Who Could've Known
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
John is a normal guy, going about another day, the only difference? He has a gun to his head. His friends and family don't notice, and they're surprised when he pulls the trigger. Who Could’ve Known shows how easy it is to miss the signs of a suicidal person, and how hard it is for them to open up
Who Could've Known
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,150 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
6 supporters | followers
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John is a normal guy, going about another day, the only difference? He has a gun to his head. His friends and family don't notice, and they're surprised when he pulls the trigger. Who Could’ve Known shows how easy it is to miss the signs of a suicidal person, and how hard it is for them to open up
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Who Could've Known explores isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts in a world that doesn't pause to check in on how you're really doing. Sometimes the loneliest person in the room is the one surrounded by love.
Meet John Doe, a typical guy in his mid 20’s. John's life is no different to most of ours, he's got close friends, a job with a lot of potential, and a normal family. John is also suicidal. Those around him don't see it, because why would he be? His life is fine.
John goes through his last day, gun placed firmly against his head, internally pleading that someone, anyone, will notice. But to everyone else, John presents as he always does, a slightly quiet but content person who is figuring out life and will eventually be fine.
The gun is a symbol of how obvious it feels to the person having suicidal thoughts what they are going through, it's disabling nature, and the weight it causes you to carry each day. Thoughts like these occur after years and years of struggling, often alone. The obliviousness of John's family and friends to the very obvious gun is how it feels to be having these thoughts and having no one truly check in on you. Holding a gun to your head is exhausting and after a while, all you can think of is pulling the trigger so you no longer have to hold the gun.
The film's lighting will invoke a sort of dreamlike feeling using soft dark yellow lighting contrasted by a dull bluish-gray to juxtapose the feelings of content that others see in John compared to the sad emptiness John is feeling in himself.
Harsh shadows will show the two sides of John, the one he presents to other shown to the world and the one where a gun his pointed at his head.
The camera will show slow long-lasting shots to emphasize the suicidal feelings John is going through. Gradual movements in and out with a center-punched John to accentuate the loneliness John is going through as he feels more and more disconnected from the world. Other characters living mostly on the side of frame as John is consumed by his thoughts of suicide.
Why this?
Over 700,000 people take their own lives every year. That's 700,000 people who won't live to see their life improve. They'll never know the dreams they could've accomplished, the love they could've given and received, or the joys of life they've missed out on. There are so many tragedies in the world but none hit closer to my heart than suicide.
Why now?
We live in a time where isolation has become the norm. People are forced to battle their issues on their own, when we were never meant to live that way. Mental health issues are only becoming more rampant and in a world that seems to become harsher by the moment, negative thoughts need to be shared and battled together.
I didn't overcome my suicidal thoughts on my own and no one should have to. I hope "Who Could've Known" can enlighten people on how easy it has become to hide from other people in plain sight, and encourage people to make sure their loved ones know they can talk to them about anything.
Come along with us on this journey by following our Instagram: @lazymarionettes
Any and all support you can give is appreciated beyond what we can express, even just sharing the fundraiser with friends and family. This topic is dear to all of us on this team and we believe heavily in the power of art and film to change lives. With your help, we can make this film as impactful as possible and hopefully show some people that they are not alone and keep them from making a final decision that hurts not only their loved ones, but the world at large.
Your attention and support mean everything to us.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals and crafty
Costs $600
Well fed and well hydrated crews make the best films 100% of the time
Cast Labour
Costs $2,800
Help us get the talent needed to bring this story to life
Office set
Costs $600
Realistic sets help bring authenticity to the world we're trying to create
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer and Director
Travis Simmons, a 6 year Army veteran, decided to join the TV and Film industry after medically retiring from the military. Based in Atlanta, Travis has always been passionate about filmmaking and has turned that passion into a career, using the wealth of experience he has gathered to tell emotion-driven stories that connect people on a personal level. Travis has written two short films, It's What He Wanted and The Space Between, the latter of which Travis also directed. Travis is excited to bring the story of John to life in hopes of showing people how easy it is to miss the suicidal thoughts many people carry around everyday.
Producer
Brian Kairo is an Actor and Producer based in Atlanta, GA. Having grown up in Nairobi, Kenya, Brian moved to the US in late 2019 where he fell in love with the craft of acting through high school productions. Brian began his journey as a producer in 2023 when he started Lazy Marionettes production company with his writing partner Travis Simmons.
Producer
Logan Allen is an American filmmaker based in Atlanta, Ga. Logan grew up in Tampa, Fl and was always captivated by the magic of films. Moving to Atlanta in 2016, Loganenrolled at Georgia State University and The Georgia Film Academy and began working in the world of independent film production. After graduating with a B.A. in Film & Media, Logan expanded his network and his ambitions by joining Lazy Marionettes as a Director & Producer where he directed his debut film: It's What he Wanted (2025)
Director of Photography
Kevin Sebastian is an Atlanta based Cinematographer with a true passion for capturing the beautiful moments of human life. He strives to push the boundaries that limit how we communicate the complex emotions felt by each and everyone of us. From film school to overnight projects and 2 day old pizza, Kevin's philosophy is that Lighting is the engine behind a beautiful scene.
Casting director
Loralei Lee is a writer, director, producer, and casting director currently studying Film and Television Production at SCAD in Atlanta. She began her career as a screen actor in 2021 and has since contributed to a range of independent films and commercials, both in front of and behind the camera. Loralei brings focus, passion, and a deep love for the filmmaking process to every project she takes on.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Who Could've Known explores isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts in a world that doesn't pause to check in on how you're really doing. Sometimes the loneliest person in the room is the one surrounded by love.
Meet John Doe, a typical guy in his mid 20’s. John's life is no different to most of ours, he's got close friends, a job with a lot of potential, and a normal family. John is also suicidal. Those around him don't see it, because why would he be? His life is fine.
John goes through his last day, gun placed firmly against his head, internally pleading that someone, anyone, will notice. But to everyone else, John presents as he always does, a slightly quiet but content person who is figuring out life and will eventually be fine.
The gun is a symbol of how obvious it feels to the person having suicidal thoughts what they are going through, it's disabling nature, and the weight it causes you to carry each day. Thoughts like these occur after years and years of struggling, often alone. The obliviousness of John's family and friends to the very obvious gun is how it feels to be having these thoughts and having no one truly check in on you. Holding a gun to your head is exhausting and after a while, all you can think of is pulling the trigger so you no longer have to hold the gun.
The film's lighting will invoke a sort of dreamlike feeling using soft dark yellow lighting contrasted by a dull bluish-gray to juxtapose the feelings of content that others see in John compared to the sad emptiness John is feeling in himself.
Harsh shadows will show the two sides of John, the one he presents to other shown to the world and the one where a gun his pointed at his head.
The camera will show slow long-lasting shots to emphasize the suicidal feelings John is going through. Gradual movements in and out with a center-punched John to accentuate the loneliness John is going through as he feels more and more disconnected from the world. Other characters living mostly on the side of frame as John is consumed by his thoughts of suicide.
Why this?
Over 700,000 people take their own lives every year. That's 700,000 people who won't live to see their life improve. They'll never know the dreams they could've accomplished, the love they could've given and received, or the joys of life they've missed out on. There are so many tragedies in the world but none hit closer to my heart than suicide.
Why now?
We live in a time where isolation has become the norm. People are forced to battle their issues on their own, when we were never meant to live that way. Mental health issues are only becoming more rampant and in a world that seems to become harsher by the moment, negative thoughts need to be shared and battled together.
I didn't overcome my suicidal thoughts on my own and no one should have to. I hope "Who Could've Known" can enlighten people on how easy it has become to hide from other people in plain sight, and encourage people to make sure their loved ones know they can talk to them about anything.
Come along with us on this journey by following our Instagram: @lazymarionettes
Any and all support you can give is appreciated beyond what we can express, even just sharing the fundraiser with friends and family. This topic is dear to all of us on this team and we believe heavily in the power of art and film to change lives. With your help, we can make this film as impactful as possible and hopefully show some people that they are not alone and keep them from making a final decision that hurts not only their loved ones, but the world at large.
Your attention and support mean everything to us.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Meals and crafty
Costs $600
Well fed and well hydrated crews make the best films 100% of the time
Cast Labour
Costs $2,800
Help us get the talent needed to bring this story to life
Office set
Costs $600
Realistic sets help bring authenticity to the world we're trying to create
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer and Director
Travis Simmons, a 6 year Army veteran, decided to join the TV and Film industry after medically retiring from the military. Based in Atlanta, Travis has always been passionate about filmmaking and has turned that passion into a career, using the wealth of experience he has gathered to tell emotion-driven stories that connect people on a personal level. Travis has written two short films, It's What He Wanted and The Space Between, the latter of which Travis also directed. Travis is excited to bring the story of John to life in hopes of showing people how easy it is to miss the suicidal thoughts many people carry around everyday.
Producer
Brian Kairo is an Actor and Producer based in Atlanta, GA. Having grown up in Nairobi, Kenya, Brian moved to the US in late 2019 where he fell in love with the craft of acting through high school productions. Brian began his journey as a producer in 2023 when he started Lazy Marionettes production company with his writing partner Travis Simmons.
Producer
Logan Allen is an American filmmaker based in Atlanta, Ga. Logan grew up in Tampa, Fl and was always captivated by the magic of films. Moving to Atlanta in 2016, Loganenrolled at Georgia State University and The Georgia Film Academy and began working in the world of independent film production. After graduating with a B.A. in Film & Media, Logan expanded his network and his ambitions by joining Lazy Marionettes as a Director & Producer where he directed his debut film: It's What he Wanted (2025)
Director of Photography
Kevin Sebastian is an Atlanta based Cinematographer with a true passion for capturing the beautiful moments of human life. He strives to push the boundaries that limit how we communicate the complex emotions felt by each and everyone of us. From film school to overnight projects and 2 day old pizza, Kevin's philosophy is that Lighting is the engine behind a beautiful scene.
Casting director
Loralei Lee is a writer, director, producer, and casting director currently studying Film and Television Production at SCAD in Atlanta. She began her career as a screen actor in 2021 and has since contributed to a range of independent films and commercials, both in front of and behind the camera. Loralei brings focus, passion, and a deep love for the filmmaking process to every project she takes on.