Growing up, Step-Brothers and Clueless - up until Cher started dating Paul Rudd - were my only frame of reference for seeing my family on screen. While I do love these movies, I have always felt the need to expand on the narrative of step sibling and found family relationships to reflect on some of the lessons I have learned.

With Seahorses Mate For Life, I want to explore the lesson of choosing family. Children of divorced parents are introduced to one another and - on a surface level - don't necessarily get to choose. However, the act of opening oneself up to the other gives them the reins to choose and build relationships on their own terms.

Even as I get older, choosing to be a part of a relationship with my siblings is an everyday task as we're all over the United States. But they've been in my life since I was a baby, and they sacrificed a lot of their younger years in order to help my parents raise me. This film is an ode to them, my blood brother, Derek, and to my parents for always trying their best.

What the Funds Go Towards

Part of my education in creating my senior thesis is understanding all elements of making a film. This includes writing the script; retaining crew members; scouting locations; auditioning talent; rehearsing and shooting the film; and helping to fund the cost of the production. This is where you come in as investors!

• Production Design. Production Design. Production Design. The most important aspect of this film is telling the story of the family through production design. The film will be shot at an Airbnb, so it’s important that the audience believe these people live in this house.

• Actors. In addition to paying the actors, funds will cover housing, food, and transportation. This film could not happen without the help of actors to embody the characters, so making their stay as comfortable as possible is my absolute priority.

• Crew. My Syracuse Crew will be fed breakfast and lunch every day, so I need funds to provide them with well-balanced meals and snacks.

• Equipment. While I am able to borrow most of the equipment from Syracuse, there are elements of the film that need special materials. The film largely takes place at night, but we plan to shoot during the day. My Director of Photography and I are planning on covering the windows of the house we're shooting in with aluminum foil and duvetyne. This will be extremely beneficial to the crew members, who have classes on Monday mornings and would benefit from 8 hours of sleep at reasonable hours.

What You Get In Return

I am working to raise $5,000, and recognize that is a LOT of money, especially for a college student. I am trying to keep this easy and affordable, so I’ve set up a GoFundMe, and can also accept donations through Venmo.

I appreciate any help you can provide, and as part of the Seahorses Mate for Life family, I am offering commemorative items in exchange for your generous donation:

• $25: Your name will be added to the credits.

• $50: The above, and receive special behind-the-scenes footage from Seahorses Mate for Life.

• $75: All of the above, and special access to the Seahorses Mate for Life playlist created by the crew.

• $100: All of the above, and receive a custom postcard from the set.

• $250: All of the above, and I will make you a custom friendship bracelet.

• $500: All of the above, and special merch from the Seahorses Mate for Life set.

Whether or not you choose to donate, I want to thank you for taking time to learn more about me and Seahorses Mate for Life.