Jumpstart (Short Film)

“Jumpstart follows 26-year-old Virginia ‘Billie’ Walton as she chokes on a healthy dose of reality. Trading her mother’s opulent lifestyle for a beaten-up Toyota, Billie hits the road with nothing but her car, cigarettes, and absolutely zero life skills. But when basin-bathing at gas stations loses its charm, Billie has to face her worst nightmare - finding a job. Armed with nothing but her silver tongue, can Billie talk her way into employment before her luck runs out?”

Writer/Director - Holly Pretorius

“Jumpstart is a comedic, lighthearted story that touches on the idea that sometimes we can take things for granted and not realise how important they are until they’re lost. I’ve always enjoyed stories that follow characters who can come across distastefully but live honestly to themselves and the choices they make. So, I wanted to centre my chaotic main character in a world where she gets herself into a bad situation due to some careless decision-making, and uncover how she tackles her way out of it. This is my first directed film so I’m excited to see how this comes out and hope to bring the story justice!”

Cinematographer - Alicia Snow

“Though Jumpstart is not something I can directly relate to, the story and visual potential was something that drew me in immediately. Most people won’t be in quite the same situation as Billie, but I think her struggle to figure out who she is and where she fits into society is something that can resonate with everyone. Coming to the end of my University journey I’m starting to feel some of the same pressures as Billie, so I want to give this story and message the best visuals I can give! ”

Producer - Talia Maria Gilbertson

“Jumpstart explores the idea of running away from home, something that I’m sure most of us threatened our parents with when we were kids - not that they ever believed us. Billie wants more than her mother’s life of heels and property deals, opting to instead pursue a life with her aesthetically-challenged car and a reliable pack of cigarettes. 

I’ve been creating films since I discovered how to make iMovie trailers, much to the dismay of my unpaid and mistreated actors (my grandparents). With graduation on the horizon, this film marks the crescendo of sleepless nights, empty coffee-cups, and too many hours sat watching footage download slower than Metroman’s mid-life crisis in Megamind. We are so excited for you to join us for the final stretch, as we bring Billie’s flagrant and haphazard story to life!”

Your donation goes straight into every corner of this production, including filming permits, a koha for private location owners, costumes, props, travel, and food for every incredible person involved on set. Anything we raise above our target will be given as a koha to our lead actress!

Those who donate will also get their name (as it appears on their donation) featured in the credits of the film!

Jumpstart focuses on how we take things for granted, and that we all need to have the confidence to accept help when we need it most. Throughout the film, Billie experiences the hardship that her sheltered upbringing lacked, and we watch as her eyes finally open to the harsh reality she never had to face before. Exploring themes of broken family, dishonesty, and independence, Jumpstart delivers a grim reminder to all of us who have experienced struggle, and a warning to those who haven’t yet.

As our final university-assessed film, Jumpstart is going to be the most challenging piece that we have ever endeavoured to create. Spanning an estimated 8 minutes, this film will feature over 20 cast and crew members and an estimated 9 locations (that’s a lot!). Between feeding our cast and crew, as well as providing a koha to our generous location providers, we need your support to make this project happen!

New Zealand’s film industry is struggling to get enough funding to keep short films like ours alive. With Hollywood currently entangled within a tense political climate, now is the time for young kiwi filmmakers to take centre stage. Donating to our project doesn’t just mean supporting us financially - it means that there is still a place for filmmakers in the future of Aotearoa. 

Almost every one of our production and crew members will be taking their first steps into the industry next year, and now is a more important time than ever to develop our skills through ambitious projects like this one. Donating to this film helps us to put our names on a project we can be proud of, which directly translates into CV experience that will attract potential employers in the future. Supporting us financially also provides us with the opportunity to create this film without limitations. Whether it be $5 or $50, your donation shows that our voices matter, and that making movies doesn’t need to be just a dream anymore. It can be our reality.