Bucket Hat Bunny
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
Artie Friend illustrates children’s books, just like his late father did. Artie has spent his life pursuing the same industry award his father had won, but he'll soon learn that winning this award comes at a cost.
Bucket Hat Bunny
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
40 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,885
Goal: $8,000 for production
Artie Friend illustrates children’s books, just like his late father did. Artie has spent his life pursuing the same industry award his father had won, but he'll soon learn that winning this award comes at a cost.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Artie Friend is a successful children's book illustrator, but he's feeling anxious ahead of the release of his latest and most personal book, Bucket Hat Bunny. Artie's late father was also an illustrator, and the recipient of the coveted Harrington Award for outstanding achievement in children's literature. Artie is about to turn the age his father was when he died, except Artie has never won the Harrington Award. One day, at the height of an existential crisis, Artie gets an opportunity to receive this mysterious award in the least likely of places. The more Artie learns about the award, the less he can go back to the life he once knew.
We're a group of entertainment professionals driven by a mutual passion for the craft and a love of film. We're mega fans of horror and comedy and we're interested in drawing from our influences to tell original stories. Together we have an array of experience from animation to live music and comedy. Each team member brings something unique to the table and this project will be the beautiful sum of our one-of-a-kind talents.
There is a major shift in values happening between Baby Boomers and Gen-Z. We see this reflected in the many movies made in the past few years about generational trauma. Bucket Hat Bunny explores these themes in a way that has never been done before. It's a cautionary tale about the consequences of trying to be exactly like the generations that came before.
Right now we are in the middle of pre-production. We already have a powerhouse script and the greatest crew imaginable. We are in the process of casting, location scouting and building out our production design and animation assets. Our team is in position and once we hit our fundraising goal we’re off to the races. We are so excited to include YOU in this process.
Please follow us for real time project updates!
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckethatbunny
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Team
Costs $5,000
We've assembled an amazing team of artists, from actors to filmmakers. Help us lock them down and pay them their worth.
Effects and Makeup
Costs $1,000
Think blood, smoke & goo. These funds will take this film to the next level and have you covering your eyes in the final moments.
Props and Wardrobe
Costs $800
Cloaks, masks, kindergarten teacher outfits- you are what you wear! Help us transform our cast into their characters.
Hospitality
Costs $500
Our team can't bring their A game if they're not well fed and taken care of!
Locations
Costs $700
This film has 5 different locations- help us secure the sets of our dreams.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jesse VandenBergh - Writer / Director / Illustrator / Executive Producer
Jesse VandenBergh is a New York based writer, actor and director. From live comedy to award-winning short films and feature screenplays, Jesse has an extensive entertainment portfolio. He is the co-founder of Frog Boyz, an animated comedy channel with millions of YouTube views. Jesse has worked on Billy on the Street, The Chris Gethard Show, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove, Ms. Rachel and Recess Therapy. Jesse is a veteran of the live comedy scene in NYC. He has written, directed and performed with The UCB Theatre, Second City NY, The PIT and many other NYC venues. He has also has toured the world, performing and teaching with various sketch and improv teams.
Sean Newman - Producer / Animator
Sean Newman is a writer and performer who has worked in production for The Chris Gethard Show, Boardwalk Empire, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Newman began performing comedy as a teenager and following college, had a year plus run of improv at Broadway Comedy Club. Since 2014, he has produced sketch comedy at UCB, Union Hall, Caveat, and the PIT. Newman is the co-creator and producer of Frog Boyz, where he creates irreverent shorts and viral animated content, including the widely shared Lion King Deleted Scene. Frog Boyz created an award winning short Buildings that’s screened at the Garden State Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, and Coney Island Film Festival. His voice work includes Audible’s The Prophecy, produced by Kerry Washington, Brain Pop, and The Odyssey, produced by SNL alum, Jay Pharoah. Sean Newman thrives on crafting absurdist sketches, comedic songs, and teaming up with talented creatives. You can follow Sean on instagram @seanwnewman or follow his animation work @frog_boyz.
Jeremy Moulton - Producer
Jeremy Moulton is a filmmaker and actor from New York City. He's currently in post-production for his latest short film The Father, The Son, and The Horny Spirit following the scripts successful finalist placements in several US and International film festivals. Jeremy is currently a house member of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre where he performs on a monthly sketch team. You may have seen him or heard his voice on Bleacher Report, History, Sundance Film Festival, or one of his viral videos on TikTok.
Peter Pavlakis - DP
Peter Pavlakis is an award-winning, Brooklyn-based cinematographer and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience shooting narrative films, documentaries, commercials, branded content, fashion, and music videos. His work is grounded in a belief that moving images can reveal beauty in the everyday and invite audiences to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Peter brings a calm, collaborative presence to set, with a focus on visual storytelling that serves the emotional heart of each project. His cinematography work has screened at festivals including Mill Valley Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, Bushwick Film Festival, and Portland International Film Festival, and his short film work has earned Best Cinematography recognition.
Annie Woller - AD
Annie Woller has been working in NYC arts operations for the past 10 years. She works in the dance, orchestra & theater worlds and most recently directed a Hallmark movie parody short film. She’s excited to continue diving further into the film industry.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Artie Friend is a successful children's book illustrator, but he's feeling anxious ahead of the release of his latest and most personal book, Bucket Hat Bunny. Artie's late father was also an illustrator, and the recipient of the coveted Harrington Award for outstanding achievement in children's literature. Artie is about to turn the age his father was when he died, except Artie has never won the Harrington Award. One day, at the height of an existential crisis, Artie gets an opportunity to receive this mysterious award in the least likely of places. The more Artie learns about the award, the less he can go back to the life he once knew.
We're a group of entertainment professionals driven by a mutual passion for the craft and a love of film. We're mega fans of horror and comedy and we're interested in drawing from our influences to tell original stories. Together we have an array of experience from animation to live music and comedy. Each team member brings something unique to the table and this project will be the beautiful sum of our one-of-a-kind talents.
There is a major shift in values happening between Baby Boomers and Gen-Z. We see this reflected in the many movies made in the past few years about generational trauma. Bucket Hat Bunny explores these themes in a way that has never been done before. It's a cautionary tale about the consequences of trying to be exactly like the generations that came before.
Right now we are in the middle of pre-production. We already have a powerhouse script and the greatest crew imaginable. We are in the process of casting, location scouting and building out our production design and animation assets. Our team is in position and once we hit our fundraising goal we’re off to the races. We are so excited to include YOU in this process.
Please follow us for real time project updates!
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/buckethatbunny
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Team
Costs $5,000
We've assembled an amazing team of artists, from actors to filmmakers. Help us lock them down and pay them their worth.
Effects and Makeup
Costs $1,000
Think blood, smoke & goo. These funds will take this film to the next level and have you covering your eyes in the final moments.
Props and Wardrobe
Costs $800
Cloaks, masks, kindergarten teacher outfits- you are what you wear! Help us transform our cast into their characters.
Hospitality
Costs $500
Our team can't bring their A game if they're not well fed and taken care of!
Locations
Costs $700
This film has 5 different locations- help us secure the sets of our dreams.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jesse VandenBergh - Writer / Director / Illustrator / Executive Producer
Jesse VandenBergh is a New York based writer, actor and director. From live comedy to award-winning short films and feature screenplays, Jesse has an extensive entertainment portfolio. He is the co-founder of Frog Boyz, an animated comedy channel with millions of YouTube views. Jesse has worked on Billy on the Street, The Chris Gethard Show, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove, Ms. Rachel and Recess Therapy. Jesse is a veteran of the live comedy scene in NYC. He has written, directed and performed with The UCB Theatre, Second City NY, The PIT and many other NYC venues. He has also has toured the world, performing and teaching with various sketch and improv teams.
Sean Newman - Producer / Animator
Sean Newman is a writer and performer who has worked in production for The Chris Gethard Show, Boardwalk Empire, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Newman began performing comedy as a teenager and following college, had a year plus run of improv at Broadway Comedy Club. Since 2014, he has produced sketch comedy at UCB, Union Hall, Caveat, and the PIT. Newman is the co-creator and producer of Frog Boyz, where he creates irreverent shorts and viral animated content, including the widely shared Lion King Deleted Scene. Frog Boyz created an award winning short Buildings that’s screened at the Garden State Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, and Coney Island Film Festival. His voice work includes Audible’s The Prophecy, produced by Kerry Washington, Brain Pop, and The Odyssey, produced by SNL alum, Jay Pharoah. Sean Newman thrives on crafting absurdist sketches, comedic songs, and teaming up with talented creatives. You can follow Sean on instagram @seanwnewman or follow his animation work @frog_boyz.
Jeremy Moulton - Producer
Jeremy Moulton is a filmmaker and actor from New York City. He's currently in post-production for his latest short film The Father, The Son, and The Horny Spirit following the scripts successful finalist placements in several US and International film festivals. Jeremy is currently a house member of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre where he performs on a monthly sketch team. You may have seen him or heard his voice on Bleacher Report, History, Sundance Film Festival, or one of his viral videos on TikTok.
Peter Pavlakis - DP
Peter Pavlakis is an award-winning, Brooklyn-based cinematographer and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience shooting narrative films, documentaries, commercials, branded content, fashion, and music videos. His work is grounded in a belief that moving images can reveal beauty in the everyday and invite audiences to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Peter brings a calm, collaborative presence to set, with a focus on visual storytelling that serves the emotional heart of each project. His cinematography work has screened at festivals including Mill Valley Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, Bushwick Film Festival, and Portland International Film Festival, and his short film work has earned Best Cinematography recognition.
Annie Woller - AD
Annie Woller has been working in NYC arts operations for the past 10 years. She works in the dance, orchestra & theater worlds and most recently directed a Hallmark movie parody short film. She’s excited to continue diving further into the film industry.