Why We’re Making This Film

My name is Maverick Knox, and I am a director based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

While Nebraska may not be the first place people think of when they think of filmmaking, there is a passionate and growing community of artists and storytellers here who are dedicated to building something meaningful.

INSPIRED began as a script developed for a graduate thesis project in 2019. Since then, it has continued to evolve, and now we are preparing to bring it to life as a microbudget short film.

Independent filmmaking is about resourcefulness, collaboration, and belief in a story. This project represents all three.

How far would you go for your art?

INSPIRED is a psychological thriller about an ambitious painter who meets an up-and-coming artist with a terrifying philosophy: true inspiration only comes through sacrifice.

When Abigail Blake accepts an invitation to view a private art collection, she believes she is stepping into the world she has always dreamed of. Instead, she discovers that the man behind the paintings believes artists must suffer to create greatness.

And tonight, Abigail may become his next masterpiece.

We are raising funds to bring this tense and visually striking short film to life.

The VISION

INSPIRED is designed to be a visually striking short film that merges the worlds of fine art and suspense cinema.

Much of the film takes place inside an art gallery and artist's studio, where canvases, unfinished work, and disturbing pieces surround the characters. The paintings themselves become silent witnesses to the story unfolding.

The goal is to create a film that feels intimate and unsettling, where every brushstroke, every shadow, and every piece of art adds to the tension.

Rather than relying on large-scale spectacle, the film focuses on atmosphere, performance, and visual symbolism.

Showcasing Real Artists

One of the most exciting aspects of INSPIRED is that the artwork featured in the film will be created by real painters from The Burkholder Project.

These pieces will not be props generated by computers or artificial tools. They will be original works created by artists whose paintings will appear on screen as part of the story itself.

By supporting this project, you are not only helping produce a film, you are helping showcase the work of talented artists whose creations will become part of the cinematic world of INSPIRED.

Showcasing Real Artists (acting talent)

Nebraska is home to remarkable performers whose work deserves to be seen. INSPIRED gives these actors the opportunity to step into challenging roles and share their craft with audiences far beyond our state.

Eric Coleman portrayed by Omaha actor Kenny Ray WilliamsAbigail Blake portrayed by Omaha actress Tatiana Sandoval

Paige Bancroft portrayed by Kansas City actress Liz Hackworth

The Final 14 Days

We are now entering the final stretch of our campaign.

The next two weeks will determine whether INSPIRED moves from script to screen.

Independent films are often built in these final days, when supporters share the project, talk about it with friends, and help push the film across the finish line.

If you have been considering supporting the film, now is the moment.

Your contribution helps us secure the final resources needed to begin production and bring this story to life.

Even sharing the campaign with someone who loves film, art, or psychological thrillers can make a difference.

Together, we can make INSPIRED a reality.