Hollywood Rex
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Music
'Hollywood Rex' is a femme-punk comedy made by women in LA's film and music scenes. For a long time, men have dominated these spaces, and this short film is a further step towards amplifying other voices. Let's break up the monotony. Because punk has always been about going against the grain.
Hollywood Rex
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Music
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,040 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
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'Hollywood Rex' is a femme-punk comedy made by women in LA's film and music scenes. For a long time, men have dominated these spaces, and this short film is a further step towards amplifying other voices. Let's break up the monotony. Because punk has always been about going against the grain.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the heart of LA, "Hollywood Rex" follows Rex, the bassist of Moxie Pad, a band teetering on the edge of success. Her life is entangled in a tumultuous "situationship" with the band manager, Cal, whose control stifles the band's journey to a record deal. When Moxie Pad accidentally leaves Rex behind after a gig, her unplanned journey on foot from Hollywood to Los Feliz proves transformative. I mean...nobody walks in LA.
As Rex encounters the typical "LA-types", she faces unexpected challenges. Her solo odyssey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery. By the time she reunites with her band, Rex not only brings news of their potential success but also a newfound strength to see through Cal's manipulation. "Hollywood Rex" is a femme-punk-infused tale of liberation, authenticity, and the triumph of an individual finding her voice amidst the chaos of the music industry.
I'm a director, and I'm a woman, and those two labels aren't always accepted together. Recently, I spoke with a young guy just breaking into the industry who called into question women's ability to direct. In fact, to share a direct quote, he said, "I've never worked on set with a female director who knew what she was doing." But how true can that be? Because the women I know, and I know many, are strong, intelligent, motivated, committed, creative, and resourceful people. All of these qualities happen to make up a fantastic film director and I look forward to, not only directing more myself, but working specifically for more women in roles of authority.
(me, working with the actors between takes on "Highway Children")
This film's pre-production was kicked off because of a successful woman looking to encourage and fund more stories being made by women. The desire for it is there, we just need to fill those spaces. Our producers and DP are all talented women with impressive and extensive resumes. And we've linked up with a local band, all women, who will not only write and record the original song, but will step in to act in the film as well. It's a tour de force of femininity and I'm so lucky to be part of it.
(Kennedy Ghaill and Avery Owens, our producers & Katie Ann O'Keefe, our DP)
(Rex played by Morgyn Payge)
(The band (Moxie Pad) played by Lost Cat)
And as a very special mention, we have the absolute privilege of bringing on Mike Watt to play himself in the film! Mike is an iconic bassist and a pillar of the punk and music scene. From the early days of jamming out with D. Boon and George Hurley in the Minutemen to his long stint playing with Iggy and the Stooges, Mike is a part of music's history, present, and future. He believes that the ethos of punk is more than just a music genre. It's a way of life, a sense of community, and an opportunity to share your soul with anyone willing to listen. And that's what Hollywood Rex is all about. Punk never died. It was around long before the scene in the 70s and it will continue to persevere.
(Mike Watt, playing himself)
'll keep it brief, but I'd like to pay a little lip service to my musical past, which ultimately led me here - marrying my two greatest loves of film and music. My father is a musician, and for the better part of his youth, played in funk bands, pop bands, rock and roll bands, and new wave bands. It's what brought him to LA in 1984 and what eventually led to my existence. I grew up singing, songwriting, and playing guitar. I performed at open mics and small gigs around town, and fell in love with music that made me want to scream and yell and throw things around. I studied songwriting at a music school in London before I moved back to the states to study film. And though I'm focused now on other passions, songwriting and performing remain an integral part of me. Now, I get to mash all of it together and share it with you!
(me, performing in London)
We need to make this movie. As our pre-production has progressed, this film has become a community effort. It's a circle for those always pushed to the side. A place for the people at the fringes. And it's a symbol of hope that says that anyone can make a film. We've raised most of our budget already through private funding and personal contributions. But, we need a little bit more to help us meet our minimum needs. With $4,000 more, we can get that camera and lens rental taken care of, and even give our DP a few more bucks so she can stretch her skills. We can put more money into production design, an area that's often grossly undervalued. We'll be able to round out our crew with the extra people we need to make this shoot run smoothly. And we can use it for post - for editing, for sound, for coloring, and for music licensing. There's no way to have a punk movie without punk songs, but that can be pricey. $4,000 is the minimum, but if we exceed that, we can put more money into each of these things, which helps us provide all of the tools every department needs!
We'll be shooting in January and expect to have this film ready by summer of 2024. We'll be hosting a premiere screening for our donors before launching Rex onto the festival circuit! If we can get your help, we can see this thing succeed. And the success of this film will reach across everyone working so hard on it. If you're unable to donate, even sharing our page with someone you know who might want to support would go miles for us! And if you can donate, please know how much we appreciate it. Your support means a better future for film and music. THANK YOU
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Additional Crew Costs
Costs $700
We have raised a bit of our budget through personal contributions and private donations. But for a more robust crew, we need a little more.
Production Design
Costs $500
Production design is at the heart of every memorable shot. To build Rex's punk world, we need to provide resources for that creativity.
Camera and Gear Rental
Costs $1,000
We need $1,000 for the cost of the camera and lens rental as well as any tools our DP may need.
Post Production
Costs $800
The success of a film is in the details, like sound design, coloring, and most notably, editing. This money will help us support those costs
Music Licensing
Costs $1,000
We can't make a punk movie without punk music! But licensing can get expensive. This will help tremendously in securing songs for the film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director
Lauren Clinton Clark is an LA indie film director. She grew up in the industry as a child actor, most notably playing Janice Avery in Disney/Walden Media’s “Bridge to Terabithia”. A musician since she was a teenager, she has been in and out of the music scene both in LA and London. Now, a coordinator in animation, she works on Rick and Morty. But she’s using the strike hiatus to make her third and best short film - HOLLYWOOD REX.
Producer
Meet Kennedy Ghaill, formerly known as Jesse Wright, a trailblazing transgender writer and filmmaker hailing from the heart of Dayton, Ohio, and now calling the creative haven of Los Angeles, California her home..Her noteworthy works include 'The Big Part' and 'How to Succeed in Business with a Best Friend and a Handgun,' both independently financed and produced. In the wake of the pandemic, Kennedy has returned to her creative pursuits with a focused commitment. Her current objective is to support and uplift fellow transgender, gender non-conforming, and female filmmakers through her roles as a producer and writer.
Producer
Avery Owens’ work focuses of producing and production management. Some past projects include “Light” and “Highway Children” which were both written and directed by Lauren and produced by Avery. Together, they’ve always worked as a dream team, running a well oiled machine. Defying any naysayers, they say if you wanna get the job done and done well, leave it to the ladies. Avery’s excited to knock yet another film out of the park that will leave a lasting impression.
Director of Photography
Katie Ann O'Keefe is a talented and experienced Director of Photography. With notable works like, "The Stardust Motel," "The Shadow in the Mirror," and "Creative Reasoning," she believes in the power of show-don't-tell as she captures story through her lens. Katie Ann focuses on narrative, music, and experimental films that showcase strong emotional resonation and unification. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it's her goal to break barriers and set an example for other women in cinematography.
Production Designer
Kade Clark is a retired punk rocker who is thrilled be to lacing up his old docs and jumping straight into the pit with the rest of the Hollywood Rex crew. He is honored to able to use his knowledge of punk and production design to help tell a story that cuts to the heart of rebellious rock’n’roll, the DIY ethos, and being true to your art.
Editor
Donnie Mathias is a boy who was born and raised in Orange County, at the right place and the right time. Film and video editor, writer of short fiction, film photographer and developer, yo-yo extraordinaire— what could go wrong? He attended film school with Lauren at Saddleback College, along with several other key crew members, and is excited to swab the deck while the women captain the ship.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the heart of LA, "Hollywood Rex" follows Rex, the bassist of Moxie Pad, a band teetering on the edge of success. Her life is entangled in a tumultuous "situationship" with the band manager, Cal, whose control stifles the band's journey to a record deal. When Moxie Pad accidentally leaves Rex behind after a gig, her unplanned journey on foot from Hollywood to Los Feliz proves transformative. I mean...nobody walks in LA.
As Rex encounters the typical "LA-types", she faces unexpected challenges. Her solo odyssey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery. By the time she reunites with her band, Rex not only brings news of their potential success but also a newfound strength to see through Cal's manipulation. "Hollywood Rex" is a femme-punk-infused tale of liberation, authenticity, and the triumph of an individual finding her voice amidst the chaos of the music industry.
I'm a director, and I'm a woman, and those two labels aren't always accepted together. Recently, I spoke with a young guy just breaking into the industry who called into question women's ability to direct. In fact, to share a direct quote, he said, "I've never worked on set with a female director who knew what she was doing." But how true can that be? Because the women I know, and I know many, are strong, intelligent, motivated, committed, creative, and resourceful people. All of these qualities happen to make up a fantastic film director and I look forward to, not only directing more myself, but working specifically for more women in roles of authority.
(me, working with the actors between takes on "Highway Children")
This film's pre-production was kicked off because of a successful woman looking to encourage and fund more stories being made by women. The desire for it is there, we just need to fill those spaces. Our producers and DP are all talented women with impressive and extensive resumes. And we've linked up with a local band, all women, who will not only write and record the original song, but will step in to act in the film as well. It's a tour de force of femininity and I'm so lucky to be part of it.
(Kennedy Ghaill and Avery Owens, our producers & Katie Ann O'Keefe, our DP)
(Rex played by Morgyn Payge)
(The band (Moxie Pad) played by Lost Cat)
And as a very special mention, we have the absolute privilege of bringing on Mike Watt to play himself in the film! Mike is an iconic bassist and a pillar of the punk and music scene. From the early days of jamming out with D. Boon and George Hurley in the Minutemen to his long stint playing with Iggy and the Stooges, Mike is a part of music's history, present, and future. He believes that the ethos of punk is more than just a music genre. It's a way of life, a sense of community, and an opportunity to share your soul with anyone willing to listen. And that's what Hollywood Rex is all about. Punk never died. It was around long before the scene in the 70s and it will continue to persevere.
(Mike Watt, playing himself)
'll keep it brief, but I'd like to pay a little lip service to my musical past, which ultimately led me here - marrying my two greatest loves of film and music. My father is a musician, and for the better part of his youth, played in funk bands, pop bands, rock and roll bands, and new wave bands. It's what brought him to LA in 1984 and what eventually led to my existence. I grew up singing, songwriting, and playing guitar. I performed at open mics and small gigs around town, and fell in love with music that made me want to scream and yell and throw things around. I studied songwriting at a music school in London before I moved back to the states to study film. And though I'm focused now on other passions, songwriting and performing remain an integral part of me. Now, I get to mash all of it together and share it with you!
(me, performing in London)
We need to make this movie. As our pre-production has progressed, this film has become a community effort. It's a circle for those always pushed to the side. A place for the people at the fringes. And it's a symbol of hope that says that anyone can make a film. We've raised most of our budget already through private funding and personal contributions. But, we need a little bit more to help us meet our minimum needs. With $4,000 more, we can get that camera and lens rental taken care of, and even give our DP a few more bucks so she can stretch her skills. We can put more money into production design, an area that's often grossly undervalued. We'll be able to round out our crew with the extra people we need to make this shoot run smoothly. And we can use it for post - for editing, for sound, for coloring, and for music licensing. There's no way to have a punk movie without punk songs, but that can be pricey. $4,000 is the minimum, but if we exceed that, we can put more money into each of these things, which helps us provide all of the tools every department needs!
We'll be shooting in January and expect to have this film ready by summer of 2024. We'll be hosting a premiere screening for our donors before launching Rex onto the festival circuit! If we can get your help, we can see this thing succeed. And the success of this film will reach across everyone working so hard on it. If you're unable to donate, even sharing our page with someone you know who might want to support would go miles for us! And if you can donate, please know how much we appreciate it. Your support means a better future for film and music. THANK YOU
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Additional Crew Costs
Costs $700
We have raised a bit of our budget through personal contributions and private donations. But for a more robust crew, we need a little more.
Production Design
Costs $500
Production design is at the heart of every memorable shot. To build Rex's punk world, we need to provide resources for that creativity.
Camera and Gear Rental
Costs $1,000
We need $1,000 for the cost of the camera and lens rental as well as any tools our DP may need.
Post Production
Costs $800
The success of a film is in the details, like sound design, coloring, and most notably, editing. This money will help us support those costs
Music Licensing
Costs $1,000
We can't make a punk movie without punk music! But licensing can get expensive. This will help tremendously in securing songs for the film.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director
Lauren Clinton Clark is an LA indie film director. She grew up in the industry as a child actor, most notably playing Janice Avery in Disney/Walden Media’s “Bridge to Terabithia”. A musician since she was a teenager, she has been in and out of the music scene both in LA and London. Now, a coordinator in animation, she works on Rick and Morty. But she’s using the strike hiatus to make her third and best short film - HOLLYWOOD REX.
Producer
Meet Kennedy Ghaill, formerly known as Jesse Wright, a trailblazing transgender writer and filmmaker hailing from the heart of Dayton, Ohio, and now calling the creative haven of Los Angeles, California her home..Her noteworthy works include 'The Big Part' and 'How to Succeed in Business with a Best Friend and a Handgun,' both independently financed and produced. In the wake of the pandemic, Kennedy has returned to her creative pursuits with a focused commitment. Her current objective is to support and uplift fellow transgender, gender non-conforming, and female filmmakers through her roles as a producer and writer.
Producer
Avery Owens’ work focuses of producing and production management. Some past projects include “Light” and “Highway Children” which were both written and directed by Lauren and produced by Avery. Together, they’ve always worked as a dream team, running a well oiled machine. Defying any naysayers, they say if you wanna get the job done and done well, leave it to the ladies. Avery’s excited to knock yet another film out of the park that will leave a lasting impression.
Director of Photography
Katie Ann O'Keefe is a talented and experienced Director of Photography. With notable works like, "The Stardust Motel," "The Shadow in the Mirror," and "Creative Reasoning," she believes in the power of show-don't-tell as she captures story through her lens. Katie Ann focuses on narrative, music, and experimental films that showcase strong emotional resonation and unification. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it's her goal to break barriers and set an example for other women in cinematography.
Production Designer
Kade Clark is a retired punk rocker who is thrilled be to lacing up his old docs and jumping straight into the pit with the rest of the Hollywood Rex crew. He is honored to able to use his knowledge of punk and production design to help tell a story that cuts to the heart of rebellious rock’n’roll, the DIY ethos, and being true to your art.
Editor
Donnie Mathias is a boy who was born and raised in Orange County, at the right place and the right time. Film and video editor, writer of short fiction, film photographer and developer, yo-yo extraordinaire— what could go wrong? He attended film school with Lauren at Saddleback College, along with several other key crew members, and is excited to swab the deck while the women captain the ship.