LIT

Don, a shy college student with a massive crush on Stephanie, finally gets invited to her Christmas party. With the encouragement of his best friend Jeremy to finally ask out his crush, he’s Determined not to blow his chance, But what starts as a simple night of fun spirals into a night of unexpected events — Mentos tricks gone wrong, soul-stealing twerk dances, and a mysterious drink known only as “LIT Juice” that unlocks Don’s wild side.

As the night unravels, Don must fight through embarrassing slip-ups, bizarre encounters, and one unforgettable dance floor showdown to prove he’s more than the awkward guy with gummies. By sunrise, he’ll either have the girl of his dreams…or just the hangover of a lifetime.

LIT is a hilarious, high-energy comedy that blends outrageous party antics with a touch of the surreal — a story about friendship, courage, and finding your confidence when the world is anything but chill.

Music Vibez

In the script there is a scene where Don is influence by the "LIT juice" and finally decides to let loose and forgetting all his self-doubt and just have fun in a big all-out dance performance. The scene is the heart of the film with a visual representation of what it looks like to being your authentic self.

LIT Sneak Peek

Take a sneak peek from LIT.

We filmed this scene as a proof of concept—to give you a glimpse of the story, the tone, and the creative force behind the project. This is just one moment, but it represents the heart of the film and the dedication of a team ready to bring the full story to life. With your support, this preview becomes a complete film. If this scene moves you, inspires you, or sparks your curiosity, we hope you’ll join us and become part of the reason LIT gets made.

Behind the Scenes

If you want to keep up with all the updates with pre, pro, and post-production be sure to follow us on Instagram @Dawnthecinema and TikTok @Donthecinema

Meet the "LIT" Filmmakers:

Donovan Randolph

Writer/Co-Director/Executive Producer/Director of Photography

Donovan Randolph is a DMV-based writer, producer, and cinematographer, and the founder of Dawn the Cinema Productions, a studio specializing in music videos, narrative films, and commercials. Through Dawn the Cinema, Donovan has led projects across formats, guiding them from concept to completion with a distinctive style that fuses bold visuals with authentic storytelling. His work as a cinematographer and editor spans features and award-winning shorts. His short-form projects have earned recognition such as Best Cinematography at the 48 Hour Film Project. Several of his music videos have aired on BET and VH1, reflecting his hybrid storytelling voice that blends the energy of music video with the craft of narrative cinema. An active creative entrepreneur, Donovan also runs Dawn the Cinema with a public client slate across music, commercial, and narrative sectors.

"I wrote "LIT" back in college, during a time when I was struggling with self-confidence. Over the years, I realized how timeless those feelings are—doubt, insecurity, and the need to push past them. Directing this film now feels like a chance to revisit that journey and share it with others who may be facing the same struggles. For me, the film is about not letting self-doubt define you. With the help of friends and a little trust in yourself, you can overcome anything. I want audiences to leave with laughter, a sense of nostalgia, and the reminder not to let fear stop them from reaching their goals. Tonally, the film is inspired by the comedies I grew up with—Superbad, Napoleon Dynamite, Project X, and Juno. But what makes it my own is the music and energy I bring from my world today: Jersey Club, Indie Rock, Rap, and R&B, all merging with the visuals to create a story that feels authentic to me. This film isn’t about pushing a grand cultural message—it’s about joy, humor, and relatability. As my first short outside of film school, it’s deeply personal, and that’s why I feel I’m the one who needs to tell it."

Tatiana McGaughy

Director/Producer

A Washington, DC. born director, producer, writer and award-winning actor known for projects like 6 Hearts 1 Beat, FayeLive 205, and Karens. She is the owner of T.Shari Productions, a woman-owned, minority-owned motion picture production company. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Tatiana created T.Shari Productions as a platform to spotlight authentic storytelling and elevate the voices of emerging talent. From heartfelt dramas to social thrillers, to hilarious comedies and character-driven narratives, Tatiana is committed to producing content that reflects the beauty, complexity, and resilience of our communities.

"I believe that powerful stories come from truth, passion, and lived experience. My goal is to create bold, genuine, and impactful film and television content that speaks to the soul, while also opening doors for rising creators to shine in front of and behind the camera, and have fun doing it. When Donovan first approached me with the script for "LIT", his passion immediately hooked me. He had been sitting on this story for ten years. I read the script as soon as he sent it to me and I knew we had something special. On the surface, “LIT” is a film about a shy guy trying to get the girl, but at its core, it’s a story about authenticity and realizing that being yourself is always enough. That’s what makes Don and Stephanie connect, and that’s the message I want to leave with audiences: no matter what the world around you suggests, stay true to you." Visually, the film embraces comedy with a unique surreal, over-the-top energy. If the Wayans family were to throw a college party, you would get “LIT”. It’s bold, outrageous, and hilarious. In a world that sometimes takes itself too SERIOUSLY, we all need a good dose of laughter. My goal is simple: for audiences to have fun and laugh so hard they leave the theater lighter than when they came in."

The "LIT" Cast

Our cast brings authenticity, humor, and heart to every moment of LIT. Each performer was chosen for their ability to ground the comedy in real emotion, making the characters feel relatable and unforgettable.

The "LIT" Crew

Our LIT crew is a passionate team of filmmakers dedicated to telling this story with care and creativity. From cinematography to sound, each department works together to deliver a polished, professional short film.

"LIT" Timeline

Production of LIT begins immediately following the campaign, with filming scheduled shortly after funding is complete. Post-production will follow, with the goal of completing the film and submitting to festivals soon after.

Look & feel of "LIT"

LIT is vibrant, playful, and visually expressive, blending grounded realism with heightened comedic moments. The film captures the energy of a wild party while keeping the characters front and center.

"LIT" Comparables

Fans of energetic, character-driven comedies like Superbad, Project X will feel right at home. LIT blends surreal comedy with relatable social moments and youthful chaos.

Let's Get "LIT"

Get Involved & Stay in the Know

Backing LIT means helping an independent film come to life from the ground up. Every contribution directly supports the cast, crew, and production, and helps bring this story to the screen. This vision is 10-years in the making! With your help, we can bring this project to life! Every penny counts!