Everyone Loves Candy
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
A biting, acerbic comedy about modern queer dating in high school - less "Fault in Our Stars" and more "Curb Your Enthusiasm" for 15-year-olds. Led by our teenage exec-producer & star, we're creating a world that's both low-stakes and high drama-- just like real high school.
Everyone Loves Candy
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,120 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A biting, acerbic comedy about modern queer dating in high school - less "Fault in Our Stars" and more "Curb Your Enthusiasm" for 15-year-olds. Led by our teenage exec-producer & star, we're creating a world that's both low-stakes and high drama-- just like real high school.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Everyone Loves Candy is a short comedy about a nonbinary teenager named Dylann who wants to ask their crush out to the school dance.
The only problem is, as they’re about to ask, they learn that the crush isn’t going... because (gasp!) the theme of the dance is lame. So Dylann embarks on a quest to get the theme changed, going to more and more extreme measures. The closer they get to their goal, the more single-minded they become-- until they risk undermining the very relationship they're hoping to spark!
Part Heartstopper,
Part Booksmart,
With a dash of Mean Girls,
this acerbic comedy is a reminder that nonbinary folx can be as funny -- and as petty -- as everyone else.
WHO WE ARE
We're a family of NYC-based filmmakers: writers, directors, and producers that work together, supporting each others' projects as a collective. Our company is UNCOMPROMISED CREATIVE - visit the TEAM PAGE and get to know us!
And as we are able to publicly announce more team members, you'll get to know them too.
This particular project is led by 13-year-old Cameron Dawson Gray (formerly credited as Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray).
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EVERYONE LOVES CANDY marks their first as executive producer and lead creative.
WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS
In short: to realize the vision of a young, emerging voice. With this project, Cameron is creating work that authentically and specifically represents both their identity, and their sense of humor. (Immean... this is a comedy, so we're *really* making this to make you laugh!)
WHAT THE MONEY'S FOR
We have *already raised partial funds for our production,* which shoots in mid-June 2024. (That's soon!)
This Seed & Spark campaign is to raise the rest of the budget, to pay for things like meals, lighting equipment, actors, and transportation. Check out our WISH LIST for more.
Help this project get to the finish line, and help Cameron bring this work into the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Large SUV or Cargo Van
Costs $985
Big ol' vehicle for schlepping gear to and from location. We need this for 4 days total, but even a 1-2 lend will help!
Breakfast & Craft Services
Costs $510
A fed cast & crew is a happy cast & crew! This is our comprehensive craft services budget- including a.m. breakfast sandwiches.
Aputure Light Storm 1200d Pro Kit (rental)
Costs $450
We have most of our lighting gear accounted for, but not this bad boy! Priced for a a 3-day rental of this high-powered LED + kit.
Background Actors Stipends
Costs $800
Many folks are donating their time & efforts this project, including background! Help us thank our BG talent with a fee for their labor.
Production Sound
Costs $900
ISO a production sound mixer & gear: one of the few depts where we don't have donations or in-kind exchanges. Help our actors be heard!
Cast / Crew Meals, Day 1
Costs $450
Lunch for the cast & crew on day 1 (lots of teens on set this day - they eat a lot!) We have lunch on day 2 donated already <3
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Props & Set Dec Fund
Costs $400
Miscellaneous props & set dec, incl. poster & flyer printing, backpacks, even science equipment for a scene set in a lab.
Car (sedan or comp.) for Cast/Crew Shuttle
Costs $560
This production vehicle will transport cast crew, & smaller gear to/fr set, saving us $100s on Ubers. Fund our ride or loan us yours!
Location Staff - Off Hours
Costs $750
Location maintenance & security staff pay = weekend shoot. NOTE: This item cannot be loaned. Thanks for helping us support them!
Location Parking
Costs $200
Fund our parking for prod. vehicles in Un Sq / Chelsea for 2 days. (Or if you have access to parking garage in this area, loan us yer spot!)
Share this update!
About This Team
Cameron Dawson Gray
(Executive Producer; Cowriter; Cast: Dylann)
Cameron recently made their feature film debut in FAMILY, starring alongside Ruth Wilson and Ben Chaplin. The film premiered at SXSW in March 2024. Previously, they played the daughter of Lizzy Caplan's Libby in Fleishman Is In Trouble (FX). They have also appeared in a number of short films and commercials, including Dianne Bellino's Strawberry Shake and the upcoming Baby Fat. Everyone Loves Candy marks their first production as executive producer, and their first credit as Cameron. (Previously credited as Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray)
--
Nicholas Gray
(Producer; Director)
Nicholas is a writer, director, and producer for film, TV, and audio. Most recently, he produced the award-winning Boaz Yakin film Once Again (for the very first time). Other notable credits: The Paper Store w/ Penn Badgley and Richard Kind; Last Fair Deal, w/ Mack Wilds & Clarke Peters; Ambition’s Debt w/ Nathan Darrow & Kathleen Chalfant; If You Could Say It In Words w/ Marin Ireland; and All The Little Things We Kill w/ Elizabeth Marvel and Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks. He is a founding partner of Uncompromised Creative, and Cameron's dad.
--
Brian O'Carroll
(Director of Photography)
Brian is an Irishman in New York City. He co-produced and photographed the feature Blue Caprice (dir.: Alexander Moors), which sold to IFC after premiering at Sundance, and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Other notable credits: All The Beautiful Things (dir. John D. Harkrider; Sundance premiere); Ace (dir. Timothy Zakerin, Austin FF premiere); and Last Fair Deal (dir. Nicholas Gray), which won the Audience Award at the Kodak's international short film festival. Brian has been honored with an Emerging Cinematographer Award three times by the International Cinematographers Guild, and shot one of the Lonely Island's first iconic viral videos. Brian runs Merlin Creative Productions, a full service NYC-based creative agency.
--
Katharine Clark Gray
(Producer; Cowriter; Art Director)
(Photo credit: Keshia Eugene)
Katie is a writer and producer for film and streaming audio, and a sometime art director. Notable credits include The Paper Store w/ Penn Badgley and Richard Kind; If You Could Say It In Words w/ Marin Ireland; and 5+ seasons as a senior writer/producer on Masters of Scale, for which she won two Webbys and multiple Signal Awards. She acted as art director on The Drummer starring Danny Glover, and production designer on the short Regular. She is a 2008 recipient of a Pew Fellowship in Playwrighting. She is a founding partner of Uncompromised Creative, and Cameron's mom.
JB Bruno
(Producer)
JB brings over thirty years of working in the entertainment industry: in theater as a producer, director and acting coach; in film as producer, line producer, 1st AD, writer, and production manager. Among his feature credits as line producer is Man of the Century. Produced on a modest budget, this B&W film won Slamdance and was released by Fine Line. JB’s production company, Fire Lotus Prodiuctions, was the US Producer on the Indonesian feature Terjebak Nostalgia, featuring the Southeast-Asian star Raisa. He was the original production coordinator on the Emmy-nominated HBO series “Taxicab Confessions”. He served as director of operations for Gun for Hire, the production services division of the Oscar-winner Shooting Gallery. He taught producing and line producing at New York Film Academy as well as Semester Cinema in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Everyone Loves Candy is a short comedy about a nonbinary teenager named Dylann who wants to ask their crush out to the school dance.
The only problem is, as they’re about to ask, they learn that the crush isn’t going... because (gasp!) the theme of the dance is lame. So Dylann embarks on a quest to get the theme changed, going to more and more extreme measures. The closer they get to their goal, the more single-minded they become-- until they risk undermining the very relationship they're hoping to spark!
Part Heartstopper,
Part Booksmart,
With a dash of Mean Girls,
this acerbic comedy is a reminder that nonbinary folx can be as funny -- and as petty -- as everyone else.
WHO WE ARE
We're a family of NYC-based filmmakers: writers, directors, and producers that work together, supporting each others' projects as a collective. Our company is UNCOMPROMISED CREATIVE - visit the TEAM PAGE and get to know us!
And as we are able to publicly announce more team members, you'll get to know them too.
This particular project is led by 13-year-old Cameron Dawson Gray (formerly credited as Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray).
EVERYONE LOVES CANDY marks their first as executive producer and lead creative.
WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS
In short: to realize the vision of a young, emerging voice. With this project, Cameron is creating work that authentically and specifically represents both their identity, and their sense of humor. (Immean... this is a comedy, so we're *really* making this to make you laugh!)
WHAT THE MONEY'S FOR
We have *already raised partial funds for our production,* which shoots in mid-June 2024. (That's soon!)
This Seed & Spark campaign is to raise the rest of the budget, to pay for things like meals, lighting equipment, actors, and transportation. Check out our WISH LIST for more.
Help this project get to the finish line, and help Cameron bring this work into the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Large SUV or Cargo Van
Costs $985
Big ol' vehicle for schlepping gear to and from location. We need this for 4 days total, but even a 1-2 lend will help!
Breakfast & Craft Services
Costs $510
A fed cast & crew is a happy cast & crew! This is our comprehensive craft services budget- including a.m. breakfast sandwiches.
Aputure Light Storm 1200d Pro Kit (rental)
Costs $450
We have most of our lighting gear accounted for, but not this bad boy! Priced for a a 3-day rental of this high-powered LED + kit.
Background Actors Stipends
Costs $800
Many folks are donating their time & efforts this project, including background! Help us thank our BG talent with a fee for their labor.
Production Sound
Costs $900
ISO a production sound mixer & gear: one of the few depts where we don't have donations or in-kind exchanges. Help our actors be heard!
Cast / Crew Meals, Day 1
Costs $450
Lunch for the cast & crew on day 1 (lots of teens on set this day - they eat a lot!) We have lunch on day 2 donated already <3
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Props & Set Dec Fund
Costs $400
Miscellaneous props & set dec, incl. poster & flyer printing, backpacks, even science equipment for a scene set in a lab.
Car (sedan or comp.) for Cast/Crew Shuttle
Costs $560
This production vehicle will transport cast crew, & smaller gear to/fr set, saving us $100s on Ubers. Fund our ride or loan us yours!
Location Staff - Off Hours
Costs $750
Location maintenance & security staff pay = weekend shoot. NOTE: This item cannot be loaned. Thanks for helping us support them!
Location Parking
Costs $200
Fund our parking for prod. vehicles in Un Sq / Chelsea for 2 days. (Or if you have access to parking garage in this area, loan us yer spot!)
Share this update!
About This Team
Cameron Dawson Gray
(Executive Producer; Cowriter; Cast: Dylann)
Cameron recently made their feature film debut in FAMILY, starring alongside Ruth Wilson and Ben Chaplin. The film premiered at SXSW in March 2024. Previously, they played the daughter of Lizzy Caplan's Libby in Fleishman Is In Trouble (FX). They have also appeared in a number of short films and commercials, including Dianne Bellino's Strawberry Shake and the upcoming Baby Fat. Everyone Loves Candy marks their first production as executive producer, and their first credit as Cameron. (Previously credited as Lucinda Lee Dawson Gray)
--
Nicholas Gray
(Producer; Director)
Nicholas is a writer, director, and producer for film, TV, and audio. Most recently, he produced the award-winning Boaz Yakin film Once Again (for the very first time). Other notable credits: The Paper Store w/ Penn Badgley and Richard Kind; Last Fair Deal, w/ Mack Wilds & Clarke Peters; Ambition’s Debt w/ Nathan Darrow & Kathleen Chalfant; If You Could Say It In Words w/ Marin Ireland; and All The Little Things We Kill w/ Elizabeth Marvel and Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks. He is a founding partner of Uncompromised Creative, and Cameron's dad.
--
Brian O'Carroll
(Director of Photography)
Brian is an Irishman in New York City. He co-produced and photographed the feature Blue Caprice (dir.: Alexander Moors), which sold to IFC after premiering at Sundance, and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Other notable credits: All The Beautiful Things (dir. John D. Harkrider; Sundance premiere); Ace (dir. Timothy Zakerin, Austin FF premiere); and Last Fair Deal (dir. Nicholas Gray), which won the Audience Award at the Kodak's international short film festival. Brian has been honored with an Emerging Cinematographer Award three times by the International Cinematographers Guild, and shot one of the Lonely Island's first iconic viral videos. Brian runs Merlin Creative Productions, a full service NYC-based creative agency.
--
Katharine Clark Gray
(Producer; Cowriter; Art Director)
(Photo credit: Keshia Eugene)
Katie is a writer and producer for film and streaming audio, and a sometime art director. Notable credits include The Paper Store w/ Penn Badgley and Richard Kind; If You Could Say It In Words w/ Marin Ireland; and 5+ seasons as a senior writer/producer on Masters of Scale, for which she won two Webbys and multiple Signal Awards. She acted as art director on The Drummer starring Danny Glover, and production designer on the short Regular. She is a 2008 recipient of a Pew Fellowship in Playwrighting. She is a founding partner of Uncompromised Creative, and Cameron's mom.
JB Bruno
(Producer)
JB brings over thirty years of working in the entertainment industry: in theater as a producer, director and acting coach; in film as producer, line producer, 1st AD, writer, and production manager. Among his feature credits as line producer is Man of the Century. Produced on a modest budget, this B&W film won Slamdance and was released by Fine Line. JB’s production company, Fire Lotus Prodiuctions, was the US Producer on the Indonesian feature Terjebak Nostalgia, featuring the Southeast-Asian star Raisa. He was the original production coordinator on the Emmy-nominated HBO series “Taxicab Confessions”. He served as director of operations for Gun for Hire, the production services division of the Oscar-winner Shooting Gallery. He taught producing and line producing at New York Film Academy as well as Semester Cinema in Nantucket, Massachusetts.