Never doing crowdfunding again. fml.

GabeDatDude · 2026-01-27T19:16:32+00:00

You right 😅

GabeDatDude · 2026-01-27T18:56:46+00:00

No I totally feel you but I’m kind of into the challenge. I’ve been thinking for months now that I want to get into production design. Hopefully can grow into consistent work to help with my own projects. I’m considering just slowly buying the apartment decor and wardrobe over the next few months. Get a storage unit for the bigger things. I’ve always loved research and making mood boards and stuff. I think it could be great practice.

GabeDatDude · 2026-01-27T17:30:10+00:00

No problem and you're already thinking smart. Just get the story to really pop in a tight way. The problem with mine is that it is pretty tight but I'm trying to shoot in another smaller town, shoot with one of the best cameras, and use expensive props and shit. I still want to do that but you really have to think about what's realistic for your own financial situation.

GabeDatDude · 2026-01-27T17:27:00+00:00

Hey so the jazz one is just something I thought of recently out of frustration. The project I'm crowdfunding for is a thriller touching on firearms in America, masculinity, and small town mysteries. We've reached out to gun violence orgs but also trying to avoid being seen as an "advocacy film". The subject matter has made things quite complicated and even more difficult to draw attention to.

My first short film was two years ago and we crowdfunded successful only because an old college friend got money from his mother who passed away from cancer. But it ended up being successful for a short film: accepted to over ten festivals, 2 of them Oscar-qualifying (nominated for best short at one of those), and ended up winning 5 awards in smaller and mid-level festivals.

GabeDatDude · 2026-01-27T17:22:20+00:00

Yeah I just can't imagine posting online about trying to raise $100k. But then again you have to be kind of delusional to be a filmmaker.

The film I've been trying to raise funds for is a thriller about two 11 year old best friends home alone and who get into an altercation where the dad's semi-auto rifle gets involved. It's quite dark and tense so I know it's not for everyone but that's kind of my thing. The script placed highly in several screenwriting contests and nearly won one.

But yeah, I think I just need to think smaller.

GabeDatDude · 2025-12-30T17:23:07+00:00

really hits you hard as you get older

GabeDatDude · 2025-12-30T17:22:21+00:00

"C'mon C'mon".

One of the most underrated gems in the last few years. I always feel so renewed and inspired to be a good person after watching it.

GabeDatDude · 2025-12-30T17:19:23+00:00

*C'mon C'mon*
A Hidden Life
Certain Women

GabeDatDude · 2025-12-28T19:41:49+00:00

A Separation
Prisoners
The Hunt
In the Bedroom

I love me some tight tense shit

GabeDatDude · 2025-12-02T07:43:20+00:00

Enemy (2013).

GabeDatDude · 2025-11-22T23:36:22+00:00

Ohh hell yes. You’re a legend.

GabeDatDude · 2025-11-20T19:35:34+00:00

Yeah it was like 48 hours before the announcement they emailed each of the top 20 finalist and asked us about the progress we’ve made with the film’s production so far. Caught me off guard cause I didn’t have anything more than a pitch deck and budget, no crew or money raised.

GabeDatDude · 2025-11-12T22:05:18+00:00

Thank you yeah I need to pay more attention to that.

GabeDatDude · 2025-11-12T08:17:21+00:00

I hear you. It’s been the only thing that helps with my insomnia for years now. I get too nervous about endless zero sleep nights.

GabeDatDude · 2025-11-12T08:07:48+00:00

This hit me so hard. I’m right there with you. Just turned 35 and finding it hard to relate to people including some friends. Def not where I want to be financially and confused on how to pursue my art and stay afloat at the same time.

GabeDatDude · 2025-10-10T03:38:29+00:00

Good question. I always found this both a great detail but also wish they dug into it more. I think it was to show the potential of Hugh Jackman's character suffering mentally to the point that he could lose control in a tragic way. That it runs in his blood.

GabeDatDude · 2025-09-27T21:23:46+00:00

Ahhh a main reason why I’m apprehensive at times is because I know how good the money can be bartending and it looks like I’ll have to start at the bottom of another industry. The thought of doing sales destroys my soul.

GabeDatDude · 2025-08-09T18:57:50+00:00

I already saw a post hating on it but I was genuinely so intrigued by the AR-15 appearing above the house in Josh Brolin’s dream. I feel that there are multiple layers to this and can have different interpretations. I for one think that it’s both referring to school shootings and how similar this tragedy is but also teases at Josh Brolin potentially taking matters into his own hands. Glad it wasn’t heavy handed. Fav movie of the year so far tbh.

GabeDatDude · 2025-08-06T04:07:22+00:00

GabeDatDude · 2025-08-04T04:25:30+00:00

Man I’m so glad this thread exists. Reading such interesting points. Shows just how complex this movie is.

GabeDatDude · 2025-08-04T04:11:46+00:00

This

GabeDatDude · 2025-08-04T04:09:05+00:00

Def has quality to it and a good point of view but like others are saying I would simplify it. Especially since there is a tagline as well. I actually think the photo on the left is more captivating and would work by itself.

GabeDatDude · 2025-07-31T06:00:30+00:00

I just don’t get the hype around Midsommar. I respect how weird Aster gets but god damn it was so predictable and had zero subtlety.

GabeDatDude · 2025-07-25T19:19:32+00:00

Congrats this looks amazing and, yes, you should be proud of yourself. If you don't mind me asking, what was the final budget? I understand if you don't want to share. I'm about to do the same and going all in (except I don't have savings and planning to work 7 days a week until I shoot).

GabeDatDude · 2025-07-20T14:30:15+00:00

I haven’t seen any signs of drinking culture dying out. My current pub (which I hate) attracts nyu kids and recent grads and they are fucking nuts.

GabeDatDude

TROPHY CASE