Overview

When Matt, a gentle and loving father, prepares to introduce Dani, his young but stubborn daughter to his new girlfriend, he must learn how to reconnect with her in the midst of new love, grief, and locked doors.

This film explores the complexities of family relationships, grief, acceptance, and love & support - portraying the challenges and growth that come with navigating life's transitions and losses. With its compelling narrative, authentic characters, and emotional impact, this short film is a must-watch for anyone looking for a touching and thought-provoking story about love, loss, and family.

We've already started hiring an amazing crew for this movie, and now we need your help to turn this sincere and heartfelt story into a reality.

LOCKED DOORS is a student-led senior thesis short film production, written and directed by Laura Quiñones, for the TH 3359 Advanced Film Directing class at Texas State University.

This story features two central characters: Matt Parker, an affectionate and protective father who processes his grief privately, struggling to openly vocalize the pain he has experienced in life; and Dani Parker, an independent yet scared young girl who likes to perceive herself as mature and grown-up, but in reality, finds safety and comfort in her father's presence while still navigating her identity and youth.

Director's Statement: 

I want this film to reflect the trials and struggles of parenthood, grief, and communication. I love to showcase good, loving father-daughter relationships, and I want the audience to see the vulnerability and warmth that grows as Matt & Dani struggle and bond throughout the evening.

Matt’s struggle to reconnect with his daughter is one that requires him to showcase his more affectionate and vulnerable side, while Dani must allow herself to be vulnerable and recognize the fact that part of her childhood and innocence was lost when she lost her mother.

LAURA QUIÑONES (Director)

Laura Quiñones is a 3rd-year senior at Texas State University, majoring in Film Production. ‘Locked Doors’ is her Senior Thesis Film, and first venture into directing. Some of her credits include 1st Assistant Director for Marie Bargraser’s web series ‘Superbad (Kindagood)’ and Sam Hamilton’s short film ‘Soap Box’, Set Decorator on Bryan Poyser’s feature film ‘LEADS’, and 25+ credits for other roles on various short films and commercials. Laura prioritizes her unwavering work ethic and kindness when working on set, and aims to bring all that and more to her thesis film.

JOHN FIELD BROWN (Producer)

John Field Brown is a 2nd-year undergrad film student at Texas State University. For the past three years, he's been learning more about filmmaking as a freelance Production Assistant, having worked for notable companies such as FOX Sports, WarnerMedia, and Uproxx. He's also worked as an on-set Production Assistant/Grip for prominent filmmakers, including Johnny McAllister, Bryan Poyser, and Joshua Koszewski. Since 2020, he's written, directed, produced, and edited four short films, with his third short film, "Reminisce," winning "Best Student Film" at the 2022 Austin Spotlight Film Festival as well as his fourth short film, "Proof of Desire," earning a spot as a Finalist for the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles. His most recent short film, "Sunny Afternoon," starring Vincent Acevedo Jr. (WALKER, PARTY PEOPLE, THE HILL) and Timothy McKinney (THE HIGHWAYMEN, INTRUDERS, RESERVATION DOGS) is currently in post-production.

JASMINE AURELIO (Producer)

Jasmine Aurelio is a TXST film alum with a main focus in writing & editing. Her producing credits include “Halfway to Heaven” & “Pretty Fake” by Emery Jones and “JUSTIS” by Jordan Banks. She is excited to work on such an amazing and heartwarming film alongside an amazing team!

RHEAGAN HIGGINS (1st Assistant Director)

Rheagan Higgins is a writer, director, and producer from Pearland, Texas. She is currently a dedicated third-year film student at Texas State University. She recently wrote, directed, and produced her first short film titled Pews In Parks. She has worked on over ten film projects in various roles. She began her passion for storytelling through stage performance. After discovering her love for storytelling, she began crafting stories for stage and screen. In her time at Texas State, she has built reputable producing, writing, and directing skills. She began her screenwriting discovery under the instruction of Susan Busa. In addition to her storytelling skills on paper and on stage, she is rapidly building her experience in assistant directing. She has worked as 2nd Assistant Director on two films (Halfway to Heaven, directed by Emery Jones, and Dia Temido, directed by Luis Diaz). Her most recent Assistant Director commission is as 1st A.D. on a web series coming in the spring of 2024. She aims to continue building her personal portfolio through original stories crafted with intention and elegance. 

...And an incredible team is being assembled to make this film! So far, this team includes: Slade Allen (Director of Photography), Cedrik Olivar (1st AC), Marie Bargraser (2nd AC), Emery Jones (Boom Op), Nate Wilburn (Sound Mixer), Michael Parrington (Gaffer), and Lexi Delarosa (Social Media Manager)! With many more talented people coming onto the project in the near future, trust us - this film is in good hands.

Making a movie costs money. Especially with this being a student production, money is an extremely valuable resource that drastically impacts the production value of the film. Your graciously donated dollars will fund the production expenses of our film, which is scheduled to shoot this April 2024! In other words, your support allows us to make this movie - and to make it amazing.

Every dollar counts. Sometimes it's hard to imagine what it takes to make a movie since we only ever see the final product, but there are A LOT of moving factors behind-the-scenes that are crucial for the success of the film: location fees, gear rentals, set decoration, props, wardrobe, hair & makeup, crafty (snacks/drinks), catering, film festival submission fees, marketing, footage hard drives, and much much more.

$1,500 will help cover all expenses needed to make this film. Considering we are staging and shooting in an apartment for two weekends, this amount will help us execute all desired needs on and off set as well as help us shoot this movie with the best and highest possible production quality. Which is ideal, so we can then deliver a professional, well-done, impactful short film back to you!

Please consider donating! Any help goes a long way. Plus, we'll be updating all Indiegogo backers throughout the process of making this film.

Spreading the word also goes a long way. Please share this Indiegogo page everywhere and anywhere (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.). Word-of-mouth also helps this crowdfunding campaign be successful.

Have any Questions? Need more info? Interested in other investment opportunities? Email us at lockeddoorsshortfilm@gmail.com, or find us online at:

https://www.instagram.com/lockeddoorsshortfilm/

Please support LOCKED DOORS! Thank you very much!

As with every independent film production, there are many uncertainties and challenges that come with making a movie. However, our team is highly prepared and extremely passionate about creating this short film. Our team and these crew members have overcome challenges in the past, and we have proven that we have what it takes to craft a good movie.

However, we can't make this movie without your support. We've already invested countless hours and all-nighters to get to this point, and now we need your help to make this film happen. Your support would be extremely appreciated. We are all very eager to make this short film, and we will do everything in our power to make it the best movie it can be.