Interested In is a coming of age original series about recently out college student, Parker. We follow his journey through gay sexcapades, in Philadelphia, as he begins to find himself after "the closet."
Interested In is a coming of age original series about recently out college student, Parker. We follow his journey through gay sexcapades, in Philadelphia, as he begins to find himself after "the closet."
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Story
Mission Statement
Interested In is dedicated to expanding queer representation. The series proudly features an entirely queer cast. We aim to continue to depict under-represented characters and stories, and expand what it means to be LGBTQ+.About The Project
A NOTE FROM CREATOR, MICHAEL WITKES, on
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
As a queer child in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I naturally felt like an outcast. I stood out from the other boys, and “fag” was a word I grew accustomed to. I think, people that meet me now, take my confidence for granted. But it was a huge internal battle to accept that I was gay.
When I finally came out, I still had so much shame about my sexual identity. Taking on the label “gay” seemed hard enough. But now, I needed to figure out if I was a “twink” or “bear,” a “top” or “bottom.” So many binaries and so many boxes.I was incredibly lost and had nowhere to turn. There were few role models or stories like mine. All the narratives about young gay men ended with the main character coming out or committing suicide. I was so sick of watching queer characters die. And I wanted to know what happened to the ones that lived through their shame.
Queer representation has taken amazing strides in the past few years. But I have yet to see an emphasis on realistic life directly after the closet. Queer media in the past has often had to create fantasy worlds for us to live in. I am passionate about depicting LGBT characters front and center in their everyday lives. So many films pan away as soon as things are about to get steamy in the bedroom. Interested In is unapologetic in depicting queer sex and sexuality. And all the messiness and awkwardness that comes with it.
On this National Coming Out Day, let’s celebrate queer identity. It is fragile, ever-changing, and oh so fun. Instead of quickly throwing labels on our recently out fam, let’s support them, and let them figure it out for themselves. If you believe in this message, then let’s #GetInterested, and make Season 2 a reality!
Season 1 was an official selection at 9 festivals, our trailer hit over 100K views on YouTube, and we were featured in Huffington Post and Queerty, among others. We’ve also taken home some awards and have been streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime through Dekkoo.com.
If we did all of this on a tiny budget, can you imagine what we could achieve with a legitimate amount of money?
We are SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to everyone who donated to make Season 1 possible. There isn’t a lot of funding for LGBT content from traditional sources – especially short form series. It’s only through the continued support of people like YOU that allow these stories to be told!
1. Make a pledge! Make a tax-deductible pledge (thanks to our fiscal sponsorship with From The Heart Productions) to our campaign today!
2. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Seed&Spark! If we reach 250 followers on our Seed&Spark page, we get some amaze perks. A follow goes a long way honey!
3. Share it! Like what you see, share it with your friends, right now!
What happens if all the money isn’t raised in time?
We need to reach 80% of our goal to hit the “green light” and receive the funds. If we don’t do this before the deadline, there will be no Season 2! So, it’s crucial that we have your support.
THANK YOU!!
Incentives
$25
InstaStory Shout Out AND Sneak Peak of Trailer
Our Team will make a personalized InstaStory shout out! #GetInterested
AND you'll receive a Sneak Peak of the trailer before it's released
Included Items:
- InstaStory Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$50
Watch Season 2 Before It Streams!
An exclusive password protected digital download of Season 2 before it streams!
Included Items:
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$75
Your Name in Credits
We'll thank you in the rolling credits!
Included Items:
- Name in Credits
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$100
Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
Get Interested on all things Interested In with a Behind-the-Scenes Bundle, including a Director's Lookbook, preview of Season 2 Script (both in PDF), and on-set pics!
Included Items:
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
- Name in Credits
- Social Media Shout Out
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$250
You're an extra!
Congrats! You just got cast as an extra in Season 2! We have a big episode set at Philly's OutFest and we can't wait to kiki with you!
Must be able to self report to NYC or Philly.
Included Items:
- Cast as an Extra!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
$300
One-on-One
One-on-one with Michael. Want to learn about producing a film? Want advice on your latest screenplay? Have a project you're creating and need some help? Get an hour long one-on-one consultation with Michael for your newest project! (Can be in-person or via Facetime or Skype)
Included Items:
- One-on-One consultation with Michael
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
$400
VIP to Premiere Party
Right this way! You just scored two VIP tix to our Premiere Party for Season 2!
Included Items:
- 2 VIP Tix to Premiere Party
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$500
Join Us On Set
Ever wonder what it's like to be on an indie film set? Well you're in luck! Get in on the action and spend the day with us on set. Travel to NYC or Philly not provided (Sorry bb!).
Included Items:
- Day on Set!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$1,500
Featured role!
Okkkk you're officially a star! You just got cast as a featured role on Interested In Season 2! You’ll also receive an IMDb credit! Welcome to the Interested In fam.
Must be able to self report to NYC or Philly.
Included Items:
- Featured role!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$2,500
Associate Producer
You really are Interested (In)! You'll receive an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB!
Included Items:
- Associate Producer Credit & all of the above
$5,000
Co-Producer
Wow, you're suuuper interested! You’ll receive a CO-PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB!
Included Items:
- Co-Producer Credit & all of the above
$10,000
Co-Executive Producer
You're the MOST interested! You’ll receive a CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB! As well as an invitation to weigh in on key elements of pre-production in a private meeting with Michael. Be a vital part of making the show!
Items Include
- Co-Executive Producer credit & all of the above
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
InstaStory Shout Out AND Sneak Peak of Trailer
Our Team will make a personalized InstaStory shout out! #GetInterested
AND you'll receive a Sneak Peak of the trailer before it's released
Included Items:
- InstaStory Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$50
Watch Season 2 Before It Streams!
An exclusive password protected digital download of Season 2 before it streams!
Included Items:
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$75
Your Name in Credits
We'll thank you in the rolling credits!
Included Items:
- Name in Credits
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$100
Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
Get Interested on all things Interested In with a Behind-the-Scenes Bundle, including a Director's Lookbook, preview of Season 2 Script (both in PDF), and on-set pics!
Included Items:
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
- Name in Credits
- Social Media Shout Out
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
$250
You're an extra!
Congrats! You just got cast as an extra in Season 2! We have a big episode set at Philly's OutFest and we can't wait to kiki with you!
Must be able to self report to NYC or Philly.
Included Items:
- Cast as an Extra!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
$300
One-on-One
One-on-one with Michael. Want to learn about producing a film? Want advice on your latest screenplay? Have a project you're creating and need some help? Get an hour long one-on-one consultation with Michael for your newest project! (Can be in-person or via Facetime or Skype)
Included Items:
- One-on-One consultation with Michael
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
$400
VIP to Premiere Party
Right this way! You just scored two VIP tix to our Premiere Party for Season 2!
Included Items:
- 2 VIP Tix to Premiere Party
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$500
Join Us On Set
Ever wonder what it's like to be on an indie film set? Well you're in luck! Get in on the action and spend the day with us on set. Travel to NYC or Philly not provided (Sorry bb!).
Included Items:
- Day on Set!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Name in Credits
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$1,500
Featured role!
Okkkk you're officially a star! You just got cast as a featured role on Interested In Season 2! You’ll also receive an IMDb credit! Welcome to the Interested In fam.
Must be able to self report to NYC or Philly.
Included Items:
- Featured role!
- Digital Download of Season 2
- Social Media Shout Out
- Sneak Peak of Trailer
- Behind-the-Scenes Bundle
$2,500
Associate Producer
You really are Interested (In)! You'll receive an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB!
Included Items:
- Associate Producer Credit & all of the above
$5,000
Co-Producer
Wow, you're suuuper interested! You’ll receive a CO-PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB!
Included Items:
- Co-Producer Credit & all of the above
$10,000
Co-Executive Producer
You're the MOST interested! You’ll receive a CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT in the credits and on IMDB! As well as an invitation to weigh in on key elements of pre-production in a private meeting with Michael. Be a vital part of making the show!
Items Include
- Co-Executive Producer credit & all of the above
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
MICHAEL WITKES (PRODUCER/WRITER/PARKER)
Michael is an NYC-based actor, writer, and director. He strives to create work that inspires social change, promotes acceptance, and explores sexual identity and shame. His series, Interested In, was an official selection at 8 film festivals, including Frameline. He won best actor, for his role of Parker, at FirstGlance Film Festival. Off Broadway: Camp Morning Wood. SDCF Observer to Joe Calarco. BA in Theatre, Muhlenberg College. Hangar Theater Lab Director 2015. Queen Mary, University of London 2013.
BLAYZE TEICHER (DIRECTOR)Blayze Teicher (Director) is an award-winning director who develops Queer, magical, and political stories for theatre and film. She served as the Resident Director of the Off-Broadway's TRAINSPOTTING and as Artistic Associate/Resident Director of The Parsnip Ship, a podcast series of new plays paired with live music. She's developed new work at venues such as The Signature Theatre, Primary Stages, The Vineyard, BAM Attic, Wild Project, The Flea Theater, HERE Arts Center, and has assisted Broadway producers and directors. As a filmmaker, her work has screened across the country and has been featured on Huffington Post, Broadway World TV, Funny or Die, and Amazon Prime. SDC Associate Member.
BRENDAN SWIFT (DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)Brendan Swift is a veteran of the camera department working as a freelancer in New York City and across the country. Brendan has directed the photography recently on shorts Searching for the None, Gravidity, and Class starring David Krumholtz along with numerous independent short films, series, and music videos. As a member of ICG Local 600 he’s works as a Camera Operator with credits including Showtime’s The Desus and Mero Show and BET’s The Rundown with Robin Thede. Brendan is so proud to be a part of the Interested In team and looks forward to exploring the visual language to relate these universal moments in anybody's quest for romance. To check out his work and contact him directly please head to www.brendan-swift.com.
PHILLIP NGUYEN (PRODUCER)
The second son of Vietnamese immigrants living in Miami, Phillip Nguyen has been a resident of New York City since 2008. He was UPM for the upcoming feature film “Kingfish,” starring Molly Ringwald. He was also part of the production team that filmed “Last Fair Deal,” a short that is currently being adapted into a feature film shot in Mississippi that centers around Blues great Robert Johnson. Happy to be a part of the NYC Film community, he has gone on to produce videos for CBS, TIME Inc., BET, and NBC Universal, and is currently a Post Producer at Droga5.
DAVID SICILIANO
David is an award-winning video editor based out of NYC. Projects have ranged from primetime commercials to indie shorts and everything in between, including content for brands like NBC, Budweiser, Gatorade, and more.
THOMAS COUNTZ (DANNY)
Thomas Countz (Danny, u/s Beyonce) is stoked to continue to work with The Michael Witkes, et al. on Interested In! Thomas is a graduate of Syracuse University's School of Drama and an acting alum of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London. Oh, Danny Boi is back!
ALEX BEECHKO (JESS)
Trained at Strasberg Institute, Atlantic Acting, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, and received a BFA from The Hartt Conservatory. Limited theatre credits include “A Christmas Carol,” the stage debut of “Snow Falling on Cedars” (Hartford Stage Co.),“Gynx” award winning play at NY Summerfest (received best actress nomination), “Personhood” (HERE Arts Center), the Valkyries (The Tank). Limited film credits include “Myth,” “The City is Like a Character in the Film,” “Samena," and “Hell House LLC II.” She completed her first short film “3-2-1,” a suspense film, screening internationally/domestically in the film festival circuit 2019-2020. Grateful to be telling raw, rich, inventive stories with familiar faces. Follow @thealexbeechko
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