Blame Them
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
After learning she has chlamydia, a high school student enlists a friend to help call the boys who may have infected her. If you care not only about the de-stigmatization of sexual health, but also the creative goals of our team, please consider contributing to our project!
Blame Them
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,980 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
42 supporters | followers
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After learning she has chlamydia, a high school student enlists a friend to help call the boys who may have infected her. If you care not only about the de-stigmatization of sexual health, but also the creative goals of our team, please consider contributing to our project!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Blame Them explores the consequences of young girls not being taught or encouraged to have healthy relationships, sexual agency, or bodily autonomy. The script was inspired by the writer’s own experience in an all girls private school in NYC and was created with a desire to confront students’ lack of sexual education, in New York and beyond. It tells the story of a high school student who, after learning she has chlamydia, must call the boys who may have infected her.
Yes, God, Yes (2020) Directed by Karen Maine
As she confronts this issue in the bathroom of her school, her friends attempt to help her make the calls in a comedic yet destructive way. The girls think they are in control by mocking the boys they call. However, with each phone call, it becomes evident that her friends are unable to empathize as they turn the situation into a game.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Directed by Eliza Hittman
Blame Them is a short snapshot of a significant coming-of-age moment in a young girl’s life. The role of shame and peer pressure is also examined as the story is told with the intention of unglamorous honesty. The bathroom, being the sole location of the film, reflects the intimate and constrained nature of the girls' relationships to one another and the protagonist’s confining stress. Our team hopes that this film can spark a conversation and contribute to the normalization and de-stigmatization of discourse around sexual health, sexuality and agency, especially among young women.
Booksmart (2019) Directed by Olivia Wilde
THE STYLE
While the script draws upon many comedic devices that we have seen in other films and TV shows like the ones we've mentioned so far, we intend to take on a raw and neorealistic view of the film. Using a largely objective point of view, the viewer will feel as if they are looking in on the girls throughout their conflict. As the girls chat and gossip in the bathroom, the comedy will immerse the audience in the protagonist's struggle, while providing a critical and observational look into their high school life and lack of sexual and relationship education. Natural light, in tandem with the classic fluorescent look of any high school bathroom will create a organic environment where the story unfolds.
Derry Girls (2018) Netflix
WHO WE ARE
We are a group of extremely driven and talented people who have a track record of making great movies. Eliza's debut short film, Brownie, premiered at the 2020 Woodstock Film Festival. Additionally, she assistant directed Bruiser, directed by Miles Warren, which landed a spot at Sundance and South by Southwest in 2021. Eliza has been longtime collaborators with Theo Matza, our director of photography, and Chase Mayo, our assistant director. You could say our team is a recipe for success!
Eliza McKenna on the set of her debut film, Brownie (2020)
The authentic narrative and raw visual style of Blame Them is made possible by the proximity with which the film’s cast and crew feel to the film’s story. The Blame Them team is composed entirely of young adults who can remember distinctly the horrors and hilarity of high school. Based on real events, the script was written out of a passion for telling realistic and honest stories about young women, a passion which the rest of the team shares.
Eliza McKenna on the set of her debut film, Brownie (2020)
We are going into our last phase of pre-production - finalizing design options and solidifying the visual themes for the film. What we need now is financial flexibility for giving our project the look we’re craving. We are talking about camera, lighting, production design, costumes and food for the crew! Whatever is extra will go into exploring the best sound mixing and post production costs to make the film complete, and everything extra will go towards festival submissions so the hard work pays off.
Our team is looking to spread this film’s awareness on the festival circuit. Our other hope is to connect with sexual health advocacy groups so our film can be screened at relevant events that will promote further conversation. We hope that our film will highlight the double standards and peer pressure that women face in exploring their sexual health.
COVID-CONSCIOUS FILMMAKING
Covid-19 has created immense barriers for young filmmakers, but we intend to go about production in an extremely responsible and safe way. All crew and cast members will be tested for Covid beforehand, and everyone will keep their masks on with the exception of cast members when on camera. Several of our crew members have worked on Covid-safe sets during the pandemic, so we will undoubtedly be able to accomplish our goals without putting anyone in harm's way.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO TO HELP
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #BlameThemShortFilm
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about out projects. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lighting Equipment
Costs $300
We need lighting equipment in order to make the film as visually interesting as possible!
Camera Equipment
Costs $700
We need camera equipment to make the film!
Covid Safety Supplies
Costs $100
We need cleaning supplies and masks to ensure the safety of our crew.
Location
Costs $1,000
We need to be able to pay for our film's location!
Catering and Crafty
Costs $895
We need to be able to feed our hardworking crew!
Sound Mix
Costs $500
In order to make our film come to life, we need an awesome post-production sound mix.
Color Correction
Costs $500
We want to give our film's visuals that extra oomph!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eliza McKenna (Director, Producer) is a New York based artist and filmmaker. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in film studies and is now pursuing her master’s degree in photography at Pratt Institute. Her debut short film, “Brownie” premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival and she has worked on several other award-winning films.
Eleanor Greene (Writer, Cast) is an actor and writer from New York City. In July 2020 she graduated from King’s College London with a BA in English Literature. Her acting training includes: The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, MN Acting Studio, RADA, Stella Adler, and Lee Strasberg.
Josh Rode (Producer) is a New York based film producer and writer. Recently, he has worked on small commercial shoots in the city, but he is excited to be producing again for new narrative work. He graduated from Wesleyan University (B.A. English and Film Studies) and is an alumna of the Telluride Film Festival Student Symposium.
Chase Mayo (Assistant Director, Associate Producer) is a New York based assistant director and film producer. Chase is a recent graduate of Wesleyan University, where she majored in Film Studies alongside her friend and favorite collaborator, Eliza McKenna.
Theo Matza (Director of Photography) is a senior at Wesleyan University, where he majors in Film Studies and English Literature. He has collaborated on award winning short films, primarily serving as director of photography in addition to working in camera and lighting departments. This is his second DP/Director partnership with Eliza.
Harrison O'Clair (1st AC) is a NY based DP. His interests include the films of Michael Mann, Elliott Gould, and any movie where someone runs on top of a train.
Lily Mones (Wardrobe/PA) is a NY based anthropology researcher and is interested in getting into filmmaking! Her favorite TV show in this current moment is Teen Mom.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
Blame Them explores the consequences of young girls not being taught or encouraged to have healthy relationships, sexual agency, or bodily autonomy. The script was inspired by the writer’s own experience in an all girls private school in NYC and was created with a desire to confront students’ lack of sexual education, in New York and beyond. It tells the story of a high school student who, after learning she has chlamydia, must call the boys who may have infected her.
Yes, God, Yes (2020) Directed by Karen Maine
As she confronts this issue in the bathroom of her school, her friends attempt to help her make the calls in a comedic yet destructive way. The girls think they are in control by mocking the boys they call. However, with each phone call, it becomes evident that her friends are unable to empathize as they turn the situation into a game.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Directed by Eliza Hittman
Blame Them is a short snapshot of a significant coming-of-age moment in a young girl’s life. The role of shame and peer pressure is also examined as the story is told with the intention of unglamorous honesty. The bathroom, being the sole location of the film, reflects the intimate and constrained nature of the girls' relationships to one another and the protagonist’s confining stress. Our team hopes that this film can spark a conversation and contribute to the normalization and de-stigmatization of discourse around sexual health, sexuality and agency, especially among young women.
Booksmart (2019) Directed by Olivia Wilde
THE STYLE
While the script draws upon many comedic devices that we have seen in other films and TV shows like the ones we've mentioned so far, we intend to take on a raw and neorealistic view of the film. Using a largely objective point of view, the viewer will feel as if they are looking in on the girls throughout their conflict. As the girls chat and gossip in the bathroom, the comedy will immerse the audience in the protagonist's struggle, while providing a critical and observational look into their high school life and lack of sexual and relationship education. Natural light, in tandem with the classic fluorescent look of any high school bathroom will create a organic environment where the story unfolds.
Derry Girls (2018) Netflix
WHO WE ARE
We are a group of extremely driven and talented people who have a track record of making great movies. Eliza's debut short film, Brownie, premiered at the 2020 Woodstock Film Festival. Additionally, she assistant directed Bruiser, directed by Miles Warren, which landed a spot at Sundance and South by Southwest in 2021. Eliza has been longtime collaborators with Theo Matza, our director of photography, and Chase Mayo, our assistant director. You could say our team is a recipe for success!
Eliza McKenna on the set of her debut film, Brownie (2020)
The authentic narrative and raw visual style of Blame Them is made possible by the proximity with which the film’s cast and crew feel to the film’s story. The Blame Them team is composed entirely of young adults who can remember distinctly the horrors and hilarity of high school. Based on real events, the script was written out of a passion for telling realistic and honest stories about young women, a passion which the rest of the team shares.
Eliza McKenna on the set of her debut film, Brownie (2020)
We are going into our last phase of pre-production - finalizing design options and solidifying the visual themes for the film. What we need now is financial flexibility for giving our project the look we’re craving. We are talking about camera, lighting, production design, costumes and food for the crew! Whatever is extra will go into exploring the best sound mixing and post production costs to make the film complete, and everything extra will go towards festival submissions so the hard work pays off.
Our team is looking to spread this film’s awareness on the festival circuit. Our other hope is to connect with sexual health advocacy groups so our film can be screened at relevant events that will promote further conversation. We hope that our film will highlight the double standards and peer pressure that women face in exploring their sexual health.
COVID-CONSCIOUS FILMMAKING
Covid-19 has created immense barriers for young filmmakers, but we intend to go about production in an extremely responsible and safe way. All crew and cast members will be tested for Covid beforehand, and everyone will keep their masks on with the exception of cast members when on camera. Several of our crew members have worked on Covid-safe sets during the pandemic, so we will undoubtedly be able to accomplish our goals without putting anyone in harm's way.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO TO HELP
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #BlameThemShortFilm
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about out projects. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lighting Equipment
Costs $300
We need lighting equipment in order to make the film as visually interesting as possible!
Camera Equipment
Costs $700
We need camera equipment to make the film!
Covid Safety Supplies
Costs $100
We need cleaning supplies and masks to ensure the safety of our crew.
Location
Costs $1,000
We need to be able to pay for our film's location!
Catering and Crafty
Costs $895
We need to be able to feed our hardworking crew!
Sound Mix
Costs $500
In order to make our film come to life, we need an awesome post-production sound mix.
Color Correction
Costs $500
We want to give our film's visuals that extra oomph!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Eliza McKenna (Director, Producer) is a New York based artist and filmmaker. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in film studies and is now pursuing her master’s degree in photography at Pratt Institute. Her debut short film, “Brownie” premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival and she has worked on several other award-winning films.
Eleanor Greene (Writer, Cast) is an actor and writer from New York City. In July 2020 she graduated from King’s College London with a BA in English Literature. Her acting training includes: The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, MN Acting Studio, RADA, Stella Adler, and Lee Strasberg.
Josh Rode (Producer) is a New York based film producer and writer. Recently, he has worked on small commercial shoots in the city, but he is excited to be producing again for new narrative work. He graduated from Wesleyan University (B.A. English and Film Studies) and is an alumna of the Telluride Film Festival Student Symposium.
Chase Mayo (Assistant Director, Associate Producer) is a New York based assistant director and film producer. Chase is a recent graduate of Wesleyan University, where she majored in Film Studies alongside her friend and favorite collaborator, Eliza McKenna.
Theo Matza (Director of Photography) is a senior at Wesleyan University, where he majors in Film Studies and English Literature. He has collaborated on award winning short films, primarily serving as director of photography in addition to working in camera and lighting departments. This is his second DP/Director partnership with Eliza.
Harrison O'Clair (1st AC) is a NY based DP. His interests include the films of Michael Mann, Elliott Gould, and any movie where someone runs on top of a train.
Lily Mones (Wardrobe/PA) is a NY based anthropology researcher and is interested in getting into filmmaking! Her favorite TV show in this current moment is Teen Mom.