With tuition, textbooks, rent, Internet, cellphone bills, and buying a laptop, post-secondary life is expensive. But, for fourth-year film students, it can get really pricey. Elaine Poon and Josh Ary are two film students I met while studying journalism at Ryerson University. They are currently in their fourth year of the competitive program, and are in a bit of a bind for their final-year thesis project. Here’s the deal:

Their project is a 15-minute film called “Amalgamations”– which seems like it wouldn’t cost much, given that it is a short, right? Unfortunately, due to the hefty price of equipment and materials, it’s still pretty pricey. The duo are budgeting the film at $15, 000, which is pocket change for Hollywood directors, like Steven Spielberg, but for students (who have to pay regular school expenses and fund their own film), it is a real hardship.

Elaine and Josh have already shot the first half of their short film, and have created a trailer using that content to show people what they’re up to. Check it out below:

“Amalgamations” Teaser from Elaine Poon on Vimeo.

Looks cute, right? “Amalgamations” is about a struggling writer who meets a Belgian tourist, and (as Elaine writes in her description of the film) “their love affair inspires him to see the magic beneath the banality of life and to rediscover the joy of writing.”

The only problem is, half the film has not been shot– because they need some financial help. They have 42 days left to reach their goal of $15, 000, and are currently sitting at $2, 265. So, maybe you could help them out? There are perks to donating, and the pair are accepting a range of donations. From a $10 donation (which would give you a “thank you” in the credits) to a $2, 500 donation (which would make you an Executive Producer of the film), they definitely are prepared to show their appreciation.

I’d like to make it clear that I wasn’t bribed or paid to post this, I’m just happy to spread the word because I can’t imagine how stressful it must be for two students to come up with thousands of dollars for a school project. I also think it’s a pretty darn cool opportunity for people interested in donating. I mean, the Executive Producer cred gets you two tickets to the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto for the Ryerson University Film Festival, a mention on their IMDB page, a dinner with Josh and Elaine, plus some other cool stuff. Basically, you’d be like Mark Wahlberg (and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m referring to the fact that he executive produces a pile of shows, including “Boardwalk Empire” and “Entourage.” Ballin’!)

To help or learn more about “Amalgamations,” CLICK HERE!