I want to tell a story about the art school experience highlighting the uniqueness of its world and humanity. It's a high-stress place and the temptation to be critical of everything is palpable. Everyone's been that person who hates on things, and everyone's been that person who gets their things hated on, so I wanted to make a story embodying both kinds of people, in an attempt to make each side feel validated, understood, and more sympathetic to the other, in a heart-warming, humorous way.
I’m Jenny Bee, a storyteller and, importantly, an art student.
My SVA Visual Narrative Thesis Film, 'Negative Space' is a 20-minute mockumentary following Brenna and Reed, two art students that view media in vastly different ways. Brenna is extremely critical, wanting perfection in everything, whereas Reed gives everything a pass for the sake of nostalgia. This leads to an intense mutual dislike between the two. But when their hard-to-impress professor pairs them up on an assignment that will determine their ability to move forward in class, they must navigate their stark personality differences and grow as people, all the while being followed around by a Documentarian who is skeptical of their ability to do so.
Through the power of group projects and bad 80’s animation, can they overcome the obstacles of creative collaboration? Or are they doomed to a life of repeating courses and missed opportunities for radical friendships?
What We Need & What You Get
We’re asking for $7,000. This will go toward paying everyone (as a creative, I care a lot about that), gathering whimsical set pieces, costumes, feeding everyone, transportation. I want my cast and crew to feel taken care of and not like my vision is breaking their bank. I’ve already put $4,000 of my own money into this project, which is a heavy blow to a student like myself. Getting this funding would be an amazing boon and would help me avoid (even more) crushing debt.
The Impact
This project has a real potential for connecting people and bridging gaps in understanding. I think there’s real merit to most creative endeavors; it’s just a matter of looking from the right angle. It’s my hope that this project spreads this point of view.
Risks & Challenges
Our biggest challenges are scraping by without the funding we need, but this project is on the way to being finished either way. We have the momentum we need; it’s just about how well we can stick the landing.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you don't have the funds (and we understand all about that) it would be wonderful if you could share this campaign and our story with students, artists and like-minded spirits so we can spread the world and hopefully reach a wider audience.
Also, if you think the project seems fun and want to lend a hand with your skillset, get in contact with us! I’m a big fan of collaboration.
