In an alternate world where the energy crisis has been solved, society's balance rests on the shoulders of trained women whose emotions generate the world's resources. These three types of “Energy Makers” create sunshine, electricity and fire at resource magnate Martin Energy Corporation. Susie, the company’s star Sunshine Maker, threatens the imposed order when she discovers she is capable of creating more than just sunshine.

Filming for Susie Sunshine the short film is planned for June 11-14 in Los Angeles. Help us reach our goal so we can make it through all 4 days of filming!

Susie Sunshine started as "the little-script-that-could" back in November 2013 when an inspired Chelsea O'Connor took the idea of women's emotions being a vital element and brought this world to life.  As the idea was further developed and creative team members jumped on board, Susie Sunshine picked up steam and by July 2014, the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition hosted a staged reading. By November 2014, Firesight Productions was formed and the film became fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas. Fundraising began and #teamsusie continued to grow.  Check out our exciting team!

WE RECEIVED A GRANT!

Susie Sunshine is the recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program. Thanks to the incredible support of Panavision, Susie Sunshine will be filmed on the Arri Alexa Classic!  

Arri Alexa Classic on the set of Game of Thrones

Why does anyone create art? Why does anyone consume it? Because it resonates with you, strikes a chord, and whispers in your ear, “This story must be heard.” The core of this film stands on the platform of many social issues: What does it mean to be marginalized for your labor? What are people willing to sacrifice for success in their careers?  Why does emotional expression many times equate to weakness?  

But there’s another reason why Susie Sunshine should be made. 

High-concept, science fiction films are expensive, time-consuming and therefore difficult to get made without the backing of a large studio. But these big blockbusters tend to lack characters young women can identify with.  There’s a reason Hunger Games and Divergent were so popular. Young women are starving for role models in the sci-fi world! And Susie Sunshine doesn’t just give you one. The world is populated with powerful ladies of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds, working together towards the same goal. We want to introduce you to these diverse and inspiring characters. 

We've been hustling to raise the funds--we held a garage sale, threw a fundraising dinner and hosted Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood. But it still isn’t enough to make a high concept sci-fi short film. We need your help! 

  

INITIAL GOAL : $15,000

If we reach our initial goal of $15,000 and toss in the money we’ve already raised, we can film Susie Sunshine in June with most of the things on our production wish list. 

Our fundraising efforts thus far have covered the costs of costumes/set design and construction, two of the most important parts of a film when creating an alternate world.   But the beautiful set can't shine without proper lighting and we still need to pay for insurance, permits, location fees, (are we boring you yet?) grip equipment, craft services, crew fees, hair and makeup--all these small components add up quickly! 

What we’re trying to say is, $15,000 means we can make Susie Sunshine. And we can make it well. 

Secretly… we don’t want to make it well. We want to make it GREAT! So if you help us make it past our initial goal, exciting things happen! 

              

John Ferraro Exterior with Moat and Interior with Spiral Staircase

If we raise $17,500 we can lock down the incredible John Ferraro Building in downtown Los Angeles to be our very own Martin Energy!  The John Ferraro Building is not only LA’s water and power building (oh, the irony!) but was also featured in the film Inception. It’s already got sci-fi running through the tiles!  

If we raise $20,000, we really get to add the bells and whistles! We’re talking steadicam and crane shots, which means showing off the beautiful Martin Energy (John Ferraro) Building.  We can't see the awesome moat without the crane and our talented DP, Colin Oh, will really be able to work his magic with this fancy equipment! 

( This is a Supertechno crane, so think quite a bit smaller)

And if we raise $22,500, YOU will get to help us transition into Post-Production. This fundraising campaign is geared towards getting us through our 4 days of filming in June. But a LOT happens after that! This stretch goal will bring us through the editing and beginning VFX stages, which is vital to finishing our film.  This would be a huge milestone for us and to celebrate all of our IndieGoGo supporters will be invited to join us at a private screening of Susie Sunshine in Los Angeles.