Audrey Weller, the writer/director of Cheat Fate, was once told by a psychic that she was going to break up with her girlfriend of three years. They’re still together, of course, but the concept makes for a great romantic comedy!

Cheat Fate follows Samantha and Vivian, a couple of twenty-somethings living on the Oregon Coast. The two visit a psychic medium over the summer who predicts their breakup by next spring. When the happy couple starts to experience trouble in paradise, they have to choose to either stay together… Or let the psychic win.

Vivian: She/her. Mid 20s. An aspiring theater actor with a lack of direction and affinity for partying. 

Samantha: She/her. Mid 20s. A perfectionist marine biology student with a side of superstitious whimsy.

Calypso: She/her. 60s. An aggressively New Jerseyan psychic who genuinely believes herself to be entwined with the forces of fate.

Andie: She/her. Mid 20s. A skeptic national parks worker, marine biologist, and Sam’s loving but honest BFF. 

Sloane: She/her. Mid 20s. A successful computer programmer with a side passion for theater, and Vivian’s best friend.

Luca: He/him. Mid 20s. A kind and understanding actor who is a huge fan of romance and an even huger fan of Andie.

The extended cast also includes Vivian’s house of affectionate family members, a flirtatious cowgirl, bumbling Valentines Mixer volunteers, and more!

After seeing film after film of heart-wrenching doomed relationships and the difficult journey to self-acceptance, Cheat Fate creator Audrey Weller sought to break from tradition and create a joyful genre film that centers Queer folks without centering their identity. As such, Sam and Vivian’s story is full of romance and comedy, with a sprinkling of interpersonal drama. If you miss cozy 90s and 2000s rom-coms, if you love the Pacific Northwest, or if you like a touch of mysticism in your movies? This film is for you! For comparable media, think Practical Magic, When Harry Met Sally, Mystic Pizza, and Hocus Pocus.

The diverse crew behind Cheat Fate initially formed when working on group projects in Portland State University film production classes. Since graduating, these young filmmakers have gathered a strong community and stuck together to prove their skills on numerous productions. This talented team is now eager to bring Audrey Weller’s delightful sense of storytelling to wider audiences with her first feature-length film!

When you support this production, you’re actively supporting the future of original storytelling and inclusivity both on screen and behind the scenes:

75% of our crew is female or non-binary

54% of our crew is Queer

41% of our crew are POC

Previous works from these collaborators include:

Where We Left Off - dir. Samantha Fabian

• First Place Winner - Portland State University School of Film Showcase
• Official Selection - Viking Film Festival
• Official Selection - Portland Under the Stars Festival

Paper Roses - dir. Jordan Thompson

• Official Selection - Viking Film Festival
• Official Selection - Silver Screen Film Festival
• Official Selection - Oregon Short Film Festival
• Official Selection - Saturn Returns Film Festival

Eden Avenue - dir. Jenine Dalusong

• Official Selection - Viking Film Festival

Ten Horns - dir. Dame Goya

• Official Selection - Viking Film Festival

I’m Sorry, But We’re Here to Take Back Your Life - dir. Perry Rachmuth

Début - dir. Audrey Weller

Due to the scale and expenses associated with getting a feature-length film off the ground, an estimated thirty day shoot across sixteen locations in Cheat Fate’s case, this project cannot exist without your help! It would mean the world if you would consider contributing to and sharing this fundraiser.

Our initial goal is to raise $10,000. This is the baseline amount needed to push Cheat Fate forward into on-set production this fall/winter. Your generous donations will help us cover essential expenses, which currently include:

Cast & Crew ($5,000)

Catering ($2,000)

Locations ($1,000)

Equipment ($750)

Costumes ($750)

Distribution ($500)

Additional funding beyond our baseline amount will allow us to make the production of Cheat Fate the very best it can be! Stretch goals for our budget are as follows:

$10,000 - The Essentials

• The minimum amount needed to get Cheat Fate off the ground

$20,000 - The Best Gear

• Access to higher quality camera, sound, and lighting equipment

$30,000 - Increased Payment for Crew

• Further compensation for our crew and their passionate work

$40,000 - Dream Locations and Festivals

• More elaborate sets and the means to submit to film festivals, plus travel to them

$60,000 - Competitive Payment for Cast and Crew

• Increased rates for the cast and crew that will allow for more flexible scheduling

We are also excited to be fiscally sponsored by From the Heart Productions, which means YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS OF ANY AMOUNT ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! Read this statement for details.

1. Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark

• Free and keeps you updated with our campaign’s progress, growing our audience with the chance to unlock Seed & Spark perks including a spotlight on the main page

2. Donate to our campaign on Seed & Spark

• Pledge cash, loan items, or select one of our awesome incentives by using the “Wishlist” tab at the top of this very page

3. Stay connected by following us on social media and share our posts to spread the word

• Visit our Instagram page (@cheat_fate_film)

4. Send this campaign to family and friends

• Text, email, DM, or post with #cheatfatefilm

5. Become a sponsor by providing meal catering, gear, or locations

• Email us at [email protected]

6. Audition for an acting role in the film

• Email our casting director at [email protected]

Thank you so much for your support. We look forward to embarking on our Cheat Fate adventure with you!