WNU Studios presents our first project
the short film that becomesLeave the Light On
Years ago, Brandon and his dad dreamed up a story together. His dad fought brain and lung cancer for ten months, and the family lost him this past May. This film is how we keep the light on for him.
Why this film
A lot of his real fight is in this film, almost word for word. The things he said. The jokes he still made on the hard days. The faith he held onto.
He never got to see it finished. So we're finishing it for him, with a full tribute to him in the credits, and for every family walking the same road Brandon's family walked.
— The WNU Studios team
For Brandon's dad
Pool days, beach days, Christmas mornings. He showed up for all of it, and he loved his family out loud.
Every gift helps us finish the story he helped write, and get it to the families who need it.
A first look
Moments from our proof-of-concept, shot in Georgia with a cast and crew who gave everything to tell this story right.
These clips come straight from our dailies. They haven't been color graded or fully edited yet, and finishing that work is exactly what your gift makes possible.
It's okay to feel broken.
It's okay to feel alone.
But you aren't.
The film
A son would do anything to get his dad back. A magical realism story about love, loss, and learning to live again. With former Marines advising on set, it honors the bond between military brothers, and it speaks honestly about cancer and suicide prevention.
Our 20-minute proof-of-concept. Both production blocks are shot. Your gift helps us finish it and take it to festivals.
The full-length film The Book opens the door to. The short shows the world what this story can be.
WNU Studios · Why Not Us
WNU stands for Why Not Us. The Book is the start of something bigger: a film every year made with young filmmakers, actors and crews, telling stories that help people heal.
Giving the next generation of actors, writers and crews real credits and real experience on real productions.
Films with a positive, mental-health-focused message. Stories that tell people they aren't alone.
Bringing the next chapter home to Alabama, and showing what our state can make.
For actors
Everything our team has learned booking work, building a self-tape studio, and getting a film made, in one free e-book. Casting sites, lighting setups, outreach templates and a 30-day plan.
Where your gift goes
So many people poured their hearts into this film, and a lot of them gave their time. Your gift finishes the work and does right by them.
Paying the people who gave their time and talent what they truly deserve.
Post-production: color, sound, visual effects and an original score.
Taking The Book to festivals, so it can reach the families who need it.
Be part of it
On your phone? Tap the button below.
On a computer or TV? Point your phone's camera at the code to give.
Every gift is tax-deductible. The Book is fiscally sponsored by From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID 95-4445418).
Payable to From the Heart Productions, with "The Book" on the memo line. Mail to 1013 Harbor Blvd. #53, Oxnard, CA 93035.
Email thebookmovieproduction@gmail.com and we'll send the details and make sure your gift is credited to The Book.
You'll receive a written acknowledgment for your records. Deductible to the extent allowed by law.
From the set
The kitchen table. The late nights at the desk. The hardest days of the fight, and the love that held a family together through them.
The team
