Hotshots
Spokane, Washington | Film Short
LGBTQ, Romantic Comedy
A Bikini Barista must rally a crew and major cash by sunset or her misogynistic boss will burn her queer coffee shop dreams to the ground. Created by a brother and sister duo, Hotshots delivers a delightfully campy, high-octane comedy that crackles with witty banter and vibrant queer energy.
Hotshots
Spokane, Washington | Film Short
LGBTQ, Romantic Comedy
1 Campaigns | Washington, United States
16 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$2,035
Goal: $20,000 for production
A Bikini Barista must rally a crew and major cash by sunset or her misogynistic boss will burn her queer coffee shop dreams to the ground. Created by a brother and sister duo, Hotshots delivers a delightfully campy, high-octane comedy that crackles with witty banter and vibrant queer energy.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Today’s the big day! June has been saving up to buy the coffee stand from her jerk boss Roy, but everything is going wrong for her and ride-or-die coworker Maisy. The ice machine is broken, the masturbator is back and a sexy stranger breaks down in their line. Finally, June gets the chance to make an offer but Roy hikes the price and delivers an ultimatum: the girls have until sunset to scrape together an extra $10k or they’re both out of work.
When nonbinary rolling stone Joe unexpectedly stalls out at the stand, our pansexual protagonist can’t deny the sparks. A fire lights in June’s heart. And if she’s going to save the shop, she’ll need her community. Our barista heroes enlist the help of sassy Corey, trans goddess Mimi and everybody’s favorite gay grandpa Charlie to hustle up the cash. But will it be enough or will Roy send June’s queer bikini stand dreams up in flames?
Set in the visually arresting world of bikini baristas, this film boasts vibrant characters in a face-paced adventure. It is fun, funny and sexy with a subtle retro aesthetic. Fantasy moments contrast with gritty workplace realness, a true ode to the service industry. While it tantalizes and entertains, the heartbeat of this delicious short is queer joy and the power of people working together.
Our production is hyper local, hyper femme, hyper queer. Hotshots gives historically underrepresented storytellers an opportunity to work on a film they can see themselves in. Women and queer folk will hold all major leadership positions - both in front of and behind the camera. We’ve hired real bikini baristas as consultants and talent, along with our fab Spokane LGBTQIA+ cast and crew! Oh, and f*ck AI. Hotshots will hire and compensate real humans from pre to post production.
We are Sherri Bylenga and Jeremy Urann, a brother and sister creative duo with a fire in our souls to create art that challenges the monstrous norm. Together, we run Fat Gratitude, a Spokane based production company dedicated to amplifying love through film. We have no inside connections to the Hollywood machine. Our flex is a ridiculous work ethic, an unwavering determination to manifest our dreams, and a commitment to uplifting the queer community with our success. Not only is Hotshots the film we wish we’d seen growing up, but an opportunity we wish we’d had; both a love letter and wake-the-fuck-up memo to our hometown Spokane. Help us realize our life long dream of making a feature film together!
Hotshots is a comedy for anyone who loves coffee, bikini babes or studs in speedos. So everyone, really! But specifically we’re making this for the girls and gays, the bis and theys. Our queer community has been taking hit after hit and we need to rally together more than ever. That means allies, too!
Yes, this comedic short (runtime 17 minutes) is destined for a strong festival run, but it also serves as our proof of concept for the Hotshots feature which we’ve been tirelessly developing for the past three years. The quick history:
- Washington Filmworks Above the Line Education Forum in 2023
- Competitive six month mentorship with Juan Mas and Fawzia Mirza in 2024
- Script Workshop at Western Washington University’s Test Kitchen in 2025
- Awarded grant funding through both Spokane Arts and Greater Spokane Incorporated
- Filmed Crowdfunding and Promotional Content with real queers and baristas 2026
- Currently in Pre-Production for the Hotshots short film proof of concept!
- Principal photography scheduled for August 2026!!!
This is our chance to show what we can do and we’re ready! Funding isn’t coming from the establishment and we can’t wait on angel investors. Like our protagonist June, we’re leaning on our queer community to make this dream a reality. All donations to this campaign directly fund queer filmmaking professionals.
Take the subversion of patriarchal morality through female agency portrayed in Margo’s Got Money Troubles, add in the quintessentially queer camp of But I’m a Cheerleader, the sapphic solidarity of Bottoms, and the high stakes sisterhood of One of Them Days and you’ve got Hotshots!
We're raising $20,000 to cover our production costs. That means $20,000 in the pockets of women and LGBTQIA+ professionals as well as budget for location, equipment rentals, and building out the sexy world of Hotshots. We have principal photography scheduled in August 2026 for a 2027 festival run. The time to support queer filmmakers is right now! So how can you help?
Contribute Money, Honey.
Seed&Spark requires we reach at least 80% of our goal ($16,000) before we receive any funds. To our friends, family, and colleagues, thank you for being here, supporting our dreams and helping to rally our beautiful LGBTQIA+ community together. Hotshots is more than a film, it’s an act of resilience in the face of toxic capitalism. We believe comedy has the power to shift hearts and minds. Every dollar makes a difference. If you’re not in a place to financially donate, you can always…
Follow Along!
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark and on socials! It's 100% free and it helps us earn products, services, and festival fee waivers courtesy of Seed & Spark! It takes 5 seconds and helps us immensely. Plus, we’ll be posting plenty of silly, sexy BTS and production updates at HotshotsTHEMovie.com - Don’t go to HotshotsMovie .com (it’s porn) & make sure to Follow @HotshotsTHEmovie on Instagram & don’t stop there…
Spread the Word, Baby!
For Hotshots to succeed it needs a big, beautiful community! We are counting on you to help us expand beyond our circle. Please share our campaign via social media, text, email, word-of-mouth, messenger pigeon! It all makes a massive impact. We’ve crafted some examples here. Feel free to copy and paste!
Support Queer Filmmaking! HOTSHOTS (@HotshotsTheMovie) is a rebellious summer comedy set in the sexy world of Bikini Baristas. From sister brother duo SHERRI BYLENGA & JEREMY URANN this film celebrates the resilience of community with lovable characters and outrageous humor. Back it now on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/hotshots
SEXY. FUNNY. QUEER. HOTSHOTS (@HotshotsTheMovie) is a delightfully campy, high-octane comedy that crackles with witty banter and vibrant queer energy. Directed by brother sister duo SHERRI BYLENGA & JEREMY URANN. Back it now on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/hotshots
We hope to meet our goal and then some! Not because we’re extra (we are) but because we genuinely believe HOTSHOTS has the potential to be a breakout opportunity for new voices in queer filmmaking. Our stretch goal is $30,000 - which will empower us to bring on more production support, increase crew/cast rates, and help Hotshots reach a wider audience. Grab your speedo and join the movement!
If you’re a Washington based brand, talent or queer and want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Filmmaking takes a village, let’s build one. Reach out at [email protected] - thank you for your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Coffee Budget
Costs $200
Girl, you can’t make a bikini barista movie without coffee. Our set is going to be caffeinated and happy (thanks to you)!
Musical Score
Costs $800
In crafting the emotional rollercoaster, we plan to work with ocal and unsigned queer artists to create a wicked original soundtrack.
Costumes
Costs $400
This short is all about the fashion. From sparkly speedos to yellow polka dot bikinis, we want nothing but the best for our incredible cast.
Crew
Costs $3,800
We want to compensate our female and queer forward filmmaking team at rates that make them feel celebrated and supported.
Cast
Costs $3,800
There are seven featured roles in Hotshots. This goes directly to paying our fabulous Spokane LGBTQIA+ talent respectable rates!
EQ Rental
Costs $3,800
This fuels high-grade equipment from our camera package to our lighting kit. You don’t get to action without lights and camera first!
Production Design & Art Department
Costs $1,000
Help us bring the real world grit and full fantasy moments of Hotshots to life! We want every moment on screen to be unforgettable.
Craft Services
Costs $2,200
Yummy, healthy food fuels our team and our hearts! Feeding people well is an act of respect. Just whip cream ain't gunna cut it!
Post Production & VFX
Costs $4,000
Beyond the initial edit, final color and sound, we’re incorporating VFX (hello burning building) and the use of miniatures!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sherri is an award winning director, editor and cinematographer with over 15 years of experience in international and backcountry documentary film. Recently, she has worked in the Assistant Director’s department on feature length narrative and commercial projects. She completed her BA in Broadcast Journalism 2008 and a MA of Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2016 from Gonzaga University. Her work elucidates the magic of nature, fluidity of gender and inspires people to manifest their highest potential. In addition to her career in the film industry, Sherri works as a therapist, yoga teacher, raft guide and fine artist.
Jeremy Urann is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, director, dancer and model who completed his BA in Theater: Acting and Writing from Western Washington University in 2015. After working professionally across the Pacific Northwest, Jeremy relocated to Los Angeles in 2021. He has been recognized for his roles in award-winning shorts, feature films and national commercial campaigns. Recent work includes Netflix’s “Forever” starring alongside Taye Diggs and Meagan Good, dancing in Zendaya’s “DreamOn” Olympics spot, national campaigns for Columbia, Nike and Peloton, creating original comedy short “Workout" and appearing on NBC's "Dancing With Myself" with Shakira and Nick Jonas. Jeremy‘s storytelling is distinguished by its celebration of queer joy through comedy.
In their joint venture Fat Gratitude Productions, Sherri and Jeremy have co-directed award winning documentary and narrative short films, including a spotlight series on Spokane creatives in collaboration with the social justice and arts nonprofit, Terrain. They are currently in post production on a full length documentary and developing their first feature HOTSHOTS, a queer romantic comedy set in the tantalizing world of bikini barista stands!
Juan A Mas (Producer, Purple Crayon Productions) is a Producer and Director in Film Television and Theater. In the last twenty-five years, he has produced in theater and film in Spokane, Los Angeles, and internationally in several Eastern European countries. Locally he has directed and helped produce theater for Spokane stages while also being a director for SYFY Channel television show Z Nation that was shot here in Spokane.
Katie Hartwig (Promotions Still Photographer) is an army vet and sapphic inspiration living and working in Spokane, Washington as a freelance photographer for marketing, events, and MMA fights, as well as a photojournalist for local news outlets. Exciting new work includes photographing legend Brandi Carlisle at the Gorge!
Kadence Seiler (Sound Operator)
Kadence Seiler is a Spokane Wa local audio recordist and boom op. She specializes in narrative film and commercial productions, while also being passionate in hobbies such as painting, stamp making, and writing!
Filmmaking takes a village, let’s build one. We will be casting and rounding out our creative team through July. If you’re a Washington based brand, talent or queer and want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected]
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Today’s the big day! June has been saving up to buy the coffee stand from her jerk boss Roy, but everything is going wrong for her and ride-or-die coworker Maisy. The ice machine is broken, the masturbator is back and a sexy stranger breaks down in their line. Finally, June gets the chance to make an offer but Roy hikes the price and delivers an ultimatum: the girls have until sunset to scrape together an extra $10k or they’re both out of work.
When nonbinary rolling stone Joe unexpectedly stalls out at the stand, our pansexual protagonist can’t deny the sparks. A fire lights in June’s heart. And if she’s going to save the shop, she’ll need her community. Our barista heroes enlist the help of sassy Corey, trans goddess Mimi and everybody’s favorite gay grandpa Charlie to hustle up the cash. But will it be enough or will Roy send June’s queer bikini stand dreams up in flames?
Set in the visually arresting world of bikini baristas, this film boasts vibrant characters in a face-paced adventure. It is fun, funny and sexy with a subtle retro aesthetic. Fantasy moments contrast with gritty workplace realness, a true ode to the service industry. While it tantalizes and entertains, the heartbeat of this delicious short is queer joy and the power of people working together.
Our production is hyper local, hyper femme, hyper queer. Hotshots gives historically underrepresented storytellers an opportunity to work on a film they can see themselves in. Women and queer folk will hold all major leadership positions - both in front of and behind the camera. We’ve hired real bikini baristas as consultants and talent, along with our fab Spokane LGBTQIA+ cast and crew! Oh, and f*ck AI. Hotshots will hire and compensate real humans from pre to post production.
We are Sherri Bylenga and Jeremy Urann, a brother and sister creative duo with a fire in our souls to create art that challenges the monstrous norm. Together, we run Fat Gratitude, a Spokane based production company dedicated to amplifying love through film. We have no inside connections to the Hollywood machine. Our flex is a ridiculous work ethic, an unwavering determination to manifest our dreams, and a commitment to uplifting the queer community with our success. Not only is Hotshots the film we wish we’d seen growing up, but an opportunity we wish we’d had; both a love letter and wake-the-fuck-up memo to our hometown Spokane. Help us realize our life long dream of making a feature film together!
Hotshots is a comedy for anyone who loves coffee, bikini babes or studs in speedos. So everyone, really! But specifically we’re making this for the girls and gays, the bis and theys. Our queer community has been taking hit after hit and we need to rally together more than ever. That means allies, too!
Yes, this comedic short (runtime 17 minutes) is destined for a strong festival run, but it also serves as our proof of concept for the Hotshots feature which we’ve been tirelessly developing for the past three years. The quick history:
- Washington Filmworks Above the Line Education Forum in 2023
- Competitive six month mentorship with Juan Mas and Fawzia Mirza in 2024
- Script Workshop at Western Washington University’s Test Kitchen in 2025
- Awarded grant funding through both Spokane Arts and Greater Spokane Incorporated
- Filmed Crowdfunding and Promotional Content with real queers and baristas 2026
- Currently in Pre-Production for the Hotshots short film proof of concept!
- Principal photography scheduled for August 2026!!!
This is our chance to show what we can do and we’re ready! Funding isn’t coming from the establishment and we can’t wait on angel investors. Like our protagonist June, we’re leaning on our queer community to make this dream a reality. All donations to this campaign directly fund queer filmmaking professionals.
Take the subversion of patriarchal morality through female agency portrayed in Margo’s Got Money Troubles, add in the quintessentially queer camp of But I’m a Cheerleader, the sapphic solidarity of Bottoms, and the high stakes sisterhood of One of Them Days and you’ve got Hotshots!
We're raising $20,000 to cover our production costs. That means $20,000 in the pockets of women and LGBTQIA+ professionals as well as budget for location, equipment rentals, and building out the sexy world of Hotshots. We have principal photography scheduled in August 2026 for a 2027 festival run. The time to support queer filmmakers is right now! So how can you help?
Contribute Money, Honey.
Seed&Spark requires we reach at least 80% of our goal ($16,000) before we receive any funds. To our friends, family, and colleagues, thank you for being here, supporting our dreams and helping to rally our beautiful LGBTQIA+ community together. Hotshots is more than a film, it’s an act of resilience in the face of toxic capitalism. We believe comedy has the power to shift hearts and minds. Every dollar makes a difference. If you’re not in a place to financially donate, you can always…
Follow Along!
Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark and on socials! It's 100% free and it helps us earn products, services, and festival fee waivers courtesy of Seed & Spark! It takes 5 seconds and helps us immensely. Plus, we’ll be posting plenty of silly, sexy BTS and production updates at HotshotsTHEMovie.com - Don’t go to HotshotsMovie .com (it’s porn) & make sure to Follow @HotshotsTHEmovie on Instagram & don’t stop there…
Spread the Word, Baby!
For Hotshots to succeed it needs a big, beautiful community! We are counting on you to help us expand beyond our circle. Please share our campaign via social media, text, email, word-of-mouth, messenger pigeon! It all makes a massive impact. We’ve crafted some examples here. Feel free to copy and paste!
Support Queer Filmmaking! HOTSHOTS (@HotshotsTheMovie) is a rebellious summer comedy set in the sexy world of Bikini Baristas. From sister brother duo SHERRI BYLENGA & JEREMY URANN this film celebrates the resilience of community with lovable characters and outrageous humor. Back it now on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/hotshots
SEXY. FUNNY. QUEER. HOTSHOTS (@HotshotsTheMovie) is a delightfully campy, high-octane comedy that crackles with witty banter and vibrant queer energy. Directed by brother sister duo SHERRI BYLENGA & JEREMY URANN. Back it now on @seedandspark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/hotshots
We hope to meet our goal and then some! Not because we’re extra (we are) but because we genuinely believe HOTSHOTS has the potential to be a breakout opportunity for new voices in queer filmmaking. Our stretch goal is $30,000 - which will empower us to bring on more production support, increase crew/cast rates, and help Hotshots reach a wider audience. Grab your speedo and join the movement!
If you’re a Washington based brand, talent or queer and want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Filmmaking takes a village, let’s build one. Reach out at [email protected] - thank you for your support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Coffee Budget
Costs $200
Girl, you can’t make a bikini barista movie without coffee. Our set is going to be caffeinated and happy (thanks to you)!
Musical Score
Costs $800
In crafting the emotional rollercoaster, we plan to work with ocal and unsigned queer artists to create a wicked original soundtrack.
Costumes
Costs $400
This short is all about the fashion. From sparkly speedos to yellow polka dot bikinis, we want nothing but the best for our incredible cast.
Crew
Costs $3,800
We want to compensate our female and queer forward filmmaking team at rates that make them feel celebrated and supported.
Cast
Costs $3,800
There are seven featured roles in Hotshots. This goes directly to paying our fabulous Spokane LGBTQIA+ talent respectable rates!
EQ Rental
Costs $3,800
This fuels high-grade equipment from our camera package to our lighting kit. You don’t get to action without lights and camera first!
Production Design & Art Department
Costs $1,000
Help us bring the real world grit and full fantasy moments of Hotshots to life! We want every moment on screen to be unforgettable.
Craft Services
Costs $2,200
Yummy, healthy food fuels our team and our hearts! Feeding people well is an act of respect. Just whip cream ain't gunna cut it!
Post Production & VFX
Costs $4,000
Beyond the initial edit, final color and sound, we’re incorporating VFX (hello burning building) and the use of miniatures!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sherri is an award winning director, editor and cinematographer with over 15 years of experience in international and backcountry documentary film. Recently, she has worked in the Assistant Director’s department on feature length narrative and commercial projects. She completed her BA in Broadcast Journalism 2008 and a MA of Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2016 from Gonzaga University. Her work elucidates the magic of nature, fluidity of gender and inspires people to manifest their highest potential. In addition to her career in the film industry, Sherri works as a therapist, yoga teacher, raft guide and fine artist.
Jeremy Urann is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, director, dancer and model who completed his BA in Theater: Acting and Writing from Western Washington University in 2015. After working professionally across the Pacific Northwest, Jeremy relocated to Los Angeles in 2021. He has been recognized for his roles in award-winning shorts, feature films and national commercial campaigns. Recent work includes Netflix’s “Forever” starring alongside Taye Diggs and Meagan Good, dancing in Zendaya’s “DreamOn” Olympics spot, national campaigns for Columbia, Nike and Peloton, creating original comedy short “Workout" and appearing on NBC's "Dancing With Myself" with Shakira and Nick Jonas. Jeremy‘s storytelling is distinguished by its celebration of queer joy through comedy.
In their joint venture Fat Gratitude Productions, Sherri and Jeremy have co-directed award winning documentary and narrative short films, including a spotlight series on Spokane creatives in collaboration with the social justice and arts nonprofit, Terrain. They are currently in post production on a full length documentary and developing their first feature HOTSHOTS, a queer romantic comedy set in the tantalizing world of bikini barista stands!
Juan A Mas (Producer, Purple Crayon Productions) is a Producer and Director in Film Television and Theater. In the last twenty-five years, he has produced in theater and film in Spokane, Los Angeles, and internationally in several Eastern European countries. Locally he has directed and helped produce theater for Spokane stages while also being a director for SYFY Channel television show Z Nation that was shot here in Spokane.
Katie Hartwig (Promotions Still Photographer) is an army vet and sapphic inspiration living and working in Spokane, Washington as a freelance photographer for marketing, events, and MMA fights, as well as a photojournalist for local news outlets. Exciting new work includes photographing legend Brandi Carlisle at the Gorge!
Kadence Seiler (Sound Operator)
Kadence Seiler is a Spokane Wa local audio recordist and boom op. She specializes in narrative film and commercial productions, while also being passionate in hobbies such as painting, stamp making, and writing!
Filmmaking takes a village, let’s build one. We will be casting and rounding out our creative team through July. If you’re a Washington based brand, talent or queer and want to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected]