# THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET — THE MOVIE

Invest in the Next Great Adventure Mystery Feature Film about Social Disconnection

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/taov
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:176053
- Last updated: 2026-06-24T05:01:36Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-24T07:21:56Z

## Quick facts
- FAN-FIRST MODEL: Potential to recoup 125% of principal plus pro-rata share of 50% of the backend.
- ALIGNMENT: Invest alongside experienced film financiers with EXACT SAME ROI terms.
- We have combined 50+ years of experience, worked on 170+ projects, been accepted into 100+ festivals
- BUCKET LIST PERKS: producer credits, set visits, premiere tickets, production updates & more.
- COMMERCIAL: adventure & mystery are popular content genres with high demand
- SUPPORT INDIE FILM — help artists create a film shot 100% in Washington State
- Screenplay has received raving reviews including from Nicholls Fellowship & Screencraft
- SOCIETAL TRENDS: Explores the impact of loneliness affecting up to 25% of U.S. adults

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:135907: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:135906: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
March 2026 UPDATE: After a successful first round and conditional state funding, we’re still open to investment to close the final gap in our budget. To connect with the production and crew, email jack@theabsenceofviolet.com---We've grown to expect instant answers.But some questions never get answers. What if you never get the closure you need?We live in a loneliness epidemic as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For many it's unclear how to move forward.The ABSENCE OF VIOLET touches on mental health, how disconnection shapes our lives, and how connection can literally save them.It embraces the beauty of the unknown and finding meaning in incompleteness itself.CINEMATOGRAPHYFINANCIAL PLANOur minimum goal is 695k to begin production, capping at 870k to cover publicity and the wefunder platform fee of 7.9%: this maximum budget is directed towards not only delivering the highest production value, but also ensuring the film gets proper distribution so it is as profitable as possible.Funds raised by investors are held safe by Wefunder. Upon a successful raise, funds will be released and protected by TAOV FILM LLC.Shooting in Washington provides highly competitive tax incentives plus up to ~$250K soft equity, enabling us to make a $1M budget film for just ~$750K!Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.HOW DOES THE FILM MAKE MONEY?Films like ours have the potential to generate revenue through various distribution channels, such as theatrical releases, DVD/Blu-Ray sales, Video On Demand (VOD), streaming platforms, and other outlets. The distribution strategy can differ from one film to another—some may follow a traditional release approach, encompassing theaters, physical media, VOD, and streaming services, while others might opt for a more direct approach, launching straight onto platforms like Netflix, AppleTV, or Roku.For this project, our goal is to license the film to one or more distributors, who will handle the distribution within specific regions (e.g. USA/Canada or UK/Ireland) for an agreed-upon period (such as 10 years). The distributor's role is to maximize the revenue potential of the film. In exchange, they retain a percentage of the earnings, covering their promotional expenses, before passing the remaining revenue on to us.HOW IS THE MONEY DISTRIBUTED?All film revenue is collected by a third-party Collection Account Manager (CAM), who is responsible for distributing it to stakeholders based on the agreed-upon waterfall structure.Revenue is distributed in the following order:First any third-party expenses (e.g. distribution fees), fees (e.g. to the CAM) or other costs that must be deducted before revenue can be passed on to stakeholders.Next, any outstanding debt or deferred payments from the production.Then equity investors (that's you!) are paid until they’ve received 125% of their original investment (130% for Early Bird Investors).Only after that, the remaining funds are distributed pro-rata, pari passu (if your investment covers 10% of the budget, you receive 10% from the investor's pool), with 50% going to investors who financed the film and 50% going to the producers and those responsible for creating it.As stated in the "Risk and Reward" section, there is no guarantee a film will generate extraordinary ROI for investors, so it’s important to only invest what feels comfortable. That said, some independent films achieve extraordinary ROI! Regardless of the outcome, investing in a film can be a thrilling experience, offering unique opportunities and access to bucket-list moments (see the perks below!).We’re taking every step possible to position this film for success. If you’re ready to embrace the risk and join us on this exciting journey, we’d love to have you on board!RISK VS. REWARDFilm is a hit-driven business, which means there’s no guaranteed formula for success. Some small-budget films have broken out in a massive way, but many struggle to secure distribution at all, which is why you should never invest money you can’t afford to lose.That said, while every film is a roll of the dice, we believe there are ways to influence the odds:Keeping the budget low. Every dollar spent on production generally requires $2-$3 in revenue to break even. By keeping THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET's budget under $650,000, we minimize risk and increase our chances of profitability.Recognizable & top indie talent. While driven by its atmosphere, mystery, and emotional depth, attaching a recognizable face can also increase the film’s visibility and marketability. We are actively pursuing established talent for Alvin’s role while ensuring that Lily and Jay are played by experienced indie actors who bring authenticity and depth to the story.Festival & streaming-friendly genre crossover. This film blends mystery, drama, thriller, and adventure, making it a fit for major indie distributors (Utopia, Magnolia, IFC) and streamers looking for engaging, slow-burn mysteries, while attracting both arthouse and mainstream audiences, giving TAOV broad appeal.Themes that resonate in today’s world. TAOV taps into grief, loneliness, and the search for meaning, universal emotions that make films like BURNING and PAST LIVES so successful.With risk comes potential reward. We believe THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET has all the elements of a breakout indie success—a compelling mystery, a cinematic setting, and an emotional core that will resonate with audiences.If you understand the risks and want to join us in bringing this film to life, we’d love to have you on board.ONCE IN A LIFETIME PERKSAn investment in THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET not only holds the potential for financial upside, but also exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime perks and experiences.You helped us make it, now your name is part of cinematic history.Your name in the credits + inner circle updatesWriter/director will reach out and thank you individuallyYou’re amazing, and we’re telling the world! We’ll make sure everyone knows you’re a true indie film champion.Shout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)Your name in the credits + inner circle updatesWriter/director will reach out and thank you individuallyYou get our special thanks — in writing and on a prime spot on screen. Just for you, we'll also throw in the shootings script, signed.Annotated copy of the shooting script signed by the writer/directorSpecialized thank-you card from the team + inner circle updates“Special thanks to” in the creditsShout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)Own a literal piece of the movie, from the signatures of the cast to a prop that lived on screen.Limited edition poster signed by the main cast and writer/directorOne-of-a-kind prop following the release of the movieAnnotated copy of the shooting script signed by the writer/directorSpecialized thank-you card from the team + inner circle updates“Special thanks to” in the creditsShout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)Experience the magic firsthand and meet the team that you're a part of now, with IMDb proof.“Associate producer” — on screen and IMDb1-day visit to the set (travel/lodging not included)Limited edition poster signed by the main cast and writer/directorOne-of-a-kind prop following the release of the movieAnnotated copy of the shooting script signed by the writer/directorSpecialized thank-you card from the team + inner circle updatesShout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)Boom! You're Co-Producer, and invited to the secret cast & crew screening where you can nod knowingly at the screen and say "we really did it".A "Co-Producer" credit — on screen and IMDbInvitation to a cast & crew screening (travel/lodging not included)1-day visit to the set (travel/lodging not included)Limited edition poster signed by the main cast and writer/directorOne-of-a-kind prop following the release of the movieAnnotated copy of the shooting script signed by the writer/directorSpecialized thank-you card from the team + inner circle updatesShout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)The red carpet is calling—VIP treatment at screenings, a second day at set to keep us in line, and all of the above perks combined, Basically, you're Hollywood now.An "Executive Producer" credit — on screen, IMDb, and the movie poster.Your company Logo or favorite image in creditsVIP access to wrap party, cast & crew screening & Regional Premiere of your choice (travel/lodging not included)2-day visit to the set (travel/lodging not included)Limited edition poster signed by the main cast and writer/directorOne-of-a-kind prop following the release of the movieAnnotated copy of the shooting script signed by the writer/directorSpecialized thank-you card from the team + inner circle updates“Special thanks to” in the creditsShout out on TAOV’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)ABOUT USJack Chakerian is a Seattle-based multi-award winning writer, director and editor who has previously created narrative and commercial work in animation and live-action, both in the US and overseas.His most recent work, which has screened at festivals internationally, includes RARE BIRD (2020), TRASH WHISPERER (2023), BENCH OCTOBER (2023), and TONIGHT WE DANCE (2025).Sean Patrick Burke produced AS YOU ARE that had its domestic release in the American Drama competition at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Prize Award for its excellence. It had its international premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival. AS YOU ARE is available on Amazon Prime currently.Sean is an Executive Producer on SUPER TROOPERS 2 which opened in theaters April 20, 2018, to a $15.7 Million opening weekend and a total of $32 Million in Box Office receipts + $8 Million in VOD sales to date. Sean’s investors received 200% back on their investment.He successfully raised equity for A VIOLENT SEPARATION (starring Brenton Thwaites & Alycia Debnam-Carey). In 2023, Sean produced the feature QUICKSAND. With Altitude Film Sales on board, they recently sold multiple territories and their investors have recouped their 120% ROI plus additional profit. Then he Two Twenty-Two Pictures closed financing on and shot the feature film DIE LIKE A MAN in Los Angeles. It was released worldwide through Gravitas Ventures.Sean and Two Twenty-Two Pictures currently have seven television series ready to take off. They are working with some great collaborators including the Neese brothers (UMBRELLA ACADEMY, UNREAL, CRUEL SUMMER, HORIZONS), Judy Greer, and Shaz Bennett.Emily Sheehan is an award-winning producer/writer/director multi-hyphenate who has showcased her work internationally. As of 2025, she wrapped up producing three independent, narrative feature films, THE EVERYTHING POT (ULB, 2023 Los Angeles, CA), ANY DAY NOW (Tier 0, Boston MA 2022), and BEFORE A WEDDING (ULB, Boston MA, 2023). THE EVERYTHING POT, starring Lisa Edelstein, Gina Torres and James Wolk premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024.Recently, her feature film FREIGHT was recognized by the Austin Film Festival (twice), Screencraft, Scriptation and the PAGE Awards. Her previous film & television projects have included THE DROPOUT, UTOPIA, WATCHMEN and CASTLE ROCK. Over the years, she has developed multiple commercial brand packages with high profile clients including Margaritaville, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Noelle Floyd.Albert G. Casademunt is a cinematographer originally from Barcelona, Spain. With over 50 diverse productions under his belt, he has made significant contributions to narrative films, documentaries, and advertisements. Recently, he led as the Director of Photography for the Second Unit of the critically acclaimed TV series THE MESSIAH (2023) and he has been currently working on the second unit of the highly anticipated series THE NAMELESS (2025), both for the international European platform Movistar+.In 2023, Albert shot a Second Unit in Las Vegas, USA, for the upcoming film WHO WANTS TO MARRY AN ASTRONAUT? (2024). His cinematography has also resulted in several award-winning short films, including THE OFFER (2021), VERMO (2020), and THE STRANDED (2024), which is currently enjoying an international festival run in the US and overseas.In addition to his work in film, Albert has collaborated with renowned brands such as Mango, Eucerin, Revlon, Ownat, Armand Basi, Rosa Clara, and Andrés Sardá.BOTTOM LINETHE ABSENCE OF VIOLET will be entering a marketplace that's eager for fresh, original stories and captivating narratives. With its timely subject matter, universal themes, and all-star team, we believe this film has the potential to stand out and resonate deeply with audiences.We've also positioned this project for financial success by keeping the budget efficient, securing talented cast, and aligning with engaged communities that will help propel the film forward. With these strategic steps, we're confident that this film will not only achieve critical acclaim but also thrive financially.Thank you again for your incredible support and trust. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey together and to create a unique cinematic experience that speaks to audiences and film lovers everywhere. We hope you’ll invest in THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET and join our growing community bring it to the big screen.We hope you can join us in our journey to the big screens and movie premieres. Invest in THE ABSENCE OF VIOLET above and join our growing community.Thank you for considering our campaign!***Follow our progress! 👇👇👇✅ INSTAGRAM✅ FACEBOOK

## FAQ
1. **The minimum goal you have set is 695k . Not in love with the budget for this. I have invested in about 10 independent films on Wefunder. Most are made with a budget around 200k. I have seen the chart that breaks down how the money will be spent. But I know what others have bee...**
   - Hi Benjamin, thanks for the well wishes! The amount of films that succeed in the under $500k range is super small, so I’m glad you bring this up. Just checked out some of the other films you've invested in: My Dead Friend Zoe (770k) Frankie's Story (842k) Isle Child (1.2M). Ours is actually less than these projects — we chose our budget to qualify for SAG modified-low, so we can and will attach recognizable faces for our leads (too early to announce though, so I totally understand your commen...
2. **Hi there- loving the storyline. Are any actors attached to this project yet please?**
   - Hi Eve, great question! We have an all-star shortlist for our three main leads that we're excited about (happy to share some details on an investor call, but we can't announce publicly quite yet). The remaining cast we are selecting this summer. Stay tuned.
3. **good stuff. I am an investor in my dead friend Zoe. we had an a list star studded cast and still didn't make much in movie theaters even though it was about PTSD in the military, you would think people would flock to see it. a large part came down to marketing. how do you plan...**
   - Hey John, Thanks for checking out The Absence of Violet and for your thoughts. It’s tough to compare films like My Dead Friend Zoe and The Absence of Violet. They are different films in both genre and budget size. We also don't know what My Dead Friend Zoe had for a marketing budget or their strategy behind the marketing. But from looking at the numbers, the film did perform in the box office. These days, it’s good to look at independent films utilizing theatrical releases to help market the ...

## Team
- Jack Chakerian (Writer-Director)
- Sean Patrick Burke (Producer)
- Emily Sheehan (Executive Producer)
- Alexis Allen-Winter (Casting Director)
- Albert G. Casademunt (Director of Photography)
- Tyson Heriot (Composer)

## Recent posts
- An Evening with the Filmmakers (2026-06-16T18:11:53Z)
- Big Update on The Absence of Violet (2026-03-16T17:11:52Z)
- The Absence of Violet - January Update (2026-01-28T16:17:11Z)
- Welcome to Pre-Production (2025-08-25T17:48:05Z)
- Last Investor Update (2025-08-05T06:01:05Z)
- 45 Hours to Join (2025-08-04T07:20:34Z)
- 3 Days Left! (2025-08-02T01:43:58Z)
- 5 Days Left! (2025-07-31T00:07:25Z)
- One-Time Webinar + Location Locked (2025-07-27T21:54:38Z)
- 2 Weeks Left to Change the Way Movies Get Made (2025-07-22T07:46:38Z)
- One Last Month (2025-07-02T16:45:54Z)
- Liftoff Achieved! 🚀 (2025-04-07T22:37:53Z)

## Q&A
- Q: good stuff. I am an investor in my dead friend Zoe. we had an a list star studded cast and still didn't make much in movie theaters even though it was about PTSD in the military, you would think people would flock to see it. a large part came down to marketing. how do you plan on marketing this movie? I don't want you to be like every movie I invested in where hardly nobody is in theatre when I go see it. horror movies is one where you can have a low budget. for example, terrifier 2 budget was 250k and made over 15 million. didn't hit a home run but budget was so low it was all good. horror movies people will flock to by the boat loads. do you think there is enough people that will go see this type in movie theaters? that can have your low budget can turn into 10 million etc. I agree with the comment about making this movie for a lot less. you can probably have c level actors, actresses and be fine.
  - A: Hey John, Thanks for checking out The Absence of Violet and for your thoughts. It’s tough to compare films like My Dead Friend Zoe and The Absence of Violet. They are different films in both genre and budget size. We also don't know what My Dead Friend Zoe had for a marketing budget or their strategy behind the marketing. But from looking at the numbers, the film did perform in the box office. These days, it’s good to look at independent films utilizing theatrical releases to help market the film. This helps generate a large sale to a streaming provider or help support a distribution company with an AVOD, TVOD, and SVOD release of the film. Our goal is to keep the budget lower to mitigate investor’s risk (ours is less than ⅓ of MDFZ), package the film with rising talent (actors/actresses actively working on big shows or movies, but have not yet become household names), and put $100,000 into the marketing costs. We intend on bringing the film to theaters either through a distribution company or on our own. If we do the latter, we will work directly with theaters and do marketing campaigns in regions/cities where the film is being shown. Theaters are more than willing to work directly with independent filmmakers using a ticket split model. The film itself will be marketed as a mystery, and we will create strategic marketing campaigns revolving around this. All that said, the bottom line is that a film needs to have a solid story and be executed effectively by the production team. We have a solid script and an excellent team to ensure this film will have high production value. If you have more questions, feel free to jump on a chat with myself and our producer Sean for more on this (link on the overview).
- Q: Hi there- loving the storyline. Are any actors attached to this project yet please?
  - A: Hi Eve, great question! We have an all-star shortlist for our three main leads that we're excited about (happy to share some details on an investor call, but we can't announce publicly quite yet). The remaining cast we are selecting this summer. Stay tuned.
- Q: The minimum goal you have set is 695k . Not in love with the budget for this. I have invested in about 10 independent films on Wefunder. Most are made with a budget around 200k. I have seen the chart that breaks down how the money will be spent. But I know what others have been able to accomplish with a lot less money. You have no big names in the cast as of now. The team you have working on this is very impressive. And since it’s being made in Washington. I am leaning towards investing a small amount. But I am convinced. This type of film. With this type of storyline could and should be made. With a much lower budget. But whatever happens. I wish you all your team. The best of luck with this.
  - A: Hi Benjamin, thanks for the well wishes! The amount of films that succeed in the under $500k range is super small, so I’m glad you bring this up. Just checked out some of the other films you've invested in: My Dead Friend Zoe (770k) Frankie's Story (842k) Isle Child (1.2M). Ours is actually less than these projects — we chose our budget to qualify for SAG modified-low, so we can and will attach recognizable faces for our leads (too early to announce though, so I totally understand your comment!) while 100k covers marketing & publicity which many indie filmmakers fail to allocate for. I'm glad you find the story interesting and important, especially since you're here in WA yourself. Happy to hop on a call to go over any of this. If not, feel free to follow along and come see it when it's in theaters!