This photo was taken on the set of the feature film WAKE UP, a crime-thriller created when two local foster families teamed up to shed light on the intersection between the foster care system and human trafficking.
Ventura County law enforcement veteran Dan Horan and filmmaker/foster mom Janet Craig co-wrote the film, and 100% of the producing team’s profits going towards local organizations including RaisingHOPE and Forever Found.
The film was shot primarily in Ventura County in 2020, with locations including Yeto’s Liquor Store, Limoneira Ranch, the Arcturus buildings, and residential homes in Thousand Oaks. The completion of the film was a testament to the power of the Ventura County community, as countless residents crowdfunded the project, volunteered on set, and provided catering throughout the production process. D’Amore’s Pizza — a local favorite — generously provided several of those meals, making for a well fed, happy cast and crew.
When screenings of WAKE UP at the local AMC sold out, the theater opened another screen for the film, which also quickly sold out. We are so thankful for the generosity of the Ventura County community which made this project come to life!