Help Me Fund My Thesis

When I was growing up, my favorite memories were the road trips I would take with my family, specifically the journey.  My Mom and Dad would choose the most scenic and interesting routes even if it took much longer to get to our destination. So, naturally, I spent a lot of my childhood on two-lane highways and backroads, driving over hills, through valleys and up large mountains, down ridiculous winding roads, and crisscrossing unique places or National Parks, marveling at their beauty, wondering why we were often the only car for miles.

As many of you know, I'm in my senior year at Maryland Institute College of Art set to graduate in May 2018 with a BFA in Film and Video. Currently I am working on my thesis, making a short documentary on those same back roads and two-lane highways I grew up on, specifically Route 50; which starts in Maryland, goes through St. Louis Missouri, and ends in San Francisco California. I am planning to drive and film the whole route, showing the beauty in these forgotten roads and focusing on how important it is to get out of the fast lane, to enjoy Nature while also slowing down and appreciating life.

I am very excited and think I can make something  special, but I need help. I have been planning this project for a while and have been working multiple jobs to try and fund it myself; however being a full time student as well, makes that difficult. I have saved enough money to cover the costs of the first leg of the trip from Maryland to St. Louis Missouri, as well as equipment, film, gas, food, and other basic necessities for myself and my crew of three, for the rest of the trip! My Dad has volunteered to take the two weeks off work and drive the RV. I need your help to raise $3500 to cover the cost of a small RV that my crew and I can travel and live in during the rest of this journey from St. Louis to San Francisco.

I start this adventure in the middle of December and will complete this full story of Route 50, across the country, in two and a half weeks during my last winter break of college. It will be filmed on a variety of cameras, some that I own, as well as some 16 and Super 16mm film.

With your help, I can complete this project that I'm really excited about. I will be given the opportunity to screen my short documentary during MICA's Art Walk in May 2018. I genuinely appreciate all the help I can get and thank you all for your love and support. Please donate if you can, but well wishes are also appreciated. Nothing is too small, even a dollar in support means the world to me.

I will be sending personal thank you cards and of course everyone is also welcome to come check it out at MICA next May!

Again, thank you so much! 

Danielle