WHY I AM CREATING THIS FILM

As an actor, I am always hearing, 'Create your own stuff!' and it is the most fulfilling and inspiring advice I’ve ever taken. Although my passions took me to Los Angeles, I find myself coming back to my hometown in New England. I’ve always had dreams of returning to my roots and creating my own productions to showcase the beautiful places and community where I became the creative I am today.

Here’s the exciting part… I’m not just dreaming of making a feature film in the place my heart calls home—I have to. But before that big leap, I’m crafting this short film to offer a sneak peek into the story, giving everyone a glimpse of what’s to come!

But, I need you to help me bring those dreams to life. 

Every independent filmmaker relies on the support of donors to bring their vision to fruition. You might be wondering, 'Why should I be a donor?' The answer is simple: without donors like you, this industry wouldn’t exist. You play a crucial role in making it possible for stories to be told, dreams to become reality, and for people to experience something new. Just imagine the impact of turning someone’s dream into something tangible for the world to see.

My goal is to assemble a talented crew of local New Englanders, collaborate with local businesses, and showcase the stunning landscapes of my hometown. The East Coast has always been a place where dreams are born and aspirations take shape—and that’s exactly what my characters explore in this story. 

My Journey of Becoming a Filmmaker  

In 2023, I hit a turning point in my career. Though I had always seen myself as an actor, I found myself craving something more—something bigger. I wanted to create, to bring my own stories to life. And I thought, “Don’t think about it, just do it!”. That’s when Waves of Her was born. It started as a micro short film, and I wore every hat—Director, Writer, Actor, Producer—doing everything I could with the little money I had, all inspired by a song a classmate had written at UCLA. It was an intense learning experience and a true test of my creativity, passion, and ability to handle the pressures of indie filmmaking. Spoiler alert: it fueled the fire. And now? Here I am, diving into my next project.

So, what’s the story?

This story will sweep you into the heart of a coastal town, with that same raw, emotional pull you felt in CODA and Charlie St. Cloud. It’ll take you back to the days of youthful dreams, much like My Old Ass, while capturing innocent love like the The Notebook. But just when you think you know where it’s headed, a twist—like  Atonement—will leave you questioning what’s true.

Logline

A coastal, small town boy sets out to publish a novel based on his childhood best friend, but faces a moral dilemma when deciding whether to publish a comforting, fabricated version of their story or reveal the unsettling truth. 

Synopsis

Small town Ethan Benson, sits in a publishing office, anxiously awaiting to discuss bringing his book to life. When asked about his best friend in his book, he reflects on a conversation he had with her the summer before she left for California to become a writer herself. 

In a flashback to the summer of 2018, Ethan and his best friend, Lily, slip away from their graduation party for a private moment of reflection. Alone together, they savor the fleeting sense of freedom, talking about their dreams and futures. Despite their disagreements, they steer the conversation toward lighter, hopeful expectations. Lily insists that they make the most of their last summer together before she leaves, determined to ensure its unforgettable—no matter where life takes them next.

Back to the present, the publisher praises the beautiful friends-to-lovers story and starts to ask questions comparing the story to their actual life. Ethan is caught off guard by her enthusiasm and deflects her inquiries, leaving the publisher to question the story’s authenticity.  Ethan finds himself having to make a hard decision when choosing to face the truth of his past or continue to live in his altered reality. 

Why THIS Story?

In today’s world, many stories focus on relationships shaped by compatibility or the sacrifices we make to hold on to love. We often question each other’s dreams and judge choices that don’t align with our own. But is it possible for two people to have different dreams, and for neither to be right or wrong? This story delves into the pressure we place on others to accept differing beliefs and aspirations—even when they clash with the ones we love. This story explores the lingering weight of unspoken words—the moments we hesitate to express our true feelings to those we love, paralyzed by the fear of change or rejection. Some say everything happens for a reason, but what if there is no reason at all? What if life is simply a series of missed chances and cruel twists of fate?

Daydream examines why we gravitate towards storytelling.

We can’t stop life from happening. Life is sad, happy and everything in between. Stories share valuable lessons and hurtful truths by creating fictional lives and relationships. Why does one create stories that aren’t rooted in reality? Sometimes, fiction helps us escape the painful truths of life—loss, regrets, unspoken words. We fantasize about what could’ve been, about lives we’ll never live. This story asks: where is the balance between living in reality and retreating into fantasy? Can we ever truly reconcile both?

Daydream questions why we tell the stories we do. 

Not every film is about superheroes or supernatural worlds; some are made to connect with people’s everyday lives and universal feelings of loss and grief. The most effective storytellers balance escapism and reality to share their truths, experiences and perspectives. Stories that come from real emotions often resonate most because they provide both an escape and a way to face life’s challenges. It’s about the conversations our generation is having: Can dreams be just as important if they differ from others? How do we cope with grief, a universal feeling that we carry for life? And, should we tell stories to escape the truth or reveal it?

WHY CREATING THIS FILM MATTERS:

Everyone has to start somewhere. In a world full of original ideas and new stories, we, as film and creative enthusiasts, have a responsibility to support independent filmmakers, especially women. 

Through challenges like COVID, strikes, and fires, artists everywhere have been affected and are struggling to stay in the business they love. Supporting your local creatives has never been more crucial. You don’t need a huge studio or a massive budget to tell a story that stirs emotion and makes an impact.

Being an artist is about so much more than what the world perceives. Those blockbuster hits and famous actors we admire came from countless hours of hard work, pitch decks, drafted scripts, and likely started out as unknowns—the very place so many artists, including myself, find themselves in right now. The industry today often rebrands tired tropes and relies on endless sequels, while I want to tell fresh, original stories with surprising twists that leave you feeling something real. There’s a lack of originality in today’s films, and the true, artistic stories that reflect the world we live in are often kept quiet—only seen if they gain enough 'buzz.' There is more talent outside of the spotlight, away from higher budget projects, that deserve equal attention.

I love being an artist because it allows me to create and explore the stories that reflect and question our everyday lives and society. Many of my stories come from conversations with loved ones, friends, and colleagues—whether it’s a parent’s childhood, a pivotal life choice, or a moment that shaped someone’s future. These are the voices that deserve to be heard, and those are the stories I want to share. Every story I create is inspired by a personal moment or someone else’s experience, even if I don’t realize it. I love taking those moments and weaving them into something meaningful to share with the world.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the awards or the fame (although, that would be pretty amazing). It’s about creating work that resonates with the people around you. If my art makes you feel something, that’s the greatest reward I could ever receive.

Now where YOU come in!

Making a film isn’t cheap, but with your support, we can make it happen! There is so much that goes into creating a film including paying our very talented cast, crew and editors, getting craft services to feed our team, finding locations and spaces to film, and renting or buying camera, sound and lighting equipment. From on-set expenses to post-production refinement, every penny helps to bring the final cut to life. Financial support is key, but sharing this project with others is just as important. Help us spread the word and bring this vision to life!

Here’s how you can help!

DONATE! 

Any contribution - of any kind - puts me one step further towards making this short film, and even closer to making the feature film a reality. 

SHARE! 

Please share this campaign with as many people as you can! You never know who may want to be a part of the journey and jump in on the adventure with you. The more people that know about my project, the more people can join this incredible, supportive, and creative community! It's like a big game of telephone and the goal is to keep passing the message on! 

CONNECT! 

Check out and follow the Instagram and Facebook page where you can follow along with progress of the film, stay updated on who is joining the team, and know when the feature film gets greenlit!

Instagram: @day.dreamfilm 

Facebook Page: @DayDreamFilm 

This is just the beginning of this production’s adventure, so why not hop on now and join us for the ride?!

PERKS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS! 

DONATIONS OF: 

$25 - Gain access to the film’s inspired playlist on Spotify including indie and folk artists that inspire the film’s tone! 

$50 - Receive a personalized Thank You note with a BTS photo from our time shooting the film! 

$100 - Be listed in the credits of the film in our ‘Special Thanks’ section as recognition of your support in making this film possible! 

$250+ Receive special early access to the film before it is released to the public!* 

*Please be aware that the premier date will not be set until the final cut is processed by the festival circuit.  Please be patient as we progress through production and festival submission.

$2500+ Be listed in the credits of the film as an Executive Producer! 

This type of work takes a village and I am so fortunate to have more and more people become a part of this family of mine. I would not be able to do what I love without your generous support - and that, I am forever grateful for. 

Alright, are you ready? Because I am - here we go! 

Gwenn Hope

~ It is a beautiful thing to be an artist.