Help Fund My Final Student Film... "Cinephiles" !!

“CINEPHILES” CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY CONNOR McLAUGHLIN

Dear Supporters,

My name is Connor McLaughlin. I am an MFA Candidate in the Graduate Film Production program at the University of New Orleans with a BA in Screen Arts from Louisiana State University. I’m 24 years old, but I have been writing, directing, and editing my own movies and various projects since I was 15 years old. Nearly a decade. Even if you do not know me personally, this has been my lifelong passion and dream. I have put hundreds of hours and countless gallons of my own sweat, blood, and tears into every project, so I am thrilled to introduce you to my final student film project, "Cinephiles."

Think Natural Born Killers (1994) meets I, Tonya (2017).

Though this film strives to be a love letter to cinema itself, "Cinephiles" is about what scares me. Characters so twisted by the cherished medium of cinema. People so warped by media that they think their life is a movie… a very twisted one with no consequences. This will be a captivating and thought-provoking short film that delves into the complex relationship between cinematic fantasy and real-life violence. As this is my last ever student film, it holds a special place in my heart, and with your support, I am completely confident it can be a memorable, highly entertaining, and impactful piece.

About the Film:

"Cinephiles" is about a nasty breakup between two film-obsessed serial killers named Misty and Mitch who have since been captured and are now forced to make their confession. This darkly alluring film takes us through their unusual meet-cute, their exhilarating yet chilling murder spree, and ultimately their dramatic and emotional separation. Through this narrative, "Cinephiles" explores profound themes about human nature and our obsession with being the star of our own movie.

At its core, "Cinephiles" asks why we’re so drawn to violent stories and what it means for us as viewers. We often enjoy watching “bad things happen to good people,” and this film delves into the idea that people sometimes live out their own movie-like fantasies to the end of being a star in their own movie… what us normal folks call everyday life. Which is scary. By portraying these characters in a way that blends their violent actions with emotional depth, we aim to spark conversations about the fascination with violence and its impact on both the perpetrators and the audience.

Why Your Support is Crucial:

Bringing a project like "Cinephiles" to the silver screen requires meticulous planning and significant resources. While we’re committed to making the best film possible, there are many production costs that need to be covered to ensure high quality. This includes expenses for SAG-AFTRA actors’ rates, costumes, special effects, locations, music, and post-production work. Each element is vital to bringing our vision to life and creating a film that resonates with viewers.

Your support will directly impact the production and post-production quality of "Cinephiles." By contributing to our campaign, you’ll help cover:

• Actors: Embodying the characters and bringing the story to life.

• Costumes and Makeup: Crafting the unique looks and details that define our characters and their transformation. Lots of (fake) blood!

• Special Effects: Ensuring that the intense and dramatic moments are executed with the highest level of realism.

• 16mm Film: Scanning, transferring, and shipping of 16mm Film Stock.

• Sound Design & Music: Enhancing the emotional impact and atmosphere of the film.

• Post-Production: Editing, sound mixing color grading, and final touches to ensure a polished and professional finish.

• Catering: Keeping the wonderful cast & crew well-fed. The key to a good set is good food!

How You Can Make a Difference:

1. Donate: Any amount you can contribute will bring us closer to our goal. Every dollar helps cover crucial production expenses.

2. Share: Spread the word about our campaign with friends, family, and fellow film enthusiasts. The more people who know about "Cinephiles," the greater our chances of reaching our funding goal.

3. Engage: Follow our campaign updates, provide feedback, and join the conversation about our film. Your involvement will help build excitement and support for our project.

As I approach the end of my academic journey, your support is more important than ever. By backing the film, you’re not only helping to bring a unique and provocative film to life but also supporting the artistic growth and dreams of a dedicated filmmaker. Your contribution will help ensure that "Cinephiles" stands out as a powerful final statement in my student film career.

Thank you for considering our project. Through your support, we can make "Cinephiles" an unforgettable exploration of cinema and violence, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and sparking meaningful conversations. But also just a badass picture.

Let’s make a movie,

Connor McLaughlin