This is where Butterfly-Shaped Beads lives or dies. Recreating a 1965 South Central household with period-accurate furniture, fabrics, wallpaper, and props; capturing the specific textures of Black domestic life in that era, is the single most important investment in this film. Think the warm, cluttered interiors of Claudine, the vibrant street life of Crooklyn. That world doesn't build itself.
As a production designer myself, accurately capturing both the period and the emotional core of this space is really important to me. I’m interested in building a contrast between the tense social/political climate and the colorful world Mayra experiences.
Our production designer and art director will build out each of these spaces with attention to period-accurate furniture, vehicles, textures, and props—making sure every environment feels lived in and true to the period.
Donations will help support the materials, sourcing, and labor needed to fully realize this world.
This is a period film set in 1965 South Central Los Angeles, made by a small, dedicated team with a big vision. Every dollar goes directly into building the world of this story and telling it with the craft it deserves. Here is exactly where your support goes:
OUR GOAL:
10,000
I think about clothing as a reflection of who these characters are and who they are expected to be.
At school, I see bell-bottoms, denim sets, A-line skirts, ankle socks, and worn shoes. Boys in short-sleeve button-downs, slacks, and simple sneakers. Fabrics are faded, slightly imperfect, and lived in. Nothing feels new.
At home, Mayra is more controlled. Pressed Sunday dresses, cardigans, clean lines. Her mother values presentation and being put together at all times.
At the diner, her mother wears a uniform. Apron, sensible shoes, hair set, always neat. The wardrobe and space work together to place us in the 60s.
Donations support sourcing, tailoring, and aging all wardrobe so it feels accurate, specific, and real.
OUR GOAL: 3,000
OUR GOAL: 3,000
On the left, Cousin Cherie, on the right my mom, circa 1978.
There’s a certain magic in the ritual of doing hair, one that’s passed down from mother to daughter. In South Central L.A. in 1965, Myra sits on the floor while Leanne carefully twists each strand, choosing colorful beads and barrettes that gleam. These aren’t just decorations, they’re stories, carried in every soft click of plastic against plastic. It’s a moment of care and closeness, where the noise of the outside world fades, and all that remains is the quiet bond between them.
For Myra and Leanne, hair is more than style; it’s an inheritance. The warmth of a hot comb in the morning, the patience of nighttime twists, the bright beads catching the light at sunrise, these are the moments where Myra feels most seen. In the film, hair becomes their language, a space where love is expressed without needing to be said. Your support helps bring these intimate, generational rituals to life with the care and authenticity they deserve.
My mom on the left, my cousin Cherie on the right, circa 1977.
On the left, Cousin Cherie, on the right my mom, circa 1978.
On the left, Cousin Cherie, on the right my mom, circa 1978.
On the left, Cousin Cherie, on the right my mom, circa 1978.
I imagine the camera staying close to Mayra. I’m drawn to small moments; faces, hands, textures. I want the camera to feel observant and patient, grounded in her perspective.
I plan to use lighting and lenses that create a softer, natural image while still feeling intentional. Donations will support the equipment and crew needed to bring this vision to life.
OUR GOAL: 10,000
One of my biggest priorities is making sure my cast and crew are well taken care of. That means providing meals, snacks, and water throughout long shoot days so everyone can stay focused and supported. Donations here go directly toward feeding our team.
Donations will cover location fees, permits, and insurance.
Thinking about everything that moves behind the scenes, providing comfortable transportation for crew members, equipment, wardrobe, and props between locations, is significantly important.
We are also looking to source period-accurate cars, and need to properly store these vehicles.
Donations will support vehicle rentals, transportation, and keeping the production running smoothly.
OUR GOAL: 6,000
This would make our DP very happy!!!
After we wrap filming, the real magic happens in post-production. This is where every scene is carefully crafted through editing, sound design, and color grading into the story we’ve been dreaming of. Your support makes this possible. Every dollar helps us fine-tune each frame and bring our vision to life so that in the end, we have a film we’re all proud to share.
Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this journey as we seek to bring this film to life. Every donation makes a real impact in supporting this vision. For larger contributions, we offer fiscal sponsorship options: you can donate directly through our director, or if you would like the option of making a tax-deductible donation, you can donate to the film through USC, a recognized charitable organization. Additionally, many companies offer matching donations. Click the button below to see the list of employers that match contributions. A QR code is also linked here to donate directly to the film. If any other information is needed for donations, please feel free to reach out to our director directly.
Contact Information:(224)-688-8552
