Launching Luke

MY SITUATION

My name is Luke Cooper-Escobar, an award-winning Ecuadorian filmmaker and photographer with a strong interest in conservation and social work. Currently, I’m in the United States pursuing a four-year Film degree at the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

I am reaching out to all of you because I need your urgent help to be able to complete university.

My story goes like this: in 2021, I was one of just a few students awarded a merit-based full scholarship from SCAD—the top scholarship they offer. SCAD has one of the best Film programs in the world, so this was an offer I couldn't refuse! But the problem is that, although I had my tuition covered, I still needed the funds for my living costs. Thanks to our family savings and some generous help through a small fundraiser, I managed to cover my living costs for the first year, but those funds have now dried up.

Without this fundraiser, I quite simply cannot carry on my studies, as I don't have the funds needed to live in Savannah while completing my degree.

My parents have always been focused on conservation and decreasing their carbon footprint through non-consumerism—a lifestyle that does not exactly engender financial wealth! They helped to establish a 21,000-acre nature reserve in Ecuador, living 8 hours by mule from the nearest sign of civilization with no electricity, for 10 years! But after I was born my father changed his whole life mission, moving to a farm closer to the city and creating a successful wildlife photography business.

From 2011, my father invested his savings into a coffee farm, but unfavorable market forces caused him to sell it at a loss in 2019, and so I lost my university savings! Then Covid hit, drastically affecting his business!

There was still hope though, in early 2023 my father secured two large book contracts with the Colombian government, and with that money I had at least two more years of university covered. That was the plan at least, until the Colombian economy weakened further and those contracts were thrown out the window; and suddenly I found myself in a bit of a financial pickle with just two months of funds left!

I ask you in all humbleness and sincerity for any support—be it financial or by helping share my story—to help me complete my degree.

I have gotten so far against all odds (from wayward little Ecuador!), and it would be tragic to not make it to the finish line—when I already have the $160 000 for tuition covered by my scholarship—and all I need is a way to finance my living expenses!

I believe that I have a unique—and direly needed—voice, and I would deeply appreciate it if you could help it be heard.

MY LIFE MISSION

To call this a lifelong dream is no exaggeration! I have worked on getting to where I am now as a filmmaker since I was 8 years old—I’ve literally had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember! Growing up in Ecuador with a wildlife conservation photographer father and a wildlife artist mother in both the Amazon and Choco Rainforests; nature and documenting wildlife are engraved in the very core of my being.

Filmmaking, and its use as a tool for conservation or social change, is my passion. My dream is that, through the knowledge and the professional platform that SCAD will empower me with, I can use film to make a positive impact on the world!

MY WORK

Even if I have to work countless days, travel thousands of kilometers, or carry more than 20kg of equipment at 2 am through mud up to my knees; my passion keeps me going, because I know that through my work I can help others, and expand people's view on life.

I am passionate about exploring every art form I can to help push my work beyond the traditional. I was mostly interested in photography, which soon evolved into a love for motion pictures. Over the years I have experimented with many different types of filmmaking; from documentaries, narrative films, experimental films, music videos, to commercials; so I could deepen my understanding of the totality of filmmaking—to be able to use its various forms to help us humans better understand this crazy world of ours.

Here’s a summary of my work, with links.

Please take the time to check some of them out, as I know you will be moved and inspired by what this little Ecuadorian jungle-kid managed to pull off!

At 18 I:

These experiences have fueled my dedication to storytelling and promoting environmental awareness and cultural understanding.

WHY SCAD? WHY $60 789?

After these low-budget filmmaking experiences described above, I realized that a formal education was crucial to further elevate my innate talent in filmmaking. I chose to study at SCAD, a top-tier film school, as it offered unparalleled opportunities: amazing professors, cutting-edge equipment, industry connections, and a nurturing environment for growth.

My experience at SCAD this past year has confirmed the value of this choice—it's a whole new level.

SCAD boasts unmatched resources, including two LED volumes (only university in the world to have two of these!), a backlot, and industry-leading equipment—all accessible to students for free. Furthermore, the presence of exceptional professors with unparalleled expertise allows me to engage in meaningful one-on-one discussions and forge friendships enriched by decades of filmmaking wisdom—an experience that’s critical to my craft. This abundance of resources and wisdom wildly surpasses what I could access in Ecuador, and enables me to become a true professional and showcase films more effectively on a world forum.

In one year I’ve learned what would’ve taken a decade back home. Even on weekends I gain practical experience on film sets of other students or my own. Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds has expanded my worldview and deepened my self-understanding, all while inspiring me to be able to get better at telling my story.

I couldn’t be putting more dedication and focus into ensuring that this dream turns into reality: I finished my first year at university with straight A's, and have been on the Dean's List for Excellence in each semester. Additionally, I have been working on film sets of other students and personal passion projects in my spare time, to make the best out of the opportunity and resources I have in university.

I can give all I have to my studies, but unfortunately, my financial situation is something I cannot do much about—coming from a developing Ecuadorian economy it was never going to be an easy one to pull off, and recent setbacks in my father's business seriously threaten my chances of continuing. Plus I have been working and saving for years, but there is only so much I can save up on my own…

So I am left with no option but to put my future into your hands!

I ask in all humbleness and sincerity if you have any way of helping me reach my goal, thus securing the stories and expressions of a unique voice in the world.

BREAKDOWN OF FINANCES

The breakdown above represents the most frugal living expenses in the US, focused solely on essentials.

I know it is a large sum, but any donation is greatly appreciated no matter the amount—it all adds up, every cent buys me more time to work on alternate options!

(I must also remind you that donations are tax-deductible, and it's important that you understand that GoFundMe only retains 2.9% of all funds received)

I understand that not everyone can help by donating, but there are other ways of helping my dreams come true: you can share this on your social media, or share the link with friends through WhatsApp or Email… the idea is to get my story out there to as many people as possible.

I have traveled so far using only my raw talent, but I need your help to complete the journey…

Thank you from the depths of my heart for taking the time to read this and being a part of my journey!

#LaunchingLuke

(Samantha Adler, a very close friend of Luke's is organizing this fundraiser on his behalf, as Luke, being a foreigner, does not have the Social Security number that is required in the US to manage a GoFundMe)