Miss Unfunny America
Berkeley, California | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
An enthusiastic standup comic and her cynical best friend find themselves unknowingly roped into a mysterious all-female comedy pageant where humiliation is televised, laughter is canned, and the only way out is to burn it all down.
Miss Unfunny America
Berkeley, California | Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
27 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
An enthusiastic standup comic and her cynical best friend find themselves unknowingly roped into a mysterious all-female comedy pageant where humiliation is televised, laughter is canned, and the only way out is to burn it all down.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Junie, a relentlessly awkward lesbian stand-up comic and her sharp-tongued best friend Eva are pulled into a glamorous, televised, all-female comedy show that promises fame and fortune. Instead, they find themselves in a pageant-style competition where humiliation is rewarded, glitter is inhaled like oxygen, and a laugh-o-meter is suspiciously inaccurate. Inspired by her idol Liza Minelli’s unapologetic stage presence, Junie navigates bizarre challenges while forming bonds with the eccentric contestants and the glitchy but earnest production assistant. As she uncovers the villainous truth behind the pageant, Junie must find a way to put a stop to it, save her friends, and find her stage.
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"Miss Unfunny America" tells a story of femininity, chaos, and what happens when the world tries to take you down, but the punchline has been yours all along. Our project is absurd and satirical, yes—monster-sized sock puppets, innuendos, campy dresses—but underneath it all is women holding the spotlight for each other. Comedy is more than good humor; it’s turning dismissal into defiance, humiliation into happiness, and silence into laughter so loud it cracks the stage walls.
Miss Unfunny America takes survival instinct and sets it on fire. It’s an impolite comedy too loud, too weird, and too funny to ignore. Women are funny, period. And M.U.A is here to prove it—with sequins, chaos, and a hungry, vengeful sock puppet.
The absurdist world of "Miss Unfunny America" grew out of a desire to explore friendship and humor in a way that felt both loud and personal. The idea has grown and shifted incredibly since its conception, inspiring one of the writers to do standup (and love it) for the first time. The story started as simply a short film about a female standup comedian—one who was untalented, in fact. But through further exploration of the art form of standup comedy through a feminine lens, and the character of Junie herself, a deeper, unrealized narrative showed itself: a story about funny women navigating difficult systems, supporting each other, and finding their voices.
The campy, over-the-top, and extravagant visuals directly contradict the innuendo and social references of the film, putting the unrealistic world in humorous perspective next its immediate truths. A vintage but stylized “Miss America” pageant viewed through a lens that learns to embrace the chaos instead of repressing it. This is a film we hope people will return to over and over again, laughing at the ridiculousness while feeling the real, raw sincerity from the bonds of Junie, Eva, and the other contestants.
.jpg)
Seed&Spark requires that we raise at least 80% of our goal in order for our project to be funded. Your support and contributions in any form will help us immensely in achieving our goal of creating this project. Just as each role on set cannot be overlooked in its importance, each contribution brings us a step closer in giving life to our creative vision. Any kind of support is welcome, whether it's through a donation or talking about our film to your friends. We are extremely grateful to anyone who's read this far—thank you so much for your time!
Budget Allocation
TOTAL BUDGET GOAL: $5000!
Equipment (35%) - $1,750
Craft Services (30%) - $1,500
Locations (15%) - $750
Art Department (10%) - $500
Distribution (5%) - $250
Transportation (5%) - $250
Please help us spread the word through sharing our Seed&Spark platform and following our Instagram at @missunfunnyamerica. We will be posting cast/crew introductions, BTS content, updates and more!
Hello, beautiful Seed&Spark donors! Thank you all so, so, so much for taking an interest in our project--it truly does mean the world to us. This film is so special to us because it is a story written by women about women. It's a tale of friendship, love, and finding your audience, and we're so glad to have found ours with all of you.
Unfunnily Yours,
Laney & Harper <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Softbox Lighting Kit
Costs $55
Softboxes to provide consistent, diffused lighting that improves the visibility and quality of our shots.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Production Logistics
Costs $441
This covers essential production logistics like permits, transportation, location rentals, and other necessary expenses.
Art Department (Props)
Costs $500
Art department props and decor to help tell the story visually.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Food, snacks, water, and caffeine to keep our cast and crew energized.
DJI Wireless Lavs
Costs $320
DJI wireless lavs to capture clear, hands-free audio from actors without restricting their movement on set.
LED Lights
Costs $12
Portable LED lights to easily add extra lighting wherever we shoot, especially in low-light situations.
Boom Pole
Costs $40
A boom pole to position the microphone close to the actors while keeping it out of the camera frame.
Shock Mount
Costs $15
A shock mount to reduce handling noise and vibrations, keeping our audio clear and free from unwanted sounds.
Panel Lights
Costs $45
Panel lights to evenly light our scenes and make sure everything is clearly visible on camera.
Gimbal
Costs $66
A gimbal to capture smooth, cinematic shots that elevate the visual storytelling of our short film.
Boom Mic
Costs $150
A boom mic to give us clean audio without getting in the shot.
Zoom H4essential
Costs $200
The Zoom H4Essential to record high-quality, reliable audio on set.
Sony FX30
Costs $2,000
The Sony FX30 to capture stunning, cinematic footage with professional-grade image quality.
Batteries
Costs $40
Batteries to keep our cameras, audio gear, and other essential equipment powered up and running during long days on set.
Extension Cords
Costs $20
Extension cords to ensure we have power exactly where we need it on set, keeping our equipment running smoothly throughout the shoot.
Gaffer Tape
Costs $20
Gaffer tape to safely and securely rig equipment on set, keeping everything in place without damaging surfaces.
Lighting Gels & Filters
Costs $20
Lighting gels and filters to shape the mood and tone of each scene by controlling the color of our lighting.
XLR Cable
Costs $20
An XLR cable to ensure professional-quality audio with clear, reliable sound capture throughout our shoot.
Shoulder Rig
Costs $36
A shoulder rig to achieve stable handheld shots with a natural, dynamic feel that brings our audience closer to the action.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
LANEY MARQUETTE is a writer, director, occasional comedian, and a UC Berkeley sophomore pursuing a double major in Film and Media and Media Studies. She finds inspiration in everything from the surreal worlds of Tim Burton to the clever absurdity of The Animaniacs. A lover of all things creative (and a self-proclaimed pinterest board connoisseur), Laney loves projects that balance humor, heart, and chaos. She hopes to create art that’s both personal and entertaining- and celebratory of individuality and the brilliance of offbeat creativity.
HARPER HAMMOND-WILONSKY is a Film and English student who is currently in her sophomore year at UC Berkeley. She’s a writer, director, and actor who loves nothing more than working on a project she is entirely passionate about. She loves interacting with media that makes you sentimental, empowered, or throw your head back laughing. Harper’s biggest inspiration comes from the goddess herself, Greta Gerwig, and her ability to turn any story into a poignant piece on what it means to be human. She couldn’t be more excited to create a film with such a beautiful message on individuality and unity, especially between funny ass women.
AMANDA VILLALPANDO is a Chinese-Hispanic writer and director. Currently pursuing a B.A. in Media Studies at UC Berkeley, Amanda has worked on short films and screenplays, as well as short stories for her minor in Creative Writing. She likes watching films that create a symphony of the mundane; or rather, ones that make you laugh so hard you pee a little. In her rare moments of downtime, you can find Amanda on the floor of her bedroom having an existential crisis.
GENEVIEVE SMITH is currently a second year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies at UC Berkeley. Genevieve has worked on numerous short films, both independent as well as for CAP Studios, and she has 4+ of experience in freelance filming and editing. While watching movies or shows, Genevieve is always looking at film style, her favorite directors including (but most definitely not limited to), Wes Anderson and John Carney. One of the most important aspects of a movie in Genevieve’s mind is the soundtrack, it either makes or breaks a vibe.
HANNAH ROSENQUIST is a sophomore studying Psychology and Theater & Performance Studies at UC Berkeley. She loves films that make you feel like you’re watching your best friends, laughing with them at their best and feeling for them at their worst. She is always driven to be creative and loves exploring new outlets, from graphic design to photography to performing. Hannah is looking forward to working with a team of such wildly funny, talented, and hard-working people, and she can’t wait to see MUA come to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Junie, a relentlessly awkward lesbian stand-up comic and her sharp-tongued best friend Eva are pulled into a glamorous, televised, all-female comedy show that promises fame and fortune. Instead, they find themselves in a pageant-style competition where humiliation is rewarded, glitter is inhaled like oxygen, and a laugh-o-meter is suspiciously inaccurate. Inspired by her idol Liza Minelli’s unapologetic stage presence, Junie navigates bizarre challenges while forming bonds with the eccentric contestants and the glitchy but earnest production assistant. As she uncovers the villainous truth behind the pageant, Junie must find a way to put a stop to it, save her friends, and find her stage.
"Miss Unfunny America" tells a story of femininity, chaos, and what happens when the world tries to take you down, but the punchline has been yours all along. Our project is absurd and satirical, yes—monster-sized sock puppets, innuendos, campy dresses—but underneath it all is women holding the spotlight for each other. Comedy is more than good humor; it’s turning dismissal into defiance, humiliation into happiness, and silence into laughter so loud it cracks the stage walls.
Miss Unfunny America takes survival instinct and sets it on fire. It’s an impolite comedy too loud, too weird, and too funny to ignore. Women are funny, period. And M.U.A is here to prove it—with sequins, chaos, and a hungry, vengeful sock puppet.
The absurdist world of "Miss Unfunny America" grew out of a desire to explore friendship and humor in a way that felt both loud and personal. The idea has grown and shifted incredibly since its conception, inspiring one of the writers to do standup (and love it) for the first time. The story started as simply a short film about a female standup comedian—one who was untalented, in fact. But through further exploration of the art form of standup comedy through a feminine lens, and the character of Junie herself, a deeper, unrealized narrative showed itself: a story about funny women navigating difficult systems, supporting each other, and finding their voices.
The campy, over-the-top, and extravagant visuals directly contradict the innuendo and social references of the film, putting the unrealistic world in humorous perspective next its immediate truths. A vintage but stylized “Miss America” pageant viewed through a lens that learns to embrace the chaos instead of repressing it. This is a film we hope people will return to over and over again, laughing at the ridiculousness while feeling the real, raw sincerity from the bonds of Junie, Eva, and the other contestants.
Seed&Spark requires that we raise at least 80% of our goal in order for our project to be funded. Your support and contributions in any form will help us immensely in achieving our goal of creating this project. Just as each role on set cannot be overlooked in its importance, each contribution brings us a step closer in giving life to our creative vision. Any kind of support is welcome, whether it's through a donation or talking about our film to your friends. We are extremely grateful to anyone who's read this far—thank you so much for your time!
Budget Allocation
TOTAL BUDGET GOAL: $5000!
Equipment (35%) - $1,750
Craft Services (30%) - $1,500
Locations (15%) - $750
Art Department (10%) - $500
Distribution (5%) - $250
Transportation (5%) - $250
Please help us spread the word through sharing our Seed&Spark platform and following our Instagram at @missunfunnyamerica. We will be posting cast/crew introductions, BTS content, updates and more!
Hello, beautiful Seed&Spark donors! Thank you all so, so, so much for taking an interest in our project--it truly does mean the world to us. This film is so special to us because it is a story written by women about women. It's a tale of friendship, love, and finding your audience, and we're so glad to have found ours with all of you.
Unfunnily Yours,
Laney & Harper <3
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Softbox Lighting Kit
Costs $55
Softboxes to provide consistent, diffused lighting that improves the visibility and quality of our shots.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Production Logistics
Costs $441
This covers essential production logistics like permits, transportation, location rentals, and other necessary expenses.
Art Department (Props)
Costs $500
Art department props and decor to help tell the story visually.
Craft Services
Costs $1,000
Food, snacks, water, and caffeine to keep our cast and crew energized.
DJI Wireless Lavs
Costs $320
DJI wireless lavs to capture clear, hands-free audio from actors without restricting their movement on set.
LED Lights
Costs $12
Portable LED lights to easily add extra lighting wherever we shoot, especially in low-light situations.
Boom Pole
Costs $40
A boom pole to position the microphone close to the actors while keeping it out of the camera frame.
Shock Mount
Costs $15
A shock mount to reduce handling noise and vibrations, keeping our audio clear and free from unwanted sounds.
Panel Lights
Costs $45
Panel lights to evenly light our scenes and make sure everything is clearly visible on camera.
Gimbal
Costs $66
A gimbal to capture smooth, cinematic shots that elevate the visual storytelling of our short film.
Boom Mic
Costs $150
A boom mic to give us clean audio without getting in the shot.
Zoom H4essential
Costs $200
The Zoom H4Essential to record high-quality, reliable audio on set.
Sony FX30
Costs $2,000
The Sony FX30 to capture stunning, cinematic footage with professional-grade image quality.
Batteries
Costs $40
Batteries to keep our cameras, audio gear, and other essential equipment powered up and running during long days on set.
Extension Cords
Costs $20
Extension cords to ensure we have power exactly where we need it on set, keeping our equipment running smoothly throughout the shoot.
Gaffer Tape
Costs $20
Gaffer tape to safely and securely rig equipment on set, keeping everything in place without damaging surfaces.
Lighting Gels & Filters
Costs $20
Lighting gels and filters to shape the mood and tone of each scene by controlling the color of our lighting.
XLR Cable
Costs $20
An XLR cable to ensure professional-quality audio with clear, reliable sound capture throughout our shoot.
Shoulder Rig
Costs $36
A shoulder rig to achieve stable handheld shots with a natural, dynamic feel that brings our audience closer to the action.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
LANEY MARQUETTE is a writer, director, occasional comedian, and a UC Berkeley sophomore pursuing a double major in Film and Media and Media Studies. She finds inspiration in everything from the surreal worlds of Tim Burton to the clever absurdity of The Animaniacs. A lover of all things creative (and a self-proclaimed pinterest board connoisseur), Laney loves projects that balance humor, heart, and chaos. She hopes to create art that’s both personal and entertaining- and celebratory of individuality and the brilliance of offbeat creativity.
HARPER HAMMOND-WILONSKY is a Film and English student who is currently in her sophomore year at UC Berkeley. She’s a writer, director, and actor who loves nothing more than working on a project she is entirely passionate about. She loves interacting with media that makes you sentimental, empowered, or throw your head back laughing. Harper’s biggest inspiration comes from the goddess herself, Greta Gerwig, and her ability to turn any story into a poignant piece on what it means to be human. She couldn’t be more excited to create a film with such a beautiful message on individuality and unity, especially between funny ass women.
AMANDA VILLALPANDO is a Chinese-Hispanic writer and director. Currently pursuing a B.A. in Media Studies at UC Berkeley, Amanda has worked on short films and screenplays, as well as short stories for her minor in Creative Writing. She likes watching films that create a symphony of the mundane; or rather, ones that make you laugh so hard you pee a little. In her rare moments of downtime, you can find Amanda on the floor of her bedroom having an existential crisis.
GENEVIEVE SMITH is currently a second year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies at UC Berkeley. Genevieve has worked on numerous short films, both independent as well as for CAP Studios, and she has 4+ of experience in freelance filming and editing. While watching movies or shows, Genevieve is always looking at film style, her favorite directors including (but most definitely not limited to), Wes Anderson and John Carney. One of the most important aspects of a movie in Genevieve’s mind is the soundtrack, it either makes or breaks a vibe.
HANNAH ROSENQUIST is a sophomore studying Psychology and Theater & Performance Studies at UC Berkeley. She loves films that make you feel like you’re watching your best friends, laughing with them at their best and feeling for them at their worst. She is always driven to be creative and loves exploring new outlets, from graphic design to photography to performing. Hannah is looking forward to working with a team of such wildly funny, talented, and hard-working people, and she can’t wait to see MUA come to life.