Almost...Not Quite: A Bold, New, LGBTQ Sitcom!
Spokane, Washington | Series
Comedy, LGBTQ
LGBTQ+ stories don’t end at coming out. Almost…Not Quite is about starting over—at 40+, after loss, after life changes. It brings humor, hope, and real representation where these voices are still too often unheard.
Almost...Not Quite: A Bold, New, LGBTQ Sitcom!
Spokane, Washington | Series
Comedy, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | Washington, United States
7 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$410
Goal: $8,050 for production
LGBTQ+ stories don’t end at coming out. Almost…Not Quite is about starting over—at 40+, after loss, after life changes. It brings humor, hope, and real representation where these voices are still too often unheard.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
There’s an unspoken rule. A measuring stick for success: by your 30s, you’re supposed to be married with kids, a house, and a thriving career...In a matter of weeks, J finds himself with none of it.
After the sudden unraveling of his long-term relationship, J is left single, uncertain, and starting over in his late 40s. With the support of his three best friends, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about adulthood, success, and what it really means to “have it all.”
Set in a community with a small-town feel that’s desperate to be something bigger, Almost...Not Quite explores the pressure to become who we think we’re supposed to be, and the freedom that comes when we realize we’re all still figuring it out.
Because the truth is, no one ever fully arrives. We’re all almost where we want to be. Almost…not quite.
There are countless LGBTQ+ stories about coming out… but what about starting over?
What about:
• Being single again at 40+
• Learning to love your body as it is
• Rebuilding your life after everything falls apart
• Finding your people when you thought you already had your future figured out
Almost...Not Quite tells the stories we don’t see enough of, with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart.
Meet Jonny/J (The heart of the show)
Jonny is a dreamer.
He believes in love.
He believes in “the one.”
He believes everything will somehow work out… until it doesn’t.
After an out-of-the-blue divorce with his wealthy husband, Jonny goes from being taken care of to starting over from scratch... emotionally, financially, and romantically.
He’s a lovable mess.
He falls too fast.
He sees potential where there isn’t any.
But no matter how wrong things go… he never stops believing they can go right.
Jonny is based on Spokane’s own Jonathan Shuffield.
An entertainer, podcast host, and creative director of ARU: A Creative Company,
which specializes in events and podcast production.
Known for his humor and vision, Jonathan uses the arts,
from stage to film to music and beyond, to impact and cultivate the community around him.
His Chosen Family (The Main Cast)
Jamie – The Charming Chaos
Stylish, confident, and just a little vain, Jamie is the friend who brings joy into every room. Beneath the sparkle is someone deeply loyal, emotionally honest, and quietly desperate to be loved for who he truly is.
Played by: Matthew Bellmer
Mark – The Brilliant Outsider
A math professor who sees life through logic and patterns, yet struggles with human connection. Awkward, insightful, and unexpectedly tender beneath the surface.
Played by: Stephen Lloyd
Sam – The Reluctant Protector
A fiercely independent lesbian with a sharp edge and zero tolerance for nonsense. She insists she doesn’t need anyone, yet beneath the armor is someone quietly longing for deeper connection.
Played by: Katie Preston
Luke – The Quiet Strength
A firefighter who is grounded, calm, and emotionally steady. Luke has fought hard for self-acceptance, yet past heartbreak still lingers beneath his strong exterior.
Played By: Sean Flink
Life, Love, and Chosen Family
The World Of Almost...Not Quite
Set in Spokane, Washington.
A charming, quirky city with a growing LGBTQ+ community, Almost...Not Quite brings authenticity to the screen by filming in real local businesses, coffee shops, and performance spaces.
This isn’t just a show you watch, this is a show you can be part of.
We’re building this with:
• LGBTQ+ and ally voices and talent from the greater Spokane area
• Local businesses that the community already knows and loves
• Real stories rooted in lived experience
And now, hopefully… you, no matter where you live.
What Your Support Funds
We’re producing a 12-episode first season using a lean, efficient indie production model. Our minimum goal of $8,000 will allow us to get this made, however we know the actual costs will be about $12,000, which we hope to raise in stretch goals and other sponsorships available for the production We have listed $8,050 as a goal as it is the minimum we could scrape by on. $12,000 would help us do it all!
Total Campaign Goal:
(Approximately $1,000 per episode)
Your support helps cover:
• Production equipment
• Cast and crew expenses
• On-location filming in Spokane
• Editing and post-production
This is a community-powered production—every dollar goes directly to bringing this story to life.
Jonathan's Philosophy:
"If your voice held no power, they wouldn't try to silence you, Indeed the most powerful weapons any of us have are the breath in our lungs and the stories we possess. Tell your story."
Risks and challenges
Any independent project comes with some level of risk. What happens if your location is not available when you originally had it set in your production schedule? What if someone from your crew doesn't show up or your actors are late or the hair and makeup coordinator goes into labor? Have you thought about tornadoes?? I have been involved in orchestrating events and projects for 30 years and this is what I have learned: a.) Always be flexible, b.) panicking helps no one and there is always a solution, c) surround yourself with a team of people who share your vision and your passion (a few minds are way better than a very weary one mind) and finally d.) Like my Grandma always said "*&#@ happens, but if you work with it some beautiful gardens can grow"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Wardrobe
Costs $2,500
We will be utilizing a hybrid of clothes from our costumers and clothes from actor closets, there are still many items needed for character.
Catering
Costs $2,800
Feeding cast and crew is a necessity on shoot days over 5 hours, we have kept costs down through partnerships but still need funding.
Hair & Make-Up Needs
Costs $750
We have assembled an amazing team of talented artists, we shoot from June to October and will need to provided needed tools as we go
Incidentals
Costs $2,000
Even the most well laid out projects need to build in their budget for surprises and the little incidentals that can add up fast.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Almost…Not Quite is led by a Spokane-based team of creatives passionate about telling authentic LGBTQ+ stories. Created, written by, and starring Jonathan Shuffield, and produced by a dedicated local team, the series is brought to life with director Ron Ford and cinematographer Peter N. Green. Our cast features talented local actors who bring real heart and lived experience to the screen. Together, we’re building a community-driven project rooted in honesty, humor, and representation. There are so many more wonderful people, cast and crew alike, involved and we can't wait for you to see more!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
There’s an unspoken rule. A measuring stick for success: by your 30s, you’re supposed to be married with kids, a house, and a thriving career...In a matter of weeks, J finds himself with none of it.
After the sudden unraveling of his long-term relationship, J is left single, uncertain, and starting over in his late 40s. With the support of his three best friends, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about adulthood, success, and what it really means to “have it all.”
Set in a community with a small-town feel that’s desperate to be something bigger, Almost...Not Quite explores the pressure to become who we think we’re supposed to be, and the freedom that comes when we realize we’re all still figuring it out.
Because the truth is, no one ever fully arrives. We’re all almost where we want to be. Almost…not quite.There are countless LGBTQ+ stories about coming out… but what about starting over?
What about:
• Being single again at 40+
• Learning to love your body as it is
• Rebuilding your life after everything falls apart
• Finding your people when you thought you already had your future figured out
Almost...Not Quite tells the stories we don’t see enough of, with humor, honesty, and a whole lot of heart.
Meet Jonny/J (The heart of the show)
Jonny is a dreamer.
He believes in love.
He believes in “the one.”
He believes everything will somehow work out… until it doesn’t.
After an out-of-the-blue divorce with his wealthy husband, Jonny goes from being taken care of to starting over from scratch... emotionally, financially, and romantically.
He’s a lovable mess.
He falls too fast.
He sees potential where there isn’t any.
But no matter how wrong things go… he never stops believing they can go right.
Jonny is based on Spokane’s own Jonathan Shuffield.
An entertainer, podcast host, and creative director of ARU: A Creative Company,
which specializes in events and podcast production.
Known for his humor and vision, Jonathan uses the arts,
from stage to film to music and beyond, to impact and cultivate the community around him.
His Chosen Family (The Main Cast)
Jamie – The Charming Chaos
Stylish, confident, and just a little vain, Jamie is the friend who brings joy into every room. Beneath the sparkle is someone deeply loyal, emotionally honest, and quietly desperate to be loved for who he truly is.
Played by: Matthew Bellmer
Mark – The Brilliant Outsider
A math professor who sees life through logic and patterns, yet struggles with human connection. Awkward, insightful, and unexpectedly tender beneath the surface.
Played by: Stephen Lloyd
Sam – The Reluctant Protector
A fiercely independent lesbian with a sharp edge and zero tolerance for nonsense. She insists she doesn’t need anyone, yet beneath the armor is someone quietly longing for deeper connection.
Played by: Katie Preston
Luke – The Quiet Strength
A firefighter who is grounded, calm, and emotionally steady. Luke has fought hard for self-acceptance, yet past heartbreak still lingers beneath his strong exterior.
Played By: Sean Flink
Life, Love, and Chosen Family
The World Of Almost...Not Quite
Set in Spokane, Washington.
A charming, quirky city with a growing LGBTQ+ community, Almost...Not Quite brings authenticity to the screen by filming in real local businesses, coffee shops, and performance spaces.
This isn’t just a show you watch, this is a show you can be part of.
We’re building this with:
• LGBTQ+ and ally voices and talent from the greater Spokane area
• Local businesses that the community already knows and loves
• Real stories rooted in lived experience
And now, hopefully… you, no matter where you live.
What Your Support Funds
We’re producing a 12-episode first season using a lean, efficient indie production model. Our minimum goal of $8,000 will allow us to get this made, however we know the actual costs will be about $12,000, which we hope to raise in stretch goals and other sponsorships available for the production We have listed $8,050 as a goal as it is the minimum we could scrape by on. $12,000 would help us do it all!
Total Campaign Goal:
(Approximately $1,000 per episode)
Your support helps cover:
• Production equipment
• Cast and crew expenses
• On-location filming in Spokane
• Editing and post-production
This is a community-powered production—every dollar goes directly to bringing this story to life.
Jonathan's Philosophy:
"If your voice held no power, they wouldn't try to silence you, Indeed the most powerful weapons any of us have are the breath in our lungs and the stories we possess. Tell your story."
Risks and challenges
Any independent project comes with some level of risk. What happens if your location is not available when you originally had it set in your production schedule? What if someone from your crew doesn't show up or your actors are late or the hair and makeup coordinator goes into labor? Have you thought about tornadoes?? I have been involved in orchestrating events and projects for 30 years and this is what I have learned: a.) Always be flexible, b.) panicking helps no one and there is always a solution, c) surround yourself with a team of people who share your vision and your passion (a few minds are way better than a very weary one mind) and finally d.) Like my Grandma always said "*&#@ happens, but if you work with it some beautiful gardens can grow"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Wardrobe
Costs $2,500
We will be utilizing a hybrid of clothes from our costumers and clothes from actor closets, there are still many items needed for character.
Catering
Costs $2,800
Feeding cast and crew is a necessity on shoot days over 5 hours, we have kept costs down through partnerships but still need funding.
Hair & Make-Up Needs
Costs $750
We have assembled an amazing team of talented artists, we shoot from June to October and will need to provided needed tools as we go
Incidentals
Costs $2,000
Even the most well laid out projects need to build in their budget for surprises and the little incidentals that can add up fast.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Almost…Not Quite is led by a Spokane-based team of creatives passionate about telling authentic LGBTQ+ stories. Created, written by, and starring Jonathan Shuffield, and produced by a dedicated local team, the series is brought to life with director Ron Ford and cinematographer Peter N. Green. Our cast features talented local actors who bring real heart and lived experience to the screen. Together, we’re building a community-driven project rooted in honesty, humor, and representation. There are so many more wonderful people, cast and crew alike, involved and we can't wait for you to see more!