Project Summary

• Hello, my name is Mac Shoemaker and I am an aspiring director. After many years of filmmaking, along with a degree in film production, I have decided to make the jump to the next level. “The Treehouse” is a story based on true events in November of 1963, as told by my Grandfather. The film is indeed a period piece, but has direct ties to the current political climate that we live in today. After hearing my Grandfather tell me his story, I was so moved that I immediately went home and began writing this script (along with my co-writer Ben Morales). What we have created is an evocative political piece about the struggle that is our current political climate. With everything that is going on in the world today, what we find is that there is only one real thing that matters; family. 

Logline:

• Stuck between two historical events, a life or death decision propels a misguided family man to recalibrate his life to focus on what matters most.

Synopsis:

• In 1963, the tensions from the Cold War are rising. Tom Miller, a suburban father, is struggling to bond with his family during these changing times. Through political media conditioning and too much of a focus on his career, Tom has lost sight of what is most important. After a conflict at the breakfast table, Tom leaves not knowing how he’ll repair the damage that has been done. Arriving at work with a very pleased boss with promises of promotions in his future, Tom is suddenly thrown into disarray. A telephone operator has led him to believe that the world is going to end due to a nuclear war. What Tom does next will change his life forever.

Money Talks 

Why do we need this money? 

• The truth is that in order to make this film, we’re going to need money. One of the main reasons we need this amount of money is due to the fact that this is a period piece. Which means elaborate locations, sets, wardrobe, etc. Listed below is a description of why and where your money will be going!

Where is it going?

• Actors / Actresses
  • This is a very dialogue heavy piece that carries most of the drama within it. Much of the emotion that comes from this film is through the dialogue between the Miller family. In order for this dialogue and tension to land, there must be good performances from the cast. So, we must hire good actors and actresses. Also, in order for an actor or actress to give a truly brilliant performance, they must feel that they are valued for their efforts (AKA compensated fairly).
• Locations
  • One of our main spending categories will be locations. Now, there are 4 total locations in this film. A home, an office building, a quiet road, and a beach. The last two we believe can be taken care of on our own. Then the office building is secured because Panavision is being gracious enough to let us use their space in their building to shoot. But, we still need to find a house, either an Airbnb or a designated set house, both of which are expensive. We are also looking for a home that is already styled in a 1960’s fashion, which will not come without a price.
• Set Decorations
  • The last major spending category will be the set decorations. This includes the wardrobe, props, and car rentals. In order to get our audience to believe that this film is truly taking place in the past, the set must be convincing enough to do so. This is everything from what the characters are wearing, eating, driving, and what surrounds them. We are looking for four cars for this film. One for Tom to drive, two to have as “random citizens” on the road, and one police car.

Risks and Challenges

• I do want to be transparent about the “goal” with this film. Short films don’t very often make money and that is not the goal with this film. I have before me a story that I deeply feel is important for people to see. “The Treehouse” is not only an important message for all to hear, but it is also important for my career as a filmmaker. This is going to be the film that I feel I can hang my hat on for years to come. It will be the foundation of my directing career, and hopefully it’ll help propel my teammates careers as well! 

Other Ways You Can Help

If you’re like me, you understand that money is tight at the moment. Please, do not donate money that you do not have. But, if you would still like to help, you most certainly can. You can share this page to as many people as you’d like. Feel free to post it on your social medias, or you can just simply tell your friends about it. Any support that you can show goes a long way for my team and me. 

How to Get in Touch

• Email: kidcactusproductions@gmail.com
• Instagram: kidcactus_