Runaways
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Mystery, Thriller
A thrilling coming of age film, Runaways is unique because we get to see two teenage girls take on political corruption. With the culmination of Joel Steiger and Carrie Lee Wilson’s mystery expertise, this is a gripping story about family and identity with a deep cultural message.
Runaways
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Mystery, Thriller
2 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $32,580 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
98 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A thrilling coming of age film, Runaways is unique because we get to see two teenage girls take on political corruption. With the culmination of Joel Steiger and Carrie Lee Wilson’s mystery expertise, this is a gripping story about family and identity with a deep cultural message.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE: WHOA! We are so grateful to have reached 105% funding. Our community of friends, family, and all those who support the voices of young indie filmmakers has inspired us on the Runaways team. We cannot begin to thank you enough.
We STILL have about two weeks left on this campaign. Incidentally, the $30,000 we initially proposed on Seed and Spark only represents a portion of our total production budget. We are now working to stretch our goal on this platform to $40,000! These additional funds would go to expanding our crew, adding essential gear, and seeking out locations that go above and beyond.
On Thursday night, March 16th, we will be holding a benefit in honor or Joel Steiger. Musical artists and the Runaways team will gather on the Runaways Instagram (@runawaysmovie) at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST, and we hope you can make it! Not only will we be celebrating Joel as his screenplay moves from text to screen, but we will continue our fundraising efforts to bring our short film to the next level.
Runaways is a mystery-thriller set in the US-Mexico bordertown of Nogales, Arizona; a town defined by its connection to the current border conflict debate. Our story follows polar-opposite sisters Rachel and Danielle who suddenly become fugitives, traveling with a caravan of migrants after being framed for the murder of their own mother by the their stepfather, Sheriff Frank McKay.
Unable to go to the police, they must learn to work together and navigate the world on their own for the first time as they try to uncover the mystery behind their mother’s demise and bring justice to her killer.
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Keith Szarabajka (The Dark Knight, Angel, The Equalizer), is attached to star as McKay.
This project is in dedication to Joel Steiger, writer and executive producer of shows like Matlock, Perry Mason, and Diagnosis Murder. He passed away in March 2021 after writing the script with Carrie Lee Wilson. Joel's legacy is carried on by his daughter, Emma, who has adapted the original into a short with the intention of it leading to the full length feature.
Our plan is to shoot the Runaways short as a proof of concept this April, bring that to festivals, and drum up the support we need to get our feature financed. By supporting our journey now, you are coming on board at the very start. We cannot wait to make you proud.
The Runaways team is made up of industry professionals whose work has screened at top tier international film festivals and been seen on network television. Each has their foot on the heartbeat of what's current in film and TV.
The $30,000 of support we are asking for will go to locations, crew wages, and acquiring top tier talent. If we are able to exceed this figure, it will secure us better gear, more viable shooting locations, and potentially even an extra day of production.
Whether it be early contributions like Rear Window, disorienting mind benders like Memento, or more recent draws like Knives Out, this genre has made a lasting impact across generations. Everyone has a favorite thriller.
Runaways is that film for the 2020s.
Thank you so much for your support.
-The Runaways Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Mall
Costs $5,000
A pivotal element to our story is the mall location, but it's essential we land the right location.
Camera Package
Costs $2,500
To secure the right look, we've gotta work with the best available digital camera package.
A Well Paid Crew!
Costs $10,000
We are only willing to work with the best of the best, and that means paying a living wage!
Talent
Costs $5,000
We are working with world renowned actors, which of course comes at a steep price.
Grip and Electric Package
Costs $2,500
What's cinema without great light?
Catering and Crafty
Costs $2,500
One of the touchstones of any great film set is a great lunch. Will you help feed our crew?
Desert Home
Costs $2,500
Our story can't be told without the right setting!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Joel Steiger (writer) loved a good mystery. A prolific writer and producer, he worked on almost every major mystery and crime drama of the '80s and '90s, including "Matlock" and "Diagnosis Murder." Steiger started out as a writer-for-hire on prime-time soaps like "Dynasty" and "Knots Landing." After meeting fellow writer and producer Dean Hargrove on the action mystery series "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," Steiger became a key figure in Hargrove's close-knit circle of writers and directors. During the late '80s, Steiger wrote and produced the popular "Perry Mason" series of TV movies, based on the courtroom drama starring Raymond Burr, and he helped Hargrove create "Jake and the Fatman," about the difficult relationship between a hard-nosed L.A. district attorney and his easy-going investigative partner). Between 1986 and 1995, Steiger wrote and produced over 50 episodes of "Matlock" and served as a main staff writer on "Father Dowling Mysteries,". He later wrote and produced the "Jake and the Fatman" spin-off series, "Diagnosis Murder," and "A Town Without Pity." He passed away on March 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 79.
Carrie Lee Wilson (writer) started writing while working as the assistant for executive producer Joel Steiger at Viacom on multiple TV shows, including “Matlock,” “The Father Dowling Mysteries,” “Perry Mason,” and “Diagnosis: Murder.” Afterwards, while working as the assistant to Martin Shafer, president of Castle Rock Entertainment, she met her writing partner Emi Mochizuki and started churning out specs together. Her first solo writing credit was for Disney’s animated show “Teamo Supremo.” Carrie launched her career with a two-year contract in the Disney Writers’ program after pitching “College Road Trip” to Disney. Carrie and Emi’s original idea was produced by Disney. While working for Disney, Carrie worked closely with feature executives, pitching original ideas and working on screenplays in various stages of production. After leaving Disney, Carrie & Emi sold their Blacklist spec entitled “Boy Scouts vs. Zombies” to Paramount where it was produced as “The Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.” Another of Carrie and Emi’s spec script sales was “Summer Villa” to the Hallmark Channel. After its success, Hallmark commissioned the sequel, “Christmas Villa”. Currently, their newest spec script, “Carriage Hill” made the 2021 Blacklist. Originally written as a pilot feature to series spec, “Runaways” was Carrie and her writing mentor, Joel Steiger’s, last project together prior to his passing in 2021.
Emma Elizabeth Steiger (Danielle/Producer) is a bi-coastal actress and writer known for her work in several Disney Channel shows, such as “Shake It Up” and “Austin and Ally.” As a child she had the privilege of appearing aside Dick Van Dyke in “Diagnosis Murder.” Daughter of screenwriter, Joel Samuel Steiger and Diane Steiger, former background dancer for Paula Abdul, Emma grew up immersed in the world of the arts. She appeared as a vocalist in various charity events, such as SING presented by What A Pair! on the Orpheum Theater stage directed by Bert V. Royal. In New York, Emma is an active volunteer at multiple arts education programs, including The 52nd Street Project where she participates weekly in their "Smart Partners" program. She has participated in a variety of new Off-Broadway play developments and most recently wrapped filming the feature “Sunshine Girls,” set in release Summer 2023. Prior to his passing, Emma and her father, Joel, were chosen by Conde Nast and GLAMOUR to star in "A Letter to My Father," a piece recognizing the difficulties in communication regarding his cancer diagnosis. She dedicates all her artistic projects, new and old, to him.
Jack Szarabajka (Director) was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and grew up surrounded by show business. Starting as a production assistant as a summer job, he quickly gained experience in a variety of industry areas, falling in love with directing. Upon graduating from Sonoma State University, he took this summer job full-time. With a decade of experience under his belt he currently directs the second unit on CBS’ CSI Vegas alongside working on independent endeavors. Known for his attention to detail and his near tireless motor, Jack manages to find the best performance from his cast and crew. He has directed several award winning short films at multiple internationally recognized contests. He is humbled and excited to bring about such a powerful and riveting story directing Runaways.
Cory Shanbom (Producer) is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles, California. He strives to create cutting-edge content for a modern audience and to facilitate a fair and equitable creative environment. His work has been shown at Picture’s Up Film Festival, Indie Film Fest and many other film festivals across the country and he has worked on productions for 20th Century Fox, Hulu, CollegeHumor, among others. Cory is very excited to help bring Joel Steiger and Carrie Lee Wilson’s wonderful script to the big screen and allow as many people as possible the chance to be deeply as affected by this poignant and timely project as he has.
Bix Giegerich (Producer) is a writer, director, and producer based out of Los Angeles. His work has premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival, FilmQuest, and NewFilmmakers NY, and he has directed for platforms such as BuzzFeed and Vox.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
UPDATE: WHOA! We are so grateful to have reached 105% funding. Our community of friends, family, and all those who support the voices of young indie filmmakers has inspired us on the Runaways team. We cannot begin to thank you enough.
We STILL have about two weeks left on this campaign. Incidentally, the $30,000 we initially proposed on Seed and Spark only represents a portion of our total production budget. We are now working to stretch our goal on this platform to $40,000! These additional funds would go to expanding our crew, adding essential gear, and seeking out locations that go above and beyond.
On Thursday night, March 16th, we will be holding a benefit in honor or Joel Steiger. Musical artists and the Runaways team will gather on the Runaways Instagram (@runawaysmovie) at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST, and we hope you can make it! Not only will we be celebrating Joel as his screenplay moves from text to screen, but we will continue our fundraising efforts to bring our short film to the next level.
Runaways is a mystery-thriller set in the US-Mexico bordertown of Nogales, Arizona; a town defined by its connection to the current border conflict debate. Our story follows polar-opposite sisters Rachel and Danielle who suddenly become fugitives, traveling with a caravan of migrants after being framed for the murder of their own mother by the their stepfather, Sheriff Frank McKay.
Unable to go to the police, they must learn to work together and navigate the world on their own for the first time as they try to uncover the mystery behind their mother’s demise and bring justice to her killer.
Keith Szarabajka (The Dark Knight, Angel, The Equalizer), is attached to star as McKay.
This project is in dedication to Joel Steiger, writer and executive producer of shows like Matlock, Perry Mason, and Diagnosis Murder. He passed away in March 2021 after writing the script with Carrie Lee Wilson. Joel's legacy is carried on by his daughter, Emma, who has adapted the original into a short with the intention of it leading to the full length feature.
Our plan is to shoot the Runaways short as a proof of concept this April, bring that to festivals, and drum up the support we need to get our feature financed. By supporting our journey now, you are coming on board at the very start. We cannot wait to make you proud.
The Runaways team is made up of industry professionals whose work has screened at top tier international film festivals and been seen on network television. Each has their foot on the heartbeat of what's current in film and TV.
The $30,000 of support we are asking for will go to locations, crew wages, and acquiring top tier talent. If we are able to exceed this figure, it will secure us better gear, more viable shooting locations, and potentially even an extra day of production.
Whether it be early contributions like Rear Window, disorienting mind benders like Memento, or more recent draws like Knives Out, this genre has made a lasting impact across generations. Everyone has a favorite thriller.
Runaways is that film for the 2020s.
Thank you so much for your support.
-The Runaways Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Mall
Costs $5,000
A pivotal element to our story is the mall location, but it's essential we land the right location.
Camera Package
Costs $2,500
To secure the right look, we've gotta work with the best available digital camera package.
A Well Paid Crew!
Costs $10,000
We are only willing to work with the best of the best, and that means paying a living wage!
Talent
Costs $5,000
We are working with world renowned actors, which of course comes at a steep price.
Grip and Electric Package
Costs $2,500
What's cinema without great light?
Catering and Crafty
Costs $2,500
One of the touchstones of any great film set is a great lunch. Will you help feed our crew?
Desert Home
Costs $2,500
Our story can't be told without the right setting!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Joel Steiger (writer) loved a good mystery. A prolific writer and producer, he worked on almost every major mystery and crime drama of the '80s and '90s, including "Matlock" and "Diagnosis Murder." Steiger started out as a writer-for-hire on prime-time soaps like "Dynasty" and "Knots Landing." After meeting fellow writer and producer Dean Hargrove on the action mystery series "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," Steiger became a key figure in Hargrove's close-knit circle of writers and directors. During the late '80s, Steiger wrote and produced the popular "Perry Mason" series of TV movies, based on the courtroom drama starring Raymond Burr, and he helped Hargrove create "Jake and the Fatman," about the difficult relationship between a hard-nosed L.A. district attorney and his easy-going investigative partner). Between 1986 and 1995, Steiger wrote and produced over 50 episodes of "Matlock" and served as a main staff writer on "Father Dowling Mysteries,". He later wrote and produced the "Jake and the Fatman" spin-off series, "Diagnosis Murder," and "A Town Without Pity." He passed away on March 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 79.
Carrie Lee Wilson (writer) started writing while working as the assistant for executive producer Joel Steiger at Viacom on multiple TV shows, including “Matlock,” “The Father Dowling Mysteries,” “Perry Mason,” and “Diagnosis: Murder.” Afterwards, while working as the assistant to Martin Shafer, president of Castle Rock Entertainment, she met her writing partner Emi Mochizuki and started churning out specs together. Her first solo writing credit was for Disney’s animated show “Teamo Supremo.” Carrie launched her career with a two-year contract in the Disney Writers’ program after pitching “College Road Trip” to Disney. Carrie and Emi’s original idea was produced by Disney. While working for Disney, Carrie worked closely with feature executives, pitching original ideas and working on screenplays in various stages of production. After leaving Disney, Carrie & Emi sold their Blacklist spec entitled “Boy Scouts vs. Zombies” to Paramount where it was produced as “The Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.” Another of Carrie and Emi’s spec script sales was “Summer Villa” to the Hallmark Channel. After its success, Hallmark commissioned the sequel, “Christmas Villa”. Currently, their newest spec script, “Carriage Hill” made the 2021 Blacklist. Originally written as a pilot feature to series spec, “Runaways” was Carrie and her writing mentor, Joel Steiger’s, last project together prior to his passing in 2021.
Emma Elizabeth Steiger (Danielle/Producer) is a bi-coastal actress and writer known for her work in several Disney Channel shows, such as “Shake It Up” and “Austin and Ally.” As a child she had the privilege of appearing aside Dick Van Dyke in “Diagnosis Murder.” Daughter of screenwriter, Joel Samuel Steiger and Diane Steiger, former background dancer for Paula Abdul, Emma grew up immersed in the world of the arts. She appeared as a vocalist in various charity events, such as SING presented by What A Pair! on the Orpheum Theater stage directed by Bert V. Royal. In New York, Emma is an active volunteer at multiple arts education programs, including The 52nd Street Project where she participates weekly in their "Smart Partners" program. She has participated in a variety of new Off-Broadway play developments and most recently wrapped filming the feature “Sunshine Girls,” set in release Summer 2023. Prior to his passing, Emma and her father, Joel, were chosen by Conde Nast and GLAMOUR to star in "A Letter to My Father," a piece recognizing the difficulties in communication regarding his cancer diagnosis. She dedicates all her artistic projects, new and old, to him.
Jack Szarabajka (Director) was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and grew up surrounded by show business. Starting as a production assistant as a summer job, he quickly gained experience in a variety of industry areas, falling in love with directing. Upon graduating from Sonoma State University, he took this summer job full-time. With a decade of experience under his belt he currently directs the second unit on CBS’ CSI Vegas alongside working on independent endeavors. Known for his attention to detail and his near tireless motor, Jack manages to find the best performance from his cast and crew. He has directed several award winning short films at multiple internationally recognized contests. He is humbled and excited to bring about such a powerful and riveting story directing Runaways.
Cory Shanbom (Producer) is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles, California. He strives to create cutting-edge content for a modern audience and to facilitate a fair and equitable creative environment. His work has been shown at Picture’s Up Film Festival, Indie Film Fest and many other film festivals across the country and he has worked on productions for 20th Century Fox, Hulu, CollegeHumor, among others. Cory is very excited to help bring Joel Steiger and Carrie Lee Wilson’s wonderful script to the big screen and allow as many people as possible the chance to be deeply as affected by this poignant and timely project as he has.
Bix Giegerich (Producer) is a writer, director, and producer based out of Los Angeles. His work has premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival, FilmQuest, and NewFilmmakers NY, and he has directed for platforms such as BuzzFeed and Vox.