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Shown left to right: Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Lucy), Emma Fuhrmann (Taylor), Alex Yonks (Director/Writer), Gavin Casalegno (Michael).
What are we doing?
"A Taylor Story" is for everyone out there that believes that films can be entertaining and improve our world at the same time. By relating to characters in film we connect to our inner selves. Like Taylor, every one of us has the ability within to fight difficult situations, to live through adversity with heart and humor.
"A Taylor Story" is short film about a compassionate fifteen-year-old girl who is battling cancer. She has a passion for horses, for her friends, and for the life she wants to keep living. On a family horseback ride, her parents notify her that her chemo has stopped working and that she must decide whether or not she wants to live the rest of her life to the fullest without medical attention or go through with an experimental trial that has a low success rate.
So you don't want to see a downer film about cancer? Let us stop you right there. This is not a story about a kid with cancer. Sure, she has cancer, but that isn't who she is. She’s a teenager, with two best friends, who goes out on Halloween against her parents' will, for a night to remember. Throughout a series of harmless shenanigans, Taylor is reminded of what it truly feels like to be alive.
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Shown: Emma Fuhrmann as Taylor
Making a movie that involves cancer doesn’t make it go away. By telling this story, we will raise awareness and money and ultimately help those who are looking for a way to make cancer go away.
How can you help?
With any creative project, there are expenses that come with the process and student films are no exception. While films have a big price tag, so does battling diseases such as cancer. This is why we're asking for donations. Our goal is to raise $30,000, with half of the money raised by this campaign going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ![]()
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That being said, we need $15,000 to make this film a reality. That money will go to covering costs such as camera equipment, location fees, craft services, actor expenses, and horse rentals. A minimum of 10% of the money raised by this campaign will be donated to St. Jude, with the goal of donating 50% of the overall $30,000. With your donation, you will help bring the character of Taylor alive and help real children who will be able to live life to the fullest because of St. Jude Hospital.
Meet the Cast!
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Emma Fuhrmann - Emma is best known for playing Espn in Blended alongside Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Her feature film credits also include the role of Finnegan in The Magic of Belle Isle opposite Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen. She was nominated for Gideon Film Festival's Best Actress award for her role in the short film Are We Listening? as well as Young Artist Award's Best Supporting Actress in a feature film award for Blended.
Connect with Emma on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EmmaFuhrmann
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Cozi Zuehlsdorff - Cozi is known for her role as Hazel in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. She has also recurred in Disney shows Mighty Med and Liv and Maddie. With a passion for singing and songwriting, Cozi has lent her singing voice to TV series Sophia the First and released her debut EP Originals in 2014.
Connect with Cozi on Twitter
https://twitter.com/CoziZuehlsdorff
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Gavin Casalegno - Gavin has most recently starred in Noah as Young Shem alongside Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins, and Jennifer Connelly. He has also starred in other feature films, such as When the Game Stands Tall, Dead Still, and I Am Gabriel.
Connect with Gavin on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Gavster99
Meet the Writer/Director!
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Alex Yonks - Alex, is a senior Directing Major in Dodge College at Chapman University. She is a recipient of the Deans Scholar and the Women of Chapman Endowed Student Filmmaker Award. The Women of Chapman have recognized her with an additional grant to help fund a portion of "A Taylor Story." Alex is very passionate and understands that movies have the ability to instill feelings into the hearts, minds, and lives of young and old, friends and strangers. "As a writer, I don’t take this power lightly. This is why every ounce of who I am goes into telling stories that make the world a better place. This film is not violent, there will be no guns, no drugs, no car explosions, and no cussing. So if you’re looking for that, maybe go watch Mad Max. A Taylor Story is a wholesome, family friendly centered, funny, thought provoking and inspirational film that anybody at any age can watch and enjoy. I hope you will follow us on social media, support our campaign, and enjoy getting to know Taylor and her story."
Connect with Alex on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/alexyonks
Meet the Executive Producer!
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Kevin Ash - We are happy to announce the addition of Kevin Ash of KLA Productions to our production team! You can see his credits on IMDB as KEVIN ASH (II)
LAST WORD:
A Taylor Story has a FUTURE!
A Taylor Story isn't just a senior thesis film. After completion we will be entering A Taylor Story into major industry film festivals all over the country, and release it for Oscar consideration during next year's Oscar season! Help this little story help out St. Jude's and raise awareness for cancer victims everywhere. We hope you join us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
If you are unable to donate to our cause, feel free to share our campaign. We appreciate any help we can get.
