Our Crowdfunding Groups
Welcome to the fundraiser page for our CSUN Senior Thesis Short Film – March of a Butterfly
THE STORY
March of a Butterfly follows Zack, a teenager with a rare skin condition (Epidermolysis Bullosa) which renders his skin excruciatingly fragile. Desperate to experience life beyond the confines of his home, he embarks on a daring journey across L.A. to replace his sister/caregiver's precious snowglobe after unintentionally shattering it. Despite the unexpected connections which arise, and his newfound sense of freedom, can the socially recluse teen emerge from his perilous night victorious? Or is he destined to stay in his cocoon forever?
Zack's story serves as an exercise in self-acceptance and growth despite the compromising circumstances one is put in. The holiday setting compliments Zack's metamorphosis, as our story largely revolves around the sacrifices we make for our loved ones, and the act of gift-giving out of gratitude. Combining our characters, setting, and subject matter, March of a Butterfly lovingly delves into themes of strength, compassion, and human perseverance.
WHAT IS EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA?
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare, genetic condition characterized by extremely fragile skin prone to blistering and tearing, even with the slightest friction or touch. It affects individuals from their birth throughout their lives, often causing severe pain, chronic wounds, scarring, and disabilities which significantly impact their mobility and quality of life.
We invite the audience to intimately understand the daily physical, emotional, and psychological challenges a person with EB faces. Due to the rarity of this disease, most people in the world don’t know it exists. That means countless butterfly children have gone through life feeling unseen, and we want to change that. We want to let people with this disease know that we see them, we hear them, and we embrace them.
OUR GOAL
As our capstone senior film, March of a Butterfly serves as our final demonstration of the knowledge and abilities we’ve acquired during our time in CSU Northridge’s film production option.
After our film is finished, we hope to theatrically share March of a Butterfly with a film festival run and engage in student filmmaker competitions. In doing so, we can both showcase our capabilities as filmmakers, and bring awareness to EB.
WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO?
Your contribution will be used for:
Locations: permits and additional costs
Camera and Lighting: grip truck, lights, monitors
Art Department: props, set dressing, special effects makeup, graphic design
Sound Equipment: tape, straps, batteries
Actors and Casting: we work with SAG-AFTRA to cast great actors to accurately portray our characters
Catering & Craft Services: food will be provided to our cast and crew like a traditional film set
Post Production: hard drives and processing
Distribution: film festival application fees
And More!
**ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO MARCH OF A BUTTERFLY ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE FOUNDATION IS A CHARITABLE, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 501(C)(3) PUBLIC BENEFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
For updates on pre-production and behind the scenes content, please follow our Instagram page!
Instagram: @marchofabutterflyfilm
YouTube: @MarchofaButterfly
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/marchofabutterfly
MEET OUR CREW!
Writer and Director | Daniel Valentine
Producer | Matthew X Kadach
Producer | Jojo Staromana
Producer | Lance Walton
1st Assistant Director | Maddie Cabrera
2nd Assistant Director | Michael Ekeinde
Script Supervisor | Dean D'Annibale
Director of Photography | Byron Morse
1st Assistant Camera | Trenton Hess
2nd Assistant Camera | Michaela Boniti
Camera Operator | Logan Serrano
DIT | Alex Lobitz
Gaffer | Andrew Suarez
Key Grip | Will McDonald
Best Boy Electric | Andrew Kowalski
Production Sound Mixer | Samantha Zan
Boom Operator | Julia Amstutz
Sound Utility | Jimmy Ward / Maritza Ramirez
Post Sound Editor | Maritza Ramirez / Samantha Zan
Editor | Carter Nicklaus
Editor | Alex Lobitz
Production Designer | Daria Noonan-Wehmeyer
Art Director | Andre Hurtado
Set Decorator | Trent X. Powell
BTS Videographer | Meillin Liu
Casting Director | Kerry Barker
THANK YOU FOR READING :)
If you have any questions, or would like to reach out:
Writer/Director: Daniel Valentine - daniel.arutyunyan.287@my.csun.edu
Producer: Matthew X Kadach - matthew.kadach.569@my.csun.edu
Producer: Jojo Staromana - jose-maria.staromana.833@my.csun.edu
Producer: Lance Walton - tyrome.walton.919@my.csun.edu
If you reside outside of the United States, and you would like to support our project, please donate using this link:
