Discover the grimy and fantastical world of Chicago’s abandoned tunnels! RATZ is a found-footage, horror, mockumentary about three teenage boys in pursuit of internet infamy in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. This story explores the intoxicating effects of social media and childhood financial trauma.
Log Line
A skateboarding trio in search of internet fame travels to Chicago’s abandoned underground tunnels, only to discover a monster lurks within.
Synopsis
In 2012 a trio of teenage boys pursue internet fame by making skateboarding videos. Their next big idea leads CJ, Ray, and Jack into the abandoned tunnels under Chicago to film their new video. Once underground CJ discovers that Ray and Jack haven't been honest about their plan for their new video and all three boys encounter an unknown danger that lurks below.
Impact & Importance
This is a unique, experimental, multimedia film that is led by a primarily female, queer team. By supporting this film, you are supporting underrepresented voices in genre filmmaking. Additionally, you are supporting the creative endeavors and careers of over 30 artists across mediums.
What We Need and What You Get
Our goal is to raise $3,000 (or above) for our project. Every dollar donated will go towards our production and the quality of our film. These funds will go towards production design, locations, permits, equipment, and feeding and taking care of our cast and crew.
We are grateful for any donations made to the film. If our goal isn’t met, any funds donated will still be going toward our production. We appreciate all donations and are so glad you decided to support our film!
Each Person Who Donates Gets Special Perks:
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$5 -- Thank You e-mail: You’ll receive a special thank you e-mail from our team.
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$10 -- Social media shout-out: We’ll personally shout you out on our social media pages and you will receive all previous perks as well.
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$25 -- Digital print of the poster: You’ll receive a digital print of our final poster along with all previous perks.
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$50 -- Special Thanks credit and PDF of final shooting script: Want to see your name in the credits? With a $50 donation, you will receive a special thanks in the credits of our film along with all previous perks. You will also receive a copy of the final shooting script.
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$100 -- ‘Making Of’ digital bundle: Ever wanted to see what goes into making a film? With a $100 donation, you will receive early access to a BTS documentary short about the making of our film and a complete digital bundle of pre-production and behind-the-scenes materials including storyboards, the director’s annotated script, concept art, and BTS photos along with all previous perks.
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$150 – A signed physical poster and cast photo: Own a physical piece of our film! With a $150 donation, you will receive a signed physical poster and a signed cast photo along with all previous perks.
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$250 -- Associate Producer credit and Thank You video from our crew: For your support, we’d like to welcome you to our team! With a $250 donation, you will become an Associate Producer and will see your name in our credits under Associate Producer along with all previous perks. You will also receive a thank you video from our crew.
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$500 -- Executive Producer credit and personal Thank You video from the director: Our film wouldn’t be possible without you! With a $500 donation, you will become an Executive Producer and see your name in our credits under Executive Producer along with all previous perks. You will also receive a personal thank you video from our director!
Meet the Team
Belle Japs -- Director, Writer, Producer
Belle Japs (she/her/hers) is a writer, director, and producer based in Chicago, IL. Belle spent much of her childhood training in classical and improvisation theater at the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis. In high school, she worked as an assistant teacher at the company. This combined with her special interest in film and photography classes, lead her to seek further education. She will be receiving her BA in filmmaking from Columbia College Chicago this spring.
Grace Larson -- Co-Producer, Assistant Director
Grace Larson (she/her/hers) is a Producer and Assistant Director based in Chicago, IL currently pursuing a degree in Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago. Grace fell in love with stories at a young age and those stories helped shape who she is. While in school she discovered that the process of making captivating stories was just as powerful. The collective energy of many people working together towards one common, creative endeavor is an incomparable feeling. She has worked on a variety of student and independent projects in Chicago.
Shalyn Delhaes -- Line Producer
Shalyn Delhaes (she/her/hers) is a cinema & television arts student and photographer based in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Germany but moved to the United States with her parents at 18 years old. Currently, she’s a junior at Columbia College Chicago, focusing on producing.
In the summer of 2021, she shot her first independent short film called “Sunflower,” which she wrote, co-directed, and produced. Her second film “Boysenberry Night” (co-writer/director/producer) was finished last Fall and will be screened at multiple festivals this year. Altogether, she’s been involved in over 20 productions as a part of the production team, camera, or G/E department.
Emi Teitelbaum -- Line Producer
Emi Teitelbaum (she/they) is in her third year at Columbia College Chicago for Cinema & Television Arts and is thrilled to be producing this wonderfully horrific flick. Emi wears many hats in the film industry and seeks to absorb the utmost knowledge at each opportunity. She is motivated and inspired to be working alongside the electrifying and badass production team of RATZ. Originally from Miami, Florida Emi has found comfort among the city rats of Chicago and is overjoyed to be able to pursue her passions in such a cooperative and supportive environment. Emi is a huge horror fan and eagerly indulges in blood and guts in her free time -- she looks forward to the day the audience can share the sincere heart, passion, and cannibalistic rats that bring this film to life.
Catie Mitchell -- Director of Photography
Catie Mitchell (she/they) is a filmmaker focused on Cinematography. She is currently a senior at Columbia College Chicago, getting her BA in Cinema and Television Arts. Born and raised in Chicago, she has always had a passion for the arts and loves collaborating with others who share that same passion. Catie is thrilled to be working on RATZ, as it is an incredibly challenging yet creatively fulfilling endeavor. She cannot wait to begin production and channel her inner sewer rat!
Eleanor Roche -- Production Designer
Eleanor Roche (she/her) is a production designer and current senior at Columbia College Chicago. She prides herself on working every job in the art department and is so excited to lead an amazing team of artists this time around on RATZ. During her time at college, Eleanor has fallen deeper into captive storytelling through production design and creating something out of nothing. She has worked with her peers on numerous projects, short films, and builds.
What If I Can’t Donate?
No worries! We understand that not everyone can donate. All we ask is that you share our film online. Follow us on social media (@ratz_shortfilm) and share our IndieGoGo, the more eyes on our film the more likely we will be able to reach our goal!
