MY STORY / MARS' STORY

The origin of this film doesn't come from one singular place. I initially got the idea after performing in WordPlay at Bricolage (a local theater company in Pittsburgh, PA). The event features readers sharing memoir pieces set to a live DJ track. My piece chronicled the three hamsters I raised including, Jefferson, a hamster I bought under the impression she was male, but was actually female and very very pregnant. The piece started with a simple phrase, "I've always felt destined for motherhood."

This journey of motherhood continues with Marshall and the aching empathy I have for him. Birth is a theme I've written and explored throughout my life from a short story of a pregnant woman spreading her best friend's ashes in every continent to a one act play about Barbie's desire to carry Ken's child. Seahorse is the culmination of an obsession.

This film is the last thing I'm making at Point Park University where i'll be graduating with a B.F.A. in Cinema Production. This is the product I have to show to the world so they can understand who I am as an artist and filmmaker. I wanted to do something that was distinctly me but spoke a universal language of love and acceptance.

WE NEED YOU

Though this film is being made during a production class at Point Park, we are given NO  funding. The creation of this film is practically in the hands of you, dear reader. Making short films may seem like a simple task, but every aspect of the process requires some funding to make it happen. 

I want to create a funky and eclectic world with this film, and this world need the proper financing to allow my vision to be brought to life and into your lives. Here is a breakdown of our budget:

CREW

Drew Praskovich - Director/Writer

Drew Praskovich loves the idea of being pregnant, but is scared to hold newborn babies. His work focuses on queer themes, escapism, and a love for “the other”. He desires to bridge the gap between the worlds of cinema and theater. Recently, he had his stage directorial debut with Mysterious Skin (Pinnacle Productions). This is his final year at Point Park University. He dreams of moving to New York City and struggling to pay rent. He has also written for TABLE Magazine, been a featured storyteller for Bricolage’s WordPlay, and assistant directed Dani Girl the Musical which played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Kaitlin Nash - Producer

Kaitlin Nash is a film producer and assistant director based in Pittsburgh, PA. In the past three years, she has managed all aspects of production on over 15 short films. Her styles range from comedy to period pieces, and she has even dabbled in producing music videos. However, she’s most excited to work with stories about strange family dynamics, making Seahorse the perfect film for her to produce next.

Ashley Stokes - Director of Photography

Ashley Stokes has had a love for filmmaking since picking up a camera at age 7 while making videos with her sister. She also found a strong appreciation for nature through film. She's currently combining her love of cinematography and psychology with her documentary Healing with Nature. Ashley is graduating Point Park University in December and has worked on an array of different projects including You Are My Friend and Mindhunter. She also works for Allegheny County’s marketing team as a videographer and photographer. Her love for filmmaking grows everyday, and she enjoys collaborating with Drew Praskovich to visually bring his stories to life.

Zach Skeba - Editor

Zach Skeba is a senior Cinema Production Major at Point Park University with a concentration in Film/Video Editing. He has been splicing together videos since he learned how to use his parents home computer and loves to work on all kinds of projects. With a passion for music, Zach has written, performed, and played music all of his life and cannot go a day without it. Zach loves working with people, eating seafood, eating seafood with people, and sleeping. He's very excited to work on this coming-of-age film, and to work with his crew to make it as strong as possible.

B. Craven - Production Designer

B. Craven grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts. She has always been drawn to the idea of creating and telling stories. From a very young age, she was building castles, pirate ships, and mansions out of cardboard. As she grew older, she would paint murals on her walls and rearrange the furniture in her room at least 3 times a month. After spending two years at Holyoke Community College studying digital media, she decided it was time to study filmmaking full time. She transferred to Point Park last year and was drawn to the art department. After working on several student films as an Art Director, she is ready to bring the world Seahorse to life.

Peter Brucker - Sound Designer

Peter Brucker is excited to present his first cinematic sound design to the world. This is Peter’s second time working with Drew, Mysterious Skin (Pinnacle Productions) being their first collaboration. He has recently designed Bent (Pinnacle Productions), Stupid Fucking Bird (12 Peers Theater), and assisted on The Revolutionists (City Theatre). Peter has recently composed for In the Works (by Tommy Bo), and Robin Hood (Pittsburgh Playhouse) and I Play Behind Nighttime (Pittsburgh Playhouse).

Sarah Ssemakula - Costume Designer

Sarah Ssemakula has an undying love for 80s fashion and cheeseburgers. Her personal style includes bold colors, mixing patterns, and textures. She has a passion for helping people develop their style and making them feel comfortable and confident in their clothing. Sarah works closely with Three Pigs Vintage, styling photo shoots and assisting with pop ups and The Neighborhood Flea. Her goals include costume designing films in New York City and being a personal shopper.

BEYOND

Seahorse is my final mark. This is the culmination of four years of intensive education. This is at the crossroads of passion project and starting the path as an independent filmmaker. Seahorse will truly be the first film I'm entering the industry with, and I want to make a splash. You supporting this film is much more than making sure we're being fed on set. Supporting this film is you supporting my education, my future, and my art.