Our Language Is Chaos
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
'Our Language Is Chaos' is a comedic thriller with heart, told through the modern world of relationships. Whether we’re part of a twosome, threesome, or anysome; we’re all just out here doing our best to find love in a cold world.
Our Language Is Chaos
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $20,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
102 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
'Our Language Is Chaos' is a comedic thriller with heart, told through the modern world of relationships. Whether we’re part of a twosome, threesome, or anysome; we’re all just out here doing our best to find love in a cold world.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Betrayal. Kidnapping. Box cutters. Aint love grand??
When estranged lovers Cam and Sloane wake up kidnapped and tied up in the back of a car, they decide it’s finally time to take stock of this chaotic relationship.
Needing a quick rescue, and unable to trust the police, they call in to their GROUP THERAPY SESSION...which happens to be for polyamorous couples.
And tonight -- wouldn't you know it? -- is role play night.
So as Cam and Sloane frantically describe their situation to the group, pleading for help -- everyone mistakes it for just another role play exercise, and what follows is a raw and hilarious dissection of their own on-again-off-again relationship.
Packed with sharp dialogue, white-knuckle tension, and a big heart at its center, ‘JACK & JILL’ is a comedic thriller that explores the challenge for all of us -- gay, straight, bi, poly -- to keep that spark in our love lives.
...And what happens when that spark lights a fuse that blows up in our face.
I’m a professional screenwriter/sometimes director who usually tells stories that go ‘boom’ and ‘pew pew’, with a sprinkle of ‘ha ha’. I love every aspect of filmmaking, I truly do. I feel like I was born to do it.
The last several years here in the US (and globally!) has been divisive, to say the least. I'm making this film in part because I want to put something positive & funny into the world, at a time when I think we could all use a laugh.
I think it was either Ghandi or Weird Al Yankovic who was quoted as saying: "Be the change you want to see in the world". But as storytellers, we can do it one better. We can actually portray that change we want to see in the world.
I want a story with an array of different types of people & backgrounds -- who are all on the same side of an issue.
I want to fill a room with people of traditionally marginalized lifestyles, and make the Straight White Couple the 'weirdos'.
I want a funny, inclusive ROMP. There, I said it. We all need a romp, dammit. So I’m making one. They’re fun. And smart. And they’ve got a lot of heart. Yes I know that rhymed. Owning it.
Sloane
Fiery, impulsive, and big-hearted, Sloane is a reformed 'bad girl' who's shady past has finally caught up to her, threatening her new life with her 'nice guy' boyfriend, Cam. Sloane knows if she's going to have any future with him, she's gotta start telling him the truth.
Cameron
A hopeless romantic, gentle, and naive: Cam is the nice guy still trying to finish first. And he just might get there -- if he can learn to stand his ground.
Ziv
Open, honest, and intense, Ziv has joined Cam and Sloane's realationship as a third, but Ziv is suspicious about their commitment to this lifestyle. They seem more like 'tourists', and Ziv didn't sign up for that.
Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto
Kind, oblivious, and way overpriced, Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto is the go-to couples' therapist for polyamorous experimentation and lifestyle broadening. Also available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.
Chas, Jared & Rhonda
Chas and Jared are a sharp, successful young couple looking to experiment with a woman in a safe environment. Rhonda is a gregarious, down-to-earth wrecking ball who's gonna show them what they've been missing. Whether they like it or not.
Miriam, Phil & Deshawn
Miriam and Phil are buttoned-up middle-class intellectuals who've decided to bring another man into their relationship -- though Phil doesn't remember getting a vote. DeShawn is a gentle alpha male who's been invited into an amusing situation, and he's gonna let it play out as long as it can.
We are part of a fantastic team of creative humans who are thrilled tell this story. We have the talent, the inspiration, and (some of) the resources. So now we’re reaching out into our broader communities (you!) to help us get the rest of the way together. We hope you'll join us.
We are committed to paying our cast and crew fair rates -- we work with professionals, we expect professional results, and we pay professional fees. We love our sisters and brothers in the industry, and we're asking for no favors here. We'll also be implementing all the latest SAG-mandated COVID protocols on set; the care of our team is of the utmost importance.
If we manage to meet our fundraising goal within the 30 day plan, we will move on to our 'STRETCH GOALS' which is our way of putting your generosity directly into the film.
Renting extra cameras to cut down our shooting time, increasing our sound budget for an extra immersive experience, and increasing the number of film festivals we can send our film (yours and ours!) out into the world next spring/summer 2022.
AND -- as the film is assembled in the edit room, we will cordially invite each and every one of you who donate at a level of $25 or higher to participate in our TEST AUDIENCE! We want you to be partners in this with us, and your opinion of how it's coming together is important.
We're so excited to tell this story together -- thank you for your support.
Now let's put on a show!!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Pre-Production Labor
Costs $2,000
This will pay for the crew that we need for Pre-Production, prepping wardrobe, camera, etc.
Shooting Labor
Costs $7,000
Paying the crew competitive & fair rates for a 3 day shoot.
Locations
Costs $750
Locations to shoot the short, permits, etc.
Crafty & Lunch
Costs $1,000
A well fed film crew is a happy crew. This is for snacks, a light breakfast & lunch for cast & crew
Art Department & Wardrobe
Costs $600
Art department labor, props, blood, makeup & wardrobe for actors.
Camera Rental
Costs $2,500
A good camera with a great set of lenses will make our short look incredible!
Sound Department
Costs $1,200
Never, ever skimp on sound, it's the most important thing. Sound equipment rental, labor & kit fees
Lighting & Grip Rental
Costs $1,500
We need to rent lights, C-Stands & all the equipment we need to do this thing properly.
Expendables
Costs $100
All the extras, tape, rope, anything the departments need to make this great.
Production Supplies
Costs $200
Chairs, tables, trash cans, trash bags, anything we need to run the set smoothly & comfortably.
Talent
Costs $3,500
We want to pay our talent a fair rate for their contribution to this short film.
Hard Drives
Costs $400
Hard drives to collect all the genius we shoot. With back up drives, just in case.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/ CO-WRITER/ EDITOR - CORY BYAM
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Cory is an LA-based filmmaker who cannot whistle. He tried for years, it just never worked out. So he turned his attention to storytelling and fell deeply in love with the craft of screenwriting, and later, directing. His previous short film ‘The Prince and the Goblin’ is currently touring the global festival circuit. He lives in Encino with his wife and young son, who occasionally team up to tease him about the whistling thing.
IMDB
CO-WRITER/ PRODUCER / "SLOANE" - Gabrielle Whelan
Gabrielle is a NY-based writer, producer, and performer who trained with both Upright Citizens Brigade and the Groundlings before absolutely crushing it doing standup for the LA dive-bar-weekdays-after-2am scene. Her most recent pilot “Anny Minute Now” premiered at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, and this summer she emerged from the quarantine with sharpened standup skills after performing for 18 months to her cat and loaded silence. So we all have that to look forward to.
PRODUCER / "MIRIAM" - Elizabeth Mihelich
Elizabeth is a multi, multi-hyphenate, mostly because of her Type A personality and unending organizationalskills. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Theatre: Directing degree and promptly moved to Hollywood to make it! On her way to superstardom she stumpled into long form improvisation, which led to writing sketches with her comedy team, which led to 48 Hour film challenges, which led to writing and producing her own content, that led to some UCLA Extension classes where she learned to line produce and quickly began producing for friends and others! All in all, 12 short films, a few music videos, a feature film and 3 screenplays later, here we are.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it? Cory's passion for this project and his open heart were what initially drew me to want to be a part of this short film, but I LOVE that this short highlights modern relationship dynamics in a fun, light hearted and complex way & that really sealed the deal for me!
CO-PRODUCER / "DR. COHEN-HASHIMOTO" - Adam Kulbersh
Adam Kulbersh is a working character actor appearing in dozens of TV shows across the dial for decades. From Grey’s Anatomy to Modern Family to NCIS, if it’s on television, Adam’s popped by to play “second guy from left” on it. Currently, he can be seen on FX’s award-winning series Better Things andNetflix’s Lucifer. Adam is also a writer who has sold TV series and feature films ranging from raucous adult comedies to heart-centered romances to large-scale dramas. He’s currently working on a new take on the classic Hallmark rom-com as well as a heart-driven comedy about his life as single gay dad.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
I’m a a fan of Cory’s work and we’ve been looking for something to do together. When he shared this script with me, I knew I needed to play Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto. He’s everything I love and hate about the current iteration of self-help, group therapy blah blah. His ideas may in fact be beneficial, but he is so invested in his methodology that he misses some very real issues in front of his face - like kidnapping and murder. But he does so with style and aplomb, so how could I say no? And the subject matter, at core, is incredibly relevant. In the world today, we are redefining relationships, gender norms & roles, and gender itself. Jack & Jill is a fun dip into that whirpool of awesomeness in a fun and creative way.
"CAMERON" - Kai Chapman
Kai started his acting career in New York City after studying at The Neighborhood Playhouse and has since acted in TV, Film, and theater on both coasts. In his spare time he works on nuclear power systems and hydrogen fuel cells. Seriously.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
I am excited to venture into the world of Jack and Jill! The pandemic has been a time of isolation and meditation, and I look forward to telling this story of this couple stuck in a hilariously dire situation!
"ZIV" - Tyler DiChiara
As an advocate for those in both the acting community and the transgender community, Tyler has made it his personal mission to let everyone know they are loved and can do anything they set their minds to — regardless of who they are and where they came from. He wants to show people that no dream is too small, and that you can do the things that your inner child has always hoped for. You just have to listen to them. After the film, “Relish”, he has been working hard to better his craft as well as bettering his body through health and fitness, and wants to encourage anyone like him to be happy with who they are.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
What excited me most about this project was to see a non binary character involved in the story. And to have the character be so strong minded and comfortable with themselves. What also excited me was the director's goal for this film, which was to have a great laugh after everything that happened in 2020. We need a film like this!
"DESHAWN" - Karim Leon
Karim Léon is from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He became interested in theater when his sophomore Englishteacher made the class see productions of Phantom of the Opera and Peter Pan. Most kids were bored. Karim was hooked.
His first big role was in the Providence 48 Hour Film Festival where he played lead as an alcoholic detective in the short The Sidekick. In 2010, Karim moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Since all the actors took the bartending jobs, Karim worked as a certified caregiver and neurodegenerative specialist. His first position was working for an A-list retired Hollywood star who mentored him in voice acting and comedy.
Karim has been featured licking sneakers in a national Ebay spot, cracking beers for Bud Light, selling homes in a California Association of Realtors commercial, and played the husband in a comedic EA SIMS campaign. He was in his first Super Bowl spot this year.
"PHIL" - Brant Kantor
Classically trained by Neurotic Jews and late-90s gangster rap music videos, Brant worked as a producer for years alongside directors such as Hype Williams, Dave Meyers and Anthony Mandler before pivoting to performing, where he studied at Acting Rehab and Groundlings. When he’s not guest-starring on various live comedy podcasts, Brant spends his time writing and performing political and otherwise ridiculous social commentary for his YouTube Channel.
"JARED" - Jon Michael Nepomuceno
Jon Michael hails from Sacramento, CA -- where he originally trained as a dancer before relocating to LA and appearing in multiple projects as both actor and dancer. He's got a fantastic sense of comedic timing and an infectious positive energy.
TBD . . . One of the most important things we will do with this short film is to round out the remaining yet-to-be-hired cast & crew with a close eye to diversity & gender equality. We will strive to build our crew of at least 50% female & BIPOC team members, ensuring this film is representative of all walks of life -- in front of and behind the camera.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Betrayal. Kidnapping. Box cutters. Aint love grand??
When estranged lovers Cam and Sloane wake up kidnapped and tied up in the back of a car, they decide it’s finally time to take stock of this chaotic relationship.
Needing a quick rescue, and unable to trust the police, they call in to their GROUP THERAPY SESSION...which happens to be for polyamorous couples.
And tonight -- wouldn't you know it? -- is role play night.
So as Cam and Sloane frantically describe their situation to the group, pleading for help -- everyone mistakes it for just another role play exercise, and what follows is a raw and hilarious dissection of their own on-again-off-again relationship.
Packed with sharp dialogue, white-knuckle tension, and a big heart at its center, ‘JACK & JILL’ is a comedic thriller that explores the challenge for all of us -- gay, straight, bi, poly -- to keep that spark in our love lives.
...And what happens when that spark lights a fuse that blows up in our face.
I’m a professional screenwriter/sometimes director who usually tells stories that go ‘boom’ and ‘pew pew’, with a sprinkle of ‘ha ha’. I love every aspect of filmmaking, I truly do. I feel like I was born to do it.
The last several years here in the US (and globally!) has been divisive, to say the least. I'm making this film in part because I want to put something positive & funny into the world, at a time when I think we could all use a laugh.
I think it was either Ghandi or Weird Al Yankovic who was quoted as saying: "Be the change you want to see in the world". But as storytellers, we can do it one better. We can actually portray that change we want to see in the world.
I want a story with an array of different types of people & backgrounds -- who are all on the same side of an issue.
I want to fill a room with people of traditionally marginalized lifestyles, and make the Straight White Couple the 'weirdos'.
I want a funny, inclusive ROMP. There, I said it. We all need a romp, dammit. So I’m making one. They’re fun. And smart. And they’ve got a lot of heart. Yes I know that rhymed. Owning it.
Sloane
Fiery, impulsive, and big-hearted, Sloane is a reformed 'bad girl' who's shady past has finally caught up to her, threatening her new life with her 'nice guy' boyfriend, Cam. Sloane knows if she's going to have any future with him, she's gotta start telling him the truth.
Cameron
A hopeless romantic, gentle, and naive: Cam is the nice guy still trying to finish first. And he just might get there -- if he can learn to stand his ground.
Ziv
Open, honest, and intense, Ziv has joined Cam and Sloane's realationship as a third, but Ziv is suspicious about their commitment to this lifestyle. They seem more like 'tourists', and Ziv didn't sign up for that.
Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto
Kind, oblivious, and way overpriced, Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto is the go-to couples' therapist for polyamorous experimentation and lifestyle broadening. Also available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.
Chas, Jared & Rhonda
Chas and Jared are a sharp, successful young couple looking to experiment with a woman in a safe environment. Rhonda is a gregarious, down-to-earth wrecking ball who's gonna show them what they've been missing. Whether they like it or not.
Miriam, Phil & Deshawn
Miriam and Phil are buttoned-up middle-class intellectuals who've decided to bring another man into their relationship -- though Phil doesn't remember getting a vote. DeShawn is a gentle alpha male who's been invited into an amusing situation, and he's gonna let it play out as long as it can.
We are part of a fantastic team of creative humans who are thrilled tell this story. We have the talent, the inspiration, and (some of) the resources. So now we’re reaching out into our broader communities (you!) to help us get the rest of the way together. We hope you'll join us.
We are committed to paying our cast and crew fair rates -- we work with professionals, we expect professional results, and we pay professional fees. We love our sisters and brothers in the industry, and we're asking for no favors here. We'll also be implementing all the latest SAG-mandated COVID protocols on set; the care of our team is of the utmost importance.
If we manage to meet our fundraising goal within the 30 day plan, we will move on to our 'STRETCH GOALS' which is our way of putting your generosity directly into the film.
Renting extra cameras to cut down our shooting time, increasing our sound budget for an extra immersive experience, and increasing the number of film festivals we can send our film (yours and ours!) out into the world next spring/summer 2022.
AND -- as the film is assembled in the edit room, we will cordially invite each and every one of you who donate at a level of $25 or higher to participate in our TEST AUDIENCE! We want you to be partners in this with us, and your opinion of how it's coming together is important.
We're so excited to tell this story together -- thank you for your support.
Now let's put on a show!!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Pre-Production Labor
Costs $2,000
This will pay for the crew that we need for Pre-Production, prepping wardrobe, camera, etc.
Shooting Labor
Costs $7,000
Paying the crew competitive & fair rates for a 3 day shoot.
Locations
Costs $750
Locations to shoot the short, permits, etc.
Crafty & Lunch
Costs $1,000
A well fed film crew is a happy crew. This is for snacks, a light breakfast & lunch for cast & crew
Art Department & Wardrobe
Costs $600
Art department labor, props, blood, makeup & wardrobe for actors.
Camera Rental
Costs $2,500
A good camera with a great set of lenses will make our short look incredible!
Sound Department
Costs $1,200
Never, ever skimp on sound, it's the most important thing. Sound equipment rental, labor & kit fees
Lighting & Grip Rental
Costs $1,500
We need to rent lights, C-Stands & all the equipment we need to do this thing properly.
Expendables
Costs $100
All the extras, tape, rope, anything the departments need to make this great.
Production Supplies
Costs $200
Chairs, tables, trash cans, trash bags, anything we need to run the set smoothly & comfortably.
Talent
Costs $3,500
We want to pay our talent a fair rate for their contribution to this short film.
Hard Drives
Costs $400
Hard drives to collect all the genius we shoot. With back up drives, just in case.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
DIRECTOR/ CO-WRITER/ EDITOR - CORY BYAM
Cory is an LA-based filmmaker who cannot whistle. He tried for years, it just never worked out. So he turned his attention to storytelling and fell deeply in love with the craft of screenwriting, and later, directing. His previous short film ‘The Prince and the Goblin’ is currently touring the global festival circuit. He lives in Encino with his wife and young son, who occasionally team up to tease him about the whistling thing.
IMDB
CO-WRITER/ PRODUCER / "SLOANE" - Gabrielle Whelan
Gabrielle is a NY-based writer, producer, and performer who trained with both Upright Citizens Brigade and the Groundlings before absolutely crushing it doing standup for the LA dive-bar-weekdays-after-2am scene. Her most recent pilot “Anny Minute Now” premiered at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, and this summer she emerged from the quarantine with sharpened standup skills after performing for 18 months to her cat and loaded silence. So we all have that to look forward to.
PRODUCER / "MIRIAM" - Elizabeth Mihelich
Elizabeth is a multi, multi-hyphenate, mostly because of her Type A personality and unending organizationalskills. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Theatre: Directing degree and promptly moved to Hollywood to make it! On her way to superstardom she stumpled into long form improvisation, which led to writing sketches with her comedy team, which led to 48 Hour film challenges, which led to writing and producing her own content, that led to some UCLA Extension classes where she learned to line produce and quickly began producing for friends and others! All in all, 12 short films, a few music videos, a feature film and 3 screenplays later, here we are.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it? Cory's passion for this project and his open heart were what initially drew me to want to be a part of this short film, but I LOVE that this short highlights modern relationship dynamics in a fun, light hearted and complex way & that really sealed the deal for me!
CO-PRODUCER / "DR. COHEN-HASHIMOTO" - Adam Kulbersh
Adam Kulbersh is a working character actor appearing in dozens of TV shows across the dial for decades. From Grey’s Anatomy to Modern Family to NCIS, if it’s on television, Adam’s popped by to play “second guy from left” on it. Currently, he can be seen on FX’s award-winning series Better Things andNetflix’s Lucifer. Adam is also a writer who has sold TV series and feature films ranging from raucous adult comedies to heart-centered romances to large-scale dramas. He’s currently working on a new take on the classic Hallmark rom-com as well as a heart-driven comedy about his life as single gay dad.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
I’m a a fan of Cory’s work and we’ve been looking for something to do together. When he shared this script with me, I knew I needed to play Dr. Cohen-Hashimoto. He’s everything I love and hate about the current iteration of self-help, group therapy blah blah. His ideas may in fact be beneficial, but he is so invested in his methodology that he misses some very real issues in front of his face - like kidnapping and murder. But he does so with style and aplomb, so how could I say no? And the subject matter, at core, is incredibly relevant. In the world today, we are redefining relationships, gender norms & roles, and gender itself. Jack & Jill is a fun dip into that whirpool of awesomeness in a fun and creative way.
"CAMERON" - Kai Chapman
Kai started his acting career in New York City after studying at The Neighborhood Playhouse and has since acted in TV, Film, and theater on both coasts. In his spare time he works on nuclear power systems and hydrogen fuel cells. Seriously.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
I am excited to venture into the world of Jack and Jill! The pandemic has been a time of isolation and meditation, and I look forward to telling this story of this couple stuck in a hilariously dire situation!
"ZIV" - Tyler DiChiara
As an advocate for those in both the acting community and the transgender community, Tyler has made it his personal mission to let everyone know they are loved and can do anything they set their minds to — regardless of who they are and where they came from. He wants to show people that no dream is too small, and that you can do the things that your inner child has always hoped for. You just have to listen to them. After the film, “Relish”, he has been working hard to better his craft as well as bettering his body through health and fitness, and wants to encourage anyone like him to be happy with who they are.
What excited you about this project and made you want to be a part of it?
What excited me most about this project was to see a non binary character involved in the story. And to have the character be so strong minded and comfortable with themselves. What also excited me was the director's goal for this film, which was to have a great laugh after everything that happened in 2020. We need a film like this!
"DESHAWN" - Karim Leon
Karim Léon is from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He became interested in theater when his sophomore Englishteacher made the class see productions of Phantom of the Opera and Peter Pan. Most kids were bored. Karim was hooked.
His first big role was in the Providence 48 Hour Film Festival where he played lead as an alcoholic detective in the short The Sidekick. In 2010, Karim moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Since all the actors took the bartending jobs, Karim worked as a certified caregiver and neurodegenerative specialist. His first position was working for an A-list retired Hollywood star who mentored him in voice acting and comedy.
Karim has been featured licking sneakers in a national Ebay spot, cracking beers for Bud Light, selling homes in a California Association of Realtors commercial, and played the husband in a comedic EA SIMS campaign. He was in his first Super Bowl spot this year.
"PHIL" - Brant Kantor
Classically trained by Neurotic Jews and late-90s gangster rap music videos, Brant worked as a producer for years alongside directors such as Hype Williams, Dave Meyers and Anthony Mandler before pivoting to performing, where he studied at Acting Rehab and Groundlings. When he’s not guest-starring on various live comedy podcasts, Brant spends his time writing and performing political and otherwise ridiculous social commentary for his YouTube Channel.
"JARED" - Jon Michael Nepomuceno
Jon Michael hails from Sacramento, CA -- where he originally trained as a dancer before relocating to LA and appearing in multiple projects as both actor and dancer. He's got a fantastic sense of comedic timing and an infectious positive energy.
TBD . . . One of the most important things we will do with this short film is to round out the remaining yet-to-be-hired cast & crew with a close eye to diversity & gender equality. We will strive to build our crew of at least 50% female & BIPOC team members, ensuring this film is representative of all walks of life -- in front of and behind the camera.