Who I am
My name is Samuel Berger and I’ve been passionate about filmmaking since I was young. At the age of seven, I started experimenting with stop-motion videos and since then, I’ve been pursuing my dream of becoming a filmmaker. In 2022, I began studying "MultiMediaArt" with a focus on Film at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. Currently, I’m in Utah for a semester abroad, with another semester abroad planned for spring 2025.
This campaign is about making my thesis film. It’s a short film that blends drama, mystery, and surreal sci-fi. It’s a personal project that represents my growth as a filmmaker and storyteller. Your support will not only help me achieve my dream but also ensure this project reaches its full potential.
Hard facts
TYPE short film, real image, 15 – 20 min
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Austria
LOCATION Utah, USA
GENRE drama, mystery, sci-fi, surreal
LANGUAGE English, German subtitle
YEAR 2025
The campaign
To shoot such a film has been a lifelong dream of mine. By supporting this campaign, you’ll help bring my story to life - one that explores themes of ambition, love, and the line between reality and fantasy.
We’re already equipped to start filming with a budget of €6,000, but to truly elevate this project to a professional standard, we aim to raise an additional €6,000. Your contribution will directly impact the quality of this film, enabling us to refine every aspect, from cinematography to sound design.
We’ve already secured sponsors, including Graf Filmproduktion GmbH and Magic Models GmbH from Austria, and have a trusted partner in Great Story Great Sound LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Why we need you
To achieve our full vision, we need your help to bridge the gap to €12,000. Here’s how the funds will be used:
- Actors: Fair compensation for their work and talent
- Travel, Transport & Accommodation: Covering expenses for actors, equipment, props and team travel
- Art Direction: Creating visually appealing scenes
- Costume & Make-Up: Ensuring characters looks are authentically
- Catering: Providing meals for the cast and crew
- Locations: Renting and preparing the perfect settings for the film
- Insurance: Ensuring a safe and secure production process
- Film Festival Submissions: Showcasing the film on an international stage
The Impact
This film is more than just a thesis project: it’s a statement of passion, creativity, and determination. Your contribution will help realize a story that explores universal themes with a surreal twist. This film has the potential to inspire audiences and be showcased in international film festivals.
Risks & Challenges
Every film project comes with challenges, and this one is no exception. However, our team is prepared to tackle these obstacles head-on.
From tight schedules to unforeseen production hurdles, we are backed by a talented and experienced team:
- Horst Schnattler: Supervising Sound Editor, Award-winner, over 25 years of experience in sound post-production for film and media
- Ferdinand Vennemann: Post-Production Advisor, expertise in audio post-production and music mixing, contributing to acclaimed projects such as The Expendables 4 (2023)
- Samuel Berger: Director and Producer, passionate about filmmaking since the age of seven, with experience in live TV, cinema, and TV movie productions
With their expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills, we are confident in overcoming any obstacles and delivering a film that meets the highest standards.
Other Ways You Can Help
If contributing financially isn’t possible, you can still support us by spreading the word! Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. Every share brings us closer to reaching our goal.
Together, we can make this dream a reality. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Team
Meet the heads behind the project
- Samuel Berger: Director, Producer
- McKenna Murphy: Co-Producer
- Horst Schnattler: Supervising Sound Editor
- Ferdinand Vennemann: Post-Production Advisor
- Noah Schatteiner: Composer
- Andrew Wyman: Editor
- Ronja Breitenhuber & Anastasija Savic: Website & Marketing
Website
https://emiliohawkfilm.com/