Long-distance sucks, right? But is that the end of the story? Play It By Ear is for anyone who has felt far away from someone they love.
Long-distance sucks, right? But is that the end of the story? Play It By Ear is for anyone who has felt far away from someone they love.
-
Story
Mission Statement
The Karen Twins is an award-winning art collective creating low-budget stories drawn deeply from our own experience. With Play It By Ear, we hope to examine the challenges of intimacy in our current moment, as well as the strain all relationships endure as we grow and change.About The Project
Introducing, Play It By Ear!
At the start of 2020, the Play It By Ear Creative Team was spread between Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Connecticut. We had just finished our first feature film, Dilettantes, and were kicking around an idea for a series about a long-distance couple struggling to stay connected. As the year progressed in increasingly unpredictable ways, Play It By Ear came into sharper focus. We found our protagonists and our central questions: Can two people give each other the space they need to grow, without losing hold of one another? At what point does a relationship become more stifling than supportive? By the time we finished writing, it was clear that our series was made for this moment, in more ways than we could have anticipated.
Meet the Characters!
Mila (23) - Mila is a classic California girl, but don’t think for a second she’s not smart as a whip. As an aspiring screenwriter, Mila has creativity and passion to spare, but her indecisiveness and body image issues can hold her back. She's a romantic, but also firmly believes in her own independence. Mila has come to a crossroads - follow her love or chart her own path?
Lukas (23) - Lukas was born and raised in the Netherlands, but moved to the U.S. as an adolescent after his parents’ divorce. Living in America with his mother gave him a new life and allowed him to meet Mila, but nostalgia for his Dutch roots pulls at him. Lukas is thoughtful, charismatic, and a compulsive planner; which isn't always a good thing. Because of his split identity, Lukas seeks out certainty and safety - something he’s not sure he’ll ever have with Mila.
What Makes Our Story Important?
Now that we're more connected than ever, distance can seem like an outdated concept. But does this constant accessiblity really bring us closer, or does it isolate us further? Play It By Ear began with our wish to examine this intersection of technology and romance, and grew into an exploration not only of the pitfalls of digital intimacy, but the challenges all relationships face as we move through the world.
How Will We Do It?!
We are confident Play It By Ear can be made with an affordable budget and maintain a high production value. The series will consist of 6 episodes that will run 10-15 minutes each and be shot in both cities, Los Angeles and Amsterdam. This way, the series will feel fresh and high-concept, while remaining an intimate story that doesn't rely on big set pieces or many characters. Completing our project will be made easier by the fact that our team works in both the American and Dutch film industries, and has experience developing features and shorts for shoestring costs. Together we have made several shorts and one feature film under the Karen Twins Productions masthead (check out our work in more detail at karentwins.com).
Our fundraising goal is $25,000, and we will be matched by a private backer if we can raise at least $17,000!
How You Can Help
This story lived first in our heads, then in script form, for the past year and a half. But our task is just beginning. Assembling resources for principal photography and post-production is going to require even more work, in a more condensed time frame. If we have learned anything from our previous projects, it's that no film can make it to the finish line without massive support from crew, actors, businesses, and individual backers. Any contribution you make to this project, whether it be a donation, a share on social media, or just telling friends and family about Play It By Ear, will help us get through these next challenging six months. Our ultimate goal: making Play It By Ear viewable to anyone, anywhere in the world, with an internet connection.
An Audience for Play It By Ear
We believe that our series has global appeal, beyond the fact that it will take place in multiple countries, and in multiple languages. After all, in 2021 a story about searching for connection across physical distance should feel more relatable than ever. Our hope is that this story of one couple will speak to anyone who has felt far away from someone they cared about. Does that sound like you?
Check out more from us and the series HERE
Follow Mila and Lukas on instagram!
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout
Donate 10 DOLLARS and we'll shout you out on social media. We so appreciate your support!
$25
Ticket to a Virtual Screening
25 DOLLARS and you will receive a real (digital) ticket to an advanced screening of the finished project.
Be among the first to see the series and give feedback to the filmmakers!
$30
SURPRISE Reward *Limited Availability*
For just 30 DOLLARS you can get a surprise, custom reward from Lukas with the help of his magazine company! Want to know what it is? You'll have just have to donate and find out.
**This reward is currently unavailable**
$50
Mention In The Credits
50 DOLLARS and you'll appear in the credits under SPECIAL THANKS. Yeah, because you're special.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
$100
Travel Brochure
100 DOLLARS to follow in the footsteps of our characters, and discover all that Amsterdam and Los Angeles have to offer.
From Mila's favorite swimming hole to where Lukas buys the best weed Amsterdam has to offer - you won't need Yelp when you have these two.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
$125
Script Feedback From a Member of our Writing Team
For all the screenwriters out there - $125 will get you comprehensive notes and a one-on-one feedback session with a member of Play It By Ear’s writing team on a script of your choice!
When they’re not busy appearing in front of the camera, Emily Ann Zisko and Dillon Bentlage will serve as our resident script consultants. Dillon’s previous credits include the award-winning feature film Dilettantes (Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Seattle True Independent Film Festival). And in addition to Play It By Ear, Emily is the writer of the award-winning short film Drama Mama (Austin Comedy Film Festival, Portland Comedy Film Festival).
We are only offering a limited number of these incentives, so get yours fast! Make sure to select this incentive during checkout.Claimed: 0 of 5
$200
Bonus Features!
200 DOLLARS will give to all our exclusive behind the scenes material: scripts with Director's notes, deleted scenes, set photos, bloopers, and much more!
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
$250
Guest on the Karen Twins Podcast ‘OnlyReelFans'
Another reward especially for filmmakers! If you contribute $250 or more and select this incentive during checkout, you’ll be featured on an episode of our podcast ‘OnlyReelFans’ to discuss and promote a piece of your work (script, short film, etc.)
We are only offering a limited number of these incentives, so get yours before they run out!Claimed: 0 of 5
$500
Associate Producer Credit
500 DOLLARS and you can become the Hollywood Producer of your dreams, sort of!
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
$1,000
Co-Producer Credit
1000 DOLLARS and your IMDb page just got a whole lot better.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
$2,500
Producer Credit
2500 DOLLARS to share in the credit for a project you believe in. We'll do the work, and make you proud.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout
Donate 10 DOLLARS and we'll shout you out on social media. We so appreciate your support!
$25
Ticket to a Virtual Screening
25 DOLLARS and you will receive a real (digital) ticket to an advanced screening of the finished project.
Be among the first to see the series and give feedback to the filmmakers!
$30
SURPRISE Reward *Limited Availability*
For just 30 DOLLARS you can get a surprise, custom reward from Lukas with the help of his magazine company! Want to know what it is? You'll have just have to donate and find out.
**This reward is currently unavailable**
$50
Mention In The Credits
50 DOLLARS and you'll appear in the credits under SPECIAL THANKS. Yeah, because you're special.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
$100
Travel Brochure
100 DOLLARS to follow in the footsteps of our characters, and discover all that Amsterdam and Los Angeles have to offer.
From Mila's favorite swimming hole to where Lukas buys the best weed Amsterdam has to offer - you won't need Yelp when you have these two.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
$125
Script Feedback From a Member of our Writing Team
For all the screenwriters out there - $125 will get you comprehensive notes and a one-on-one feedback session with a member of Play It By Ear’s writing team on a script of your choice!
When they’re not busy appearing in front of the camera, Emily Ann Zisko and Dillon Bentlage will serve as our resident script consultants. Dillon’s previous credits include the award-winning feature film Dilettantes (Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Seattle True Independent Film Festival). And in addition to Play It By Ear, Emily is the writer of the award-winning short film Drama Mama (Austin Comedy Film Festival, Portland Comedy Film Festival).
We are only offering a limited number of these incentives, so get yours fast! Make sure to select this incentive during checkout.Claimed: 0 of 5
$200
Bonus Features!
200 DOLLARS will give to all our exclusive behind the scenes material: scripts with Director's notes, deleted scenes, set photos, bloopers, and much more!
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
$250
Guest on the Karen Twins Podcast ‘OnlyReelFans'
Another reward especially for filmmakers! If you contribute $250 or more and select this incentive during checkout, you’ll be featured on an episode of our podcast ‘OnlyReelFans’ to discuss and promote a piece of your work (script, short film, etc.)
We are only offering a limited number of these incentives, so get yours before they run out!Claimed: 0 of 5
$500
Associate Producer Credit
500 DOLLARS and you can become the Hollywood Producer of your dreams, sort of!
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
$1,000
Co-Producer Credit
1000 DOLLARS and your IMDb page just got a whole lot better.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
$2,500
Producer Credit
2500 DOLLARS to share in the credit for a project you believe in. We'll do the work, and make you proud.
Also Includes:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Ticket to Virtual Screening
- Mention In Credits
- Travel Brochure
- Bonus Features
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Dillon Bentlage & Brian Reilly (The Karen Twins):
Childhood friends, Dillon and Brian grew up watching movies together. Their mutual love of film and filmmaking naturally bloomed into this art collective, Karen Twins Productions, founded in 2015 and named after their inseparable mothers. After filming a few shorts, writing a few features, and graudating from Boston University and Bryant University, respectively, they embarked on the daunting task of making a feature. Their debut film, Dilettantes, made on a nonexistent budget of $5000 and sheer force of will, paved their path forward as indie filmmakers. It turns out, the best way to learn how to make a movie is to make a movie. Dilettantes was Karen Twins Productions’ first official project, and it outperformed the duo’s expectations. The film received distribution and was selected at multiple film festivals, where it received awards for Best Drama/Romance Feature and Best Supporting Actor.
Now, Dillon (Writer/Producer/Actor) and Brian (Writer/Producer/Editor) are ready to take on an even more ambitious project, Play It By Ear, with their esteemed collaborators: Emily Ann Zisko and Simon Kincade.
Emily Ann Zisko (Writer/Director/Actor):
Emily is a writer, director, and actor based in Los Angeles. She studied English and Creative Writing at Boston University, but with a keen eye for the visual arts, Emily found that making film was the perfect confluence of her love of story and aesthetics. Her collaboration with Karen Twins began on the set of her short film DRAMA MAMA. Since then, she has written several screenplays, acted in a short film, and created Play It By Ear with Simon, Dillon, and Brian. Emily will be making magic both in front of and behind the camera on Play It By Ear.
Simon Kincade (Writer/Director/Producer):
Simon is a filmmaker originally from Maryland. A teenage attraction to acting led him to film school at Boston University, where he gained a love for working behind the camera. From there, he followed a well-worn path to the beating heart of the industry in Los Angeles, but not before producing his first feature film, Dilettantes, alongside Karen Twins. Since coming to L.A., he has split his time between working in the big budget world and the indie sphere. Simon plays best with others, and looks forward to the collaborative joy that making Play It By Ear will bring.
Virginia Blatter (Producer)
Virginia has worked on numerous award winning productions including multi-award winning horror short 'Shadow at the Door’ (2019) winner at Raindance Film Festival, 'Plasmid' (2018) - winner at Leeds International Film Fesitval 2019 and No Longer Perfect (2020) - Finalist at the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards, Winner at the Independent Shorts Awards, CFK International Film Fesitval, Accolade Global Film Competition, Barcelona Film Festival, Reale Film Festival.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers