Bring NIGHT LIGHT to life: A story of change and unknown

Hi! My name is Ethan Smith, a writer and director, and I am fundraising for my Emerson MFA Thesis Film NIGHT LIGHT.

THE STORY

NIGHT LIGHT is a narrative short film that follows a soon to be jobless night janitor as he struggles with the dilemmas of reality and desire. After learning that his school will be closing its doors, he chooses to clean the school one last time. However, when a strange alluring light presents itself to him, the janitor must fight to search for its meaning while struggling with his own self-actualization.

ORIGINS AND THEMES

As the writer and director of NIGHT LIGHT, my primary goal is to explore the ideas of change and transition in the midst of aloneness, and the fears of the unknown that come along with that. Everyone goes through large life changes and it can be frightening and nerve racking to not know what the next steps may be; this can also bring doubt and frustrations. Along with these ideas I am touching on elements of advanced technologies and how they can be used as tools of stagnation. Replacing human connection with a screen, or using it as an escape from life when things become uncomfortable. The tone I am trying to set with this film is a space of contemplation. It is not entirely a somber story but it does not pull the viewer along for a good time. It is a film of reflection and questioning. Is progress only possible through change?

THE GOAL

We are looking to raise $3,000 to make NIGHT LIGHT happen! We will be shooting at a local Massachusetts high school from July 17-22nd, and could use your help with our production costs.

Production costs include: props, set decorations, costumes, craft services, transportation, hard drives, location fees, festival submissions, and promotional materials. Crew fees include: composer, color corrector, graphic artist, foley artist, and sound mixer.

We appreciate your help in bringing NIGHT LIGHT to the screen! This project is a team effort with some of my favorite collaborators and will complete my MFA in Visual and Media Arts at Emerson College.