Changing Keys
Rochester, New York | Film Feature
Drama, Comedy
Tyler, Jenn, and Hayley haven't seen each other in two years. Now young adults, the three siblings hope to rekindle their bond on a reunion vacation to Key West. However, tensions begin to arise from deception, secrets, and the same open wound that drove them apart.
Changing Keys
Rochester, New York | Film Feature
Drama, Comedy
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $11,786 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
109 supporters | followers
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Tyler, Jenn, and Hayley haven't seen each other in two years. Now young adults, the three siblings hope to rekindle their bond on a reunion vacation to Key West. However, tensions begin to arise from deception, secrets, and the same open wound that drove them apart.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Young adulthood is weird; you have to pay your own taxes while still popping your own pimples. Plus, you're trying to figure out who you are, and making mistakes every step of the way.
With Changing Keys we wanted to explore this "quarter life crisis" stage through three incredibly messy siblings, who simply want to have a nice vacation and reconnect. Obviously, things don't go as planned.
The film largely takes place in Key West, a place director Jacob French fell in love with on a family vacation as a kid. It's a weird melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas; it's a place people pass through, and leave changed. Plus, it's absolutely beautiful. It's a perfect place for our characters to adventure to for their chaotic reunion.
Changing Keys is a labor of love by a group of recently graduated filmmakers. We wanted to create something that reflects our own journeys as young adults finding a place in the world, while also crafting a film that is both hilarious and deeply impactful.
We've already begun production, shooting many of our interior scenes locally in Rochester, NY (our home base for the film). Through our days thus far, the passion of everyone on set for telling this story and finding all of its nuances has been downright infectious.
Your donations will help us to continue making the film, covering expenses such as: equipment rentals, travel costs, meals for cast and crew, location fees, and film festival submissions.
We hope you'll consider supporting the next generation of up-and-coming new voices in the film industry!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $4,500
This money will go towards securing all the necessary filming locations.
Equipment
Costs $2,500
While we own most of the gear we'll need, there are still several important items that we need to purchase or rent
File Storage
Costs $2,800
This is the part nobody talks about... we have to store all our footage. Help!
Travel Fees
Costs $1,500
We will be driving down to Key West, and gas prices are crazy in this economy!
Film Festivals
Costs $500
This will help to get our film seen as far and wide as possible!
Production Design
Costs $400
We're saving a lot by strategically thrifting, but still need some money for props and costumes.
Food
Costs $1,400
Starving artists gotta eat!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jacob French (Writer/Director):
Jacob French (he/him) is an internationally recognized filmmaker with a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation, one of America's top film schools. With French's films, nothing is what it seems, as he blends tones and genres, crafting absurd stories with deeply felt emotional cores. With a lifelong love of storytelling and filmmaking dating back to first grade, he strives to go against the grain and keep audiences on their toes. His films have screened in festivals across several continents, in places such as Time Square, London, and Milan. You can find him on Instagram @thejacobfrench
Leigh LeFevre (Writer)
Leigh LeFevre is an actress and filmmaker from Batavia NY and has performed in numerous independent short films and voice over projects. She also works behind the scenes as a writer and director, and recently script supervised a feature film shot in Buffalo NY. Leigh dances with ROCeltic, a Rochester based Irish fusion dance company, with annual performances at the Fringe Festival. She volunteers in the community through the GLOW Region Cultural Planning Committee which is focused on developing arts, culture, and diversity in rural Western New York, and is a core member of the Production Round Table, a networking group for the film and media community based in Rochester.
Nash Snyder (Director of Photography)
Nash Snyder is a Cinematographer, Director, and Photographer, based in New York. He works across narrative, documentary, and commercial projects, with additional experience as a Gaffer, Assistant Camera, and anywhere else hands are needed to make a film. Nash recently graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s film program, where his senior thesis film Turn Table—a short centered on the Down syndrome community and Rochester’s local music scene—won Best Live Action Film (RIT 2025).
He's currently freelancing and looking for opportunities to collaborate on sets, in studios, or anywhere creative work is happening.
Amber Pintarich (Editor)
Amber Pintarich is an editor from Sciota, PA with a BA in Film Production from RIT. She has edited several short films ranging from ones she has created herself in workshops as well as a few fiction short films directed by other RIT students. Her work has been selected for film festivals, was in the SOFA honors show, and made it to the shortlist for the Adobe Digital Edge Awards.
Jenna Blakeslee (Producer)
Jenna Blakeslee has produced a growing slate of films, including "Club 1984" (2024), "Chicken House" (2025), "RUMBLE" (2025), and "I Love You Mommy". Through these projects, Jenna discovered her love and talent for the world of producing. She loves being there for her team, whether that means she’s writing emails a mile-a-minute, crunching numbers, or figuring out how to feed the crew on a dime—she’s got you covered.
Victoria Emiko Pendzick (Producer)
Victoria Emiko Pendzick (she/her) is a film student at the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Film Production with a focus in production design and producing. Since Victoria was seven years old, the arts have been a part of her life. She has gone from theatrical performances, to the fine arts, and recently into screenwriting. Now in film school, she’s ready to bring her unique ideas to the industry. Stories can change the world—this is something Victoria firmly believes to be true. It's her goal to use the art of storytelling not only to entertain, but to foster imagination and increase understanding of the world we live in.
Cameron Pereira (Production Designer)
Cameron Pereira is a fourth year graphic design student currently completing her BFA. She has been a part of many productions, both acting and working behind the scenes. Cameron is also a dancer and has performed in various dance shows, including on a Broadway stage. Graphic Design is her passion. IG: @art_cameronpereira
Sofia Carrera (Sound Designer):
Sofia Carrera is from Houston, TX, graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and is now located in Hartford, CT. What a journey! For as long as they can remember, they have always loved and preferred listening to media and music rather than watching it. As a result, they earned a degree in Film Production with a concentration in sound mixing and sound design. Additionally, they successfully pursued a minor in music and technology at RIT.
Nathan Blader (Colorist):
Nathan Blader is a cinematographer and colorist based out of NYC. He is a recent graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in film production, concentrating on cinematography. He has shot over a dozen short films and worked on dozens more in all departments. In addition, he has colored over ten films in the last two years. He can be found at @nateb.dp on Instagram or at nathanblader.com
Colin O'Brien (Composer):
Colin O'Brien has been studying music and playing in various groups for over 15 years. He is currently working at Wicked Squid Studios in Rochester, NY. Colin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film with a minor in Music and Technology from RIT. Colin's more recent works primarily lay in composition for film and other media, as well as experimental audio-visual pieces.
His work is constantly bouncing between genres and styles, helping every individual project find the right sound.
Colin bounces between Rochester, NY and Berkeley, CA, but his work has taken him to many great cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Young adulthood is weird; you have to pay your own taxes while still popping your own pimples. Plus, you're trying to figure out who you are, and making mistakes every step of the way.
With Changing Keys we wanted to explore this "quarter life crisis" stage through three incredibly messy siblings, who simply want to have a nice vacation and reconnect. Obviously, things don't go as planned.
The film largely takes place in Key West, a place director Jacob French fell in love with on a family vacation as a kid. It's a weird melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas; it's a place people pass through, and leave changed. Plus, it's absolutely beautiful. It's a perfect place for our characters to adventure to for their chaotic reunion.
Changing Keys is a labor of love by a group of recently graduated filmmakers. We wanted to create something that reflects our own journeys as young adults finding a place in the world, while also crafting a film that is both hilarious and deeply impactful.
We've already begun production, shooting many of our interior scenes locally in Rochester, NY (our home base for the film). Through our days thus far, the passion of everyone on set for telling this story and finding all of its nuances has been downright infectious.
Your donations will help us to continue making the film, covering expenses such as: equipment rentals, travel costs, meals for cast and crew, location fees, and film festival submissions.
We hope you'll consider supporting the next generation of up-and-coming new voices in the film industry!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Fees
Costs $4,500
This money will go towards securing all the necessary filming locations.
Equipment
Costs $2,500
While we own most of the gear we'll need, there are still several important items that we need to purchase or rent
File Storage
Costs $2,800
This is the part nobody talks about... we have to store all our footage. Help!
Travel Fees
Costs $1,500
We will be driving down to Key West, and gas prices are crazy in this economy!
Film Festivals
Costs $500
This will help to get our film seen as far and wide as possible!
Production Design
Costs $400
We're saving a lot by strategically thrifting, but still need some money for props and costumes.
Food
Costs $1,400
Starving artists gotta eat!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jacob French (Writer/Director):
Jacob French (he/him) is an internationally recognized filmmaker with a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation, one of America's top film schools. With French's films, nothing is what it seems, as he blends tones and genres, crafting absurd stories with deeply felt emotional cores. With a lifelong love of storytelling and filmmaking dating back to first grade, he strives to go against the grain and keep audiences on their toes. His films have screened in festivals across several continents, in places such as Time Square, London, and Milan. You can find him on Instagram @thejacobfrench
Leigh LeFevre (Writer)
Leigh LeFevre is an actress and filmmaker from Batavia NY and has performed in numerous independent short films and voice over projects. She also works behind the scenes as a writer and director, and recently script supervised a feature film shot in Buffalo NY. Leigh dances with ROCeltic, a Rochester based Irish fusion dance company, with annual performances at the Fringe Festival. She volunteers in the community through the GLOW Region Cultural Planning Committee which is focused on developing arts, culture, and diversity in rural Western New York, and is a core member of the Production Round Table, a networking group for the film and media community based in Rochester.
Nash Snyder (Director of Photography)
Nash Snyder is a Cinematographer, Director, and Photographer, based in New York. He works across narrative, documentary, and commercial projects, with additional experience as a Gaffer, Assistant Camera, and anywhere else hands are needed to make a film. Nash recently graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s film program, where his senior thesis film Turn Table—a short centered on the Down syndrome community and Rochester’s local music scene—won Best Live Action Film (RIT 2025).
He's currently freelancing and looking for opportunities to collaborate on sets, in studios, or anywhere creative work is happening.
Amber Pintarich (Editor)
Amber Pintarich is an editor from Sciota, PA with a BA in Film Production from RIT. She has edited several short films ranging from ones she has created herself in workshops as well as a few fiction short films directed by other RIT students. Her work has been selected for film festivals, was in the SOFA honors show, and made it to the shortlist for the Adobe Digital Edge Awards.
Jenna Blakeslee (Producer)
Jenna Blakeslee has produced a growing slate of films, including "Club 1984" (2024), "Chicken House" (2025), "RUMBLE" (2025), and "I Love You Mommy". Through these projects, Jenna discovered her love and talent for the world of producing. She loves being there for her team, whether that means she’s writing emails a mile-a-minute, crunching numbers, or figuring out how to feed the crew on a dime—she’s got you covered.
Victoria Emiko Pendzick (Producer)
Victoria Emiko Pendzick (she/her) is a film student at the Rochester Institute of Technology School of Film and Animation. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Film Production with a focus in production design and producing. Since Victoria was seven years old, the arts have been a part of her life. She has gone from theatrical performances, to the fine arts, and recently into screenwriting. Now in film school, she’s ready to bring her unique ideas to the industry. Stories can change the world—this is something Victoria firmly believes to be true. It's her goal to use the art of storytelling not only to entertain, but to foster imagination and increase understanding of the world we live in.
Cameron Pereira (Production Designer)
Cameron Pereira is a fourth year graphic design student currently completing her BFA. She has been a part of many productions, both acting and working behind the scenes. Cameron is also a dancer and has performed in various dance shows, including on a Broadway stage. Graphic Design is her passion. IG: @art_cameronpereira
Sofia Carrera (Sound Designer):
Sofia Carrera is from Houston, TX, graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and is now located in Hartford, CT. What a journey! For as long as they can remember, they have always loved and preferred listening to media and music rather than watching it. As a result, they earned a degree in Film Production with a concentration in sound mixing and sound design. Additionally, they successfully pursued a minor in music and technology at RIT.
Nathan Blader (Colorist):
Nathan Blader is a cinematographer and colorist based out of NYC. He is a recent graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in film production, concentrating on cinematography. He has shot over a dozen short films and worked on dozens more in all departments. In addition, he has colored over ten films in the last two years. He can be found at @nateb.dp on Instagram or at nathanblader.com
Colin O'Brien (Composer):
Colin O'Brien has been studying music and playing in various groups for over 15 years. He is currently working at Wicked Squid Studios in Rochester, NY. Colin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film with a minor in Music and Technology from RIT. Colin's more recent works primarily lay in composition for film and other media, as well as experimental audio-visual pieces.
His work is constantly bouncing between genres and styles, helping every individual project find the right sound.
Colin bounces between Rochester, NY and Berkeley, CA, but his work has taken him to many great cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin.