Donations to Sea Turtles are tax deductible through our 501c3 non-profit!

Every year hundreds of applicants apply for one of eight spots in the American Film Institute DWW+. I am honored to have been selected as DWW+ celebrates its 50th year!

DWW+ educates traditionally underrepresented filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. Since the program’s inception in 1974, DWW+ has trained over 350 filmmakers who give voice to historically underrepresented perspectives. Past participants include Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, Hanelle Culpepper, and Siân Heder. Participants have broken barriers and gone on to win Academy, Emmy, DGA, and PGA Awards. DWW+ has a proud legacy as one of the first gender impact programs in the cinematic arts, as well as one of the longest-running and preeminent film and television workshops nationwide. 

$30,000.00
of our $50,000 goal

We have a goal of raising 50K!
Here are some places your donations will go:

    • Compensation for the many artists, cast, and crew members who will help create our beautiful film.

    • Hiring a casting director to cast our four characters … and maybe even our supporting star - a tortoise. Just kidding! We’ll need an animal wrangler for that! Animal wranglers are an additional expense.

    • We will need to film at two houses and an aquarium. We will also need to build a standing set for a couple of locations.

    • Authentic costumes for the family

    • This magical realism film has a lot of fantastical elements and will require a lot of set dressing, props, and world-building.

    • Healthy tasty snacks and catering for our cast and crew. We will keep everybody well-hydrated and happy!

    • Cameras, c-stands, lights, mics, walkie-talkies, monitors, and all the equipment we’ll need to make this film.

    • We are a COVID-conscious production. We will provide tests and protective equipment for our cast and crew.

    • A second camera will save time for us and help our child actors. There will be fewer setups and repetitions.

    • We will require extensive visual effects and practical effects to make Ty’s fantasy world come alive.

    • This includes elements like color grading, sound design, and a composer who will create a unique score for the film.

    • We want to get this film in front of audiences around the world. Film Festivals are a great way to do this. At $40-$75 a pop, festival submission fees add up!


We are offering donor rewards!

    • Thank you! Every single dollar helps bring this film to life.

    • Private link to watch Sea Turtles when it’s complete!

    • Social Media Shout Out

    • Special thanks in the film’s credits and on IMBd

    • Private Link

    • Social Media Shout Out

    • Join us for a private screening on AFI’s campus!

    • Special thanks in the film’s credits and on IMBd

    • Private link

    • Social Media Shout Out

    • Join us for a post-production session (in person or virtual) Ever wondered about color grading, score composition? Sound mixing? Editing? Have you ever seen someone record foley? IT’S SO COOL!

    • VIP screening on AFI’s campus.

    • Special thanks in the film’s credits and on IMBd

    • Private link

    • Social Media Shout Out

    • An Associate Producer credit and join us on set for a day.

    • Invitation to the Sea Turtles premiere / DWW+ Showcase at the Director’s Guild of America.

    • Co-Executive Producer credit and join us on set for a day.

    • Invitation to the Sea Turtles premiere / DWW+ Showcase at the Director’s Guild of America.

    • Executive Producer credit and join us on set for a day.

    • Two tickets to a film festival premiere!

    • Invite to DWW+ Showcase at Director’s Guild of America.

Child with turtle

Other ways to contribute:

  1. Share this campaign! E-mail your friends and family or share on social media to spread awareness! 

  2. In-Kind Donations. If you’d like to donate goods and services like catering, production or post production services, equipment, a location, or even a picture car, AFI will provide you with documentation letter for your taxes.

  3. Corporate matching gifts. Many companies have a philanthropy program where they will match donations their employees make to nonprofits. This allows employees to double or even triple their total donation. Speak to your HR department about their matching gift program and eligibility requirements.

  4. To make a donation via wire transfer, cash, or check, please email: seaturtlesfilm@gmail.com

    For MATCHING GIFT donations BEFORE you donate please…

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!