Verses - a dramedy short film by Andrew Walke

The film is almost done

We made it through production! We’ve already completed the hardest part. Lots of resources and many wonderfully talented people came together to bring this story to life. The film has been shot, and I have to say, it looks pretty good . Check out the stills and some behind-the-scenes photos above.

This film is very much a passion project. It was paid for almost entirely out of my personal savings.

Now, we need your help to get us across the finish line and complete post production.

First, let me tell you a little about the film…

Verses is a modern dating story navigating themes of creativity, love, success, and self-worth.

Logline

A woman has high hopes for her first date with an intriguing barista… until he reads her his poetry.

Synopsis

Abe and Gemma are meeting in the park for their first date, a picnic on a beautiful sunny day. Everything seems to be going well, until Abe gives an unsolicited reading of his poetry. Gemma is a bit put off by this, but wills herself to try and stay open. As the

afternoon unfolds, however, what began with the thrill of possibility sours, as tensions erode the connection between them. Creative ego, insecurity, and the need to be seen surface and erupt in an uncomfortable crescendo, forcing Abe and Gemma to confront not just each other, but themselves.

More than just a funny movie about a bad date

It’s a humorous look at the frustrating ways we misunderstand each other and how we often look to others for our self-worth. As anyone who’s dated knows, misaligned expectations are a recipe for disappointment. The film explores the ways insecurity inhibits intimacy, and the tension in the space between ambition and authenticity. Is a bad date really bad if it brings us closer to ourselves?

Where your money is going

These are the crucial elements needed to complete the project:

Where we’re going

We will be submitting our film to many festivals, where it can reach a wider audience, building visibility, community, and a life beyond production.

It’s bigger than this film

By supporting our project, you’re affirming that independent art and independent artists matter.

The arts & entertainment landscape has changed a lot in recent years. With film studios disappearing or consolidating under a few powerful companies, corporations are gaining greater control over the media we experience, and independent artists are being pushed to the margins.

The contraction in the film and tv industry has left fewer opportunities for artists here at home, as productions have moved abroad.

I’m proud to say that this small production was able to employ over a dozen artists and supported several local businesses.

Your donation supports working class artists who are creating from scratch.

We’re a Non-Profit Film

Our project has 501(c)(3) non-profit status, which comes with meaningful benefits for anyone who chooses to support us:

If your employer does offer fund matching, or you would like your donation to be tax deductible, we ask that you please make your donation through our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions, at this link: https://fromtheheart.allyrafundraising.com/campaigns/14512-verses-post-production-help-us-cross-the-finish-line

(Please note that donations through our sponsor will not appear in this platform’s total. Donations made directly on GoFundMe are not tax-deductible, but they help the project just the same.)

Team bios

Andrew Walke - Writer, Director, Abe

Andrew is an actor, writer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He’s a graduate of CalArts, where he earned a BFA in Acting. His work as an actor spans theater, television, and film. Verses marks his directorial debut.

Cara Mitsuko - Gemma

Cara is an actress/producer born and raised in California. As an actress, she originated the lead role in Luis Valdez's play Valley of the Heart, and then broke into TV with the fiery role of Sarah on Amazon Studio's The Man In The High Castle. Her incisive and passionate nature led her to producing, and she is currently in post-production on her second feature, while developing her third.

Lucia Tran - Producer

Lucia is an LA-based filmmaker who runs a production company called Her Studio . She’s worked on multiple documentaries and films including one of her own called We’re Okay, and has produced advertisements for brands like Poppi, Revival Rugs, Third Love, and more. When she’s not producing or directing, she’s petting her dog or someone else’s.

Caleb Harris - Cinematographer

Caleb hails from the rolling cornfields of Iowa. Today, he stands at the helm of his own production company, embodying the role of director with unwavering commitment. His feature-length directorial debut Gothic Slayers, a horror-comedy, released in 2025 (now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime). Caleb's distinctive approach to storytelling and comedy comes from a lifetime of experience making those around him laugh and smile. He subscribes to the ideal that hard work, treating others with love and respect, and being authentically yourself will lead to projects that will live in your heart forever.

Jonathan Cuartas - Editor

Jonathan is a Colombian-American writer/director from Miami. His debut feature, My Heart Can't Beat Unless You Tell It To, premiered at Tribeca to widespread critical acclaim. It currently holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where it sits as one of the top horror films of 2021. He won the Citizen Kane Award for Best Directorial Revelation at Sitges and the New Direction Competition at Cleveland International Film Festival.

Jonathan's editing work includes the feature film Mountains, directed by Monica Sorelle, which won a Film Independent Spirit Award after screening at both Tribeca and Toronto International Film Festival. Jonathan's short form narrative editing work has screened around the US, at festivals like Palm Springs International ShortFest and New Orleans Film Festival.

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about this project! We are grateful for any amount of money that you are able to contribute. Your donation is instrumental in bringing Verses to life.

Of course, we understand that not everyone is in a position to help financially. Simply sharing this with people you know who might want to give can be just as impactful. Please share it far and wide!

With Gratitude,

Andrew