Ripley Improv presents Improvised Movie - a completely improvised feature based on a suggestion. The women of Ripley will be both actors and writers as they create the characters and story in the moment. The camera will improvise alongside them, following the action and emotion of the scene.
Ripley Improv presents Improvised Movie - a completely improvised feature based on a suggestion. The women of Ripley will be both actors and writers as they create the characters and story in the moment. The camera will improvise alongside them, following the action and emotion of the scene.
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Story
Mission Statement
The cast of Ripley Improv's Improvised Movie is 100% female. Behind the camera, we will strive to have a highly diverse and intersectional crew. We believe in working with strong, brilliant professionals who identify as female or gender non-binary -- including their talents to enhance our ensemble.About The Project
Photo by: Cameron Rice
A film that is fully improvised from a suggestion. Really!
Wait. Did you say totally improvised, you ask? Yes. Yes we did.
We'll know some elements...who's in the cast, our location...but not much else. There is no outline. The story is yet to be created. Even the camera-work will be made up on the spot. And that makes us so excited.
To explain our concept, let's start from the beginning:
Photo by: Alison Inconstanti
Ripley Improv is a group of actors improvising artful, long-form narrative theatre in Los Angeles. Our performances are created live, in the moment, based on a suggestion from the audience.
With more than 50 years’ combined improv experience, our ensemble has performed at venues such as Impro Studio, iO, Second City, UCB, the Comedy Central Stage, and Groundlings. We love improv and believe in its ability to help us create stories.
We’re very proud of what Ripley has accomplished in our first two years. We produced DYSTOPIA, performed to sold-out crowds in Southern California and Austin, Texas. We won an Encore award at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival, where we also garnered a nomination for Best Ensemble, a terrific feat in a sea of over 300 shows. Our latest show GLAM, played to standing-room-only crowds at Impro Studio in Hollywood.
Photo by: Cameron Rice
Now we're ready to bring what we have done onstage and put it on film.
We’re now venturing from stage to screen, taking our bold storytelling and compelling characters in front of the camera. Just like our live shows, Ripley will improvise all elements of the story and characters from scratch, based on an audience suggestion. In this unique brand of film, the camera will improvise alongside the actors, following the action and emotion of the scene. In addition, the film will be shot as one long camera shot.
That's right! One single, fully-improvised take. Bold, you say? Ripley agrees!
Nevertheless, we are determined to bring our mission -- to tell stories about women who save the day, save the world, or save each other -- to a new audience and a new medium.
Photo by: Alison Inconstanti
Got your attention? Good. Here's our plan:
We’ll create this bold project with a lot of trust, an amazing team, and support from a generous community. A community that hopefully includes YOU.
By the time we begin, we'll know the location, various shots, costume and makeup options, and how to collaborate with the camera team.
The director, actor/writers, and the director of photography will work together to gel as an ensemble and incorporate this new element of the camera (and it will always be rolling).
What we won't know is everything else. We won't know who the characters are or what the story is. We are studying a variety of indie films (many funded through Seed&Spark) to look at style, but the genre and story could become almost anything. That’s the thrill.
The director and camera crew will be the first to know the suggestion to inspire the story. With that knowledge, they will be able to make costume, set, and lighting choices. The actors will find out right before we start rolling… and once it’s lights, camera, action, there will be no going back--it's all happening in one take.
To get this right, we will shoot multiple films in one week,and choose the best as our final project.
We are exhilarated by this concept, and we look forward to tackling this new creative challenge as we've accomplished everything else so far: by breathing, being in the moment with one another, and saying "yes, and..."
Why is this important?
Innovative, experimental projects matter, especially projects that tell stories through new perspectives. Improv is an amazing art form: it involves working in complete synchronicity with every member of the ensemble, cast and crew. Improv also allows female creatives agency over the characters they play, the themes they discover, and the stories they tell. To capture these fresh stories from a female viewpoint in the film medium is of tremendous significance.
We want more people to see the diverse stories we present on stage. Through GLAM and DYSTOPIA, our audiences and our ensemble explored female relationships in an extremely intimate way. Improv allows us vulnerability, and allows us to discover many surprising things. Through film we will have the chance to explore this on a larger scale, and in a very up-close-and-personal medium.
This is where you come in.
We believe in our vision ... and we ask you to believe in us, too.
We ask you to join us in this experiment, as we challenge the way traditional film is made and put women behind and in front of the camera. Your donations will help us hire an experienced crew, purchase equipment, book a location, feed everyone, and create a polished finished project. The members of Ripley Improv dream big, and we take action. Our plan is to see this film through to distribution--and this is the first step. Come with us on our adventure.
If you are able to give, we will be forever grateful. We have a number of amazing incentives, and invite you to scroll through to see them all. If you are not able to financially support us at this time, we understand. Either way, please follow us here on Seed&Spark and share the campaign. Following will help us receive bonuses through Seed & Spark, so it really does make a difference. Thank you for your time and your support.
Photos credits in the video: Cameron Rice & Alison Inconstanti
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout
We will advertise our undying gratitude for your support on social media!
$25
Personalized Ripley "Thank You" Meme
We will meme you in a very Ripley way!
$50
Personalized "Thank You" Video
Receive a personalized "thank you" video from the Ripley of your choice!
$50
A Hogwarts Surprise!
Receive a personal “thank you” video from Hermione Granger herself! This incentive is truly magical!
Sold Out!
$50
Workout with Tiffany Summers
Workout with fitness enthusiast and GLAM superstar Tiffany Summers! Workout in-person if you are based in LA. Virtual workouts available for fans based elsewhere.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$50
Word Play
Choose a word that can be found in a Meriam-Webster dictionary and we'll incorporate it in our costume or set design - on a pillow, a scarf, a maget. Something fun and playful!
Claimed: 4 of 5
$75
Make a Suggestion!
Give a suggestion for one take of our improvised film. If your suggestion ends up being our final cut, you will be credited for the inspiration!
$75
You're in the Picture!
Send us a photo of you, a loved one, or your pet and we'll place it on our set!
Sold Out!
$75
Rock Climb with Madi!
Rock climb in LA with our favorite climbing beast! Madi would love to scale walls with you.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$100
Life Finds a Way
Sara will film herself doing anything in an inflatable dinosaur costume and credit you for the dare. To be filmed and edited as per Sara’s usual botch-job technological abilities. Go to town, folks. (Within reason. Nothing illegal. And somewhere within easy driving distance Los Feliz unless you don’t mind waiting a bit of time to receive it a.k.a the next time Sara already happens to be near the beach or a waterfall etc.)
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Claimed: 6 of 20
$100
VO for YOU
Need a voice for an improv show intro? Sending a special message to someone you love? Want to replace your voicemail greeting? Professional VO actor Amanda will record a 30-second VO for you!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$100
Connie Effing Howard
Kelly’s Connie Howard character (Ripley’s GLAM) will make an appearance at your next party (in-person or virtually).
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Sold Out!
$100
Personal Point Guard
Collegiate-level basketball player Madi Goff will play basketball with you for one hour. Or as long as you can handle it. ;-) Can be a game or a coaching session! Your choice!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Sold Out!
$100
Improvised Seranade
Aliza will record an improvised song that’s all about you!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$100
Photo with Ripley!
Take a photo with the cast of Ripley Improv in Los Angeles. We'll reserve tickets to a show in LA for you and a guest and stage a photo with you
$150
RPG Session w/ Amy & Aliza
Amy Dallen (Geek & Sundry, Collider Heroes) and Aliza Pearl (Ripley Improv, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry) will GM a live 3-hour tabletop RPG session (Lasers & Feelings) via Skype for you and your friends!
$150
Creative Development Consultation
Have a project or idea that needs an extra boost of creative energy? From her experience as a professional nerd, grant writer, fundraiser, and nonprofit development officer, Aliza has a special knack for making connections between communities and finding unexpected, exciting opportunities for collaboration. Give her the details, and have her workshop some inspiring ideas for your project! Session is 45 minutes. Aliza will meet locally in LA or over skype.
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$150
Writing Session
Playwright and Wishbone Theatre Collective founding member, Laurie will meet with you in person or virtually for an hour feedback session on a play that you have written and offer advice on how the play could be devised further. Just have an idea and no script yet? She’ll help you brainstorm on how to bring the idea to life!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$150
Mime and Physicality!
Learn to bring a story to life through physicality with professional mime Sara Mountjoy-Pepka!
Claimed: 1 of 3
$150
Hair, Skin, or Makeup Consultation
Meet with hair and makeup wizard Kristy Staky for a one-on-one hair, skin, or makeup consultation! You choose!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$175
Viewing Party with Cast and Crew
Invitation to exclusive cast viewing party + exclusive digital link if you can’t attend/want to view again!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$250
What's in a Name?
Jessica will name a character after you on the HyperRPG Twitch channel (advance notice and link to playback provided.)
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$300
Guest Star in a Live Show
Guest star in a live Ripley show in Los Angeles!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 1 of 3
$400
Improvised Film Workshop
3-hour Ripley workshop with your improv group on improvised indie films (2-3 Ripleys). Does not include cost of travel if your improv group is outside the greater Los Angeles area.
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$500
Set Visit
Go behind the scenes and join us to view one of our improvised takes LIVE IN ACTION. Does not include cost of travel. Location in Greater Los Angeles area, October 15-19 (dates subject to change).
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 2 of 5
$500
Party with GLOW!
Do you love the women of GLOW as much as we love the women of GLOW? Three of these awesome women of the original cast of GLOW will attend your LA-based party or event! You haven't partied till you've partied with these women. They will make any event a hell of a lot more fun.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$750
Associate Producer
Be credited as an Associate Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$1,500
Producer
Be credited as a Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$5,000
Executive Producer
Be credited as an Executive Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
Executive Producer and Our Hero
Be credited as an Executive Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB. All incentives listed above will be provided.
Claimed: 0 of 1
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout
We will advertise our undying gratitude for your support on social media!
$25
Personalized Ripley "Thank You" Meme
We will meme you in a very Ripley way!
$50
Personalized "Thank You" Video
Receive a personalized "thank you" video from the Ripley of your choice!
$50
A Hogwarts Surprise!
Receive a personal “thank you” video from Hermione Granger herself! This incentive is truly magical!
Sold Out!
$50
Workout with Tiffany Summers
Workout with fitness enthusiast and GLAM superstar Tiffany Summers! Workout in-person if you are based in LA. Virtual workouts available for fans based elsewhere.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$50
Word Play
Choose a word that can be found in a Meriam-Webster dictionary and we'll incorporate it in our costume or set design - on a pillow, a scarf, a maget. Something fun and playful!
Claimed: 4 of 5
$75
Make a Suggestion!
Give a suggestion for one take of our improvised film. If your suggestion ends up being our final cut, you will be credited for the inspiration!
$75
You're in the Picture!
Send us a photo of you, a loved one, or your pet and we'll place it on our set!
Sold Out!
$75
Rock Climb with Madi!
Rock climb in LA with our favorite climbing beast! Madi would love to scale walls with you.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$100
Life Finds a Way
Sara will film herself doing anything in an inflatable dinosaur costume and credit you for the dare. To be filmed and edited as per Sara’s usual botch-job technological abilities. Go to town, folks. (Within reason. Nothing illegal. And somewhere within easy driving distance Los Feliz unless you don’t mind waiting a bit of time to receive it a.k.a the next time Sara already happens to be near the beach or a waterfall etc.)
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Claimed: 6 of 20
$100
VO for YOU
Need a voice for an improv show intro? Sending a special message to someone you love? Want to replace your voicemail greeting? Professional VO actor Amanda will record a 30-second VO for you!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$100
Connie Effing Howard
Kelly’s Connie Howard character (Ripley’s GLAM) will make an appearance at your next party (in-person or virtually).
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Sold Out!
$100
Personal Point Guard
Collegiate-level basketball player Madi Goff will play basketball with you for one hour. Or as long as you can handle it. ;-) Can be a game or a coaching session! Your choice!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
Sold Out!
$100
Improvised Seranade
Aliza will record an improvised song that’s all about you!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$100
Photo with Ripley!
Take a photo with the cast of Ripley Improv in Los Angeles. We'll reserve tickets to a show in LA for you and a guest and stage a photo with you
$150
RPG Session w/ Amy & Aliza
Amy Dallen (Geek & Sundry, Collider Heroes) and Aliza Pearl (Ripley Improv, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry) will GM a live 3-hour tabletop RPG session (Lasers & Feelings) via Skype for you and your friends!
$150
Creative Development Consultation
Have a project or idea that needs an extra boost of creative energy? From her experience as a professional nerd, grant writer, fundraiser, and nonprofit development officer, Aliza has a special knack for making connections between communities and finding unexpected, exciting opportunities for collaboration. Give her the details, and have her workshop some inspiring ideas for your project! Session is 45 minutes. Aliza will meet locally in LA or over skype.
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$150
Writing Session
Playwright and Wishbone Theatre Collective founding member, Laurie will meet with you in person or virtually for an hour feedback session on a play that you have written and offer advice on how the play could be devised further. Just have an idea and no script yet? She’ll help you brainstorm on how to bring the idea to life!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$150
Mime and Physicality!
Learn to bring a story to life through physicality with professional mime Sara Mountjoy-Pepka!
Claimed: 1 of 3
$150
Hair, Skin, or Makeup Consultation
Meet with hair and makeup wizard Kristy Staky for a one-on-one hair, skin, or makeup consultation! You choose!
Claimed: 0 of 3
$175
Viewing Party with Cast and Crew
Invitation to exclusive cast viewing party + exclusive digital link if you can’t attend/want to view again!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion for our film!
$250
What's in a Name?
Jessica will name a character after you on the HyperRPG Twitch channel (advance notice and link to playback provided.)
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$300
Guest Star in a Live Show
Guest star in a live Ripley show in Los Angeles!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 1 of 3
$400
Improvised Film Workshop
3-hour Ripley workshop with your improv group on improvised indie films (2-3 Ripleys). Does not include cost of travel if your improv group is outside the greater Los Angeles area.
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$500
Set Visit
Go behind the scenes and join us to view one of our improvised takes LIVE IN ACTION. Does not include cost of travel. Location in Greater Los Angeles area, October 15-19 (dates subject to change).
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 2 of 5
$500
Party with GLOW!
Do you love the women of GLOW as much as we love the women of GLOW? Three of these awesome women of the original cast of GLOW will attend your LA-based party or event! You haven't partied till you've partied with these women. They will make any event a hell of a lot more fun.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$750
Associate Producer
Be credited as an Associate Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$1,500
Producer
Be credited as a Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
$5,000
Executive Producer
Be credited as an Executive Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB!
Donors at this level will also be asked to provide a story-inspiring suggestion and will recieve a link to view our film!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
Executive Producer and Our Hero
Be credited as an Executive Producer on the project. Credit will be listed on the film and on IMDB. All incentives listed above will be provided.
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
The Team
Our cast is comprised of the members of Ripley Improv, and we are currently assembling a collection of storytellers for the crew of our improvised film. It is important, due to the unique nature of our project, that everyone involved become a member of the ensemble. It is also imperative that we muster a team of disruptors and innovators. This is not a safe or conventional way to make a film. It’s bold and pioneering, and this approach that will require ingenuity and passion in order to succeed. We are actively partnering with professionals who identify as female or and gender non-binary -- and their allies -- who are excited about playing in this sandbox with us.Director
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Producer
Kate EngeNative to the lakes of Minnesota, Kate has been a Los Angeles transplant since 2011. She has been working in the industry since day 1 - working first at a commercial production company in both production and creative roles, before venturing out into the freelance world. Her skill set includes Directing and Producing, with a special mention in editing. Both a horror film addict and D&D player, her projects span a variety of niche topics. She shares the a star-sign with her cat, Starfox, and is always in the mood for pizza.
Director of Photography
Kathryn Brillhart is a director, cinematographer, and innovator in experimental media. Her body of work explores deeper human issues by pushing the boundaries of visual poetry, movement, and mixed media. Behind the camera as a cinematographer, Kathryn works consistently in several formats and styles: feature film, short film, music video and documentary. Her experience in Visual Effects and immersive media have created several opportunities to collaborate globally on 3D Theme Park Media, VR, and Virtual Production projects. Kathryn's work has been screened in many festivals and local Los Angeles based curated shows including: The Los Angeles New Wave International Film Festival, The Atlanta Film Festival, The Southern Shorts Awards, The Selflessness of Space Immersive Arts Exhibition, TTLF Fest 2014, The Art of Post 2016 as well as The Toronto Black Film Festival and The Hollywood Black Film Festival 2017.Hair & Makeup Department
Kristy Staky hails from Chicago, where was born and raised before receiving a BFA in Acting from DePaul University. Kristy co-owns a production company, Triple Stake Production. She also specializes in creating custom wigs and hair pieces. Her company, Top Knot, has worked in film, television, and theatre and her clients include Disney World, Will & Grace, American Hustle, and Phantom of the Opera. Kristy recently ran Hair & Makeup for the emmy nominated short Broken.Costumes/ Set Decorating
Kimberly Van Ness is a creative producer, costume designer, writer, and actor based in Switzerland. An ensemble member of Wishbone Theatre Collective, Kimberly has worked on 'The Woman in Black' and 'Returning from Madness' as well as Wishbone's two original plays, 'SPANDEX' and 'FAIR.' With a background in advertising, she spends her days creating opportunities to transform how people interact with brands through immersive experiences. Her other interests largely revolve around sifting through dusty boxes at antique fairs in search of weird, old things.
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