As a cancer survivor herself, Casey Landman (writer & director) believes that those who’ve been personally affected by cancer deserve representation that reflects on their experiences and helps them understand what they’re going through. Children with cancer didn’t choose to be children with cancer.

is a story that is very close to my heart. I'm Casey Landman, the writer-director of Casey the Frog. When I was 18, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a blood cancer. Although I was technically an adult, I was treated in the pediatric wing at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Being surrounded by children while I was in treatment, I was constantly thinking about the pros and cons of being a young adult with cancer. On one hand, I was still a child, just barely out of high school. On the other hand, I had gone from staying in dorms to staying in chemo rooms. Throughout the whole experience, something that really stuck with me was how lucky I was to be able to understand what my body was going through. When I looked around, I noticed the children around me didn’t have as clear of an idea. They need to be able to understand what is happening with them so that words and jargon don’t leave them in fear and confusion.

That’s why I created Casey the Frog.

 

Children with cancer didn’t choose to be children with cancer. They deserve representation in stories and art that reflect on their experiences, and maybe even help them understand it, too. In nursery-rhyme style, the film goes throughout some of the staples of going to the doctor’s office in worrisome times. During the entire story, the film provides coping mechanisms and comforting call-and-repeat songs for not only children 3-8 years old but also for their parents, guardians, and loved ones. I really believe it will be a great way to help younger kids understand what’s going on with their bodies, and a way to start a dialogue between parents and children as well.

I am especially thrilled to be collaborating with such an amazing team of people. From the cast to the crew everyone is so passionate about this story and brings a new perspective to the project. We are all working remotely as it is important to me that we are all safe and healthy throughout the whole project. This, of course, brings a new set of challenges and obstacles which will push us to learn and grow creatively into stronger artists! Check out the Team tab to meet the whole gang!

In October we begin the animation process. Our budget has been carefully constructed to ensure every dollar amount is being spent on what matters most. Your contribution will go toward covering studio rentals, animation equipment, festival submissions, and the magical composition which will bring this family of frogs to life.

If this story speaks to you, here is how you can help! No contribution is too small and every dollar counts—plus, with each tier, you'll get access to exclusive perks that will take you behind-the-scenes on our process! With all that being said, we are in a PANDEMIC, and it is totally okay if contributions aren’t feasible right now. You can still help by sharing our campaign with your friends and family. If you'd like to receive updates throughout production, follow us here and on Facebook and Instagram @caseythefrog.

Before I wrap this up, I'd just like to thank you for taking the time to check out our campaign. Being someone who was somewhat a kid, and somewhat an adult in the cancer world, I really began to learn how important it is to tell children what is going on with them and their bodies. Together we can make this a reality, and give children who’ve been personally affected by cancer a sense of representation and understanding. 

 

Thank you so much and please stay safe!

writer & director of Casey the Frog

If you are in a place to contribute, I encourage you to also contribute to the organizations below as well. We will only rise when all of us rise. Thank you! 

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#business

https://theundefeated.com/features/five-breast-cancer-organizations-that-help-communities-of-color/

https://bwhi.org/

https://www.lgbtcancer.org/