Sweet Body
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Comedy, Family
Preparing to leave for college presents a huge shift in a family...right? Some do it well, and others...don't. Enter SWEET BODY, which gives us a glimpse into the world of an eccentric mother and her clean-cut daughter and the uncomfortable transition they experience before leaving for college.
Sweet Body
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short
Comedy, Family
1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
61 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Preparing to leave for college presents a huge shift in a family...right? Some do it well, and others...don't. Enter SWEET BODY, which gives us a glimpse into the world of an eccentric mother and her clean-cut daughter and the uncomfortable transition they experience before leaving for college.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story:
We all love Jade. Jade, unapologetic, over-the-top Jade, perfectionist mom Jade, obsessed with her weight Jade, except that she's hosting an 18th birthday party for her daughter and her friends, and she's totally putting her foot in it. She feeds them a funky shrimp salad (sorry kids), gives terrible college advice (oops!), and relates to them on a whole new level (say what?). But only because she desperately wants quality time alone with her daughter before she leaves for college. Will she sabotage their relationship to get what she wants?
The Inspiration:
LOGLINE: Can an over-the-top, beauty-obsessed mom host her daughter’s 18th birthday party, without sabotaging their relationship?
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
Have you ever wanted to ask for something so badly, yet you felt like you lost your voice? Like you didn’t have the skills to clearly communicate, even though you knew exactly what you wanted. Hi! I’m Niki Sterner, and for years I’ve trained myself to be quiet and fit in.
As a rambunctious little first grader with a mullet haircut and not much of a filter, I was busy riding motorcycles, playing kickball in the street, and having big dreams in a small town in Montana.
One spring day, my first grade class was getting our photo taken for the yearbook. It felt good being out of our desks, and I didn’t care that I was wearing blue jeans, a plain white button up shirt, nothing fancy. I didn’t need fancy. My clothes didn’t feel like a big deal, because I was the big deal. I was the clown, jokes poured out of me left and right, I was so focused on making my friends crack-up laughing. THAT was the shiznit.
Suddenly, my teacher said my name. “Niki? Stop. You need to calm down. Get back in line and be quiet.”
I stopped dead in my tracks. That was the first time I remember being told to Stop. You’re too big, too much. Embarrassment and shame lingered like a hot tingle on my neck. I wanted to shake it off.
Then as a sixth grader, I was asked to sing in a small group at the front of the class in choir. As a Paula Abdul super-fan, and aspiring triple threat, I knew I was born for this moment. Bouncing down the steps with glee, (because you know that I’m forever your girl), the notes floated out of me. I was nailing it.
THIS was my moment. The spotlight WAS me. All 50 pairs of eyes trained solely on little Niki. The star. I hit my final note, and paused for the raging applause coming my way. But it was quiet.
The teacher looked at me. He opened his lips in a half smile that said “really?” and then he said the words that caused a ripple of red-hot shame through my body. “Niki. That was a bit much. Let’s take it down a notch, K? This isn’t all about you.”
And all I know is that I’m not the only one this happened to… right?
Ouch! These life-shaping moments really stand out in my memories. They were embarrassing and I knew I did not want to be ashamed in front of people again, so I made myself smaller. Quieter. And I was praised for it. I became the Valedictorian. Teacher’s Pet. People pleaser to the max.
Decades later, and I’m still trying to get back to that confident, playful, energetic little self I once was.
I want to see more women show up as the person they really are meant to be in the world!
Enter, Jade.
An unapologetic, over-the-top, beauty-obsessed mom who wants to host her daughter’s 18th birthday party. But her questionable antics run the risk of sabotaging their relationship for good.
It’s quirky, raucous, heartfelt. And I wrote this story to break the silence.
And I want you to come along for the ride with me as we take back the fun.
The event that inspired the film:
This is a love letter to my daughter Kelsey, who inspires me every day to speak clearly (say what you mean Mom!), work hard, and be kind to everyone. Recently, on the day of her high school graduation, I was steaming her honors sash and we had a heart to heart. I told her that I was really going to miss her and how sorry I was if I seemed quiet or sad today. I could see her light up as we connected in this vulnerable moment, and I realized how valuable that direct communication was for our future relationship.
She recently left the nest to become a Georgia Bulldog (Go Dawgs!), and I miss her every day. As the oldest child, she has taught me so many lessons (no, really, she's got a 4.6, and I couldn't help her with homework for many years, which I didn't mind...wink wink), and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her beautiful heart guiding me (or keeping me in line?). She deserves all the love, joy and success that is coming her way. Mwah!
The Budget: Why we need you!!!
Sweet Body is currently in Post-Production. We have a wonderful and equitable cast and crew with women fairly represented on set. We are seeking to raise $8,000 to cover the costs of production, which include:
- paying our cast and crew
- securing cameras
- lighting and sound equipment
- post-production
- art department
- festival submission fees
- feeding the team.
Our Post-Production timeline includes:
- editing
- color-correction
- sound-mixing
- theme song
- music composition
We want this film to look amazing and come alive on your screen! After Post-Production is complete, we will begin the process of submitting Sweet Body to film festivals. We'll focus mostly on those with comedy, family, and women themes.
Stretch Goals: Why we need you even more!!!
If we raise $8,000, we'll be able to cover the costs of producing the film.
If we raise $10,000 or more. we'll be able to cover film festival submissions AND promotional travel to ensure we can reach a larger audience with women's stories.
The Timeline:
We hope to screen SWEET BODY at film festivals in 2024 after which time we will release it to the public online.
The Cast of Characters: in the order they appear in the film
Niki is a writer, director, producer, and actor living in Atlanta, Georgia. She studied the Meisner technique at The Ruskin School in Los Angeles under John Ruskin. She's been in numerous commercials and short films, is a podcast host, and improv comedian. As a Life Coach and Transformational Speaker, she empowers women to redefine their roles and live their dream life. Niki is married with 3 amazing kids. www.nikisterner.com
Ansleigh or “Funk” as she goes by on stage, is an actor and comedian who has made it her life goal to make people around her laugh, which is why she joined Take This! Comedy! Funk’s first love is improv and she especially enjoys the parody shows, starring as Luke Skywalker, Edward Cullen or Peeta Mellark. She is currently a sophomore at the University of North Georgia studying filmmaking. She co-created a sitcom with Tim Pruitt. Check it out on YouTube at Take This! Comedy.
Tim Pruitt is an actor, comedian, and producer from North Georgia. Tim started Take This! Comedy, with weekly Friday Night Live comedy shows, focusing on improv, stand-up, and all forms of comedy in Dahlonega at Canopy + The Roots. Tim can be seen on stages all across Georgia, in places such as Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah! He co-stars and co-directs "Take This! The Show!" on YouTube!
Ansley Kate (or "AK" as she goes by), is an actor and member of Take This! Comedy Improv group in Dahlonega. She is currently a student at the University of North Georgia, pursuing filmmaking.
Cody is an actor and member of 2 Improv Troupes, including Take This! Comedy in Dahlonega and D.F.E.P.P. in Blairsville. He is a student at the University of North Georgia in Gainesville, pursing filmmaking and theater.
The World: Tone & Mood
The Overall Feeling (of the film) was inspired by "Gilmore Girls" meets "Bridesmaids".
The Coloring (of the film) was inspired by "The Barbie Movie" meets "Greener Grass".
The Setting (of the film) was also inspired by "The Barbie Movie", a tropical paradise themed party.
More Ways To Help!!!
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Facebook, Twitter, (Sweet Body) Instagram, and (Niki Sterner) Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #SWEETBODYSHORTFILM
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about Sweet Body. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Why are you using Seed&Spark instead of some other platform?
We ❤️ Seed&Spark because they share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity in front of AND behind the camera.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,320
Let's make sure our beautifully diverse cast & crew gets paid fair wages!
Equipment Rental
Costs $880
Great equipment produces top notch footage...and we only want the best for you!
Post-Production
Costs $1,200
Editing, Theme Song, Scoring, and Color Correction....oh the fun we'll have!!
Art Department
Costs $800
Set design, props and all those beautifully tropical decorations for the paradise party, to make the set feel like a dream!
Food...get in my belly!
Costs $240
For energy and brain food...must...eat...now.
Festivals
Costs $400
We want to promote women in film and share our message with the festivals that support women's storytelling.
Locations
Costs $160
We're trying to make this film really pop!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Thank you to our amazing team:
Niki is a writer, director, producer, and actor living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a first time filmmaker who believes in the power of an equitable set and having female voices represented through storytelling and directing. She is mentored by Izzy Stevens in the "Breakthrough" filmmaker power group in Los Angeles, as well as Hannah Pniewski, the 1st AD on the set of "Sweet Body".
Blake Studwell was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida in 2010, specializing in narrative filmmaking. He currently shoots indie films and commercials in Atlanta. Georgia. He has won numerous awards including Best Writer, Director, and Cinematographer. His camera and lighting rental company is www.guerrillagear.co.
Hannah is an actor, writer, and director in Atlanta, Georgia. She is known for FOX's 'The Resident', Netflix's 'Hillbilly Elegy', Netflix's 'Insatiable' and the second season of Netflix's hit show 'Ozark'. She is represented by Stewart Talent. She grew up performing in community theatre productions with The Company Acting Studio and became a member of the Thespian Society in high school. She began her college years as a history major but soon switched to theatre, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Georgia College & State University and continued her education at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), from which she received a Degree in Classical Acting.
Patrick left the corporate world after 23 years and became a professional photographer. He believes everyone has a story, and they can tell that story just by looking into a camera. Your story is important and he wants to help you tell it. Because that's what makes a great picture. A story. Your story. He's called Atlanta home now for 20 years, and it's here where he's living happily ever after with his wife of 27 years and two daughters, who are off to college! You can see his work (headshots, senior portraits, and editorials) on his website. www.marciglianophoto.com
Karie Vieira was raised in Massachusetts and is based in Atlanta, but considers wherever she is experiencing life her home. As a writer, content creator, actor, maker of things and vintage-everything enthusiast, Karie embraces the opportunity to share her talents wherever they are needed most - all in the name of creative collaboration! When she's not on set, Karie works as a registered nurse. She loves traveling with her partner and two children, thrifting, being walked by her dogs, eating croissants and staring at the sky. Karie also wants you to remember you're a beautiful person.
Christian began his career in the indie horror circuit of South Florida, where he cut his teeth and moved on to Atlanta. In the ATL, he continues the work, writing, shooting, and making music. Christian cannot be defeated through conventional means, and does not operate a shrimping vessel off the Georgia coast.
Jason, AKA J. Wu, from the Detroit area, graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with a major in Media & Information and a minor in Fiction Film. He moved to Atlanta in 2019 where he started out as a Production Assistant before working as a Set Lighting Technician on Commercials and Narrative Projects. Since 2022, J. Wu has been working as a Gaffer, and also works with Blake's company, Guerrilla Gear.
Victor is a sound mixer born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Film/Television in 2020. Currently, he does sound for commercials, documentaries, and indie productions in Atlanta. When he's not mixing on set, he is a drummer in a local band, occasionally playing at the historic Plaza Theatre.
Matty is a recording artist, actor, and producer who attended San Diego State University Film School. He also performed Stand Up at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. As a musician, he loves to incorporate that humor into his jams. He performs original songs as well as covers at his favorite place, Smith's Olde Bar, in Atlanta, Georgia. When not performing, he enjoys searching for treasures at garage sales and reselling on the internet!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story:
We all love Jade. Jade, unapologetic, over-the-top Jade, perfectionist mom Jade, obsessed with her weight Jade, except that she's hosting an 18th birthday party for her daughter and her friends, and she's totally putting her foot in it. She feeds them a funky shrimp salad (sorry kids), gives terrible college advice (oops!), and relates to them on a whole new level (say what?). But only because she desperately wants quality time alone with her daughter before she leaves for college. Will she sabotage their relationship to get what she wants?
The Inspiration:
LOGLINE: Can an over-the-top, beauty-obsessed mom host her daughter’s 18th birthday party, without sabotaging their relationship?
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
Have you ever wanted to ask for something so badly, yet you felt like you lost your voice? Like you didn’t have the skills to clearly communicate, even though you knew exactly what you wanted. Hi! I’m Niki Sterner, and for years I’ve trained myself to be quiet and fit in.
As a rambunctious little first grader with a mullet haircut and not much of a filter, I was busy riding motorcycles, playing kickball in the street, and having big dreams in a small town in Montana.
One spring day, my first grade class was getting our photo taken for the yearbook. It felt good being out of our desks, and I didn’t care that I was wearing blue jeans, a plain white button up shirt, nothing fancy. I didn’t need fancy. My clothes didn’t feel like a big deal, because I was the big deal. I was the clown, jokes poured out of me left and right, I was so focused on making my friends crack-up laughing. THAT was the shiznit.
Suddenly, my teacher said my name. “Niki? Stop. You need to calm down. Get back in line and be quiet.”
I stopped dead in my tracks. That was the first time I remember being told to Stop. You’re too big, too much. Embarrassment and shame lingered like a hot tingle on my neck. I wanted to shake it off.
Then as a sixth grader, I was asked to sing in a small group at the front of the class in choir. As a Paula Abdul super-fan, and aspiring triple threat, I knew I was born for this moment. Bouncing down the steps with glee, (because you know that I’m forever your girl), the notes floated out of me. I was nailing it.
THIS was my moment. The spotlight WAS me. All 50 pairs of eyes trained solely on little Niki. The star. I hit my final note, and paused for the raging applause coming my way. But it was quiet.
The teacher looked at me. He opened his lips in a half smile that said “really?” and then he said the words that caused a ripple of red-hot shame through my body. “Niki. That was a bit much. Let’s take it down a notch, K? This isn’t all about you.”
And all I know is that I’m not the only one this happened to… right?
Ouch! These life-shaping moments really stand out in my memories. They were embarrassing and I knew I did not want to be ashamed in front of people again, so I made myself smaller. Quieter. And I was praised for it. I became the Valedictorian. Teacher’s Pet. People pleaser to the max.
Decades later, and I’m still trying to get back to that confident, playful, energetic little self I once was.
I want to see more women show up as the person they really are meant to be in the world!
Enter, Jade.
An unapologetic, over-the-top, beauty-obsessed mom who wants to host her daughter’s 18th birthday party. But her questionable antics run the risk of sabotaging their relationship for good.
It’s quirky, raucous, heartfelt. And I wrote this story to break the silence.
And I want you to come along for the ride with me as we take back the fun.
The event that inspired the film:
This is a love letter to my daughter Kelsey, who inspires me every day to speak clearly (say what you mean Mom!), work hard, and be kind to everyone. Recently, on the day of her high school graduation, I was steaming her honors sash and we had a heart to heart. I told her that I was really going to miss her and how sorry I was if I seemed quiet or sad today. I could see her light up as we connected in this vulnerable moment, and I realized how valuable that direct communication was for our future relationship.
She recently left the nest to become a Georgia Bulldog (Go Dawgs!), and I miss her every day. As the oldest child, she has taught me so many lessons (no, really, she's got a 4.6, and I couldn't help her with homework for many years, which I didn't mind...wink wink), and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her beautiful heart guiding me (or keeping me in line?). She deserves all the love, joy and success that is coming her way. Mwah!
The Budget: Why we need you!!!
Sweet Body is currently in Post-Production. We have a wonderful and equitable cast and crew with women fairly represented on set. We are seeking to raise $8,000 to cover the costs of production, which include:
- paying our cast and crew
- securing cameras
- lighting and sound equipment
- post-production
- art department
- festival submission fees
- feeding the team.
Our Post-Production timeline includes:
- editing
- color-correction
- sound-mixing
- theme song
- music composition
We want this film to look amazing and come alive on your screen! After Post-Production is complete, we will begin the process of submitting Sweet Body to film festivals. We'll focus mostly on those with comedy, family, and women themes.
Stretch Goals: Why we need you even more!!!
If we raise $8,000, we'll be able to cover the costs of producing the film.
If we raise $10,000 or more. we'll be able to cover film festival submissions AND promotional travel to ensure we can reach a larger audience with women's stories.
The Timeline:
We hope to screen SWEET BODY at film festivals in 2024 after which time we will release it to the public online.
The Cast of Characters: in the order they appear in the film
Niki is a writer, director, producer, and actor living in Atlanta, Georgia. She studied the Meisner technique at The Ruskin School in Los Angeles under John Ruskin. She's been in numerous commercials and short films, is a podcast host, and improv comedian. As a Life Coach and Transformational Speaker, she empowers women to redefine their roles and live their dream life. Niki is married with 3 amazing kids. www.nikisterner.com
Ansleigh or “Funk” as she goes by on stage, is an actor and comedian who has made it her life goal to make people around her laugh, which is why she joined Take This! Comedy! Funk’s first love is improv and she especially enjoys the parody shows, starring as Luke Skywalker, Edward Cullen or Peeta Mellark. She is currently a sophomore at the University of North Georgia studying filmmaking. She co-created a sitcom with Tim Pruitt. Check it out on YouTube at Take This! Comedy.
Tim Pruitt is an actor, comedian, and producer from North Georgia. Tim started Take This! Comedy, with weekly Friday Night Live comedy shows, focusing on improv, stand-up, and all forms of comedy in Dahlonega at Canopy + The Roots. Tim can be seen on stages all across Georgia, in places such as Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah! He co-stars and co-directs "Take This! The Show!" on YouTube!
Ansley Kate (or "AK" as she goes by), is an actor and member of Take This! Comedy Improv group in Dahlonega. She is currently a student at the University of North Georgia, pursuing filmmaking.
Cody is an actor and member of 2 Improv Troupes, including Take This! Comedy in Dahlonega and D.F.E.P.P. in Blairsville. He is a student at the University of North Georgia in Gainesville, pursing filmmaking and theater.
The World: Tone & Mood
The Overall Feeling (of the film) was inspired by "Gilmore Girls" meets "Bridesmaids".
The Coloring (of the film) was inspired by "The Barbie Movie" meets "Greener Grass".
The Setting (of the film) was also inspired by "The Barbie Movie", a tropical paradise themed party.
More Ways To Help!!!
1. FOLLOW US ON ALL OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Be sure to follow us here on Seed&Spark, but also on Facebook, Twitter, (Sweet Body) Instagram, and (Niki Sterner) Instagram. And encourage your friends to follow us too!
2. SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT #SWEETBODYSHORTFILM
Tell you friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about Sweet Body. Share our posts, campaign page, and our backer updates!
3. KEEP FOLLOWING OUR CAMPAIGN!
Regular visits to our Seed&Spark page keep you in the know AND increase our chances of being featured on the site!
Why are you using Seed&Spark instead of some other platform?
We ❤️ Seed&Spark because they share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity in front of AND behind the camera.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $4,320
Let's make sure our beautifully diverse cast & crew gets paid fair wages!
Equipment Rental
Costs $880
Great equipment produces top notch footage...and we only want the best for you!
Post-Production
Costs $1,200
Editing, Theme Song, Scoring, and Color Correction....oh the fun we'll have!!
Art Department
Costs $800
Set design, props and all those beautifully tropical decorations for the paradise party, to make the set feel like a dream!
Food...get in my belly!
Costs $240
For energy and brain food...must...eat...now.
Festivals
Costs $400
We want to promote women in film and share our message with the festivals that support women's storytelling.
Locations
Costs $160
We're trying to make this film really pop!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Thank you to our amazing team:
Niki is a writer, director, producer, and actor living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a first time filmmaker who believes in the power of an equitable set and having female voices represented through storytelling and directing. She is mentored by Izzy Stevens in the "Breakthrough" filmmaker power group in Los Angeles, as well as Hannah Pniewski, the 1st AD on the set of "Sweet Body".
Blake Studwell was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida in 2010, specializing in narrative filmmaking. He currently shoots indie films and commercials in Atlanta. Georgia. He has won numerous awards including Best Writer, Director, and Cinematographer. His camera and lighting rental company is www.guerrillagear.co.
Hannah is an actor, writer, and director in Atlanta, Georgia. She is known for FOX's 'The Resident', Netflix's 'Hillbilly Elegy', Netflix's 'Insatiable' and the second season of Netflix's hit show 'Ozark'. She is represented by Stewart Talent. She grew up performing in community theatre productions with The Company Acting Studio and became a member of the Thespian Society in high school. She began her college years as a history major but soon switched to theatre, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Georgia College & State University and continued her education at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), from which she received a Degree in Classical Acting.
Patrick left the corporate world after 23 years and became a professional photographer. He believes everyone has a story, and they can tell that story just by looking into a camera. Your story is important and he wants to help you tell it. Because that's what makes a great picture. A story. Your story. He's called Atlanta home now for 20 years, and it's here where he's living happily ever after with his wife of 27 years and two daughters, who are off to college! You can see his work (headshots, senior portraits, and editorials) on his website. www.marciglianophoto.com
Karie Vieira was raised in Massachusetts and is based in Atlanta, but considers wherever she is experiencing life her home. As a writer, content creator, actor, maker of things and vintage-everything enthusiast, Karie embraces the opportunity to share her talents wherever they are needed most - all in the name of creative collaboration! When she's not on set, Karie works as a registered nurse. She loves traveling with her partner and two children, thrifting, being walked by her dogs, eating croissants and staring at the sky. Karie also wants you to remember you're a beautiful person.
Christian began his career in the indie horror circuit of South Florida, where he cut his teeth and moved on to Atlanta. In the ATL, he continues the work, writing, shooting, and making music. Christian cannot be defeated through conventional means, and does not operate a shrimping vessel off the Georgia coast.
Jason, AKA J. Wu, from the Detroit area, graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with a major in Media & Information and a minor in Fiction Film. He moved to Atlanta in 2019 where he started out as a Production Assistant before working as a Set Lighting Technician on Commercials and Narrative Projects. Since 2022, J. Wu has been working as a Gaffer, and also works with Blake's company, Guerrilla Gear.
Victor is a sound mixer born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Film/Television in 2020. Currently, he does sound for commercials, documentaries, and indie productions in Atlanta. When he's not mixing on set, he is a drummer in a local band, occasionally playing at the historic Plaza Theatre.
Matty is a recording artist, actor, and producer who attended San Diego State University Film School. He also performed Stand Up at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. As a musician, he loves to incorporate that humor into his jams. He performs original songs as well as covers at his favorite place, Smith's Olde Bar, in Atlanta, Georgia. When not performing, he enjoys searching for treasures at garage sales and reselling on the internet!