Emergency Contact Short
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
We’re making the Emergency Contact short - a dramatic comedy - to connect our audience to a story about a modern family, both chosen and biological. While it's personal story for us, we're learning that a story about building a family, pregnancy loss and adult friendship resonates with everyone.
Emergency Contact Short
New Orleans, Louisiana | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | Louisiana, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,020 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
35 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
We’re making the Emergency Contact short - a dramatic comedy - to connect our audience to a story about a modern family, both chosen and biological. While it's personal story for us, we're learning that a story about building a family, pregnancy loss and adult friendship resonates with everyone.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Impact
We want Emergency Contact to resonate by focusing on growing and nurturing the concept of family - especially in the modern day way of non-traditional families (which can allude to historical and other cultures’ family arrangements). This is depicted by centering two non-romantic female partners over 35. It's a deeply personal story for our team and as we develop the project, we're learning that a story that intertwines, like vines, topics about building a family, pregnancy loss, and adult friendship can - and will - resonate with everyone.
The Inspiration
The film we’re presenting has three main inspirations: Emilie had a minor pregnancy scare that made her question whether she was ready to be a parent and later needed a hysterectomy for medical reasons. Second: when Emilie needed to find two emergency contacts while living in New Orleans without family in the area, she went to her community of friends. Third, most of her film work was on male-dominated projects and she realized she wanted to write more female-focused stories to give actresses the opportunity to play complex and rich lead roles.
The Goals
To make the film (and hopefully the TV series thereafter!) a success, there’s bushels of tasks and actions we need to do. The most operational one is what (unfortunately) makes the world go round:
- Money. So our ask is simple: give what you can by donating your green to us so we can pay our crew, procure the equipment, and hire the actors to bring the story to life.
Our other less material goals are the ones that matter more: we want to:
- Build a community for the television show Emergency Contact
- Educate people on both how people throughout histories and cultures have formed “family” and how that looks in the modern age
The Ways to Connect
Now that we’ve inspired you, we know you want to come into the garden and spread the seeds to your own communities. Well, we’ve set you up for that! Feel free to follow our socials and repost to your hearts content:
- Facebook: Staat Strong Productions
- Substack: Substack: Emilie Staat Strong
- Twitter: @emiliestrongemi
- Instagram: @staatstrongproductions/
- Threads: @staatstrongproductions
- Youtube: @staatstrongproductions
- Email: [email protected]
The Post-Campaign Forecasting
Like a gardener needs to know the forecast before the set out into the nature outside, we will give you a forecast of how to actually watch the short film before you donate:
After the production and post-production phases for our short film, you can expect to receive a streaming link to watch the film. We'll alert and invite you to other screenings as they are confirmed. Thank you so much for helping us cultivate this project!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera package
Costs $2,000
We're pursuing loans for our equipment, especially lenses, so please reach out if you can help! We'll have to hold insurance.
Cast & Crew Fees
Costs $1,500
As a SAG Micro Budget project, we need funds to pay our lead cast and crew positions a nominal fee. If we raise more, we'll pay more!
Crafty and Set Meals
Costs $1,000
Light catering on set, snacks and drinks. Would you like to partner or sponsor a meal or day of catering? [email protected]
Locations and Props
Costs $500
Coffeeshop set - $100 - booked. Need: doctor's exam/waiting room (and/or props to cheat these spaces). [email protected]
Host the Kick-off party!
Costs $1
Can you host 50-100 people for the kick-off party? Or can you donate food/catering services? Email us at [email protected]
Film premiere/screening
Costs $1
Can you host the cast & crew film screening? Email us at [email protected]
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Emilie Staat Strong - Emilie's learned a lot as a Script Coordinator on productions like True Detective, OldBoy and 21 Jump Street and as a Production Secretary on shows like 12 Years a Slave and Now You See Me. She has a passion for telling stories set in South Louisiana that prioritize female and femme characters, and she's ready to bring a story of her own to life!
Nancy Cristina - Nancy has varied experience in the film world—VFX on projects like Ahsoka, Oracle, Andor, and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series; production manager and producer on shows of all sizes, director of stage productions and the Instagram mini-production “Love in Quarantine.” She’s ready to make major deals for the talented film professionals in South Louisiana.
Mary McDade (she/her) is a New Orleans based writer, director, and cinematographer. She holds an MFA in Film Production from the University of New Orleans and has worked in the camera department for over a decade, contributing to multiple TV shows and films. As a collaborator, she is dedicated to bringing a director’s story to life with a femme vérité lens—prioritizing naturalism, lived-in performances, and a deep connection to the world she captures. Her award-winning short films Ms. Blue, Mama Love, and Uncle can be seen on the Watch Crafty film channel. Her first feature film project, "Quake Thunder Crack," was recognized as a finalist in the South Pitch 2023 competition, sponsored by the New Orleans Film Society and Kickstarter, and was also chosen for the Sidewalk X Stowe Story Lab in 2024.
Jeffrey Pohlmann is a seasoned film and television professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major studios on more than 20 high-profile projects. His credits include work on acclaimed productions such as the Disney+ series National Treasure and Apple TV's Manhunt. Known for his creative versatility and strong production expertise, Pohlmann brings a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to every set he joins. Recently, he launched Pohlmann Productions LLC, focused on creating impactful content for clients while also mentoring and empowering emerging filmmakers.
Fallon Goodson is a New Orleans–based producer, writer, and actor. She has produced both feature-length and short-form projects, working alongside and producing films starring Catherine Keener, David Strathairn, Alan Cumming, James Franco, and Krysten Ritter. Her work has been featured at festivals including SXSW, Tribeca, the Berlinale, HollyShorts, and the New Orleans Film Festival. She owns Dot Dot Dot Productions and co-founded In Ceremony Productions, a New Orleans–based production company.
Charlie Mascagni (she/they) is a New Orleans–based production sound mixer, boom operator, and sound utility with 14 years of experience in film and television. As a mixer, their work includes the Sundance-premiering indie features Desire Lines and East of Wall. Charlie has also served in the sound department on features such as Sinners, The Iron Claw, and David Fincher’s The Killer.
Known for a calm, collaborative presence and strong technical instincts, Charlie brings focus, adaptability, and a deep respect for storytelling to every set.
Cece Dynamite is a New Orleans Based costume designer, producer and Burlesque Performer. She has designed several independent theatre productions including Thin Walls by Michael Allen Zell in 2014, The Rose Tattoo for the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company in 2016 and Harold & St Claude in 2024. Beyond local theatre, she has worked in costumes on several film and TV productions including Queen Of The South, The Winchesters, Halloween Ends and The Mayfair Witches. She has also designed two short films: "When I Die" 2023 and "Henpecked" 2024. She is known for her eclectic use of color and unique costume builds.
Ginger (Smith) LeBlanc is an artist, writer, momma, designer, creative, music fanatic and lover of dachshunds. She grew up in Brusly, Louisiana and has called Prairieville home for the last 20 years. She currently serves as Communications Director for a nonprofit in New Orleans. As a communications professional who’s also one of those curious designer/writer/webmistress/artsy hybrids (sometimes referred to as a “Unicorn,” “Swiss Army Knife,” or simply “Rock Star”), she truly loves the ability to switch between such compelling forms of expression in her work. She has worked in creative communications and design-driven roles for over 20 years. She has a passion for advocacy communications and education, mental health awareness, religious trauma recovery, body resilience and women's issues. Ginger has two teenage sons, a tiny and feisty dapple dachshund named Lucie, and is engaged to her long-time partner, George.
Joseph "Swizzy" Colon - Joseph is a Los Angeles native who became a New Orleans local after spending 11 years in the Big Easy. Bought to town by studies in Architecture, he couldn’t help but also pursue the realms of acting, directing, urban planning, Latin dance, labor organizing, community engagement, and environmental activism. He's acted in productions such as 22 Jump Street, The Big Short, Preacher, NCIS: New Orleans, and Zoo, plus marketing and producing Chicken Bones short film. Catch him now in South Florida, find him on Twitter/TikTok @JC_Cali or LinkedIn.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Impact
We want Emergency Contact to resonate by focusing on growing and nurturing the concept of family - especially in the modern day way of non-traditional families (which can allude to historical and other cultures’ family arrangements). This is depicted by centering two non-romantic female partners over 35. It's a deeply personal story for our team and as we develop the project, we're learning that a story that intertwines, like vines, topics about building a family, pregnancy loss, and adult friendship can - and will - resonate with everyone.
The Inspiration
The film we’re presenting has three main inspirations: Emilie had a minor pregnancy scare that made her question whether she was ready to be a parent and later needed a hysterectomy for medical reasons. Second: when Emilie needed to find two emergency contacts while living in New Orleans without family in the area, she went to her community of friends. Third, most of her film work was on male-dominated projects and she realized she wanted to write more female-focused stories to give actresses the opportunity to play complex and rich lead roles.
The Goals
To make the film (and hopefully the TV series thereafter!) a success, there’s bushels of tasks and actions we need to do. The most operational one is what (unfortunately) makes the world go round:
- Money. So our ask is simple: give what you can by donating your green to us so we can pay our crew, procure the equipment, and hire the actors to bring the story to life.
Our other less material goals are the ones that matter more: we want to:
- Build a community for the television show Emergency Contact
- Educate people on both how people throughout histories and cultures have formed “family” and how that looks in the modern age
The Ways to Connect
Now that we’ve inspired you, we know you want to come into the garden and spread the seeds to your own communities. Well, we’ve set you up for that! Feel free to follow our socials and repost to your hearts content:
- Facebook: Staat Strong Productions
- Substack: Substack: Emilie Staat Strong
- Twitter: @emiliestrongemi
- Instagram: @staatstrongproductions/
- Threads: @staatstrongproductions
- Youtube: @staatstrongproductions
- Email: [email protected]
The Post-Campaign Forecasting
Like a gardener needs to know the forecast before the set out into the nature outside, we will give you a forecast of how to actually watch the short film before you donate:
After the production and post-production phases for our short film, you can expect to receive a streaming link to watch the film. We'll alert and invite you to other screenings as they are confirmed. Thank you so much for helping us cultivate this project!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera package
Costs $2,000
We're pursuing loans for our equipment, especially lenses, so please reach out if you can help! We'll have to hold insurance.
Cast & Crew Fees
Costs $1,500
As a SAG Micro Budget project, we need funds to pay our lead cast and crew positions a nominal fee. If we raise more, we'll pay more!
Crafty and Set Meals
Costs $1,000
Light catering on set, snacks and drinks. Would you like to partner or sponsor a meal or day of catering? [email protected]
Locations and Props
Costs $500
Coffeeshop set - $100 - booked. Need: doctor's exam/waiting room (and/or props to cheat these spaces). [email protected]
Host the Kick-off party!
Costs $1
Can you host 50-100 people for the kick-off party? Or can you donate food/catering services? Email us at [email protected]
Film premiere/screening
Costs $1
Can you host the cast & crew film screening? Email us at [email protected]
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Emilie Staat Strong - Emilie's learned a lot as a Script Coordinator on productions like True Detective, OldBoy and 21 Jump Street and as a Production Secretary on shows like 12 Years a Slave and Now You See Me. She has a passion for telling stories set in South Louisiana that prioritize female and femme characters, and she's ready to bring a story of her own to life!
Nancy Cristina - Nancy has varied experience in the film world—VFX on projects like Ahsoka, Oracle, Andor, and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series; production manager and producer on shows of all sizes, director of stage productions and the Instagram mini-production “Love in Quarantine.” She’s ready to make major deals for the talented film professionals in South Louisiana.
Mary McDade (she/her) is a New Orleans based writer, director, and cinematographer. She holds an MFA in Film Production from the University of New Orleans and has worked in the camera department for over a decade, contributing to multiple TV shows and films. As a collaborator, she is dedicated to bringing a director’s story to life with a femme vérité lens—prioritizing naturalism, lived-in performances, and a deep connection to the world she captures. Her award-winning short films Ms. Blue, Mama Love, and Uncle can be seen on the Watch Crafty film channel. Her first feature film project, "Quake Thunder Crack," was recognized as a finalist in the South Pitch 2023 competition, sponsored by the New Orleans Film Society and Kickstarter, and was also chosen for the Sidewalk X Stowe Story Lab in 2024.
Jeffrey Pohlmann is a seasoned film and television professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major studios on more than 20 high-profile projects. His credits include work on acclaimed productions such as the Disney+ series National Treasure and Apple TV's Manhunt. Known for his creative versatility and strong production expertise, Pohlmann brings a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to every set he joins. Recently, he launched Pohlmann Productions LLC, focused on creating impactful content for clients while also mentoring and empowering emerging filmmakers.
Fallon Goodson is a New Orleans–based producer, writer, and actor. She has produced both feature-length and short-form projects, working alongside and producing films starring Catherine Keener, David Strathairn, Alan Cumming, James Franco, and Krysten Ritter. Her work has been featured at festivals including SXSW, Tribeca, the Berlinale, HollyShorts, and the New Orleans Film Festival. She owns Dot Dot Dot Productions and co-founded In Ceremony Productions, a New Orleans–based production company.
Charlie Mascagni (she/they) is a New Orleans–based production sound mixer, boom operator, and sound utility with 14 years of experience in film and television. As a mixer, their work includes the Sundance-premiering indie features Desire Lines and East of Wall. Charlie has also served in the sound department on features such as Sinners, The Iron Claw, and David Fincher’s The Killer.
Known for a calm, collaborative presence and strong technical instincts, Charlie brings focus, adaptability, and a deep respect for storytelling to every set.
Cece Dynamite is a New Orleans Based costume designer, producer and Burlesque Performer. She has designed several independent theatre productions including Thin Walls by Michael Allen Zell in 2014, The Rose Tattoo for the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company in 2016 and Harold & St Claude in 2024. Beyond local theatre, she has worked in costumes on several film and TV productions including Queen Of The South, The Winchesters, Halloween Ends and The Mayfair Witches. She has also designed two short films: "When I Die" 2023 and "Henpecked" 2024. She is known for her eclectic use of color and unique costume builds.
Ginger (Smith) LeBlanc is an artist, writer, momma, designer, creative, music fanatic and lover of dachshunds. She grew up in Brusly, Louisiana and has called Prairieville home for the last 20 years. She currently serves as Communications Director for a nonprofit in New Orleans. As a communications professional who’s also one of those curious designer/writer/webmistress/artsy hybrids (sometimes referred to as a “Unicorn,” “Swiss Army Knife,” or simply “Rock Star”), she truly loves the ability to switch between such compelling forms of expression in her work. She has worked in creative communications and design-driven roles for over 20 years. She has a passion for advocacy communications and education, mental health awareness, religious trauma recovery, body resilience and women's issues. Ginger has two teenage sons, a tiny and feisty dapple dachshund named Lucie, and is engaged to her long-time partner, George.
Joseph "Swizzy" Colon - Joseph is a Los Angeles native who became a New Orleans local after spending 11 years in the Big Easy. Bought to town by studies in Architecture, he couldn’t help but also pursue the realms of acting, directing, urban planning, Latin dance, labor organizing, community engagement, and environmental activism. He's acted in productions such as 22 Jump Street, The Big Short, Preacher, NCIS: New Orleans, and Zoo, plus marketing and producing Chicken Bones short film. Catch him now in South Florida, find him on Twitter/TikTok @JC_Cali or LinkedIn.