We are shooting a "TLOU" fan film- and you can help!

THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE – A Fan Short Film Inspired by The Last of Us

Hello there!

We’re a group of young, passionate filmmakers from Cologne, Germany, working on a short film titled THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE – a fan-made story inspired by the video game The Last of Us.

We’ve come together to tell an emotionally driven, post-apocalyptic story—crafted from love, loss, and the difficult choices we make for the people who matter most.

This is a non-profit project. Every cent raised goes directly into the production. No one involved is being paid—this is pure passion.

About the Film:

In a shattered world, where survival often eclipses humanity, our protagonist Ellie faces a path carved by grief and hatred.

Haunted by loss, she makes devastating choices—choices that challenge the audience to ask:

What are we willing to do for love?

This film is not a remake, but a personal, emotional reinterpretation of the characters and world we love. We’re blending original scenes with adapted moments from the original create a powerful cinematic experience.

Why This Story?

Since we first experienced the story of The Last of Us, it hasn’t let us go.

Few fictional stories have moved us like the journey of its protagonists Joel and Ellie—their emotional complexity, deep connections, and the haunting beauty of their world.

In our story, we explore love in all its forms:

This is a story about contradiction, consequence, and humanity—and we want to tell it with all the respect, passion, and depth it deserves.

Production Details:

Filming Dates: June 28 – July 2, 2025

Location: Cologne, Germany

Team Size: 25–30 dedicated volunteers

Production Status: Pre-production (first scenes have already been shot)

We have already shot a part of the movie, so you can see in which direction we are going with this. Fans of the game will surely recognize this!

Funding Goal: €5,000

While professional film productions often run into the millions, we’re creating this on a micro-budget, because:

1. Everyone is working unpaid

2. We’re investing our own private funds

3. We just need support for essential expenses like:

€5,000 helps us cover the final gap to make this dream real.

Who Is This For?

This project is for:

Why Support Us?

Your support fuels:

This is more than a film. It’s a chance for 30 creatives to grow, learn, and build something meaningful together.

By backing this project, you’re helping launch the next generation of storytellers.

Support passion. Support storytelling. Support THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE.

Corporate Sponsors Welcome:

Businesses can deduct donations as marketing expenses. All sponsors will be credited in the film’s end credits.

Meet the Team:

Directors – Luis Fernández & Jason Philipp

We’ve been creating short films together for 3 years, driven by our shared love for cinematic storytelling.

This fan film is a heart project—born out of our admiration for The Last of Us and our passion for directing with detail, emotion, and ambition.

Assistant Director – Daniel Scharnowski

This script immediately pulled me in. Bringing this world to life through our own lens is a dream I’m grateful to pursue.

Director of Photography – Moritz Michel

I've been working behind the camera since I was 15. This is a chance to push boundaries with a team I trust and grow alongside.

Producer – Eric Nitschke

Film is the most powerful way to move people emotionally. This story has ignited something in me, and I want to help others feel it too.

Team Credits & Experience

Our directors Luis and Jason previously produced another fan short film within this universe as part of the “Drehzeug” podcast.

Their film “DRUCK (Pressure)” won the Baden-Baden Award 2024, with several current team members involved in that project as well.

Final Words:

We’re doing this for the love of storytelling.

We want to honor the world of the original and craft something raw, emotional, and unforgettable.

We can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Join us. Back us. Believe in us.

Let’s bring THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE to life.

Donate now and be part of something beautiful.

Thank you!