Sleepwalker's Travel Guide
A bold, poetic love story between Joe, a lost 24-year-old yearning to escape his dead-end Texas life, and Fox, a magnetic drifter who opens Joe's eyes to a world beyond society's margins.
Watch the Short Film
Experience Stay Lost, the acclaimed short film that inspired our feature. This poignant journey of self-discovery has captivated festival audiences nationwide.
View the film at:
See firsthand the raw visual style, intimate performances, and emotional storytelling that we'll expand in Sleepwalker's Travel Guide.
Meet Our Characters
Joe (Keiynan Lonsdale)
A quiet dreamer trapped in a dead-end life in Texas. Scarred by a traumatic past, Joe is pulled into a world of freedom when he meets Fox. Through their journey, he begins to shed his fear, confront his pain, and discover the strength to live on his own terms.
Fox (Lukas Gage)
A magnetic, free-spirited drifter who lives life off the grid. Charismatic and fearless, he's survived chaos by staying in motion. When Fox meets Joe, he sees a fellow soul shaped by trauma and longing. A walking contradiction—wild yet wounded, joyful yet guarded.
Director's Vision
Personal Connection
Inspired by the director's own experiences with homeless traveler kids in Santa Barbara—sharp, bizarre, passionate souls who became his best friends and lovers.
Queer Perspective
Addresses the fact that queer youth makes up 40% of the homeless youth population, a topic central to the director's previous work.
Authentic Storytelling
While looking unflinchingly at trauma and hardship, the film is ultimately a joyous, optimistic celebration of life, love, and freedom.
Cinematic Style
Raw Realism
Handheld camera and natural lighting similar to road movies like Y Tu Mamá También and American Honey.
Dream Sequences
Vivid and cinematic with unconventional camera techniques, visual effects, and animation.
Intimate Production
Small crew to stay lean and mobile while maintaining an intimate environment for the actors.
The Inspiration: Stay Lost
Proof of Concept
A short film directed by Chris Coats in 2023, starring Lukas Gage and Keiynan Lonsdale.
Story
Follows a directionless young man whose encounter with a charismatic, nomadic musician sparks an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Recognition
Premiered at Outfest LA LGBTQ+ Film Festival and featured at NewFest in New York, acclaimed for its poignant storytelling and performances.
Target Audience & Marketing
LGBTQ+ Viewers
Especially Gen Z and Millennials seeking authentic representation
Festival Fans
Arthouse film enthusiasts who appreciate boundary-pushing storytelling
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Socially Conscious
Audiences drawn to stories about homelessness, mental health, and healing
Star Power
Fans of Keiynan Lonsdale and Lukas Gage with loyal Gen Z followings
Budget & Investment
Total budget: $2M with $1M equity investment (with $1M matching funds). Investors receive Executive Producer credit, first money out until full recoupment, 20% premium post-recoupment, and 50/50 profit split thereafter.
Meet The Team
Chris Coats
Writer/Director with experience in film, music videos, and branded content. His work has been featured on Pitchfork, The Fader, and Filter.
Eric Morris
Producer
Christine Torres
Executive Producer
Kristin Nobles
Executive Producer
For more information: Kristin Nobles [email protected] (424) 200-1195