Set in the interconnected "Buried" & "Quicksand" universe, "Buried" is a sci-fi action thriller series that exposes dangerous tech companies, government agencies, and international crime syndicates all vying for control. Featuring a diverse LGBTQ+ & BIPOC cast and crew, our team KICKS ASS.
Set in the interconnected "Buried" & "Quicksand" universe, "Buried" is a sci-fi action thriller series that exposes dangerous tech companies, government agencies, and international crime syndicates all vying for control. Featuring a diverse LGBTQ+ & BIPOC cast and crew, our team KICKS ASS.
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Story
Mission Statement
Nik Hassinger & Robert Harney are filmmakers dedicated to equity, inclusion, and representation both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. In the Buried & Quicksand universe, LGBTQ+ & BIPOC characters face great turmoil as they confront trauma and blurred lines between right and wrong.About The Project
Exciting News!
Matching Grant from Funnelbox via Couch Film Collective
Funnelbox is teaming up with Couch Film Collective to offer up to $2,000 in matching funds for the "Buried Pilot"! Beginning 11/29/21, all contributions to the "Buried Pilot" on Seed&Spark will be effectively doubled for a limited time. With your help, we can reach our funding goal and receive the official greenlight from Seed&Spark.
We are thrilled to launch this incredible matching opportunity and we hope you will support us. We are beyond grateful to Funnelbox, Portland’s independent video and animation production studio and marketing specialists, for being an amazing B-Corp partner for the creative community for over 20 years. Giant thanks to Couch Film Collective for serving as fiscal sponsor. Based in Portland, Couch Film Collective elevates new and underrepresented voices in film by supporting equitable and inclusive projects.
We are proud to showcase diverse talent because we can accomplish anything when we work together. With LGBTQ+ and BIPOC professionals in front of the camera and behind the scenes, we are making something really special here. Please share the news widely and follow "Buried Pilot" here on Seed&Spark so that we can maximize the full $4,000 through the matching grant. We know "Buried" will become the hottest new series filming in the Pacific Northwest!
Seek Truth. Fight Back.
In our own real-life universe, tech entrepreneurs are soaring into outer space while millions of children lack basic food and health care. "Buried" imagines new, emerging technologies that grant god-like powers and possess the ability to disrupt the current social order. The protagonists of the series, Kane (she/her) & Manson (they/them), become inextricably entangled in a dangerous game of deceit when they decide to tap into the technology they were hired to return. Kane & Manson are not only partners in crime, they are also a couple. While they fight external forces, they must also grapple with their own inner demons and tensions in their relationship. Power is seductive, and the boundaries between right and wrong are not always clear.
"Buried" Pilot
Creating a new universe is no easy feat! We need your support to galvanize ground-breaking media that challenges power structures across the multiverse. Our lived experiences matter in this world and beyond, and it's time to tell our stories our way.
In "Buried", con artists Kane & Manson become embroiled in an elaborate scheme to return stolen technology. For those who can afford it, the technology gives humans an almost superhuman capacity to learn. Seduced by power, all of the players are drawn into the intrigue to see who will win, and who will descend into quicksand.
This project seeks to build upon the initial "Buried" proof-of-concept to complete the first full episode of an 8-episode series. The proof-of-concept for "Buried" was shot in late 2020, and the short is an official 2021 selection of the Portland Short Festival, a finalist at the Niagara Falls International Shorts Fest, and a semi-finalist at the London Indie Short Festival. The team is ready to shoot new footage to expand upon the proof-of-concept. Once the entire first episode of the "Buried Pilot" has been shot, all footage will go into post-production.
Unearthing "Buried"
The filmmaking team behind "Buried" seeks to confront dominant notions of identity and power, and who can be a "hero". Storylines explore the themes of visibility and invisibility, agency and oppression, reality and fiction, love and addiction. When people who have been historically marginalized begin to find their own voice, the ability to feel even more powerful can be irresistible.
When we set out to create this series, we wanted to see LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters in central roles in which the characters' personal identities matter and are relevant to the story as it unfolds. Just like many of us, the characters have all survived trauma and felt powerless. Instead of giving up, they channel their complicated feelings and use their experiences as a motivating force to keep fighting for what's right.
The lead actors playing Kane & Manson said that while growing up, they never thought they would see people who looked like them on the silver screen, let alone play those characters themselves. Our cinematic heroes were always white, cis-gendered, and heterosexual. These harmful norms affect the industry and our society, and we need to write new scripts for the world to see.
"Buried", on the other hand, has a gifted cast & crew. Everyone behind the scenes filming "Buried" is equally diverse, with a great mix of established professionals and up-and-coming new talent. Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to work in TV & film, to see themselves reflected on screen, to be treated with respect, and to be valued for their contributions.
"Buried" and the creative team behind it demand that we challenge our assumptions, seek truth, and fight back.
Filmmaking in the COVID Era
We are all about safe sets! It's not always easy, yet our team of professionals has been working throughout COVID-19 and has adapted to every twist and turn along the way. That said, COVID has made it clear that we should not and must not wait on passion projects -- there is no time like the present to dive in and make our dreams a reality.
Practically speaking, every member of the cast & crew is fully vaccinated. Everyone is also getting tested within 48 hours of the shoot date. We do our best to follow DGA and SAG protocols, even though this indie shoot is not a union production.
Simply put, we don't mess around when it comes to safety on set. Filmmaker Extraordinaire, Nik, is bringing on their international Ebola-fighting partner, Lori, as our very own COVID Compliance Officer. We will have plenty of PPE available on set, and a dedicated Production Assistant to help with sanitation. If a mission-critical cast or crew member falls ill, we will have to make sure that appropriate quarantine periods are in place, and then reschedule our planned shooting days.
Coming Soon! More "Buried" & "Quicksand"
After our team completes the first full episode of "Buried", we will prepare for upcoming episodes of both intertwined series. If we reach our stretch goal, we can start pre-production on the second episode of "Buried".
In the companion series "Quicksand", set in the same cinematic universe as "Buried", undercover agents take desperate measures to infiltrate dark networks that traffick in weapons, drugs, and human lives. A high-octane spy thriller, "Quicksand" features dynamic fight sequences and characters faced with painful choices. "Quicksand" is also envisioned as an 8-episode series. The two series are set in the same universe with interwoven storylines, characters, and themes.
We invite everyone to share this project so that we can create a series that is both fun and filled with action, while it simultaneously tackles important social justice issues. If you're in the Portland, Oregon area and would like to volunteer to help with "Buried" & "Quicksand", we are always looking for new LGBTQ+ and BIPOC film friends to expand our community. We believe that when we work together, anything is possible.
$ Follow the Money $
First and foremost, our cast & crew are the most valuable part of the project and we need to cover their basic expenses. Too often in TV & film, talented professionals are expected to work for free, particularly people who are LGBTQ+ and BIPOC. Making visual art is hard work, and we prioritize fairness and we demand safe sets. To ensure that our stellar team is able to hold the dates and firmly commit to this project and future episodes, we need to continue to cultivate a sustainable approach to filmmaking.
In addition to taking care of our phenomenal cast & crew, we need to rent equipment for our Camera and G&E Departments to further develop the look and feel of the world of "Buried" and "Quicksand". Our Art Department and Special FX Team also need a budget to realize our production design goals. Among many upcoming innovations from the brilliant minds of our creative team, we are excited to be diving into the world of prosthetics as we construct (and deconstruct) many layers of justice-driven subterfuge.
Once we finish shooting the first episode of "Buried", we will head into post-production where we will need a budget for Visual FX. Then it's time for festival submissions!
We look forward to launching the two interconnected "Buried" and "Quicksand" series and we are grateful to everyone who is making this fever dream a reality.
Incentives
$25
Undercover Operative
Thank you, you're dope! Welcome to our film family, we cannot do any of this without the support of friends, family, and fans.
+Personalized Spy Identity "Alias" Card & Social Media Shoutout
+Digital Copy of Trailer
$50
Secret Agent
We see you! Are you next on Kane & Manson's Hit List?
+Personalized Digital "Most Wanted" Poster & Social Media Shoutout
+Advance Viewing of First Cut to Provide Feedback
$100
International Spy
You always look good no matter the disguise! Now let's look into your past, present, and future to find the truth...
+Personalized Special Thanks Video Message from a Cast Member with Social Media Shoutout
+Digital Copy of Pilot
$250
Cartel Boss
None of this is possible without you!
+Special Thanks in Credits
+Naming Rights for New Character
+Digital Copy of Pilot
+Social Media Shoutout Worthy of the Crime Boss You Are!
$500
Ninja
You're on the Leaderboard!
+Associate Producter Credit
+Cameo in the Buried-Quicksand Universe (digital or in-person)
+Individual Tarot Card Reading by Lori (Film-Themed or Traditional)
+Personalized Social Media Love for Your Inner Ninja
$1,000
Tech Wizard
Look Mom, I'm a TV Producer!
+Producer Credit
+Buried Hoodie
+Signed 24x36 Poster
+Social Media Adoration
$5,000
Hero
Welcome to the Pantheon of the Gods! You are our hero.
+EP Credit
+Buried Hoodie
+Signed 24x36 Poster
+Social Media Glory
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
Undercover Operative
Thank you, you're dope! Welcome to our film family, we cannot do any of this without the support of friends, family, and fans.
+Personalized Spy Identity "Alias" Card & Social Media Shoutout
+Digital Copy of Trailer
$50
Secret Agent
We see you! Are you next on Kane & Manson's Hit List?
+Personalized Digital "Most Wanted" Poster & Social Media Shoutout
+Advance Viewing of First Cut to Provide Feedback
$100
International Spy
You always look good no matter the disguise! Now let's look into your past, present, and future to find the truth...
+Personalized Special Thanks Video Message from a Cast Member with Social Media Shoutout
+Digital Copy of Pilot
$250
Cartel Boss
None of this is possible without you!
+Special Thanks in Credits
+Naming Rights for New Character
+Digital Copy of Pilot
+Social Media Shoutout Worthy of the Crime Boss You Are!
$500
Ninja
You're on the Leaderboard!
+Associate Producter Credit
+Cameo in the Buried-Quicksand Universe (digital or in-person)
+Individual Tarot Card Reading by Lori (Film-Themed or Traditional)
+Personalized Social Media Love for Your Inner Ninja
$1,000
Tech Wizard
Look Mom, I'm a TV Producer!
+Producer Credit
+Buried Hoodie
+Signed 24x36 Poster
+Social Media Adoration
$5,000
Hero
Welcome to the Pantheon of the Gods! You are our hero.
+EP Credit
+Buried Hoodie
+Signed 24x36 Poster
+Social Media Glory
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Producer/Director/Writer, Nik Hassinger
Nik Hassinger (they/them) is a polyethnic, non-binary, gender-queer Filmmaker/Producer/Director who has had a passion for film and all things creative since they were very young. While growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Nik’s Filipina grandmother introduced Nik to film, igniting a lifelong desire to make visual art. In 2020, Nik officially launched their own production company, 945 Productions LLC, based in Portland, Oregon.
Nik's most recent projects include serving as Assistant Director for the upcoming feature film, "The Class", starring Anthony Michael Hall, Debbie Gibson, Charlie Gillespie, and Hannah Kepple. Nik has also been a Production Manager for shows on Discovery, Travel Channel, The Food Network, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
With 20 years of multimedia experience, Nik Hassinger believes that cultivating a positive, inclusive, equitable team ethos is the key to success. Nik is excited about "Buried" and other upcoming projects that tell the stories of people who have been silenced for too long.
Producer/Director/Writer, Robert Harney
Robert Harney (he/him) has had a passion for screenwriting and directing ever since he can remember. He is proud to be a part of Portland’s small, yet inspired, film community. Robert loves to support the industry’s growth and new talent, and Robert’s calm, cool, and compassionate approach to directing makes him a terrific collaborator. Whether it be giving actors a bit more flexibility to make the character their own, or changing a scene to better fit the ensemble, Robert seeks to create opportunities for everyone to express their inner storyteller. He is grateful to all of his many creative partners, supporters, and muses.
Buried Cast
Full Cast/Crew Bios: Buried Cast/Crew
Beatriz Abella, "Kane"
Born and raised in Alaska, Beatriz Abella (she/her) is a first-generation Filipino-American. She attended Southern Oregon University on the Diversity Scholarship and studied Music and Business Administration. Beatriz has sung classical music in San Francisco, Seattle, Mexico, Germany, the Czech Republic and NYC’s Carnegie Hall. In 2017, she received Camelot Theatre’s Best Character Actress Award, and has recently appeared onstage with multiple Portland-area theatre companies including Light Opera of Portland’s “Princess Ida” as “Lady Blanche.” She is represented by Zuri Agency and is thrilled to make her film debut with 945 Productions.
Monica Dailey, "Manson"
Monica Dailey (she/her) is a queer PDX artist and hugger of hearts. Japanese-American and lover of laughs, Monica writes, performs, and directs weird shit for the stage and screen. Mo is also a corporate Equity & Inclusion facilitator, offering her infectious energy and empathy to inspire personal growth and connection to greater purpose. She also bakes 'n' eats all the sugary sweets!
Paul Bright, "Harold"
Paul Bright (he/him) was recently a corrupt congressman in "Chess Match", a seal killer in "Crossing Shaky Ground", and an unrepentant cult member in "Documentary Now: Batsh*t Valley" episodes. He is the writer/director of eleven feature films. He invites his cats to watch classic movies with him but they're troglodytes and refuse to leave the goldfish tank unguarded.
Billy B, "Mute"
Billy B (he/him) has been acting since he was 18 years old. He was scouted by a talent agent in Portland, Oregon and began his journey. Since then, Billy has been cast in several television shows including TNT’s "The Librarians", Investigation Discovery’s "The Wonderland Murders", and Hulu’s "Shrill". He has also done commercial work for Microsoft, Sprint, HP, adidas, Nike, and many more. Outside of acting, Billy enjoys training in Muay Thai, lifting weights, and exploring Portland for new eats.
Timothy Krabill, "Elias"
Timothy Krabill (he/him) is an American Actor from Portland, Oregon. His mother is from South Korea and father is from Detroit, Michigan. Timothy began to write and produce music in the early 90’s, and moved to California in 2002 to further explore his music career. Timothy has five children including four daughters and a son. With his focus on acting, he picked up modeling and commercial work. He continues to build his experience with mainstream and indie films.
Crew
Director of Photography, Jeanette Li
Gaffer, Nathan (N8) Miles
Gaffer, Deante Grinner
Key Grip, Roberto Martinez
Production Designer, Kerri Lyn Walsh
Sound Team: Rachel Saldivar & Kai Pacifico Eng
SFX Team: Greyson Murray (he/they), Trysta Kelley (she/her), and Laura Hankins (she/her)
Full Cast/Crew here:
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