What Lies Within
San Francisco, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
When three men are tasked with retrieving an artifact from myth, they discover its power is not to create temptation, but to amplify what already exists within. As hidden desires, fears, and lies rise to the surface, each must confront what he truly believes before the artifact consumes them all.
What Lies Within
San Francisco, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
16 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$21,320
Goal: $27,700 for production
When three men are tasked with retrieving an artifact from myth, they discover its power is not to create temptation, but to amplify what already exists within. As hidden desires, fears, and lies rise to the surface, each must confront what he truly believes before the artifact consumes them all.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This story takes us into a forgotten legend. An artifact whose ancient and disorienting power exposes the inner, unchecked weaknesses of the human heart. What was once believed to be lost has now been uncovered by three men sent by their master to retrieve it.
Trevanic, a man burdened by failure and desperate to prove his loyalty. Caledrath, an undefeated warrior who believes strength is the answer to everything. And Edrien, a man convinced truth can only be understood through experience.
Inspired by Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
The artifact does not create desire; rather, it amplifies what is already there. It releases poisonous whispers tailored to each individual willing to listen, validating their hidden beliefs, wounds, and appetites. As the subject listens, their emotions intensify and their perception of reality becomes distorted. The three men are tested by the very thing they carry, forcing each of them to confront the truth of who they are, what they believe, and ultimately what they choose.
What Lies Within explores the tension between desire and truth. Each man is drawn by what he wants, or believes he deserves, yet tested by what is real. The artifact is not merely a weapon, but a mirror, revealing the unseen condition of the heart.
The story examines how unchecked thoughts, wounds, and desires can distort perception and influence our choices, affecting not only ourselves, but those around us. Each man must decide whether to surrender to the darkest part of who they are, or to something greater.
At the heart of the story is the belief that we cannot overcome our deepest struggles alone. Our darkest wounds reveal our need for healing, grace, and truth. Things we often search for within ourselves, yet cannot find.
What Lies Within is the beginning of a larger vision, taking place within a world currently being developed for a feature film series. While this short film stands entirely on its own, it also serves as an introduction to the deeper myths, legends, and spiritual conflict of that world.
This project marks the beginning of my desire to bring Christian-inspired films into Hollywood, stories that do not simply entertain, but connect with audiences in a grounded and meaningful way. Inspired by storytellers such as Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the goal is to create films that feel organic, cinematic, emotionally honest, and ultimately rooting for those who watch them.
Bringing What Lies Within to life requires more than a story…it requires a community!
My team and I have carefully built a production plan and budget designed to stretch every dollar and maximize what appears on screen. Every contribution goes directly toward creating an immersive cinematic experience. Your support helps fund our incredible cast and crew, meals for the team during production, equipment rentals, permits, insurance, costumes, props, and post-production.
Less than 560 people pledging $50 can help bring this story to life and greenlight our production.
Whether you choose to contribute:
- Financially
- Share the campaign
- Or champion the project through support and prayer
Regardless, you become part of helping this story reach the screen.
Below is a visual representation of how funds would be dispersed:
Tell the world and share the link below for others to learn more about What Lies Within:
Thank you for believing in What Lies Within!
Further Information
Stay in contact with us by following along on our social media!
Instagram at @whatlieswithin.shortfilm
Facebook at @whatlieswithinshortfilm
Learn more about the Director, Sydney, by visiting her website:
AI Discloser
Artificial intelligence tools were used in a limited capacity during the development of What Lies Within. AI-assisted tools helped with organizational and administrative tasks such as production planning, scheduling, workflow management, budgeting, and research. Any creative use of AI was directed only by the filmmakers to help visualize and refine original concepts created specifically for this project! AI was not used to generate the screenplay, replace cast or crew positions, replicate the work of specific artists, or substitute for the creative contributions of the production team. Humans are the ones behind this project! All final creative decisions, writing, performances, designs, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and storytelling elements were and will be created, supervised, and completed by real filmmakers!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $11,700
These funds would go towards paying our entire awesome team who is willing, eager, and excited to bring this film to life.
Film Support
Costs $4,050
These funds would cover costumes, props, film festival entries, and food expenses for our crew on set.
Operational & Campaign Expenses
Costs $5,450
These funds cover insurance, permits, crowdfunding fees, and contingency support for unexpected production needs.
Camera & Sound Equipment
Costs $6,500
These funds will go to all the equipment needed to capture what is happening that actually brings the story together!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This film is being brought to life by a team of passionate filmmakers who believe deeply in bringing immersive films to audiences. Our crew combines experience in cinematography, visual effects, sound, and production, all united by a desire to create meaningful and visually cinematic storytelling.
Members of our team have worked on award-winning student and independent productions that have screened at film festivals. Together, we are applying that experience to create a professional-quality short film that can connect with audiences and compete on the festival circuit.
Sydney Leamon | Director, Producer, Writer
A filmmaker, writer, and director based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating from the Academy of Art University and working in visual effects and production management through StudioX, felt called to tell stories that explore truth, identity, and the human condition. WHAT LIES WITHIN is her directorial debut and represents the culmination of years of learning, collaboration, and passion for storytelling.
Joseph Reh | Writer, Producer, Production Sound Mixer
A seasoned veteran of the film industry with over 15 years of hard-earned experience, starting with his on-screen debut in Friday Night Lights: Season 4 & 5 (2009), the first step on his remarkable film career journey. His credentials span across domestic and overseas productions, encompassing major big-budget feature films and television series alongside independent productions, with distinguished roles as line producer, supervising sound editor, talent manager, wardrobe & prop assistant, writer & co-writer, and more.
Cody Nedley | Director of Photography, Co-Producer
A military veteran with a background in acting, Cody brings a storyteller’s perspective behind the camera. Currently honing his skills further at the Academy of Art University, he combines creative vision with technical expertise to craft compelling visuals. His passion for filmmaking drives him to do whatever it takes to get the job done right, always striving for excellence in every frame. His dedication, adaptability, and commitment to the craft make him an invaluable part of the team.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
This story takes us into a forgotten legend. An artifact whose ancient and disorienting power exposes the inner, unchecked weaknesses of the human heart. What was once believed to be lost has now been uncovered by three men sent by their master to retrieve it.
Trevanic, a man burdened by failure and desperate to prove his loyalty. Caledrath, an undefeated warrior who believes strength is the answer to everything. And Edrien, a man convinced truth can only be understood through experience.
Inspired by Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
The artifact does not create desire; rather, it amplifies what is already there. It releases poisonous whispers tailored to each individual willing to listen, validating their hidden beliefs, wounds, and appetites. As the subject listens, their emotions intensify and their perception of reality becomes distorted. The three men are tested by the very thing they carry, forcing each of them to confront the truth of who they are, what they believe, and ultimately what they choose.
What Lies Within explores the tension between desire and truth. Each man is drawn by what he wants, or believes he deserves, yet tested by what is real. The artifact is not merely a weapon, but a mirror, revealing the unseen condition of the heart.
The story examines how unchecked thoughts, wounds, and desires can distort perception and influence our choices, affecting not only ourselves, but those around us. Each man must decide whether to surrender to the darkest part of who they are, or to something greater.
At the heart of the story is the belief that we cannot overcome our deepest struggles alone. Our darkest wounds reveal our need for healing, grace, and truth. Things we often search for within ourselves, yet cannot find.
What Lies Within is the beginning of a larger vision, taking place within a world currently being developed for a feature film series. While this short film stands entirely on its own, it also serves as an introduction to the deeper myths, legends, and spiritual conflict of that world.
This project marks the beginning of my desire to bring Christian-inspired films into Hollywood, stories that do not simply entertain, but connect with audiences in a grounded and meaningful way. Inspired by storytellers such as Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the goal is to create films that feel organic, cinematic, emotionally honest, and ultimately rooting for those who watch them.
Bringing What Lies Within to life requires more than a story…it requires a community!
My team and I have carefully built a production plan and budget designed to stretch every dollar and maximize what appears on screen. Every contribution goes directly toward creating an immersive cinematic experience. Your support helps fund our incredible cast and crew, meals for the team during production, equipment rentals, permits, insurance, costumes, props, and post-production.
Less than 560 people pledging $50 can help bring this story to life and greenlight our production.
Whether you choose to contribute:
- Financially
- Share the campaign
- Or champion the project through support and prayer
Regardless, you become part of helping this story reach the screen.
Below is a visual representation of how funds would be dispersed:
Tell the world and share the link below for others to learn more about What Lies Within:
Thank you for believing in What Lies Within!
Further Information
Stay in contact with us by following along on our social media!
Instagram at @whatlieswithin.shortfilm
Facebook at @whatlieswithinshortfilm
Learn more about the Director, Sydney, by visiting her website:
AI Discloser
Artificial intelligence tools were used in a limited capacity during the development of What Lies Within. AI-assisted tools helped with organizational and administrative tasks such as production planning, scheduling, workflow management, budgeting, and research. Any creative use of AI was directed only by the filmmakers to help visualize and refine original concepts created specifically for this project! AI was not used to generate the screenplay, replace cast or crew positions, replicate the work of specific artists, or substitute for the creative contributions of the production team. Humans are the ones behind this project! All final creative decisions, writing, performances, designs, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and storytelling elements were and will be created, supervised, and completed by real filmmakers!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $11,700
These funds would go towards paying our entire awesome team who is willing, eager, and excited to bring this film to life.
Film Support
Costs $4,050
These funds would cover costumes, props, film festival entries, and food expenses for our crew on set.
Operational & Campaign Expenses
Costs $5,450
These funds cover insurance, permits, crowdfunding fees, and contingency support for unexpected production needs.
Camera & Sound Equipment
Costs $6,500
These funds will go to all the equipment needed to capture what is happening that actually brings the story together!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
This film is being brought to life by a team of passionate filmmakers who believe deeply in bringing immersive films to audiences. Our crew combines experience in cinematography, visual effects, sound, and production, all united by a desire to create meaningful and visually cinematic storytelling.
Members of our team have worked on award-winning student and independent productions that have screened at film festivals. Together, we are applying that experience to create a professional-quality short film that can connect with audiences and compete on the festival circuit.
Sydney Leamon | Director, Producer, Writer
A filmmaker, writer, and director based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating from the Academy of Art University and working in visual effects and production management through StudioX, felt called to tell stories that explore truth, identity, and the human condition. WHAT LIES WITHIN is her directorial debut and represents the culmination of years of learning, collaboration, and passion for storytelling.
Joseph Reh | Writer, Producer, Production Sound Mixer
A seasoned veteran of the film industry with over 15 years of hard-earned experience, starting with his on-screen debut in Friday Night Lights: Season 4 & 5 (2009), the first step on his remarkable film career journey. His credentials span across domestic and overseas productions, encompassing major big-budget feature films and television series alongside independent productions, with distinguished roles as line producer, supervising sound editor, talent manager, wardrobe & prop assistant, writer & co-writer, and more.
Cody Nedley | Director of Photography, Co-Producer
A military veteran with a background in acting, Cody brings a storyteller’s perspective behind the camera. Currently honing his skills further at the Academy of Art University, he combines creative vision with technical expertise to craft compelling visuals. His passion for filmmaking drives him to do whatever it takes to get the job done right, always striving for excellence in every frame. His dedication, adaptability, and commitment to the craft make him an invaluable part of the team.