"Sinked Up" is a queer female love story told from inside the bathroom - the most intimate room. We start at what looks like the end of the road & flashback to key moments in their relationship... feeling their way from roommate to romance, out of order & out of their respective comfort zones.
"Sinked Up" is a queer female love story told from inside the bathroom - the most intimate room. We start at what looks like the end of the road & flashback to key moments in their relationship... feeling their way from roommate to romance, out of order & out of their respective comfort zones.
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Story
Mission Statement
There are shockingly few stories out there dealing with femme-queerness & even fewer showing bisexuality in a positive light. This film fills that void. It's written by women & will be made by an all-female, queer-inclusive crew. Basically, it super passes the Bechdel & Vito Russo tests!About The Project
The Origin
Morgan: "I was like, 'Fuck it. I'm not waiting for my dream projects.' So I made a short about being a Manson girl. Lexi was my Superstar PA/Anchoring Force. My next idea, which was scarier to me, was a Jill Soloway-inspired film exploring sexual identity. I knew I had to make it with Lexi. I loved the idea of playing her earthiness off of the internal chaos of someone navigating her sexuality."
Lexi: "I'd spent the last 6 years making my own content and it's the direction I want my career to keep moving in. So when Morgan and I started geeking out on the work that was inspiring us ("I Love Dick") we landed on the idea of a female-centric love story that explores the blurry lines of identity."
The Bathroom
I mean, yeah, it's way easier to shoot everything in one location, but we chose the bathroom because it's the most intimate room in a home. The intimacy of a bedroom can be fleeting, but we tend to share a bathroom only with people we feel really comfy with. It's not (usually) the sexiest place, but it is the most vulnerable place.
Morgan: "I was really inspired by the dance my boyfriend and I do around each other during our nighttime routine. I know when to move so he can wash his face. He knows when to move so I can brush my teeth. Sometimes I just sit on the toilet while he showers as we catch up on our day. It's a level of intimacy I've never shared with anyone else."
Lexi: "I'm one of three sisters so sharing bathroom space was an inveitable and sweet part of my childhood. We'd line up and wait our turn to have Mom blow-dry our hair while we'd spill about our days. The very first time I shaved my legs, it was my sister who wielded the razor. Now, later in life, I'll steal away to the bathroom for a private conversation during a dinner party (rude) or share a shower beer while the person I'm dating chats to me on the other side of the curtain."
The Point
This is more than just a coming out story. This is a love story.
The LGBTQ+ community has gained a lot of visibility and acceptance, but we still have a long way to go. Most love stories are still looking at romance through a heteronormative lens. Very few of the queer stories we do get feature women, and even fewer show bisexuality in a positive light.
We're changing that with this film.
The Characters
Elsie is an artist whose ex-boyfriend just moved out. She has experimented with women in the past but has only fallen in love with men. Enter Frankie. Now, confronted with this new, life-changing, identity-challenging love Elsie has to decide whether to come out and risk flinging herself into "the no-man's land of sexuality" - not gay enough for her queer friends, and not straight enough for her family.
Frankie knew who she was in the womb. After being fired from her live-in personal assistant gig, she moves in with Elsie. When Frankie falls in love with her, she has to decide whether being with Elsie is worth having a closeted relationship for the first time in her life. Is this relationship big enough to sacrifice her sense of self and sense of community? How can she navigate that without pressuring her soul mate?
The Makers & Shakers
We're women filmmakers who strongly believe in giving voice to people who are rarely heard. We believe that we can tell this story with sensitivity, humor and bad-assery.
The Crew
We want to hire an all-women, queer-inclusive crew. This will create a safe environment to explore the sensitive nature of the material. These are also groups of people who've been socialized to accept less, and we want to pay these bad-ass professionals what they're worth.
Bonus: They can use this rate to negotiate for fair wages on future projects. #closethewagegap
The Artist
Our support of female artists goes all the way down to set design.
We'll see Elsie's art around the room, which will mirror her exploration and growth throughout the film. These original works have been generously donated by real-life artist, Alie Smith, who explores the female form and identity.
You can have one of her pieces as a thank-you for contributing. Check out our incentives for details.
Incentives
$10
Tweet and Shout
We'll give you a lil shout out on the social media platform of your choice!
$15
Seed and Spotify
You get a lil seed packet and custom private Spotify playlists inspired by our two characters.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
$25
Stuck On You
We'll send you a custom "Cactus Killer" sticker inspired by Elsie's complete inability to keep any plants alive.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
$30
"No More Identity Crisis" Card
We'll send you a custom "No More Identity Crisis" Card with the image of the Queer or Straight Ally Flag of your choice!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
$35
Date with Destiny or Haiku for You
WEEK 4 EXCLUSIVE: Lexi will write you a haiku or Morgan will write your future meet-cute with your soulmate! You pick!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
$40
Purse First
Get a limited-edition, hand-made Pride Pouch. Created by our Assistant Director, Laura Elleseg.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
Claimed: 1 of 10
$50
Fortune Favors The Cleansed
Get a 15 minute past, present and future oracle card reading that brings in reiki to guide your translation by Reiki Master, Britt Rentschler. Can be done virtually or in-person in LA!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
Claimed: 4 of 8
$50
Sneak a Peak
Get a VIP viewing link of the completed film & a PDF of script!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
$60
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Get a Behind The Scenes polaroid signed by the cast & crew. Plus a signed first page of the script!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
$75
Home Improvement
Choose a print of original art by our Visual Artist, Alie Smith, or our Director of Photography, Irina Garaiacu.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
Claimed: 2 of 12
$100
Part of The Family
You get your name in the final credits and a Thank You cred on IMDB.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
$125
Coming to You Live
Our director Raechel Zarzynski will film your live performance! Includes video of two full songs or one comedy set of your choosing, and a selection of production stills.* Check out her beautiful work here.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
*(LA-area only. Subject to scheduling.)
Claimed: 1 of 5
$150
Become Your Own Master
Get a free Life & Mastery Class for all creative careers with Brian Patacca, The Founder of Actor Salon. This one-day class will give you simple steps and soulful strategies for big leaps toward Fulfillment and Success.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
Claimed: 1 of 2
$175
One of a Kind
Choose an original piece by Alie Smith from the film to have in your home!*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
*Since these works will be making a cameo, all art will be shipped after filming wraps July 11th. Please note listed sizes before ordering.
Claimed: 1 of 29
$200
Dedicated to You
We'll send you a personal Thank You video- think of it as a short(er) film made just for you! Plus a signed "Sinked Up" poster.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
$250
Coming to a Bathroom Near You
The Cast & Crew will deep clean your bathroom!*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
*(LA-area only. Limit to 1 bathroom per household.)
$500
VIPeep Show
You and a plus one get a VIP invite to our premier private screening event in Los Angeles!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
(Travel & Lodge expenses not included)
$1,000
Festie Besties
Get an Associate Producer Credit. Plus one day as a VIP Guest on set and two tickets to the film fest of your choice.*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
- Private Screening
*(Your choice of Film Festival that screens"Sinked Up". Travel & Lodge expenses not included.)
$2,500
Executive Sweet
Get an Executive Producer credit. Feel like Beyoncé.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
- Private Screening
- Two tickets to the film fest of your choice and 1 day as a VIP guest on set.
(Travel & Lodge expenses not included)
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Tweet and Shout
We'll give you a lil shout out on the social media platform of your choice!
$15
Seed and Spotify
You get a lil seed packet and custom private Spotify playlists inspired by our two characters.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
$25
Stuck On You
We'll send you a custom "Cactus Killer" sticker inspired by Elsie's complete inability to keep any plants alive.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
$30
"No More Identity Crisis" Card
We'll send you a custom "No More Identity Crisis" Card with the image of the Queer or Straight Ally Flag of your choice!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
$35
Date with Destiny or Haiku for You
WEEK 4 EXCLUSIVE: Lexi will write you a haiku or Morgan will write your future meet-cute with your soulmate! You pick!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
$40
Purse First
Get a limited-edition, hand-made Pride Pouch. Created by our Assistant Director, Laura Elleseg.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
Claimed: 1 of 10
$50
Fortune Favors The Cleansed
Get a 15 minute past, present and future oracle card reading that brings in reiki to guide your translation by Reiki Master, Britt Rentschler. Can be done virtually or in-person in LA!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
Claimed: 4 of 8
$50
Sneak a Peak
Get a VIP viewing link of the completed film & a PDF of script!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
$60
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Get a Behind The Scenes polaroid signed by the cast & crew. Plus a signed first page of the script!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
$75
Home Improvement
Choose a print of original art by our Visual Artist, Alie Smith, or our Director of Photography, Irina Garaiacu.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
Claimed: 2 of 12
$100
Part of The Family
You get your name in the final credits and a Thank You cred on IMDB.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
$125
Coming to You Live
Our director Raechel Zarzynski will film your live performance! Includes video of two full songs or one comedy set of your choosing, and a selection of production stills.* Check out her beautiful work here.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
*(LA-area only. Subject to scheduling.)
Claimed: 1 of 5
$150
Become Your Own Master
Get a free Life & Mastery Class for all creative careers with Brian Patacca, The Founder of Actor Salon. This one-day class will give you simple steps and soulful strategies for big leaps toward Fulfillment and Success.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
Claimed: 1 of 2
$175
One of a Kind
Choose an original piece by Alie Smith from the film to have in your home!*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
*Since these works will be making a cameo, all art will be shipped after filming wraps July 11th. Please note listed sizes before ordering.
Claimed: 1 of 29
$200
Dedicated to You
We'll send you a personal Thank You video- think of it as a short(er) film made just for you! Plus a signed "Sinked Up" poster.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
$250
Coming to a Bathroom Near You
The Cast & Crew will deep clean your bathroom!*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
*(LA-area only. Limit to 1 bathroom per household.)
$500
VIPeep Show
You and a plus one get a VIP invite to our premier private screening event in Los Angeles!
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
(Travel & Lodge expenses not included)
$1,000
Festie Besties
Get an Associate Producer Credit. Plus one day as a VIP Guest on set and two tickets to the film fest of your choice.*
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
- Private Screening
*(Your choice of Film Festival that screens"Sinked Up". Travel & Lodge expenses not included.)
$2,500
Executive Sweet
Get an Executive Producer credit. Feel like Beyoncé.
In addition to:
- Shoutout on Social Media
- Seed Packet & Character Playlists
- "Cactus Killer" Custom Sticker
- "No More Identity Crisis" Card
- VIP viewing link of completed film
- Signed BTS polaroid & first page of script
- Personalized Video & Signed Poster
- Private Screening
- Two tickets to the film fest of your choice and 1 day as a VIP guest on set.
(Travel & Lodge expenses not included)
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
The Team
Lexi Pappas is an actor, writer, and filmmaker. Her recent work includes the forthcoming dark comedy feature, Eating Cars, and the award-winning digital series, Us, which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Austin Web Fest. She’s the Creator, Writer and Producer of several short films and two seasons of a web series. She can currently be seen in the Immersive production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest with the Ovation Award-Nominated After Hours Theatre Company.
Morgan Smith is an actor, comedienne, writeur and producer person. She directed the youth theater program at the LA LGBT Center. She played a lead in the comedy-action short, Fork You, which won Best Original Story at the Josiah Media Festival; and a supporting role in the feature romcom, Almost Amazing, which premiered at the Hollywood Black Film Festival. You can catch her at the Laugh Riot Grrrl Festival this year with her female-driven comedy troupe, Macho.
Raechel Zarzynski is a director and videographer. She worked on the crew for some amazing TV shows including Jill Soloway's I Love Dick and Transparent. Her recent directing work includes music videos for Low Hum's Nebraska and Facial's Carrying the Load. She has produced several short films over the years and is currently in post on her short film Five Years, which she promises will be amazing.
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