Filmmakers Launched Kickstarter for Sci-Fi Film In Waves

The Austin-based team seeks funding to complete post-production for their independent feature.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Science Fiction

Graphic illustration of a stylized camera aperture and concentric wave lines in electric purple and cyan, evoking sci-fi cinema.
Austin-based filmmakers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise final funds for post-production on the independent science fiction film In Waves. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Filmmakers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to secure the final funding needed for post-production on the science fiction film In Waves. The project, which explores themes of absurdity and grief, follows a protagonist diagnosed with Mancini's Disease.

Why it matters

The campaign is vital for covering essential technical costs including audio mixing, sound design, visual effects, and upcoming festival entry fees. Completing this stage will allow the production to move toward its planned self-release strategy following initial screenings.

The production team is seeking a minimum of $12,000 to finalize post-production, with $11,400 already pledged. The film features 30 speaking roles and utilizes four custom animatronic crabs built by David Amaral over 18 months.

The players

David Amaral

He is the creator responsible for building the four animatronic crabs featured in the film over a period of 18 months.

The details

In Waves was filmed on location in Austin, including scenes at El Mercado and a law firm on Sixth Street. The movie combines absurd elements with a serious narrative about processing the death of a parent.

Timeline

  1. Post-production is expected to wrap by the end of December 2026.

  2. Screenings are planned for Austin and San Antonio in January 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This project fits into the broader trend of independent filmmakers using the Kickstarter independent film crowdfunding model to bypass traditional studio funding for post-production costs. It illustrates the growing necessity for creators to secure finishing funds directly from audiences to maintain artistic independence.

Supporters of the campaign can help ensure the film reaches completion and festival submission stages. The public will be able to attend local screenings of the finished project in Austin and San Antonio starting in January.

The takeaway

Small independent productions often rely on community crowdfunding to cross the finish line during the intensive post-production phase. Backers of these projects play a direct role in bringing niche science fiction narratives to local screens.

Further reading

For more news on local productions, explore the Science Fiction section.

More information

To review the project goals or contribute, visit the Kickstarter campaign page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by CultureMap Austin.

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