Narrative / 2025
BUTTERFLY
Original Concept Trailer
A Kaleidoscope 9 Original. Written and directed by G. Calderwood.
An anesthesiologist and an ritual executioner experience each others darkest moments in a dream.
In English, Mandarin, and Venaikhatosl
DREAMING AN ALTERNATE WORLD
The religion in Butterfly is a speculation of one which could have developed if trade routes, political motivations, and social utility allowed some early spiritual practices and class disparities from Japan, Korea, and China to travel up through Noktundo and/or Mongolia into Russia and mingle with pagan practices there. Costume design choices followed in line with the reimagined trade routes, using natural fibers like silk, leather, fur, rough woven linen, and natural plant dyes.
READ THE DIRECTOR'S FULL RATIONALE AND NOTES
VENAIKHATOSL LANGUAGE
Venaikhatosl is an a priori artistic language constructed by Jason Chapman, the director and editor's brother and fellow linguistic scholar and enthusiast. It is used extensively in the film, both spoken and sung, and serves as an indicator of shifted consciousness. The actors received extensive coaching by the linguist in preparation for their roles.
FILM STILLS
BUTTERFLY (2025) CREW
1st Assistant Director: Luke Veltrie
DP & Steadicam Operator: Jake Horgan
1st Assistant Camera: Sam Campbell
2nd Assistant Camera: Barrett Crowder
Gaffer: Charlie Losiewicz
Key Grip: John Valle
Key Grip: Puya Dalili
Sound Design & Original Music: Grace Calderwood
Production Sound Mixer: Drew James
Production Design: Kaleidoscope9
Set Decorator: Angie Moon Conte
Potter: Gil Contrares
Written & Directed by G. Calderwood.
Produced by Kaleidoscope 9
Director of Photography: Jake Horgan
Editor: Arden ArieL
Costume Designer: Arden Ariel Orellana
Armor Historian: Zorikh Lequidre
Contemporary Stylist: Cindy Chang
Special Effects Makeup Artist: Beatrice Sniper
Key Hair and Makeup Artist: Lisa Cooper
Colorist: Colorbiscuit
Venaikhatosl Linguist: Jason Chapman
Asst Venaikhatosl Linguist: Samuel Davis
Mandarin Linguist: Grace Calderwood
Vocalist: Foster Schrader
Webby Award 2026 nominee
BEHIND THE SCENES
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