Help us make The Wayward!

We’re Phoebe Post (writer/director) and Laura B. Abellán (producer), a Danish-American and Spanish duo based in California. Together, we’re making The Wayward, a female-led, character-driven feature film set in rural Pennsylvania, slated to shoot in the summer of 2026.

Our story follows Emmylou, who, after her release from jail, struggles with both re-integration into a society that left her behind and a yearning to rebuild relationships with people she once leaned on for support.

To make an independent feature like The Wayward, raising money isn’t just about numbers but also about building a loyal audience and momentum. This is why we need supportive members of the community like you who see the value in grassroots art. This campaign is the spark to make this film happen, and we want you to be part of it.

The Logistics:
Making a film is expensive, not because we're extravagant, but because we believe in paying people fairly and putting due effort into our art. Our total feature film budget will be just under $700,000, most of which will cover:

42% Crew & Cast Wages – Fair pay for over 40 working professionals across 15+ shoot days in Pennsylvania.

22% Locations & Travel – Permits, transportation, hotels, and meals for cast and crew.

6% Equipment & Rentals – Cameras, lights, sound, and production supplies.

4% Art & Wardrobe – Sets, props, costumes, and make-up to bring the story to life.

9% Post-Production – Editing, sound mixing, color correction, and music.

3% Legal & Insurance – Required protections for everyone working on the film.

The Future:
We plan to start pre-production early next year and begin filming on location in the summer of 2026. That being said, while this is about one film, The Wayward, your support for us at this time will last much longer and reach much further than a single production. Being an independent filmmaker isn’t as independent as it sounds. Artists need an audience, and by proving that you’re a commited individual early on, you’re showing the world that we should continue creating films for you all to enjoy for years and years to come.

How You Can Help:
If you feel particularly inspired by this project please consider donating here where your donation goes through our fiscal sponsor E2AC, which means your generous contribution will be tax deductible. If you're interested in investing in the film, please reach out to us!

If you can’t contribute at this time, you can still show your support by:
-Sharing this film with friends, family, or colleagues
-Following and amplifying us on Instagram @thewaywardfilm
-Spreading the word to anyone passionate about independent film, social justice, or women-led stories

Together, we can make Emmylou's story - and other women's stories - come to life.