My name is Emmi Shockley and I am the writer and director of Don’t Be a Baby. This is my first major production as a New York University Tisch student, and to call it a “passion project” feels like an understatement. Late nights, countless drafts, headaches, and triumphs have all come out of creating this story, and I am proud of how it has evolved. This film embraces some of the “nittiest and grittiest” aspects of what it’s like to be a young woman. Both in pacing and theme, the narrative lives in the explosive and fragile nature of this time in our lives. As Billie faces a serious crisis, the ways in which she and Manny try to tackle her problem creates a comedic sequence of events. Billie's journey is a coming-of-age story about admitting immaturity in order to mature, an experience that resonates closely with me and my fellow young artists. The film’s two main characters will be played by myself and my close friend and collaborator, Cecelia Bonner. As actresses, it has been empowering and exciting to have this creative control, build the world of this story, and craft our characters together. Your donations will help us see all of our hard work materialize.
Our three day shoot begins in New York City on April 13th. I am thrilled and excited, but of course I am facing my fair share of pre-shoot nerves. Student filmmaking is rewarding, exciting, and challenging, but it is also expensive! Funds from this campaign will help us cover a weekend of meals for our 20-person cast and crew, transportation, sound equipment rentals, and additional camera and lighting supplies. Additionally, the scope of our production design which is crucial to the story we’re telling, depends on the success of this campaign. Don’t Be a Baby will be in post-production during Summer 2018, and the goal is to have a final cut in September ready to release and submit to several film festivals. If we are fortunate enough to exceed our campaign goal and have funds left over after production, those funds will go towards paying pricey festival submission fees. Any donation, regardless of size, will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Even if you can’t donate, you can show us some love by sharing the campaign! Thank you for your interest in this film, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.
