TOPLESS

Drama, LGBTQ

Film Short

Seattle, Washington

This film explores the nuance of human experience in relation to the body, gender and the unexpected realities of trying to be yourself. It is inspired by the life of Jodi Jaecks, a cancer survivor who wanted to swim. Funding will support production of this film, scheduled for early 2018.

The Story

Inclusion Statement

This film is born from queer and allied community. The writer/director is a white lesbain. One of the lead characters is an African-American trans-masculin person, the other lead is a white lesbian. The majority of the cast and crew are people of color and/or queer & trans & gender non-conforming.

About The Project

TOPLESS is a narrative short film that follows two strangers as they undergo breast removal operations for very different reasons. Jules has cancer and needs a double mastectomy. Harrison is physically transitioning from female-bodied to male-bodied and needs top surgery. Their paths cross months after surgery as they are both swimming, topless, in a public pool and one of them is asked to cover-up or leave. It is inspired by the true life expereinces of Jodi Jaecks. For more information on this story click on the link to the LA Times coverage on the incident.

Jodi Jaecks in real life. Jodi is cast as the lead character Jules.

Mitch Mitchell in real life. Mitch is cast as the lead character Harrison.

Incentives

$10

Thank you

You'll receive a personalized thank you shout out on one of our social media channels.

$25

Exclusive download of Grace Love's original song used in the film

In addition to a social media thank you, you'll also receive a private link to download an exclusive, original song by soon-to-blow-up soul/R&B chanteuse, Grace Love, created specifically for TOPLESS.

$50

Drawstring Swimmer's Backpack

You'll get a thank you, Grace Love's original music, and a TOPLESS-branded drawstring backpack perfect for stowing your swimsuit or sneaking snacks into a movie theater! At this level, you'll also be included in the film's end credits.

Claimed: 6 of 100

$100

Topless Beach Towel

Receive a limited-edition TOPLESS-branded beach towel PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 9 of 50

$500

Walk-on Role in TOPLESS

Be part of the action and join us on the set as an extra PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 6

$1,500

Associate Producer

Join the TOPLESS crew as an Associate Producer, recieve an official IMDb credit(!) PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 3

$5,000

Producer

Join TOPLESS as a Producer and fast track your Hollywood career (and credentials), PLUS you'll receive all of the previous incentives (except for the Associate Producer credit).

Claimed: 0 of 2

$10,000

Executive Producer

You will be listed in the openning credits of the movie as an Executive Producer. PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 2
Wishlist

Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.

Get Crafty!

Want to get crafty? Help feed our hungry cast & crew with snacks and meals during production.

$300 to go

costs $300

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Hard Drives

Help us preserve our footage with a safe and secure hard drive from G-Technology.

FULFILLED

costs $300

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Pool

This will be the primary location at which we shoot TOPLESS.

$750 to go

costs $750

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Director of Photography

We need a great DP to make TOPLESS look great!

FULFILLED

costs $1,500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Editor

Post-production isn't complete without a steady-handed editor!

FULFILLED

costs $1,500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Production Design

A production designer will help us create authentic and powerful sets.

$1,000 to go

costs $1,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Camera

This covers the rental fee for a top quality digital camera.

$750 to go

costs $750

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Festival submission fees

Short films are best viewed on big screens at film festivals.

$500 to go

costs $500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Key Grip

An essential part of the camera crew.

FULFILLED

costs $500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Gaffer

A key member of the camera crew. They bring the light!

FULFILLED

costs $500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Wardrobe

Everyone must dress the part! Prosthetics will also be used in this project.

$790 to go

costs $1,250

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Production Assistants

Production assistants are the backbone of any film shoot.

FULFILLED

costs $500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Location Sound

Can't make a good movie without good sound.

$1,000 to go

costs $1,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Gas and transportation

Helps us get gear, talent and crew to and from set and legally parked.

$350 to go

costs $350

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Cast

We've got our eyes on some amazing actors and we can't wait to hire and pay them what they deserve!

$1,000 to go

costs $2,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Film Score and Original Songs

Great movies have great music! And we LOVE Grace LOVE!

FULFILLED

costs $1,500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Production Supplies

You can never have enough gaffe tape on set!

$600 to go

costs $600

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Lenses

Renting a high quality set of lenses will make a beautiful image.

$500 to go

costs $500

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Make-up Artist & Supplies

A make-up artist and proper supplies will help create a believable look for each character.

$1,000 to go

costs $1,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Producers

A team of good eggs pulls together all the details and keep us on schedule and on budget.

FULFILLED

costs $1,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Meals for Cast and Crew

Keep the cast and crew fueled with more than donuts. Veggies and protein for all!

$700 to go

costs $700

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Assistant Director

The AD sets the schedule, manages the set and keeps the trains running on time and on track.

$1,000 to go

costs $1,000

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Director

Leading the cast and crew to execute the creative vision and intention of the script.

$1 to go

costs $1

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

Still Photographer

A set photographer will capture candid images behind the scenes of the set, cast and crew.

$400 to go

costs $400

×
How much would you like to pledge?
$

$10

Thank you

You'll receive a personalized thank you shout out on one of our social media channels.

$25

Exclusive download of Grace Love's original song used in the film

In addition to a social media thank you, you'll also receive a private link to download an exclusive, original song by soon-to-blow-up soul/R&B chanteuse, Grace Love, created specifically for TOPLESS.

$50

Drawstring Swimmer's Backpack

You'll get a thank you, Grace Love's original music, and a TOPLESS-branded drawstring backpack perfect for stowing your swimsuit or sneaking snacks into a movie theater! At this level, you'll also be included in the film's end credits.

Claimed: 6 of 100

$100

Topless Beach Towel

Receive a limited-edition TOPLESS-branded beach towel PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 9 of 50

$500

Walk-on Role in TOPLESS

Be part of the action and join us on the set as an extra PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 6

$1,500

Associate Producer

Join the TOPLESS crew as an Associate Producer, recieve an official IMDb credit(!) PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 3

$5,000

Producer

Join TOPLESS as a Producer and fast track your Hollywood career (and credentials), PLUS you'll receive all of the previous incentives (except for the Associate Producer credit).

Claimed: 0 of 2

$10,000

Executive Producer

You will be listed in the openning credits of the movie as an Executive Producer. PLUS all of the previous incentives!

Claimed: 0 of 2
Updates
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The Team

Current Team

About This Team

NORMA JEAN STRAW - WRITER & DIRECTOR

Norma has worked as a writer/producer/director on over 100 episodes of nationally broadcast TV, primarily educational children’s shows such as HIP HOP HARRY (Discovery Kids) and BIZKIDS (PBS), receiving two national Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Series. She produced the narrative feature film EVERGREEN which premiered in dramatic competition at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. She is also a life long civic activist and community builder committed to social justice and environmental stewardship. She is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and a gubernatorial appointed trustee for Washington Filmworks. View her portfolio here: www.strawstories.com

J. BRAD WILKE - PRODUCER

J. Brad Wilke (@jbwilke) is a co-founder and principal of Smarthouse Creative. Brad holds an MBA from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, a Master of Communication in Digital Media from the University of Washington's Department of Communication, and a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Brad designs and executes digital, social media, and film distribution strategies for Smarthouse’s clients. Brad is also the founder of Wonderstream, an adjunct lecturer in digital marketing & film, as well as an award-winning filmmaker, produced feature-length screenwriter, and artistic director of the Portland Film Festival.

SANTHOSH DANIEL - PRODUCER

Santhosh Daniel is a writer, producer and creative consultant specializing in strategic communications, social enterprise and independent media and arts. He is the founder of the creative collective, Compound, and co-founder of Projector, a social innovation and storytelling media initiative. He serves on the Board of Directors of California Humanities and on the board of Found Sound Nation. He has also served as a panelist and advisor for arts and media funds, including the San Francisco Arts Commission, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, California Documentary Project and Headlands Artist Residency. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Washington and an M.F.A. in English from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

RYAN ELIZALDE - PRODUCER

Ryan is a marketing and operations executive bringing 20 years of experience driving revenue growth and expansion in the internet, healthcare and lifestyle spaces. As a key member of the marketing team at HERE Media he drove marketing initiatives for key brands including Advocate & Out Magazines, Gay.com, and Here! Networks. Orchestrating strategy, planning, logistics and execution of consumer and industry events representing all Here Media brands in order to deliver on sales objectives and sponsor goals.

STEPHANIE BROWNELL - PRODUCER

Stephanie is a catalyst. From running operations for a commercial production studio to throwing a killer party she brings people together with style and substance. After 10+ years in the Los Angeles area she is delighted to be back in Seattle and re-connecting with the local arts and social justice communitues.

LULU GARGIULO - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

In addition to hundreds of commercials and music videos for the likes of Pixies, The Replacements, and Mudhoney, Lulu's narrative work includes RENO 911! (20th Century Fox), THE YEAR OF MY JAPANESE COUSIN (PBS), and SPARE ME (SIFF Fly Film). Her documentary work includes the THE MEANING OF FOOD (PBS), and HYPE, which screened at Sundance in 1996. When not making films, she plays guitar in the seminal Seattle punk band Fastbacks. View her work here: www.luluwild.com.
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