Wirepuller – Short Film About Manipulation

Logline

A loyal man helps his hoarding little sister look for her missing childhood toy, but when his older sister pushes him out of the family, his manipulative tendencies come to light.

Overview

In this short dramatic mystery, we follow a 29-year-old man named Wren as he confronts conflicts with his two sisters on the day after Thanksgiving.

His little sister, Poppy, is a hoarder and believes someone has stolen her slinky. Wren helps her look for it. The question of what happened to the missing toy is the central mystery.

In concurrent scenes, Wren arrives at his older sister Lisa’s house to ask if he can take care of her children. She rejects his plea, and reminds him of how he has hurt her in the past.

Theme—

This is a story about manipulation. Even though manipulating others can be a successful tactic, that does not mean it is justifiable, or even a good idea.

Style & Tone

The film will follow two parallel narratives, constantly jumping back and forth between the two worlds. This dichotomy deepens the mystery and gives insight into the characters.

Poppy's Apartment—

This storyline will feature a warm color pallet to convey the comfort she feels in her cluttered space. Even though outsiders may view her hoard as undesirable, to her it is a cozy cave.

Lisa's House—

This storyline will feature a cool color pallet, representing the unhappy mood of the characters and the tension between them.

Pace—

The film will move quickly as the concurrent sets of scenes build off each other. Tension will gradually build, and the plot will march forward. By the end, it will become clear how the storylines are connected, and there will be a final twist that ties it all together.

Team

Joshua Gravitt – Director, Writer, Editor

Sylvia Sun – Producer

Julian Totah – Director of Photography

Angelica Sheen – Production Designer

Director's Statement

We have all been manipulated by others, sometimes we're aware of it and sometimes we're not. When I am subject to this contemptible behavior, I often struggle to realize that that my life is being used for the whim of someone else’s personal benefit. This is not okay, and needs to be explored. A short film is the perfect format to do so. Within fifteen minutes, this film will manipulate the audience in a way similar to how the characters are being toyed with, giving viewers an immersing and insightful experience.

In college, I studied math, which gave me a unique perspective on the filmmaking process. Plot threads and storylines are like numerical formulae in my head. Coupling this with my artistic vision will be great for a story like this one, as it involves complex character dynamics. I will use techniques including nonlinear editing and a fast pace that are rare in the short film genre, in order to tell this story in the best way possible.

I cannot wait to go forward on this project and meet the rest of my crew!

Funding

Rewards

$10 – Thank You Note

Receive a thank you note from the filmmakers, representing our gratitude for your help!

$50 – Wirepuller Poster

Receive your own copy of the film's official poster prior to its release!

$200 – Special Thanks Credit

Watch your name appear in the film itself in our Special Thanks section!

$1000 – Associate Producer Credit

Your generous contribution to the film will be honored with this special credit!

$3000 – Executive Producer Credit

See your name in the film with the highest possible credit, representing your invaluable contribution to the project.