BIRTHDAY, BABY - Short Film
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Kelly Kunyi Wang and I'm currently in production for my new short film, "Birthday, Baby." I wrote this coming-of-age drama with hints of horror elements hoping to start a dialogue about vulnerability and consent, particularly in the lives of young women. It is a story very close to my heart that incorporates a girl's pure and tender desires with the seemingly joyful setting of a high school Prom to explore a chilling moment of childlike naivety being ripped away.
Our logline:
Charlotte just turned sixteen; in her mind, she's now a true teen, basically an adult, and itching to get her first kiss tonight... and maybe more. She will get her Magical Moment, but magic is for the fairytales and this is real life.
Director's statement:
This story is inspired by a personal lived experience, and I believe the overall message will resonate with many others who may have been through similar situations or know loved ones who have. I hope this project will continue the conversation about sexual assault, particularly among young women, and underscore that the victim is never to blame. Regardless of one's actions leading up to the event and even though in retrospect we may see “red flags,” in the moment it is never as straightforward. I also hope this film brings awareness to the aftermath, specifically the emotions someone grapples with after suffering the traumatic event, focusing on the fear, then the anger, betrayal, and confusion. We think the message is very important for all to hear but especially meaningful for younger generations to understand.
Why we need to crowdfund:
Short films are expensive... unfortunately. While a significant portion of our budget is being allocated towards Location Rentals (who knew renting out a high school would cost the big bucks?), we also need money to feed and transport our incredible crew and cast for three 12-hour shooting days. And because our fantastic team is helping me create this vision free of charge, I refuse to skimp out on the quality and quantity of food we will have available on set. I know I'm happiest and at my best when I'm fed well, and it's the least I can provide for them.
Furthermore, while this is an NYU student production and the school lends us *some* equipment, it's older gear that does not work nearly as well as what we could rent from outside sources. There are also materials we require that NYU does not provide.
Since our story takes place in the days leading up to a high school Prom, we will need to amass quite a large number of decorations to make the environment believable. On top of that, we require some specific costumes and SFX makeup... Stay tuned for our film's release to find out why ;).
Your donation will go towards:
- Location rentals (the perfect high school and studio space)
- Equipment rentals to create our badass shots
- Production design materials to set up the dream Prom
- Food for our incredibly talented and hardworking crew and cast
- Transportation for our incredibly talented and hardworking crew and cast
- Post-Production (composing music, festival submissions, etc.)
Who you will be supporting / some of our amazing team:
Writer & Director: Kelly Kunyi Wang (@kelly.kunyi)
Producers: Larry Yu (@larry.yu), Tiffany Wan (@tiffanyywan), Nancy Zamora (@ncnys)
Director of Photography: Matthew Liang (@mattliangfilm)
Production Designer: Sarah Jean Williams (@sarah.jean.williams)
Casting Director: Anike Sonuga (@anikesun)
Contribution incentives:
Every little bit helps; any amount is greatly appreciated and helps bring our film to life. Everyone who donates will be listed in our credits!
- $25 backers: Special Thanks Credit at the end of the film.
- $75 backers: Early Screener Access. You will receive a private link to view the film before it goes to festivals/is released publically! Also included: special thanks credit.
- $150 backers: Digital Copy of Birthday Card Artwork featured in the film. Also included: special thanks credit and early screener access.
- $300 backers: Your Name Written on a Prop in the set and shown in the film (e.g. on a poster, balloon, book, locker). Also included: special thanks credit, early screener access, and a digital copy of the birthday card.
- $500 backers: Associate Producer Credit. Also included: special thanks credit, early screener access, a digital copy of the birthday card, and your name on a prop in the film.
- $1,000 backers: Executive Producer Credit. Also included: special thanks credit, early screener access, a digital copy of the birthday card, and your name on a prop in the film.
We can't do this without you. Please help us make this dream a reality!
Organizer
Kelly Kunyi Wang
Organizer
New York, NY