Thrive: short documentary series pilot

Aim

An intimate, visceral exploration of the audacious spirit of women who dared to redraw the map of their own lives.

Story

Beyond the uncharted path of life, in the evocative depth of the human spirit, a revolution of the soul is unfolding. THRIVE is an intimate, visceral exploration of the audacious spirit of women who dared to redraw the map of their own lives,
forging extraordinary destinies against the grain of expectation.

Concept

This isn't just a documentary series; it's a declaration. THRIVE plunges deep into the vibrant, often turbulent, worlds of women who have chosen the path less travelled – not out of rebellion, but out of an unshakeable conviction in their own truth. We'll witness the raw courage, the ingenious adaptability, and the sheer, unvarnished grit it takes to build a life on your own terms, especially when the world tells you otherwise. 

Why Does It Matter?

This series isn't just about watching; it's about igniting. It's about inspiring every viewer to look inward and question the conventional. Prepare to be moved, to be challenged, and to be inspired to cultivate and perhaps take that first brave step
onto your own uncharted path.

It's the defiant roar of a woman standing firm in her values, the relentless pursuit of
a better world, and the unwavering commitment to a dream that refuses to be silenced. This is not just a story of success; it's a blueprint for a life lived authentically, fiercely, and with an unshakeable belief in the power of one.

We are currently completing our first episode (pilot), which is the first step in helping us secure financing to develop the rest of the series. The pilot proves the concept, demonstrates the creative team's execution abilities, and validates market demand. We need your support to finish making the first episode.

First Episode - Pilot

Johanna has always been a person of strong values. Her motivation in life was to make changes that would have a positive impact on gender equality and environmental issues. This led her to join the Austrian Green Party at the age of 16. Johanna saw a need to represent young women politically; her party members were mostly white-haired men. At only 18 years old, Johanna had already secured a seat in the District Parliament in Vienna. After graduating, she joined one of the largest social welfare NGOs working on projects for refugees, where she gained firsthand insight into human stories of resilience, displacement, and hope that would later shape her perspective. However, during the ‘refugee crisis’ in 2016, she realised that it was impossible to change a system that was designed to remain unchangeable.

The frustration of not being able to make a meaningful change in the lives of those refugees acted as a turning point in her life. She then understood that the best way to strive for change would be working directly within the community. Johanna moved to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, a place where she found it easier to connect with people who, like her, had a lot of motivation to create something new. 

From a young age, Johanna practised yoga, acroyoga and aerial acrobatics. She decided to build a partner acrobatics community on the island, and from there, she began teaching aerial acrobatics and helping to empower young girls and women. 

Creative Approach

Expect an immersive cinematic experience set in striking landscapes, amidst majestic choreographies and breathtaking cinematography. Every shot is used as a visual metaphor to represent the character's emotions and experiences. 

The original film score and soundscape shall complement the visuals, helping to create a unique atmosphere that transports viewers to remote areas of Fuerteventura. It will incorporate the soothing sounds of the strong breeze, the ocean, and the choreography – all helping to create a layered and experiential film.

How Can You Help Us Thrive?

We need financial support to finish the first episode. The film is ready, but is missing the finishing touches that will make it truly cinematic. That means creating an original music score, graphics, visual effects, colour grading, sound design, and sound mixing.

The original film score will be composed by the award-winning multi-instrumentalist João Victor Barroso. He has composed music for 40-plus films, series, documentaries, theatre and dance performances. Collaborating with some of the leading directors of contemporary Brazilian cinema, such as Petrus Cariry, Bárbara Cariry, Rosemberg Cariry, Allan Deberton, Pedro Diógenes and Wolney Oliveira.

We are setting a goal of £5000, which is the bare minimum for us to deliver the film to high standards. The more we can raise, the better quality we will be able to achieve to build a stronger pitch to turn this pilot into a series.  

Claim Your Exclusive Rewards Now

By getting involved, your contribution could see you reaping some truly exciting and exclusive rewards along with a great new title. 

• The Believer £15  - a Special Thanks credit  
• The Film Lover £25 - Digital copy of the film + a Special Thanks credit
• Fanzone £50 - Digital copies of the film and poster + a Special Thanks credit
• The Filmmaker £100 - An hour-long filmmaking online masterclass with the director + all of the above
• The Acrobat £100 - An hour-long strength and flexibility - get ready to fly online masterclass with Johanna + all of the above (filmmaker masterclass not included)
• The Enthusiast £200 - Both masterclasses + all of the above
• Associate Producer £500 - An Associate Producer credit + all of the above
• Executive Producer £1000 - An Executive Producer credit + all of the above

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th November 2026 at 8:00pm