It's Not About The Lemons
by Caitlin Presberg

Caitlin Presberg
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It's Not About The Lemons
by Caitlin Presberg
Caitlin Presberg
Follow
"It's Not About The Lemons" is a character driven drama about Jade and Megan, two sisters who haven't seen each other for thirteen years, dealing with the death of their abusive father.
"It's Not About The Lemons" is a character driven drama about Jade and Megan, two sisters who haven't seen each other for thirteen years, dealing with the death of their abusive father.
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Story
Mission Statement
Writer/Director, Caitlin Presberg, though a female director, focuses on stories from a human perspective, and makes films with the intent to include every ethnicity and gender both in front and behind the camera. Her last film "Jules" was given the Inclusion In The Industry Award for that intent.About The Project
This is a film focusing on sexual abuse within the family and the different ways that people heal from it. It is written and directed by Caitlin Presberg, and is based on a compilation of true stories told to her. Her focus as a filmmaker is to create films focusing on the aftermath and healing of trauma instead of the horrid act itself, because that is where the strength of the survivor is born.
What is it about?
“It’s Not About The Lemons” is a character driven drama that sheds light on how abuse is handled within family dynamics, and how there is not just one way for survivors to handle life.
We follow the journey of Jade, who comes home after thirteen years after the death of her abusive father to reconcile with the sister she left behind.
Jade is married and pregnant, and has created a life for herself, but as the due date approaches her need to go home becomes a force she cannot say no to.
Megan, the younger sister that was left behind has dealt with the abuse in a very different way. Our purpose for showing this is to allow the audiences to connect on different levels, and to allow people to see and relate to the many ways people handle trauma.
Where does it come from?
Too often we see films that show the horrid act of traumatic events and end on that note. As a filmmaker Caitlin wants to show what has not been shown, and begin a platform of healing for people. This is a film that begins in the middle of these survivors' lives years after the abuse. In matters of abuse it is often pushed down deep within the survivor, but the triggers still live. In society today people are creating a more public forum to discuss these abuses, however there is still so much that needs to be addressed, especially in the family.
Mood Board
Color Scheme
We want to keep to an earthy color scheme to really encompass the nostalgic feel of coming home. This color scheme will allow for the roots of the trauma to be shown through visual design to mirror the internal struggle of the characters and story.
In order to capture this world we are going to be using a combinaton of handheld and steady-cam shots. Our intent is to show how isolated Jade is in this world, which is why we will be using a lot of wide-shots, and even when there is a close up we will still shoot it with a wide lens to show the uncomfortable nature of the situation.
The script is written in one long sequence, which is why we will be doing a lot of tracking shots, so that you as the audience feel you are in the world traveling through this house that Jade has just come back to.
Casting
Marilyn Bass as Jade
Jade is a guarded young woman who has been burying her abusive past deep down within her. She left home when she was 18 in order to get out from underneath her abusive father's control. However, when she left home she also left her younger sister. Now in her late twenties, pregnant, and married she finally has a way to come home after the death of her father, but her timing is less than ideal for her sister and the rest of her family.
Darlene Nuccio as Megan
Megan is the new leader of the family after her father dies, and though she has her own dark history with him she has been able to deal with it in her own way, and forget. She survives by planning everything down to every detail. So, when Jade comes home unexpectedly trying to bring up a past that Megan has moved on from, the reunion turns painful.
Caitlin's last film "Jules" was shot with the same two leads that will be performing in "It's Not About The Lemons". This was the first film the three of them shot all together, however they have individually worked on a number of different films together. Not only are Darlene Nuccio and Marilyn Bass the faces of these two films, but they are truly invested in the message that Caitlin conveys in her films, which allows them to bring the story to life in a very true way.
What We Hope to Accomplish
We are creating this film to help people through these abusive situations and create a healing platform for survivors. After the completion of this film we will be submitting to festivals, and are right now working on partnering with foundations that help women in these abusive situations, in order to have links and info in the credits.
Incentives
$5
Screening & Playlist
Thank you! Receive a ticket to the first private screening and link to Spotify playlist created for the film!
When writing a script Caitlin always searches for songs to help her lose herself in the new world, and uplift her through writing dark subject matters.
Get a private link to follow the Spotify playlist containing all the songs that inspired the writing of this film, and see updates of new inspirations added to the playlist.
$10
Digital Download & Special Thanks
Sweet! Thank you! Be one of the first people to see the final cut of the film with a digital download and a special thanks in our credits!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$20
Social Media Shout Out with Personalized Video
Thank you!! We would like to acknowledge your contribution by giving you a social media shout out from one of the cast or crew while we are on set of the film!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$50
It's Not About The Lemons Pin & Thank You Note
We appreciate you! To show you how much we have created and designed specialty lemon pins that we have 3D printed ourselves. Be one of the select few to own these customized pins to wear on your jackets or deck your bag out with! With this pin you will be getting a personalized thank you note from the cast & crew.
We will have this available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$100
On Set Video Diary
Thank you so much for believing in us! Follow us on the journey of production with a private link to BTS videos, photos, and video diaries during filming.
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$200
T-Shirt & Co-Producer Credit
Thank you!! You have helped us so much! Join the cast & crew in receiving your very own customized "It's Not About The Lemons" T-Shirt! And because of your epic contribution you will also be credited as Co-Producer of this film.
We will have the items available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$500
Co-Executive Producer Credit & Poster
You are amazing! As a way to say thank you we will be crediting you as Co-Executive producer on the film as well as your very own signed poster!
We will have the items available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$1,000
Executive Producer Credit
Wow! You are EPIC! We are beyond grateful for your faith in our film and mission. As a thank you we would like to give you your own title card and Executive Producer Credit!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Screening & Playlist
Thank you! Receive a ticket to the first private screening and link to Spotify playlist created for the film!
When writing a script Caitlin always searches for songs to help her lose herself in the new world, and uplift her through writing dark subject matters.
Get a private link to follow the Spotify playlist containing all the songs that inspired the writing of this film, and see updates of new inspirations added to the playlist.
$10
Digital Download & Special Thanks
Sweet! Thank you! Be one of the first people to see the final cut of the film with a digital download and a special thanks in our credits!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$20
Social Media Shout Out with Personalized Video
Thank you!! We would like to acknowledge your contribution by giving you a social media shout out from one of the cast or crew while we are on set of the film!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$50
It's Not About The Lemons Pin & Thank You Note
We appreciate you! To show you how much we have created and designed specialty lemon pins that we have 3D printed ourselves. Be one of the select few to own these customized pins to wear on your jackets or deck your bag out with! With this pin you will be getting a personalized thank you note from the cast & crew.
We will have this available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$100
On Set Video Diary
Thank you so much for believing in us! Follow us on the journey of production with a private link to BTS videos, photos, and video diaries during filming.
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$200
T-Shirt & Co-Producer Credit
Thank you!! You have helped us so much! Join the cast & crew in receiving your very own customized "It's Not About The Lemons" T-Shirt! And because of your epic contribution you will also be credited as Co-Producer of this film.
We will have the items available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$500
Co-Executive Producer Credit & Poster
You are amazing! As a way to say thank you we will be crediting you as Co-Executive producer on the film as well as your very own signed poster!
We will have the items available for you at the screening, but if you are unable to attend shipping will be provided.
(Will only ship within the US)
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
$1,000
Executive Producer Credit
Wow! You are EPIC! We are beyond grateful for your faith in our film and mission. As a thank you we would like to give you your own title card and Executive Producer Credit!
You will also be entitled to all previously stated rewards as well!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Caitlin Presberg
Director/Writer
A filmmaker enrolled in the MFA Directing program at DePaul University. Starting off as more of a creative writer than a filmmaker, Caitlin gained expertise in the art of storytelling. However, it wasn't until 2014 that she began her journey into film. Studying at Chicago Filmmakers and then later being accepted into the MFA Directing program at DePaul University in 2017. Caitlin focuses on stories of the aftermath of trauma and family dynamics. She has spent the last two years writing and directing films, and her last short film Jules won the Inclusion in The Industry Award. As a filmmaker, her goal is for people who watch her films to find solace in not being alone in their experiences.
Van Wilson
Creative Producer
Van Wilson wants to make films that exalt the best of humanity and reflect the diversity, character, and authenticity of life. He is a creative producing student in DePaul University's MFA program. He signed onto this project because he believes in Caitlin's authentic voice and her story of strength in the face of brokenness.
Eric Liberacki
Director of Photography
Eric Liberacki found his start in Detroit, Michigan. During the day he would shoot movies on MiniDV tape, and at night he would make experimental 16mm films in the basement of the Detroit Film Center. After studying Cinematography, Eric began working freelance as Camera Operator and Assistant Camera while shooting projects. He shot the feature films Your Holy Eyes, Redemption Way, The Pale Man, and A Chance in the World along with numerous short films. His work has played at the Chicago International Film Festival, Cleveland International, New Directors Showcase at the Directors Guild of America, and many others.
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