Armed Betties
Seattle, Washington | Series
Action, Comedy
Armed Betties is the series that I needed growing up. It is a character-driven story with two BIPOC lead characters learning to stand in their power, created by and for women both young and old. Action-packed, stylized, and character-driven, this series will inspire strength AND empower women.
Armed Betties
Seattle, Washington | Series
Action, Comedy
1 Campaigns | Washington, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $16,870 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
65 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Armed Betties is the series that I needed growing up. It is a character-driven story with two BIPOC lead characters learning to stand in their power, created by and for women both young and old. Action-packed, stylized, and character-driven, this series will inspire strength AND empower women.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission
From Story Creator, Jackie Maya
Armed Betties is the series that I needed growing up. It is a character-driven story with two BIPOC lead characters learning to stand in their power, created by and for both young and old women. Action packed, stylized, and character-driven, this series will inspire strength AND empower women to recognize the strength they already have.
About the Project
Armed Betties is an action-comedy series created by Jackie Maya about women learning to stand in their power. The show follows two friends, Coco and Rayna, who are recruited into an all-female bodyguard company after helping thwart an attack on a mysterious woman. Together with their newfound team, they take on undercover security assignments using martial arts, and along the way, they discover what it means to stand in their own power. This action/comedy includes badass women, martial arts, style, and it will keep viewers guessing what waits around every turn.
The making of the show will be highly collaborative. Jackie Maya is working with a small team of writers to bring the story to life, and the series will also be co-directed by John Mannion and Liana Montemayor. Spark & Wick Productions — a group of filmmakers focused on creative collaboration and diverse voices and stories — is partnering with Empower Video Productions for the filming of the series. Together, we will be intentional about inclusive representation at every level — from writing and production to cast and crew — and we look forward to working alongside many talented creatives to bring the story to life.
THEMES: Armed Betties is a fun, action-packed series that tackles some serious subject matter. It explores many of the relevant dilemmas women face today, like harassment and sexism while showing the power of self-discovery, friendship, and ally-ship for both young and old. At its core, this is a story of inner strength.
STYLE: Influenced by shows like Charlie’s Angels and Claws…Every aesthetic decision, from lighting to wardrobe styling, puts the audience in the Armed Betties environment so they can be immersed into the Betties’ world.
Since the show is inspired by comic books and ensemble spy films, elements from these are also shown throughout. A mix of new punk and femininity.
A COMIC BOOK SERIES, Really? YES!!
Armed Betties is also currently being turned into a comic series in collaboration with multiple artists, such as Raillie Chan. The comics will explore character backstories we don’t get to see entirely in the show. This is also an Unlockable Feature of our stretch goals.
We have an initial goal of $20K with a few levels of “stretch goals,” with a larger stretch goal of $40K. To begin filming the series, we need YOUR help! The amount raised will go towards:
Cast and Crew: We want to be able to pay all the amazingly talented people who are part of this production. This series will ask A LOT of each person committed to their craft, and we believe it’s important to honor everyone’s talent and time.
- Production Equipment: Yup, moviemaking requires quite a few gadgets. We’re excited to up the quality of our work with this series and make it the best it can be.
- Location Fees and Permits so we can shoot at a variety of locations to make the story dynamic and engaging.
- Crafty and Catering for our hardworking cast and crew. Feeding 20+ people every day of shooting can sure add up fast.
- Wardrobe, Set Decoration, and Hair/Makeup to bring the Armed Betties vibrant world to life.
- Personal Protective Equipment to keep our team safe and healthy on set.
- Stunts and Stunt Coordinator to create some great action-packed scenes.
- Production Insurance so we can keep our sets fully covered.
- Seed & Spark Fees to pay our dues. Yes, even crowdfunding costs money.
Unlockable Stretch Goal 1: $25,000
Unlockable Stretch Goal 2: $30,000
Stretch Goal 3 and Beyond!!!
Some of these costs will have a HUGE effect on the look and feel of the finished production.
**If we don't raise enough money for location fees and set decoration, we might not be able to bring this awesome story to life!**
CREATOR'S NOTE:
“The idea for Armed Betties was based on a dream about women as bodyguards that just stuck with me. I started to build on the story by researching and was inspired by the lives of historical female rulers and warriors. They were the kind of stories that are hidden in history. I was inspired by the courage, power, and intelligence of these women. In my journey to strengthening my voice and power as a Black and Filipino woman, I thought about younger me - All of the times I shrunk myself, kept my voice quiet and gave that power away. I wanted to create something that spoke to many of these struggles I and other women, especially women of color, have faced.
That said, Armed Betties, isn’t just about coming into your own voice, but a tale of knowing who you are and the ancestry that guides you. It explores relationships and inner power among a diverse group of characters, proving we all have the ability to access our highest self.
While inner power and friendship are obviously at the forefront of the story, Coco must also learn that her past and her family do not define her. That she can create her own story and doesn’t need to conform to others' vision of who she should be. She truly knows how to stand in her power.
To be honest, Coco, the Betties...these are the women that I needed when I was growing up, and I'm so, so excited for you all to meet them!"
You are probably asking...
Our cast and crew are a kickass group of passionate, dedicated, and multi-talented creatives!
We are proudly:
✨Mostly female
✨Mostly BIPOC women of color
✨Mainly multi-racial and multi-cultural
✨Entirely BADASS!
We hail from the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Bolivia, Mexico, Hong Kong and good ol’ United States!
Our Diversity Is Our Power
COVID-19: Oooh good ol’ coronavirus...While filming a show at the latter end of a pandemic and financial recession may not seem ideal, we would argue that filmmaking is more important now than ever. During self-isolation, TV shows, digital content, and movies were a source of comfort and inspiration for millions of people around the world. We choose to honor the need for creative arts during this time. We have taken measures to protect the health of our team and the financial security of the production. All sets follow the local recommended guidelines. Cast and crew are tested before access to the set, and most are already vaccinated. We provide PPE, sanitizers, and covid safe staggering of call times for a safer environment.
A MICRO-BUDGET ACTION-COMEDY SERIES? While a micro-budget series might sound like a bit of a paradox, we assure you, it is absolutely possible with some resourcefulness and creative workarounds. We’re a team that likes to think outside the box. While we’re certainly being realistic about the need for funding this project, we’ve also gotten pretty good at making a little go a long way. Our hope is to use this campaign to fund our first and second episode, which would provide us the platform we need for more significant funding.
Congrats! You've reached the bottom of our fundraising page. Seeing as you made it this far, we really hope that you will consider supporting our production. Here are three ways you can help make ARMED BETTIES a reality:
- Contribute to our campaign and get some sweet perks! Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated. Check out the sidebar for a list of rewards.
- Follow us on social media and share our campaign! Can't contribute? Maybe one of your internet friends can! Follow our series on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to help get the word out.
Can't contribute or don't have cash? Help us spread the word! :) Copy and paste below and share away <3
____________________________________________________________________________________
Have you heard of the new series Armed Betties?
It's about two friends who are recruited into an all-female bodyguard team. How cool is that? It's got everything...Martial Arts, bad-ass women, and like maybe the cartel!
BUT, they need our help to make the series happen.
Can we get 20 people to support?
Make a Pledge @ https://seedandspark.com/fund/armed-betties
IG: @armedbetties
FB: @armedbetties
Official Website: ArmedBetties.com
- Give physical assets to the production! Do you have a house or business in the Seattle area that we can use as a shooting location? Or maybe you have meals that you can provide to our hungry cast and crew? Maybe you have products our characters can use on film. Whatever it may be, send an email to [email protected] and let us know! Thank you so much for your support. With your help, we can bring this story to life and spread some empowering and entertaining content!
Shop Merch and Show Support
Check us out at ArmedBetties.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Film Festivals
Costs $1,000
Join us in submitting to film festival competitions.
Production Crew
Costs $7,000
Cast members and crew members who are all spending two weeks to be with us for filming.
Makeup and Costume
Costs $1,400
Outfits and makeup for each scene are very stylized to build this world.
Cinematography
Costs $5,000
Camera equipment and a talented cinematographer will up the production value.
Props
Costs $600
This series is prop heavy and will require prop weapons to ensure cast safety on set.
Location. Location. Location.
Costs $5,000
To offer a dynamic viewing experience each episode will have 2+ locations.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Liana Montemayor, Director
Liana was born and raised in Houston, TX. She is a director, dancer, and actress. She currently resides in sunny southern California where she has taken her dance career to the next level, teaching dance and working as a freelance choreographer and actor.
John J. Mannion, Director
John Mannion is a writer-actor-director based in the Seattle area. His life has been defined in many ways by the wide spectrum of people, places, and ideas he has encountered, and he brings his experience to his work as a storyteller. John founded Spark & Wick Productions alongside a team of creative collaborators with the goal of making more of their own work. He is honored to be part of the Armed Betties team and looks forward to the adventures to come.
Jackie Maya, Producer
Jackie first began acting in a Texas theatre company before moving to Seattle. A fitness enthusiast, she is also trained in Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. After working in several crew positions for the short film, Equus Landing, she acted in a scene produced by Spark & Wick called Point Zero Zero Two. Jackie is excited to be running lead as creative producer and actor for the web series, Armed Betties.
Rebekah Lee, Producer
Rebekah started her filmmaking journey as a PA for a documentary about sex trafficking in South Korea. Since then, she has grown her skills by filming wedding videos, creating mini-documentaries for work, and starting her own YouTube channel. She hopes to someday direct a film about a cause she is passionate about and help shed light on the stories of those that are marginalized in society. Outside of filmmaking, Rebekah loves illustrating, oat milk lattes, and spending time with her dog, Simba.
Nuk Suwanchote, Cinematographer
Nuk is the CEO/Director at Empower Video Productions. Suwanchote is known for his work on Neutropia, Ted Bundy: King of Hearts (2018) and Children & War (2015) He is also an avid powerlifter.
Alan Song, Production Assistant
Alan graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Communication and decided to pursue video production. He has worked in various social media campaigns, and recently finished an internship as a video producer and editor for a prominent YouTube channel. He hopes to eventually work within the world of photojournalism and documentary film. Outside of film, Alan enjoys playing all types of sports and being outdoors. We’re excited to have Alan join us as a PA on Armed Betties and grow with us from there.
Alexis Harris, MUA
Alexis Harris is a Seattle-based makeup artist. She’s fresh to the industry and eager to get out there and leave her mark. Since she graduated Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology she’s been pounding the pavement using every opportunity to hone her craft and grow as an artist when she’s not working the front desk and doing makeup at Salon Michelle. The Armed Betties will be her first time working on a web series.
Brodie Peterson, Sound Engineer
Brodie is a musician and songwriter for The Brodcast, a Seattle-based dream-hop group bringing a mix of masterful wordplay and infectious melodies. Brodie brings experience in editing sound and was the sound operator and engineer for Equus Landing and several of our first projects. He is also consistently involved in one way or another in the scoring of our films. We look forward to sharing our first music video featuring The Brodcast soon!
Katie Lundi, COO and Actress
Katie Lundi is a Seattle-based actor. She began her career in theatre starring in productions throughout high school and college. After a 5 year break in the corporate world, she knew it was time to return to her passion - but this time to pursue film acting. Since making her comeback she has signed with Big Fish NW Talent and starred in multiple short films. Armed Betties will be her first role in a Web Series.
Tehya aka Raillie Chan, Comic Artist
Born and raised in East Texas, Tehya has always had a strong passion for comics and storytelling. From her early years of watching Toonami after school, to later down the road being inspired by comics and manga. That gave her the drive to pursue a career in comics full time and into doing freelance art in hopes that she can inspire people with her art and stories the same way she was inspired by other artists.
CAST
Jackie Maya as Coco
Jackie is an actress known for The Last Slay Ride, Armed Betties, and Equus Landing. She is the creator of Armed Betties and is excited to see the story come to life!
Brenda Lowe as Rayna
Brenda is known is an actress known for known for Baywatch (2017), Armed Betties (2021) and Survivor (2000). She is a mother, actor, and an advocate for the environment.
Izabel Mar as Charlyne
Izabel Mar (she/they) has a role model and her name is Willow Rosenberg.
Natalia Saphyrova as Lena
Natalia is a newer actress from the big city Kharkiv in Eastern Ukraine. She is currently working on building her own company, 3nitiLab. Her other hobbies are all related to body movements. Yoga, skiing, motorcycles, dancing, martial arts.
IG: @saphirrie_model
Nicole Olson as Holly Jane
IG: @nicoleeols
Rachel Taggart as Irene
Rachel attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in Perth, Australia. Rachel loves Shakespeare and played Brabantio in OTHELLO (2019) and Prospero in THE TEMPEST (2020). Most recently Rachel wrapped filming in the UK in THE 31ST AMENDMENT. Such fun! Rachel is a black belt in Karate, has trained extensively in Muay Thai and in her 20’s spent 3 summers as an aerobatic wing walker for the Cadbury’s Crunchie Flying Circus.
Adeline Billington as Amina
Minnesota native, Adeline Billington (Addy), recently worked on a short documentary for Black History Month and played the lead character in a short film. Adeline is currently attending Hamline University for psychology and sociology. Since the age of six, Adeline has been a student of the martial arts earning a black belt in Karate before taking up Muay Thai. When she is not acting, Adeline enjoys modeling and playing soccer.
Raymond Power as Raider
Raymond Power is an actor, and writer known for Shelter (2020), Vengeance (2019), Reflection (2020), and Mr. Bleachers (2020). Power got his actor training at Pierce College in Lakewood Washington by Patrick Daughtry. He received writing training at Seattle's The Film School by Johnathan Keasy, and Christopher Lockhart. He started acting in theaters in his community then transitioned into film with over 15 appearances in film in his first year.
IG: @theraymondpower
Ray Simon as AJ
Donald Ray Simon is known for his work on Vellai Pookal (2019), Forbidden Power (2018) and Date Night (2018)
IG: @blasian_tiger
Ben Leiataua as Vernon
Ben Leiataua decided in 2012 to quit his corporate job to pursue his passion in the arts. Ben’s focus has been in commercial, narrative and voiceover projects. Leiataua is known for his work on The Slows (2018), All Good Things (2019) and Beloved Beast (2018).
IG: @ben.leiataua
Katie Lundi as Elle
Katie Lundi is a Seattle-based actor. She began her career in theatre starring in productions throughout high school and college. After a 5 year break in the corporate world, she knew it was time to return to her passion - but this time to pursue film acting. Since making her comeback she has signed with Big Fish NW Talent and starred in multiple short films. Armed Betties will be her first role in a Web Series.
IG: @katie_actual
Anastasiia Zagurna as Millie
Anastasiia is a new actress in PNW playing the role of Millie. She is an award-winning gymnast, likes sports, and writing adventure stories. When she gets older she wants to be a model and actress. Armed Betties will be her first filming experience and she is beyond excited to join the cast!
Richard Cohn-Lee as Thomas
Rich is a native of New York and New Jersey where he received a chemistry degree from Princeton University. He performs in films, commercials and voiceover work as well as live theatre. He is the father of three amazing daughters who inspired him to enter the world of acting. By day, Rich is an attorney and in his spare time, he enjoys racing at tracks including his home track of Portland International Raceway.
IG:@richcohnlee
Javier Schialer as Roman
Javier Schialer is a bi-lingual Peruvian-American actor. He was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and in 2008 moved to Seattle, Washington. He began modeling and acting. Javier enjoys staying active at the gym, hiking, snowboarding, playing beach volleyball & soccer.
IG: @javier_schialer
Carl L. Covington Jr as Christian
Carl L. Covington is an actor and assistant director, known for Retribution (2021), Assassinators: Into the Night (2021) and Sound Crossing (2017)
IG: @carlcovingtonjr
Natalie Mazzoni is Atlas
Natalie Mazzoni has been acting professionally since 2016 with numerous short films and feature-length credits to her name. She has a passion for telling strong female stories and has been cast in several upcoming projects. Natalie has trained extensively with the Mighty Tripod Acting Studio in Seattle and is currently training with the Baron Brown Studio in Los Angeles.
IG: @natalie_mazzoni
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission
From Story Creator, Jackie Maya
Armed Betties is the series that I needed growing up. It is a character-driven story with two BIPOC lead characters learning to stand in their power, created by and for both young and old women. Action packed, stylized, and character-driven, this series will inspire strength AND empower women to recognize the strength they already have.
About the Project
Armed Betties is an action-comedy series created by Jackie Maya about women learning to stand in their power. The show follows two friends, Coco and Rayna, who are recruited into an all-female bodyguard company after helping thwart an attack on a mysterious woman. Together with their newfound team, they take on undercover security assignments using martial arts, and along the way, they discover what it means to stand in their own power. This action/comedy includes badass women, martial arts, style, and it will keep viewers guessing what waits around every turn.
The making of the show will be highly collaborative. Jackie Maya is working with a small team of writers to bring the story to life, and the series will also be co-directed by John Mannion and Liana Montemayor. Spark & Wick Productions — a group of filmmakers focused on creative collaboration and diverse voices and stories — is partnering with Empower Video Productions for the filming of the series. Together, we will be intentional about inclusive representation at every level — from writing and production to cast and crew — and we look forward to working alongside many talented creatives to bring the story to life.
THEMES: Armed Betties is a fun, action-packed series that tackles some serious subject matter. It explores many of the relevant dilemmas women face today, like harassment and sexism while showing the power of self-discovery, friendship, and ally-ship for both young and old. At its core, this is a story of inner strength.
STYLE: Influenced by shows like Charlie’s Angels and Claws…Every aesthetic decision, from lighting to wardrobe styling, puts the audience in the Armed Betties environment so they can be immersed into the Betties’ world.
Since the show is inspired by comic books and ensemble spy films, elements from these are also shown throughout. A mix of new punk and femininity.
A COMIC BOOK SERIES, Really? YES!!
Armed Betties is also currently being turned into a comic series in collaboration with multiple artists, such as Raillie Chan. The comics will explore character backstories we don’t get to see entirely in the show. This is also an Unlockable Feature of our stretch goals.
We have an initial goal of $20K with a few levels of “stretch goals,” with a larger stretch goal of $40K. To begin filming the series, we need YOUR help! The amount raised will go towards:
Cast and Crew: We want to be able to pay all the amazingly talented people who are part of this production. This series will ask A LOT of each person committed to their craft, and we believe it’s important to honor everyone’s talent and time.
- Production Equipment: Yup, moviemaking requires quite a few gadgets. We’re excited to up the quality of our work with this series and make it the best it can be.
- Location Fees and Permits so we can shoot at a variety of locations to make the story dynamic and engaging.
- Crafty and Catering for our hardworking cast and crew. Feeding 20+ people every day of shooting can sure add up fast.
- Wardrobe, Set Decoration, and Hair/Makeup to bring the Armed Betties vibrant world to life.
- Personal Protective Equipment to keep our team safe and healthy on set.
- Stunts and Stunt Coordinator to create some great action-packed scenes.
- Production Insurance so we can keep our sets fully covered.
- Seed & Spark Fees to pay our dues. Yes, even crowdfunding costs money.
Unlockable Stretch Goal 1: $25,000
Unlockable Stretch Goal 2: $30,000
Stretch Goal 3 and Beyond!!!
Some of these costs will have a HUGE effect on the look and feel of the finished production.
**If we don't raise enough money for location fees and set decoration, we might not be able to bring this awesome story to life!**
CREATOR'S NOTE:
“The idea for Armed Betties was based on a dream about women as bodyguards that just stuck with me. I started to build on the story by researching and was inspired by the lives of historical female rulers and warriors. They were the kind of stories that are hidden in history. I was inspired by the courage, power, and intelligence of these women. In my journey to strengthening my voice and power as a Black and Filipino woman, I thought about younger me - All of the times I shrunk myself, kept my voice quiet and gave that power away. I wanted to create something that spoke to many of these struggles I and other women, especially women of color, have faced.
That said, Armed Betties, isn’t just about coming into your own voice, but a tale of knowing who you are and the ancestry that guides you. It explores relationships and inner power among a diverse group of characters, proving we all have the ability to access our highest self.
While inner power and friendship are obviously at the forefront of the story, Coco must also learn that her past and her family do not define her. That she can create her own story and doesn’t need to conform to others' vision of who she should be. She truly knows how to stand in her power.
To be honest, Coco, the Betties...these are the women that I needed when I was growing up, and I'm so, so excited for you all to meet them!"
You are probably asking...
Our cast and crew are a kickass group of passionate, dedicated, and multi-talented creatives!
We are proudly:
✨Mostly female
✨Mostly BIPOC women of color
✨Mainly multi-racial and multi-cultural
✨Entirely BADASS!
We hail from the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Bolivia, Mexico, Hong Kong and good ol’ United States!
Our Diversity Is Our Power
COVID-19: Oooh good ol’ coronavirus...While filming a show at the latter end of a pandemic and financial recession may not seem ideal, we would argue that filmmaking is more important now than ever. During self-isolation, TV shows, digital content, and movies were a source of comfort and inspiration for millions of people around the world. We choose to honor the need for creative arts during this time. We have taken measures to protect the health of our team and the financial security of the production. All sets follow the local recommended guidelines. Cast and crew are tested before access to the set, and most are already vaccinated. We provide PPE, sanitizers, and covid safe staggering of call times for a safer environment.
A MICRO-BUDGET ACTION-COMEDY SERIES? While a micro-budget series might sound like a bit of a paradox, we assure you, it is absolutely possible with some resourcefulness and creative workarounds. We’re a team that likes to think outside the box. While we’re certainly being realistic about the need for funding this project, we’ve also gotten pretty good at making a little go a long way. Our hope is to use this campaign to fund our first and second episode, which would provide us the platform we need for more significant funding.
Congrats! You've reached the bottom of our fundraising page. Seeing as you made it this far, we really hope that you will consider supporting our production. Here are three ways you can help make ARMED BETTIES a reality:
- Contribute to our campaign and get some sweet perks! Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated. Check out the sidebar for a list of rewards.
- Follow us on social media and share our campaign! Can't contribute? Maybe one of your internet friends can! Follow our series on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to help get the word out.
Can't contribute or don't have cash? Help us spread the word! :) Copy and paste below and share away <3
____________________________________________________________________________________
Have you heard of the new series Armed Betties?
It's about two friends who are recruited into an all-female bodyguard team. How cool is that? It's got everything...Martial Arts, bad-ass women, and like maybe the cartel!
BUT, they need our help to make the series happen.
Can we get 20 people to support?
Make a Pledge @ https://seedandspark.com/fund/armed-betties
IG: @armedbetties
FB: @armedbetties
Official Website: ArmedBetties.com
- Give physical assets to the production! Do you have a house or business in the Seattle area that we can use as a shooting location? Or maybe you have meals that you can provide to our hungry cast and crew? Maybe you have products our characters can use on film. Whatever it may be, send an email to [email protected] and let us know! Thank you so much for your support. With your help, we can bring this story to life and spread some empowering and entertaining content!
Shop Merch and Show Support
Check us out at ArmedBetties.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Film Festivals
Costs $1,000
Join us in submitting to film festival competitions.
Production Crew
Costs $7,000
Cast members and crew members who are all spending two weeks to be with us for filming.
Makeup and Costume
Costs $1,400
Outfits and makeup for each scene are very stylized to build this world.
Cinematography
Costs $5,000
Camera equipment and a talented cinematographer will up the production value.
Props
Costs $600
This series is prop heavy and will require prop weapons to ensure cast safety on set.
Location. Location. Location.
Costs $5,000
To offer a dynamic viewing experience each episode will have 2+ locations.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Liana Montemayor, Director
Liana was born and raised in Houston, TX. She is a director, dancer, and actress. She currently resides in sunny southern California where she has taken her dance career to the next level, teaching dance and working as a freelance choreographer and actor.
John J. Mannion, Director
John Mannion is a writer-actor-director based in the Seattle area. His life has been defined in many ways by the wide spectrum of people, places, and ideas he has encountered, and he brings his experience to his work as a storyteller. John founded Spark & Wick Productions alongside a team of creative collaborators with the goal of making more of their own work. He is honored to be part of the Armed Betties team and looks forward to the adventures to come.
Jackie Maya, Producer
Jackie first began acting in a Texas theatre company before moving to Seattle. A fitness enthusiast, she is also trained in Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. After working in several crew positions for the short film, Equus Landing, she acted in a scene produced by Spark & Wick called Point Zero Zero Two. Jackie is excited to be running lead as creative producer and actor for the web series, Armed Betties.
Rebekah Lee, Producer
Rebekah started her filmmaking journey as a PA for a documentary about sex trafficking in South Korea. Since then, she has grown her skills by filming wedding videos, creating mini-documentaries for work, and starting her own YouTube channel. She hopes to someday direct a film about a cause she is passionate about and help shed light on the stories of those that are marginalized in society. Outside of filmmaking, Rebekah loves illustrating, oat milk lattes, and spending time with her dog, Simba.
Nuk Suwanchote, Cinematographer
Nuk is the CEO/Director at Empower Video Productions. Suwanchote is known for his work on Neutropia, Ted Bundy: King of Hearts (2018) and Children & War (2015) He is also an avid powerlifter.
Alan Song, Production Assistant
Alan graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Communication and decided to pursue video production. He has worked in various social media campaigns, and recently finished an internship as a video producer and editor for a prominent YouTube channel. He hopes to eventually work within the world of photojournalism and documentary film. Outside of film, Alan enjoys playing all types of sports and being outdoors. We’re excited to have Alan join us as a PA on Armed Betties and grow with us from there.
Alexis Harris, MUA
Alexis Harris is a Seattle-based makeup artist. She’s fresh to the industry and eager to get out there and leave her mark. Since she graduated Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology she’s been pounding the pavement using every opportunity to hone her craft and grow as an artist when she’s not working the front desk and doing makeup at Salon Michelle. The Armed Betties will be her first time working on a web series.
Brodie Peterson, Sound Engineer
Brodie is a musician and songwriter for The Brodcast, a Seattle-based dream-hop group bringing a mix of masterful wordplay and infectious melodies. Brodie brings experience in editing sound and was the sound operator and engineer for Equus Landing and several of our first projects. He is also consistently involved in one way or another in the scoring of our films. We look forward to sharing our first music video featuring The Brodcast soon!
Katie Lundi, COO and Actress
Katie Lundi is a Seattle-based actor. She began her career in theatre starring in productions throughout high school and college. After a 5 year break in the corporate world, she knew it was time to return to her passion - but this time to pursue film acting. Since making her comeback she has signed with Big Fish NW Talent and starred in multiple short films. Armed Betties will be her first role in a Web Series.
Tehya aka Raillie Chan, Comic Artist
Born and raised in East Texas, Tehya has always had a strong passion for comics and storytelling. From her early years of watching Toonami after school, to later down the road being inspired by comics and manga. That gave her the drive to pursue a career in comics full time and into doing freelance art in hopes that she can inspire people with her art and stories the same way she was inspired by other artists.
CAST
Jackie Maya as Coco
Jackie is an actress known for The Last Slay Ride, Armed Betties, and Equus Landing. She is the creator of Armed Betties and is excited to see the story come to life!
Brenda Lowe as Rayna
Brenda is known is an actress known for known for Baywatch (2017), Armed Betties (2021) and Survivor (2000). She is a mother, actor, and an advocate for the environment.
Izabel Mar as Charlyne
Izabel Mar (she/they) has a role model and her name is Willow Rosenberg.
Natalia Saphyrova as Lena
Natalia is a newer actress from the big city Kharkiv in Eastern Ukraine. She is currently working on building her own company, 3nitiLab. Her other hobbies are all related to body movements. Yoga, skiing, motorcycles, dancing, martial arts.
IG: @saphirrie_model
Nicole Olson as Holly Jane
IG: @nicoleeols
Rachel Taggart as Irene
Rachel attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in Perth, Australia. Rachel loves Shakespeare and played Brabantio in OTHELLO (2019) and Prospero in THE TEMPEST (2020). Most recently Rachel wrapped filming in the UK in THE 31ST AMENDMENT. Such fun! Rachel is a black belt in Karate, has trained extensively in Muay Thai and in her 20’s spent 3 summers as an aerobatic wing walker for the Cadbury’s Crunchie Flying Circus.
Adeline Billington as Amina
Minnesota native, Adeline Billington (Addy), recently worked on a short documentary for Black History Month and played the lead character in a short film. Adeline is currently attending Hamline University for psychology and sociology. Since the age of six, Adeline has been a student of the martial arts earning a black belt in Karate before taking up Muay Thai. When she is not acting, Adeline enjoys modeling and playing soccer.
Raymond Power as Raider
Raymond Power is an actor, and writer known for Shelter (2020), Vengeance (2019), Reflection (2020), and Mr. Bleachers (2020). Power got his actor training at Pierce College in Lakewood Washington by Patrick Daughtry. He received writing training at Seattle's The Film School by Johnathan Keasy, and Christopher Lockhart. He started acting in theaters in his community then transitioned into film with over 15 appearances in film in his first year.
IG: @theraymondpower
Ray Simon as AJ
Donald Ray Simon is known for his work on Vellai Pookal (2019), Forbidden Power (2018) and Date Night (2018)
IG: @blasian_tiger
Ben Leiataua as Vernon
Ben Leiataua decided in 2012 to quit his corporate job to pursue his passion in the arts. Ben’s focus has been in commercial, narrative and voiceover projects. Leiataua is known for his work on The Slows (2018), All Good Things (2019) and Beloved Beast (2018).
IG: @ben.leiataua
Katie Lundi as Elle
Katie Lundi is a Seattle-based actor. She began her career in theatre starring in productions throughout high school and college. After a 5 year break in the corporate world, she knew it was time to return to her passion - but this time to pursue film acting. Since making her comeback she has signed with Big Fish NW Talent and starred in multiple short films. Armed Betties will be her first role in a Web Series.
IG: @katie_actual
Anastasiia Zagurna as Millie
Anastasiia is a new actress in PNW playing the role of Millie. She is an award-winning gymnast, likes sports, and writing adventure stories. When she gets older she wants to be a model and actress. Armed Betties will be her first filming experience and she is beyond excited to join the cast!
Richard Cohn-Lee as Thomas
Rich is a native of New York and New Jersey where he received a chemistry degree from Princeton University. He performs in films, commercials and voiceover work as well as live theatre. He is the father of three amazing daughters who inspired him to enter the world of acting. By day, Rich is an attorney and in his spare time, he enjoys racing at tracks including his home track of Portland International Raceway.
IG:@richcohnlee
Javier Schialer as Roman
Javier Schialer is a bi-lingual Peruvian-American actor. He was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and in 2008 moved to Seattle, Washington. He began modeling and acting. Javier enjoys staying active at the gym, hiking, snowboarding, playing beach volleyball & soccer.
IG: @javier_schialer
Carl L. Covington Jr as Christian
Carl L. Covington is an actor and assistant director, known for Retribution (2021), Assassinators: Into the Night (2021) and Sound Crossing (2017)
IG: @carlcovingtonjr
Natalie Mazzoni is Atlas
Natalie Mazzoni has been acting professionally since 2016 with numerous short films and feature-length credits to her name. She has a passion for telling strong female stories and has been cast in several upcoming projects. Natalie has trained extensively with the Mighty Tripod Acting Studio in Seattle and is currently training with the Baron Brown Studio in Los Angeles.
IG: @natalie_mazzoni