N O W F I N A N C I N G
A S H O R T T H R I L L E R
A corporate drone abandons his mundane life for New York's gritty underbelly.
S C R E E N P L A Y A W A R D S
I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H
Because of our fiscal sponsorship, all donations are tax-deductible.
A word from the director
Venus in Furs aims to entertain but ultimately compel audiences to confront the harsh realities of addiction. In a time when the opioid crisis continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, the story aims to contribute to the conversation.
Anything helps!
Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, your donations will help make this film possible.
Donation perks
$15
Social media shout out
✓ Receive social media shoutout on our Instagram page
$25
Digital pack
✓ Receive digital screener of the film, digital poster and behind the scenes photos and videos from the shoot
✓ All other perks
$50
Easter egg
✓ Your name will be hidden somewhere in the film, graffitied, on a subway car, or somewhere else!
✓ All other perks
$100
Special thanks credit
✓ You will be given a special thanks in the film’s credits!
✓ All other perks
$500
Design a character
✓ Name and design the costume of a background character to appear in a party scene
✓ All other perks
$1K
Deepfake cameo
✓ Using deepfake technology, your likeness appears briefly in the background of a scene
✓ All other perks
$5K
Executive Producer credit
✓ You will be credited as an Executive Producer of the project
✓ All other perks
New York Opioid Deaths
New York State Department of Health, 2023
Up 400% in a decade
Venus in Furs addresses the urgent issue of the opioid epidemic. Opioid-related deaths in NYC surged over 100% between 2019 and 2022, yet addiction remains widely misunderstood and stigmatized. The epidemic has personally affected our team and fuels our drive to tell this story.
By portraying addiction through the lens of a tragic love story, the film acts as an allegory to humanize the journey for those grappling with substance abuse. Beyond shining a light on the opioid crisis specifically, Venus in Furs speaks to the broader cultural epidemics of disillusionment, toxic productivity culture, and the search for meaning outside oneself.
Our team
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Liam Walsh
WRITER / DIRECTOR
Writer and director from New York with a distinct, neo-noir visual style. He graduated from USC's film school in Los Angeles where his thesis film was selected in over 30 festivals internationally and recently worked as a line producer's assistant on FX's Mayans MC.
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Nate Cohen
PRODUCER
Producer and graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts. He has worked at United Talent Agency and TriStar Pictures. His latest short was shortlisted for a Student Academy Award. Nate is a proud queer and Jewish storyteller.
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Kathryn Wright
PRODUCER
Producer originally from Washington, D.C. with a degree in Film Production and Screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University. She has worked on productions with HBO, Universal, and ABC. Currently, Kathryn is a Showrunner's Assistant on ABC's Not Dead Yet.
Where your money goes
It costs a ton to make these films happen, but with your help, it is possible. We are already climbing towards our goal. With your support, we can secure the additional funding we need to bring this film to life.
$100K Budget
6 reasons to donate
1. Support a noble cause
This film tackles the timely and important issue of opiate addiction and will help to spread awareness.
2. Tax-deductible donations
Your investment is tax-deductible, offering financial benefits while supporting meaningful art.
3. Become an Executive Producer
As an Executive Producer, you'll get an insider look at the filmmaking process and attend screenings and VIP events.
4. Join the “Trojan Mafia”
Support USC filmmakers, build relationships, and gain access to rising industry connections and opportunities.
5. Invest in the future
Your donation supports our growth as artists and secures your involvement in future projects.
6. Equity in future projects
Reach out to discuss how we can work together in the future!
Request treatment
Our treatment is a helpful PDF document that includes comprehensive information about the project.
The characters
Sev
Sev is ambitious but tired of his monotonous Wall Street job and caring for his neurotic mother. He seeks a quick payoff for his efforts and meets Venus, a mysterious drifter.
Venus
Venus is an enigmatic drifter, a stark contrast to Sev's everyday world. She's manipulative, embodying the temptation Sev can't resist.
Mom
Sev's mother is his ‘tough love’ conscience, reminding him of his responsibilities and need to stay present. Though terrified of being left alone, she genuinely wants the best for Sev.
Anything helps!
Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, your donations will help make this film possible.
Become an Executive Producer
For significant donors, we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate more extensively by inviting you to join us as an Executive Producer. This would include exclusive access to set locations, festivals, and keeping you closely involved as we progress with this project. Kindly complete the form to connect with our team or donate below to get started.