post-Production
Costs $3,500
Post is just as if not more important. Films come alive in the editor's room, along with sound and score, and a bit of visual effects.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Adam Thompson, Luca Bella Sisino, Olivia Corso, Gracie Paulson