Spotter
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
Spotter is a female-led espionage thriller about mentorship, ambition, and the complicated moment when the student no longer needs the teacher. Your support helps us create a bold, character-driven film that puts women at the center of a genre where they rarely get to lead.
Spotter
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
3 Campaigns | New York, United States
11 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$715
Goal: $6,513 for production
Spotter is a female-led espionage thriller about mentorship, ambition, and the complicated moment when the student no longer needs the teacher. Your support helps us create a bold, character-driven film that puts women at the center of a genre where they rarely get to lead.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Meet Spotter
Some people say, "I need you."
Others leave clues.
Spotter is a female-led espionage thriller about a veteran agent and her ambitious protƩgƩ navigating a dangerous mission, years of unspoken history, and a relationship built on equal parts trust, competition, and affection.
At its heart, Spotter isn't really about spies. It's about mentorship and trust. It's about the people who shape us, and what happens when those relationships are tested.
*Spotter mood board
WHY THIS STORY?
(from Keisha Bissram)
Spotter actually began long before there was a script.
Steffanie Blackmon and I met while studying at the William Esper Studio in New York in 2018. Years later, we both found ourselves in Los Angeles, where we reconnected and our friendship deepened through countless conversations about acting, filmmaking, and the realities of building a creative career.
Like many working actors, we kept coming back to the same frustration: waiting. Waiting for auditions, the right role, and the permission to create.
Originally, the goal was simple. Steff wanted to create a scene together: something that would challenge us as Esper-trained actors and strengthen our craft.
Together we developed Spotter, a contained espionage thriller centered on two women navigating trust, mentorship, and impossible choices.
For us, this film is about more than making another short. It's about continuing our artistic practice, creating the kinds of roles we want to play, and reminding ourselves that creativity isn't something you wait for...it's something you choose.
*Spotter mood board
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Independent filmmaking is truly a community effort. Every dollar raised through this campaign goes directly toward bringing Spotter to life.
Your support will help us cover:
- our warehouse filming location
- production crew
- wardrobe
- production design
- meals for our cast and crew
- equipment
- post-production
By supporting Spotter, you're helping a women-led creative team bring an original story to the screen while continuing to build opportunities for independent filmmakers.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Production is officially underway!
- Script complete
- Location secured
- Crew assembling
- Rehearsal scheduled
- Filming begins July 16
This campaign helps us get across the finish line.
JOIN THE MISSION
If you can't contribute financially, you can still make a huge impact.
You can help by:
- Following the campaign
- Sharing it with friends
- Posting it on social media
- Connecting us with potential supporters
Independent films are built one person at a time.
Thank you for believing in Spotter. We can't wait to share it with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
ā Craft Services
Costs $400
Keep our cast and crew fueled with snacks, drinks, coffee, and meals during a FULL day of production!
š Warehouse Location Rental (secured!)
Costs $1,763
Location secured! Help us cover the funds for warehouse location and rehearsal space.
š„ Cast & Crew
Costs $2,000
Support the talented cast and crew bringing Spotter to life with skill, heart, and dedication.
š¬ Production Design, Props & Wardrobe
Costs $700
Help create the world of Spotter through wardrobe, props, and production design details.
š» Post-Production
Costs $750
Editing, sound, and color transform our footage into the suspenseful film audiences will experience.
šļø Finish & Share the Film
Costs $450
Help launch Spotter into festivals and connect this story with audiences around the world.
š§° Miscellaneous / Production Contingency
Costs $450
The unexpected happens! This helps cover last-minute production needs and keeps us on schedule.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JAYA
perfomed by Keisha Bissram
Sharp, ambitious, and operating several steps ahead. Jaya moves fast and trusts her instincts, but beneath her confidence is a calculated risk that depends on someone elseā¦ whether they agree to it or not.
About Keisha Bissram: Keisha Bissram is a Los Angelesābased stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for blending sharp humor with grounded, emotionally rich storytelling.
Raised in an Indo-Caribbean household, her work draws from cultural specificity, vulnerability, and self-deprecationāusing comedy to explore feminism, identity, grief, and the absurdity of everyday life. Keisha performs stand-up throughout Los Angeles and has trained in stand-up comedy at The Crow, developing a voice that balances bold honesty and unapologetic silliness.
As an actor and filmmaker, she trained at The Barrow Group and the William Esper Studio, and her work spans commercials, theatre, independent film, and original projects, including the award-winning short The Woman in the Movie and her most recent film Black Cake, a festival-nominated short film currently on the circuit.
Her mission is to bring Indo-Caribbean stories to the front, create space for underrepresented voices, and make people laughāeven in the heavy moments.
QUINN
perfomed by Steffanie Blackmon
A seasoned agent; controlled, observant, and shaped by past missions that nearly cost her everything. She trusts instinct, but only when backed by information...until sheās forced to operate without it.
About Steffanie Blackmon: Steffanie is a professionally trained actor who completed the two-year conservatory program at New York City's renowned William Esper Studio. A lifelong creative, she first expressed herself through writing, drawing, and storytelling before returning to her passion for the arts after a successful career in professional sports and education.
Her on-screen credits include numerous short films along with several national commercials. With a unique blend of discipline, authenticity, and life experience, Steffanie brings depth and versatility to every role. She returns to her storytelling roots teaming up with Esper mate Keisha Bissram for their first collaboration, SPOTTER. Steffanie is excited to expand her work in television and feature films.
Before pursuing acting full-time, Steffanie was an All-American at Baylor University, where she helped lead the program to its first NCAA National Championship while earning Academic All-American honors. She was drafted by the Seattle Storm, played professionally overseas, and was later inducted into both the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame. She has also dedicated several years to education, teaching and mentoring students and teachers alike.
Nee Kirschman (she/they)
Director
Nee is an award-winning writer and director whose work blends bold visual storytelling with offbeat comedy and genre filmmaking. They wrote, directed, starred in, and edited the PBS children's series Hello! Hi! How Are You?, bringing a cast of puppet characters to life alongside acclaimed actors including Allison Janney and Ray Romano. Their horror-comedy short Scissor Sleepover screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals across North America, including Boston Underground Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, Screamfest Horror Film Festival, and San Diego International Film Festival. Nee has also written two animated feature films for Pinkfong and is currently developing elevated horror and comedy projects that combine practical effects, sharp satire, and unforgettable visuals. Neeās excited to work with these incredibly talented people to bring their unique style to a new genre.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Meet Spotter
Some people say, "I need you."
Others leave clues.
Spotter is a female-led espionage thriller about a veteran agent and her ambitious protƩgƩ navigating a dangerous mission, years of unspoken history, and a relationship built on equal parts trust, competition, and affection.
At its heart, Spotter isn't really about spies. It's about mentorship and trust. It's about the people who shape us, and what happens when those relationships are tested.
*Spotter mood board
WHY THIS STORY?
(from Keisha Bissram)
Spotter actually began long before there was a script.
Steffanie Blackmon and I met while studying at the William Esper Studio in New York in 2018. Years later, we both found ourselves in Los Angeles, where we reconnected and our friendship deepened through countless conversations about acting, filmmaking, and the realities of building a creative career.
Like many working actors, we kept coming back to the same frustration: waiting. Waiting for auditions, the right role, and the permission to create.
Originally, the goal was simple. Steff wanted to create a scene together: something that would challenge us as Esper-trained actors and strengthen our craft.
Together we developed Spotter, a contained espionage thriller centered on two women navigating trust, mentorship, and impossible choices.
For us, this film is about more than making another short. It's about continuing our artistic practice, creating the kinds of roles we want to play, and reminding ourselves that creativity isn't something you wait for...it's something you choose.
*Spotter mood board
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Independent filmmaking is truly a community effort. Every dollar raised through this campaign goes directly toward bringing Spotter to life.
Your support will help us cover:
- our warehouse filming location
- production crew
- wardrobe
- production design
- meals for our cast and crew
- equipment
- post-production
By supporting Spotter, you're helping a women-led creative team bring an original story to the screen while continuing to build opportunities for independent filmmakers.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Production is officially underway!
- Script complete
- Location secured
- Crew assembling
- Rehearsal scheduled
- Filming begins July 16
This campaign helps us get across the finish line.
JOIN THE MISSION
If you can't contribute financially, you can still make a huge impact.
You can help by:
- Following the campaign
- Sharing it with friends
- Posting it on social media
- Connecting us with potential supporters
Independent films are built one person at a time.
Thank you for believing in Spotter. We can't wait to share it with you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
ā Craft Services
Costs $400
Keep our cast and crew fueled with snacks, drinks, coffee, and meals during a FULL day of production!
š Warehouse Location Rental (secured!)
Costs $1,763
Location secured! Help us cover the funds for warehouse location and rehearsal space.
š„ Cast & Crew
Costs $2,000
Support the talented cast and crew bringing Spotter to life with skill, heart, and dedication.
š¬ Production Design, Props & Wardrobe
Costs $700
Help create the world of Spotter through wardrobe, props, and production design details.
š» Post-Production
Costs $750
Editing, sound, and color transform our footage into the suspenseful film audiences will experience.
šļø Finish & Share the Film
Costs $450
Help launch Spotter into festivals and connect this story with audiences around the world.
š§° Miscellaneous / Production Contingency
Costs $450
The unexpected happens! This helps cover last-minute production needs and keeps us on schedule.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JAYA
perfomed by Keisha Bissram
Sharp, ambitious, and operating several steps ahead. Jaya moves fast and trusts her instincts, but beneath her confidence is a calculated risk that depends on someone elseā¦ whether they agree to it or not.
About Keisha Bissram: Keisha Bissram is a Los Angelesābased stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for blending sharp humor with grounded, emotionally rich storytelling.
Raised in an Indo-Caribbean household, her work draws from cultural specificity, vulnerability, and self-deprecationāusing comedy to explore feminism, identity, grief, and the absurdity of everyday life. Keisha performs stand-up throughout Los Angeles and has trained in stand-up comedy at The Crow, developing a voice that balances bold honesty and unapologetic silliness.
As an actor and filmmaker, she trained at The Barrow Group and the William Esper Studio, and her work spans commercials, theatre, independent film, and original projects, including the award-winning short The Woman in the Movie and her most recent film Black Cake, a festival-nominated short film currently on the circuit.
Her mission is to bring Indo-Caribbean stories to the front, create space for underrepresented voices, and make people laughāeven in the heavy moments.
QUINN
perfomed by Steffanie Blackmon
A seasoned agent; controlled, observant, and shaped by past missions that nearly cost her everything. She trusts instinct, but only when backed by information...until sheās forced to operate without it.
About Steffanie Blackmon: Steffanie is a professionally trained actor who completed the two-year conservatory program at New York City's renowned William Esper Studio. A lifelong creative, she first expressed herself through writing, drawing, and storytelling before returning to her passion for the arts after a successful career in professional sports and education.
Her on-screen credits include numerous short films along with several national commercials. With a unique blend of discipline, authenticity, and life experience, Steffanie brings depth and versatility to every role. She returns to her storytelling roots teaming up with Esper mate Keisha Bissram for their first collaboration, SPOTTER. Steffanie is excited to expand her work in television and feature films.
Before pursuing acting full-time, Steffanie was an All-American at Baylor University, where she helped lead the program to its first NCAA National Championship while earning Academic All-American honors. She was drafted by the Seattle Storm, played professionally overseas, and was later inducted into both the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame. She has also dedicated several years to education, teaching and mentoring students and teachers alike.
Nee Kirschman (she/they)
Director
Nee is an award-winning writer and director whose work blends bold visual storytelling with offbeat comedy and genre filmmaking. They wrote, directed, starred in, and edited the PBS children's series Hello! Hi! How Are You?, bringing a cast of puppet characters to life alongside acclaimed actors including Allison Janney and Ray Romano. Their horror-comedy short Scissor Sleepover screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals across North America, including Boston Underground Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, Screamfest Horror Film Festival, and San Diego International Film Festival. Nee has also written two animated feature films for Pinkfong and is currently developing elevated horror and comedy projects that combine practical effects, sharp satire, and unforgettable visuals. Neeās excited to work with these incredibly talented people to bring their unique style to a new genre.