HealthScare
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
This film tells the story of two larger than life customer service representatives who get trapped in the same broken system they're working to uphold. Physical, fast-paced and absurd, the friends navigate a discovery too tragic to ignore. It's two parts comedy and one part horror.
HealthScare
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,600 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
64 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This film tells the story of two larger than life customer service representatives who get trapped in the same broken system they're working to uphold. Physical, fast-paced and absurd, the friends navigate a discovery too tragic to ignore. It's two parts comedy and one part horror.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I love to take inherently dramatic topics and exaggerate them to the point that you can't help but laugh. This is how I get through stressful times. Others might online shop, get real drunk, walk into the ocean, or tear down part of someone else's house and build an unnecessary ballroom in it's stead. I laugh. It's a survival mechanism.
Ever had a health concern that you or someone you love was afraid to address due to the cost? Walked out of a doctor's office and been afraid to receive the bill? Run away from your family when you were eight cause you found out you needed stitches? Oh wait - sorry, that was just me.
Why NOW?
There couldn't be a better time to donate to bring awareness to this issue. The financial support will increase the impact of our film, and create more urgency around this incredibly flawed institution. If subsidies expire at the end of this year, premiums will increase an average of 114% - that's more than double. 41% of the adults in our country have difficulty paying medical bills or have medical debt. The total debt is over 220 billion. I know...your asking yourself all the "W"'s: What? Why? Where? Tofu..?
Who on earth could be responsible for such a backwards, incompetent, and absurd system? The only answer that makes sense to me: it's clearly run by clowns.
MEET CLIFF & DOLLY
Cliff and Dolly are coworkers in a call center where they are responsible for handling all insurance claims. They're juvenile, impetuous, fun-loving, and occasional violent. On this particular day, a high-stakes competition reveals that Dolly's not the good person she thought she was. While Dolly & Cliff aren't clowns in the traditional sense (no big red noses and red wigs), they have a childlike rebellion and playfulness that drive their characters.
I think we all hope that we're "good" people. We make a series of small decisions every day that impact those around us. What do you do if you discover you're in a morally corrupt system? Are you culpable? And what's your responsibility now that you can see it clearly? The film examines how much we sacrifice well-being and community in favor of success. And what effect turning a blind eye to suffering has on our collective consciousness.
What will the funds be used for?
I'm so glad you asked!
I started working on the concept three years ago when the absurdity of all of our interactions with the institution finally came to a head. I interviewed people, collected stories and wrote, and wrote....and rewrote. I'm immensely proud to finally see it come to life. And all this took a lot of emailing, messaging, meeting over the phone, getting together for coffee, and yelling to each other on the city streets. It was important for me to connect to as many people as I could over our common struggle.
To make it come to life in the most realistic way possible, it takes a surprising amount of teamwork, detail, effort and yes, money. These components are crucial to making the message pack a punch. The project design is huge for such a stylized peace. Coco Cashman has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. With inspiration from such films as Joker, Beatlejuice, Office Killer, and many other films - we began to build our world.
Our fantastic Director of Photographer, William DeJessa, has been helping with shots, angles, rythym, pace, and given suggestions on how to make the story unfold in a way that brings the audience on an engaging and powerful journey. The collaboration and shot list development is a very lengthy and important part of the process.
Finding the perfect space was key to providing cold and industrial surroundings that represent the lack of humanity that exists at the top of the legislative food chain. We were very lucky to find a space in Sidecar Studios in Astoria, New York. Once we located the space, we have to consider lighting, sound, specific shot angles and a host of other design elements.
We found one of the industry's top hair and make-up designers in Nina Carelli. There's an element of the film that requires believable prosthetics and Nina is the top of her game. You can see more of her work on Insta but here's a sample of her work:
These few examples of our crew are just a sampling of the talent we have on board. These professionals were chosen after several interviews and meetings. Taking time to choose the right people for your team is crucial before any of the "work" has even started!
And this is saying nothing of the many supporters who will be volunteering their time on the days of the shoot, November 12th through the 15th, 2025. It's very important to me that we have the most professional environment so that everyone on set can operate at their best in a positive and supportive environment. At a very baseline level that means food for all. 9 meals for approx 20 people adds up!
THANK YOU
I want to thank you for reading and for your support. So many of you have supported me in my big leaps, and that means more than words can say. I hope that I'll always continue to place priority on community over success, as my character, Dolly, is sadly unable to do.
Thanks most of all to my partner in all things: my husband and collaborator, Jamie<3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $7,550
Directors, Production Assistants, Sound, everything that happens behind the camera.
Equipment & Location
Costs $3,850
Equipment, insurance, location, and dues
Post-production
Costs $4,350
Editing, music, talent, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MANDY SCHMIEDER
Writer/ Director/Actor
Mandy is an actress, improvisor, and writer living in NYC with her partner, Jamie Cummings, and their two children. This is her first time directing, second time screenwriting, and 3rd time being a charm. Her credits include Inside Amy Schumer, Life & Beth, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. For more info: www.mandyschmieder.com
JAMIE CUMMINGS
Actor
JAMIE CUMMINGS is an actor, writer, and director. He has improvised on stages across NYC and the country. He’s also worked extensively in immersive theatre. He wrote, acted and directed for the Emmy Award-winning Web sitcom Floaters, which screened at Sundance. His favorite medium, though, is short films starring only him and his wife.
DAVID LEVINE
Producer
Hello! I'm David Levine, a Creative Producer out of NYC. I love to elevate stories that help people. This is my third time working with Mandy & Jamie. I'm so proud to be producing HealthScare, and I feel every human being is entitled to the very best healthcare available. Thank you!
WILLIAM DEJESSA
Cinematographer
William DeJessa is a multi-disciplined director of photography with over a decade of experience spanning feature films, short films, television, commercials, and music videos. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, he discovered his passion for storytelling early on, later studying film and video production at Temple University. Known for his distinctive creative vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach, William creates visually captivating and emotionally resonant imagery that enhances each story he helps tell.
NINA CARELLI
Hair & Make-up
CHRIS ROBERTI
Script & Acting Coach
CHRIS MANLEY
Clown Consultant
Project Design: Coco Cashman
Sound engineer: Eugene Kolesnikov
Gaffer/Grip: Ivan McCartney
Promotion: Kymani Hayden
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I love to take inherently dramatic topics and exaggerate them to the point that you can't help but laugh. This is how I get through stressful times. Others might online shop, get real drunk, walk into the ocean, or tear down part of someone else's house and build an unnecessary ballroom in it's stead. I laugh. It's a survival mechanism.
Ever had a health concern that you or someone you love was afraid to address due to the cost? Walked out of a doctor's office and been afraid to receive the bill? Run away from your family when you were eight cause you found out you needed stitches? Oh wait - sorry, that was just me.
Why NOW?
There couldn't be a better time to donate to bring awareness to this issue. The financial support will increase the impact of our film, and create more urgency around this incredibly flawed institution. If subsidies expire at the end of this year, premiums will increase an average of 114% - that's more than double. 41% of the adults in our country have difficulty paying medical bills or have medical debt. The total debt is over 220 billion. I know...your asking yourself all the "W"'s: What? Why? Where? Tofu..?
Who on earth could be responsible for such a backwards, incompetent, and absurd system? The only answer that makes sense to me: it's clearly run by clowns.
MEET CLIFF & DOLLY
Cliff and Dolly are coworkers in a call center where they are responsible for handling all insurance claims. They're juvenile, impetuous, fun-loving, and occasional violent. On this particular day, a high-stakes competition reveals that Dolly's not the good person she thought she was. While Dolly & Cliff aren't clowns in the traditional sense (no big red noses and red wigs), they have a childlike rebellion and playfulness that drive their characters.
I think we all hope that we're "good" people. We make a series of small decisions every day that impact those around us. What do you do if you discover you're in a morally corrupt system? Are you culpable? And what's your responsibility now that you can see it clearly? The film examines how much we sacrifice well-being and community in favor of success. And what effect turning a blind eye to suffering has on our collective consciousness.
What will the funds be used for?
I'm so glad you asked!
I started working on the concept three years ago when the absurdity of all of our interactions with the institution finally came to a head. I interviewed people, collected stories and wrote, and wrote....and rewrote. I'm immensely proud to finally see it come to life. And all this took a lot of emailing, messaging, meeting over the phone, getting together for coffee, and yelling to each other on the city streets. It was important for me to connect to as many people as I could over our common struggle.
To make it come to life in the most realistic way possible, it takes a surprising amount of teamwork, detail, effort and yes, money. These components are crucial to making the message pack a punch. The project design is huge for such a stylized peace. Coco Cashman has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. With inspiration from such films as Joker, Beatlejuice, Office Killer, and many other films - we began to build our world.
Our fantastic Director of Photographer, William DeJessa, has been helping with shots, angles, rythym, pace, and given suggestions on how to make the story unfold in a way that brings the audience on an engaging and powerful journey. The collaboration and shot list development is a very lengthy and important part of the process.
Finding the perfect space was key to providing cold and industrial surroundings that represent the lack of humanity that exists at the top of the legislative food chain. We were very lucky to find a space in Sidecar Studios in Astoria, New York. Once we located the space, we have to consider lighting, sound, specific shot angles and a host of other design elements.
We found one of the industry's top hair and make-up designers in Nina Carelli. There's an element of the film that requires believable prosthetics and Nina is the top of her game. You can see more of her work on Insta but here's a sample of her work:
These few examples of our crew are just a sampling of the talent we have on board. These professionals were chosen after several interviews and meetings. Taking time to choose the right people for your team is crucial before any of the "work" has even started!
And this is saying nothing of the many supporters who will be volunteering their time on the days of the shoot, November 12th through the 15th, 2025. It's very important to me that we have the most professional environment so that everyone on set can operate at their best in a positive and supportive environment. At a very baseline level that means food for all. 9 meals for approx 20 people adds up!
THANK YOU
I want to thank you for reading and for your support. So many of you have supported me in my big leaps, and that means more than words can say. I hope that I'll always continue to place priority on community over success, as my character, Dolly, is sadly unable to do.
Thanks most of all to my partner in all things: my husband and collaborator, Jamie<3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crew
Costs $7,550
Directors, Production Assistants, Sound, everything that happens behind the camera.
Equipment & Location
Costs $3,850
Equipment, insurance, location, and dues
Post-production
Costs $4,350
Editing, music, talent, etc.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MANDY SCHMIEDER
Writer/ Director/Actor
Mandy is an actress, improvisor, and writer living in NYC with her partner, Jamie Cummings, and their two children. This is her first time directing, second time screenwriting, and 3rd time being a charm. Her credits include Inside Amy Schumer, Life & Beth, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. For more info: www.mandyschmieder.com
JAMIE CUMMINGS
Actor
JAMIE CUMMINGS is an actor, writer, and director. He has improvised on stages across NYC and the country. He’s also worked extensively in immersive theatre. He wrote, acted and directed for the Emmy Award-winning Web sitcom Floaters, which screened at Sundance. His favorite medium, though, is short films starring only him and his wife.
DAVID LEVINE
Producer
Hello! I'm David Levine, a Creative Producer out of NYC. I love to elevate stories that help people. This is my third time working with Mandy & Jamie. I'm so proud to be producing HealthScare, and I feel every human being is entitled to the very best healthcare available. Thank you!
WILLIAM DEJESSA
Cinematographer
William DeJessa is a multi-disciplined director of photography with over a decade of experience spanning feature films, short films, television, commercials, and music videos. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, he discovered his passion for storytelling early on, later studying film and video production at Temple University. Known for his distinctive creative vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach, William creates visually captivating and emotionally resonant imagery that enhances each story he helps tell.
NINA CARELLI
Hair & Make-up
CHRIS ROBERTI
Script & Acting Coach
CHRIS MANLEY
Clown Consultant
Project Design: Coco Cashman
Sound engineer: Eugene Kolesnikov
Gaffer/Grip: Ivan McCartney
Promotion: Kymani Hayden