ALL PHOTOS AND FONTS ARE PART OF THE DEVELOPED VISUAL LANGUAGE OF SOUTHERN LIGHTS.
INVESTMENT TIERS
"Southern Lights" represents compelling storytelling and strategic positioning within Texas's expanding film landscape. This science fiction thriller capitalizes on Stephenville's identity as Film Friendly community and UFO capital.
TIER I
PRINCIPAL PRODUCER
$10K
Return information coming soon.
TIER II
CO-PRODUCER
$5K-$7.5K
Return information coming soon.
TIER III
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
$2.5-$5K
Return information coming soon.
TIER IV
COMMUNITY BACKER
$1K-$2.5K
Return information coming soon.
TIER V
PROJECT SUPPORTER
$500-$1K
Return information coming soon.
CUSTOM
Return information coming soon.
WATCH THE SKIES...
BECAUSE THEY'RE WATCHING YOU.
STORY OVERVIEW
In rural Texas, a fractured family is drawn into a cosmic mystery after the matriarch disappears amid a surge of UFO activity. As her children search for answers, they uncover a web of military secrets, local corruption, and otherworldly phenomena tied to the enigmatic “vector equilibrium.” Their journey forces them to confront generational trauma and the possibility that the lights in the sky are more than just a myth.
GENRE
Sci-fi drama blend with Noir and Thriller elements
UNIQUE POINTS
-
Rooted in Texan UFO lore
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Multi-generational cast
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Character drama w/ high-concept elements
THEMES
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Family Legacy
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Generational trauma
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Cosmic wonder
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Corruption of Power
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Belief vs. skepticism
-
Ethics of contact
DIRECTOR'S VISION
CINEMATOGRAPHY
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Rich Composition
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Natural Lighting
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Deep Shadows
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Smooth Highlights
COLOR PALETTE
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Golden Hour Hues
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Cool-toned Night Scenes
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Rich Color Contrast
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Classic Color Rendering
UNIQUE POINTS
-
Blend Americana Aesthetics with Classic Sci-fi
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Regional Stephenville Texture
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Strong Visual Metaphor
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN
34%
ABOVE-THE-LINE
Rights, Producer, Director & Cast
50%
BELOW-THE-LINE
Extras/Stand-ins, Production Staff, Catering, Lighting, Camera, Sound, Wardrobe, SFX, Transport & Location
6%
POST-PRODUCTION
All post-production roles are fulfilled in-house
10%
CONTINGENCY/LEGAL
Insurance, Damages, etc.
BUDGET
Projected production cost of "Southern Lights."
"Financial Breakdown" based on $42,810 minimum.
The project is currently seeking investors, grants and crowdfunding.
$43k
BASELINE BUDGET
$50k
BALANCED BUDGET
$60k
IDEAL BUDGET
$0
CURRENTLY RAISED (07/14/25)
MARKET POSITION
COMPARABLE FILMS
-
Arrival
-
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
-
The X-Files
DISTRIBUTION
-
Target major festivals
-
Streaming platforms
-
Limited theatrical release
-
Local screenings
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Projected ROI is based on similar indie sci-fi dramas.
WHY IT MATTERS
"Southern Lights" advances the genre, by infusing authentic,
lived-in rural Texan culture with speculative science fiction to explore underlying truths,
offering an emotionally resonant perspective on the UFO genre.
ETHICS,
VALUES & RESPONSIBILITY
USE OF AI
Holy Coyote Studios does not condone the use of generative AI for direct use in projects. However, AI may be used for surface-level research and data work.
No script, video or image will be generated and passed as original work.
REPRESENTATION
-
Authentic representation of rural Texan life
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Diverse casting for lead and supporting roles
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Crew hiring prioritizes students and local talent
-
Story emphasizes social issues such as trauma and rural dynamics authentically
A CHRISTIAN STUDIO
Holy Coyote Studios is a Catholic studio, run by a solo college student. Christian values will striven towards to be reflected in all work. This includes scripts, videos, films, music, on-set activities and post-production practices.
TIMELINE
03/13
2022
STORY/WORLD DEVELOPMENT
STATUS: COMPLETE
05/22
2025
SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
STATUS: LATE-STAGE DEVELOPMENT
08/01
2025
PRE-PRODUCTION
STATUS: EARLY-STAGE DEVELOPMENT
09/15
2025
FULLY FUNDED
STATUS: EARLY-STAGE DEVELOPMENT
10/01
2025
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY
STATUS: INCOMPLETE
11/15
2025
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY WRAPS
STATUS: INCOMPLETE
12/01
2025
POST-PRODUCTION
STATUS: INCOMPLETE
05/01
2026
FINAL CUT LOCKED
STATUS: INCOMPLETE
ATTACHED TALENT
"Southern Lights" seeks to hire talent local to Texas and Stephenville.
ETHAN ENGLAND
LEAD ACTOR
D. JOAQUIN CAMPOS
WRITER/DIRECTOR
LIGHT THE WAY
We're currently seeking support for "Southern Lights!"
If you're interested in bringing this project to life, please consider reaching out!
