Dumpster Fire
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
Ever faced tough days? Whether bills, heartache, or exams stress you, remember: You're doing your best. Our project offers relief—help us make a difference! You are NOT alone.
Dumpster Fire
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $6,458 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
58 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Ever faced tough days? Whether bills, heartache, or exams stress you, remember: You're doing your best. Our project offers relief—help us make a difference! You are NOT alone.
In Partnership With
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
“Dumpster Fire” is an upcoming dark comedy short film that was written by director and executive producer, Natalie Rodriguez.
"Dumpster Fire" is a dark comedy short film that brings to light the struggles and dreams of everyday people. Inspired by the TV show "The Bear," the story follows Trisha, an actor balancing survival jobs and dreams in LA. Her encounter with Sewer Bob, a homeless man with a unique outlook, sparks a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Natalie Rodriguez is the writer, director, and producer of "Dumpster Fire," driven by a passion for storytelling that reflects the human experience. This project is Natalie’s dedication to sharing meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences.
Why This Project?
"Dumpster Fire" is a story for our times, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams amidst life's challenges. It's a reminder that hope and strength can be found in unexpected places, resonating deeply with viewers.
Why Now?
In today's world, where many face personal and societal challenges, "Dumpster Fire" offers a message of resilience and hope. Now is the perfect moment to share this story, inspiring audiences to find their own strength and purpose.
Were Are We in the Process?
Our team is in the exciting pre-production phase, with a finalized script and rehearsals underway. Your support will help us move into production, bringing "Dumpster Fire" to life on screen.
How Does This Campaign Move Our Project Forward?
Funds raised will go towards production, post-production, and marketing efforts. This includes hiring talented individuals, securing filming locations, and promoting the film to a wider audience.
What is the Plan for This Film?
Once completed, "Dumpster Fire" will be submitted to film festivals and promoted through various channels. We aim to host screenings and share the film with as many people as possible.
Stretch Goals:
If we surpass our funding goal, we'll use additional funds to enhance the film's production value, ensuring a high-quality and impactful final product.
Join us on this journey by pledging your support to "Dumpster Fire" today. Follow us on social media for exclusive updates and share our campaign with your network. Together, we can bring this important story to life and inspire others along the way.
Previous Work and Ongoing Collaboration:
Filmmaking is not just about creating stories; it is about the incredible people you meet along the way!
The team behind "Dumpster Fire" is a close-knit group who have collaborated on multiple projects, driven by a shared passion for storytelling.
Director and writer Natalie Rodriguez, along with leading lady and producer Alexandra Almendarez, have already worked together on three projects. Most recently, they completed production on a 2D animated short film, a direct sequel to the beloved "Matty Cat."
Where Does Your Contribution Go?
Ever wonder how your support impacts our project? Here is a breakdown:
40% goes to Production: This ensures we can hire and compensate talented individuals and secure a recording room for top-notch sound production.
50% is for Post-Production: This phase is crucial for achieving our desired results. We'll hire an editor, sound designer, and colorist who share our passion. Tasks include animation, editing, special effects, sound mixing, and color correction. We will also create a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) file for festival screenings, optimizing technical aspects for a flawless presentation.
10% is for Marketing and Publicity: We will cover fees for film festival submissions, purchase tickets, and advertise in festival newsletters and magazines. Additionally, we plan to create merchandise like posters and stickers to promote the project.
Your contribution makes a huge difference in bringing "Dumpster Fire" to life! Thank you for your support.
How can you stay connected?
Stay in the loop with our exciting journey by joining us behind the scenes of the making of "Dumpster Fire"! Follow us on Instagram @extraordpictures and on Facebook @extraordpicturesllc for exclusive sneak peeks and updates!
All the best,
Alexandra Almendarez, Extraordinary Pictures, and Take the World
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props
Costs $300
Donations bring characters to life on screen, adding depth. Your support elevates film quality for immersive experiences.
Gear
Costs $5,000
A skilled film crew brings projects to life, ensuring professional execution, enhancing storytelling, and elevating production quality.
Costumes
Costs $300
Costumes define characters, eras, and enhance storytelling in films, shaping memorable on-screen experiences.
Hair and Makeup Kit
Costs $260
Makeup and hair kits transform actors, set tones, ensure continuity, and enhance storytelling authenticity on film sets.
Location
Costs $1,000
Permits for filming locations ensure legal compliance, smooth operations, and enhance production quality.
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Production team:
Alexandra Almendarez - Talent and Producer on Dumpster Fire
First off, thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I’m excited to play the role of Trish in the short film “Dumpster Fire” by the talented Natalie Rodriguez. My name is Alexandra Almendarez and I’m an actress, singer, and salsa dancer based in Los Angeles. I’m represented by Sapphire Entertainment Management (LA/NY) and JVC Talent Agency (LA) across the board. I recently wrapped an independent feature film as the lead role, which is coming out in 2023, and have a couple of other projects in the pipeline for early next year. I’ve also produced, written, cast, and acted in my own material over the past few years. Some additional credits include a recurring role on “CoComelon” as Nina’s Mom (Netflix – Season 5, Spotify, and YouTube); modeling an outfit inspired by Jennifer Lopez on “The Real Daytime Talk Show” (FOX), session-singing for the Grammy-nominated Melissa Manchester on her album, “You Gotta Love the Life,” and national ads for brands such as Uber, Starbucks, Best Friends Animal Society, and Bearpaw. I’ve booked as the lead dancer for the Grammy-nominated Mariachi Sol de Mexico for their track, “Por Una Cabeza.” I’ve also been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and Voyage LA: Rising Stars.
My education includes a background in musical theater, vocal performance, and vocal coaching, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State Fullerton, with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management. I currently take Scene Study with James Ciccone online at the Actors Axiom (NY) and privately coach with Colleen Basis and Blythe Howard (LA). I’ve also previously studied Audition Technique with Jo-Ann Pantoja at the Annie Grindlay Studio (LA).
I started pursuing a career in TV/Film in 2017, but my artistic journey began when I joined the school choir at 9 years old, and the rest is history. From then on, I was in choir and drama club, started creative writing and later enrolled in AP English classes, and was also a member of the Speech and Debate Club, where I won several awards in all areas. I was very fortunate to have those opportunities, and with a lot of hard work, dedication and support, I graduated high school in the top 10% of my class while also working part-time.
After high school, I attended Cal State University, Fullerton, where in my first year I was a music major for voice. I ended up switching majors a few times over the years and decided to get a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management, which has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. At the same time, I was also in the Citrus Singers Program at Citrus College, where I studied voice, acting, and dance. During my time there I was a featured soloist, section leader and student director of the program. In addition to attending two schools simultaneously, I was also working part-time in food service and maintained other jobs throughout, such as tutoring math and reading, as well as various jobs behind the scenes. Some of those include interning at a company that does Public Relations for the Emmys and Oscars, in which I solely hosted a screening for the movie “CAKE” at the Dolby Screening Room, managing at a restaurant, and also stage managing for showcases and special events, namely assistant managing for Disney’s celebration of the Lunar New Year for the Gu Gu Drum Group.
In my free time, I enjoy salsa dancing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I also substitute teach as a vocal coach, work as a hostess at a restaurant, and also work as a server for industry events for film and television. I recently became a Godmother to my niece Geselle, which has been an amazing experience. I’m also binge-watching a lot of TV shows (who isn’t?!), which include but are not limited to Bosch, Mayans, Jane the Virgin, SWAT, the Lincoln Lawyer, FBI, and Law and Order. Some of my favorite books/plays include The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor, Confessions of Women from East L.A. by Josefina Lopez, and Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez. I also enjoy traveling abroad and have been to Germany, France, the Netherlands, England, China, and the Czech Republic.
One of my favorite quotes is, “When hard work meets opportunity, destiny happens.” We all have our own gifts, and with practice, dedication, and a strong support system, we can reach our full potential, but we have to be willing to do the work. And more importantly, we must let go of the fear of not being perfect and just begin, we can’t hold ourselves back. We owe it to ourselves to follow our destiny and give it our all.
Here’s to making art! Excited to dive into this role with the cast and crew of “Dumpster Fire.”
Follow me on Instagram at @iamalexandraalmendarez and www.alexandraalmendarez.com
Taylor Box - Talent on Dumpster Fire
Taylor Box is an award-nominated Television and Film Actor. He is best known for his roles as Shoe in the viral web series Boytalk, Jake in the short film Musical Salvation, and Doc in the UnNatural supernatural western movie franchise. He is a natural story teller and enjoys the ability to express his inner truth through characters and stories that connect with the the inner truth of others.
Natalie Rodriguez - Director, Writer & Producer on Dumpster Fire
Natalie Rodriguez is an award-winning director, screenwriter, author, and mental health advocate based in Los Angeles. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television-Film. Natalie's early entertainment experiences include internships at the Conan O'Brien show and Peter Guber's Mandalay Pictures, where she worked with producers Matthew Rhodes and Cathy Schulman.
Natalie has been a panelist at events hosted by Google, Hispanicize, L.A. Comic Con, Ontario Revolution Con, and YouTube, where she shared her experiences as a female writer and filmmaker. She has written for publications including the HuffPost Blog, Thrive Global, Anxiety Resource Center, NowThis News, Hello Giggles, and The Mighty.
In 2017, she founded Extraordinary Pictures, a production company focusing on films, television, digital series, and social issue projects. Natalie's first directorial feature films, "The Extraordinary Ordinary" and "Howard Original," began as short films and have screened at various festivals. She also wrote and produced both projects, available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Roku, Tubi, and others.
Natalie's screenplays and films have been recognized at festivals including HollyShorts Film Festival, NALIP: Latino Lens Film Festival, Shorts TV, Stage 32: Comedy Screenplay, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Hollywood Screenplay Contest, and Table Read My Screenplay - Austin Film Festival. Her young adult thriller book series, "Elephant," was published during the pandemic and was a finalist at Clare Books' the Binge-Watching Cure II contest for 'Best Novel.' Natalie also adapted her directorial feature film, "The Extraordinary Ordinary," into a New Adult novel, available in eBook and paperback formats.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and watching horror films. She is also active in the comic and horror convention scene.
For updates on her projects, visit her social media pages at linktr.ee/extraordpictures.
Kevin M. Keeling - Producer, 1AD, and Line Producer on Dumpster Fire
With a background and education in mathematics and management, I might seem out of place in the film industry. But I’ve found that the skills garnered as a project manager and studying formulas have helped me the most on set.
After graduating from New York University, I spent several years working in project coordination and management in New York, eventually making my way out to Los Angeles. Though I was working consistently, I was slowly growing dissatisfied with the projects I was working on, and just before I planned to quit, the pandemic shut down my company. My partner encouraged me to join her in filmmaking, and I came to realize I had an aptitude for Assistant Directing and Producing.
Since then, my partner has taught me everything she knows about filmmaking, and I’ve paired that with my skills in management to effectively and efficiently run productions. To get more time on sets, I obtained my COVID Compliance Certification and began working on films and television shows, steadily getting accustomed to the etiquette and lingo.
I’ve now had the opportunity to work as an AD and Producer on dozens of shorts, a few features, and a web-series. I have an approachable personality, and I do my best to keep my crews safe, happy, and working well together. No matter how big or small a problem is, I do my best to find a solution.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
“Dumpster Fire” is an upcoming dark comedy short film that was written by director and executive producer, Natalie Rodriguez.
"Dumpster Fire" is a dark comedy short film that brings to light the struggles and dreams of everyday people. Inspired by the TV show "The Bear," the story follows Trisha, an actor balancing survival jobs and dreams in LA. Her encounter with Sewer Bob, a homeless man with a unique outlook, sparks a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Natalie Rodriguez is the writer, director, and producer of "Dumpster Fire," driven by a passion for storytelling that reflects the human experience. This project is Natalie’s dedication to sharing meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences.
Why This Project?
"Dumpster Fire" is a story for our times, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams amidst life's challenges. It's a reminder that hope and strength can be found in unexpected places, resonating deeply with viewers.
Why Now?
In today's world, where many face personal and societal challenges, "Dumpster Fire" offers a message of resilience and hope. Now is the perfect moment to share this story, inspiring audiences to find their own strength and purpose.
Were Are We in the Process?
Our team is in the exciting pre-production phase, with a finalized script and rehearsals underway. Your support will help us move into production, bringing "Dumpster Fire" to life on screen.
How Does This Campaign Move Our Project Forward?
Funds raised will go towards production, post-production, and marketing efforts. This includes hiring talented individuals, securing filming locations, and promoting the film to a wider audience.
What is the Plan for This Film?
Once completed, "Dumpster Fire" will be submitted to film festivals and promoted through various channels. We aim to host screenings and share the film with as many people as possible.
Stretch Goals:
If we surpass our funding goal, we'll use additional funds to enhance the film's production value, ensuring a high-quality and impactful final product.
Join us on this journey by pledging your support to "Dumpster Fire" today. Follow us on social media for exclusive updates and share our campaign with your network. Together, we can bring this important story to life and inspire others along the way.
Previous Work and Ongoing Collaboration:
Filmmaking is not just about creating stories; it is about the incredible people you meet along the way!
The team behind "Dumpster Fire" is a close-knit group who have collaborated on multiple projects, driven by a shared passion for storytelling.
Director and writer Natalie Rodriguez, along with leading lady and producer Alexandra Almendarez, have already worked together on three projects. Most recently, they completed production on a 2D animated short film, a direct sequel to the beloved "Matty Cat."
Where Does Your Contribution Go?
Ever wonder how your support impacts our project? Here is a breakdown:
40% goes to Production: This ensures we can hire and compensate talented individuals and secure a recording room for top-notch sound production.
50% is for Post-Production: This phase is crucial for achieving our desired results. We'll hire an editor, sound designer, and colorist who share our passion. Tasks include animation, editing, special effects, sound mixing, and color correction. We will also create a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) file for festival screenings, optimizing technical aspects for a flawless presentation.
10% is for Marketing and Publicity: We will cover fees for film festival submissions, purchase tickets, and advertise in festival newsletters and magazines. Additionally, we plan to create merchandise like posters and stickers to promote the project.
Your contribution makes a huge difference in bringing "Dumpster Fire" to life! Thank you for your support.
How can you stay connected?
Stay in the loop with our exciting journey by joining us behind the scenes of the making of "Dumpster Fire"! Follow us on Instagram @extraordpictures and on Facebook @extraordpicturesllc for exclusive sneak peeks and updates!
All the best,
Alexandra Almendarez, Extraordinary Pictures, and Take the World
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Props
Costs $300
Donations bring characters to life on screen, adding depth. Your support elevates film quality for immersive experiences.
Gear
Costs $5,000
A skilled film crew brings projects to life, ensuring professional execution, enhancing storytelling, and elevating production quality.
Costumes
Costs $300
Costumes define characters, eras, and enhance storytelling in films, shaping memorable on-screen experiences.
Hair and Makeup Kit
Costs $260
Makeup and hair kits transform actors, set tones, ensure continuity, and enhance storytelling authenticity on film sets.
Location
Costs $1,000
Permits for filming locations ensure legal compliance, smooth operations, and enhance production quality.
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Production team:
Alexandra Almendarez - Talent and Producer on Dumpster Fire
First off, thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I’m excited to play the role of Trish in the short film “Dumpster Fire” by the talented Natalie Rodriguez. My name is Alexandra Almendarez and I’m an actress, singer, and salsa dancer based in Los Angeles. I’m represented by Sapphire Entertainment Management (LA/NY) and JVC Talent Agency (LA) across the board. I recently wrapped an independent feature film as the lead role, which is coming out in 2023, and have a couple of other projects in the pipeline for early next year. I’ve also produced, written, cast, and acted in my own material over the past few years. Some additional credits include a recurring role on “CoComelon” as Nina’s Mom (Netflix – Season 5, Spotify, and YouTube); modeling an outfit inspired by Jennifer Lopez on “The Real Daytime Talk Show” (FOX), session-singing for the Grammy-nominated Melissa Manchester on her album, “You Gotta Love the Life,” and national ads for brands such as Uber, Starbucks, Best Friends Animal Society, and Bearpaw. I’ve booked as the lead dancer for the Grammy-nominated Mariachi Sol de Mexico for their track, “Por Una Cabeza.” I’ve also been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and Voyage LA: Rising Stars.
My education includes a background in musical theater, vocal performance, and vocal coaching, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State Fullerton, with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management. I currently take Scene Study with James Ciccone online at the Actors Axiom (NY) and privately coach with Colleen Basis and Blythe Howard (LA). I’ve also previously studied Audition Technique with Jo-Ann Pantoja at the Annie Grindlay Studio (LA).
I started pursuing a career in TV/Film in 2017, but my artistic journey began when I joined the school choir at 9 years old, and the rest is history. From then on, I was in choir and drama club, started creative writing and later enrolled in AP English classes, and was also a member of the Speech and Debate Club, where I won several awards in all areas. I was very fortunate to have those opportunities, and with a lot of hard work, dedication and support, I graduated high school in the top 10% of my class while also working part-time.
After high school, I attended Cal State University, Fullerton, where in my first year I was a music major for voice. I ended up switching majors a few times over the years and decided to get a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management, which has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. At the same time, I was also in the Citrus Singers Program at Citrus College, where I studied voice, acting, and dance. During my time there I was a featured soloist, section leader and student director of the program. In addition to attending two schools simultaneously, I was also working part-time in food service and maintained other jobs throughout, such as tutoring math and reading, as well as various jobs behind the scenes. Some of those include interning at a company that does Public Relations for the Emmys and Oscars, in which I solely hosted a screening for the movie “CAKE” at the Dolby Screening Room, managing at a restaurant, and also stage managing for showcases and special events, namely assistant managing for Disney’s celebration of the Lunar New Year for the Gu Gu Drum Group.
In my free time, I enjoy salsa dancing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I also substitute teach as a vocal coach, work as a hostess at a restaurant, and also work as a server for industry events for film and television. I recently became a Godmother to my niece Geselle, which has been an amazing experience. I’m also binge-watching a lot of TV shows (who isn’t?!), which include but are not limited to Bosch, Mayans, Jane the Virgin, SWAT, the Lincoln Lawyer, FBI, and Law and Order. Some of my favorite books/plays include The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor, Confessions of Women from East L.A. by Josefina Lopez, and Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez. I also enjoy traveling abroad and have been to Germany, France, the Netherlands, England, China, and the Czech Republic.
One of my favorite quotes is, “When hard work meets opportunity, destiny happens.” We all have our own gifts, and with practice, dedication, and a strong support system, we can reach our full potential, but we have to be willing to do the work. And more importantly, we must let go of the fear of not being perfect and just begin, we can’t hold ourselves back. We owe it to ourselves to follow our destiny and give it our all.
Here’s to making art! Excited to dive into this role with the cast and crew of “Dumpster Fire.”
Follow me on Instagram at @iamalexandraalmendarez and www.alexandraalmendarez.com
Taylor Box - Talent on Dumpster Fire
Taylor Box is an award-nominated Television and Film Actor. He is best known for his roles as Shoe in the viral web series Boytalk, Jake in the short film Musical Salvation, and Doc in the UnNatural supernatural western movie franchise. He is a natural story teller and enjoys the ability to express his inner truth through characters and stories that connect with the the inner truth of others.
Natalie Rodriguez - Director, Writer & Producer on Dumpster Fire
Natalie Rodriguez is an award-winning director, screenwriter, author, and mental health advocate based in Los Angeles. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television-Film. Natalie's early entertainment experiences include internships at the Conan O'Brien show and Peter Guber's Mandalay Pictures, where she worked with producers Matthew Rhodes and Cathy Schulman.
Natalie has been a panelist at events hosted by Google, Hispanicize, L.A. Comic Con, Ontario Revolution Con, and YouTube, where she shared her experiences as a female writer and filmmaker. She has written for publications including the HuffPost Blog, Thrive Global, Anxiety Resource Center, NowThis News, Hello Giggles, and The Mighty.
In 2017, she founded Extraordinary Pictures, a production company focusing on films, television, digital series, and social issue projects. Natalie's first directorial feature films, "The Extraordinary Ordinary" and "Howard Original," began as short films and have screened at various festivals. She also wrote and produced both projects, available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Roku, Tubi, and others.
Natalie's screenplays and films have been recognized at festivals including HollyShorts Film Festival, NALIP: Latino Lens Film Festival, Shorts TV, Stage 32: Comedy Screenplay, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Hollywood Screenplay Contest, and Table Read My Screenplay - Austin Film Festival. Her young adult thriller book series, "Elephant," was published during the pandemic and was a finalist at Clare Books' the Binge-Watching Cure II contest for 'Best Novel.' Natalie also adapted her directorial feature film, "The Extraordinary Ordinary," into a New Adult novel, available in eBook and paperback formats.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and watching horror films. She is also active in the comic and horror convention scene.
For updates on her projects, visit her social media pages at linktr.ee/extraordpictures.
Kevin M. Keeling - Producer, 1AD, and Line Producer on Dumpster Fire
With a background and education in mathematics and management, I might seem out of place in the film industry. But I’ve found that the skills garnered as a project manager and studying formulas have helped me the most on set.
After graduating from New York University, I spent several years working in project coordination and management in New York, eventually making my way out to Los Angeles. Though I was working consistently, I was slowly growing dissatisfied with the projects I was working on, and just before I planned to quit, the pandemic shut down my company. My partner encouraged me to join her in filmmaking, and I came to realize I had an aptitude for Assistant Directing and Producing.
Since then, my partner has taught me everything she knows about filmmaking, and I’ve paired that with my skills in management to effectively and efficiently run productions. To get more time on sets, I obtained my COVID Compliance Certification and began working on films and television shows, steadily getting accustomed to the etiquette and lingo.
I’ve now had the opportunity to work as an AD and Producer on dozens of shorts, a few features, and a web-series. I have an approachable personality, and I do my best to keep my crews safe, happy, and working well together. No matter how big or small a problem is, I do my best to find a solution.