I can’t believe how much has happened in the last few weeks! We have an all-star cast for Lily + Mara (more on this soon), an uber-talented crew, a location in Staten Island, and now an IndieGoGo campaign.
Caroline Roberts graduated from film school in 2008 and within weeks found herself working for the incredible filmmaking team, Director/Producer Rob Marshall and Producer John DeLuca. She has been shadowing them ever since, working as their Assistant on three feature films, Nine (2009), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Into the Woods (2014). They saw each film through all stages of the filmmaking process, from development to pre-production, production to post, and publicity to release. Delving into the knowledge and experience she’s picked up along the way, Caroline is thrilled to be Directing LILY + MARA.
As the founder of Writers Work, Tracy Sayre hosts and organizes conferences, retreats, and workshops for writers. On her popular blog, The Heso Project, she interviews people that go after their dreams as well as documenting her own journey toward happiness. She has collaborated on several screenplays but this is her first time producing. From training teachers in Mozambique to painting murals in Nicaragua, Tracy loves adventure and considers this film project to be the most exciting one of all.
Mónica-Tezla Solís Vega-Görsün is a producer working on a variety of commercial and feature productions. Her last film, The Nymphets world premiered at SXSW and is now currently available on iTunes. She’s had the privilege to work for directors like Stacy Peralta, Brett Ratner, and Tony Goldwyn and DP’s including Wally Phister, Janusz Kaminski, and Matthew Libatique. When she’s not making films, she’s making ceviche or biscuits.
Rachael Gillson was a Co-Producer on the short film ROGUE ASSISTANT (Official Selection at Female Eye Festival ’15 and New York Shorts Fest ’15). Rachael is a Script Supervisor for Commercials and Television and most recently worked on Season 2 of Marvel’s DAREDEVIL. Check it out now on Netflix!
Christopher Raymond is a NY-based cinematographer with 20+ years experience. With 4 feature length narrative films and many commercials under his belt, Chris has found much success in the last year with his documentary shooting on THE EAGLE HUNTRESS, directed by Otto Bell and exec. prod. by Morgan Spurlock/ Daisy Ridley. A Sundance 2016 Official Selection, the Mongolian-set story has just sold to Sony Pictures Classics in preparation for a national theatrical release. His work on REMOTE CONTROL, a narrative feature film also set in Mongolia, has been recognized at Camerimage 2015 and as “Best Picture” at Busan FF 2015. and more recently, The Big T, a short film shot for director Brenda Ray, will be seen at this years 2016 Cannes Short Film Market.
Mike Sayre has composed original music for several independent film and web productions in the New York area, including Bad Habit and Redheads Anonymous. He has also worked as a music technician supporting several shows on Showtime and CBS, including Extant and The Affair. He is a classically trained French horn player, but that doesn’t stop him from rocking out on the guitar.
http://www.mike-sayre.com/
While I’ve had a lot of experience writing screenplays, I’ve never been on the production end of a film and it’s been eye-opening to watch the budget come together. Here is the general overview of the costs:
- filming and location permits
- transportation for cast and crew
- props and costumes
- feeding the cast and crew
- paying the crew and talent
- equipment rentals; camera, lighting and sound
- insurance – so much insurance!
- post production: film and sound editing, color correction, prints
- festival fees!

If you want to support a couple of passionate dreamers, if you think there needs to be more women making films, if you want to see a beautiful film about the bond of sisterhood, or if you’re just an awesome generous person, please consider donating to our campaign.
Please spread the word, and stay updated by liking the Lily + Mara facebook page.
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