Short Summary

Finding Joy is an original feature film screenplay written by Valeri Bates, a Kansas City native filmmaker and actress who holds a BA in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production. Alongside extensive training and professional experience with casting, directing, acting and various other aspects within the film industry, she has also completed Meisner master intensive classes at Gately/Poole Conservatory out of Chicago, IL. The cast and crew primarily consists of individuals from the Kansas City and Springfield, MO areas, including  award-winning Composer, Dane Schmidt and Cinematographer, David Watson. 

This campaign is invaluable to the whole team, as we will band our artistic strengths together to bring to life a harrowing story about true-to-life traumas and how the residual consequences of repressed memories from childhood can be a hindrance to all aspects of an individual's physical, mental and emotional health well into adulthood. A myriad of other issues, such as sleep disorders, can be brought on by buried memories as well. 

The Impact

Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference. The majority of the general population is unaware of the terror that sleep disorders such as sleep paralysis can bring about, and even fewer have experienced it themselves. The larger the audience we can reach with festival submissions and possible distribution, the more awareness we can spread about these significant and mind-bending themes. We want to educate our audience on the trials one might face in life-trying situations, as well as the powerful mental techniques that can be used to overcome them. Our goal is to achieve an overwhelming catharsis in our viewers with captivating storytelling, relatable characters, aesthetically pleasing visuals and an unsettling, yet intriguing soundtrack in this insightful psychological horror-thriller. 

What We Need & What You Get

We are looking to raise around $10,000 to fund the project. The money raised will be used for the following:

• Cast and crew day rates
• Gas/mileage reimbursement
• Equipment rental
• Craft services
• Wardrobe
• Props and practicals
• Location fees
• Post production (rough and final cuts, music score, sound design, special effects, etc.)
• Festival submission fees

PERKS for our BACKERS!

• $25 Donation | A special thank you in the credits | Digital copy of the film
• $50 Donation | A special thank you in the credits | Digital copy | DVD or Blu-ray 
• $75 Donation | A special thank you in the credits | Digital copy | Signed DVD or Blu-ray 
• $100 Donation | A special thank you in the credits | Digital copy | Signed DVD or Blu-ray | Exclusive invite to the red carpet premiere in KC
• $125 Donation | A special thank you in the credits | Digital copy | Signed DVD or Blu-ray | Exclusive invite to the red carpet premiere in KC | Meet and greet with the cast and crew

If we don't reach our entire goal, the funds that we do raise will still go toward making a visually stunning film with heart. 

Other Ways You Can Help

We understand that some people won't be able to contribute monetarily, but that doesn't mean you can't help! Word of mouth goes a long way. Help us spread the word and share this campaign with your friends and family on social media.