Culture Shock Pilot
Newark, New Jersey | Series
Comedy, Drama
Culture Shock seeks to reflect what it means to be one of the “firsts” in a space — the first Black girl, the first out queer student, the first one from a low-income background — and illustrate how that pressure can often make the pursuit of art more complex than freeing.
Culture Shock Pilot
Newark, New Jersey | Series
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,770 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
84 supporters | followers
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Culture Shock seeks to reflect what it means to be one of the “firsts” in a space — the first Black girl, the first out queer student, the first one from a low-income background — and illustrate how that pressure can often make the pursuit of art more complex than freeing.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What is Culture Shock?
A mockumentary comedy series that follows a wildly diverse group of BFA acting students trying to survive drama school, each other, and themselves.
Set at the fictional McLarty University, Culture Shock pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, cringey, and deeply funny experience of being young, ambitious, and trying way too hard to stand out… while desperately wanting to fit in. The show combines the dry, awkward humor of The Office with the heart of Abbott Elementary — all set within a performing arts program that has no idea how to handle the actual students it accepted.
This isn’t just a show about actors — it’s about identity, self-awareness, ego, performance offstage, and the discomfort of realizing you might be the problem… or worse, not even memorable enough to be one.
Characters – A Class You’ll Never Forget!
Steven
A suburban white kid who’s never been the minority in any room — until now. Steven wants to “do the work” and “be a good classmate,” but can’t quite shake his cluelessness. His journey isn’t about becoming woke overnight — it’s about realizing he doesn’t always need to be the main character.
Imani
A perfectionist with legacy pressure on her back — her mom’s a dean at the university, which only makes her imposter syndrome worse. She wants to be taken seriously, but doesn’t know what that actually looks like.
Amir
Chronically overlooked, always performing — whether he’s in the scene or not. Amir wants to be everyone’s favorite, but might be willing to sell himself out to get there.
Candace
Too sweet for her own good. Coddled and wide-eyed, Candace is convinced her one true love is in her class (he’s not), and she’s been waiting for the perfect moment to say something (she shouldn’t).
Isa
The glue of the friend group. She’s sarcastic, caring, and always caught in the middle — especially when people bring drama into the rehearsal room. Which they always do.
RJ
Effortlessly likable and genuinely well-meaning, RJ coasts on charm and good looks more than he realizes. He’s starting to feel the pressure to prove there’s more to him than just being cast-able — but for the first time, he’s not sure if he has the range or just the jawline. Underneath his easygoing vibe is someone trying to figure out how to stand out without performing someone else’s idea of “serious.”
Victor
Once a sweetheart, now the loudest personality in the room — for no reason. Victor reinvented himself in college and became the class clown… but what’s he trying to cover up?
Rosa
She doesn’t talk. Ever. But she says everything with a look. Rosa is the most mysterious person in the program, and somehow she’s always where the drama is… usually judging from a corner.
Billy
A white SoundCloud rapper who considers himself “down” and calls everyone “fam.” He’s full of himself, yet weirdly magnetic. Unfortunately for all of us, Sally is in love with him.
Sally
Deeply obsessed with Billy. Like… borderline unwell. But in a “rooting for her anyway” kind of way. Sally lives in a world of delusions, ambition, and musical theatre monologues.
Carly
The teacher’s pet who wants to seem chill but has everything planned 5 years ahead. Closeted, competitive, and constantly curating her image — Carly is chaos dressed like calm.
Ray
Always high. Always watching. Always funnier than anyone gives him credit for. Ray is the quiet MVP, and if you look closely, you’ll notice… he and Rosa have a thing going on.
Why This Story Matters?
Culture Shock isn’t just a comedy — it’s a commentary. A mockumentary built on uncomfortable truths, self-awareness, and hilariously flawed characters navigating a creative world that wasn’t really built for all of them.
At its core, Culture Shock explores what happens when a performing arts institution welcomes diversity… but doesn’t quite know what to do with it. It reflects what it means to be one of the “firsts” in a space — the first Black girl, the first out queer student, the first one from a low-income background — and how that pressure can make the pursuit of art more complex than freeing.
For students of color, queer kids, and anyone who’s ever felt like a “diversity pick,” this show provides a mirror. It explores the tension between wanting to be yourself and needing to perform — not just onstage, but in life. It’s about surviving the microaggressions, the unspoken expectations, and the constant code-switching… all while trying to act natural.
But it’s also a love letter to those who make something beautiful out of discomfort. To those who keep showing up, speaking out, and laughing through the awkwardness. Because Culture Shock proves that discomfort doesn’t just create great art — it creates transformation.
This story matters because these stories haven’t been told like this before — with honesty, with comedy, and with characters who feel like people you actually know.
How We’ll Use the Money:
We’re currently raising $5,000 through our Seed & Spark campaign to bring the pilot of Culture Shock to life. Every dollar goes directly into building a professional, high-quality production — while paying and protecting the people making it possible.
Here’s where your contribution goes:
Camera & Lighting Rentals:
- To ensure our pilot looks sharp, cinematic, and professional — even in a mockumentary style.
Set Design & Props:
- We’re transforming real locations into apartments, rehearsal spaces, and drama classrooms.
Location Costs (Studio & Airbnb):
- Studio 1200 is locked. We’re working to secure a lived-in, naturalistic Airbnb space for additional scenes.
Cast & Crew Meals:
- Long shoot days mean keeping our team nourished and energized — everyone eats, always.
Crew Support & Stipends:
- We’re assembling a passionate, talented, and diverse crew. Your donations help us honor their time and talent.
Insurance & Safety:
- Because everyone deserves to feel protected on set — physically and professionally.
Why It Matters
We’re not waiting for permission to tell this story.
With your support, Culture Shock won’t just be a pilot — it’ll be a proof-of-concept for a series that amplifies young, real, dynamic voices in the creative world.
Let’s make it happen.
Together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sony FX6 Rental X2
Costs $1,500
This would be what we'd be shooting the entirety of the tv series on to ensure high quality footage for audiences viewing pleasure.
Aperature Light 600c Pro Rental X3
Costs $1,500
To ensure all scenes are lit properly to mimic a natural college campus
Locations (Studio Space)
Costs $700
This is pivotal for us in order to capture accurately the story of “Culture Shock” we need access to these specific locations.
Food- Crafty/Catering
Costs $1,000
It’s extremely important that our actors and crew are fed throughout the long shoot days we’ll be having
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Khalil Louigene is a Haitian American storyteller, actor, and filmmaker with a passion for exploring identity, representation, and the nuances of culture through comedy and drama. He earned his BFA in Theatre from Montclair State University, where he spent four years immersed in the highs and lows of a rigorous acting program. As the youngest of five siblings and the only one to pursue the arts, Khalil found solace and purpose in performance, using it as both an escape and a means to connect with others.
The idea for Culture Shock was born out of late-night conversations and endless reminiscing with longtime friend Donovan Lee. The two met in college and bonded over the wacky, unpredictable experience of navigating a diverse yet chaotic BFA program, where raw talent, ambition, and cultural clashes created an environment unlike any other. While Khalil was already accustomed to being in diverse spaces, Donovan, coming from a predominantly white background, found himself experiencing a real-life culture shock as he learned to navigate a community unlike any he had known before. Their shared experiences—laughing at the absurdity of being in an acting BFA program, questioning the industry's biases, and embracing the beauty of creative collaboration—became the foundation for Culture Shock: a show that captures the humor, struggles, and triumphs of young artists trying to carve out their place in an industry that doesn’t always make room for them.
With Culture Shock, Khalil and his fellow writers Edmillie Binet, Zitlali Marcial, Donovan Lee, and Dennis Velasco aim to tell an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt story about what it means to be an artist, an outsider, and, ultimately, a person searching for belonging in a world that often demands you conform.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What is Culture Shock?
A mockumentary comedy series that follows a wildly diverse group of BFA acting students trying to survive drama school, each other, and themselves.
Set at the fictional McLarty University, Culture Shock pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, cringey, and deeply funny experience of being young, ambitious, and trying way too hard to stand out… while desperately wanting to fit in. The show combines the dry, awkward humor of The Office with the heart of Abbott Elementary — all set within a performing arts program that has no idea how to handle the actual students it accepted.
This isn’t just a show about actors — it’s about identity, self-awareness, ego, performance offstage, and the discomfort of realizing you might be the problem… or worse, not even memorable enough to be one.
Characters – A Class You’ll Never Forget!
Steven
A suburban white kid who’s never been the minority in any room — until now. Steven wants to “do the work” and “be a good classmate,” but can’t quite shake his cluelessness. His journey isn’t about becoming woke overnight — it’s about realizing he doesn’t always need to be the main character.
Imani
A perfectionist with legacy pressure on her back — her mom’s a dean at the university, which only makes her imposter syndrome worse. She wants to be taken seriously, but doesn’t know what that actually looks like.
Amir
Chronically overlooked, always performing — whether he’s in the scene or not. Amir wants to be everyone’s favorite, but might be willing to sell himself out to get there.
Candace
Too sweet for her own good. Coddled and wide-eyed, Candace is convinced her one true love is in her class (he’s not), and she’s been waiting for the perfect moment to say something (she shouldn’t).
Isa
The glue of the friend group. She’s sarcastic, caring, and always caught in the middle — especially when people bring drama into the rehearsal room. Which they always do.
RJ
Effortlessly likable and genuinely well-meaning, RJ coasts on charm and good looks more than he realizes. He’s starting to feel the pressure to prove there’s more to him than just being cast-able — but for the first time, he’s not sure if he has the range or just the jawline. Underneath his easygoing vibe is someone trying to figure out how to stand out without performing someone else’s idea of “serious.”
Victor
Once a sweetheart, now the loudest personality in the room — for no reason. Victor reinvented himself in college and became the class clown… but what’s he trying to cover up?
Rosa
She doesn’t talk. Ever. But she says everything with a look. Rosa is the most mysterious person in the program, and somehow she’s always where the drama is… usually judging from a corner.
Billy
A white SoundCloud rapper who considers himself “down” and calls everyone “fam.” He’s full of himself, yet weirdly magnetic. Unfortunately for all of us, Sally is in love with him.
Sally
Deeply obsessed with Billy. Like… borderline unwell. But in a “rooting for her anyway” kind of way. Sally lives in a world of delusions, ambition, and musical theatre monologues.
Carly
The teacher’s pet who wants to seem chill but has everything planned 5 years ahead. Closeted, competitive, and constantly curating her image — Carly is chaos dressed like calm.
Ray
Always high. Always watching. Always funnier than anyone gives him credit for. Ray is the quiet MVP, and if you look closely, you’ll notice… he and Rosa have a thing going on.
Why This Story Matters?
Culture Shock isn’t just a comedy — it’s a commentary. A mockumentary built on uncomfortable truths, self-awareness, and hilariously flawed characters navigating a creative world that wasn’t really built for all of them.
At its core, Culture Shock explores what happens when a performing arts institution welcomes diversity… but doesn’t quite know what to do with it. It reflects what it means to be one of the “firsts” in a space — the first Black girl, the first out queer student, the first one from a low-income background — and how that pressure can make the pursuit of art more complex than freeing.
For students of color, queer kids, and anyone who’s ever felt like a “diversity pick,” this show provides a mirror. It explores the tension between wanting to be yourself and needing to perform — not just onstage, but in life. It’s about surviving the microaggressions, the unspoken expectations, and the constant code-switching… all while trying to act natural.
But it’s also a love letter to those who make something beautiful out of discomfort. To those who keep showing up, speaking out, and laughing through the awkwardness. Because Culture Shock proves that discomfort doesn’t just create great art — it creates transformation.
This story matters because these stories haven’t been told like this before — with honesty, with comedy, and with characters who feel like people you actually know.
How We’ll Use the Money:
We’re currently raising $5,000 through our Seed & Spark campaign to bring the pilot of Culture Shock to life. Every dollar goes directly into building a professional, high-quality production — while paying and protecting the people making it possible.
Here’s where your contribution goes:
Camera & Lighting Rentals:
- To ensure our pilot looks sharp, cinematic, and professional — even in a mockumentary style.
Set Design & Props:
- We’re transforming real locations into apartments, rehearsal spaces, and drama classrooms.
Location Costs (Studio & Airbnb):
- Studio 1200 is locked. We’re working to secure a lived-in, naturalistic Airbnb space for additional scenes.
Cast & Crew Meals:
- Long shoot days mean keeping our team nourished and energized — everyone eats, always.
Crew Support & Stipends:
- We’re assembling a passionate, talented, and diverse crew. Your donations help us honor their time and talent.
Insurance & Safety:
- Because everyone deserves to feel protected on set — physically and professionally.
Why It Matters
We’re not waiting for permission to tell this story.
With your support, Culture Shock won’t just be a pilot — it’ll be a proof-of-concept for a series that amplifies young, real, dynamic voices in the creative world.
Let’s make it happen.
Together.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sony FX6 Rental X2
Costs $1,500
This would be what we'd be shooting the entirety of the tv series on to ensure high quality footage for audiences viewing pleasure.
Aperature Light 600c Pro Rental X3
Costs $1,500
To ensure all scenes are lit properly to mimic a natural college campus
Locations (Studio Space)
Costs $700
This is pivotal for us in order to capture accurately the story of “Culture Shock” we need access to these specific locations.
Food- Crafty/Catering
Costs $1,000
It’s extremely important that our actors and crew are fed throughout the long shoot days we’ll be having
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Khalil Louigene is a Haitian American storyteller, actor, and filmmaker with a passion for exploring identity, representation, and the nuances of culture through comedy and drama. He earned his BFA in Theatre from Montclair State University, where he spent four years immersed in the highs and lows of a rigorous acting program. As the youngest of five siblings and the only one to pursue the arts, Khalil found solace and purpose in performance, using it as both an escape and a means to connect with others.
The idea for Culture Shock was born out of late-night conversations and endless reminiscing with longtime friend Donovan Lee. The two met in college and bonded over the wacky, unpredictable experience of navigating a diverse yet chaotic BFA program, where raw talent, ambition, and cultural clashes created an environment unlike any other. While Khalil was already accustomed to being in diverse spaces, Donovan, coming from a predominantly white background, found himself experiencing a real-life culture shock as he learned to navigate a community unlike any he had known before. Their shared experiences—laughing at the absurdity of being in an acting BFA program, questioning the industry's biases, and embracing the beauty of creative collaboration—became the foundation for Culture Shock: a show that captures the humor, struggles, and triumphs of young artists trying to carve out their place in an industry that doesn’t always make room for them.
With Culture Shock, Khalil and his fellow writers Edmillie Binet, Zitlali Marcial, Donovan Lee, and Dennis Velasco aim to tell an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt story about what it means to be an artist, an outsider, and, ultimately, a person searching for belonging in a world that often demands you conform.