CongestedCat Shorts
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
Christina Raia & Kelsey Rauber, creators of critically acclaimed web series 'Kelsey' and members of CongestedCat Productions, are back with 2 new shorts. Both focus on the bond between siblings, and address the theme of letting go. Help Christina & Kelsey make these relatable & touching short films.
CongestedCat Shorts
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
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This campaign raised $24,020 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Christina Raia & Kelsey Rauber, creators of critically acclaimed web series 'Kelsey' and members of CongestedCat Productions, are back with 2 new shorts. Both focus on the bond between siblings, and address the theme of letting go. Help Christina & Kelsey make these relatable & touching short films.
In Partnership With
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
The Story
"Not Our Living Room" was originally written by Kelsey as a therapeutic outlet without having any intentions of taking it to the screen. Kelsey's sister ended up in the hospital over last Christmas holiday, which sparked this emotional piece as a coping mechanism.
When she showed the script to Christina, Christina saw potential in it for a short film. The characters resonated with her and the story allowed for new visual realms she had not yet explored in cinema. She decided to come on board as director and co-producer with Kelsey.
What Christina found most interesting about the screenplay was that Kelsey chose to make the characters male. It allowed for her & Kelsey to break stereotypes in terms of the portrayal of masculinity and expressing affection, which she liked, but she couldn't help but be dissatisfied with the lack of women in what would be their next creative endeavor. She proposed the idea to Kelsey that they do two shorts, companion pieces, with the other being about two sisters.
After gladly accepting this proposal, Kelsey proceeded to write a couple of scripts about two sisters, none of which felt quite right. It wasn't until she received the news that she'd have difficulties ever having children, that she put emotions to paper and wrote the final script that became "We Had Plans." Christina loved the originality of the idea, and that it came from such a personal place for Kelsey. She appreciated the depth it gave her to play with subtext visually, and is so looking forward to bringing that to the screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Compact HD - Canon EOS C300
Costs $300
A high-end compact camera offering quality imagery and a lightweight feel for effective moving shots
Accessories - Follow Focus
Costs $35
Gotta keep that image sharp so we can properly capture the actors' performances.
Accessories - Filters
Costs $10
Filters help us capture a beautiful picture in spite of undesirable weather conditions.
Accessories - Matteboxes
Costs $35
Must protect the lens from glares and keep the image looking sleek.
Lenses COOKE PANCHROS (18mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm)
Costs $350
The best camera needs high-quality lenses to capture the highest quality image.
GRIP KIT (Small): C-Stands
Costs $40
Holds up light modifiers to keep the picture looking crisp.
MoVI Rental
Costs $260
The most cutting edge in camera movement. We make innovative film & aim to use innovative technology
Crew Day Rates
Costs $4,500
Paying our skilled crew for their hardwork & commitment. These films couldn't be made without them!
Editor, Colorist, VFX
Costs $1,000
We have to finish the film! Can't do it without them & their intricate crafts.
Composer, Sound Editor/Designer
Costs $1,000
Sound is one of the most important parts of how audiences experience film.
Cast & Crew Housing
Costs $1,000
Sleep, what's sleep? We'll need a place for everyone to crash after long hours on location.
Production Insurance
Costs $1,700
Rental & Location Insurance. Like my mom always says, better to be safe than sorry.
Location Rental Fee
Costs $2,000
A large secluded house & livingroom. Already have reserved, just need to pay them!
Festival Fees
Costs $1,000
We have to put our best feet forward and keep working to build our audience.
Prop Package
Costs $600
Props & Set Dressing to fully develop the environment the characters are in.
Handheld Rig
Costs $60
To be able to move freely with the camera & capture intimate moments between characters.
Gas
Costs $1,110
If only we could ride our bikes EVERYWHERE! Multiple cars & 20 people to commute.
Share this update!
About This Team
Christina Raia - Director/Producer
A New York City based Writer/Director and the Co-Founder of CongestedCat Productions, LLC. She graduated with honors from Hunter College in 2012 with a BA in Film Studies & Production. She has completed six independently produced short films and a handful of comedy sketches, all as writer, director and producer. She wrapped production on her first feature film, Summit, in February of 2013. It will be submitted to festivals in Summer 2014. Shortly after wrapping Summit, she directed and co-produced the web series "Kelsey," written by Kelsey Rauber. Since premiering in September 2013, the series has garnered an exceptional amount of hits and rave reviews by Critics. Her work has made official selection at festivals across the country in the past two years, including the NexTV Festival, Laff Vegas Comedy Festival, New York City Screenplay Contest, East Harlem Film Festival, International Film Festival of Manhattan, Faux Film Fest, Dark Comedy Festival, Laugh or Die Fest, New Jersey HorrorFest and the Macabre Faire Film Fest . Her work and approach as a writer/director have been covered in mainstream and film media, including the Examiner, Indiewire, BuzzFeed, AfterEllen, Chatham Courier, New York Filmmakers and New York Cine Radio.
Kelsey Rauber - Writer/Producer
A New York City-based screenwriter and an integral member of CongestedCat Productions. She was named Grand Prize Winner in the comedy division for her feature “About a Donkey” by the 2012 New York Screenplay Contest. That same screenplay was also a semi-finaist in the 2013 LA Comedy Shorts Festival. She is the writer and co-creator of the comedic web series "Kelsey," which premiered on blip.tv in September 2013 to rave reviews and consistent press coverage, including as a Critic’s Pick and named one of the best comedy web series of 2013 by Indiewire.
Chris Carroll - CongestedCat Productions Co-Founder
Does visual design, photography/videography, branding and graphics for the company and this campaign.
Peter Westervelt - Director of Photography
A New York City-based Cinematographer who worked on 'Kelsey' and Christina's latest short "Juice It," in addition to various other projects with local filmmakers.
Lauren A. Kennedy - Playing Elizabeth in "We Had Plans."
Rob Ceriello - Playing Jake in "Not Our Living Room"
Gwen Alber - Playing Diana in "We Had Plans"
Adam Jepsen - Playing Chris in "Not Our Living Room"
Jordan Roberts - Editor
Matt Gershowitz – Assistant Director
Erin Clayton – Assistant Camera
Adam Deen – Assistant Camera
Valentina Vicent – Art Director
Rashida Bolden - Hair & Makeup
Colin Petty – Sound
Ryan Kramer – Script Supervisor
Gabriela Brum – Production Assistant
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
The Story
"Not Our Living Room" was originally written by Kelsey as a therapeutic outlet without having any intentions of taking it to the screen. Kelsey's sister ended up in the hospital over last Christmas holiday, which sparked this emotional piece as a coping mechanism.
When she showed the script to Christina, Christina saw potential in it for a short film. The characters resonated with her and the story allowed for new visual realms she had not yet explored in cinema. She decided to come on board as director and co-producer with Kelsey.
What Christina found most interesting about the screenplay was that Kelsey chose to make the characters male. It allowed for her & Kelsey to break stereotypes in terms of the portrayal of masculinity and expressing affection, which she liked, but she couldn't help but be dissatisfied with the lack of women in what would be their next creative endeavor. She proposed the idea to Kelsey that they do two shorts, companion pieces, with the other being about two sisters.
After gladly accepting this proposal, Kelsey proceeded to write a couple of scripts about two sisters, none of which felt quite right. It wasn't until she received the news that she'd have difficulties ever having children, that she put emotions to paper and wrote the final script that became "We Had Plans." Christina loved the originality of the idea, and that it came from such a personal place for Kelsey. She appreciated the depth it gave her to play with subtext visually, and is so looking forward to bringing that to the screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Compact HD - Canon EOS C300
Costs $300
A high-end compact camera offering quality imagery and a lightweight feel for effective moving shots
Accessories - Follow Focus
Costs $35
Gotta keep that image sharp so we can properly capture the actors' performances.
Accessories - Filters
Costs $10
Filters help us capture a beautiful picture in spite of undesirable weather conditions.
Accessories - Matteboxes
Costs $35
Must protect the lens from glares and keep the image looking sleek.
Lenses COOKE PANCHROS (18mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm)
Costs $350
The best camera needs high-quality lenses to capture the highest quality image.
GRIP KIT (Small): C-Stands
Costs $40
Holds up light modifiers to keep the picture looking crisp.
MoVI Rental
Costs $260
The most cutting edge in camera movement. We make innovative film & aim to use innovative technology
Crew Day Rates
Costs $4,500
Paying our skilled crew for their hardwork & commitment. These films couldn't be made without them!
Editor, Colorist, VFX
Costs $1,000
We have to finish the film! Can't do it without them & their intricate crafts.
Composer, Sound Editor/Designer
Costs $1,000
Sound is one of the most important parts of how audiences experience film.
Cast & Crew Housing
Costs $1,000
Sleep, what's sleep? We'll need a place for everyone to crash after long hours on location.
Production Insurance
Costs $1,700
Rental & Location Insurance. Like my mom always says, better to be safe than sorry.
Location Rental Fee
Costs $2,000
A large secluded house & livingroom. Already have reserved, just need to pay them!
Festival Fees
Costs $1,000
We have to put our best feet forward and keep working to build our audience.
Prop Package
Costs $600
Props & Set Dressing to fully develop the environment the characters are in.
Handheld Rig
Costs $60
To be able to move freely with the camera & capture intimate moments between characters.
Gas
Costs $1,110
If only we could ride our bikes EVERYWHERE! Multiple cars & 20 people to commute.
Share this update!
About This Team
Christina Raia - Director/Producer
A New York City based Writer/Director and the Co-Founder of CongestedCat Productions, LLC. She graduated with honors from Hunter College in 2012 with a BA in Film Studies & Production. She has completed six independently produced short films and a handful of comedy sketches, all as writer, director and producer. She wrapped production on her first feature film, Summit, in February of 2013. It will be submitted to festivals in Summer 2014. Shortly after wrapping Summit, she directed and co-produced the web series "Kelsey," written by Kelsey Rauber. Since premiering in September 2013, the series has garnered an exceptional amount of hits and rave reviews by Critics. Her work has made official selection at festivals across the country in the past two years, including the NexTV Festival, Laff Vegas Comedy Festival, New York City Screenplay Contest, East Harlem Film Festival, International Film Festival of Manhattan, Faux Film Fest, Dark Comedy Festival, Laugh or Die Fest, New Jersey HorrorFest and the Macabre Faire Film Fest . Her work and approach as a writer/director have been covered in mainstream and film media, including the Examiner, Indiewire, BuzzFeed, AfterEllen, Chatham Courier, New York Filmmakers and New York Cine Radio.
Kelsey Rauber - Writer/Producer
A New York City-based screenwriter and an integral member of CongestedCat Productions. She was named Grand Prize Winner in the comedy division for her feature “About a Donkey” by the 2012 New York Screenplay Contest. That same screenplay was also a semi-finaist in the 2013 LA Comedy Shorts Festival. She is the writer and co-creator of the comedic web series "Kelsey," which premiered on blip.tv in September 2013 to rave reviews and consistent press coverage, including as a Critic’s Pick and named one of the best comedy web series of 2013 by Indiewire.
Chris Carroll - CongestedCat Productions Co-Founder
Does visual design, photography/videography, branding and graphics for the company and this campaign.
Peter Westervelt - Director of Photography
A New York City-based Cinematographer who worked on 'Kelsey' and Christina's latest short "Juice It," in addition to various other projects with local filmmakers.
Lauren A. Kennedy - Playing Elizabeth in "We Had Plans."
Rob Ceriello - Playing Jake in "Not Our Living Room"
Gwen Alber - Playing Diana in "We Had Plans"
Adam Jepsen - Playing Chris in "Not Our Living Room"
Jordan Roberts - Editor
Matt Gershowitz – Assistant Director
Erin Clayton – Assistant Camera
Adam Deen – Assistant Camera
Valentina Vicent – Art Director
Rashida Bolden - Hair & Makeup
Colin Petty – Sound
Ryan Kramer – Script Supervisor
Gabriela Brum – Production Assistant