The Gazer
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sci-Fi
The Gazer on the surface is a fun, quirky short film about a man who sells novelty alien jerky in the desert. The deeper theme focuses on a person's ability to lose themselves in pursuit of their passion. It comes down to the root of hope.
The Gazer
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Sci-Fi
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,010 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
104 supporters | followers
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The Gazer on the surface is a fun, quirky short film about a man who sells novelty alien jerky in the desert. The deeper theme focuses on a person's ability to lose themselves in pursuit of their passion. It comes down to the root of hope.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A grounded sci-fi short film that delivers hope with a slight touch of humor. Jack was a promising scholar until his dedication to prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life consumed him into a mundane, repetitive cycle.
THE GAZER is the story of Jack. Jack owns a small alien jerky shop in the desert. Aside from the occasional lost tourist, and a lizard hanging around his shop, Jack finds himself completely isolated. After his repetitive daily pattern is mysteriously interrupted, Jack is reminded of the passion and hope he once had to prove the existence of extra terrestrial life. Set in the vein of Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of The Third Kind, E.T., and Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed, The Gazer has nods to classic ’70s and 80’s grounded sci-fi films with brief moments of hyperrealism.
We want our short film to have great production value, and we want to do it by hiring extremely talented people. Because we're asking professionals to take time off their actual career to shoot this, a lot of our crowdfunding goes into labor. Other costs include equipment, set decorating, locations/permits, etc. (See below for breakdown). Your contribution will not only help fund this wonderful project but assure that people are getting paid for their hard work!

Development/Pre-Production - Includes crowdfunding fees (making sure you get all your fun merch and gifts) and location fees & permits.
Production - Includes labor, camera/lighting/grip equipment, set decorations/props, wardrobe, picture cars, etc.
Post Production - Includes labor, editing equipment/software, vfx, etc.
Festivals - Includes festival fees, DCP Fees, touring fees!
Setting
This film will take place in the Mojave Desert and in a Novelty Store. Part of the funds will help us overcome challenges that come with shooting in these unique desert locations and the other is for dressing and creating our store!


Lensing
What kind of shots and framing does the director have in mind? He's looking to shoot these vast desert scapes as well as low angle, intimate shots with very specific lighting. See below for some of his samples from his pitch deck!


Lighting and Color
As we've said, this film is a grounded sci-fi, but still visually stunning. The director hopes for warm tones that contrast with cool tones as well. With specific lighting, he can get the exact tone to really help with mood of the film. In order to get the specifics we need to get the feel we want, need a decent budget for equipment as well as set design and wardrobe. These are an important aspect in bringing these color palettes to life.




Thank You!
We appreciate you taking the time to see what our film is about. We hope that you will contribute to this amazing short and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. The entire Gazer team looks forward to sharing this journey with you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Miscellaneous Items
Costs $500
This is for other equipment like walkies, first aids, tents, and other items to keep us safe.
Festivals
Costs $300
This is going to cover some of our festival fees including DCP's, deliveries, etc!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Camera & Lenses
Costs $3,000
To capture visually stunning shots, we need a solid camera with lenses and monitors.
Lodging & Travel
Costs $2,500
We want to assure everyone stays nearby so they don't have to drive far after a long day of filming.
Locations & Permits
Costs $2,000
We want to shoot in secure locations and make sure we have all the needs for it!
Equipment
Costs $2,000
This will cover all the other equipment we may need including grip/electric/camera/generators.
Set Dec/Props/Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Our goal is high production value which includes wardrobe, picture cars, and beautiful set design
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,500
It takes a village! We want to pay and feed our actors, crew, and surprise animal talent.
Post Production
Costs $3,000
This is for editing, scoring, sound mixing, coloring, and visual effects!
About This Team
We have a strong creative team that works extremely well together due to inclusivity and openness. We truly believe, along with the great script and wonderful set designs, that we have a group of people who are passionate and truthful in their work and will contribute to the quality of the film.






Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A grounded sci-fi short film that delivers hope with a slight touch of humor. Jack was a promising scholar until his dedication to prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life consumed him into a mundane, repetitive cycle.
THE GAZER is the story of Jack. Jack owns a small alien jerky shop in the desert. Aside from the occasional lost tourist, and a lizard hanging around his shop, Jack finds himself completely isolated. After his repetitive daily pattern is mysteriously interrupted, Jack is reminded of the passion and hope he once had to prove the existence of extra terrestrial life. Set in the vein of Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of The Third Kind, E.T., and Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed, The Gazer has nods to classic ’70s and 80’s grounded sci-fi films with brief moments of hyperrealism.
We want our short film to have great production value, and we want to do it by hiring extremely talented people. Because we're asking professionals to take time off their actual career to shoot this, a lot of our crowdfunding goes into labor. Other costs include equipment, set decorating, locations/permits, etc. (See below for breakdown). Your contribution will not only help fund this wonderful project but assure that people are getting paid for their hard work!

Development/Pre-Production - Includes crowdfunding fees (making sure you get all your fun merch and gifts) and location fees & permits.
Production - Includes labor, camera/lighting/grip equipment, set decorations/props, wardrobe, picture cars, etc.
Post Production - Includes labor, editing equipment/software, vfx, etc.
Festivals - Includes festival fees, DCP Fees, touring fees!
Setting
This film will take place in the Mojave Desert and in a Novelty Store. Part of the funds will help us overcome challenges that come with shooting in these unique desert locations and the other is for dressing and creating our store!


Lensing
What kind of shots and framing does the director have in mind? He's looking to shoot these vast desert scapes as well as low angle, intimate shots with very specific lighting. See below for some of his samples from his pitch deck!


Lighting and Color
As we've said, this film is a grounded sci-fi, but still visually stunning. The director hopes for warm tones that contrast with cool tones as well. With specific lighting, he can get the exact tone to really help with mood of the film. In order to get the specifics we need to get the feel we want, need a decent budget for equipment as well as set design and wardrobe. These are an important aspect in bringing these color palettes to life.




Thank You!
We appreciate you taking the time to see what our film is about. We hope that you will contribute to this amazing short and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. The entire Gazer team looks forward to sharing this journey with you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Miscellaneous Items
Costs $500
This is for other equipment like walkies, first aids, tents, and other items to keep us safe.
Festivals
Costs $300
This is going to cover some of our festival fees including DCP's, deliveries, etc!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Camera & Lenses
Costs $3,000
To capture visually stunning shots, we need a solid camera with lenses and monitors.
Lodging & Travel
Costs $2,500
We want to assure everyone stays nearby so they don't have to drive far after a long day of filming.
Locations & Permits
Costs $2,000
We want to shoot in secure locations and make sure we have all the needs for it!
Equipment
Costs $2,000
This will cover all the other equipment we may need including grip/electric/camera/generators.
Set Dec/Props/Wardrobe
Costs $1,700
Our goal is high production value which includes wardrobe, picture cars, and beautiful set design
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,500
It takes a village! We want to pay and feed our actors, crew, and surprise animal talent.
Post Production
Costs $3,000
This is for editing, scoring, sound mixing, coloring, and visual effects!
About This Team
We have a strong creative team that works extremely well together due to inclusivity and openness. We truly believe, along with the great script and wonderful set designs, that we have a group of people who are passionate and truthful in their work and will contribute to the quality of the film.








