Liza
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Drama
Liza, a trans woman and former college runner, starts working at a sporting goods store. Her boss, Jerry, assigns her to work with Stacey, who insists Liza only work in the store’s men's department. Suspecting transphobia, Liza confronts Jerry, leading to Stacey's dismissal and restoring fairness.
Liza
Chicago, Illinois | Film Short
LGBTQ, Drama
1 Campaigns | Illinois, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,146 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
58 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Liza, a trans woman and former college runner, starts working at a sporting goods store. Her boss, Jerry, assigns her to work with Stacey, who insists Liza only work in the store’s men's department. Suspecting transphobia, Liza confronts Jerry, leading to Stacey's dismissal and restoring fairness.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Liza, a trans woman and former college runner, takes a job at Wollowitz's Sporting Goods store to fill the void left by her post-graduate life. Her boss, Jerry, pairs her with Stacey, the assistant manager, who insists Liza work only in the men's department. Suspecting transphobia, Liza confronts Jerry, leading to Stacey's dismissal and restoring fairness in the store. Through Liza's journey, the film explores themes of athletics, allyship, and belonging, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a trans athlete.
The tone of "Liza" is a blend of heartfelt and determined, with moments of tension and resilience. It captures the anxiety and detachment that many trans people experience, balanced by whimsical dialogue and joyful, affirming moments of connection and solidarity. Below we detail visual themes and how our creative team plans to execute them.
- Intensity - Tight, kinetic shots create a sense of heightened physical presence that makes it easier for audiences to connect with Liza’s physical experiences. Visual references come from the work of queer photographer Elle Pérez and HBO's Generation Kill (2008).
- Alienation - Isolating subjects alone in the midst of bleak backgrounds evokes a sense of quiet alienation. Visual references come from Yojimbo (1961) and Elle Pérez.
- Costume - 1970's inspired costume design and modern athletic wear will create a whimsical feel that inspires viewers to feel joyful about their own gender presentation. Visual references come from Dandy Del Mar, Alo, Lululemon, Cider and The Harder They Come (1972).
- Color - Muted brown tones inspired by The Sopranos create an introspective feel that mirrors Liza’s feelings of detachment.
- Film - Shooting on Kodak 500T color film provides a rich, textured visual look that creates a strong emotional bond between Liza and the audience.
Here's a look at our director, Willis Weinstein's, past work:
Now, more than ever, it's crucial to affirm and support transgender participation in sports. As of 2024, 24 states have banned trans youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender, denying them opportunities to socialize, develop confidence, and maintain physical health (Movement Advancement Project). Trans sports bans perpetuate long-standing sex discrimination previously directed at cisgender women (ACLU) and open the door to other forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
"Liza" addresses these challenges, promoting understanding and allyship, and encouraging viewers to reflect on inclusivity, belonging, and the importance of supporting trans rights.
We will be filming at the end of August in a local sporting goods store in the suburbs of Chicago. Many of our heads of departments have been secured and we recently casted all three of our leads.
We are very honored and excited to be recipients of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Grant! The grant funds will be allocated to covering the majority of our production needs (insurance, meals), location, cast, and a portion of our crew. We are aiming to raise approximately $8k more to cover the rest of our costs.
When we get the GREEN LIGHT, reaching 80% of our goal, we plan to allocate funds to pay the rest of our crew, equipment, crafty, and art.
When we reach 100% of our goal, we will have most of our post-production needs covered and some funds to dedicate to film festival fees and marketing.
If we are lucky enough to exceed our goal, we'll be able invest in more immersive costume and production design, cover more of our post-production expenses and level up our indie budget to a budget that can pay all positions what they truly deserve.
Join and support our team by pledging today and sharing this page with your network!! Every contribution counts, no matter the size. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Keep up with all the latest LIZA news at our Instagram, @lizashortfilm! Excited for the journey ahead that we get to share with you.
Thank you!!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast + Crew
Costs $3,750
We want to fairly compensate our cast and crew for their time and skills.
400' Kodak 500T Film Roll
Costs $1,750
Shooting on Kodak 500T color film provides a rich, textured visual look that creates a strong emotional bond between Liza and the audience.
Sporting Goods Location
Costs $300
Our location is a character in our film. Help bring Wollowitzs Sporting Goods to life.
Crafty
Costs $200
Snacks are a great way to keep people motivated and energized in a long marathon, just like for film sets!
Share this update!
About This Team
Willis Weinstein (she/her) - Writer, Director, Producer
Wills is a trans woman and director/writer from Chicago, IL who tells thoughtful, playful stories that empower audiences to live authentically and enthusiastically pursue social justice. Her work has been screened at the Seattle Queer Film Festival 2021, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 2022 and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, one of the nation’s largest art museums.
Jennie Weaver (she/her) - Co-Producer
Jennie Weaver (she/her) is a writer, filmmaker, and comedian currently working in Chicago. Jennie is a firm believer that in order for one to be educated, they must first be entertained, so her goal when creating content is to discuss serious issues with a lot of levity. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Jennie always draws from personal experience, whether in front of or behind the lens, in order to create authentic and compelling stories.
Abbas Tayebali (he/him) - Co-Producer
Abbas is a multi-hyphenate creative who focuses on photography and comedy in Chicago. Born and raised in the suburbs, Abbas always prioritizes quality storytelling in his work. He finds the preproduction process exciting and enjoys making sure that every crew member is taken care of to perform at their best. He's previously co-produced other indie shorts ROADKILL, SWATTED and THE MISCRIPTS. He also was a Payroll Assistant on Chicago PD Season 9 and 10. If he isn't working he finds joy in biking and a quality cup of coffee.
Julia Relova (she/her) - Associate Producer
Julia is a Filipino-American producer and director based in Chicago. She has worked in several different industries including tech, nonprofits, and entertainment. In all her work she aims to engage and connect people through storytelling. She is a co-founder of Rm. 19 Productions which produces short films, features, and events across the US including Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles. Relova works hard to take on content that is thought-provoking, fun, and women-led. Relova is proud to have received her Master's from Northwestern University for Leadership in Creative Enterprises and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Davidson College. Thanks to Julia for her help creating and consulting on our Seed&Spark campaign!
Tricia Mulligan (she/her) - Director of Photography
Trina Mulligan (she/her) is a Chicago-based filmmaker with an everlasting love for visual storytelling. She has a BFA in cinematography from Columbia College Chicago and is a successful working DP in the film industry in Chicago. Her specialty lies in visual language for every film that she works on and in capturing narratives that aren’t often told.
Brian Delisi (he/him) - 1st Assistant Camera
Brian Delisi is a Steadicam Operator, Camera Operator and 1st AC based in Chicago. With an enthusiasm and genuine love for the camera department, Brian brings the best energy on every project he works on. He enjoys the optimization and creative problem solving that accompanies focus pulling. He appreciates being the technical heart of the department and welcomes the collaboration with the Cinematgrapher and Operator that accompanies the position.
Jamie Kreppein (she/her) - 1st Assistant Director
Jamie Kreppein is a film and theatre maker based in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on championing the work of women and femme filmmakers and expanding the canon with diverse and exciting stories. She is a producer, director, live events coordinator, and stage manager, and is one of the founders of Rm. 19 Productions. Jamie is also passionate about community building and arts education, serving as the technical director and film coordinator at Warren Township High School, and as one of the leaders of Hotel Collective, a resource and network for emerging Chicago artists. Recent projects include features Roller Babiez (director, producer), Year One (co-producer, assistant director), Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, IL (associate producer, production designer), Departing Seniors (background coordinator) and short films By a Thread (associate producer, screenwriter) and Downstate (co-director).
Kaela McVicker (she/they) - Sound
Kaela McVicker (she/they), aka SugarTone Recordist, is a sound force in the Chicago scene with a background in muical theater, jazz/classical vocal training and voice acting. A recent grad from Columbia College Chicago, her most recent works include being a mixer on a horror feature film produced by Joe Swanberg and a short film recording a world renowned opera singer, Angela Brown. As a queer femme, telling stories about trans identity is CRUCIAL to Kaela and they are thrilled to be a part of LIZA.
Drew Michele (she/her) - Script Supervisor
Drew Michele is a writer-director and actor based in Chicago. She most recently wrote, directed and starred in a character driven sci-fi short film called THE LAST AGENT. She is thrilled to be joining LIZA as the script supervisor!
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Sage Huston as LIZA
Sage Huston (she/her) is a sketch comedian and writer who has lived in many places and enjoys the road most of all. She loves local eats, hanging with good people and writing silly things. She’s a Reductress contributor and has appeared at Portland Sketchfest, Omaha Comedy Fest, The Future of Comedy Festival in Chicago and San Francisco Sketch Fest.
Isabel Alamin as STACEY
Isabel is an actor and artist based in Chicago, and she is so thrilled to be a part of Liza! Recent favorite credits on screen and stage include THE BECOMERS, SWATTED, and HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF. You can see her in Snails on a Bike’s upcoming production of EURYDICE this summer, or catch her haunting your local coffee shop!
Gabriel Fries as JERRY
Gabriel (he/him) is excited to be part of this awesome little film! Although in real life he doesn’t have a pet fish or manage a sports store, you can catch him as a Mermaid in Peter and the Starcatcher at Paramount Theatre through August 31, and leading bike tours around Chicago all year round! He is represented by Big Mouth Talent. www.gabrielfries.net
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Liza, a trans woman and former college runner, takes a job at Wollowitz's Sporting Goods store to fill the void left by her post-graduate life. Her boss, Jerry, pairs her with Stacey, the assistant manager, who insists Liza work only in the men's department. Suspecting transphobia, Liza confronts Jerry, leading to Stacey's dismissal and restoring fairness in the store. Through Liza's journey, the film explores themes of athletics, allyship, and belonging, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a trans athlete.
The tone of "Liza" is a blend of heartfelt and determined, with moments of tension and resilience. It captures the anxiety and detachment that many trans people experience, balanced by whimsical dialogue and joyful, affirming moments of connection and solidarity. Below we detail visual themes and how our creative team plans to execute them.
- Intensity - Tight, kinetic shots create a sense of heightened physical presence that makes it easier for audiences to connect with Liza’s physical experiences. Visual references come from the work of queer photographer Elle Pérez and HBO's Generation Kill (2008).
- Alienation - Isolating subjects alone in the midst of bleak backgrounds evokes a sense of quiet alienation. Visual references come from Yojimbo (1961) and Elle Pérez.
- Costume - 1970's inspired costume design and modern athletic wear will create a whimsical feel that inspires viewers to feel joyful about their own gender presentation. Visual references come from Dandy Del Mar, Alo, Lululemon, Cider and The Harder They Come (1972).
- Color - Muted brown tones inspired by The Sopranos create an introspective feel that mirrors Liza’s feelings of detachment.
- Film - Shooting on Kodak 500T color film provides a rich, textured visual look that creates a strong emotional bond between Liza and the audience.
Here's a look at our director, Willis Weinstein's, past work:
Now, more than ever, it's crucial to affirm and support transgender participation in sports. As of 2024, 24 states have banned trans youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender, denying them opportunities to socialize, develop confidence, and maintain physical health (Movement Advancement Project). Trans sports bans perpetuate long-standing sex discrimination previously directed at cisgender women (ACLU) and open the door to other forms of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
"Liza" addresses these challenges, promoting understanding and allyship, and encouraging viewers to reflect on inclusivity, belonging, and the importance of supporting trans rights.
We will be filming at the end of August in a local sporting goods store in the suburbs of Chicago. Many of our heads of departments have been secured and we recently casted all three of our leads.
We are very honored and excited to be recipients of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Grant! The grant funds will be allocated to covering the majority of our production needs (insurance, meals), location, cast, and a portion of our crew. We are aiming to raise approximately $8k more to cover the rest of our costs.
When we get the GREEN LIGHT, reaching 80% of our goal, we plan to allocate funds to pay the rest of our crew, equipment, crafty, and art.
When we reach 100% of our goal, we will have most of our post-production needs covered and some funds to dedicate to film festival fees and marketing.
If we are lucky enough to exceed our goal, we'll be able invest in more immersive costume and production design, cover more of our post-production expenses and level up our indie budget to a budget that can pay all positions what they truly deserve.
Join and support our team by pledging today and sharing this page with your network!! Every contribution counts, no matter the size. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Keep up with all the latest LIZA news at our Instagram, @lizashortfilm! Excited for the journey ahead that we get to share with you.
Thank you!!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast + Crew
Costs $3,750
We want to fairly compensate our cast and crew for their time and skills.
400' Kodak 500T Film Roll
Costs $1,750
Shooting on Kodak 500T color film provides a rich, textured visual look that creates a strong emotional bond between Liza and the audience.
Sporting Goods Location
Costs $300
Our location is a character in our film. Help bring Wollowitzs Sporting Goods to life.
Crafty
Costs $200
Snacks are a great way to keep people motivated and energized in a long marathon, just like for film sets!
Share this update!
About This Team
Willis Weinstein (she/her) - Writer, Director, Producer
Wills is a trans woman and director/writer from Chicago, IL who tells thoughtful, playful stories that empower audiences to live authentically and enthusiastically pursue social justice. Her work has been screened at the Seattle Queer Film Festival 2021, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 2022 and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, one of the nation’s largest art museums.
Jennie Weaver (she/her) - Co-Producer
Jennie Weaver (she/her) is a writer, filmmaker, and comedian currently working in Chicago. Jennie is a firm believer that in order for one to be educated, they must first be entertained, so her goal when creating content is to discuss serious issues with a lot of levity. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Jennie always draws from personal experience, whether in front of or behind the lens, in order to create authentic and compelling stories.
Abbas Tayebali (he/him) - Co-Producer
Abbas is a multi-hyphenate creative who focuses on photography and comedy in Chicago. Born and raised in the suburbs, Abbas always prioritizes quality storytelling in his work. He finds the preproduction process exciting and enjoys making sure that every crew member is taken care of to perform at their best. He's previously co-produced other indie shorts ROADKILL, SWATTED and THE MISCRIPTS. He also was a Payroll Assistant on Chicago PD Season 9 and 10. If he isn't working he finds joy in biking and a quality cup of coffee.
Julia Relova (she/her) - Associate Producer
Julia is a Filipino-American producer and director based in Chicago. She has worked in several different industries including tech, nonprofits, and entertainment. In all her work she aims to engage and connect people through storytelling. She is a co-founder of Rm. 19 Productions which produces short films, features, and events across the US including Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles. Relova works hard to take on content that is thought-provoking, fun, and women-led. Relova is proud to have received her Master's from Northwestern University for Leadership in Creative Enterprises and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Davidson College. Thanks to Julia for her help creating and consulting on our Seed&Spark campaign!
Tricia Mulligan (she/her) - Director of Photography
Trina Mulligan (she/her) is a Chicago-based filmmaker with an everlasting love for visual storytelling. She has a BFA in cinematography from Columbia College Chicago and is a successful working DP in the film industry in Chicago. Her specialty lies in visual language for every film that she works on and in capturing narratives that aren’t often told.
Brian Delisi (he/him) - 1st Assistant Camera
Brian Delisi is a Steadicam Operator, Camera Operator and 1st AC based in Chicago. With an enthusiasm and genuine love for the camera department, Brian brings the best energy on every project he works on. He enjoys the optimization and creative problem solving that accompanies focus pulling. He appreciates being the technical heart of the department and welcomes the collaboration with the Cinematgrapher and Operator that accompanies the position.
Jamie Kreppein (she/her) - 1st Assistant Director
Jamie Kreppein is a film and theatre maker based in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on championing the work of women and femme filmmakers and expanding the canon with diverse and exciting stories. She is a producer, director, live events coordinator, and stage manager, and is one of the founders of Rm. 19 Productions. Jamie is also passionate about community building and arts education, serving as the technical director and film coordinator at Warren Township High School, and as one of the leaders of Hotel Collective, a resource and network for emerging Chicago artists. Recent projects include features Roller Babiez (director, producer), Year One (co-producer, assistant director), Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, IL (associate producer, production designer), Departing Seniors (background coordinator) and short films By a Thread (associate producer, screenwriter) and Downstate (co-director).
Kaela McVicker (she/they) - Sound
Kaela McVicker (she/they), aka SugarTone Recordist, is a sound force in the Chicago scene with a background in muical theater, jazz/classical vocal training and voice acting. A recent grad from Columbia College Chicago, her most recent works include being a mixer on a horror feature film produced by Joe Swanberg and a short film recording a world renowned opera singer, Angela Brown. As a queer femme, telling stories about trans identity is CRUCIAL to Kaela and they are thrilled to be a part of LIZA.
Drew Michele (she/her) - Script Supervisor
Drew Michele is a writer-director and actor based in Chicago. She most recently wrote, directed and starred in a character driven sci-fi short film called THE LAST AGENT. She is thrilled to be joining LIZA as the script supervisor!
Sage Huston as LIZA
Sage Huston (she/her) is a sketch comedian and writer who has lived in many places and enjoys the road most of all. She loves local eats, hanging with good people and writing silly things. She’s a Reductress contributor and has appeared at Portland Sketchfest, Omaha Comedy Fest, The Future of Comedy Festival in Chicago and San Francisco Sketch Fest.
Isabel Alamin as STACEY
Isabel is an actor and artist based in Chicago, and she is so thrilled to be a part of Liza! Recent favorite credits on screen and stage include THE BECOMERS, SWATTED, and HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF. You can see her in Snails on a Bike’s upcoming production of EURYDICE this summer, or catch her haunting your local coffee shop!
Gabriel Fries as JERRY
Gabriel (he/him) is excited to be part of this awesome little film! Although in real life he doesn’t have a pet fish or manage a sports store, you can catch him as a Mermaid in Peter and the Starcatcher at Paramount Theatre through August 31, and leading bike tours around Chicago all year round! He is represented by Big Mouth Talent. www.gabrielfries.net