Kids For Lease is a thesis short film project written and directed by Quirine Dongelmans ("Q"). 

Synopsis

Kids For Lease is set in an alternate reality where people can lease kids, like you can lease a car - driven by people's need for mass-consumptions and convenience.

Kids For Lease’s struggling sales agent Maia treats the kids at the company like products without thinking. She tries to pair the right clients with the right kids and therefore has not been making her quota. When floor sample child 91-56 is returned early, he sparks motherly feelings within Maia, which she has to hide in order to keep her job. Her boss tells Maia to close the deal on him no matter what. When her next client walks in, she immediately knows it’s the worst possible option for 91-56. Her doubt starts creeping up to the surface, until the end when she can no longer hide it. This puts her before the decision to chose her job or save the child from the company.

THEME
Consumerism is destroying humanity.
 

Why this story?

Kids For Lease is a story that I can see becoming a terrifying reality in the future. How far would you go for convenience? What if indeed our society becomes this way where people don't want kids of their own, but only want kids when they feel like it or when they need it?

Through technology and the accompanying convenience, women for instance are already postponing pregnancy for the sake of a career or accomplishments before having kids. We are also distancing ourselves more from interpersonal contact. With smartphones, we are isolating ourselves as most people don't call anymore, instead they text, send messages on Facebook or send a PM on chat sites.

All these fears and issues are embedded in Kids For Lease.

Since I love a good challenge, this short film is no different. The biggest challenge in telling this story for me is directing a child actor. It's a first and although it's a bit daunting, I can't wait to work on this challenge and have a new experience. Other challenges include making such a heavy story believable and leave the audience with something to think about, which is my ultimate goal.

I'm so incredibly passionate about this project and I truly believe this can go somewhere. Many people I talked to believe that this can become reality as well.
It's not only a story on itself as it also embodies the concept for the feature film.

I'm very proud of the awesome team that we have assembled to make this movie a reality – a perfect mix of experience and creative talent.

What will the funds be used for?

Kids For Lease will be filmed on the Red Epic camera and the total budget for the film is $10,000.  The first $7,000 of the budget has been raised and the production needs an additional $3,000 to commence filming of the project.

A detailed line item budget has been prepared and an experienced producer is on board the team. This will ensure that cost control measures are strictly adhered to and that the film will have high production value.

The funds that are donated will be used to ensure that the end product has the highest quality and tells a unique, compelling and emotional story.

The funds will go primarily to:

• Production Design
• Locations
• Stunt Insurance
• Stunt Coordinator

Other ways you can help

Support is as important as donating. Spread the word of this campaign through social media to help get this project out there if you believe in the concept Kids For Lease.

Together we can make this happen, hold a mirror up to society and make people think while at the same time be entertained by telling a unique story.

Keep checking back regularly for updates about the production in all stages. 

Thank you so much!!