Writer/director Mike Pappa describes A Crimson Man as “a Philip K. Dick-inspired adventure seen through the gaze of a young boy.” While invoking The Kindred One is a smart move, Pappa might want to add The Iron Giant and Grave of the Fireflies to his list of comparisons, since both titles instantly spring to mind while sifting through his stunning concept art and harrowing plot line. Big robot with something to learn, young boy with something to learn, war-torn country with something to learn. It’s all there with one slight twist.

Despite those seeming similarities in story and style, and despite Pappa’s design and animation-laden résumé, he’s planning A Crimson Man as a live-action short film, and he’s asking for your crowdfunding help to make it a reality. And judging by his quirky short film Frankie, he can handle live-action as well as he manages cel-based stories.

Like most professional campaigns, Pappa and company have a thorough plan for raising and utilizing the $60,000 in funds, as well as a host of smart incentives like artwork and production credits. Here’s Pappa to sell you on his vision:

The big question will be how well Pappa can manage the practical effects that he’s attempting to build with a relatively low budget. On that front, he’s drawing inspiration from E.T., The Empire Strikes Back, and The Thing. He’s also already assembled a core team to tackle those challenges, including an animatronics lead who’s worked with Disney and Jim Henson Company and a VFX consultant with credits on The BFG and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

If every crowdfunding project is a leap of faith for the backer, Pappa and his team have done as much as they can to build confidence. Most of all by crafting an emotionally intriguing sci-fi story about nuts and bolts and the bonds of friendship.

Featured Image: Mike Pappa/Kickstarter