Beat Sweet Heart
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
Horror, Romance
Beat Sweet Heart is a coming-of-age transformational short horror film which is a proof of concept for a feature film. It's a story about coming out, food disorder, and female empowerment. It's gnarly, and spooky, but also so so much fun.
Beat Sweet Heart
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
Horror, Romance
1 Campaigns | Pennsylvania, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,761 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
132 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Beat Sweet Heart is a coming-of-age transformational short horror film which is a proof of concept for a feature film. It's a story about coming out, food disorder, and female empowerment. It's gnarly, and spooky, but also so so much fun.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Beat Sweet Heart is a story about a food disorder. The main character, Suzy, craves something she can’t have, but when she does she can’t keep it down.
Beat Sweet Heart is a coming-out story. When Suzy transforms she questions her identity. She is with a guy named Corey who she loves, but she refuses to open up to him about her condition. When Suzy meets Veronika it turns out that they have the same cravings. They feel instant connection and venture together to find their origin.
Beat Sweet Heart is a story about female empowerment. Veronika guides Suzy through her turmoil during this transformation. She teaches her to accept not only the beautiful parts of herself, but also the ugly ones. Veronika becomes Suzy's rock.
QUICK WARNING! There's some edible hearts (jello), body parts (silicone), and blood (chocolate and cherry syrup) involved in the making of this campaign.
SCROLL AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
CHECK OUT OUR AWARD WINNING TEAM
Mariya (Masha) Somova (Writer/Director/Executive Producer)
Mariya is a Ukrainian political refugee who moved to the US on her own at the age of 19 to pursue a career in filmmaking. The feature film she recently directed, wrote, and produced, I Want to Live on Mars is available on Amazon Prime. I Want to Live on Mars a slew of positive reviews and won many awards on the indie film festival circuit. Together with Joe Cyrus, Mariya co-founded and owns AuraPyre Productions, focusing on independent filmmaking and music production.
CHECK OUT I Want to Live on Mars -- Directed and Written by Mariya Somova
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
When I discovered filmmaking I didn’t think it would be as arduous as it is. My first and only thought was, “This is what I’m going to do with my life no matter what.” My family couldn’t understand it. As a woman, where I’m from in Ukraine there are few opportunities, and filmmaking is practically non-existent. My family’s lack of understanding was of little importance, as my passion for filmmaking pervades my entire being. This is who I am.
Joe Cyrus (Executive Producer/Composer/Actor)
Joe Cyrus (aka Joseph Ritrievi Jr) began as a young theater student and musician, learning to read music as a 6 year old choir singer and viola apprentice, while starring in theater productions from a young age. A multidisciplinary talent, he began gaining acclaim as a rapper and producer fka “Pluto” throughout the Philadelphia and Harrisburg areas in the mid 2000’s. In 2009 he relocated to Portland, Oregon and gained recognition producing for acclaimed hip-hop acts throughout the West Coast. Joe met Mariya Somova in Los Angeles to shoot a music video in 2020 and their mutual respect led to Cyrus scoring the soundtrack for I Want to Live on Mars as well as Executive Producing. He’s currently cast to play “Corey” in Somova’s new short film Beat Sweet Heart, as well as producing the score and executive producing.
Tatyana Kot (Producer)
Tatyana Kot grew up in the Soviet Union, where she studied ballet and dreamed of NYC stages. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching History and Archaeology, she moved to New York. Tatyana has continued her movement artist training with Kay Nishikawa (Nishikawa Collective) and Jessica Burr (Blessed Unrest Theater Company), while teaching theater and dance to children and adults with disabilities. She has choreographed nine world premieres of plays, including Don NIgro's The Chaplin Plays and John Patrick Shanley’s Candlelight with Nylon Fusion Theater Company. Best actress winner at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Midtown International Theater Festival, and First prize at Secondo Theater festival (Zurich, Switzerland).
Tatyana Kot -- Nancy in I Want to Live on Mars
Sandra Maren Schneider (Producer)
Sandra Maren Schneider is a German-American actress and writer based in Berlin and New York. She is a proud graduate of the renowned William Esper Studio in New York (William Esper) and has been working in film, TV and on stage both in the US and in Germany. Her most notable credits include Tatort Saarbrücken, Gossip Girl XOXO, The Chicken and Es brennt (It's burning) which received an honorable mention at Raindance. As a writer (Sandra Gordon-Schneider) she has been collaborating with writer & director Paul Ploberger, their first script Men’s Problems Are Optional was acquired by 2010 Entertainment, their second project Proof of Soul has been selected for SciptLAB Austria 2022.
CHECK OUT Es brennt (It's burning) -- Sandra plays supporting character
Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin welcomed Sandra to this year's jury!
Jade Figueroa (Special Makeup Effects Artist)
Hello, my name is Jade, and I run Necro FX! I am a creative and passionate special effects artist with over 10 years of experience in the Film Industry. Known for my ability to bring imagination to life through makeup, prosthetics, and practical effects. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to delivering exceptional visual experiences to captivate audiences. My expertise spans from film, television, events, to the haunt industry. I am self self-taught FX artist with a passion for what I do. I am always learning and pushing myself to be a better artist every day!
CHECK OUT Killing Mary Sue -- Key Makeup Artist -- Jade Figueroa
CHECK OUT Johnny and Clyde -- Special Effects Makeup Department -- Jade Figueroa
Katie Warren (Producer)
I am a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes long-form features and investigations covering business, entertainment, media, and beyond. This is my first producing project, and I am excited to help bring this unique film to life.
'Love Is Blind' is hell on earth/The mysterious guru who's suing Blake Lively -- Written by Katie Warren
Yasmine Mezoury (Producer)
Yasmine Mezoury is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and editor who bridges cinema and psychology to create narratives that drive social impact. With experience spanning documentary production for POWER Interfaith, programming for BlackStar Film Festival, and video editing with Frank & Beans Pictures for Dolce Vita and Titan Invest. Yasmine specializes in community-centered storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Driven by a passion for analysis and an interest in the sociopolitical realities that form the foundation of horror cinema, her work spans from social impact documentaries to personal horror projects. She explores how different forms can illuminate truth while maintaining a commitment to narratives that spark meaningful conversations.
Yasmine worked as an editor for Dolce Vita/Producer and Editor for Power Interfaith
BEAT SWEET HEART BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Our crowdfunding goal is $15,000 which we'll use for cast, crew, locations, edible hearts, travel, custom masks, teeth and prosthetics etc. Check out Beat Sweet Heart budget breakdown.
Oh, and we need to hit our goal or we lose all your generous contributions! BUT, if we hit 80% of our goal, Seed & Spark will green light the project and we'll be able to make this bloody awesome film!
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Every time you contribute to our campaign and share it on your socials you get a bloody awesome reward!
CHECK OUT OUR INCENTIVES AND EAT IT OR SNATCH IT BEFORE IT'S GONE: everything from edible hearts, to custom masks, to signed posters, to special thank you credits.
Your support goes a long way. Seriously we can't do it without you!
Please follow Beat Sweet Heart and AuraPyre Productions on social media -- we're on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also check out THE WISHLIST TAB on our page - where you can pledge or lend something towards the goods and services we need to make Beat Sweet Heart.
TIMELINE
Our bloody awesome campaign will be live from September to October 2025. When we meet our goal, we will be able to start filming in November of 2025 and complete principal photography by December 2025.
Post-production will begin shortly after, followed by bloody hot premier! In 2026, us raw human heart eating weirdos are going to Sundance. WATCH US!
BLOODY AWESOME STRETCH GOALS
DO NOT STOP AT 15K!
It takes a Village! This is what happens when we all come together and contribute to support independent art and filmmaking!
We live in a world in which women have to fight to make our voices heard. We let society dictate our choices and shape how we define ourselves. I've always struggled with balancing a desire to belong with the desire to create, but I'm thankful I've been brave enough to follow my heart. Being courageous and following your heart is something I want the audience to take away from the film.
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN US AND SUPPORTING THIS BEAUTIFUL FILM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Brilliant Crew
Costs $5,000
We can't create a film without a brilliant crew to help us execute our vision.
Contingency
Costs $500
Anything and everything can go wrong. Having insurance will keep things on track and keep us making this masterpiece.
Edible Hearts, Teeth, Nails, Blood, Custom Masks, Prosthetics etc.
Costs $2,200
In order to properly execute this film we need all the blood, teeth and hearts we can get: created by the one and only Jade Figueroa!
Edible Hearts or Bagels
Costs $800
Unless you want us to consume human hearts for the duration of the shoot. Please give us money, so we can eat a bloody bagel instead.
Spooky Locations
Costs $2,000
Locations can be very expensive, but it's essential to make this terrifyingly awesome film!
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Everyone in this film must look at least as good as these two. If you're not impressed you're bloody crazy.
Brilliant Cast
Costs $2,500
We can't create a film without a brilliant cast to help us execute our vision.
Spooky Furniture & Props
Costs $1,000
Spook it up! Help us give the film a unique look by donating to this wishlist item!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mariya (Masha) Somova (Writer/Director/Executive Producer)
Mariya is a Ukrainian political refugee who moved to the US on her own at the age of 19 to pursue a career in filmmaking. The feature film she recently directed, wrote, and produced, I Want to Live on Mars is available on Amazon Prime. I Want to Live on Mars a slew of positive reviews and won many awards on the indie film festival circuit. Together with Joe Cyrus, Mariya co-founded and owns AuraPyre Productions, focusing on independent filmmaking and music production.
Joe Cyrus (Executive Producer/Composer/Actor)
Joe Cyrus (aka Joseph Ritrievi Jr) began as a young theater student and musician, learning to read music as a 6 year old choir singer and viola apprentice, while starring in theater productions from a young age. A multidisciplinary talent, he began gaining acclaim as a rapper and producer fka “Pluto” throughout the Philadelphia and Harrisburg areas in the mid 2000’s. In 2009 he relocated to Portland, Oregon and gained recognition producing for acclaimed hip-hop acts throughout the West Coast. Joe met Mariya Somova in Los Angeles to shoot a music video in 2020 and their mutual respect let to Cyrus scoring the soundtrack for I Want to Live on Mars as well as Executive Producing. He’s currently cast to play “Corey” in Somova’s new short film Beat Sweet Heart, as well as producing the score and executive producing.
Tatyan Kot (Producer)
Tatyana Kot grew up in the Soviet Union, where she studied ballet and dreamed of NYC stages. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching History and Archaeology, she moved to New York. Tatyana has continued her movement artist training with Kay Nishikawa (Nishikawa Collective) and Jessica Burr (Blessed Unrest Theater Company), while teaching theater and dance to children and adults with disabilities. She has choreographed nine world premieres of plays, including Don NIgro's The Chaplin Plays and John Patrick Shanley’s Candlelight with Nylon Fusion Theater Company. Best actress winner at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Midtown International Theater Festival, and First prize at Secondo Theater festival (Zurich, Switzerland).
Sandra Maren Schneider (Producer)
Sandra Maren Schneider is a German-American actress and writer based in Berlin and New York. She is a proud graduate of the renowned William Esper Studio in New York (William Esper) and has been working in film, TV and on stage both in the US and in Germany. Her most notable credits include Tatort Saarbrücken, Gossip Girl XOXO, The Chicken and Es brennt (It's burning) which received an honorable mention at Raindance. As a writer (Sandra Gordon-Schneider) she has been collaborating with writer & director Paul Ploberger, their first script Men’s Problems Are Optional was acquired by 2010 Entertainment, their second project Proof of Soul has been selected for SciptLAB Austria 2022.
Jade Figueroa (Special Makeup Effects Artist)
Hello, my name is Jade, and I run Necro FX! I am a creative and passionate special effects artist with over 10 years of experience in the Film Industry. Known for my ability to bring imagination to life through makeup, prosthetics, and practical effects. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to delivering exceptional visual experiences to captivate audiences. My expertise spans from film, television, events, to the haunt industry. I am self self-taught FX artist with a passion for what I do. I am always learning and pushing myself to be a better artist every day!
Katie Warren (Producer)
I am a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes long-form features and investigations covering business, entertainment, media, and beyond. This is my first producing project, and I am excited to help bring this unique film to life.
Yasmine Mezoury (Producer)
Yasmine Mezoury is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and editor who bridges cinema and psychology to create narratives that drive social impact. With experience spanning documentary production for POWER Interfaith, programming for BlackStar Film Festival, and video editing with Frank & Beans Pictures for Dolce Vita and Titan Invest. Yasmine specializes in community-centered storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Driven by a passion for analysis and an interest in the sociopolitical realities that form the foundation of horror cinema, her work spans from social impact documentaries to personal horror projects. She explores how different forms can illuminate truth while maintaining a commitment to narratives that spark meaningful conversations.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Beat Sweet Heart is a story about a food disorder. The main character, Suzy, craves something she can’t have, but when she does she can’t keep it down.
Beat Sweet Heart is a coming-out story. When Suzy transforms she questions her identity. She is with a guy named Corey who she loves, but she refuses to open up to him about her condition. When Suzy meets Veronika it turns out that they have the same cravings. They feel instant connection and venture together to find their origin.
Beat Sweet Heart is a story about female empowerment. Veronika guides Suzy through her turmoil during this transformation. She teaches her to accept not only the beautiful parts of herself, but also the ugly ones. Veronika becomes Suzy's rock.
QUICK WARNING! There's some edible hearts (jello), body parts (silicone), and blood (chocolate and cherry syrup) involved in the making of this campaign.
SCROLL AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
CHECK OUT OUR AWARD WINNING TEAM
Mariya (Masha) Somova (Writer/Director/Executive Producer)
Mariya is a Ukrainian political refugee who moved to the US on her own at the age of 19 to pursue a career in filmmaking. The feature film she recently directed, wrote, and produced, I Want to Live on Mars is available on Amazon Prime. I Want to Live on Mars a slew of positive reviews and won many awards on the indie film festival circuit. Together with Joe Cyrus, Mariya co-founded and owns AuraPyre Productions, focusing on independent filmmaking and music production.
CHECK OUT I Want to Live on Mars -- Directed and Written by Mariya Somova
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
When I discovered filmmaking I didn’t think it would be as arduous as it is. My first and only thought was, “This is what I’m going to do with my life no matter what.” My family couldn’t understand it. As a woman, where I’m from in Ukraine there are few opportunities, and filmmaking is practically non-existent. My family’s lack of understanding was of little importance, as my passion for filmmaking pervades my entire being. This is who I am.
Joe Cyrus (Executive Producer/Composer/Actor)
Joe Cyrus (aka Joseph Ritrievi Jr) began as a young theater student and musician, learning to read music as a 6 year old choir singer and viola apprentice, while starring in theater productions from a young age. A multidisciplinary talent, he began gaining acclaim as a rapper and producer fka “Pluto” throughout the Philadelphia and Harrisburg areas in the mid 2000’s. In 2009 he relocated to Portland, Oregon and gained recognition producing for acclaimed hip-hop acts throughout the West Coast. Joe met Mariya Somova in Los Angeles to shoot a music video in 2020 and their mutual respect led to Cyrus scoring the soundtrack for I Want to Live on Mars as well as Executive Producing. He’s currently cast to play “Corey” in Somova’s new short film Beat Sweet Heart, as well as producing the score and executive producing.
Tatyana Kot (Producer)
Tatyana Kot grew up in the Soviet Union, where she studied ballet and dreamed of NYC stages. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching History and Archaeology, she moved to New York. Tatyana has continued her movement artist training with Kay Nishikawa (Nishikawa Collective) and Jessica Burr (Blessed Unrest Theater Company), while teaching theater and dance to children and adults with disabilities. She has choreographed nine world premieres of plays, including Don NIgro's The Chaplin Plays and John Patrick Shanley’s Candlelight with Nylon Fusion Theater Company. Best actress winner at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Midtown International Theater Festival, and First prize at Secondo Theater festival (Zurich, Switzerland).
Tatyana Kot -- Nancy in I Want to Live on Mars
Sandra Maren Schneider (Producer)
Sandra Maren Schneider is a German-American actress and writer based in Berlin and New York. She is a proud graduate of the renowned William Esper Studio in New York (William Esper) and has been working in film, TV and on stage both in the US and in Germany. Her most notable credits include Tatort Saarbrücken, Gossip Girl XOXO, The Chicken and Es brennt (It's burning) which received an honorable mention at Raindance. As a writer (Sandra Gordon-Schneider) she has been collaborating with writer & director Paul Ploberger, their first script Men’s Problems Are Optional was acquired by 2010 Entertainment, their second project Proof of Soul has been selected for SciptLAB Austria 2022.
CHECK OUT Es brennt (It's burning) -- Sandra plays supporting character
Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin welcomed Sandra to this year's jury!
Jade Figueroa (Special Makeup Effects Artist)
Hello, my name is Jade, and I run Necro FX! I am a creative and passionate special effects artist with over 10 years of experience in the Film Industry. Known for my ability to bring imagination to life through makeup, prosthetics, and practical effects. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to delivering exceptional visual experiences to captivate audiences. My expertise spans from film, television, events, to the haunt industry. I am self self-taught FX artist with a passion for what I do. I am always learning and pushing myself to be a better artist every day!
CHECK OUT Killing Mary Sue -- Key Makeup Artist -- Jade Figueroa
CHECK OUT Johnny and Clyde -- Special Effects Makeup Department -- Jade Figueroa
Katie Warren (Producer)
I am a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes long-form features and investigations covering business, entertainment, media, and beyond. This is my first producing project, and I am excited to help bring this unique film to life.
'Love Is Blind' is hell on earth/The mysterious guru who's suing Blake Lively -- Written by Katie Warren
Yasmine Mezoury (Producer)
Yasmine Mezoury is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and editor who bridges cinema and psychology to create narratives that drive social impact. With experience spanning documentary production for POWER Interfaith, programming for BlackStar Film Festival, and video editing with Frank & Beans Pictures for Dolce Vita and Titan Invest. Yasmine specializes in community-centered storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Driven by a passion for analysis and an interest in the sociopolitical realities that form the foundation of horror cinema, her work spans from social impact documentaries to personal horror projects. She explores how different forms can illuminate truth while maintaining a commitment to narratives that spark meaningful conversations.
Yasmine worked as an editor for Dolce Vita/Producer and Editor for Power Interfaith
BEAT SWEET HEART BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Our crowdfunding goal is $15,000 which we'll use for cast, crew, locations, edible hearts, travel, custom masks, teeth and prosthetics etc. Check out Beat Sweet Heart budget breakdown.
Oh, and we need to hit our goal or we lose all your generous contributions! BUT, if we hit 80% of our goal, Seed & Spark will green light the project and we'll be able to make this bloody awesome film!
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Every time you contribute to our campaign and share it on your socials you get a bloody awesome reward!
CHECK OUT OUR INCENTIVES AND EAT IT OR SNATCH IT BEFORE IT'S GONE: everything from edible hearts, to custom masks, to signed posters, to special thank you credits.
Your support goes a long way. Seriously we can't do it without you!
Please follow Beat Sweet Heart and AuraPyre Productions on social media -- we're on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also check out THE WISHLIST TAB on our page - where you can pledge or lend something towards the goods and services we need to make Beat Sweet Heart.
TIMELINE
Our bloody awesome campaign will be live from September to October 2025. When we meet our goal, we will be able to start filming in November of 2025 and complete principal photography by December 2025.
Post-production will begin shortly after, followed by bloody hot premier! In 2026, us raw human heart eating weirdos are going to Sundance. WATCH US!
BLOODY AWESOME STRETCH GOALS
DO NOT STOP AT 15K!
It takes a Village! This is what happens when we all come together and contribute to support independent art and filmmaking!
We live in a world in which women have to fight to make our voices heard. We let society dictate our choices and shape how we define ourselves. I've always struggled with balancing a desire to belong with the desire to create, but I'm thankful I've been brave enough to follow my heart. Being courageous and following your heart is something I want the audience to take away from the film.
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN US AND SUPPORTING THIS BEAUTIFUL FILM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Brilliant Crew
Costs $5,000
We can't create a film without a brilliant crew to help us execute our vision.
Contingency
Costs $500
Anything and everything can go wrong. Having insurance will keep things on track and keep us making this masterpiece.
Edible Hearts, Teeth, Nails, Blood, Custom Masks, Prosthetics etc.
Costs $2,200
In order to properly execute this film we need all the blood, teeth and hearts we can get: created by the one and only Jade Figueroa!
Edible Hearts or Bagels
Costs $800
Unless you want us to consume human hearts for the duration of the shoot. Please give us money, so we can eat a bloody bagel instead.
Spooky Locations
Costs $2,000
Locations can be very expensive, but it's essential to make this terrifyingly awesome film!
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Everyone in this film must look at least as good as these two. If you're not impressed you're bloody crazy.
Brilliant Cast
Costs $2,500
We can't create a film without a brilliant cast to help us execute our vision.
Spooky Furniture & Props
Costs $1,000
Spook it up! Help us give the film a unique look by donating to this wishlist item!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mariya (Masha) Somova (Writer/Director/Executive Producer)
Mariya is a Ukrainian political refugee who moved to the US on her own at the age of 19 to pursue a career in filmmaking. The feature film she recently directed, wrote, and produced, I Want to Live on Mars is available on Amazon Prime. I Want to Live on Mars a slew of positive reviews and won many awards on the indie film festival circuit. Together with Joe Cyrus, Mariya co-founded and owns AuraPyre Productions, focusing on independent filmmaking and music production.
Joe Cyrus (Executive Producer/Composer/Actor)
Joe Cyrus (aka Joseph Ritrievi Jr) began as a young theater student and musician, learning to read music as a 6 year old choir singer and viola apprentice, while starring in theater productions from a young age. A multidisciplinary talent, he began gaining acclaim as a rapper and producer fka “Pluto” throughout the Philadelphia and Harrisburg areas in the mid 2000’s. In 2009 he relocated to Portland, Oregon and gained recognition producing for acclaimed hip-hop acts throughout the West Coast. Joe met Mariya Somova in Los Angeles to shoot a music video in 2020 and their mutual respect let to Cyrus scoring the soundtrack for I Want to Live on Mars as well as Executive Producing. He’s currently cast to play “Corey” in Somova’s new short film Beat Sweet Heart, as well as producing the score and executive producing.
Tatyan Kot (Producer)
Tatyana Kot grew up in the Soviet Union, where she studied ballet and dreamed of NYC stages. After obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching History and Archaeology, she moved to New York. Tatyana has continued her movement artist training with Kay Nishikawa (Nishikawa Collective) and Jessica Burr (Blessed Unrest Theater Company), while teaching theater and dance to children and adults with disabilities. She has choreographed nine world premieres of plays, including Don NIgro's The Chaplin Plays and John Patrick Shanley’s Candlelight with Nylon Fusion Theater Company. Best actress winner at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Midtown International Theater Festival, and First prize at Secondo Theater festival (Zurich, Switzerland).
Sandra Maren Schneider (Producer)
Sandra Maren Schneider is a German-American actress and writer based in Berlin and New York. She is a proud graduate of the renowned William Esper Studio in New York (William Esper) and has been working in film, TV and on stage both in the US and in Germany. Her most notable credits include Tatort Saarbrücken, Gossip Girl XOXO, The Chicken and Es brennt (It's burning) which received an honorable mention at Raindance. As a writer (Sandra Gordon-Schneider) she has been collaborating with writer & director Paul Ploberger, their first script Men’s Problems Are Optional was acquired by 2010 Entertainment, their second project Proof of Soul has been selected for SciptLAB Austria 2022.
Jade Figueroa (Special Makeup Effects Artist)
Hello, my name is Jade, and I run Necro FX! I am a creative and passionate special effects artist with over 10 years of experience in the Film Industry. Known for my ability to bring imagination to life through makeup, prosthetics, and practical effects. I thrive in collaborative environments and am dedicated to delivering exceptional visual experiences to captivate audiences. My expertise spans from film, television, events, to the haunt industry. I am self self-taught FX artist with a passion for what I do. I am always learning and pushing myself to be a better artist every day!
Katie Warren (Producer)
I am a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes long-form features and investigations covering business, entertainment, media, and beyond. This is my first producing project, and I am excited to help bring this unique film to life.
Yasmine Mezoury (Producer)
Yasmine Mezoury is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker and editor who bridges cinema and psychology to create narratives that drive social impact. With experience spanning documentary production for POWER Interfaith, programming for BlackStar Film Festival, and video editing with Frank & Beans Pictures for Dolce Vita and Titan Invest. Yasmine specializes in community-centered storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Driven by a passion for analysis and an interest in the sociopolitical realities that form the foundation of horror cinema, her work spans from social impact documentaries to personal horror projects. She explores how different forms can illuminate truth while maintaining a commitment to narratives that spark meaningful conversations.