Older Brothers

New York City, New York | Film Short

Comedy, Romantic Comedy

David Bonderoff

1 Campaigns | New York, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $21,397 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

161 supporters | followers

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In this tale of two brothers, we explore the dynamic relationship between a man with special needs who craves independence and his younger brother whose interfering doesn't allow either of them to grow. We can't wait to bring you a short film with neuroinclusive casting!

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

Our lead actor is an adult with autism playing a character who has autism. We are led by a female director, assistant director, line producer, and executive producer. Our characters are neurodiverse, diverse, and LGBTQIA.

The Story

STRETCH GOAL: $21,000

Thank you for your support!  Please consider pledging to help fund this amazing short film about autism and brotherhood.  We are so grateful for all of the support so far and cannot wait to bring you an inclusive film.

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Characters with autism are consistently played by neurotypical actors, yet there are so many amazing performers with autism!  While we love representation, we advocate for neuro-inclusive casting.

 

 

One of our favorite people, Ben Dworken, is a neurodiverse actor living in NYC.  He is talented, charismatic, hardworking, and a master networker if you haven't already met Benny D., you're living under a rock! He is always looking to connect his fellow artists and champions community.  

 

 

When David, the writer and costar, and Erin, the director, realized they both knew Benny D, their excitement could only be matched by Ben's.

 

 

When David met Ben's real life brother, he was inspired to write.  David asked Erin, "what if Benny D. and I were brothers?" and their answer was a fun, heartwarming story about balancing autonomy with connection.

 

 

We have our diverse and neuroinclusive cast and crew.  We have our fun and heartwarming script.  We have our talented female director leading the way.  All we need now is YOU.  With your help, we can not only create a wonderful story, but we can show others the benefits of neuroinclusive casting.

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

The Best Crew in New York!

Costs $10,650

It takes a village! We are hiring the most talented, kind, and fabulous crew in New York City.

Party Jamz

Costs $800

With your help we can collab with artists like MOZIAH. His music is cinematic and amazing!

Post Production

Costs $1,250

Help us complete the film in post-production!

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

Food and.... Coffee!

Costs $1,350

Help us feed our amazing cast and crew! Keep us fueled with coffee and healthy food!

Transportation and Van Rental

Costs $600

Get our crew, cast, and equipment to set! We won't actually be renting a VW bus :)

Props

Costs $300

Help us bring the world of Noah and Max to life! Spoiler alert: we need red roses.

Safe Set

Costs $1,605

Help us secure locations, insurance and all of the things we need to create a wonderful set!

About This Team

Erin Roth  Director, Producer

Erin Roth is a neurotypical director, producer, writer and actor.  As a director, she draws on her varied experience - including comedy improv and drama therapy.  As a producer, her projects have been accepted at festivals both at home and abroad, including the Raindance International Film Festival in London, and most recently iTVFest.

 

Chris Holliday  Executive Producer

Chris Holliday is a neurotypical producer, actor, and writer. As a producer, Chris draws on her product management and consulting experience in the corporate world, as well as her experience as an actor for the last decade. Her last short, The Handy man, was selected at iTVFest and NY Shorts International Film Festival.

David Bonderoff  Writer, Producer, Noah 

David Bonderoff is a neurotypical actor and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.  He is known for his work with EPIC Players, a neurodiverse theatre company, and for his upcoming role in Syfy's "Happy!"  David studied acting at the Stella Adler Studio and comedy at UCB.

 

Ben Dworken  Associate Producer, Max

Ben Dworken is a neurodiverse actor living with autism in NYC. He’s originally from Connecticut and moved in the city almost 4 years ago to pursue a social life in the theater arts and to become an actor himself. He has appeared in many theater productions and films in the city and is currently working on more in addition to Older Brothers.

 

Nick Amodio  Chip

Nick Amodio is a neurodiverse actor and cartoonist from Queens, NY. He is a member of EPIC, an
inclusive theater group. His credits include a Night of Too Many Stars hosted by Jon Stewart. He will
attend Adelphi University’s BFA Theater program and is happy working with an inclusive community of
thespians.

 

Kalen Rae Garnett  Jennifer

Kalen Rae Garnett is a neurotypical actor.  She was last seen in Tornadoland at Theatre 54, Le Blanc at The Pit Loft, and Mechanical at Dixon Place. Kalen studied acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, New Studio on Broadway.  Love to Mom, Dad, Kels, and her cat, Petal. www.kalenraegarnett.com

 

Annette Hammond Marta


Annette Hammond is a neurotypical actor and teaching artist based in Brooklyn.  She has acted on stage regionally and in NYC, helping to devise new work, as well as in numerous short films. She acts and teaches with Mile Square Theatre where she is helping to develop their early childhood education program.

 

Steve Johnson Gideon

Steve Johnson, neurotypical actor, was born in Philadelphia, PA. He began at the prestigious Freedom Theater where he caught the eye of director Walter Dallas, who cast him in Porgy and Bess (Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera). His credits include several Sundance featured films, Cost of a Soul and Who Ever Told You it Was OK to Dream?, and HBO’s original series The Deuce.

 

Tristan J. Shuler  Franklin

Tristan J. Shuler is a Neurotypical actor, director, & playwright in NYC. Known for Off-Broadway's Spamilton: An American Parody and Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical. Producer of #ANightofPlay playwrighting/board game party in Brooklyn. He is so excited to join The Older Brothers family! @TristanJShuler www.TristanJShuler.com

Current Team

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