Help Us Bring USC's "ECHO" to Life

**POST PRODUCTION UPDATES**

We successfully finished production of the film over three days in April and are moving into post-production. It was a great experience and we got tons of amazing footage. We're now looking into raising "finishing funds" or monies to cover the cost of post-production—which is where a film takes form. You can see below some stills from the shoot and we'd love your support in helping us get the project over the finish line.

MISSION STATEMENT

As filmmakers, we strive to explore the complex relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence, shedding light on the consequences of unchecked aggression and the importance of empathy in a world torn apart by conflict. We envision ECHO as a thought-provoking science fiction narrative that challenges our perceptions of morality, identity, and the true cost of war.

THE STORY

In a dystopian future on the war-ravaged planet Cerus, Kai, a battle-weary soldier, and his partner Miller are among the last remnants of the human forces tasked with eliminating the remaining ECHO units, a once-thriving robotic civilization now on the brink of extinction.

As Kai investigates the disappearance of Miller during a routine patrol, he stumbles upon a hidden cave within the ruins of an ECHO settlement. There, he confronts ECHO-7, a mysterious figure who reveals the shocking truth about Kai's brother's death and the real nature of the conflict between humans and ECHOs.

Forced to question everything he believes in, Kai embarks on a surreal journey through his own memories and the haunting visions of the ECHO's past. As the lines between reality and illusion blur, Kai must confront the ghosts of his past and the consequences of his own actions. Tragically, he is killed by his own commanding officer, who seeks to cover up the truth and maintain the status quo.

As the story reaches its somber conclusion, we are left with a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the importance of breaking free from the chains of prejudice and hatred. The ruins of the ECHO civilization stand as a haunting testament to the cost of war, while the looming presence of the human ships hints at the impending takeover and the uncertain future that awaits.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

This story resonates with me in a number of ways. What began as a class assignment quickly evolved into a journey of self-exploration. Inspired by a yearning for connection and recent personal losses, I found myself pouring my emotions onto the page. The script became more than just words; it became a mirror reflecting parts of myself I never knew existed.

The themes that emerged – the price of sacrifice, the cyclical nature of life – resonated deeply with me.

These are universal experiences, which I hope can resonate with you all. I share this story not just to entertain, but to connect. To create a space where we can all find a piece of ourselves, a deeper understanding of the cycles and sacrifices that shape us. I hope you all enjoy.

Our team has a deep respect and admiration for the sacrifices and dedication of those who serve in the military. We understand the profound impact that war can have on individuals, families, and society as a whole, and we aim to honor the experiences of those who have served by telling a story that grapples with the complex realities of conflict and its aftermath. Through ECHO, we seek to explore the human cost of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of finding common ground and understanding in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences. We hope that our film will serve as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of all those who have served, while also sparking meaningful conversations about the nature of war and the path to lasting peace.

VIRTUAL PRODUCTION FILMMAKING

ECHO is a virtual production that pushes the bounds of technology in storytelling and includes the use of: Unreal Engine gaming technology, the Sony LED wall, VFX, green screen, miniatures, artificial intelligence, and live action. It’s going to be an exciting creative and technical collaborative shoot.

WHY SUPPORT ECHO?

By supporting ECHO, you are not only helping to bring a powerful and thought-provoking story to life but also contributing to the larger conversation about the relationship between humanity and technology. This film has the potential to inspire audiences to think deeply about the consequences of their actions and the importance of empathy and understanding in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Your contribution will help us to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that showcases the talents of our dedicated cast and crew. From the intricate world-building of Cerus to the powerful performances of our actors, every aspect of ECHO is designed to immerse audiences in a story that is both timely and timeless.

As a backer, you will have the opportunity to be a part of the filmmaking process, receiving exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes content as we bring this ambitious project to life. Your support will also help us to promote the film at festivals and events around the world, ensuring that its message reaches the widest possible audience.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At the heart of ECHO is a commitment to inclusion both in front of and behind the camera. We are extremely proud to say that our team of filmmakers comes from a wide range of underrepresented backgrounds, bringing a wealth of unique perspectives and experiences to the project. We believe that by embracing diversity in all its forms, we can create a more authentic, compelling, and socially relevant story that resonates with audiences from all walks of life. Through ECHO, we aim to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and promote greater understanding and empathy across cultures and communities.

BUDGET AND TIMELINE

We are seeking to raise $5,000 to cover the costs of production, including:

- Production design and set construction

- Equipment rentals

- Location scouting and permits

- Post-production expenses (editing, visual effects, sound design, etc.)

- Film festival circuit

Our timeline for the project is as follows:

Pre-production: February-April

- Script development and refinement

- Casting and crewing

- Location scouting and securing permits

Testing: May - April

-Testing technology and talent alongside with the miniature set

Production: April 13th-14th and 20th-21st

- Principal photography (2 weeks)

Post-production: April-May

- Editing and visual effects

- Sound design and mixing

- Color grading and final output

With your support, we can bring ECHO to life and share its powerful message of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Thank you for considering our project and for being a part of this incredible journey.

CREATIVES

Writer I Director I Producer

Ramon Lyons

Ramon Lyons, a film student at USC's prestigious School of Cinematic Arts, is on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices through powerful narratives. His journey began at Georgetown, where he captained the football team while exploring filmmaking. This unique experience ignited his passion for storytelling beyond sports. After graduation, he embarked on creating films that reflect the richness and complexity of the Black community.

Ramon's dedication is evident in his leadership of BAC Animation, a company he founded to develop BIPOC-focused 3D/2D animation. He overcomes language barriers and tight deadlines to deliver high-quality content with his diverse team. His experience producing and directing projects like the upcoming action film ECHO showcases his mastery of cutting-edge technologies and his ability to manage complex productions. Inspired by auteurs like Scorsese and Coppola, Ramon aspires to create films that entertain, inspire, and empower, with the dream of owning an animation and live-action studio.

Producer

Jonathan Ealey

Jonathan is on the verge of graduating with an MFA from USC's Peter Stark Film, TV, and New Media Producing Program, specializing in talent management and horror/sci-fi film production. Before pursuing his MFA, he leveraged his undergraduate degree from Purdue University to relocate to Japan where he spent the last decade and founded a commercial production company. As a multilingual individual, Jonathan values effective communication and leverages his language skills to bolster the creative teams he collaborates with.

Producer

Kimisha Renee Davis

Kimisha Renee Davis is committed to telling inclusive and diverse stories that leave others moved, touched, and inspired. She is focusing on directing, producing, and writing, with an emphasis on virtual production, in the division of Film and Television Production at the University of Southern California. She was awarded the USC Grant, FAO Scholarship, and the NAACP N-SPIRE Scholarship to attend the School of Cinematic Arts.

Davis is an alum of the: SUNDANCE Institute Collab Directing: Visual Storytelling Workshop (Scholarship), AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE Cinematography Intensive for Women, sponsored by: Panavision and RED Digital Cinema, and RESPECTABILITY Entertainment Lab, sponsored by: The Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, A&E, Final Draft, The Harnisch Foundation, the Murray/Reese Foundation, and the Pop Culture Collaborative.

Kimisha’s great-grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier, her grandfather was an Air Force war veteran, and her father is a Military war veteran. As a descendant of war soldiers, the legacy of her family’s service, duty, and honor fuels her passion for telling stories of the armed forces.

Kimisha is inspired by gaming technology, world-building, and imagining the impossible. She is devoted to telling impactful stories that evolve the world. Kimisha is looking forward to making a positive contribution to ECHO.

WORLD OF ECHO