Hello, this is your director and writer, Immanuel Baldwin. I'm a film and commercial director/producer based in Wisconsin. Thank you for supporting and engaging with our campaign to raise $100,000 for our short sci-fi film, The Program.

The Program is a dual passion project that I’ve written for my friend, budding actor, and principal talent, West Hunter. With this short film, we’ve challenged ourselves to do something we’ve never done before: world-building and expanding our skills in the complex genre of Sci-Fi. West Hunter plays ISAAC. Our protagonist, husband and father, who is the final remnant of humanity in what I’d like to depict as a future not too distant from our own. For Isaac, nothing is what he wants. His immediate world is overtaken by an AI virus integrated into the everyday person and functions of life via tech implants and synthetic free will.

Throughout the duration of our fundraiser, we’ll be sharing short-form B and C storylines on our social media pages, pulling back the curtain on our world-building and character development process while encouraging you to interact with additional plots that support our core film. Every week, we will provide content to help you track the campaign's progress as we aim to reach our fundraising goal.

Follow the additional storylines on our INSTAGRAM for more!

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

What we'll do with your contributions

Our budget strategically prioritizes a few key areas, beginning with the virtual production stage. A significant portion is allocated to securing an LED stage in Chicago, where we'll collaborate with their team to finalize the in-world environment. We're utilizing Unreal Engine and AI to design the ethereal decay and underground dungeon-like home of the discarded Syntha Technnologies AI programs, known as the obelisks.

Your support will be the fuel and financial backing we need to ensure the success of our film. We commence production in February 2026. Shooting principal photography between Chicago and Milwaukee.

We’re scheduled to kick off preproduction in January 2026 and shoot principal photography between Chicago and Milwaukee in February 2026.

Immanuel Baldwin is an award-winning, Shiny Listed director celebrated for his bold, narrative-driven storytelling. His approach is direct yet conceptual—delivering ideas with clarity while weaving in layers of meaning that invite deeper reflection. His work is both provocative and visceral, challenging perspectives while forging a raw, emotional connection with audiences. In addition to directing, Immanuel produces select commercial projects, bringing a holistic understanding of both creative vision and logistical execution.

His process is grounded in elevated thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedication to quality. He understands the subtle nuances that transform a project from visually intriguing to profoundly impactful, leveraging a diverse skill set across directing, design, and storytelling to fully realize each creative vision. Inspired by filmmakers such as Darren Aronofsky, Alex Garland, Nick Davies, and Salomon Ligthelm, Immanuel’s style is introspective, precise, and deeply narrative. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, he seeks projects that challenge his ambitions and make a meaningful impact—balancing conceptual depth with technical mastery to deliver motion-based work that resonates on every level.

Michael Snowden is a storyteller at heart, blending cinematic vision with emotionally resonant narratives. With a background spanning content strategy, directing, and experiential marketing, he has led projects featuring everyone from Olympic athletes to everyday heroes—always with a focus on authenticity and connection. As Creative Director, Michael shapes each frame to serve the story, ensuring visuals, pacing, and tone align with the deeper emotional beats.

Jabari Mobley is a cinematographer whose work seamlessly blends striking visual storytelling with a profound sensitivity to tone, mood, and narrative rhythm. His portfolio spans narrative film, commercial, and branded content. Across genres, Jabari brings a refined eye for composition, intentional lighting, and movement that heightens the emotional impact of each frame. His style is cinematic yet grounded—balancing bold, expressive visuals with the subtlety needed to support character and story. Whether crafting intimate moments or high-concept visuals, Jabari’s work demonstrates both versatility and a distinct visual voice that elevates each project he touches.

Natasha Phicil is Chicago-based producer, writer, and creative producer specializing in nimble, high-impact productions. With experience spanning documentary filmmaking and commercial production, she blends logistical precision with a strong visual storytelling sensibility. Her recent work includes producing an upcoming short film set to shoot in 2025-2026, where she is spearheading all phases from development through post-production, coordinating multi-location shoots, and leading a lean, agile crew. Natasha’s background in creative direction and interior design gives her a unique ability to bridge the gap between artistic vision and on-the-ground execution, delivering projects that are both visually compelling and efficiently run.

Media Bolt Productions is a Milwaukee video production agency founded in 2020 by Eric Didier and Justin Jackson. We believe in the power of visual narratives to connect, inspire, and create meaningful experiences. Our team is dedicated to producing high-quality content that captures the essence of your story and brings it to life. Whether it’s a brand video, a documentary, or a feature film, we’re passionate about telling stories that matter. We take pride in calling Milwaukee our home, and we do everything we can to bring collaboration into our projects.

Eric Almond is a Chicago-born filmmaker, producer, and emerging showrunner whose work blends authenticity, cultural depth, and sharp visual storytelling. He’s the creator of the WRITE ON Writers Room, an initiative developing original TV pilots, including his award-winning political drama The Village. A 2025 SeriesFest Executive Mentee and Shoot Magazine New Director Showcase alum, Eric draws on his upbringing on Chicago’s South Side and the Black experience to capture the lives of everyday people navigating challenges in ways that inspire and provoke thought.

Ani Stephenson is a communicator at heart, an award-winning media director and digital strategist who’s spent more than a decade shaping integrated campaigns, leading high-performing teams, and driving measurable impact across travel, lifestyle, and tech. With a mix of analytical rigor and creative instinct, they’ve built multimillion-dollar strategies, spoken on stages, mentored emerging talent, and guided ops and events from concept to execution. Now, as one half of a new production company, Ani is channeling that experience into production coordination, bringing clarity, momentum, and purpose to every project and set they’re on!

Due to the nature of independent filmmaking, we've encountered some hiccups that delayed the release of our IndieGoGo Campaign. We're pivoting and expanding our fundraising strategy by launching a GoFundMe for those who are ready to donate and support our film now!