VOCE
New York City, New York | Film Short
Musical, Romance
In a world where humans "speak" with instrumental sounds, a mute young woman has one day to tell the singer she loves how she feels. 'VOCE' digs into the deeper meaning and value of communication. Help us tell our story about people who want connection, acknowledgment, and to be seen and heard!
VOCE
New York City, New York | Film Short
Musical, Romance
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,114 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
82 supporters | followers
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In a world where humans "speak" with instrumental sounds, a mute young woman has one day to tell the singer she loves how she feels. 'VOCE' digs into the deeper meaning and value of communication. Help us tell our story about people who want connection, acknowledgment, and to be seen and heard!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world where humans "speak" and "sing" with instrumental sounds, a mute young woman finds out that the local-celebrity singer she loves is having her farewell performance. She, along with her best friend Margaret, scramble around the city in hopes that something, or someone, might inspire her voice to emerge.
With only so many hours (or in this case, four-count measures) in one day, will she overcome her fear of being seen in order to find her voice and finally be heard before it's too late?
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Sophia Castuera as 'Norah'
Norah, shy and prone to hiding, has no voice. She's quick to avoid any interaction, but she has a natural curiosity for the world around her, as can be seen in her relationship with her best friend Margaret, and the music surrounding her at her record store job. She loves the language of her world, and Eloisa, with her golden trumpet-voice, 'speaks' it better than anyone Norah's met. She wants to be a part of the musical conversation, but living with no voice takes a toll on a person.
Ali Edwards as 'Margaret'
Margaret loves talking to everyone. There isn't a person who walks into the record store who she wouldn't try to have an extensive conversation with. Yet, somehow, she and Norah are best friends. Maybe its because she relates to Norah as a person who grew up with a speech-impediment (syncopation). More likely, it's the fact that Margaret gets a special glimpse into Norah's world, one no one else gets to see.
Ara Celia as 'Eloisa'
From the moment Eloisa uttered her first few notes, everyone wanted to listen. Everyone loves her and her beautiful voice... and she knows it! She followed her passion for 'singing' and started a successful musical act in the city as a high schooler to share her music with the world. To this day, she still sings in that act, but as more and more people crave to hear Eloisa's undeniable talent, she may be moving on to bigger things - but she can't stop thinking about the one person she can't get a read on.
'VOCE' is the type of story this team wants to tell. It's a story about people - people who want connection, who want acknowledgment, who want to be seen and heard. At the same time, we want to pose a question - What are the limits of human language? What can it express and not express? And what could this project uniquely say about this much-discussed topic?
We want to test the limits of language to dig into the deeper meaning and value of communication - Why is it that we do it? And what does it mean when someone can’t communicate? What happens when they really, really need to say something?
In order for us to have our voices heard, we need YOUR support. Even with short films of this length, the prices of production can get beyond the extent of our wallets combined. We're up-and-coming filmmakers who know the value of community support. We know we can't do this alone!
We've broken down the production costs in this neat pie-chart for those of you interested in contributing. We are serious about this project. We know how important funding is, and we want to assure you all that we have a sense of responsibility when it comes to the money you put down.
The people involved in this project are still working to make their mark in the business. On top of this being a passion project, it could be a valuable calling card to our careers. Consider this an investment in the long and successful careers of future professional filmmakers, musicians, and artists!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Setting the Scene
Costs $1,000
We need to find 3 major locations: A Hot Jazz Club A Hip Coffee Shop An Unassuming Record Store
Feeding the Beast(s)
Costs $800
Working long shooting days, we'll need to fuel ourselves! Anyone in production knows: crafty is key
Dressing the Part
Costs $1,200
Every aspect of the film needs to look cohesive. Down to every fiber of our clothing.
Dressing the Scene
Costs $1,500
While our locations are gorgeous, we will need to create the atmosphere and build Norah's world.
The Voice (VOCE)
Costs $2,000
The sound design and musical elements are imperative to our dialogue-less film
Shoot!
Costs $1,500
We must invest in cinematography and lighting equipment to make our black and white film look great
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
SOPHIA CASTUERA || Director, Writer, 'Norah'
Sophia Castuera graduated from Boston University with a degree in Film & Television in 2016. After her trainee position at Sony Pictures Animation, she returned to the east coast with a reinvigorated passion for storytelling that incorporates her love of film, performance, and music. With a father who sang her traditional songs from his youth in Mexico, and a mother who educated her with road trips filled with the velvet voices of Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, Sophia and music are practically soulmates. She knows no matter what, anything she creates or performs in must have a wholehearted connection to music of any kind. 'VOCE' came from an idea she had in a summer film class, and after she screened her original short, her professor implored her to reshoot it, get the rights to cover the copyrighted song, and submit the film to festivals. 'This is special,' he told her on the last day of class. Three years later, Sophia's excitement to finally get this short film off the ground knows no bounds. She is eternally grateful to her hardworking crew who accepts her and her middle-of-the-night text rants about the project (looking at you Caroline). Join the team in this celebration of music and filmmaking by contributing to the campaign! She hopes anyone who struggles to allow themselves to speak their mind, their heart, or their truth finds inspiration in this project. Everyone deserves to be heard. You're part of the orchestra of life!
CAROLINE RICHARD || Producer
After graduating from Boston University’s College of Communication with a BA in Film and Television Production, Caroline joined ELEMENT Productions, one of Boston’s top commercial production and content marketing companies. She then acted as an Associate Producer for Cake Mix Studios, Hasbro’s internal production company/advertising agency, where she helped -- along with a team of highly-experienced art directors, writers, producers, and editors -- elevate household brands such as Baby Alive, furReal, and Playskool in a complete re-branding through broadcast and digital video production. She has since moved to New York where she has held full-time staff positions on shows for CBS, HBO, and now Hulu both in the office and on set. With this experience, Caroline can’t wait to produce her first short film along with this amazingly dedicated team.
DANIELLE HOPE DIAMOND || Assistant Director
Danielle is a Philly/NYC-based filmmaker with a formal training in acting, directing, screenwriting, and music from Boston University, The Stella Adler Conservatory, and The Juilliard School. She currently works as the Director of Marketing at the NYC-based production company, Rebel Motion, where she’s written, directed, and produced commercials for companies like Zenni Optical, Moet & Chandon, Timo Weiland, Bumble, and more. When she’s not making video content at Rebel Motion, she works as a screenwriter for Screenpower where she writes and develops plays and screenplays for various Broadway and Hollywood producers, directors, and writers. Her independent work has been screened at over 30 festivals world-wide and she has won multiple awards for her screenwriting. Danielle is SUPER excited to be ADing this incredible project with such an amazing team of people and she will love you forever if you donate!!
TORI MUELLER || Production Designer, Story Artist
ARA CELIA || Wardrobe, 'Eloisa'
ALI EDWARDS || 'Margaret'
NORA NALEPKA || Music Supervisor
KARINA PARKER || Music Director
AARON ALCOULOUMRE || Co-Composer, Musician
ZANE FAIR || Co-Composer, Musician
ALI AJEMIAN || Editor
ZACH SCHIFFMAN || Asst. Producer, Publicist
SARAH SOSLAND || Asst. Publicist
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world where humans "speak" and "sing" with instrumental sounds, a mute young woman finds out that the local-celebrity singer she loves is having her farewell performance. She, along with her best friend Margaret, scramble around the city in hopes that something, or someone, might inspire her voice to emerge.
With only so many hours (or in this case, four-count measures) in one day, will she overcome her fear of being seen in order to find her voice and finally be heard before it's too late?
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Sophia Castuera as 'Norah'
Norah, shy and prone to hiding, has no voice. She's quick to avoid any interaction, but she has a natural curiosity for the world around her, as can be seen in her relationship with her best friend Margaret, and the music surrounding her at her record store job. She loves the language of her world, and Eloisa, with her golden trumpet-voice, 'speaks' it better than anyone Norah's met. She wants to be a part of the musical conversation, but living with no voice takes a toll on a person.
Ali Edwards as 'Margaret'
Margaret loves talking to everyone. There isn't a person who walks into the record store who she wouldn't try to have an extensive conversation with. Yet, somehow, she and Norah are best friends. Maybe its because she relates to Norah as a person who grew up with a speech-impediment (syncopation). More likely, it's the fact that Margaret gets a special glimpse into Norah's world, one no one else gets to see.
Ara Celia as 'Eloisa'
From the moment Eloisa uttered her first few notes, everyone wanted to listen. Everyone loves her and her beautiful voice... and she knows it! She followed her passion for 'singing' and started a successful musical act in the city as a high schooler to share her music with the world. To this day, she still sings in that act, but as more and more people crave to hear Eloisa's undeniable talent, she may be moving on to bigger things - but she can't stop thinking about the one person she can't get a read on.
'VOCE' is the type of story this team wants to tell. It's a story about people - people who want connection, who want acknowledgment, who want to be seen and heard. At the same time, we want to pose a question - What are the limits of human language? What can it express and not express? And what could this project uniquely say about this much-discussed topic?
We want to test the limits of language to dig into the deeper meaning and value of communication - Why is it that we do it? And what does it mean when someone can’t communicate? What happens when they really, really need to say something?
In order for us to have our voices heard, we need YOUR support. Even with short films of this length, the prices of production can get beyond the extent of our wallets combined. We're up-and-coming filmmakers who know the value of community support. We know we can't do this alone!
We've broken down the production costs in this neat pie-chart for those of you interested in contributing. We are serious about this project. We know how important funding is, and we want to assure you all that we have a sense of responsibility when it comes to the money you put down.
The people involved in this project are still working to make their mark in the business. On top of this being a passion project, it could be a valuable calling card to our careers. Consider this an investment in the long and successful careers of future professional filmmakers, musicians, and artists!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Setting the Scene
Costs $1,000
We need to find 3 major locations: A Hot Jazz Club A Hip Coffee Shop An Unassuming Record Store
Feeding the Beast(s)
Costs $800
Working long shooting days, we'll need to fuel ourselves! Anyone in production knows: crafty is key
Dressing the Part
Costs $1,200
Every aspect of the film needs to look cohesive. Down to every fiber of our clothing.
Dressing the Scene
Costs $1,500
While our locations are gorgeous, we will need to create the atmosphere and build Norah's world.
The Voice (VOCE)
Costs $2,000
The sound design and musical elements are imperative to our dialogue-less film
Shoot!
Costs $1,500
We must invest in cinematography and lighting equipment to make our black and white film look great
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
SOPHIA CASTUERA || Director, Writer, 'Norah'
Sophia Castuera graduated from Boston University with a degree in Film & Television in 2016. After her trainee position at Sony Pictures Animation, she returned to the east coast with a reinvigorated passion for storytelling that incorporates her love of film, performance, and music. With a father who sang her traditional songs from his youth in Mexico, and a mother who educated her with road trips filled with the velvet voices of Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, Sophia and music are practically soulmates. She knows no matter what, anything she creates or performs in must have a wholehearted connection to music of any kind. 'VOCE' came from an idea she had in a summer film class, and after she screened her original short, her professor implored her to reshoot it, get the rights to cover the copyrighted song, and submit the film to festivals. 'This is special,' he told her on the last day of class. Three years later, Sophia's excitement to finally get this short film off the ground knows no bounds. She is eternally grateful to her hardworking crew who accepts her and her middle-of-the-night text rants about the project (looking at you Caroline). Join the team in this celebration of music and filmmaking by contributing to the campaign! She hopes anyone who struggles to allow themselves to speak their mind, their heart, or their truth finds inspiration in this project. Everyone deserves to be heard. You're part of the orchestra of life!
CAROLINE RICHARD || Producer
After graduating from Boston University’s College of Communication with a BA in Film and Television Production, Caroline joined ELEMENT Productions, one of Boston’s top commercial production and content marketing companies. She then acted as an Associate Producer for Cake Mix Studios, Hasbro’s internal production company/advertising agency, where she helped -- along with a team of highly-experienced art directors, writers, producers, and editors -- elevate household brands such as Baby Alive, furReal, and Playskool in a complete re-branding through broadcast and digital video production. She has since moved to New York where she has held full-time staff positions on shows for CBS, HBO, and now Hulu both in the office and on set. With this experience, Caroline can’t wait to produce her first short film along with this amazingly dedicated team.
DANIELLE HOPE DIAMOND || Assistant Director
Danielle is a Philly/NYC-based filmmaker with a formal training in acting, directing, screenwriting, and music from Boston University, The Stella Adler Conservatory, and The Juilliard School. She currently works as the Director of Marketing at the NYC-based production company, Rebel Motion, where she’s written, directed, and produced commercials for companies like Zenni Optical, Moet & Chandon, Timo Weiland, Bumble, and more. When she’s not making video content at Rebel Motion, she works as a screenwriter for Screenpower where she writes and develops plays and screenplays for various Broadway and Hollywood producers, directors, and writers. Her independent work has been screened at over 30 festivals world-wide and she has won multiple awards for her screenwriting. Danielle is SUPER excited to be ADing this incredible project with such an amazing team of people and she will love you forever if you donate!!
TORI MUELLER || Production Designer, Story Artist
ARA CELIA || Wardrobe, 'Eloisa'
ALI EDWARDS || 'Margaret'
NORA NALEPKA || Music Supervisor
KARINA PARKER || Music Director
AARON ALCOULOUMRE || Co-Composer, Musician
ZANE FAIR || Co-Composer, Musician
ALI AJEMIAN || Editor
ZACH SCHIFFMAN || Asst. Producer, Publicist
SARAH SOSLAND || Asst. Publicist