RIKER
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Film-Noir, Sci-Fi
In a future where humanity wanes and A.I. thrives, Detective Riker Ramos finds his life unraveled when his human-like A.I. assistant, Tørin, becomes a mysterious force in his marriage. As Riker’s work blends into his personal life, the lines between reality and A.I. blurs.
RIKER
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Film-Noir, Sci-Fi
Green Light
This campaign raised $30,245 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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In a future where humanity wanes and A.I. thrives, Detective Riker Ramos finds his life unraveled when his human-like A.I. assistant, Tørin, becomes a mysterious force in his marriage. As Riker’s work blends into his personal life, the lines between reality and A.I. blurs.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
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A troubled detective suspects that his humanoid A.I. household assistant may have formed an eerie bond with his wife.
Riker's work as a tech detective blends into his personal life, blurring the lines between reality and A.I.. TØRIN, his household A.I., starts to act strange. Its actions escalate to more sentient behavior that starts to put Riker's wife Maya in danger. In a desperate attempt to save Maya, Riker uncovers a haunting truth that will forever change his life.
Welcome to the edge of tomorrow—where humanity's survival hangs in the balance.
As a first-generation Asian American, I was consistently advised to blend in and to avoid causing a stir. And being a short guy, I’ve often been judged for my abilities before even getting a chance to demonstrate them.
Throughout my life, the aspects of my appearance that I couldn't change seemed to define me, boxing me into roles and expectations that clashed with my spirit. This has been a recurring frustration in my journey as both a man and an actor.
Despite my short stature, I've always burned with a bold flame, eager to show others that you don't have to fit the mold to shine. It’s the strength of your character, and size of your heart that counts.
I've never conformed to the stereotypes of my Asian-American identity, choosing instead to carve my own path. Therefore, my mission is to show that success isn’t limited by size, race, or class; anyone can triumph.
—Kev Martinez
RIKER embodies what it means to be human in a world that pushes us to be technologically dependent.
In this day and age, we are constantly flooded with unrealistic standards portrayed on social media. The prevalence of technology and mass marketing has significantly distorted many people’s self-perceptions, leaving them feeling inadequate and insecure. We seem to have lost sight of the beauty of our imperfections. Our goal is to inspire people to embrace their “flaws” in a world that perpetuates unattainable standards.
If that is something that you believe in, then this project is for you.
Kev Martinez • Actor • Producer
Born in Los Angeles, Martinez has had a penchant for the arts since childhood. He got his start in the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Theater and has pursued acting ever since. He has been on projects such as 9-1-1, The Rookie: FEDS and Daisy Jones and the Six. Martinez will be taking on the role of our protagonist RIKER.
Denise Borraz Trepat • Actor
Coming in from the country of Spain, Borraz Trepat has been diligent in her craft as an actor. She is well-known for her effective program, The Actor's Vow and has utilized her knowledge and skills to book many gigs across Los Angeles. These gigs include, Tabitha, The Alpha and his Contract Luna, Please Like Me and more! We are honored that Denise decided to give us her time and talent to play Maya, our intelligent love interest.
Ian S. Peterson • Actor
A productive individual who has been working as an actor on many indie and theatre projects on top of working on sets as a gaffer. Peterson's artistic experience has landed him on exquisite works such as, Row Don't Drift, Murder Camp and Big Bad Husband. We are grateful to have him join our team as Tørin, our robotic antagonist.
Amery Ken Thao • Actor • Producer
Thao, our co-star is an experienced SAG Actor who will be performing on our short as the character Zane. He's been on projects like The Harvest, Interrobang and Never Alone. We are thrilled to have Thao in the film as our relatable by-the-books character Zane.
Michael Coulombe • Director • Producer
Our Director, Coulombe is one of the most experienced filmmakers on our team. He has worked in the industry for more than 20 years working as a script supervisor, producer, photographer and a director. He is currently doing a press tour for his horror film, Grandma's Cookies. He has graciously agreed to work with our team to bring out the beautiful vision of RIKER.
Coral Rucker III • Writer • Producer
Rucker hails from Iowa and has been working in film for over a decade. He has produced two seasons of a STANS the web series, a few comedy sketches, two podcasts, and a couple short films. He has also worked on a couple professional studio sets such as the Rookie: FEDS. He is now taking on the challenge in producing RIKER.
Noel Duer • Composer • Producer
Duer came up in the suburbs of Los Angeles exposed to creative works of animation and music since birth. He's been doing music production for hip hop artists, indie musicians and singer-songwriters for a few years now. He is now expanding his horizons embarking into the film industry with his friends as our music composer and film producer.
Tech-noir (also known as cyber noir, future noir and science fiction noir) is a hybrid genre of fiction, particularly film, combining film-noir and science fiction, epitomized by Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER and James Cameron's THE TERMINATOR. The tech-noir presents "technology as a destructive and dystopian force that threatens every aspect of our reality".
This is an important film for our time because we offer a realistic look on A.l. and its effect on our personal relationships. People often harbor concerns about AI technology and dating apps because they can feel dehumanizing, reducing complex human emotions and connections to mere algorithms and swipes.
Despite these apprehensions, many find these tools necessary in modern society, offering convenience and the possibility of meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. This paradox highlights the tension between our reliance on technology and the desire to preserve authentic human experiences.
This film is a love letter to humanity and “a labor of love.” We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team contribute their time and talent to this ambitious project.
We will need to rent equipment, secure locations, compensate all members of our cast and crew and more.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,600
We need these funds so we can pay for our amazingly talented cast.
LOCATIONS
Costs $5,700
Our futuristic world will need a futuristic place. We will use this to secure a great house, abandoned building and desert scene for RIKER.
Hair & Make Up (HMU)
Costs $1,000
Needed to make our cast look nice and fresh for the camera.
CRAFTY & CATERING
Costs $3,400
To ensure our set is fed and taken care of, we will be hiring a craft services team to handle catering and snacks during our shoots.
ART DEPARTMENT
Costs $1,200
We need a great art team to design our sets to fit the style of the film.
PROPS + ART SUPPLIES
Costs $2,000
Enhance the RIKER world with dynamic and clean props for the film.
CAMERA CREW
Costs $5,000
Can't shoot a film without a camera crew! We'll utilize this service to pay our skilled camera crew.
INSURANCE
Costs $1,500
There's nothing to shoot without insurance coverage. This will cover the costs for equipment insurance.
COSTUMES
Costs $800
We're hiring an experienced costumer to make sure all outfits for RIKER enhances the style of this tech-noir world.
LIGHT + SOUND
Costs $2,400
These funds will go directly to our sound and lighting department to make sure we capture the best look for our film.
TRANSPORTATION
Costs $500
Our favorite thing to do, travel! These funds will cover the costs of transportation and our Truck PAs.
EQUIPTMENT
Costs $3,900
We will use this to secure the equipment needed for us to shoot the film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kev Martinez • Actor • Producer
Born and raised in Van Nuys, Martinez has had a penchant for the arts since childhood. He attended UCSC's Theatre program and has pursued acting gigs since. He has been on projects such as 9-1-1 and Daisy Jones and the Six.
Noel Duer • Composer • Producer
Duer came up in the suburbs of Los Angeles exposed to creative works of animation and music since birth. He's been doing music production for hip hop artists, indie musicians and singer-songwriters for a few years now. He is now expanding his horizons embarking into the film industry with his friends as our music composer and our film producer.
Coral Rucker • Writer • Producer
Rucker hails from Iowa and has been working in film for over a decade. He has produced two seasons of a STANS the web series, a few comedy sketches, two podcasts, and a couple short films. He is now taking on the challenge to produce RIKER.
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Neale Petilla • Producer
Grew up in Southern California, Petilla went to CSUN for filmmaking and has worked on multiple short films. He is now prepared to add RIKER the film under his list of amazing short films he's worked on.
Michael Coulombe • Director • Producer
Our Director, Coulombe is one of the most experienced filmmakers on our team. He has worked in the industry for more than 20 years working as a script supervisor, producer, photographer and a director. He is currently doing a press tour for his horror film, Grandma's Cookies. He has graciously agreed to work with our team to bring out the beautiful vision of RIKER.
Amery Ken Thao • Actor • Producer
Thao, our co-star is a SAG Actor who will be performing on our short as the character Zane. He's been on projects like The Harvest, Interrobang and Never Alone.
Sam Bahnam • Producer
Bahnam drove up from San Diego to enhance his acting career. Known for his acting on dynamic projects such as Pledge, the animated project Olympicos, and the theatrical play King Lear. He has joined our team to learn more about the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking and to help our team create a wonderful project.
Leo Leon • Producer
Leon comes from Imperial Valley, CA and they've worked in film since 2016. They have released a book and are now pursuing screenwriting and learn more about film production. They have joined our team to learn about behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking and to help our team bring RIKER to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A troubled detective suspects that his humanoid A.I. household assistant may have formed an eerie bond with his wife.
Riker's work as a tech detective blends into his personal life, blurring the lines between reality and A.I.. TØRIN, his household A.I., starts to act strange. Its actions escalate to more sentient behavior that starts to put Riker's wife Maya in danger. In a desperate attempt to save Maya, Riker uncovers a haunting truth that will forever change his life.
Welcome to the edge of tomorrow—where humanity's survival hangs in the balance.
As a first-generation Asian American, I was consistently advised to blend in and to avoid causing a stir. And being a short guy, I’ve often been judged for my abilities before even getting a chance to demonstrate them.
Throughout my life, the aspects of my appearance that I couldn't change seemed to define me, boxing me into roles and expectations that clashed with my spirit. This has been a recurring frustration in my journey as both a man and an actor.
Despite my short stature, I've always burned with a bold flame, eager to show others that you don't have to fit the mold to shine. It’s the strength of your character, and size of your heart that counts.
I've never conformed to the stereotypes of my Asian-American identity, choosing instead to carve my own path. Therefore, my mission is to show that success isn’t limited by size, race, or class; anyone can triumph.
—Kev Martinez
RIKER embodies what it means to be human in a world that pushes us to be technologically dependent.
In this day and age, we are constantly flooded with unrealistic standards portrayed on social media. The prevalence of technology and mass marketing has significantly distorted many people’s self-perceptions, leaving them feeling inadequate and insecure. We seem to have lost sight of the beauty of our imperfections. Our goal is to inspire people to embrace their “flaws” in a world that perpetuates unattainable standards.
If that is something that you believe in, then this project is for you.
Kev Martinez • Actor • Producer
Born in Los Angeles, Martinez has had a penchant for the arts since childhood. He got his start in the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Theater and has pursued acting ever since. He has been on projects such as 9-1-1, The Rookie: FEDS and Daisy Jones and the Six. Martinez will be taking on the role of our protagonist RIKER.
Denise Borraz Trepat • Actor
Coming in from the country of Spain, Borraz Trepat has been diligent in her craft as an actor. She is well-known for her effective program, The Actor's Vow and has utilized her knowledge and skills to book many gigs across Los Angeles. These gigs include, Tabitha, The Alpha and his Contract Luna, Please Like Me and more! We are honored that Denise decided to give us her time and talent to play Maya, our intelligent love interest.
Ian S. Peterson • Actor
A productive individual who has been working as an actor on many indie and theatre projects on top of working on sets as a gaffer. Peterson's artistic experience has landed him on exquisite works such as, Row Don't Drift, Murder Camp and Big Bad Husband. We are grateful to have him join our team as Tørin, our robotic antagonist.
Amery Ken Thao • Actor • Producer
Thao, our co-star is an experienced SAG Actor who will be performing on our short as the character Zane. He's been on projects like The Harvest, Interrobang and Never Alone. We are thrilled to have Thao in the film as our relatable by-the-books character Zane.
Michael Coulombe • Director • Producer
Our Director, Coulombe is one of the most experienced filmmakers on our team. He has worked in the industry for more than 20 years working as a script supervisor, producer, photographer and a director. He is currently doing a press tour for his horror film, Grandma's Cookies. He has graciously agreed to work with our team to bring out the beautiful vision of RIKER.
Coral Rucker III • Writer • Producer
Rucker hails from Iowa and has been working in film for over a decade. He has produced two seasons of a STANS the web series, a few comedy sketches, two podcasts, and a couple short films. He has also worked on a couple professional studio sets such as the Rookie: FEDS. He is now taking on the challenge in producing RIKER.
Noel Duer • Composer • Producer
Duer came up in the suburbs of Los Angeles exposed to creative works of animation and music since birth. He's been doing music production for hip hop artists, indie musicians and singer-songwriters for a few years now. He is now expanding his horizons embarking into the film industry with his friends as our music composer and film producer.
Tech-noir (also known as cyber noir, future noir and science fiction noir) is a hybrid genre of fiction, particularly film, combining film-noir and science fiction, epitomized by Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER and James Cameron's THE TERMINATOR. The tech-noir presents "technology as a destructive and dystopian force that threatens every aspect of our reality".
This is an important film for our time because we offer a realistic look on A.l. and its effect on our personal relationships. People often harbor concerns about AI technology and dating apps because they can feel dehumanizing, reducing complex human emotions and connections to mere algorithms and swipes.
Despite these apprehensions, many find these tools necessary in modern society, offering convenience and the possibility of meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. This paradox highlights the tension between our reliance on technology and the desire to preserve authentic human experiences.
This film is a love letter to humanity and “a labor of love.” We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team contribute their time and talent to this ambitious project.
We will need to rent equipment, secure locations, compensate all members of our cast and crew and more.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,600
We need these funds so we can pay for our amazingly talented cast.
LOCATIONS
Costs $5,700
Our futuristic world will need a futuristic place. We will use this to secure a great house, abandoned building and desert scene for RIKER.
Hair & Make Up (HMU)
Costs $1,000
Needed to make our cast look nice and fresh for the camera.
CRAFTY & CATERING
Costs $3,400
To ensure our set is fed and taken care of, we will be hiring a craft services team to handle catering and snacks during our shoots.
ART DEPARTMENT
Costs $1,200
We need a great art team to design our sets to fit the style of the film.
PROPS + ART SUPPLIES
Costs $2,000
Enhance the RIKER world with dynamic and clean props for the film.
CAMERA CREW
Costs $5,000
Can't shoot a film without a camera crew! We'll utilize this service to pay our skilled camera crew.
INSURANCE
Costs $1,500
There's nothing to shoot without insurance coverage. This will cover the costs for equipment insurance.
COSTUMES
Costs $800
We're hiring an experienced costumer to make sure all outfits for RIKER enhances the style of this tech-noir world.
LIGHT + SOUND
Costs $2,400
These funds will go directly to our sound and lighting department to make sure we capture the best look for our film.
TRANSPORTATION
Costs $500
Our favorite thing to do, travel! These funds will cover the costs of transportation and our Truck PAs.
EQUIPTMENT
Costs $3,900
We will use this to secure the equipment needed for us to shoot the film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kev Martinez • Actor • Producer
Born and raised in Van Nuys, Martinez has had a penchant for the arts since childhood. He attended UCSC's Theatre program and has pursued acting gigs since. He has been on projects such as 9-1-1 and Daisy Jones and the Six.
Noel Duer • Composer • Producer
Duer came up in the suburbs of Los Angeles exposed to creative works of animation and music since birth. He's been doing music production for hip hop artists, indie musicians and singer-songwriters for a few years now. He is now expanding his horizons embarking into the film industry with his friends as our music composer and our film producer.
Coral Rucker • Writer • Producer
Rucker hails from Iowa and has been working in film for over a decade. He has produced two seasons of a STANS the web series, a few comedy sketches, two podcasts, and a couple short films. He is now taking on the challenge to produce RIKER.
Neale Petilla • Producer
Grew up in Southern California, Petilla went to CSUN for filmmaking and has worked on multiple short films. He is now prepared to add RIKER the film under his list of amazing short films he's worked on.
Michael Coulombe • Director • Producer
Our Director, Coulombe is one of the most experienced filmmakers on our team. He has worked in the industry for more than 20 years working as a script supervisor, producer, photographer and a director. He is currently doing a press tour for his horror film, Grandma's Cookies. He has graciously agreed to work with our team to bring out the beautiful vision of RIKER.
Amery Ken Thao • Actor • Producer
Thao, our co-star is a SAG Actor who will be performing on our short as the character Zane. He's been on projects like The Harvest, Interrobang and Never Alone.
Sam Bahnam • Producer
Bahnam drove up from San Diego to enhance his acting career. Known for his acting on dynamic projects such as Pledge, the animated project Olympicos, and the theatrical play King Lear. He has joined our team to learn more about the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking and to help our team create a wonderful project.
Leo Leon • Producer
Leon comes from Imperial Valley, CA and they've worked in film since 2016. They have released a book and are now pursuing screenwriting and learn more about film production. They have joined our team to learn about behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking and to help our team bring RIKER to life.