H.A.G.S.
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
Vivian and her friends return to school for their 10-year reunion, only to be sent on a nostalgic photo scavenger hunt that quickly turns deadly. As the group splits up and gets picked off one by one, a hilariously petty villain with a decade-long grudge proves the past never stays in the yearbook.
H.A.G.S.
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,851 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
186 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Vivian and her friends return to school for their 10-year reunion, only to be sent on a nostalgic photo scavenger hunt that quickly turns deadly. As the group splits up and gets picked off one by one, a hilariously petty villain with a decade-long grudge proves the past never stays in the yearbook.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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Our story follows Vivian, who is reluctantly dragged to her ten year high school reunion by her best friends, each returning for their own messy reasons: pride, curiosity, and even rekindling an old spark. But nostalgia takes a turn when a photo scavenger hunt becomes deadly. As the group is separated, it becomes clear that someone is picking them off one by one, seeking revenge. Vivian slowly realizes all of this is over… a yearbook sign-off?! Apparently, writing H.A.G.S. aka “Have a great summer,” ten years ago wasn’t meaningful enough for the killer. While Vivian and her friends fight for their lives, they're forced to confront the past whether they like it or not.
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Oh my God, Hollywood is so boring right now. So boring. A reboot? A remake? A sequel? The same three actors?? We hate to see it! I’m a millennial who grew up during what I consider the real golden age of Hollywood: the 90s/00s, when studios made bold, fun, smaller-budget movies that actually let creatives take risks. Those films shaped my taste, my comedic voice, and the exact kind of stories I want to bring back into the world.
That’s what I’m doing with H.A.G.S. I’m bringing back the VIBES with a fresh, original idea, hot new actors, and a smart budget designed to get this film made right now. I want to revive that era’s energy of original ideas, weird characters, stylish genre mashups and prove there’s still a huge appetite for new voices and new faces.
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This film blends nostalgia, horror, and comedy to explore the universal anxieties of revisiting the past. High school reunions are full of absurdity, ego, and unresolved tension, which makes them the perfect playground for both laughs and scares. And because scavenger hunts were a staple at my school, they’re a staple here too, letting the short show off unique locations, pacing, character dynamics, and, of course, kills.
Why now? Because audiences are exhausted with recycled content, and studios keep insisting original ideas “don’t sell.” H.A.G.S. is my answer to that.It proves the concept and highlights the project’s potential as a full-scale feature. It also reminds us that audiences are ready for something new, smart, stylish, diverse, funny, and thrilling.
Why this project? Because it brings back the energy, style, and fun of the movies I grew up loving, but with a fresh, original perspective. Beyond proving the concept, it makes a clear statement: original genre films absolutely can thrive when they’re sharp, stylish, and grounded in a clear creative voice.
Why me? Because I know exactly the kind of movie I want to make. I have a sharp comedic POV, a precise sense of tone, and a genuine love for that era of filmmaking. This is a story only I can tell in this specific way, rooted in my nostalgia, my humor, and my belief that Hollywood desperately needs its spark back.
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I've always loved movies, tv shows, and books about high school. Ironically, I hated almost every second of actually being there. One thing I did love? The anonymous scavenger hunts that took us around town making questionable decisions but the best memories. I’m so thankful for my friends, my ride-or-dies, who got me through those 4 years and are still riding for me today. I wanted to write something that celebrates the love I have for them, even if, yes… it’s a horror movie and I do have to kill them off. That’s the fun of it! My time at South Plantation High School, yes, it’s still called that, shaped who I am today. This story is my way of honoring that experience while turning all the nostalgia, absurdity, and drama of high school into a night of laughs, scares, and unforgettable chaos.
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Where We Are Now
We’re currently in pre-production with a completed script, a locked-in cast and crew, and our shooting location secured. We’re fully geared up to begin filming at the top of the new year.
How This Campaign Moves Us Forward
Your support directly funds the essentials that bring this film to life and everything it takes to make a polished, festival-ready short. This campaign lets us fully realize the horror-comedy vision while giving our team the chance to showcase their talent on the festival circuit.
Your support directly covers:
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Cast + crew- Location fees
- Insurance
- Equipment (camera, sound, lighting)
- Production design + Wardrobe
- Special effects/ Hair/ Makeup
- Meals for cast and crew
- Post-production (editing, sound design, color)
- Festival submissions fees
What Happens When the Film Is Finished
Once we wrap production, we’ll move immediately into editing. Our plan is to submit to festivals throughout the year and ultimately share the finished film online so everyone who helped bring it into the world can watch it.
Audience Delivery Timeline
- Early next year: Filming
- Spring/Summer: Editing + festival submissions
- After festival run: Online release for all supporters
STRETCH GOALS
We are shooting this as efficiently and cheaply as possible. Anything over our initial goal will go into improved equipment and production to make our short film go from an A to an A+.
If we surpass 100%:
125%
- Upgrading our camera and lens package
- More money towards Art spending. More party! More BLOOD!
150%
- More time spent on color correction and VFX (We want to hire real people! NO AI HERE)
- Surround sound mix for a theater experience
- Festival submissions. These things are expensive, but we want people to see this in theaters!
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PLEDGE
Pledge any amount today! EVERY DOLLAR HELPS. Whether it’s $1 or $100, you become part of bringing this slasher-comedy into existence.
SHARE
Help us spread the word! It's “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” but for an indie film. With enough shares, this campaign will definitely reach the right people (and maybe even Kevin Bacon himself!)
FOLLOW
Come with me on this journey.This is my first time writing, starring in, and producing something I’ve created, and I’m thrilled to bring you along for the ride! You’ll get a front-row seat to the chaos, the creativity, and all the behind-the-scenes magic as this story comes alive from page to screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Best All - Around
Costs $5,000
These folks are LEGIT professionals and are working on this project because they believe in me. Help me pay them!
Best Bromance
Costs $3,000
Everyone is so HOT we need the best cameras to capture all the hotness.
Best Couple
Costs $5,000
We’re basically time traveling. That ain’t cheap!
Best Dressed
Costs $2,000
We did it, we filmed our movie..but it’s not over yet!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Vivian Gil is a first-generation Dominican-American actor/writer from Plantation, Florida. Yes, it’s still called that! She’s trained at UCB, The Groundlings and IO West and often refers to herself as trash, which is a very high compliment. You can find her performing on UCB’s Maude Night and soon on Sunday Company at The Groundlings, but you’ll most likely hear her first. She’s very loud.
Matt Mazany is a three-time Emmy nominated Director/Writer based out of Los Angeles. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Matt never imagined that his snowy upbringing would afford him the opportunity to work in sunny Hollywood. From working in-house as a writer/director at Funny or Die, to traveling the world writing for WWE, or to his current role as one of the preeminent directors in the True Crime Documentary space, Matt loves telling surreal stories with real emotions; where unique people are put under the most extreme pressure. Although Matt loves directing, his favorite job is raising a six-toed cat named Juno.
Elizabeth Reichelt currently works as a Staff Writer on Bridgerton. Previously, she worked on Inventing Anna, Physical, and the L Word reboot. In 2024, Elizabeth was a semi-finalist for the Disney Entertainment Writing Program. She co-wrote/co-produced the short film, Full Picture, which was executive produced by Rachel Bloom and premiered at Slamdance. With extensive training in improv and sketch comedy, she has written and performed on house teams at UCB, iO West, and Second City. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work, loves to travel, and has an ongoing mission to try and find the best croissant in Los Angeles.
Douglas Cheney shot his first film at age eight on Super 8, a spark that set him on a lifelong path behind the camera. He began his professional career as a film loader on indie features and worked his way through the camera department to DP. He has since shot hundreds of television series for Discovery, Nat Geo, NBC, MTV, and Oxygen, along with commercial campaigns for brands like Toyota, Smirnoff, Biore, and Geico. Early in his career, he shot the indie horror feature The Choke entirely on 35mm short-ends, and more recently lensed the giallo-inspired Red Ribbons in the House of Stained Glass, winner of Best Midnight Short Film at FilmQuest 2025. Cheney also co-founded the digital production company Big Fantastic and co-created the Emmy-nominated series Prom Queen and Sam Has 7 Friends. He brings the same lifelong love of cinematography, and the same curiosity that pulled him behind a camera as a kid, to every frame he shoots.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Our story follows Vivian, who is reluctantly dragged to her ten year high school reunion by her best friends, each returning for their own messy reasons: pride, curiosity, and even rekindling an old spark. But nostalgia takes a turn when a photo scavenger hunt becomes deadly. As the group is separated, it becomes clear that someone is picking them off one by one, seeking revenge. Vivian slowly realizes all of this is over… a yearbook sign-off?! Apparently, writing H.A.G.S. aka “Have a great summer,” ten years ago wasn’t meaningful enough for the killer. While Vivian and her friends fight for their lives, they're forced to confront the past whether they like it or not.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh my God, Hollywood is so boring right now. So boring. A reboot? A remake? A sequel? The same three actors?? We hate to see it! I’m a millennial who grew up during what I consider the real golden age of Hollywood: the 90s/00s, when studios made bold, fun, smaller-budget movies that actually let creatives take risks. Those films shaped my taste, my comedic voice, and the exact kind of stories I want to bring back into the world.
That’s what I’m doing with H.A.G.S. I’m bringing back the VIBES with a fresh, original idea, hot new actors, and a smart budget designed to get this film made right now. I want to revive that era’s energy of original ideas, weird characters, stylish genre mashups and prove there’s still a huge appetite for new voices and new faces.
This film blends nostalgia, horror, and comedy to explore the universal anxieties of revisiting the past. High school reunions are full of absurdity, ego, and unresolved tension, which makes them the perfect playground for both laughs and scares. And because scavenger hunts were a staple at my school, they’re a staple here too, letting the short show off unique locations, pacing, character dynamics, and, of course, kills.
Why now? Because audiences are exhausted with recycled content, and studios keep insisting original ideas “don’t sell.” H.A.G.S. is my answer to that.It proves the concept and highlights the project’s potential as a full-scale feature. It also reminds us that audiences are ready for something new, smart, stylish, diverse, funny, and thrilling.
Why this project? Because it brings back the energy, style, and fun of the movies I grew up loving, but with a fresh, original perspective. Beyond proving the concept, it makes a clear statement: original genre films absolutely can thrive when they’re sharp, stylish, and grounded in a clear creative voice.
Why me? Because I know exactly the kind of movie I want to make. I have a sharp comedic POV, a precise sense of tone, and a genuine love for that era of filmmaking. This is a story only I can tell in this specific way, rooted in my nostalgia, my humor, and my belief that Hollywood desperately needs its spark back.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've always loved movies, tv shows, and books about high school. Ironically, I hated almost every second of actually being there. One thing I did love? The anonymous scavenger hunts that took us around town making questionable decisions but the best memories. I’m so thankful for my friends, my ride-or-dies, who got me through those 4 years and are still riding for me today. I wanted to write something that celebrates the love I have for them, even if, yes… it’s a horror movie and I do have to kill them off. That’s the fun of it! My time at South Plantation High School, yes, it’s still called that, shaped who I am today. This story is my way of honoring that experience while turning all the nostalgia, absurdity, and drama of high school into a night of laughs, scares, and unforgettable chaos.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where We Are Now
We’re currently in pre-production with a completed script, a locked-in cast and crew, and our shooting location secured. We’re fully geared up to begin filming at the top of the new year.
How This Campaign Moves Us Forward
Your support directly funds the essentials that bring this film to life and everything it takes to make a polished, festival-ready short. This campaign lets us fully realize the horror-comedy vision while giving our team the chance to showcase their talent on the festival circuit.
Your support directly covers:
- Cast + crew
- Location fees
- Insurance
- Equipment (camera, sound, lighting)
- Production design + Wardrobe
- Special effects/ Hair/ Makeup
- Meals for cast and crew
- Post-production (editing, sound design, color)
- Festival submissions fees
What Happens When the Film Is Finished
Once we wrap production, we’ll move immediately into editing. Our plan is to submit to festivals throughout the year and ultimately share the finished film online so everyone who helped bring it into the world can watch it.
Audience Delivery Timeline
- Early next year: Filming
- Spring/Summer: Editing + festival submissions
- After festival run: Online release for all supporters
STRETCH GOALS
We are shooting this as efficiently and cheaply as possible. Anything over our initial goal will go into improved equipment and production to make our short film go from an A to an A+.
If we surpass 100%:
125%
- Upgrading our camera and lens package
- More money towards Art spending. More party! More BLOOD!
150%
- More time spent on color correction and VFX (We want to hire real people! NO AI HERE)
- Surround sound mix for a theater experience
- Festival submissions. These things are expensive, but we want people to see this in theaters!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEDGE
Pledge any amount today! EVERY DOLLAR HELPS. Whether it’s $1 or $100, you become part of bringing this slasher-comedy into existence.
SHARE
Help us spread the word! It's “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” but for an indie film. With enough shares, this campaign will definitely reach the right people (and maybe even Kevin Bacon himself!)
FOLLOW
Come with me on this journey.This is my first time writing, starring in, and producing something I’ve created, and I’m thrilled to bring you along for the ride! You’ll get a front-row seat to the chaos, the creativity, and all the behind-the-scenes magic as this story comes alive from page to screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Best All - Around
Costs $5,000
These folks are LEGIT professionals and are working on this project because they believe in me. Help me pay them!
Best Bromance
Costs $3,000
Everyone is so HOT we need the best cameras to capture all the hotness.
Best Couple
Costs $5,000
We’re basically time traveling. That ain’t cheap!
Best Dressed
Costs $2,000
We did it, we filmed our movie..but it’s not over yet!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Vivian Gil is a first-generation Dominican-American actor/writer from Plantation, Florida. Yes, it’s still called that! She’s trained at UCB, The Groundlings and IO West and often refers to herself as trash, which is a very high compliment. You can find her performing on UCB’s Maude Night and soon on Sunday Company at The Groundlings, but you’ll most likely hear her first. She’s very loud.
Matt Mazany is a three-time Emmy nominated Director/Writer based out of Los Angeles. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Matt never imagined that his snowy upbringing would afford him the opportunity to work in sunny Hollywood. From working in-house as a writer/director at Funny or Die, to traveling the world writing for WWE, or to his current role as one of the preeminent directors in the True Crime Documentary space, Matt loves telling surreal stories with real emotions; where unique people are put under the most extreme pressure. Although Matt loves directing, his favorite job is raising a six-toed cat named Juno.
Elizabeth Reichelt currently works as a Staff Writer on Bridgerton. Previously, she worked on Inventing Anna, Physical, and the L Word reboot. In 2024, Elizabeth was a semi-finalist for the Disney Entertainment Writing Program. She co-wrote/co-produced the short film, Full Picture, which was executive produced by Rachel Bloom and premiered at Slamdance. With extensive training in improv and sketch comedy, she has written and performed on house teams at UCB, iO West, and Second City. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work, loves to travel, and has an ongoing mission to try and find the best croissant in Los Angeles.
Douglas Cheney shot his first film at age eight on Super 8, a spark that set him on a lifelong path behind the camera. He began his professional career as a film loader on indie features and worked his way through the camera department to DP. He has since shot hundreds of television series for Discovery, Nat Geo, NBC, MTV, and Oxygen, along with commercial campaigns for brands like Toyota, Smirnoff, Biore, and Geico. Early in his career, he shot the indie horror feature The Choke entirely on 35mm short-ends, and more recently lensed the giallo-inspired Red Ribbons in the House of Stained Glass, winner of Best Midnight Short Film at FilmQuest 2025. Cheney also co-founded the digital production company Big Fantastic and co-created the Emmy-nominated series Prom Queen and Sam Has 7 Friends. He brings the same lifelong love of cinematography, and the same curiosity that pulled him behind a camera as a kid, to every frame he shoots.