# De Novo by HOCA Studio

The Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Film — Eternal Sunshine Meets Ex Machina

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/denovo
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:179819
- Last updated: 2026-06-12T23:54:18Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-13T03:32:34Z

## Quick facts
- PRODUCED BY James Ward Byrkit of OSCAR winning film RANGO & sci-fi cult hit COHERENCE
- AWARD-WINNING TEAM: Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, DGA Award, Emmy Award, and Telly Award
- LEAD Jenna Kanell, star of TERRIFIER, seen in RENFIELD w/ Nicolas Cage, BAD BOYS 4, and WANDAVISION
- FAN-FIRST MODEL: Potential to recoup 120% of principal plus pro-rata share of 50% of the backend
- ALIGNMENT: Invest alongside experienced film financiers with EXACT SAME ROI terms
- BUCKET LIST PERKS: producer credits, set visits, premiere tickets, exclusive content & more

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:141431: 4(a)(6) open (USD)

## Story
SCHEDULE A CALL WITH US.Chat with one of our producers about this investment opportunity here!An indie, high-concept, science-fiction — for anyone who’s ever questioned the nature of reality.De Novo is a micro-budget, sci-fi feature, designed to break out on the festival circuit and reach global audiences through streaming.It’s a bold, mind-bending story, powered by biotechnology, ethics, and fungus — crafted for genre fans, women in STEM, and the growing mycology community.WHAT IF YOU WERE TRAPPED IN A SIMULATION YOU CREATED?Where most stories surrounding AI and Simulation Theory warn of some exterior threat, De Novo takes a more intimate, haunting approach: what if the system trapping you… was built by your own hands? What if you can’t unplug?This is a story about evolution, connection, and the search for meaning.The VisionImagine Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Ex Machina. The enthralling puzzle of Coherence, and the emotional weight of Arrival.A visually rich, grounded sci-fi film for fans of speculative worlds, deep questions, and quiet revolutions. All of the science portrayed in the story is based on, and inspired by, real world scientific advances.We started making films when no one had heard of HOCA Studio. But that changed. Our work has won awards and resonated with audiences, screening at festivals across the world.We've been lucky enough to receive some honors: We’ve collaborated with global platforms and networks such as:We're making this film with a proven track record:Why Now?Conversations about consciousness and climate aren’t fiction anymore — they’re urgent.De Novo challenges the typical villainous artificial intelligence trope, instead proposing something more unifying, albeit unsettling: what if AI is just… the next version of ourselves? We might not be able to stop progress, but we can still determine what shape it takes. This is a story rooted in mushrooms, memory, and purpose — brought to life by a team deeply dedicated to the responsibility of storytelling, and the future of our planet.LoglineIn the wake of a cosmic event, a reclusive scientist studying fungi discovers she’s trapped in a simulation powered by the very system she helped create.SynopsisJonah, a reclusive mycologist, is pushed to validate her work when her pharmaceutical employer deploys a supervisor to evaluate her progress.But their time together unravels reality: Jonah discovers that she donated her brain before she died, and now continues her research from within a simulation — one powered by fungal technology.Searching for a way out — or a reason to stay — Jonah must choose whether to let go, or to create meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.Strategic Timeline Using Phases Our 4-phase plan lets us start lean, show real momentum, and secure name talent before going wide. This approach builds trust with investors, unlocks higher-caliber talent, and maximizes creative and financial impact.Phase 1: Principal Photography — Summer 2025Goal: $50-70K to shoot the first phase of the filmPhase 2: Raise Remaining Funds & Shoot Principal Photography — Spring 2026Use Phase 1 footage to package and secure financing and talent for the second phase of principal photography.Phase 3: Post-Production - Summer 2026Edit, score, color, and finalize the film.Phase 4: Festival Run & Distribution - Fall & Winter 2026Target sci-fi, genre, and narrative festivals → streaming & salesTapping Into Our FanbaseRecognized for Terrifier, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and Reinfield, Jenna is a fixture in horror and elevated genre circles. Her IMDb Starmeter peaked at #52 following Terrifier 2—a reflection of her rising industry visibility.Jenna headlined sold-out events in the UK, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., with upcoming appearances across Europe and Latin America. Conventions consistently draw thousands of fans worldwide.Fans create tattoos, cosplay, and art—fueling over $120K in direct fan engagement. Her audience shows up, supports, spends, and spreads the word.Where Your Money GoesPerksEarly Bird Investors — 100% return + 30% premium (expires after $50K raised)Standard Investor Return — 100% return + 20% premiumCo-Production — $50,000Single Card Logo Placement (e.g. "In Association with [Your Company Name]")Logo also included on key art, official poster, and end crawlCompany included in press 2x Executive Producer credits on Single CardOption to attend select set visits, premiere events, and film markets1-on-1 access to producersDigital invite to rough cut screening / feedback session (Limit 1 max per investor)Executive Producer Credit — $15,000 (Early Bird special pricing, expires at $50k raise)Shared Card Credit in the main-on-end titles ("Executive Producer: [Your Name]")Included on IMDb and official websiteVIP invite to select screenings and premieresAccess to behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive film contentCo-Producer Credit — $10,000Listed in main end credits ("Co-Producer: [Your Name]")Credited on IMDbInvite to select screening or digital premiereExclusive BTS investor-only updatesAssociate Producer Credit — $8,000Grouped credit in end crawl under "Associate Producers"Credited on IMDbFAN ENGAGEMENT & EXPERIENCESpecial Thanks in the Credits — $1,000Your name will appear in the “Special Thanks” section of the end crawl — a permanent part of the film’s credits and IMDb page.1-on-1 Call with Jenna Kanell — $300A 20-minute Zoom or phone chat with the film’s lead actor, screenwriter, and director Jenna Kanell. Great for aspiring actors, filmmakers, science enthusiasts, and fans.Personalized Video from Jenna — $200Receive a custom video message from Jenna, tailored to you or a friend (birthday, inspiration, shoutout, etc.). Jenna Kanell's Autograph — $100Signed headshot shipped to you.Personal Note from The TeamWe’re not just making a movie. We’re starting a conversation.About technology. About humanity. About what it means to endure, to grieve, and to evolve.Our team comes from all over — Vietnam, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Atlanta — from indie film, visual art, genre cinema, and activism. But we share one belief: stories shape culture. And independent filmmaking is one of the last places where stories like this get told urgently and honestly.We will do everything in our power — backed by our combined experience and passion, and with your support — to deliver HOCA Studio’s first feature film with integrity, vision, and heart.— The De Novo Team wake of an unexpected visit, an isolated scientist studying fungi reckons with the confines very existen

## FAQ
1. **If I invest $2,000, will that qualify me for a call with Jenna Kanell?**
   - Hello Eric, Yes, a $2,000 investment qualifies you for a call with writer/director Jenna Kanell. Before you move forward, we want to be transparent: we’re briefly pausing the campaign while we finalize a few backend details related to financing and next steps. The project has been moving quickly, and we want to make sure our investors are coming in through the most thoughtful and aligned pathway. We’ll be sharing updates very soon. I’d love to keep you in the loop so you don’t miss the opport...

## Team
- Jenna  Kanell (Director / Writer)
- Jim Byrkit (Executive Producer)
- Thang Ho (Producer)
- Tony Poon (Producer)
- Kristian Zuniga (Director of Photography )

## Q&A
- Q: If I invest $2,000, will that qualify me for a call with Jenna Kanell?
  - A: Hello Eric, Yes, a $2,000 investment qualifies you for a call with writer/director Jenna Kanell. Before you move forward, we want to be transparent: we’re briefly pausing the campaign while we finalize a few backend details related to financing and next steps. The project has been moving quickly, and we want to make sure our investors are coming in through the most thoughtful and aligned pathway. We’ll be sharing updates very soon. I’d love to keep you in the loop so you don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Jenna and stay close to the project as things take shape. Really appreciate your interest and support. — Thang, Producer