The Goatman: a Capstone Film
Hello! We - Otto Gaiser, Kenna Smith, and Zachary Trout - are senior Film and New Media students at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film within the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
We are planning and producing a 14 minute short film to complete our BFA degrees (and graduate in May) as part of our Capstone thesis class.
Each one of us has dreamed of attending and graduating from film school for most of our lives. Being able to study our craft, improve our skills, and broaden our understanding of the industry during our time in the Carson program has been a blessing. Through this ambitious project, we hope to showcase just how high quality of a production the students in this program can create.
We've been working hard all semester to write and explore the story we want to tell. Our current working title is "The Goatman". This film is a thriller/dark comedy that follows a therapy group as they encounter unexpected challenges during a relaxing rehabilitation retreat in the woods.
One of the biggest challenges we will be facing with this production is our goal to create a believable, functioning monster entirely through practical costuming and makeup. No CGI. No animation. Just real materials. The cost of these supplies will be a significant part of our budget.
While we won't be filming until the last two weekends in January, there's plenty of work to be done before then! We will be using the funds we receive for many different elements of production, including:
Building the Goatman suit, which will require foam, latex, paint, puppetry mechanisms, fur, etc.
Renting gear
Renting our cabin location
Feeding our cast and crew
Compensating any SAG (Screen Actors Guild) actors (if casted) for their work
Compensating out-of-state crew for their travel fees
Now that we're entering the final stretch of our college careers, we need one last boost from our family, friends, and supporters. Please consider donating if you can afford it. We want to make this project the best it can possibly be, and with your help, we'll have the funds and materials to make that possible.
Thank you so much for reading our story. If you can donate, you have our utmost gratitude and appreciation.
