Riley
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
LGBTQ, Drama
An ambitious high school football player begins cracking under the pressure of his father's legacy when his sexuality starts manifesting in new and unfamiliar ways. This poignant coming-of-age story explores the disciplined world of HS sports and how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes.
Riley
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
LGBTQ, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $31,055 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
158 supporters | followers
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An ambitious high school football player begins cracking under the pressure of his father's legacy when his sexuality starts manifesting in new and unfamiliar ways. This poignant coming-of-age story explores the disciplined world of HS sports and how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WE DID IT!
We reached our crowdfunding goal, and then some! Thank you to everyone who contributed!! For those who still want to make a pledge, and receive a tax deduction, it's not too late!! Contribute via our Film Independent fiscal sponsorship page (or click the logo below), and make a contribution there!
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PROJECT AND GET A TAX DEDUCTION!
Riley is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions on behalf of Riley are payable to Film Independent and are tax deductible!
WHAT THE MOVIE IS ABOUT
Sixteen-year-old Dakota Riley has it all. With a Prom King-smile and an unbeatable work-ethic, Dakota has big aspirations to play collegiate football-- and the potential to reach them. With the encouragement of his zealous mother and former-NCAA-star father, things appear to be looking up for the D1-bound senior.
But when Dakota acts out on the advances of Liam, a free-wheeling theatre kid and fellow classmate, Dakota begins struggling with his sexuality and identity-- an identity he’s always had a firm grasp on. In order to live up to his father’s athletic legacy and navigate the pressures of an adolescent, college-bound athlete, he must first work through these unfamiliar feelings and come to terms with who he really is.
WHAT THE MOVIE IS REALLY ABOUT
Riley showcases the awkward, anxious, confusing years of late adolescence, where the smallest, most intimate moments shape who we are the rest of our lives. The story explores how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes, how queerness in sports continues to be an oddity in the public eye, and the tricky dynamic of father-son relationships, particularly through the lens of a young athlete.
WHAT OUR MOVIE WILL LOOK LIKE
Riley will be shot with a low-key, naturalistic lighting approach, punctuated by deep, rich blues and complemented with the subtle glows of warm oranges and tungsten hues.
WHAT OUR MOVIE WILL FEEL LIKE
It Felt Like Love (2013) - Eliza Hittman
A poignant, slice-of-life story about friendship, jealousy, and growing up. Highlights ultra-specific moments in adolescent development and teenage sexuality that shape and inform who we grow up to be.
The Rider (2018) - Chloé Zhou
Zhou’s sophomore feature was pieced together with an ultra-low budget and skeleton crew. The story shines a light on the competitive nature of young men and sports, and illustrates how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes.
Dayveon (2012) - Amman Abbasi
A coming-of-age story that highlights perhaps the most powerful desire an adolescent experiences: fitting in. Dayveon illustrates what happens when we attempt to force a square peg to fit into a round hole.
WHO WILL MAKE THE MOVIE
BENJAMIN HOWARD - writer + director + editor
Benjamin is an Emmy-recognized writer, director and producer. Openly gay, Benjamin’s narrative projects often explore themes related to self-realization and identity, particularly through a 'coming-of-age' lens. His undergraduate capstone project "Deviant" played at Outfest and HollyShorts in 2018 and was recognized with a Student Emmy Award in 2019. Benjamin will receive his M.F.A. in Film Production / Directing at UCLA.
LAURA SCARANO - producer
Laura Scarano earned a B.A. in History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute. Her mission has always been to elevate artists, building them a platform to make an impact on others and present their work to the world. While in New York, she worked in non-profits with fine artists, writers, and filmmakers. Today, Laura produces films in Los Angeles and New York.
MICHAEL ELIAS THOMAS - cinematographer
Michael is a recent graduate of the M.F.A. Cinematography Program at UCLA. His thesis film “First Position.”, an 80’s dance drama which he wrote, directed and shot himself on 16mm film, premiered at Frameline in 2019. Currently, he works as a cinematographer and colorist resides in Los Angeles, CA.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR
We have a 90-page script that has been workshopped, reviewed and critiqued by several highly-trusted industry professionals. Riley was also named a quarter-finalist for the 2021 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, and will continue to go through polishes between now and our shoot date.
Several locations have been confirmed, casting is underway, and our team is being pieced together now! Check out this brief excerpt from the screenplay:
WATCH THE SHORT (TEASER)
Riley is an expansion of "Rendezvous", a short film Benjamin wrote + directed as part of his second-year MFA curriculum at UCLA. If you want a brief taste of what the feature-version will look like, check out this TEASER, below!
WHAT OUR PRODUCTION SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE
Riley will be shot on-location at Valhalla High School in El Cajon, CA, within the very hallways where many of the scenes actually took place. We'll shoot during March + April 2022, and expect to finalize the film in time for a 2023 film festival premiere. Check out a general rundown of our production timeline:
HOW TO HELP
1. PLEDGE!
Every pledge makes a difference. $10 or $2,500-- every contribution goes directly to the film and seeing it come to life. Here's a brief overview of where your monies will go:
2. SHARE!
Every share, comment, #hashtag or engagement with our campaign boosts our online presence, and increases pledges! Share our campaign with friends and fellow film aficionados, and follow or like everywhere: @windsorfilmco
#RileyTheMovie
That's it! If you're a lover of the arts, a lover of sports, a lover of indie / slow-burn character studies, a lover of our writer/director, or just a lover of tax-deductible donations, your pledge means YOU ARE PART OF THIS STORY!
Cordially,
Benjamin
and the rest of the Riley team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations and Insurance
Costs $1,500
Riley takes place across San Diego in a high school and multiple houses.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $4,000
18 days on set requires a lot of food to keep the cast and crew energized.
Gear
Costs $8,000
Our rentals for camera, grip, and lighting will be between $8,000 - $12,000
Costumes
Costs $2,000
Costumes help bring the actors to life and tell their story visually.
Props
Costs $2,000
From footballs to backpacks there are loads of props that will be bought or borrowed.
Set Operations
Costs $1,000
Chairs, walkie-talkies, tables, and more go into what makes the set run efficiently.
Hard drives
Costs $750
The film footage has to live somewhere!
COVID-19 Precautions
Costs $1,000
We are taking COVID-19 as seriously as we can, which means testing, PPE, and set sanitation
Talent
Costs $8,500
Help our actors get compensated for their skills!
Film Festivals
Costs $1,000
Once completed, we want to share the film. Submitting to festivals can make that happen.
Production Office Supplies
Costs $250
Everything related to printing, mailings, and copies.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE FILMMAKERS
BENJAMIN HOWARD - writer + director + editor
Benjamin is an Emmy-recognized writer, director and producer. Openly gay, Benjamin’s narrative projects often explore themes related to self-realization and identity, particularly through a 'coming-of-age' lens. His undergraduate capstone project "Deviant" played at Outfest and HollyShorts in 2018 and was recognized with a Student Emmy Award in 2019. Benjamin will receive his M.F.A. in Film Production / Directing at UCLA.
LAURA SCARANO - producer
Laura Scarano earned a B.A. in History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute. Her mission has always been to elevate artists, building them a platform to make an impact on others and present their work to the world. While in New York, she worked in non-profits with fine artists, writers, and filmmakers. Today, Laura produces films in Los Angeles and New York.
TOMMY ANDERSON - producer
Tommy Anderson is an award-winning filmmaker and founding member of Charthouse, where the ideas of exploration and venturing into unfamiliar territory often dominate their stories. Tommy is a graduate from the film department at the University of Notre Dame, and his recent debut feature film "Play It Cool" will be entering distribution in Spring 2022.
MICHAEL ELIAS THOMAS - cinematographer
Michael is a recent graduate of the M.F.A. Cinematography Program at UCLA. His thesis film “First Position.”, an 80’s dance drama which he wrote, directed and shot himself on 16mm film, premiered at Frameline in 2019. Currently, he works as a cinematographer and colorist resides in Los Angeles, CA.
BRITTNEY KHANSARI - production designer
Brittney Khansari is a recent graduate of the Television, Film and Media program at San Diego State University. Her capstone project as an undergraduate was "The Obedience Project", a 1950’s period piece which she designed a set for, and acted as Production Designer on. The short film is currently making rounds on the festival circuit. Brittney is based in San Diego, CA.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
WE DID IT!
We reached our crowdfunding goal, and then some! Thank you to everyone who contributed!! For those who still want to make a pledge, and receive a tax deduction, it's not too late!! Contribute via our Film Independent fiscal sponsorship page (or click the logo below), and make a contribution there!
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PROJECT AND GET A TAX DEDUCTION!
Riley is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions on behalf of Riley are payable to Film Independent and are tax deductible!
WHAT THE MOVIE IS ABOUT
Sixteen-year-old Dakota Riley has it all. With a Prom King-smile and an unbeatable work-ethic, Dakota has big aspirations to play collegiate football-- and the potential to reach them. With the encouragement of his zealous mother and former-NCAA-star father, things appear to be looking up for the D1-bound senior.
But when Dakota acts out on the advances of Liam, a free-wheeling theatre kid and fellow classmate, Dakota begins struggling with his sexuality and identity-- an identity he’s always had a firm grasp on. In order to live up to his father’s athletic legacy and navigate the pressures of an adolescent, college-bound athlete, he must first work through these unfamiliar feelings and come to terms with who he really is.
WHAT THE MOVIE IS REALLY ABOUT
Riley showcases the awkward, anxious, confusing years of late adolescence, where the smallest, most intimate moments shape who we are the rest of our lives. The story explores how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes, how queerness in sports continues to be an oddity in the public eye, and the tricky dynamic of father-son relationships, particularly through the lens of a young athlete.
WHAT OUR MOVIE WILL LOOK LIKE
Riley will be shot with a low-key, naturalistic lighting approach, punctuated by deep, rich blues and complemented with the subtle glows of warm oranges and tungsten hues.
WHAT OUR MOVIE WILL FEEL LIKE
It Felt Like Love (2013) - Eliza Hittman
A poignant, slice-of-life story about friendship, jealousy, and growing up. Highlights ultra-specific moments in adolescent development and teenage sexuality that shape and inform who we grow up to be.
The Rider (2018) - Chloé Zhou
Zhou’s sophomore feature was pieced together with an ultra-low budget and skeleton crew. The story shines a light on the competitive nature of young men and sports, and illustrates how expectations of oneself can lead one to extremes.
Dayveon (2012) - Amman Abbasi
A coming-of-age story that highlights perhaps the most powerful desire an adolescent experiences: fitting in. Dayveon illustrates what happens when we attempt to force a square peg to fit into a round hole.
WHO WILL MAKE THE MOVIE
BENJAMIN HOWARD - writer + director + editor
Benjamin is an Emmy-recognized writer, director and producer. Openly gay, Benjamin’s narrative projects often explore themes related to self-realization and identity, particularly through a 'coming-of-age' lens. His undergraduate capstone project "Deviant" played at Outfest and HollyShorts in 2018 and was recognized with a Student Emmy Award in 2019. Benjamin will receive his M.F.A. in Film Production / Directing at UCLA.
LAURA SCARANO - producer
Laura Scarano earned a B.A. in History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute. Her mission has always been to elevate artists, building them a platform to make an impact on others and present their work to the world. While in New York, she worked in non-profits with fine artists, writers, and filmmakers. Today, Laura produces films in Los Angeles and New York.
MICHAEL ELIAS THOMAS - cinematographer
Michael is a recent graduate of the M.F.A. Cinematography Program at UCLA. His thesis film “First Position.”, an 80’s dance drama which he wrote, directed and shot himself on 16mm film, premiered at Frameline in 2019. Currently, he works as a cinematographer and colorist resides in Los Angeles, CA.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR
We have a 90-page script that has been workshopped, reviewed and critiqued by several highly-trusted industry professionals. Riley was also named a quarter-finalist for the 2021 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, and will continue to go through polishes between now and our shoot date.
Several locations have been confirmed, casting is underway, and our team is being pieced together now! Check out this brief excerpt from the screenplay:
WATCH THE SHORT (TEASER)
Riley is an expansion of "Rendezvous", a short film Benjamin wrote + directed as part of his second-year MFA curriculum at UCLA. If you want a brief taste of what the feature-version will look like, check out this TEASER, below!
WHAT OUR PRODUCTION SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE
Riley will be shot on-location at Valhalla High School in El Cajon, CA, within the very hallways where many of the scenes actually took place. We'll shoot during March + April 2022, and expect to finalize the film in time for a 2023 film festival premiere. Check out a general rundown of our production timeline:
HOW TO HELP
1. PLEDGE!
Every pledge makes a difference. $10 or $2,500-- every contribution goes directly to the film and seeing it come to life. Here's a brief overview of where your monies will go:
2. SHARE!
Every share, comment, #hashtag or engagement with our campaign boosts our online presence, and increases pledges! Share our campaign with friends and fellow film aficionados, and follow or like everywhere: @windsorfilmco
#RileyTheMovie
That's it! If you're a lover of the arts, a lover of sports, a lover of indie / slow-burn character studies, a lover of our writer/director, or just a lover of tax-deductible donations, your pledge means YOU ARE PART OF THIS STORY!
Cordially,
Benjamin
and the rest of the Riley team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations and Insurance
Costs $1,500
Riley takes place across San Diego in a high school and multiple houses.
Catering & Craft Services
Costs $4,000
18 days on set requires a lot of food to keep the cast and crew energized.
Gear
Costs $8,000
Our rentals for camera, grip, and lighting will be between $8,000 - $12,000
Costumes
Costs $2,000
Costumes help bring the actors to life and tell their story visually.
Props
Costs $2,000
From footballs to backpacks there are loads of props that will be bought or borrowed.
Set Operations
Costs $1,000
Chairs, walkie-talkies, tables, and more go into what makes the set run efficiently.
Hard drives
Costs $750
The film footage has to live somewhere!
COVID-19 Precautions
Costs $1,000
We are taking COVID-19 as seriously as we can, which means testing, PPE, and set sanitation
Talent
Costs $8,500
Help our actors get compensated for their skills!
Film Festivals
Costs $1,000
Once completed, we want to share the film. Submitting to festivals can make that happen.
Production Office Supplies
Costs $250
Everything related to printing, mailings, and copies.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE FILMMAKERS
BENJAMIN HOWARD - writer + director + editor
Benjamin is an Emmy-recognized writer, director and producer. Openly gay, Benjamin’s narrative projects often explore themes related to self-realization and identity, particularly through a 'coming-of-age' lens. His undergraduate capstone project "Deviant" played at Outfest and HollyShorts in 2018 and was recognized with a Student Emmy Award in 2019. Benjamin will receive his M.F.A. in Film Production / Directing at UCLA.
LAURA SCARANO - producer
Laura Scarano earned a B.A. in History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute. Her mission has always been to elevate artists, building them a platform to make an impact on others and present their work to the world. While in New York, she worked in non-profits with fine artists, writers, and filmmakers. Today, Laura produces films in Los Angeles and New York.
TOMMY ANDERSON - producer
Tommy Anderson is an award-winning filmmaker and founding member of Charthouse, where the ideas of exploration and venturing into unfamiliar territory often dominate their stories. Tommy is a graduate from the film department at the University of Notre Dame, and his recent debut feature film "Play It Cool" will be entering distribution in Spring 2022.
MICHAEL ELIAS THOMAS - cinematographer
Michael is a recent graduate of the M.F.A. Cinematography Program at UCLA. His thesis film “First Position.”, an 80’s dance drama which he wrote, directed and shot himself on 16mm film, premiered at Frameline in 2019. Currently, he works as a cinematographer and colorist resides in Los Angeles, CA.
BRITTNEY KHANSARI - production designer
Brittney Khansari is a recent graduate of the Television, Film and Media program at San Diego State University. Her capstone project as an undergraduate was "The Obedience Project", a 1950’s period piece which she designed a set for, and acted as Production Designer on. The short film is currently making rounds on the festival circuit. Brittney is based in San Diego, CA.