big, dumb plane. WHOLE new world.

THE STORY GOES that during a long-haul, international flight, a faulty plane is forced to land off-course, leaving a few passengers from around the world stranded in a random city. After a few days in a quaint but troubled hotel, those passengers connect and then decide to stay and start a life and business together during what becomes a historic time in that foreign city. … That’s the idea for So Far Bound - a scripted, live-action TV series, and this site exists to try to raise funds and find people to make it. We appreciate that you’re here. Please browse for more on the project, and if you dig it, please consider supporting the efforts to make it. Thank you!

— Before we get into it, let’s do a quick introduction. I’m Evan Sandoval; I’d be an actor and writer on So Far Bound. I’ve been in and around film and TV for over a decade, doing all kinds of work on productions larger and smaller, and for now, it’s me writing in the first (and third) person throughout the website. Thanks again for stopping by. Please read on for more about Bound.

1. series overview

  • Scripted

  • Half-hour(ish)

  • Drama/Comedy

  • Ongoing Series

— So Far Bound is a drama and comedy idea with elements of adventure. It’s currently envisioned as an ongoing series with a five-year outline. Episodes would run between 30-40 minutes. The show would be less serialized, with threads through longer story arcs, sure, but also room for one-off, “adventures of the week” and recurring specials. It’s inspired by travel experiences in my early 20s as well as shaped by a life-long interest in fields such as geography and sociology. The series is ultimately built around an eight-person ensemble of characters (above) and a hotel in which they live and work.

For Bound, we used the setup of a “large, international flight” as a chance to create characters of not just varied personalities, but also of varied backgrounds. For one, the banter between them should be great, and also, so should the tension. By featuring people from different worlds who would together - but each in their own way - try to build a new life in a dynamic and exotic (to them) setting, the opportunities for both drama and hi-jinks are abundant. (For more details on the story, characters and setting, start here or see the links at the top or in the footer).

2. seRIES objective

  • 4 Episodes

  • 60+ People

  • $250,000 Scale

  • 2027 Production

— The goal is to make at least four episodes (or Block A), to start, with stretch ambitions all the way to a full season. The target budget for episodes is $250,000 (avg) per episode, after taxes. To arrive at that average, we planned out production from a number of angles and considered past experiences on projects at larger and smaller scales and what those final products became. This particular level (250k) would afford more than just the basics; it can also include a fuller complement of design and production team members, plus the chance to build some infrastructure on-location, and importantly, funds to better promote and sustain the project.

For context, a standard streaming or network series will usually operate on a $2-3 million dollar budget, per episode. Though our scale, for now, is much smaller, we’ve got creative ideas on how to make something that can still feel elevated. Finally, So Far Bound is currently wholly independent. The goal is to produce the first episodes as a stepping stone for a larger scale on later episodes or seasons, whether through partnerships or continued, independent growth. The plan is to raise funds through 2026 with an eye toward pre-production (location scouting, set builds, et al) by end of year.

Block A / Episodes 01-04 / “Winter”

— In the days after the plane makes its emergency landing, the characters form cliques and, while in waiting, each is drawn out into exploring the setting in some way. Meanwhile their hotel is in disarray behind the scenes and the city itself is about to have a meaningful event.

Block B / Episodes 05-08 / “Spring”

— A few weeks after the opening days of the story, we jump to a time of greater exploration and a bit of carelessness. The group is in full-on “holiday” mode, further bonded by the events prior and further boosted by having come out on the other side of it all.

Interlude I / “Wedding”

— The “interludes” are an idea for a recurring special within each season at midpoint. They would feature the characters taking a trip outside of the setting. It can tie into the main story in some ways, but mostly, it’ll just be a self-contained adventure. It could be feature length (80-90 minutes).

Block C / Episodes 09-12 / “Summer”

— The fever dream / honeymoon period is ending and we’ve got to address some practical concerns. As they keep pushing back their leave dates, what of the characters’ strings back home? And what of the more logistical, lifestyle and, uh, legal concerns of staying abroad?

Block D / Episodes 13-16 / “Autumn”

— After almost a year the characters stand as makeshift citizens in their new world. The Wild Horse (hotel) is central to their lives and the city continues to shift around them. They’ve become incredibly tied to this place and to each other and now, it’s time to really try to build something.

3. Series funding

Episode 1

“Say Your Name”

— Fundraising for the first episode is on! The listed goal covers production of an episode, plus allows for the upfront purchase of select, gear pieces for the series, which provides greater flexibility in making further episodes. Funds raised now will also go toward continuing to build campaigns and structures for a full season. For a fuller breakdown of the team and materials that go into making the series, please see the PRODUCTION page. Thanks so much for your consideration and support!

Stretch Goals:

  • Block A: [Covers] Eps 02-04 + Partial gear inventory + rented sets.

  • Block B: Eps 05-08 + Partial gear + partial set build/reno.

  • Block C: Eps 09-12 + Additional gear + extended set build/reno.

  • Block D: Eps 13-16 + Full gear and set reno.

  • Interlude I: New location film shoot.

NOTE — During checkout, phone number is not required. The box appears by default. Also, please note that Givebutter has a “tip” option during checkout. It is not required, but it keeps their service free for independent projects like ours.

news & notes.

The Winter (Q1) Checklist.

PRODUCTION

  • Main Cast finalists

  • Select Department Heads

— Last Summer I spent a few weeks combing through acting websites to create long-lists of potential actors. Then, in October through December, I spent time on video calls in an attempt to get to shortlists by end of year. In the first quarter of this year, I’ll continue to work with actors with the goal of identifying the main ensemble by Summer.

— I’ll also continue to connect with crew members whose roles play a big role in shaping the series’ story and visuals. Connecting early will allow time to really consider the foundations of the project and gain familiarity with each other.

FUNDRAISING

  • NC Push

  • Site 2.0

— In addition to digital outreach, I’ll spend the first quarter of the year trying some local, on-the-ground fundraising in my hometown of Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas.

— Additionally, I’ll continue work on the website, by adding new artwork, video, team profiles and more for a larger, Summer update.