TAIL - Short Horror Film

MISSION STATEMENT:

Tail is a short horror film written/directed by Pamela Mora and produced by Jessica Balunas and Gillian Smith. The project explores themes of revenge, generational conflict, and learning to cope with the horrors of the world in all the forms they come in.

LOGLINE:

When Caleb’s father Brian forces him to participate in a hunting trip, the pair manage to shoot and injure an unidentifiable animal in the woods. As the sun sets, the wounded creature returns seeking revenge.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:

As a lifelong horror movie fan, I was apprehensive to dip my toes in scary movies. Who did I think I was, Wes Craven? David Cronenberg’s son? When searching for inspiration, I went to the part of the world known for terror and tears– the children’s section of the Burbank library. I have a vivid memory of listening to a read-along book of the Appalachian folklore tale of the Tailypo. When I was in kindergarten I was terrified of this story and the illustrations of the Tailypo, a monster with coal black hair, yellow eyes, and long claws. Although my mom was trying to wean me off pacifiers at the time, she gave it back to me since I needed the comfort. Seriously, why was this a book for children?

In a way, Tailypo was the aperitif to a long buffet of horror movie fascination that would come later. The story of the Tailypo held up for my sick little, scary-seeking brain when I reread it. As an animal lover, I understand and even support the Tailypo’s bloodlust. Leave him and his tail alone! I loved the idea of a role reversal on this hunting trip. And what’s worse than a hunting trip that’s doomed to be miserable from the start? There’s nothing like being a vegetarian, twelve-year-old boy on a hunting trip with your trigger-happy, proud boy of a father who’s hellbent on teaching you how you should really behave.

Tail is a story about revenge, growing up and growing apart from family, and learning to cope with the horrors of the world in all the forms they come in.

Pamela Mora is the writer and producer of GOAT SHOW LA .

PRODUCERS' STATEMENT:

I Miss Daniel Productions is a creative partnership between producers Jessica Balunas and Gillian Smith. Jessica and Gillian formed the production company with the goal of creating character-driven narratives that amplify under-represented voices and perspectives, particularly those of women. Jessica and Gillian perpetuate these values by choosing to work with a majority-female crew and actively seeking ideas and feedback from all collaborators on every project. The result is content that strives to present unique voices in the context of stories that explore universal themes that will resonate with all audiences.

Check out our previous projects, The Stray and Baby Girls.

These funds will help us through pre-production, production, and post-production. This means securing our crew, equipment, locations, craft services, editing, music composition, motion graphics, and of course, building our creature.

$20 - EXCLUSIVE ART PRINT DOWNLOAD FROM SAM SOKOLOW (preview above)

$40 - TAILYPO DRAMATIC READING BY PAMELA MORA

$60 - EXCLUSIVE EARLY STREAMER

$100 - SPECIAL THANKS IN CREDITS