On Hold
New York City, New York | Series
Comedy, Drama
This dramedy pilot centers on a fashionista whose secret dream of modeling becomes a reality after she is rejected from every single medical school she applied to. Despite her Korean family's disapproval, Ashley joins NYC's ruthless fashion scene and decides if this dream is truly worth pursuing.
On Hold
New York City, New York | Series
Comedy, Drama
80 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$12,786
Goal: $16,700 for production
This dramedy pilot centers on a fashionista whose secret dream of modeling becomes a reality after she is rejected from every single medical school she applied to. Despite her Korean family's disapproval, Ashley joins NYC's ruthless fashion scene and decides if this dream is truly worth pursuing.
Participating In
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Back when I was a fashion model in 2021, my agent once said to me,
"My clients don't want sad geisha, they wan't slay geisha! Oh – SLAYSHA".
Juuuust kidding. But watch Ashley Kim's agent say that exact line in our TRAILER, which just dropped!
HIT PLAY, LET THE MUSIC SET THE MOOD, AND & STEP INTO ASHLEY'S WORLD
On Hold is a half-hour comedy-drama series about a Korean-American model in New York City who navigates her newfound career, sense of purpose, and relationships while redefining her sense of self in a world where everyone else seems to be miles ahead. Throughout the series, Ashley juggles various survival jobs and side quests to supplement her modeling career. Over time, her idea of success evolves as she fights her way through the cutthroat fashion industry. Ashley slowly finds her footing and builds her confidence amid the chaos, while Umma, Appa, and her golden-child sister eventually come to terms with the path she has chosen.
Pilot Summary
In the pilot episode, Ashley’s parents are disappointed to learn that she has been rejected from the last medical school she was waiting to hear back from. Ashley, however, finally feels a weight lifted off her shoulders. After graduating from college, she recklessly decides to chase her secret dream of modeling with the sole support of her college best friend. Somehow, she lands a contract with Coke Models. With no turning back, Ashley convinces herself she’s thriving in NYC’s absurd fashion scene, even though she hasn’t booked a single gig.
After reviewing Ashley’s awkward test photos (yikes), her agent recommends an acting class to help her break out of her shell before her biggest casting yet. Though initially hesitant, she enrolls in a method acting class and surprisingly flourishes among the thespians. While performing her dramatic scene, Ashley sprains her foot in class. Despite the agonizing pain, nothing stands between her and the chance of booking a life-changing gig. Later that night, Ashley’s older sister invites her over to dinner and drops a bomb – she’s engaged! Ashley can’t help but feel slightly envious of Grace who has everything: a fiancé that adores her, a successful career as a lawyer, an Architectural Digest-looking home, and a fat motherf***ing diamond ring.
Think Awkwafina is Nora from Queens meets Insecure meets I Love LA.
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Cringe Comedy, Coming-of-age
Tone: Lighthearted, Satirical, Relatable
The vibe: Colorful, raw, and slightly gritty
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CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR TRAILER!
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HELP US REACH 80% OF OUR GOAL
With your help, we can raise $16,700 to shoot our pilot over 2.5 days. Your support will go directly toward:
- Locations & Permits: Securing the spaces we’ve already scouted.
- Cast & Crew: Paying the amazing team bringing this story to life.
- Craft Services: Keeping everyone fed, fueled, and caffeinated on set.
- Transportation: Ubers between locations.
Every contribution helps us make this pilot look and feel as professional as possible.
Budget stretch goals
- Basic Pilot Production (2.5 days): $16,700
- Upgrade to 3-day shoot: $26,000
- The extra mile (post-production – Video Editor): $29,500
On Hold is a personal reflection of my experience as a model in NYC between 2019 and 2023. In college, I studied biochemistry while on a pre-medicine track and ultimately decided to forgo my plans of becoming a doctor to explore more creative passions. That leap into modeling led me to where I am today: an actor, writer, and filmmaker. If there’s anyone with first-hand experience in the modeling industry (and its absurdities), it’s me, and that experience inspired this comedy pilot.
Now more than ever, there’s a need for narratives that highlight the Asian-American experience in Western media that go beyond trauma and struggle. This story showcases what it means to be a minority in the industry, but it’s also more than that. It’s a story about a young woman after college who steps into the world to discover herself, despite the expectations she was raised with. Ashley Kim finally chases her dreams, and while it isn't necessarily glamorous, she's doing the d*mn thing.
The predominantly AAPI team behind On Hold is passionate about telling underrepresented stories, and with your help, we can make On Hold come to life for festival submission.
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TIMELINE
Stage 1: Crowdfunding from March 30-April 29 on Seed & Spark
Stage 2: When we successfully reach 80% of our budget goal, we go into production mid-May
Stage 3: On Hold goes into post-production during the summer
Stage 4: The On Hold pilot is submitted to festivals.
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WE CAN ONLY KEEP THE FUNDS IF WE REACH AT LEAST 80% OF OUR BUDGET GOAL.
CONTRIBUTE
Every contribution, big or small, makes a HUGE difference. If we meet 80% of our goal ($13,360) the campaign gets the green light and we are able to keep the funds for production. Check out our incentives to snag fun prizes!
FOLLOW US ON SEED&SPARK
In order to qualify as a finalist for the AAPI Renaissance Rally, sponsored by Gold House and Madison Wells, we need at least 350 followers on our campaign page. Make an account using your email and hit the follow button for important updates!
SPREAD THE WORD
The crowdfunding campaign runs from March 29-April 30, so your support really matters. Share this campaign to 5 friends and be sure to follow us on Instagram (@onholdseries) and TikTok (@onholdseries) to keep the momentum going!
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE'RE A FINALIST?
By reaching 80% of our budget in donations and gaining at least 350 followers, we can qualify for up to $10,000 in funding, receive mentorship, and get the chance to pitch our pilot to Gold House at TIFF. With additional matched funds, we could extend shoot days, offer higher wages to our cast and crew, and cover post-production costs.
Thank you to our proof-of-concept trailer team!
Watch the full trailer HERE or on our Instagram, @onholdseries. Thank you to my wonderful cast and crew listed below:
DIRECTED BY
MINNA SO + SARAH WHITTLE
PRODUCER
ANNA ZHOU
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
SHERWYN SANTOS
GAFFER
KARL RIEMER
KEY GRIP
KIRK BENEDY
PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER & BOOM OPERATOR
VERONICA HEIN
MAKE-UP AND HAIR
MIRAN KIM
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
HANNAH KIM
EDITOR AND COLORIST
MICHELLE HANKS
POST-SOUND MIXER
ALEXA SU
ORIGINAL SCORE BY
CAMERON MACINTOSH
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ABBY PAK
CAST
Minna So
Mariana Novak
Samantha Wojtaszek
Matt Ziegler
Sarah Whittle
Daria Sopot
Yuni Choi & Kaity Kim
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Thank you for your support! Let's make On Hold come to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $300
Help provide transportation support between locations for cast and crew!
Crafty & Catering
Costs $1,000
For 2.5 days of shooting, this will cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and coffee for cast and crew.
Location Fees
Costs $3,000
We will need five locations to shoot our pilot, all of which have already been scouted.
Crew
Costs $7,300
This cost covers rates for producers, director of photography, and the co-director.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
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- Minna So (Writer/Co-Director/Producer) is a NYC-based Korean-American actor and screenwriter with a background in Visual Arts, Museum Studies, and Biochemistry. Outside of acting, Minna is a social media manager and content producer for artists and non-profits, where she develops engaging content and supports community-focused initiatives.
- Sarah Whittle (Co-Director) is a Korean-American award-winning Director, Speaker and internet innovator that's worked across entertainment, comedy, tech, beauty and fashion brands. In 2024, she was honored on AdAge's 40 Under 40 list and runs her own Social Media consulting agency. She loves to craft, watch reality competitions shows and travel. You can see her (and her cats) on the internet @rudeunicorns and her internet expert musings on LinkedIn and Substack.
- Anna Zhou (Producer) is a NYC-based video producer with experience across film, television, editorial, and branded content, having started her career on sets for Netflix, CBS Studios, Apple TV+, Miramax, and A24, where she developed a love for fast-paced, collaborative production. She has since produced campaigns for Canon, L’Oréal, and Macy’s, led end-to-end productions at Deutsch NY and Pixel Inc., and previously created award-winning, SEO-driven editorial video at Healthline Media.
- Hannah Kim (Producer) has a writing background and a strong passion for film and television. She plans to attend law school, where she hopes to explore ways to bridge creative vision and legal advocacy while supporting and protecting artists. Her work on this project reflects her commitment to championing storytellers at every stage of the production process.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Back when I was a fashion model in 2021, my agent once said to me,
"My clients don't want sad geisha, they wan't slay geisha! Oh – SLAYSHA".
Juuuust kidding. But watch Ashley Kim's agent say that exact line in our TRAILER, which just dropped!
HIT PLAY, LET THE MUSIC SET THE MOOD, AND & STEP INTO ASHLEY'S WORLD
On Hold is a half-hour comedy-drama series about a Korean-American model in New York City who navigates her newfound career, sense of purpose, and relationships while redefining her sense of self in a world where everyone else seems to be miles ahead. Throughout the series, Ashley juggles various survival jobs and side quests to supplement her modeling career. Over time, her idea of success evolves as she fights her way through the cutthroat fashion industry. Ashley slowly finds her footing and builds her confidence amid the chaos, while Umma, Appa, and her golden-child sister eventually come to terms with the path she has chosen.
Pilot Summary
In the pilot episode, Ashley’s parents are disappointed to learn that she has been rejected from the last medical school she was waiting to hear back from. Ashley, however, finally feels a weight lifted off her shoulders. After graduating from college, she recklessly decides to chase her secret dream of modeling with the sole support of her college best friend. Somehow, she lands a contract with Coke Models. With no turning back, Ashley convinces herself she’s thriving in NYC’s absurd fashion scene, even though she hasn’t booked a single gig.
After reviewing Ashley’s awkward test photos (yikes), her agent recommends an acting class to help her break out of her shell before her biggest casting yet. Though initially hesitant, she enrolls in a method acting class and surprisingly flourishes among the thespians. While performing her dramatic scene, Ashley sprains her foot in class. Despite the agonizing pain, nothing stands between her and the chance of booking a life-changing gig. Later that night, Ashley’s older sister invites her over to dinner and drops a bomb – she’s engaged! Ashley can’t help but feel slightly envious of Grace who has everything: a fiancé that adores her, a successful career as a lawyer, an Architectural Digest-looking home, and a fat motherf***ing diamond ring.
Think Awkwafina is Nora from Queens meets Insecure meets I Love LA.
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Cringe Comedy, Coming-of-age
Tone: Lighthearted, Satirical, Relatable
The vibe: Colorful, raw, and slightly gritty
CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR TRAILER!
HELP US REACH 80% OF OUR GOAL
With your help, we can raise $16,700 to shoot our pilot over 2.5 days. Your support will go directly toward:
- Locations & Permits: Securing the spaces we’ve already scouted.
- Cast & Crew: Paying the amazing team bringing this story to life.
- Craft Services: Keeping everyone fed, fueled, and caffeinated on set.
- Transportation: Ubers between locations.
Every contribution helps us make this pilot look and feel as professional as possible.
Budget stretch goals
- Basic Pilot Production (2.5 days): $16,700
- Upgrade to 3-day shoot: $26,000
- The extra mile (post-production – Video Editor): $29,500
On Hold is a personal reflection of my experience as a model in NYC between 2019 and 2023. In college, I studied biochemistry while on a pre-medicine track and ultimately decided to forgo my plans of becoming a doctor to explore more creative passions. That leap into modeling led me to where I am today: an actor, writer, and filmmaker. If there’s anyone with first-hand experience in the modeling industry (and its absurdities), it’s me, and that experience inspired this comedy pilot.
Now more than ever, there’s a need for narratives that highlight the Asian-American experience in Western media that go beyond trauma and struggle. This story showcases what it means to be a minority in the industry, but it’s also more than that. It’s a story about a young woman after college who steps into the world to discover herself, despite the expectations she was raised with. Ashley Kim finally chases her dreams, and while it isn't necessarily glamorous, she's doing the d*mn thing.
The predominantly AAPI team behind On Hold is passionate about telling underrepresented stories, and with your help, we can make On Hold come to life for festival submission.
TIMELINE
Stage 1: Crowdfunding from March 30-April 29 on Seed & Spark
Stage 2: When we successfully reach 80% of our budget goal, we go into production mid-May
Stage 3: On Hold goes into post-production during the summer
Stage 4: The On Hold pilot is submitted to festivals.
WE CAN ONLY KEEP THE FUNDS IF WE REACH AT LEAST 80% OF OUR BUDGET GOAL.
CONTRIBUTE
Every contribution, big or small, makes a HUGE difference. If we meet 80% of our goal ($13,360) the campaign gets the green light and we are able to keep the funds for production. Check out our incentives to snag fun prizes!
FOLLOW US ON SEED&SPARK
In order to qualify as a finalist for the AAPI Renaissance Rally, sponsored by Gold House and Madison Wells, we need at least 350 followers on our campaign page. Make an account using your email and hit the follow button for important updates!
SPREAD THE WORD
The crowdfunding campaign runs from March 29-April 30, so your support really matters. Share this campaign to 5 friends and be sure to follow us on Instagram (@onholdseries) and TikTok (@onholdseries) to keep the momentum going!
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE'RE A FINALIST?
By reaching 80% of our budget in donations and gaining at least 350 followers, we can qualify for up to $10,000 in funding, receive mentorship, and get the chance to pitch our pilot to Gold House at TIFF. With additional matched funds, we could extend shoot days, offer higher wages to our cast and crew, and cover post-production costs.
Thank you to our proof-of-concept trailer team!
Watch the full trailer HERE or on our Instagram, @onholdseries. Thank you to my wonderful cast and crew listed below:
DIRECTED BY
MINNA SO + SARAH WHITTLE
PRODUCER
ANNA ZHOU
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
SHERWYN SANTOS
GAFFER
KARL RIEMER
KEY GRIP
KIRK BENEDY
PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER & BOOM OPERATOR
VERONICA HEIN
MAKE-UP AND HAIR
MIRAN KIM
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
HANNAH KIM
EDITOR AND COLORIST
MICHELLE HANKS
POST-SOUND MIXER
ALEXA SU
ORIGINAL SCORE BY
CAMERON MACINTOSH
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ABBY PAK
CAST
Minna So
Mariana Novak
Samantha Wojtaszek
Matt Ziegler
Sarah Whittle
Daria Sopot
Yuni Choi & Kaity Kim
Thank you for your support! Let's make On Hold come to life!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Transportation
Costs $300
Help provide transportation support between locations for cast and crew!
Crafty & Catering
Costs $1,000
For 2.5 days of shooting, this will cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and coffee for cast and crew.
Location Fees
Costs $3,000
We will need five locations to shoot our pilot, all of which have already been scouted.
Crew
Costs $7,300
This cost covers rates for producers, director of photography, and the co-director.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
- Minna So (Writer/Co-Director/Producer) is a NYC-based Korean-American actor and screenwriter with a background in Visual Arts, Museum Studies, and Biochemistry. Outside of acting, Minna is a social media manager and content producer for artists and non-profits, where she develops engaging content and supports community-focused initiatives.
- Sarah Whittle (Co-Director) is a Korean-American award-winning Director, Speaker and internet innovator that's worked across entertainment, comedy, tech, beauty and fashion brands. In 2024, she was honored on AdAge's 40 Under 40 list and runs her own Social Media consulting agency. She loves to craft, watch reality competitions shows and travel. You can see her (and her cats) on the internet @rudeunicorns and her internet expert musings on LinkedIn and Substack.
- Anna Zhou (Producer) is a NYC-based video producer with experience across film, television, editorial, and branded content, having started her career on sets for Netflix, CBS Studios, Apple TV+, Miramax, and A24, where she developed a love for fast-paced, collaborative production. She has since produced campaigns for Canon, L’Oréal, and Macy’s, led end-to-end productions at Deutsch NY and Pixel Inc., and previously created award-winning, SEO-driven editorial video at Healthline Media.
- Hannah Kim (Producer) has a writing background and a strong passion for film and television. She plans to attend law school, where she hopes to explore ways to bridge creative vision and legal advocacy while supporting and protecting artists. Her work on this project reflects her commitment to championing storytellers at every stage of the production process.