Apocalypse Buddy Comedy: A Short Film
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy
Oops! Best friends Becky & Sam totally missed the apocalypse that killed everyone because they were binging Grey's Anatomy from the beginning. With one hard skill between both of them (singing), Becky decides they can save the planet if they do one thing together...take out each other's IUDs.
Apocalypse Buddy Comedy: A Short Film
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,905 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
141 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Oops! Best friends Becky & Sam totally missed the apocalypse that killed everyone because they were binging Grey's Anatomy from the beginning. With one hard skill between both of them (singing), Becky decides they can save the planet if they do one thing together...take out each other's IUDs.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hi! It's Sam & Becky. Lately we've been thinking about the end of times (no specific reason why) and if we'd be prepared. (No!) There are so many apocalypse movies about heroes and survivors, but what about the sort of useless normal people? The ones who don't have a bunker or think a ham radio is a podcast about farms?
This film is for them. And them is US. And, be honest, probably you.
After a 30 hour Grey's Anatomy binge, two best friends—played by us—realize they’ve accidentally survived a sudden deadly pandemic that killed everyone they know and love. With maybe one hard skill between the two of them (singing!), they decide it's their duty to save and repopulate the earth. Step one? Take out each other’s IUDs.
You know, normal best friend stuff.
We love making comedy about real women, real issues, and, of course, being best friends. Friendship is always the foundation of our work. Not to make it about men, but they do get to make the dumbest art and, in our experience, women don't make dumb art unless it also mentions the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade. This film is funny and we're so excited to bring it to life. At the end of the day, Apocalypse Buddy Comedy is about friendship in the face of disaster, asking the question "who is really there for you?" and the reality of trying to literally survive when you have no skills. Also... what ARE we actually supposed to be preparing for?? Like do we need a GO BAG??? And can we order that on Amazon prime??????
We've been best friends and writing partners for 11 years! We’ve written for networks like HBO, Comedy Central, and Audible, sold out Joe’s Pub with a Thanksgiving musical, been the head writers for famous people’s pilots on failed networks launched during the pandemic (quibi), and starred in many national commercials and TV shows as actors. But this project is different. We're leaving our wigs in the closet and producing something that shows who we are as writers and comedians.
From Kristen Buckels:
As a director it’s very exciting to get a script like “Apocalypse Buddy Comedy” that answers the question I ask my fellow female friends, “how hard could it possibly be?” Women are my favorite and when the apocalypse comes I want to be in a bunker with the women that helped me highlight my hair with box CVS dye in a questionable sink while getting back an overdraft fee from my bank for the third time that week. THIS person understands calm under pressure.
Becky and Sam are BEST friends and this is the closest I’ll get to (organically) infiltrating their relationship and personally that means a lot to me. My favorite thing in the world when it comes to directing is elevating female voices finding ways to elevate their already good story. And while this story is naturally hilarious (duh), I look forward to juxtaposing the energy of the language with a cinematic feel that tells that of well… an apocalypse. So this may be a buddy comedy about IUD’s — to me it’s also a love letter of best friends everywhere. I’m excited to shoot something that beautifully encapsulates Becky and Sam’s real friendship. Again, this is the closest I’ll ever get.
I intend to incorporate the urgency and absurdity and camera language of “Hot Fuzz” with the heart of “Theater Camp” and visual concepts like that of “Sunshine Cleaning.”
$20,000 is the goal for our project! Your contributions will help us pay for critical components of the film, including crew, gear, production design, editing, insurance,meals for the team, and the rights to the Grey's Anatomy theme song (jk... unless??). Every cent helps!
In terms of where we're at in the production process, we have our crew booked, rehearsals are underway, and our shoot is officially locked for July. This campaign will help us spread the word about our film, get our community excited, and hopefully reach future collaborators for when we write the feature length version of Apocalypse Buddy Comedy.
ANYWAY.
Feel free to share our campaign with your friends, moms, dads (they love us), and post it all over social media if you're feeling like our best buds.
You can find us on the GRAM at @gwbhcomedy!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Labor
Costs $5,350
We'd LOVE to pay our crew their real day rate and not their "hey bestie, can you do us a favor" rate.
Meals & Crafty
Costs $800
A hardworking crew and cast needs food and little treats!
GEAR
Costs $6,500
We're going all in on this short, which means we need the best gear for the job—50 iPhones!!! No but seriously the gear is important.
Production & Insurance
Costs $5,350
This will cover overall production costs and insurance! We're a responsible crew!
Post Production
Costs $2,000
The magic is all in the edit and we've got an amazing team to bring it all together!!!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Becky Chicoine - Co-Writer & Actor
Becky Chicoine is an actor, comedian & writer living in Brooklyn, NY. She's originally from Wisconsin and got her start in musical theatre, unfortunately.
She’s been in The Other Two, That Damn Michael Che, Mr. Robot, The Blacklist, as well as the short films Maggie So Low and No Man’s Land (Palm Springs International Film Festival premiere), among a bunch of commercials.
Alongside her writing partner Sam Reece (aka Girls With Brown Hair) Becky co-wrote and co-starred in the digital series Shop Talk on ComedyCentral.com. Most recently, Becky & Sam were the supervising producers and head writers of a pilot for Amber Tamblyn and contributed to the animated series Young Love for HBO Max.
Since 2013, they have written & starred in 5 sketch shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC and headlined comedy festivals across the U.S. including Chicago, Austin, Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.
Her dog recently got his DNA test back and he's 29% Redbone Coonhound.
Sam Reece - Co-Writer & Actor
Sam Reece is a queer Los Angeles–based comedy writer and digital creator with a very serious crafting hobby. She has been writing and performing comedy since 2013 alongside creative partner and best friend Becky Chicoine. After a string of sold out sketch shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC, they headlined comedy festivals across the US. Together they've written for Comedy Central, HBO, Audible, MTV, Buzzfeed, NBC, and Refinery29. Reece has also appeared in prominent national commercials for fun stuff like mattresses and toothpaste, and guest starred in TV shows The Other Two and Alternatino.
In addition to her work in television, Sam has created a viral online community called Shitty Craft Club with over 280,000 followers. Her debut book of the same name was published by Chronicle Books in September 2023!
She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, 2 cats that hate each other, and 4500382371721lbs of loose beads.
Kristen Buckels - Director
Kristen is a director, writer, and producer based in NY. Her debut short film “No Man’s Land” world premiered at the Oscar Qualifying Palm Springs International ShortsFest in 2022 and was named “Staff Favorite Short” at the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco. The short film highlights her interest in female characters who are dynamic: driven, power-hungry, ugly and redeemable all at once. Prior to directing, Buckels worked as a producer to comedians such as Nick Kroll & John Mulaney, Hasan Minhaj, and Mike Birbiglia. She then pivoted into scripted content working as the on-set creative producer on HBOMax’s SEARCH PARTY for seven years. Currently, Buckels is a fellow of the Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program for the class of 2022 and a finalist for the AFI DWW+ Program 2023.
Stewart Cantrell - Director of Photography
Stewart Cantrell is a DP/operator based out of NY. For the better part of a decade Stew has been the A Cam/Steadicam Operator on countless prestigious and award winning films and television series. More recently -- Lorene Scafaria’s HUSTLERS, Hulu’s ONLY MURDER’S IN THE BUILDING, Amazon’s SWARM and David Gordon Green’s HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN ENDS. Stew’s natural eye and innate ability for leadership has made the transition to Cinematography seamless and rewarding. Stew has shot four short films and was the 2nd Unit Director of Photography on David Gordon Green’s THE EXORCIST.
Kristen Laffey - Line Producer
Kristen is a producer, filmmaker, podcaster, and actor in Los Angeles. Their most recent film Ponyboi starring Dylan O'Brien debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.
Justin Yates - Editor
With over 10 years of experience in video and film production, Justin is a skilled editor who can handle various projects and genres. Currently, he is a Freelance Editor/VFX Professional working mostly on Feature Films. Previously, he was a VFX editor at Paramount Pictures, where he contributed to the blockbuster movie Transformers: Rise of The Beasts. He has also worked for 6 years as a the Supervising 1st Assistant Editor on Avatar the Way of Water, where he supported the Editorial Department in creating stunning achievements in editing, visual effects and sound design. Justin is passionate about storytelling, creativity, and innovation.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hi! It's Sam & Becky. Lately we've been thinking about the end of times (no specific reason why) and if we'd be prepared. (No!) There are so many apocalypse movies about heroes and survivors, but what about the sort of useless normal people? The ones who don't have a bunker or think a ham radio is a podcast about farms?
This film is for them. And them is US. And, be honest, probably you.
After a 30 hour Grey's Anatomy binge, two best friends—played by us—realize they’ve accidentally survived a sudden deadly pandemic that killed everyone they know and love. With maybe one hard skill between the two of them (singing!), they decide it's their duty to save and repopulate the earth. Step one? Take out each other’s IUDs.
You know, normal best friend stuff.
We love making comedy about real women, real issues, and, of course, being best friends. Friendship is always the foundation of our work. Not to make it about men, but they do get to make the dumbest art and, in our experience, women don't make dumb art unless it also mentions the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v Wade. This film is funny and we're so excited to bring it to life. At the end of the day, Apocalypse Buddy Comedy is about friendship in the face of disaster, asking the question "who is really there for you?" and the reality of trying to literally survive when you have no skills. Also... what ARE we actually supposed to be preparing for?? Like do we need a GO BAG??? And can we order that on Amazon prime??????
We've been best friends and writing partners for 11 years! We’ve written for networks like HBO, Comedy Central, and Audible, sold out Joe’s Pub with a Thanksgiving musical, been the head writers for famous people’s pilots on failed networks launched during the pandemic (quibi), and starred in many national commercials and TV shows as actors. But this project is different. We're leaving our wigs in the closet and producing something that shows who we are as writers and comedians.
From Kristen Buckels:
As a director it’s very exciting to get a script like “Apocalypse Buddy Comedy” that answers the question I ask my fellow female friends, “how hard could it possibly be?” Women are my favorite and when the apocalypse comes I want to be in a bunker with the women that helped me highlight my hair with box CVS dye in a questionable sink while getting back an overdraft fee from my bank for the third time that week. THIS person understands calm under pressure.
Becky and Sam are BEST friends and this is the closest I’ll get to (organically) infiltrating their relationship and personally that means a lot to me. My favorite thing in the world when it comes to directing is elevating female voices finding ways to elevate their already good story. And while this story is naturally hilarious (duh), I look forward to juxtaposing the energy of the language with a cinematic feel that tells that of well… an apocalypse. So this may be a buddy comedy about IUD’s — to me it’s also a love letter of best friends everywhere. I’m excited to shoot something that beautifully encapsulates Becky and Sam’s real friendship. Again, this is the closest I’ll ever get.
I intend to incorporate the urgency and absurdity and camera language of “Hot Fuzz” with the heart of “Theater Camp” and visual concepts like that of “Sunshine Cleaning.”
$20,000 is the goal for our project! Your contributions will help us pay for critical components of the film, including crew, gear, production design, editing, insurance,meals for the team, and the rights to the Grey's Anatomy theme song (jk... unless??). Every cent helps!
In terms of where we're at in the production process, we have our crew booked, rehearsals are underway, and our shoot is officially locked for July. This campaign will help us spread the word about our film, get our community excited, and hopefully reach future collaborators for when we write the feature length version of Apocalypse Buddy Comedy.
ANYWAY.
Feel free to share our campaign with your friends, moms, dads (they love us), and post it all over social media if you're feeling like our best buds.
You can find us on the GRAM at @gwbhcomedy!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew Labor
Costs $5,350
We'd LOVE to pay our crew their real day rate and not their "hey bestie, can you do us a favor" rate.
Meals & Crafty
Costs $800
A hardworking crew and cast needs food and little treats!
GEAR
Costs $6,500
We're going all in on this short, which means we need the best gear for the job—50 iPhones!!! No but seriously the gear is important.
Production & Insurance
Costs $5,350
This will cover overall production costs and insurance! We're a responsible crew!
Post Production
Costs $2,000
The magic is all in the edit and we've got an amazing team to bring it all together!!!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Becky Chicoine - Co-Writer & Actor
Becky Chicoine is an actor, comedian & writer living in Brooklyn, NY. She's originally from Wisconsin and got her start in musical theatre, unfortunately.
She’s been in The Other Two, That Damn Michael Che, Mr. Robot, The Blacklist, as well as the short films Maggie So Low and No Man’s Land (Palm Springs International Film Festival premiere), among a bunch of commercials.
Alongside her writing partner Sam Reece (aka Girls With Brown Hair) Becky co-wrote and co-starred in the digital series Shop Talk on ComedyCentral.com. Most recently, Becky & Sam were the supervising producers and head writers of a pilot for Amber Tamblyn and contributed to the animated series Young Love for HBO Max.
Since 2013, they have written & starred in 5 sketch shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC and headlined comedy festivals across the U.S. including Chicago, Austin, Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.
Her dog recently got his DNA test back and he's 29% Redbone Coonhound.
Sam Reece - Co-Writer & Actor
Sam Reece is a queer Los Angeles–based comedy writer and digital creator with a very serious crafting hobby. She has been writing and performing comedy since 2013 alongside creative partner and best friend Becky Chicoine. After a string of sold out sketch shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC, they headlined comedy festivals across the US. Together they've written for Comedy Central, HBO, Audible, MTV, Buzzfeed, NBC, and Refinery29. Reece has also appeared in prominent national commercials for fun stuff like mattresses and toothpaste, and guest starred in TV shows The Other Two and Alternatino.
In addition to her work in television, Sam has created a viral online community called Shitty Craft Club with over 280,000 followers. Her debut book of the same name was published by Chronicle Books in September 2023!
She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, 2 cats that hate each other, and 4500382371721lbs of loose beads.
Kristen Buckels - Director
Kristen is a director, writer, and producer based in NY. Her debut short film “No Man’s Land” world premiered at the Oscar Qualifying Palm Springs International ShortsFest in 2022 and was named “Staff Favorite Short” at the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco. The short film highlights her interest in female characters who are dynamic: driven, power-hungry, ugly and redeemable all at once. Prior to directing, Buckels worked as a producer to comedians such as Nick Kroll & John Mulaney, Hasan Minhaj, and Mike Birbiglia. She then pivoted into scripted content working as the on-set creative producer on HBOMax’s SEARCH PARTY for seven years. Currently, Buckels is a fellow of the Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program for the class of 2022 and a finalist for the AFI DWW+ Program 2023.
Stewart Cantrell - Director of Photography
Stewart Cantrell is a DP/operator based out of NY. For the better part of a decade Stew has been the A Cam/Steadicam Operator on countless prestigious and award winning films and television series. More recently -- Lorene Scafaria’s HUSTLERS, Hulu’s ONLY MURDER’S IN THE BUILDING, Amazon’s SWARM and David Gordon Green’s HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN ENDS. Stew’s natural eye and innate ability for leadership has made the transition to Cinematography seamless and rewarding. Stew has shot four short films and was the 2nd Unit Director of Photography on David Gordon Green’s THE EXORCIST.
Kristen Laffey - Line Producer
Kristen is a producer, filmmaker, podcaster, and actor in Los Angeles. Their most recent film Ponyboi starring Dylan O'Brien debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.
Justin Yates - Editor
With over 10 years of experience in video and film production, Justin is a skilled editor who can handle various projects and genres. Currently, he is a Freelance Editor/VFX Professional working mostly on Feature Films. Previously, he was a VFX editor at Paramount Pictures, where he contributed to the blockbuster movie Transformers: Rise of The Beasts. He has also worked for 6 years as a the Supervising 1st Assistant Editor on Avatar the Way of Water, where he supported the Editorial Department in creating stunning achievements in editing, visual effects and sound design. Justin is passionate about storytelling, creativity, and innovation.