After an extended period of isolation, our film provides a comedic release while exploring real generational struggles. Our artistic team’s background gives them an insider perspective on the absurdity of growing up, making big life decisions, and the consequences of rushing into them too quickly.

After a man accidentally runs over a dog, he and his wife argue over how to hide it from their violent neighbor and whether they’re fit to raise a family...

“Where the Dog is Buried” is a film about feeling out of place. Our newlywed heroes have settled in the suburbs because they think that’s where they’re supposed to be. The story explores big life transitions and the ramifications of rushing into them too quickly.

 

Through our setting, we satirize life in the suburbs through awkward conversations and comedy of manners, forcing the couple to question whether or not they belong.

The phrase, “That’s where the dog is buried” is an idiom used in German, Russian, and Yiddish, meaning: “That's where the key to the problem lies.” Often used when true motives come to light. This story takes the phrase to the extreme and explores what happens when two people stay in a relationship while their real feelings linger under the surface. 

 

Now I don't know if you know this but I am currently happily engaged! 

But that wasn't always the case! I've been in relationships that moved fast just becuase it felt like that's what they were supposed to do. All the while, I would talk with friends and find out they had been in similar situations. 

 

Hearing these stories prompted me to explore how problems in relationships that are under the surface can come to light after a tragic (and sometimes darkly comedic) event.

 

In my late 20’s myself, I am approaching major life transitions -- recently engaged and having conversations with my partner about starting a family and where we’ll be living. There can be a lot of fears and anxieties around these life changes and it can be made even harder when you still feel a little like you're pretending to be an adult!

 

Where the Dog is Buried is not autobiographical (I promise I'm a better driver than that!) but, by exploring these ideas through dark comedy and flawed characters I believe we can ultimately learn a lot about how to navigate these moments in life. 

We wanted to make sure our project was at a point where we could do it justice and make a product that was of the highest possible quality. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point, but now we're ready for the next step!

With an incredibly talented and experienced team behind us, we're working on a story that matters to all of us. 

As you can see from our breakdown, we have many production elements lined up—the crew, the equipment, the locations and a majority of funding sources are in place. But we need your help to get us across the finish line!

And that's where you come in!

You're such a gem! Yes! With many of our production elements already in place, your contributions will prepare us to finalize production and secure a broad audience for our inevitable release! 

There are two ways you can help.

1. You can make a financial contribution to our campaign on this page! Click on MAKE A PLEDGE to enter an amount. A contribution of any size, big or small is incredibly HELPFUL to us.

In exchange for your pledge, you can receive some awesome, REWARDS - all things "Where the Dog is Buried!". For more info, check out our detailed incentive list or revisit our brief budget breakdowns above!

2. If you can’t pledge that’s okay! You can still help us out by telling everyone you know about this film! Follow us on Facebook. LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE our posts with your friends, family, and colleagues. Simply sharing this campaign is a huge boost! Scroll to the bottom on this page for social media posts you can copy and paste to help us SPREAD THE WORD!

Santiago is a director, producer, and assistant director based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry before fully embracing his passion for filmmaking (talk about a catalyst!). Raised on the Oregon coast, he enjoys spending time at the nearest body of water. His short film screenplay "Where the Dog is Buried" was named a semi-finalist in the 2019 Screencraft Short Screenplay Competition. As a producer, he coordinated production for another Seed & Spark project, Sam Dubin's short film "The Stream." His directing works include the short films: “Headlights,” “Old Man’s Peak,” and “Open Up."

Elizabeth McLaughlin was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and raised in a small town outside of Tampa, Florida. Soon after moving to Los Angeles in 2007, she booked the role of 'Massie Block' in The Clique. She is also known for her role as 'Alicia' in the Amazon orignal series, Hand of God, Pretty Little Liars, November Christmas, and as 'Sasha' in First Day.

Jordan Fry is most recognized for his role as Mike Teavee in Tim Burton's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. He landed his first role as Porter, the grandson of Alan Arkin, in the film Raising Flagg, directed by Neal Miller. Jordan has trained with Groundling's founder, Gary Austin, and top casting directors, Deborah Maxwell Dion and Joey Paul Jensen. After Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he voiced the starring role as Lewis in Disney's Meet the Robinsons.

Self-taught in cinematography, sound, and editing, Brandon is a lifelong filmmaker with experience in nearly every department. He is the founder of M42 Film, a Michigan-based production company. Brandon completed production studies work at the Motion Picture Institute and now focuses on all areas of production from directing and assistant directing, to production management, and coordinating. He has worked on multiple features and shorts in multiple positions and recently completed directing his WWII short film "Homefront," inspired by the real-life Operation Dragoon, the Southern Invasion of France by the Allies in August 1944.

Marissa is supposed to write this in third person, but that’s not really my style. So hi, nice to meet you! A little about me, huh? Well, I’m a multimedia producer and professional photographer in the Metro Detroit area. I mainly produce commercials and photograph families and couples. I’ve been producing for about 5 years now and have been photographing for 2. I’ve been an artist at heart since I can remember and I’m ecstatic that I found the outlets to express that. I'm consistently inspired by humankind and raw emotion. I love capturing moments in time. I love creating. I love assisting others in their creations.

Sean Mouton is a Director of Photography based in Detroit. His work includes narrative, commercial, and music video. He has worked for The New York Times, Blackfin, and Disarming Films among others.

Our film will highlight both the sunny side of suburbia and the sense that something is just a little off. The suburbs have their own quirks and we wouldn't want to leave those out. Therefore our look will take inspiration from films where the suburbs weren't always the paradise they seemed to be. 

We will be filming in the greater Detroit area in July. We take this ongoing public health situation very seriously and the safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us. Although most of our team have already received full vaccinations, we will be adhering to COVID-19 filming procedures such as: physical distancing, PPE, and the presence of a Covid Compliance Officer to ensure the safety of all those on set.

You've Made it to the End! From the bottom of our lawn -

I mean hearts - thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to explore our page and learn about our film. We would love for you to join us in telling this story and we hope you can support us!

 

Social Media Posts You Can Use!

• @Santiago Bukovsky has launched his crowdfunding campaign for a new dark comedy short film, “Where the Dog is Buried.” check out this quirky, suburban satire and support their crowdfunding page at WTDIBFilm.com!

 

• I just made a pledge to support the production of "Where the Dog is Buried," a dark comedy short film from @Santiago Bukovsky! The campaign is still going so check out the page to join in the fun! WTDIBFilm.com