Floyd Cat Studios
Austin, Texas | Venue & Spaces
Filmmaker Resource, Film-related Business
Floyd Cat Studios keeps independent filmmaking alive amidst big studio consolidation. We offer affordable, premium standing sets with multi-set shooting to slash costs for indies, creators, and podcasters. Back our project to protect accessible storytelling—where creativity, not cash, wins.
Floyd Cat Studios
Austin, Texas | Venue & Spaces
Filmmaker Resource, Film-related Business
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
1 supporter | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$5
Goal: $45,000 for development
Floyd Cat Studios keeps independent filmmaking alive amidst big studio consolidation. We offer affordable, premium standing sets with multi-set shooting to slash costs for indies, creators, and podcasters. Back our project to protect accessible storytelling—where creativity, not cash, wins.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imagine Walking Onto a Hollywood Set for the Price of a Podcast Studio.
You have a killer script, an eager crew, and a shoestring budget. You need a cinematic location, but you're trapped between two awful choices: a massive, empty mega-stage that eats your entire budget before you even turn on a light, or a cramped green-screen closet that makes your project look cheap.
Independent storytellers shouldn't have to compromise their vision just because they don't have studio-backed bank accounts.
We are building a first-of-its-kind, turnkey, multi-set creative hub engineered specifically for the modern indie ecosystem. Instead of a blank empty shell, we are providing fully realized, premium standing sets with built-in, cutting-edge sound isolation. Multiple crews can shoot completely different projects at the exact same time without audio bleed—maximizing efficiency and driving rental costs down to earth for filmmakers, podcasters, and content creators.
🎬 Why Me?
Over my 20+ years in the film industry—culminating in my work as a Local 600 Director of Photography—I’ve had a front-row seat to massive paradigm shifts. I lived through the transition from physical film to digital, and I’ve watched the explosive rise of streaming and social media. While Hollywood has struggled to keep up with these changes, I’ve been in the trenches adapting to them.
As a working cinematographer, I don't just look at a room; I know exactly what a studio requires to actually execute a high-end shoot. I know how to design a space for dynamic camera angles, pre-rigged overhead lighting grids, flyaway ceilings for flexible formatting, proper power distribution, and the holy grail of production: truly silent AC.
Furthermore, I’m bringing my network of hundreds of industry professionals to this project. I am collaborating directly with veteran producers and production designers to help build and authentically dress these sets. Best of all? Those exact same industry connections double as our pipeline, allowing me to bring in our all-important first wave of paying clients the moment the doors open.
DP Marco Gutierrez, SOA, SOC 1999 DP Marco Gutierrez, SOA, SOC 2020
🏗️ The Powerhouse Team Behind the Space
I’m not building this alone. To turn this vision into a reality, I’ve assembled a powerhouse team of heavy-hitting industry veterans who are actively designing, equipping, and building this studio.
Maria Stoll | Architect & Studio Design Consultant
Maria is the brilliant mind behind the architectural layout of our cutting-edge space. She brings unparalleled, elite studio design experience to our team. In her own words:
"My true passion emerged when we managed the design for Tyler Perry’s inaugural studio in Atlanta. The success of this venture led to continued and ongoing work for Tyler Perry Studios, most recently designing his 330-acre campus at Fort McPherson... In 2021, I launched PAM Studios, Georgia’s first Latina-owned studio, where we empower women and minority groups to thrive in the industry."
Barry Strickland | Master Gaffer & Technical Advisor
Barry is a motion picture veteran whose massive credits range from blockbuster Transformers films to shooting physical IMAX 3D film underwater. From the Super Bowl to FIFA and the MLB, Barry has executed every level of production this industry offers. With 20+ years of experience as a Master Gaffer, Barry is designing our pre-rigged lighting grids—and he is donating a portion of his own professional lighting gear to the studio. (I will be matching his generosity by donating my own camera packages to the space!)
Edward Guinn | Technical Consultant & Backer
Edward is an elite eye in the camera department and a recipient of the prestigious Emerging Cinematographer Award (ECA). As a technical consultant and core backer, Edward is ensuring our standing sets meet the highest standards of modern, award-winning visual storytelling.
Bridget La Monica | Community & Crowdfunding Director
Bridget is a veteran Steadicam camera operator, but her superpower extends far beyond the lens. She is a massive force in the filmmaking community, having organized some of the largest industry networking events in Atlanta. Crucially for this campaign, Bridget is a crowdfunding expert who has successfully funded multiple Seed & Spark and alternative crowdfunding campaigns. She is spearheading our community outreach and sponsor partnerships.
🎥 Why This?
Because the traditional studio model is broken for independent media. Just like the digital camera revolution democratized access to the filmmaking process—putting professional tools into the hands of everyday creators—this studio will do the exact same thing for studio infrastructure.
We are shattering the gatekept luxury of traditional soundstages by offering plug-and-play, authentic, cinematic environments. From narrative feature films and episodic series to vertical content and premium podcasts, this space provides instant access to elite production value without the crippling construction overhead.
Furthermore, this space is built to be a true cultural hub. We will actively engage the next generation of storytellers through dedicated outreach programs, including hands-on technical workshops, industry lectures, and community screenings, fostering a thriving, inclusive film community from the ground up.
⏳ Why Now?
Audience tastes have fundamentally shifted. Legacy studios are spending hundreds of millions on predictable franchise intellectual property and recycled sequels, while original, independent projects are completely dominating the cultural landscape. Look no further than the breakout phenomenon Obsession—a shoestring passion project that shattered box office records, crossed $400 million globally, and proved you don't need a legacy Hollywood war chest to capture the world's attention.
Just like the digital camera revolution democratized the filming process by putting elite tools in our hands, this studio will do the exact same thing for physical production infrastructure.
Our engine for success is volume. By maintaining a high, steady rotation of diverse, multi-set productions, we keep local filmmakers consistently working. This efficient, high-volume ecosystem allows us to distribute overhead and keep rental costs incredibly low and accessible for independent creators, series, and vertical formats alike. This is the perfect launchpad for a studio designed to help the next generation of storytellers thrive.
What Happens When We Get 100% Funded?
Reaching our 100% funding goal means we move immediately from concept to concrete action. The Seed & Spark campaign is exactly that—the spark. This initial phase is about building the bulletproof foundation required to launch our physical studio space.
By hitting our 100% goal, your backing will directly fund:
- The Architectural Framework: Finalizing the advanced architectural layouts and acoustic design blueprints with Maria Stoll and our engineering team.
- The Digital Infrastructure & SEO: Building a professional website and booking platform, backed by a powerful SEO strategy so creators can easily find and utilize our space.
- Amplified Marketing & Social Campaigns: Scaling up our social media footprint and marketing reach to introduce the studio to the wider filmmaking community and prime our pipeline of future clients.
📈 The Springboard to Phase 2
Think of this campaign as our launchpad. Successfully reaching 100% gives us the professional assets, the community momentum, and the marketing engine needed to seamlessly springboard into our next major milestone: Phase 2 land purchase and municipal permitting. Let's stop letting real estate gatekeep our industry. Hit that support button, lock in your rewards, and let's build the future of indie filmmaking together!
*Disclaimer: A Note on Our Imagery: To provide a clear picture of our journey, the visuals in this campaign consist of three sources: the Floyd Cat logo, which was custom-created by artist Jennifer Idol (with no AI used); authentic behind-the-scenes photographs from productions our team members have participated in; and AI-generated conceptual renderings of our future space. As a creator, I believe in the power of human artistry; however, because we are in the early seed stage, we are using AI only as a temporary tool to visualize the potential of Floyd Cat Studios. Your support is the bridge that will enable us to transition from these placeholders to professional, human-crafted architectural designs and original creative work.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Architectural Blueprints & 3D Visualization
Costs $10,000
Blueprints & 3D pre-vis secure permits and map out our soundstage, offices, storage, power, and acoustics to turn the studio into reality.
Studio Operations Staff
Costs $20,000
This funds the core marketing, social media, and startup staff needed to launch the studio, build our brand, and pack the soundstages.
Spreading the Word: Travel & Marketing
Costs $15,000
Funds industry travel, a robust custom website, and essential outreach events to build vital studio partnerships and connect with creators.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Visionaries Behind Floyd Cat Studio
At Floyd Cat Studio, we built our space from the ground up with a singular mission: to be the ultimate, creator-first sanctuary for independent films and modern filmmakers. A studio is only as good as the minds behind it, and our powerhouse team brings a rare mix of block-buster experience, indie grit, and award-winning design to the table.
We don't just run a studio—we live and breathe filmmaking.
The Production & Creative Powerhouses
- Barry Strickland: With over two decades of industry experience, Barry transitions seamlessly from elite cinematography to elite producing. His massive credit list spans from the explosive spectacle of Transformers to the technical depths of Underwater 3D IMAX.
- Edward Guin: A true master of light and frame, Edward is a recipient of the prestigious Emerging Cinematographer’s Award by the International Cinematographer's Guild.
- Bridget LaMonica: An exceptional Steadicam and Camera Operator, Bridget keeps our visuals moving. Beyond the camera, she is a pillar of the Atlanta film scene, renowned for organizing major filmmaker events that unite and elevate the local community.
- Kristen Nothstein: Bringing a wealth of narrative and television experience, Kristen is a veteran producer known for her prolific work on beloved Lifetime and Hallmark films.
- Samantha Van Sickle: The ultimate "get-it-done" producer. Sam is our indispensable, go-to production wizard who possesses the rare gift of keeping complex creative projects perfectly on time and on budget.
- Josh Bedsole: Bringing a unique dual-perspective to the team, Josh is a musician manager and film industry veteran with deep experience spanning live production, major television network layouts, and feature films.
Architectural Mastermind
- Maria Guerra-Stoll: The brilliant designer behind the iconic Tyler Perry Studios and PAM Studios. Maria's legendary career has earned her a trophy case of accolades, including:
- Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Small Business of the Year
- National Society of Hispanic MBAs – Professional of the Year
- Hispanic Magazine – Top Hispanic Entrepreneur
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council – Trailblazer Award
- Featured prominently in Georgia Trend, Atlanta Woman, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Why choose Floyd Cat? Because we’ve been in your shoes. From indie passion projects to massive studio tentpoles, our team has seen it all, built it all, and shot it all. We built Floyd Cat Studio to give modern filmmakers the exact resources, community, and respect they deserve. Let's make something incredible together.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Imagine Walking Onto a Hollywood Set for the Price of a Podcast Studio.
You have a killer script, an eager crew, and a shoestring budget. You need a cinematic location, but you're trapped between two awful choices: a massive, empty mega-stage that eats your entire budget before you even turn on a light, or a cramped green-screen closet that makes your project look cheap.
Independent storytellers shouldn't have to compromise their vision just because they don't have studio-backed bank accounts.
We are building a first-of-its-kind, turnkey, multi-set creative hub engineered specifically for the modern indie ecosystem. Instead of a blank empty shell, we are providing fully realized, premium standing sets with built-in, cutting-edge sound isolation. Multiple crews can shoot completely different projects at the exact same time without audio bleed—maximizing efficiency and driving rental costs down to earth for filmmakers, podcasters, and content creators.
🎬 Why Me?
Over my 20+ years in the film industry—culminating in my work as a Local 600 Director of Photography—I’ve had a front-row seat to massive paradigm shifts. I lived through the transition from physical film to digital, and I’ve watched the explosive rise of streaming and social media. While Hollywood has struggled to keep up with these changes, I’ve been in the trenches adapting to them.
As a working cinematographer, I don't just look at a room; I know exactly what a studio requires to actually execute a high-end shoot. I know how to design a space for dynamic camera angles, pre-rigged overhead lighting grids, flyaway ceilings for flexible formatting, proper power distribution, and the holy grail of production: truly silent AC.
Furthermore, I’m bringing my network of hundreds of industry professionals to this project. I am collaborating directly with veteran producers and production designers to help build and authentically dress these sets. Best of all? Those exact same industry connections double as our pipeline, allowing me to bring in our all-important first wave of paying clients the moment the doors open.
DP Marco Gutierrez, SOA, SOC 1999 DP Marco Gutierrez, SOA, SOC 2020
🏗️ The Powerhouse Team Behind the Space
I’m not building this alone. To turn this vision into a reality, I’ve assembled a powerhouse team of heavy-hitting industry veterans who are actively designing, equipping, and building this studio.
Maria Stoll | Architect & Studio Design Consultant
Maria is the brilliant mind behind the architectural layout of our cutting-edge space. She brings unparalleled, elite studio design experience to our team. In her own words:
"My true passion emerged when we managed the design for Tyler Perry’s inaugural studio in Atlanta. The success of this venture led to continued and ongoing work for Tyler Perry Studios, most recently designing his 330-acre campus at Fort McPherson... In 2021, I launched PAM Studios, Georgia’s first Latina-owned studio, where we empower women and minority groups to thrive in the industry."
Barry Strickland | Master Gaffer & Technical Advisor
Barry is a motion picture veteran whose massive credits range from blockbuster Transformers films to shooting physical IMAX 3D film underwater. From the Super Bowl to FIFA and the MLB, Barry has executed every level of production this industry offers. With 20+ years of experience as a Master Gaffer, Barry is designing our pre-rigged lighting grids—and he is donating a portion of his own professional lighting gear to the studio. (I will be matching his generosity by donating my own camera packages to the space!)
Edward Guinn | Technical Consultant & Backer
Edward is an elite eye in the camera department and a recipient of the prestigious Emerging Cinematographer Award (ECA). As a technical consultant and core backer, Edward is ensuring our standing sets meet the highest standards of modern, award-winning visual storytelling.
Bridget La Monica | Community & Crowdfunding Director
Bridget is a veteran Steadicam camera operator, but her superpower extends far beyond the lens. She is a massive force in the filmmaking community, having organized some of the largest industry networking events in Atlanta. Crucially for this campaign, Bridget is a crowdfunding expert who has successfully funded multiple Seed & Spark and alternative crowdfunding campaigns. She is spearheading our community outreach and sponsor partnerships.
🎥 Why This?
Because the traditional studio model is broken for independent media. Just like the digital camera revolution democratized access to the filmmaking process—putting professional tools into the hands of everyday creators—this studio will do the exact same thing for studio infrastructure.
We are shattering the gatekept luxury of traditional soundstages by offering plug-and-play, authentic, cinematic environments. From narrative feature films and episodic series to vertical content and premium podcasts, this space provides instant access to elite production value without the crippling construction overhead.
Furthermore, this space is built to be a true cultural hub. We will actively engage the next generation of storytellers through dedicated outreach programs, including hands-on technical workshops, industry lectures, and community screenings, fostering a thriving, inclusive film community from the ground up.
⏳ Why Now?
Audience tastes have fundamentally shifted. Legacy studios are spending hundreds of millions on predictable franchise intellectual property and recycled sequels, while original, independent projects are completely dominating the cultural landscape. Look no further than the breakout phenomenon Obsession—a shoestring passion project that shattered box office records, crossed $400 million globally, and proved you don't need a legacy Hollywood war chest to capture the world's attention.
Just like the digital camera revolution democratized the filming process by putting elite tools in our hands, this studio will do the exact same thing for physical production infrastructure.
Our engine for success is volume. By maintaining a high, steady rotation of diverse, multi-set productions, we keep local filmmakers consistently working. This efficient, high-volume ecosystem allows us to distribute overhead and keep rental costs incredibly low and accessible for independent creators, series, and vertical formats alike. This is the perfect launchpad for a studio designed to help the next generation of storytellers thrive.
What Happens When We Get 100% Funded?
Reaching our 100% funding goal means we move immediately from concept to concrete action. The Seed & Spark campaign is exactly that—the spark. This initial phase is about building the bulletproof foundation required to launch our physical studio space.
By hitting our 100% goal, your backing will directly fund:
- The Architectural Framework: Finalizing the advanced architectural layouts and acoustic design blueprints with Maria Stoll and our engineering team.
- The Digital Infrastructure & SEO: Building a professional website and booking platform, backed by a powerful SEO strategy so creators can easily find and utilize our space.
- Amplified Marketing & Social Campaigns: Scaling up our social media footprint and marketing reach to introduce the studio to the wider filmmaking community and prime our pipeline of future clients.
📈 The Springboard to Phase 2
Think of this campaign as our launchpad. Successfully reaching 100% gives us the professional assets, the community momentum, and the marketing engine needed to seamlessly springboard into our next major milestone: Phase 2 land purchase and municipal permitting. Let's stop letting real estate gatekeep our industry. Hit that support button, lock in your rewards, and let's build the future of indie filmmaking together!
*Disclaimer: A Note on Our Imagery: To provide a clear picture of our journey, the visuals in this campaign consist of three sources: the Floyd Cat logo, which was custom-created by artist Jennifer Idol (with no AI used); authentic behind-the-scenes photographs from productions our team members have participated in; and AI-generated conceptual renderings of our future space. As a creator, I believe in the power of human artistry; however, because we are in the early seed stage, we are using AI only as a temporary tool to visualize the potential of Floyd Cat Studios. Your support is the bridge that will enable us to transition from these placeholders to professional, human-crafted architectural designs and original creative work.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Architectural Blueprints & 3D Visualization
Costs $10,000
Blueprints & 3D pre-vis secure permits and map out our soundstage, offices, storage, power, and acoustics to turn the studio into reality.
Studio Operations Staff
Costs $20,000
This funds the core marketing, social media, and startup staff needed to launch the studio, build our brand, and pack the soundstages.
Spreading the Word: Travel & Marketing
Costs $15,000
Funds industry travel, a robust custom website, and essential outreach events to build vital studio partnerships and connect with creators.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Visionaries Behind Floyd Cat Studio
At Floyd Cat Studio, we built our space from the ground up with a singular mission: to be the ultimate, creator-first sanctuary for independent films and modern filmmakers. A studio is only as good as the minds behind it, and our powerhouse team brings a rare mix of block-buster experience, indie grit, and award-winning design to the table.
We don't just run a studio—we live and breathe filmmaking.
The Production & Creative Powerhouses
- Barry Strickland: With over two decades of industry experience, Barry transitions seamlessly from elite cinematography to elite producing. His massive credit list spans from the explosive spectacle of Transformers to the technical depths of Underwater 3D IMAX.
- Edward Guin: A true master of light and frame, Edward is a recipient of the prestigious Emerging Cinematographer’s Award by the International Cinematographer's Guild.
- Bridget LaMonica: An exceptional Steadicam and Camera Operator, Bridget keeps our visuals moving. Beyond the camera, she is a pillar of the Atlanta film scene, renowned for organizing major filmmaker events that unite and elevate the local community.
- Kristen Nothstein: Bringing a wealth of narrative and television experience, Kristen is a veteran producer known for her prolific work on beloved Lifetime and Hallmark films.
- Samantha Van Sickle: The ultimate "get-it-done" producer. Sam is our indispensable, go-to production wizard who possesses the rare gift of keeping complex creative projects perfectly on time and on budget.
- Josh Bedsole: Bringing a unique dual-perspective to the team, Josh is a musician manager and film industry veteran with deep experience spanning live production, major television network layouts, and feature films.
Architectural Mastermind
- Maria Guerra-Stoll: The brilliant designer behind the iconic Tyler Perry Studios and PAM Studios. Maria's legendary career has earned her a trophy case of accolades, including:
- Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Small Business of the Year
- National Society of Hispanic MBAs – Professional of the Year
- Hispanic Magazine – Top Hispanic Entrepreneur
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council – Trailblazer Award
- Featured prominently in Georgia Trend, Atlanta Woman, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Why choose Floyd Cat? Because we’ve been in your shoes. From indie passion projects to massive studio tentpoles, our team has seen it all, built it all, and shot it all. We built Floyd Cat Studio to give modern filmmakers the exact resources, community, and respect they deserve. Let's make something incredible together.