
"Re-Strung", a short film by Paolo Cerrino x hrvst films
Donation protected
“Re-Strung” will be Paolo Cerrino’s third directorial venture, and collaboration with co-writer Gabe Pinto. This will be the second collaboration with hrvst films, Olivia Upton and Darsh Desai, following nearly a year after the short film ‘Spin the Bottle’.

Synopsis:
In "Re-Strung," Nina's tale unfolds—a gifted composer engulfed by self-doubt, her career on the brink of collapse. Amidst her personal crisis, Nina works on a movie that wounds up blending the boundaries of fiction and reality. Her deepest fears materialize, transforming her ordinary world into a blend of psychological terror and pure cinematic horror. As the lines between her artistic creation and her personal existence blur, Nina is forced to confront the very real dangers that now threaten her.
Our Vision:
We aim to create a short film that stands out through its unique use of lighting and sound to tell the story. "Re-Strung" will rely on these elements to convey emotions and drive the narrative, by using minimal dialogue. By focusing on high production values and a well-crafted storyline, we seek to deliver a memorable and impactful cinematic experience all-around.
How You Can Help:
Your support is essential to bringing "Re-Strung" to life. Here are ways you can contribute:
- Engage with Us: Follow our journey on social media platforms to stay connected. We value our supporters and strive to keep you informed about our progress.
- Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social media networks. Your efforts in raising awareness can have a significant impact on our success.
- Pledge Your Support: Select a reward tier that aligns with your interests and contribute to our campaign. Every donation brings us closer to achieving our goal.
All contributions will be directly put into the creation of "Re-Strung", including but not limited to, special FX makeup, top of the line equipment, meals and fuel for our cast and crew, props and set drressing, and more.
Reward Tiers:
$10: For $10, you’ll receive a social media shoutout on our instagram page, @restrung.shortfilm!
$20: For $20, you’ll receive a specially curated list of films and a playlist from our director, Paolo Cerrino, that have been inspirations behind “Re-Strung”!
$50: For $50, you’ll receive a digital zine full of behind-the-scenes content from the making of “Re-Strung”!
$75: For $75, you’ll be invited to a one hour long Q+A with our cast and key production team and also see our film digitally premiered!
$100: For $100, you’ll receive all of the previous reward tiers, and an invitation to the in person and digital premiere of “Re-Strung”!
$250: For $250, you’ll receive all previous reward tiers, and a signed 11x17 copy of our film’s poster! *This reward tier will be mailed physically to your preferred address.
$500: For $500, you’ll receive all previous reward tiers, and a special picked, surprise item from our set! This could be anything from a piece of wardrobe, a key prop, to a poster or painting, with a 4x6 photo and description of the item! *This reward tier will be mailed physically to your preferred address.
$1,000: For $1,000, you’ll receive all previous reward tiers excluding $500, and an associate producer credit on “Re-Strung”! With the AP credit, you’ll gain access to all shooting dates, and be credited on IMDb and in our film’s end credits!
$2,500+: For $2,500+, you’ll receive all previous reward tiers excluding $500 and $1,000, and an executive producer credit on “Re-Strung”! With the EP credit, you’ll receive all general production communication, gain access to all shooting dates and scheduled test dates, an open invite to all festivals and screenings, and be credited on IMDb and in our film’s end credits!

Meet Our Team:
Paolo Cerrino is a filmmaker, originally from Italy, who moved to LA 3 years ago to study film and pursue the career of his dreams. During his stay in LA, Paolo has directed 3 short films and worked in the Art Department on several projects, which taught him how the purest form of cinema is achieved through visual storytelling rather than dialogues. Paolo’s number one goal is to establish himself as a Director/ Writer who makes movies that push the boundaries of the medium itself by experimenting with the numerous tropes and genres that cinema can offer,while also creating stories that feel deeply personal for him.
Olivia Upton, originally from Massachusetts, is a dynamic and versatile production manager, producer, and 1st AD currently based in Los Angeles, California. She is currently the resident producer and co-founder of startup production company, hrvst films. As alumni of the Los Angeles Film School, Olivia has cultivated a rich and diverse portfolio of work across various media, including short films, commercials, television, and music videos. Her one goal is to make it possible to connect audiences with stories everyone can find relation in.
Darsh Desai, graduate of the Los Angeles Film School, and the co-founder of HRVST Films, wasn't a fan of horror until meeting Paolo Cerrino. Coming from India, where horror films are rarely distributed, Desai didn't grow up watching much of the genre. However, after collaborating with Paolo on "Spin The Bottle," Desai developed an appreciation for horror. As the cinematographer for "Re-Strung," he relates to Nina’s character as an artist who sees their work as an extension of themselves, striving for perfection in every detail. Working with Paolo and the dedicated crew, Desai finds it a privilege to narrate the story through fearless visual language and a close-knit community.
Gabriel Pinto is a writer and producer with experience in multiple short films and television broadcasting, developing stories that seek to impact the audience emotionally. A creative bridging the gap between imagination and realism.
Claire is a recent graduate from The Los Angeles Film School. She is a director, actress, and screenwriter. She is also incredibly excited to be working on this project!
Alexandra Tejada is a multi-medium LA-based artist, with work spanning films, music, theater, etc.. She is beyond grateful and honored to be working with Paolo once again for “Re-Strung”. She is a first-generation Filipina currently pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts at CalArts. Creating art and making films with the people she loves is everything to her, and she is grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Steven Dillard is a gaffer based in Los Angeles, CA. An alumnus of the Los Angeles Film School with a diverse portfolio that includes short films, music videos, and commercials, he is known for his expertise and dedication to the craft of lighting in film. Steven is passionate about storytelling through light and is committed to enhancing the visual narrative of every project he undertakes.
Our Timeline:
July 2024 - Mid September 2024: Pre-production
Mid - End September 2024: Principal Photography
October 2024 - January 2025: Post Production
January 2025 - June 2025: Distribution & Festival Circuit
We sincerely appreciate your consideration in supporting "Re-Strung." Every contribution, big or small, is vital in helping us bring this film to life. We are thrilled to have you join us on this journey and can't wait to share a thrilling and unforgettable experience with you. Thank you, and see you at the movies.

*We do not own rights to images included in this campaign.
Organizer
Darsh Desai
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA