Why are movies so expensive to make???

Hi! My name is Zack Weekman, I'm a film (and psychology) student at Liberty University. I’m currently working on my senior thesis film, but to make this thing into a reality I need money... which I don’t have.

The Film

What is the film about?

This story is comedy about one friend trying to help another achieve their impossible dream with the help of their local college celebrity.

Who is involved?

Julia, a girl who had to give up their dream to pursue a real job, but wants to help her friend achieve his. Eric, Julia's friend, and an aspiring musician who has to make his dream into reality quickly, or give it all up. And finally, our lovely antagonist, Alana, Julia's childhood friend turned internet celebrity.

Why am I doing this?

Because I love it! This story is a combination of stories and experiences I've heard and lived through during my time in college, and it feels like a fitting way to finish off this fun and strange period of life.

When is it going to be made?

Filming will begin in September, and the film will be finished and sent to film festivals in May.

Where is the Money Going??

Food

I have to provide catering for everyone on set, and to fill out the party setting I need A LOT of background characters, so naturally I need to be able to pay for enough food for everyone.

Music

I absolutely love movies that have a heavy emphasis on music, and I am looking to license two to three songs from smaller artists to give my film that same fun and energetic feel. Songs are very expensive however, and to license these songs I will need sufficient funds to fairly pay the artists they belong to.

Cast

I am mainly hiring other students to act in my film, but for them to do so they have to give up a week of their lives to make my story come to life, so I want to be able to pay them fairly.

Art and Animation

That's right, animation. I have two short animated segments in my film, and would love to give my friends animating this film some compensation for the hard work they have to do for those short segments. Other art elements include set decorations, wardrobe, and props.

***Any additional funds will go towards the betterment of the film and film festival entry fees. NONE of this money will be used for anything outside of the film, and that is a guarantee.

About Me

If you've mad it to this point and care about the guy who made this, I'm here to tell anyone interested. I am double majoring psychology and film, originally that was just psychology, but after taking a screenwriting class and watching some amazing tv shows and movies, I decided to also pursue film. I won't lie, I'm new to the world of film, but I love it more than anything I have ever done and truly want to go after it with everything I am.

Inspiration

I am mostly inspired by the works of directors like Damien Chazelle and Edgar Wright, with this film being heavily inspired by LaLa Land and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I love fun, colorful, music filled stories, so that is what I hope to make.

What are my favorite works? Thank you for asking! I'm honestly more into tv than film, but I credit Arcane and The Bear with getting me into this field and pushing me to get better, so those are my favorite stories in all of media currently. Favorite movie? Across the Spider-verse (I love part one movies) and I don't even like superheroes that much, but I have never been so obsessed with a movie.

Anyway, that's my pitch, please donate and I will provide updates on the film and the fundraiser as we go!