WHY THIS STORY?

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY came out of a *little* existential crisis I had after graduating college. Reality sunk in, things weren't going to plan, I was unemployed and away from home, and more unsure of myself than ever. I felt like an imposter, like a child who managed to somehow sneak into the adult world when she clearly shouldn't be there. The first months after graduating weren't easy, the bubble that was college campus burst, and I felt lonely and scared.

But the only thing that really snapped me out of it was realizing, that I wasn't the only one. I found comfort in my friends around me, who I thought had their shit together (pun intended) and actually didn't, and were as anxious, and clueless as myself (no offense to them they're all lovely, smart people, and are also part of this crew so wouldn't wanna offend them, love u guys :D). I truly think we all found comfort in our mutual understanding, and the sense of home-away-from-home we provided for each other.

I hope this story can provide that sense of feeling heard and understood for some other 20-something out there, while also providing something to laugh about in the middle of the craziness that is adulting.

We meet Aly as she sobs in the car, cursing herself out on her uselessness and stupidity on a voicemail to her Mom. Having let that out of her system, Aly waddles (weird) up the stairs to her apartment, and opens the door to find a surprise party waiting for her!!

Aly runs away in a panic, and is followed by her two best friends: Emma and Olivia. Against her will, Aly tells them about her day, involving: a feeling of existential dread, a special chocolate cake delivery devoured in the bathtub, a violent stomach ache, a job interview gone awry, a parking ticket, an unsuccessful race to get to the bathroom, and finally, a pair of pooped pants… and an overwhelming feeling of shame.  

Unable to go back home and have to tell 25 people she sh*t her pants, Aly breaks down to her friends about how inadequate and helpless she feels as a “real” adult. Emma and Olivia reveal to Aly just how much they can relate to her situation, and Aly feels relief for the first time in a while. Back in the apartment, Aly is “surprised” again by her friends, and is actually surprised to discover that her nosy friend Jake told everyone what happened. Cat’s out of the bag, and, although not ideal, Aly feels truly seen by her friends and can finally celebrate a very weird, but very memorable birthday.

Here’s were YOU come in!! With a combination of personal savings and the grace of strangers on the internet, we are hoping to raise $10,000 total. The more we raise, the bigger our dreams. And trust us, we have a lot of candles to make wishes on! All the funds will go into physical production and post-production of HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, including but not limited to: equipment, locations, permits, cast and crew, food and transportation.

Every single contribution will be felt and seen on screen, this movie will come to life literally and figuratively thanks to all your generous help!

STRETCH GOALS: If we manage to surpass our goal we can apply to even more festivals so more people can watch the finished product, and we can pay a professional composer to create music for the film, as well as possibly hosting screening of the film for our network and our Seed&Spark community!

We will be shooting this film over three days in Los Angeles. Maintaining a relatively tight and nimble (haha) crew will allow us to stretch our budget while still ensuring the finished product is the shit!

We’re like the Avengers of low-budget filmmaking— we have worked on a variety of projects ranging in budgets from nonexistent to $60,000. Our collective experience through film school at USC and on independent films and music videos have prepared us to bring this project to life. We are so excited to work together again and are so grateful for whatever contributions will be made. 

MARIA PAULA QUESADA - Director:

Maria Paula Quesada Quirós is a Costa Rican writer, director, and producer. Growing up in a tiny yet diverse country, with a big, close-knit family, she has drawn constant inspiration from her upbringing. Her approach to storytelling from an early age has been informed by vulnerability, humor, and empathy; aspects which continue to inform her work through a genre-bending approach. 

A USC Film School Graduate, Maria Paula has produced award-winning short films, as well as music videos, and branded content in the US and Costa Rica. Currently, Maria Paula is directing content for the largest music festival in Central America, ‘Picnic Festival’. In 2023, Maria Paula co-founded Odd One Out Films a production company that develops and produces unique, genre-bending content with diverse, up-and-coming creators.

GABBY FISZMAN - Producer:

Gabby Fiszman is a writer, director, and producer whose upbringing was just as eclectic as her storytelling. As a first-generation American raised by Brazilian immigrants across four states, Gabby encountered a wide range of cultures and individuals, which exposed her to diverse perspectives and instilled in her a deep sense of compassion — both of which were crucial in her path to become a storyteller. 

A graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, she independently produces and directs narrative shorts, music videos, and more. Her work blends genres and often uses comedy to reflect the absurdity of the world, bolstered by emotive and colorful visuals.

DOUG KERNER - Producer:

Doug Kerner is a writer, director, and producer based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Doug developed an early childhood love for filmmaking, forcing his friends to recreate his favorite horror movies beginning at the age of eight years old. 

A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Doug independently produces and directs narrative shorts, music videos, and more. Inspired by the strange and sublime characters who inhabit the city he calls home, he loves to tell stories about wounded dreamers that blend elements of horror, tragedy, and comedy. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your time and consideration! It's so exciting to get to even consider telling a story that we feel this passionate about, especially if we get to do it with the help of others who relate to and believe in it. It would be an absolute honor to get to share this film with you, and to know we were able to bring HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to life thanks to YOU!

If you're not capable of contributing financially, sharing our project on social media is also incredibly helpful and important! Feel free to find shareable material on our instagram: @hhhbdfilm

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING A PART OF HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!