Imposter
Scotch Plains, New Jersey | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
Imposter follows Ellie, a brilliant data analyst on the brink of solving a local serial killer case but fighting to trust her instincts as doubt creeps in from all sides. When we question reality, this female-driven psychological thriller challenges how we see the truth, courage, and each other.
Imposter
Scotch Plains, New Jersey | Film Short
Thriller, Drama
1 Campaigns | District of Columbia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $20,555 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
85 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Imposter follows Ellie, a brilliant data analyst on the brink of solving a local serial killer case but fighting to trust her instincts as doubt creeps in from all sides. When we question reality, this female-driven psychological thriller challenges how we see the truth, courage, and each other.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world where safety isn’t guaranteed and voices are too often dismissed, Imposter dares to say: your experience matters and your courage can change everything.
What’s the Story:
A psychological thriller wrapped in a whodunit, Imposter is a short film that follows Ellie, a data-driven woman hell bent on solving a local suburban serial killer case, not only to prevent more killings, but because she has an unexplainable feeling that she’s the next target. But when her persistence takes the case in the wrong direction, she’s forced out, and has to rely on bending the rules and some suspicious company in order to get the data she needs.
All the while, everyone in her world doubts her capabilities and her credibility. As the chaos of the mystery unravels, she spirals into self-doubt and ever increasing paranoia, as she feels the killer closing in on her, breathing down her neck to make her the next victim.
It’s a story of perseverance, fear, and trusting in your own voice when the world tells you not to.
(Asking For It, 2002)
(Room, 2015)
Tone & Style:
…the prickle on the back of your neck,
…seeing a shadow out of the corner of your eye, but nothing’s there,
…the thrill of connecting the dots.
Imposter is designed to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, while diving into the richly complex human psychology of perception and uncertainty. Heightened high stakes tension but in a world that feels lived in, and moments that feel familiar.
The seeds of Imposter came out of an obsession with True Crime stories, and a fascination in the rise of online crime sleuths. With the popularity of shows like I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Making a Murderer, and The Staircase, it wasn’t a surprise that a study was done, asking which demographic is the most likely to watch this genre. The answer: Women. This story was born out of asking “Why?”
Why It Matters:
At a time when respect and security are not a given, especially for women, we want to create a story that reminds audiences: you are not alone, and you must never give up. Imposter is about standing tall in spaces that try to diminish you.
Who’s Behind It:
This is the first project from our brand-new, independent and women-founded company, Lucky Cut Productions. Written, directed, and produced by women, with a diverse and passionate team, we are building a creative space where growth and bold voices thrive both on and off screen.
As women—we’ve each lived versions of this story. We know what it feels like to question your own perceptions or feel inadequate. We know, and aim to portray how lonely and erratic it can feel to navigate the tension between standing firm in what you know is true and questioning yourself when everyone and everything around you is shaking your confidence.
(Smile, 2022)
Where We Are in the Process:
We are currently in pre-production, with some key cast and crew already attached to the project. We are aiming to film in September 2025, and we need your support to bring Imposter to life. As independent filmmakers it’s becoming increasingly difficult to create something that stands out without a budget. Support from our community (that’s you!) is what will make it possible for us to tell this powerful story.
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Funding & Support:
Every contribution made will directly benefit the success of the film. The more contributions we receive, the more effectively we’ll be able to support every aspect of the production. We always aim to create a quality story while taking care of our dedicated cast and crew. The money raised will allow us to secure the necessary equipment, cast & crew, locations, and everything we’ll need from filming to post-production in order to make this a stand out film.
With your help, we want Imposter to screen at various festivals and shorts blocks. We intend to gain distribution through platforms like Kinema, Shorts.TV, and Short of the Week. Your support for Imposter will go far beyond the life of the film – you’re investing in our team of independent filmmakers and talented artists.
Our production goal is $25,000, and we need to reach at least 80% to get funded. These funds will cover all the basic elements of production-- cast and crew wages, food, equipment , production design, locations, permits and insurance.
Pre Production: 6.5%
Before the cameras roll, we need to map out the details including: script finalization, casting prep, shot lists, location scouting, permits and scheduling, we must lay all the groundwork to make sure nothing is missed.
Production & Set Design: 3.2%
To make our suburban world feel eerily real, we need props, set dressing, costumes -- from crime scene details to Ellie's meticulously organized home office cork board.
Equipment Rental: 13.2%
We'll need cameras, lighting rigs, sound gear, and other equipment to craft the sharp, moody cinematography that'll make you second guess every shadow.
Cast: 10.6%
Our incredible actors will breathe life into our characters-- Ellie, Dan, Jennifer, Tim, and others. This amount covers fair pay, travel stipends, and rehearsal time, because authentic performances make the tension real.
Crew: 27.4%
A skilled team of professionals-- directors, cinematographers, sound designers, production assistants, and more! This amount covers everyone behind the camera working to make the story airtight.
Craft Services: 4.2%
A well-fed team is a sharp team. This covers meals, coffee, and snacks that keep our cast and crew fueled.
Insurance: 7.8%
Peace of mind and protection for everyone on set.
Locations: 8.9%
Securing the perfect suburban neighborhood, homes, and interiors where the investigation unravels. These spaces are characters in themselves.
Post Production: 18.2%
Where the puzzle pieces finally fit: editing, color grading, sound design, and festival deliverables to keep audiences on edge till the final frame.
Meeting our goal will allow us to pay our team fairly and produce a short film of high quality. But if we exceed our goal, we'll be able to take Imposter to the next level, adding elements like Enhanced Cinematography & Production Design, Original Score & Sound Design, Expanded Post-Production & Color Grade, Festival Premier & Marketing Push and more!
CONTRIBUTE
By pledging your support and making a contribution you can help us achieve our goal. Check out our incentives (on the right of this page) and choose one that excites you. You can donate any monetary amount even if it's not listed as an incentive. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to bring this project to life.
We understand if you’re unable to contribute but some free ways you can help us are:
FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK
If we gain 250 followers on the Seed & Spark platform, we will have access to Filmmaker Perks that will help with the film’s production.
SHARE THE LOVE
By sharing this link with family, friends, or any content creators you may know!
You can follow our main instagram account @luckycutproductions so you can be part of the journey as we share film updates and behind-the-scenes snippets. Re-share our posts and reels with your friends – we’d love your followers to know about our film and join us for the ride.
With Seed & Spark, we must raise at least 80% of our goal in order to receive any of your contributions. (Don’t worry, you’ll only be charged once we reach that milestone).
By supporting Imposter, you’re not just backing a film but building a movement for fearless, female-driven storytelling. Join us!
We are Incredibly excited to share this story and our journey with you!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and for being a part of this community!
Remember that no contribution is too small.
If we all work together, we can bring this story to life.
We're eternally grateful.
Thank You!
Created by:
Click here for Lucky Cut Productions Website
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $3,300
We need production equipment rentals to access professional gear affordably, ensuring high-quality visuals and sound.
Pre-Production
Costs $1,625
Before the cameras roll, we need to map out the details including: script finalization, casting prep, shot lists, location scouting, permits
Production & Set Design
Costs $800
To make our suburban world feel eerily real, we need props, set dressing, and costumes.
Cast
Costs $2,650
Our incredible actors will breathe life into our characters. This covers fair pay, travel stipends, and rehearsal time.
Crew
Costs $6,850
This amount covers everyone working behind the camera – directors, cinematographers, sound designers, production assistants, and more!
Craft Services
Costs $1,050
A well-fed team is a sharp team. This covers meals, coffee, and snacks that keep our cast and crew fueled.
Insurance
Costs $1,950
Peace of mind and protection for everyone on set.
Locations
Costs $2,225
Securing the perfect suburban neighborhood, homes, & interiors where the investigation unravels. These spaces are characters in themselves.
Post-Production
Costs $4,550
Where the puzzle pieces finally fit: editing, color grading, sound design, music composition, and festival deliverables.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team Behind Imposter:
Andie Lemus
Writer / Director / Executive Producer
Actor, writer, and filmmaker Andie Lemus is bringing bold, multifaceted stories to life across stage, screen, and voiceover. A graduate of Atlantic Acting School, Andie has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, voiced acclaimed radio plays (Algorithm, Fcking Sober*), and written & directed for both stage and digital media. A champion of ambiguous and androgynous characters, Andie aims to bring more versatile perspectives to storytelling, highlighting the oftentimes ambivalent and deeply multifaceted nature of humanity to the fore. She believes in the transformative power of stories to create empathy by underscoring the interconnectedness of seemingly opposing voices and themes that surround us.
McKenzie Shea
Executive Producer
McKenzie Shea is an actor, writer, and producer dedicated to bringing women-led and minority-driven stories to the forefront. Most recently seen on screen in Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021-2022). She has honed her craft with Lesly Kahn & Co in Los Angeles and Bob Krakower and The Wynn Handman Studio in New York. Passionate about crafting bold, thought-provoking narratives, she shines a light on overlooked histories and fresh perspectives, offering audiences a lens they’ve never seen before. Whether reexamining history from a new angle or challenging long-held beliefs, McKenzie is committed to storytelling that sparks conversation, shifts perspectives, and leaves a lasting impact on the industry. From developing original IP to reimagining how films are made, McKenzie is passionate about pushing boundaries and staying at the forefront of an evolving industry. For Lucky Cut, it’s not just about telling new stories—it’s about building a new way to tell them.
Briana Morrill
Associate Producer
Every great production needs a powerhouse behind the scenes, and Briana Morrill is exactly that. As an associate producer at Lucky Cut Productions, Briana’s dedication, hard work, and problem-solving skills keep everything running smoothly. New to the film industry but eager to learn, Briana is diving headfirst into Lucky Cut’s first production and beyond, proving that passion and drive are just as essential as experience. Without her, we’d be lost!
Lucky Cut Productions
At Lucky Cut Productions, we believe that storytelling is a deeply collaborative art—and we’ve brought together a team of passionate, thoughtful, and talented creatives who care just as much about the why of this film as the how. Imposter is our very first production, and we knew we wanted to build this project with people who not only bring technical skill and creative vision—but who also believe in the story we’re telling and the impact it can have. We’ve made it our mission to champion this bold, female-driven narrative that challenges expectations and reflects real, complex emotional experiences.
Our writer/director is a bold visual storyteller with a gift for crafting suspense and emotional depth and feels connected with Ellie’s journey and the film’s themes of intuition, doubt, and identity.
Our core production team was chosen not just for their resume, but for their heart, their integrity, and their shared passion for telling stories that mean something.
We’re writers, filmmakers, designers, and problem solvers—each of us committed to creating a set environment that is collaborative, respectful, and creatively charged.
We believe in lifting each other up. We believe in artists supporting artists. And we believe Imposter is just the beginning of what we can build together.
Thank you for being part of this with us.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a world where safety isn’t guaranteed and voices are too often dismissed, Imposter dares to say: your experience matters and your courage can change everything.
What’s the Story:
A psychological thriller wrapped in a whodunit, Imposter is a short film that follows Ellie, a data-driven woman hell bent on solving a local suburban serial killer case, not only to prevent more killings, but because she has an unexplainable feeling that she’s the next target. But when her persistence takes the case in the wrong direction, she’s forced out, and has to rely on bending the rules and some suspicious company in order to get the data she needs.
All the while, everyone in her world doubts her capabilities and her credibility. As the chaos of the mystery unravels, she spirals into self-doubt and ever increasing paranoia, as she feels the killer closing in on her, breathing down her neck to make her the next victim.
It’s a story of perseverance, fear, and trusting in your own voice when the world tells you not to.
(Asking For It, 2002)
(Room, 2015)
Tone & Style:
…the prickle on the back of your neck,
…seeing a shadow out of the corner of your eye, but nothing’s there,
…the thrill of connecting the dots.
Imposter is designed to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, while diving into the richly complex human psychology of perception and uncertainty. Heightened high stakes tension but in a world that feels lived in, and moments that feel familiar.
The seeds of Imposter came out of an obsession with True Crime stories, and a fascination in the rise of online crime sleuths. With the popularity of shows like I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Making a Murderer, and The Staircase, it wasn’t a surprise that a study was done, asking which demographic is the most likely to watch this genre. The answer: Women. This story was born out of asking “Why?”
Why It Matters:
At a time when respect and security are not a given, especially for women, we want to create a story that reminds audiences: you are not alone, and you must never give up. Imposter is about standing tall in spaces that try to diminish you.
Who’s Behind It:
This is the first project from our brand-new, independent and women-founded company, Lucky Cut Productions. Written, directed, and produced by women, with a diverse and passionate team, we are building a creative space where growth and bold voices thrive both on and off screen.
As women—we’ve each lived versions of this story. We know what it feels like to question your own perceptions or feel inadequate. We know, and aim to portray how lonely and erratic it can feel to navigate the tension between standing firm in what you know is true and questioning yourself when everyone and everything around you is shaking your confidence.
(Smile, 2022)
Where We Are in the Process:
We are currently in pre-production, with some key cast and crew already attached to the project. We are aiming to film in September 2025, and we need your support to bring Imposter to life. As independent filmmakers it’s becoming increasingly difficult to create something that stands out without a budget. Support from our community (that’s you!) is what will make it possible for us to tell this powerful story.
Funding & Support:
Every contribution made will directly benefit the success of the film. The more contributions we receive, the more effectively we’ll be able to support every aspect of the production. We always aim to create a quality story while taking care of our dedicated cast and crew. The money raised will allow us to secure the necessary equipment, cast & crew, locations, and everything we’ll need from filming to post-production in order to make this a stand out film.
With your help, we want Imposter to screen at various festivals and shorts blocks. We intend to gain distribution through platforms like Kinema, Shorts.TV, and Short of the Week. Your support for Imposter will go far beyond the life of the film – you’re investing in our team of independent filmmakers and talented artists.
Our production goal is $25,000, and we need to reach at least 80% to get funded. These funds will cover all the basic elements of production-- cast and crew wages, food, equipment , production design, locations, permits and insurance.
Pre Production: 6.5%
Before the cameras roll, we need to map out the details including: script finalization, casting prep, shot lists, location scouting, permits and scheduling, we must lay all the groundwork to make sure nothing is missed.
Production & Set Design: 3.2%
To make our suburban world feel eerily real, we need props, set dressing, costumes -- from crime scene details to Ellie's meticulously organized home office cork board.
Equipment Rental: 13.2%
We'll need cameras, lighting rigs, sound gear, and other equipment to craft the sharp, moody cinematography that'll make you second guess every shadow.
Cast: 10.6%
Our incredible actors will breathe life into our characters-- Ellie, Dan, Jennifer, Tim, and others. This amount covers fair pay, travel stipends, and rehearsal time, because authentic performances make the tension real.
Crew: 27.4%
A skilled team of professionals-- directors, cinematographers, sound designers, production assistants, and more! This amount covers everyone behind the camera working to make the story airtight.
Craft Services: 4.2%
A well-fed team is a sharp team. This covers meals, coffee, and snacks that keep our cast and crew fueled.
Insurance: 7.8%
Peace of mind and protection for everyone on set.
Locations: 8.9%
Securing the perfect suburban neighborhood, homes, and interiors where the investigation unravels. These spaces are characters in themselves.
Post Production: 18.2%
Where the puzzle pieces finally fit: editing, color grading, sound design, and festival deliverables to keep audiences on edge till the final frame.
Meeting our goal will allow us to pay our team fairly and produce a short film of high quality. But if we exceed our goal, we'll be able to take Imposter to the next level, adding elements like Enhanced Cinematography & Production Design, Original Score & Sound Design, Expanded Post-Production & Color Grade, Festival Premier & Marketing Push and more!
CONTRIBUTE
By pledging your support and making a contribution you can help us achieve our goal. Check out our incentives (on the right of this page) and choose one that excites you. You can donate any monetary amount even if it's not listed as an incentive. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to bring this project to life.
We understand if you’re unable to contribute but some free ways you can help us are:
FOLLOW US ON SEED AND SPARK
If we gain 250 followers on the Seed & Spark platform, we will have access to Filmmaker Perks that will help with the film’s production.
SHARE THE LOVE
By sharing this link with family, friends, or any content creators you may know!
You can follow our main instagram account @luckycutproductions so you can be part of the journey as we share film updates and behind-the-scenes snippets. Re-share our posts and reels with your friends – we’d love your followers to know about our film and join us for the ride.
With Seed & Spark, we must raise at least 80% of our goal in order to receive any of your contributions. (Don’t worry, you’ll only be charged once we reach that milestone).
By supporting Imposter, you’re not just backing a film but building a movement for fearless, female-driven storytelling. Join us!
We are Incredibly excited to share this story and our journey with you!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and for being a part of this community!
Remember that no contribution is too small.
If we all work together, we can bring this story to life.
We're eternally grateful.
Thank You!
Created by:
Click here for Lucky Cut Productions Website
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $3,300
We need production equipment rentals to access professional gear affordably, ensuring high-quality visuals and sound.
Pre-Production
Costs $1,625
Before the cameras roll, we need to map out the details including: script finalization, casting prep, shot lists, location scouting, permits
Production & Set Design
Costs $800
To make our suburban world feel eerily real, we need props, set dressing, and costumes.
Cast
Costs $2,650
Our incredible actors will breathe life into our characters. This covers fair pay, travel stipends, and rehearsal time.
Crew
Costs $6,850
This amount covers everyone working behind the camera – directors, cinematographers, sound designers, production assistants, and more!
Craft Services
Costs $1,050
A well-fed team is a sharp team. This covers meals, coffee, and snacks that keep our cast and crew fueled.
Insurance
Costs $1,950
Peace of mind and protection for everyone on set.
Locations
Costs $2,225
Securing the perfect suburban neighborhood, homes, & interiors where the investigation unravels. These spaces are characters in themselves.
Post-Production
Costs $4,550
Where the puzzle pieces finally fit: editing, color grading, sound design, music composition, and festival deliverables.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Meet the Team Behind Imposter:
Andie Lemus
Writer / Director / Executive Producer
Actor, writer, and filmmaker Andie Lemus is bringing bold, multifaceted stories to life across stage, screen, and voiceover. A graduate of Atlantic Acting School, Andie has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, voiced acclaimed radio plays (Algorithm, Fcking Sober*), and written & directed for both stage and digital media. A champion of ambiguous and androgynous characters, Andie aims to bring more versatile perspectives to storytelling, highlighting the oftentimes ambivalent and deeply multifaceted nature of humanity to the fore. She believes in the transformative power of stories to create empathy by underscoring the interconnectedness of seemingly opposing voices and themes that surround us.
McKenzie Shea
Executive Producer
McKenzie Shea is an actor, writer, and producer dedicated to bringing women-led and minority-driven stories to the forefront. Most recently seen on screen in Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021-2022). She has honed her craft with Lesly Kahn & Co in Los Angeles and Bob Krakower and The Wynn Handman Studio in New York. Passionate about crafting bold, thought-provoking narratives, she shines a light on overlooked histories and fresh perspectives, offering audiences a lens they’ve never seen before. Whether reexamining history from a new angle or challenging long-held beliefs, McKenzie is committed to storytelling that sparks conversation, shifts perspectives, and leaves a lasting impact on the industry. From developing original IP to reimagining how films are made, McKenzie is passionate about pushing boundaries and staying at the forefront of an evolving industry. For Lucky Cut, it’s not just about telling new stories—it’s about building a new way to tell them.
Briana Morrill
Associate Producer
Every great production needs a powerhouse behind the scenes, and Briana Morrill is exactly that. As an associate producer at Lucky Cut Productions, Briana’s dedication, hard work, and problem-solving skills keep everything running smoothly. New to the film industry but eager to learn, Briana is diving headfirst into Lucky Cut’s first production and beyond, proving that passion and drive are just as essential as experience. Without her, we’d be lost!
Lucky Cut Productions
At Lucky Cut Productions, we believe that storytelling is a deeply collaborative art—and we’ve brought together a team of passionate, thoughtful, and talented creatives who care just as much about the why of this film as the how. Imposter is our very first production, and we knew we wanted to build this project with people who not only bring technical skill and creative vision—but who also believe in the story we’re telling and the impact it can have. We’ve made it our mission to champion this bold, female-driven narrative that challenges expectations and reflects real, complex emotional experiences.
Our writer/director is a bold visual storyteller with a gift for crafting suspense and emotional depth and feels connected with Ellie’s journey and the film’s themes of intuition, doubt, and identity.
Our core production team was chosen not just for their resume, but for their heart, their integrity, and their shared passion for telling stories that mean something.
We’re writers, filmmakers, designers, and problem solvers—each of us committed to creating a set environment that is collaborative, respectful, and creatively charged.
We believe in lifting each other up. We believe in artists supporting artists. And we believe Imposter is just the beginning of what we can build together.
Thank you for being part of this with us.