CASHED is a darkly comedic, slice-of-life short film that follows Jess as she navigates economic instability and sudden sobriety. It explores how the seemingly small obstacles of daily life in a mega-expensive city like NYC keep people reaching for ways to take the edge off.
CASHED is a darkly comedic, slice-of-life short film that follows Jess as she navigates economic instability and sudden sobriety. It explores how the seemingly small obstacles of daily life in a mega-expensive city like NYC keep people reaching for ways to take the edge off.
-
Story
Mission Statement
CASHED is led by a female creator, Jewish director, and Latino cinematographer. Our team's made up of people of African American, Asian, South American, and European descent, and artists who've emigrated from five countries. CASHED defies the typical "stoner comedy" by starring a female antihero.About The Project
What's it all about??
CASHED is a narrative short film in its rough cut stage. It’s a darkly comedic slice-of-life that follows Jess, who's recovering from her 25th birthday, as she struggles to find peace (and pot) amidst the unique circumstances of life as a Millennial in NYC.
Ever had one of those days when everything that can go wrong does go wrong? When it feels like the universe is out to get you? It's Jess' twenty-fifth birthday and she's having "one of those days." Rent is higher than anywhere on the East Coast, job security is a joke, crippling student loan debt looms over every ATM withdrawal; and to top it off, the one thing that would cure her hangover from hell is the devil's lettuce.
“But Why?” you ask…
Okay, so CASHED is about pot. But it's also about a lot more than that, like what makes human beings need to “take the edge off.” Whether it's a glass of wine with dinner, Netflix binging, or even Tylenol for your headache; for centuries, humans have numbed the pain. In fact, while doing research for this film, we learned that humans have used mind-altering substances since prehistoric times! Stoned in the stone age...nice.
We wanted to explore how the seemingly small obstacles of daily life in a mega-expensive city like NYC keep people reaching for ways to take the edge off. For years we had watched friends and loved ones become burnt out by the incessant grind that surviving the Big City demands, and we noticed that everyone has that one thing - that one vice - that allows them to put their stressors aside and escape into a calmer headspace. We sought to understand that impulse more deeply and to provide some much-needed catharsis for anyone who works multiple jobs and still has no spending money; who's so strapped with student debt that they can't breathe; anyone who just needs something to get them through the day.
We also noticed how little of mainstream content is made by women and have female protagonists, especially in the genres of dark comedy and “stoner comedies.” We think that's horseshit and we’re here to do something about it. By supporting CASHED, you can be a part of creating something wonderful AND destroying the gender barrier all at once - two birds flyin high, one bombass stone!
Oh, and another thing...
Cannabis is Jess' drug of choice. It's also the drug of choice for millions of Americans who, because of pot's status as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, are at risk for dangerous confrontations with criminals and police, fluctuating prices on what could be lifesaving medicine, and a damaging social stigma. Regardless, people like to get fucked up; that's just human nature, and right now there's only one legal way to do it in America: alcohol. Cannabis use carries none of the life-threatening effects of alcohol, and yet cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug alongside narcotics like heroin. Even cocaine isn't classified that harshly! Yet cannabis, which has many applications for both physical and mental health, can get you into heaps more trouble under federal law.
We don't think that's fucked up; we know it is. CASHED is our way of contributing to the national conversation surrounding marijuanna legalization.Now what?!
Many of you have been asking us when and where you can see the film, and the answer is...never and nowhere without you! We've already completed the development and production stages. Yes, you read that correctly - the film’s already been written, cast, and shot. We even have a rough cut (in other words, a rough draft of what the finished film will look and sound like) but we still have some work to do until it's ready to be shared with the world. That's where you come in.
In order to finish post-production and to submit to film festivals around the country, we'll need to raise $6,000, which will cover the costs of the film's final edit, musical score, color grading, sound mixing, and submissions to film festivals all around the country. Check out our Wish List for a detailed breakdown of where the funds will go.
THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the artists who have put their love and imagination into this piece. And thank YOU for going on this adventure with us!!
Incentives
$5
Our Deepest Love & Personal Post of Gratitude
We'll shout your name from the rooftops AND on social media! You'll get a post of the deepest gratitude from creators Serena & Ethan, and we'll loudly throw support towards any project or cause that's important to you.
$10
Personalized Thank You GIF
All of the above + An original, personalized Thank You GIF created just for you by director/writer Ethan Itzkow. We'll share it on the social platform of your choice, singing your praises all the while!
$25
Downloadable Copy of the Film
All of the above + A downloadable link to own the finished film! Getting to watch the fruits of your very own creative contribution AND not having to put on clothes? Yes, please!$50
Collaborator's Choice!
All of the above + You get to choose! Either:A) 1-hour audition recording/coaching session with Serena & Ethan at their in-home studio in NYC.
OR
B) Director/writer Ethan Itzkow will write you an original short story about what a tweaked-out spaz he bets you'd be if you smoked weed...
$100
Have Your Voice Heard!
All of the above + An exclusve invite to join us at a private screening of the fine cut of the film, where you'll give us feedback that we'll incorporate when editing the final, picture-lock version! You'll also get a special mention in the film's credits!
$200
Stash Jar & Personalized Intro with Your Copy of the Film
All of the above + Your very own personalized CASHED stash jar! Not only is it the same one Jess uses in the film, we'll also snazz it up with a personalized, hand-painted Thank You. You can keep loads of things in it. Spare change, ganj, shattered hopes and dreams...you name it!Aaaaaand...
You'll also get a personal introduction with your copy of the film, in which CASHED creators Serena & Ethan will gush at length about what a kind, generous, damn-near miraculous human and collaborator you are!
Claimed: 2 of 20
$500
Personalized Herb Grinder
All of the above + A laser-engraved herb grinder with personalized Thank You note! For herbs. Just for herbs.Claimed: 1 of 5
$1,000
Associate Producer & VIP Table at Premiere Party
All of the above + Associate Producer credit on IMDB and a VIP table complete with bottle service and all-around star treatment at our Premiere Party in NYC! (Travel and lodging not included.) Get ready to get shwifty...
Claimed: 0 of 6
$2,000
Executive Producer, 2 Seats at a Festival Near You, & Advance Download BEFORE We Premiere!
All of the above + Executive Producer credit on IMDB, two seats reserved for you and a friend at the festival of your choice, and exclusive access to digitally download and own the film BEFORE it premieres at festivals around the country. (Travel and lodging not included.) Now that's what we call a true savior of the arts!
Claimed: 0 of 3
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Our Deepest Love & Personal Post of Gratitude
We'll shout your name from the rooftops AND on social media! You'll get a post of the deepest gratitude from creators Serena & Ethan, and we'll loudly throw support towards any project or cause that's important to you.
$10
Personalized Thank You GIF
All of the above + An original, personalized Thank You GIF created just for you by director/writer Ethan Itzkow. We'll share it on the social platform of your choice, singing your praises all the while!
$25
Downloadable Copy of the Film
All of the above + A downloadable link to own the finished film! Getting to watch the fruits of your very own creative contribution AND not having to put on clothes? Yes, please!$50
Collaborator's Choice!
All of the above + You get to choose! Either:A) 1-hour audition recording/coaching session with Serena & Ethan at their in-home studio in NYC.
OR
B) Director/writer Ethan Itzkow will write you an original short story about what a tweaked-out spaz he bets you'd be if you smoked weed...
$100
Have Your Voice Heard!
All of the above + An exclusve invite to join us at a private screening of the fine cut of the film, where you'll give us feedback that we'll incorporate when editing the final, picture-lock version! You'll also get a special mention in the film's credits!
$200
Stash Jar & Personalized Intro with Your Copy of the Film
All of the above + Your very own personalized CASHED stash jar! Not only is it the same one Jess uses in the film, we'll also snazz it up with a personalized, hand-painted Thank You. You can keep loads of things in it. Spare change, ganj, shattered hopes and dreams...you name it!Aaaaaand...
You'll also get a personal introduction with your copy of the film, in which CASHED creators Serena & Ethan will gush at length about what a kind, generous, damn-near miraculous human and collaborator you are!
Claimed: 2 of 20
$500
Personalized Herb Grinder
All of the above + A laser-engraved herb grinder with personalized Thank You note! For herbs. Just for herbs.Claimed: 1 of 5
$1,000
Associate Producer & VIP Table at Premiere Party
All of the above + Associate Producer credit on IMDB and a VIP table complete with bottle service and all-around star treatment at our Premiere Party in NYC! (Travel and lodging not included.) Get ready to get shwifty...
Claimed: 0 of 6
$2,000
Executive Producer, 2 Seats at a Festival Near You, & Advance Download BEFORE We Premiere!
All of the above + Executive Producer credit on IMDB, two seats reserved for you and a friend at the festival of your choice, and exclusive access to digitally download and own the film BEFORE it premieres at festivals around the country. (Travel and lodging not included.) Now that's what we call a true savior of the arts!
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Serena Ryen - Co-Creator, Producer, Co-Writer & Actor (Jess)
Serena is an actress and producer living in NYC. She trained at the Stella Adler Studio and American Musican & Dramatic Academy, and has been working steadily as an artist since graduating. She recently finished a season-long stint performing at the Tony Award-winning Cincinnati Playhouse and since returning to the Big Bad Apple has shot several films, commercials, print ads, and the pilot episode of a new true-crime series which will air this fall. Serena's love for producing began in a class at Stella Adler called Self-Generated Theatre, which inspired her to mount a sold-out, site-specific production of The Children's Hour with fellow classmate Eloise Colin, and a benefit staging of Luis Restrepo's one-person-show The Magical Journey of Abraham & the Moon. Proceeds from Abraham benefitted the charity Kids in Need of Defense, which provides pro bono lawyers for migrant children who have come to the United States without guardianship or legal protection in search of a better life. Serena and Ethan have been creating content together since 2015 and are also in the very early stages of developing a new comedic PSA series geared towards getting Millennials to vote in the 2018 midterm elections. (Oh, aaand they're engaged!) @SerenaRyen
Ethan Itzkow - Co-Creator, Director, Co-Writer, & Actor (Eric)
Ethan is a New York-based actor, writer, and director. He trained at Ithaca College and at The Lee Strasberg Institute, and has performed in theater, film, and television. Ethan achieved a life goal this past year by becoming a member of Actors’ Equity Association and traveling the country with the national tour of Freedom Train. Other favorite experiences have been playing Chiron in New York Shakespeare Exchange's Titus Andronicus, Jui the neanderthal in the short film "CAIN", and playing the title role in "Intern: The Movie". Most recent directing credits include several one-act productions at the Producers' Club in NYC as part of the Blackbox Theater TV series. His play Theft was produced twice at the American Theater for Actors, and his play Monsters was produced at the Harlem Cultural Center as part of the immersive theatrical experience Survive! Survive!. CASHED is his first screenplay to be produced. @EthanItzkow
Jorge Arzac - Director of Photography
Jorge is an NYC-based cinematographer, producer, and director whose work has been seen at festivals around the world, from Cannes to New York. He likes to experiment, problem solve, and collaborate with new people. When asked what his favorite camera is, he'll probably say "Whatever's right for the story." Jorge received a BFA in Cinematography at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. That same year he produced and directed a 78-page script in Mexico City. The film earned him notoriety after receiving several awards at festivals. Since then, Jorge continues to live in New York but often travels around the globe in search of new stories to capture and bigger obstacles to overcome. @JorgeArzac
Renika Williams - Actor (Monique), Marketing Consultant
Outside of pursuing a career in acting and her complete obsession with Chipotle Mexican Grill, Renika enjoys exploration and simply enjoying life. Renika enjoys writing in her journal and dancing to everything Soul in her apartment in Brooklyn, NY. Everything Renika is truly passionate about usually involves social justice, strong women, and African American culture and history. After the completion of her Acting Internship at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Renika moved to NYC and began working on her first Off-Broadway production with the National Black Theatre in Harlem called SWEET by Harrison David Rivers, making her officially an AEA member. She recently played Beneatha in A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre and can be seen in the new Instagram webseries @placeholderstheseries. @RenikaDanielle_
Matthew 5:14
Dave Cohen - Composer
Singer/Keyboardist Dave Cohen began playing piano when he was just 3 years old and has been making noise ever since. He has had the honor of sharing the stage with George Clinton, Winston Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Arcade Fire, Lit, Rebirth Brass Band, Soulive and others. From the El Ray Theater in L.A. to the Blender Theater in N.Y.C., Dave has been rocking out while capturing hearts and ears with his blazing keyboard solos and soulful vocals.
Pierre Lemarchand - Production Sound
Pierre has composed music and designed sound for more than a hundred different projects. He is most notably involved with developing socially and environmentally-conscious movies, which have taken him to places as remote and diverse as Panama, Argentina or Sulawesi. He is a graduate in Film Scoring from the Berklee College of Music.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers