Help Fund Hovel - A Fantasy Short Film

It's official, Hovel has wrapped filming and post production! Our trailer is finally here. We are so proud and beyond excited to get to share this. Enjoy.

Help Bring "Hovel" to Life

Welcome to the Heart of Our Film Project!

Are you ready to embark on a cinematic journey like no other? Join us in making "Hovel", an independent short film that promises to captivate your imagination, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Our Story

"In a desperate bid for freedom, Jo, a young runaway, finds themselves trapped in a colossal forest giant's mouth. As the hours tick away, the child must learn to trust the gentle giant, forming an unlikely bond — but will it be enough?"

Hovel started as just an image in our Cinematographer, Ryan Kneezle’s head. He saw a mouth high above someone, acting as not only the only source of light — a fun challenge for him — but also as the only visual representation of this character.

At the time that he met Brandi LaVada Kneedly and Kate Napoli, who would go on to be the Director and Writer/Producer of this short, he had only this image:

And his excitement about the idea was so palpable and infectious, that they committed on the spot and Hovel was born. Thanks to the unique and fantastical art direction of Jacklyn Parker our test shots look something more like this:

But we still have a long way to go before we’re ready to shoot and that’s why we need your help!

Why "Hovel" Matters

1. Emotional Resonance: At its core, "Hovel" explores themes of trust, connection, and the power of unlikely friendships. It's a story that reminds us all of the profound impact we can have on one another.

2. Supporting Independent Filmmaking: By contributing to our campaign, you're helping independent artists bring their creative visions to life. Your support not only makes this film possible but also fuels the dreams of passionate storytellers.

3. Unique Visual Effects: Our talented team of filmmakers is dedicated to creating a whimsical feast for your senses amidst the emotional backdrop of the story. Using a blend of practical effects, technical camera work, and special effects, our Giant’s stomach will be a living ecosystem all its own complete with fireflies to keep Jo company.

Who are We

Our Cast

Jo: Izzy Bobby - Izzy is a multifaceted performer with experience in long form, improv comedy and a deep passion for horror, fantasy, and comedy. She has been performing and working behind the scenes in film and live-theater for over a decade and she's just getting started.

Giant: Kazia Steele - With over 10 years in the entertainment field, Kazia Steele is an entertainer, actor, and filmmaker who was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. She started off behind the camera and recently ventured into showcasing her talents in front of the camera. Her work as an actor and filmmaker led her to become involved іn theatre and fіlm as a producer as well.

Our Team of Chicago Based Independent Filmmakers:

Director: Brandi LaVada Kneedly - Brandi is a Chicago native who has just returned from several years out in New York where they studied and honed their craft for directing. Since returning to Chicago they have made a name for themself through their strong visual grasp of storytelling and their ability to run a tight — and fun — set.

Writer: Kate Napoli - Kate is a writer/producer/AD who started her filmmaking career in college, but her passion for storytelling started decades ago. Over the last 10 years she has written, produced, and directed projects ranging from one-act plays, musicals, short films, podcasts, and, most recently, a feature documentary.

Cinematographer: Ryan Kneezle - For a decade Ryan has led productions into full efficiency with creativity and innovation, while excelling in visual language through camera work, lighting & editing. His unique ideas are what started this whole project and he has so many more to share.

Art Direction: Jacklyn Parker - Jacklyn is a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director driven by their love of story telling. She has been working as a designer for over 10 years allowing her to create visual language that builds worlds and provides immersive experiences.

Producers: Jacklyn Parker and Kate Napoli

Bonus: Here’s a shot of Ryan and Brandi during location scouting.

How You Can Help

To bring "Hovel" to life, we need your support. Every dollar counts, and there are several ways you can contribute:

1. Donate: Any amount you can spare will go directly into the production of our film. We have carefully budgeted every aspect, from set design to post-production, to ensure that your contribution makes a tangible impact.

2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. Help us reach a wider audience and build a community of film enthusiasts who believe in the power of storytelling.

Join Us on This Adventure!

As we embark on this creative journey, we invite you to be a part of something extraordinary. Your support will not only make "Hovel" a reality but also help us share a heartfelt story with the world.

Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this cinematic journey. Join us in bringing "Hovel" to life and become a crucial piece of this magical puzzle.

Contribute Today and Embrace the Magic of "Hovel"!