Short Summary
Former U.S. Airborne Infantry soldier Cloud Mykals and his business partners at Cerberus Entertainment have written and produced, along with Thorny Devil Productions, the short film Abyss of Being, "The Short film was funded in 2014 by Indie GoGo supporters just like you". The short film has been released online for and is quickly gaining momentum, being seen in over 7 countries around the world and touching hearts and lives of veterans and their families.
It is also an official submission of the company to the 88th annual Oscar Awards Short Film category and the AFI winter film festival based on such great feedback from top industry producers and other high level industry professionals.
This riveting story follows a young soldier as he fights the battle for his mind after a military combat deployment. Tex is unaware of the changes that have occurred within him as a result of the brutal horrors of war he had endured, which took the lives of several of his comrades. Returning home he is thrust into a world of unforeseen enemies, and a swirling never-ending new reality of confusion and chaos. As each day passes, he finds himself almost completely alone and alienated by the very ones he loves the most. This catastrophic spiral of mental turmoil leads Tex on a path towards the likelihood of a deadly end. It’s only through the undying love of his wife and young daughter, and through the support of his father-in-law that perceptions are realigned to help their broken soldier truly come home.
Cloud, Steve and Byron began Cerberus Entertainment in the beginning of 2014 and currently have two other feature projects in talks with the biggest studios in Hollywood. This Film Project Abyss of being we believe should be made by the people for the people. With this film, Abyss of Being, we want to raise awareness for Veterans and their loved ones who may be dealing with last effects of PTSD, as well as bring an amazing piece of film making to the big screen for the world to enjoy.
What We Need & What You Get
As you have seen, we were able to take a small amount of funding and create an amazing short film. Now we are going even bigger. A full budget has been created for the feature version of this film. It outlines everything from cast and director compensation to travel expenses and crew pay. It is a full budget down to the smallest detail.
For those who would like to support but are curious for more detail, we would be glad to disclose this budget to you to show that we are serious.
Some of the awesome perks you could get would be:
- DVD/Blueray
- Autographed poster
- Photo Album of Behind the Scenes
- On Set Passes to see the Action
- Credits in the film such as Associate Producer, Co-Producer, Executive Producer
- Inivitation to Cast and Crew wrap party
- Passes to the Opening Premier
- And More...
Close But No CIGAR...
Well we tried but we didn't quite make it. That's ok, we are prepared for this. If we don't hit our goal, we still will put the donations to great use. We will use the donations as development funds in order to secure bigger talent or director. The development funds could also help use get matching funds through certain contacts and investors we know.
The Impact
Cloud Mykals, Steve Dawson and Byron James Actors/Writers/Producers and owners of Cerberus Entertainment have teamed up with C.E.O. of Thorny Devil Productions, Jennifer Taylor Lawrence to bring this heart felt masterpiece to the screen. Our goal for this film is tell story that has the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
Abyss of Being is short theatrical film that follows a young U.S. Army soldier upon returning home from combat. Just when he thought the war was over, he would find that a new war was just beginning; the war for his mind and the ones he loves most. A part of him has died inside and things will no longer be the same.
Almost everyone of us know of a loved one or a friend who has been effected by PTSD in some way. It is not only a combat illness, but a very real thing that has a lasting effect on the minds of our loved ones. This is a real nightmare for far too many of our returning soldiers and their families, as well as those who have been through extremely traumatic circumstances. At least 23 returning soldiers die everyday from suicide. While this seems to be a staggering number, it is on the low-side of what actually occurs. We as loved ones can help change this. Help us show people that through love, support, and kindness that this can get better. Help us make this film.
This story is based on actual events and situations in a soldier's life after a combat deployment. For Cloud Mykals, this is a very important story to tell, as he has fought with the war of P.T.S.D. since his combat deployment in 2003. For Cloud, more than a decade of not understanding why things were so very different for him after deployment, his battle had just begun. Divorce, countless sleepless nights, and years of confusion and mental turmoil became life threatening. Cloud has been one of the fortunate ones.
There are many soldiers who are unable to cope with the vast effects of P.T.S.D. Their families suffer almost as much as the soldiers do. Cloud has watched over the years as many of his close friends and their families were torn apart by the demons of P.T.S.D. Many of his fellow soldiers fell victim to drugs, alcohol, crime, divorce, and a never ending everyday battle for their peace of mind. Please help us make this film to show people how real the battle after the war can be, as we provide an inside look into the life of a soldier upon his return home from deployment.
Risks and Challenges
The biggest challenge in this film will be for our actors. They must portray great emotion, and gain an understanding of a soldier’s life. This will also be challenging for our director, who will be responsible for making sure the story is accurately portrayed. Cloud Mykals, Steve Dawson and Byron James will be working very closely with veteran’s organizations and other veterans to make sure that this film will be powerful, inspiring, as well as entertaining.
Other Ways You Can Help
That's ok if you can't help financially. Just pass the word around, maybe someone you know would like to donate and help us make this amazing and impactfull feature film.