A Film by Vandy Price
A coming-of-age teen comedy set in 2004 — capturing the last era before social media changed everything.
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A Film by Vandy Price
A coming-of-age teen comedy set in 2004 — capturing the last era before social media changed everything.
Our proof of concept captures a key scene while demonstrating the film's tonal balance — laugh-out-loud humor grounded in genuine emotion and 2004 nostalgia.
Placeholder — Proof of concept currently in production
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"The adventures of high school students on the first Friday of school in August 2004."
Set during the opening days of a 2004 school year in a small Southern town, Where You Want To Be follows an ensemble cast of high schoolers navigating friendships, rivalries, first loves, and the uncertain future — all soundtracked by the era's defining music.
In the tradition of Dazed and Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the film weaves together multiple storylines across a single, unforgettable day, capturing the humor, heartbreak, and bittersweet freedom of adolescence.
2004 — the last golden age before smartphones and social media. Flip phones, burned CDs, AIM away messages, and parking lot hangouts. A world where being present was the only option.
Comedy-first with genuine emotional depth. Laugh-out-loud ensemble moments balanced with honest coming-of-age beats — the formula that made Superbad, Booksmart, and Lady Bird both critical and commercial successes.
59 characters. 27 locations. 28 licensed songs. An ambitious, music-heavy ensemble piece that captures the full spectrum of the high school experience.
Written and directed by Vandy Price with producer Luke Irvin. Currently in production on the proof of concept and actively building the production team and financing structure.
Coming-of-age comedies have a proven track record at the box office, consistently delivering strong returns on modest budgets.
Comprehensive budget projections across three tiers, developed through detailed department-level analysis. Target budget: $3–5M for full production with meaningful cast attachments and complete music clearance.
| Department | Lean Indie | Mid-Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above the Line | $25,000 | $85,000 | $155,000 |
| Production Department | $47,000 | $71,075 | $101,550 |
| Camera Department | $31,500 | $61,500 | $92,500 |
| Grip & Electric | $37,600 | $58,750 | $73,250 |
| Sound | $16,000 | $22,750 | $29,500 |
| Art & Wardrobe | $87,600 | $165,175 | $238,825 |
| Hair & Makeup | $15,300 | $23,000 | $29,700 |
| Locations & Transport | $50,625 | $108,375 | $158,000 |
| Cast (Talent) | $60,000 | $180,000 | $175,000 |
| Craft Services & Catering | $15,000 | $24,000 | $35,500 |
| Equipment Rental | $17,700 | $28,900 | $46,100 |
| Music Licensing | $25,000 | $150,000 | $500,000 |
| Post-Production | $33,000 | $77,000 | $145,000 |
| Insurance / Legal / Permits | $10,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $48,633 | $109,558 | $183,868 |
| Total Production Budget | ~$535,000 | ~$1,205,000 | ~$2,023,000 |
Production will be based in Arkansas, qualifying for the state's 20% rebate on qualified spend. At a $2M budget, this represents approximately $400,000 in savings — effectively reducing investor risk and accelerating the path to profitability. Non-union, right-to-work state rates provide additional cost advantages of 15–25% below major market pricing.
An ensemble of 59 characters spanning the full high school experience — from emo skaters to ROTC cadets, cheerleaders to lunch ladies. Lead roles are being cast strategically with attachment targets across multiple tiers.
The soundtrack is the soul of this film — 28 period-authentic songs spanning emo, pop-punk, hip-hop, and country that defined 2004. Music licensing strategy includes festival-only licenses, step deals, and direct artist outreach to many now-independent artists from the era.
Hear the music that defines the world of Where You Want To Be — every song from the script, curated in order.
Open in Spotify ↗Currently a two-person core team actively building toward full production crew of 35–65 members depending on budget tier.
Original screenplay. Brings authentic perspective on the 2004 small-town experience and a clear vision for tonal balance between comedy and heart.
Production management, financing, and logistics. Building the business infrastructure and investor relationships to bring this vision to life.
Director of Photography, 1st AD, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Sound Mixer, and Music Supervisor — positions that directly impact production quality.
A multi-path approach targeting festival premieres, sales representation, and theatrical/VOD distribution through established independent distributors.
Targeting premiere at Sundance, SXSW, or Tribeca — festivals with strong track records for launching coming-of-age films. Festival premiere creates buzz and attracts distribution offers.
Engaging a sales agent post-festival to manage domestic and international distribution deals, maximizing revenue across all windows and territories.
Targeting distribution through companies like A24, NEON, IFC Films, Magnolia Pictures, or Roadside Attractions — proven homes for quality indie films.
Strong soundtrack potential for album release. Product placement opportunities with period-authentic brands. Streaming platform acquisition as secondary market.
We're seeking investors who believe in the enduring appeal of coming-of-age stories. The genre has a proven commercial track record, and Where You Want To Be has the script, the vision, and the cultural moment to deliver.
Start a Conversation or email us directly at whereyouwanttobemovie@gmail.com