Taffy, Rita and The Rattlesnake Western
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
Musical, Western
Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake is a tale about power, revenge and confronting your past. We believe Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake has all the makings to satisfy all fans of westerns, whether you're a fan of musical westerns or gritty larger than life westerns in the vein of Sergio Leone.
Taffy, Rita and The Rattlesnake Western
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
Musical, Western
2 Campaigns | Pennsylvania, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,845 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
118 supporters | followers
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Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake is a tale about power, revenge and confronting your past. We believe Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake has all the makings to satisfy all fans of westerns, whether you're a fan of musical westerns or gritty larger than life westerns in the vein of Sergio Leone.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in 1888 Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake tells a story of revenge, trust and confronting your idols. The story centers around Taffy, a naïve, guitar-playing, wannabe bounty hunter in search of his estranged father. Along the way, he teams up with Rita Tejada, a woman hellbent on revenge against her former lover who slit her throat and left her for dead. The two have a common objective, find the ruthless Sam “Rattlesnake” King.
We don’t say “y’all” but it’s still a Western:
Joining us is:
Greg Poppa –
Greg Poppa will play Sam "Rattlesnake" King and wrote and will be directing the film.
As an actor Greg has worked on M. Night Shyamalan's Apple+ show "Servant", HBO's "Mind Over Murder", 2023 Sundance selected "Weapons and Their Names" as well as recently released "Transient" and 2023 Fantastic Fest selected "Falling Stars". Greg also stars in the upcoming horror film "Director's Cut" which will be in theaters this Halloween.
This will be Greg's third film as a director, with Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake Greg hopes to display more a sense of humor and wonder to contrast the explosive violence in the film.
Instagram: @bdawk511
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6679114/
Austin Greene
Austin will play our lead, Taffy Ladderback. A talented actor and musician Austin looks forward to bringing his blend of nuanced acting and slapstick humor to the role of Taffy. Formed over years of admiring Jim Carrey and Buster Keaton performances as well as being the lead singer of his band "The Mimic".
Instagram: @austin_conner_greene
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10556923/
Sugey Cruz –
Sugey Cruz will play Rita Tejada and is the film's Producer. She has won multiple awards and has worked with Disney, Universal, M. Night Shyamalan, Nicholas Cage and more.
Instagram: @miss_sugey_cruz
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4929338/
Other Cast Members
David Starr
David joins us as Mug 1. He is an international, award-winning fashion designer, actor, and production designer,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarrdesigner/
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2870518/
Brandon Keeton
Brandon joins us as Mug 2. Aside from being an actor, Brandon is also an award-winning writer, director and producer.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonscottkeeton/
IMDb: https://www.instagram.com/brandonscottkeeton/
Did we mention, it’s a musical?
While not conventionally a musical, Taffy is the kind of guy who thinks there’s a song for any moment and enjoys making others happy through song. While it sometimes agitates Rita, she learns that Taffy’s heart is in the right place and the two are able to bond over music. All songs in the film are original compositions from Director – Greg Poppa and Lead actor – Austin Greene.
(Austin Greene in his band "The Mimic)
Close and Personal:
As to be expected with any Roaming Shadow production we will be employing a certain level of body horror, and this isn’t for the squeamish. Director Greg Poppa certainly enjoys seeing these elements in great detail, highlighting the brilliant work of Izzy Isel of Trauma Queen SFX. We will once again be teaming up with Izzy to make audiences squirm a little, much to Greg’s delight.
Stills from Greg's directorial debut "Foxes" and most recent film "Cold"
(Make up artist Izzy Isel helps Greg get to set after beating him up)
The Heart:
At the heart of the film is the emotional journey of the characters. As Taffy learns more about his father the more the mythos around him begins to erode and while at first irritating to Rita, Taffy’s hope and joy remind her that there are good people in the world. And at the center is Rattlesnake who believes in neither good nor evil but what serves him and those most loyal to him.
(Sugey with our amazing picture horse Kobe)
About Roaming Shadow Productions
In 2022, Greg and Sugey met on a feature film they were both acting in and she was producing called “Transient” and they made a pretty quick creative duo. Since then they’ve worked on numerous projects both in front and behind the camera, “Cold” being their biggest to date. “Roaming Shadow Productions” is a production company where they look to tell stories about people up close and personal, looking at the ugly and beautiful in great detail. They hope to inspire in our audience a sense of belonging and community, so that they can reach out and practically touch the characters they see.
They both share a vision to bring great filmmaking to the Pennsylvania indie film scene. They believe PA has so much to offer in terms of talent, scenery, and locations and we are extremely proud that our film “Cold” was made of 100% PA-based talent and crew. Every film they make and work on is a learning experience and we plan on building on those experiences to make the best films they possibly can.
Follow us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@RoamingShadowProductions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costumes
Costs $1,500
Costumes can make or break any film, but in a western costumes are EVERYTHING. Help us have the slickest costumes in the west!
Prop Weapons
Costs $500
Can't have a shoot out without the guns, help us have SAFE and period accurate prop weapons on set!
Special Effects
Costs $2,000
We like to get gnarly and see the gnarl in a close up and this film has the gnarl!
Locations
Costs $1,700
Locations are key to giving us that western atmosphere
Score
Costs $2,000
The score sets the tone of the film, think Morricone meets Willie Nelson
Camera Package
Costs $2,000
You can do everything right but without the camera package you'll miss the finer details. We plan to film on beautiful anamorphic lenses!
Feedin the crew
Costs $1,000
A fed crew is a happy crew, help us keep the crew happy!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Utilizing the skills of some of the talented filmmakers in Pennsylvania, we aim to make a film that is equal parts dynamic, humorous and brutal. With over 130 awards and an additional 52 nominations, our team has worked with some of the best in the industry including: Nicholas Cage, M. Night Shyalaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Peter Sarsgaard, Billy Magnessun, Heather Graham, Kevin Nealon, Matt Walsh, and many more.
We aim to bring all of our diverse talents together behind a project that highlights what can be accomplished by an indie team regardless of budget.
Austin Greene
Austin will play our lead, Taffy Ladderback. https://www.instagram.com/austin_conner_greene/
Austin Greene is an American actor best known for playing comedic and dark twisted characters. He has worked on numerous indie features and shorts including "Loose Ends" which won best acting ensemble at the New York International Film Awards 2021. He has been the face of many independent films, and was a supporting character in the short film "Righteous" which was an official selection at both the 2022 San Francisco Short Film Festival and the 2022 Prague Independent Film Festival. Austin can also be seen in many commercials including Weis Markets, Rite Aid, F&M Trust, and Westshore Homes.
Austin began his varied on stage career in 2014 as a singer/songwriter at the modest open mic nights of his hometown in Gettysburg, PA. and soon found himself moving up to improv comedy at The Harrisburg Improv Theatre, and the community theater; often balancing multiple shows simultaneously at a few different locations over the next couple of years. His Improv experience exposed him to a short film festival called "Vid-jam" where he began learning the ins and outs of filmmaking, working in front of and behind the camera on over 15 short films from 2018-2021; garnering connections to the greater filming communities in the Lancaster, York, and Philly markets of PA, as well as the DMV.
Aside from film work, Austin is also the lead singer and lyricist of the band "The Mimic" which is currently working on their third album; and even wrote and co-produced an original song for "Merry Pawmus" entitled: "Something about Borphy" which won Best Original song at the New York International Film Festival in 2023.
Austin resides in his hometown and was married in August of 2020. He is the father of four children.
Sugey Cruz –
Sugey Cruz will play Rita Tejada and is the film's Producer.
Sugey Cruz is an actress and filmmaker, whose collaborations have included Universal Pictures, Disney, Blinding Edge Films, and Phi Phen Studios. Sugey's expertise spans a variety of crucial positions on both film and commercial sets, including acting, serving as a continuity supervisor, all aspects of production, as well as Health and Safety/Covid Compliance.
Sugey began her filmmaking career as a documentary film producer for the Oscar-qualifying film, "The US of Autism". Other projects of note have included "The Old Way" and "Butcher's Crossing" starring Nicholas Cage; "Hellbent on Boogie" starring Shiloh Fernandez; "Coup!" starring Peter Saragaard and the Apple TV+ show "Servant" and feature film "Knock at the Cabin" from Director M. Night Shyamalan.
Most recently, Sugey co-founded Roaming Shadow Productions with creative partner, Greg Poppa. There are several projects coming out under that umbrella including "Transient" (with BMN Films), "Good Mothers" (with Proffittable Productions) and "Cold" which Greg wrote and directed and Sugey did the Spanish translations for and starred in.
Outside of her film work, Sugey engages in philanthropic works particularly involved in supporting causes related to Autism and related conditions and she has been learning Western-style horseback riding for the last year.
Greg Poppa –
Greg Poppa will play Sam "Rattlesnake" King and wrote and will be directing the film.
Greg Poppa was born in Philadelphia. He began his creative career writing short stories as a child before moving into acting in his early 20s. Greg has worked on several big budget productions such as M. Night Shyamalan's Apple+ show "Servant" and HBO's "Mind Over Murder" as well as numerous indie features and shorts including "Weapons and Their Names" which has been nominated for best short film at Sundance Film Festival 2023. Greg made his directorial debut in the short film "Foxes".
When he's not working on films, Greg can usually be found playing guitar, piano, ice hockey, boxing or riding horses. Greg studies acting under Lisa Pelikan at HB Studio in NYC.
Chris Cole
Chris joins us as our Director of Photography and founded the production company, Dynamic Motion Picturez. Chris J Cole is known for The Contract Musical (2021), Some Sunny Day (2022), and Untitled Floating Mom Short (2022). He has worked with filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan and DP'ed the music video for Saleka Shyamalan for "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
Meghan Clayton
Meghan joins the crew as the First Assistant Director. She has worked in the industry as a Producer, First AD, and Makeup Artist.
Noel Sadak
Noel will be our Gaffer and has experience on various sets including the recent "Maybe We Should" feature film on the Grip and Electric team. His other credits include "James" and "Lieutenant Liam."
Crescentia Volz
Crescentia spent their childhood years on the West Coast, between Washington and California, learning dance, art, costume design, and an appreciation for nature. Adolescence brought a change of scenery, to Wisconsin, where adulthood beckoned.
After a short time adventuring, Crescentia settled for a time in Dubuque, Iowa. It was here that this filmmaker's career began. With a growing family, and a broadening professional network, Crescentia worked on many short films and directed a first feature film, Black Friday (2017), with the assistance of collaborator Jayme Schmitt, and the Great River Film Initiative.
Iowa offered many opportunities in film, theater, and a haunted attraction (Dark Chambers), but a new adventure called in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Crescentia now calls "home." Crescentia continues to be an active member in the local indie film community in Lancaster, as well as traveling for projects across the country, from coast to coast.
They join us as both the Production and Costume Designer.
Izzy Isel
Izzy Isel is am award-winning, professional special effects makeup artist based in Philadelphia. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Izzy is 23 years old and has spent the past 5 years perfecting her craft. She has a passion for horror, gore and bringing others' ideas to life!
Richie DeVon
Richie has spent the better part of the last few years building up his talents and abilities in front of and behind the microphone. He has been extremely active in DIY music for over 10 years, being a member of bands like Lástima, No Gods, Half/Cross & more. Outside of the scene, Richie has a Bachelor of Science in music from Boyer College of Music. He has trained, assisted, and worked with some of the best engineers in the area including Grammy-Nominated producer Will Yip at Studio 4, Joe Reinhart, Kyle Pulley, & Mark Watter at Headroom Studios. While at these studios he learned from and helped on sessions with Bouncing Souls, Quicksand, Tigers Jaw, Caspian, and several other acts. Eager and purposeful, Richie has already begun to craft a sound and a portfolio that seeks to put the artist's sound and vision first and foremost above all else.
He joins us for a third time as our composer. Previously he worked with us on "Foxes" and "Cold".
Jeremiah Hornbacker
Jeremiah Hornbaker was born on February 12, 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, USA. He is an art director and production designer, known for Emancipation (2022), Imperium (2016) and Hush (2008). He joins the team as a professional armorer. He has previously worked in this capacity on several feature films including Nicholas Cage's "Butcher's Crossing" and Samuel L. Jackson's and Pierce Brosnan's, "The Unholy Trinity".
Erik Neill
Erik Walker Neill is known for "Calls," "The Rogues: Dawn of the Black Sun" and "Turbo Cola". He joins our team as both cast and crew as a stunt coordinator.
Other Cast Members
David Starr
As an international, award-winning fashion designer, actor, and production designer, Starr's client list includes some of the biggest names in show business. He has worked in over 60 countries, on motion pictures, television, concert tours, and live theater. Starr's fashion creations have graced the runways of Milan, New York, Florence, Berlin, Las Vegas, and at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. He has appeared on many international television shows, as well as worked behind the camera as a designer and creator of illusionary effects. Starr has also been featured on the covers of many international fashion and entertainment magazines, as well as recently starred in his own comic book called "RockStarr Designer", published by Earth Dog Studios.
Brandon Keeton
Dad, Husband, retired Marine, retired Boxer, Martial Artist, former Martial Arts School Owner, Entrepreneur, Actor, Producer, and all around workaholic.
He received a scholarship to College (Morehead State University in KY) for Acting and did not take it. He joined the Marine Corps instead in 1992 and stayed for 21 years. After retiring from the service, he opened his own martial arts academy and as of December of 2020, sold the Academy, though he still teaches there on occasion.
Owning a business, he found himself doing his own commercials and Public Service Announcements and thought he'd give acting another shot and the results have been great.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Set in 1888 Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake tells a story of revenge, trust and confronting your idols. The story centers around Taffy, a naïve, guitar-playing, wannabe bounty hunter in search of his estranged father. Along the way, he teams up with Rita Tejada, a woman hellbent on revenge against her former lover who slit her throat and left her for dead. The two have a common objective, find the ruthless Sam “Rattlesnake” King.
We don’t say “y’all” but it’s still a Western:
Joining us is:
Greg Poppa –
Greg Poppa will play Sam "Rattlesnake" King and wrote and will be directing the film.
As an actor Greg has worked on M. Night Shyamalan's Apple+ show "Servant", HBO's "Mind Over Murder", 2023 Sundance selected "Weapons and Their Names" as well as recently released "Transient" and 2023 Fantastic Fest selected "Falling Stars". Greg also stars in the upcoming horror film "Director's Cut" which will be in theaters this Halloween.
This will be Greg's third film as a director, with Taffy, Rita and the Rattlesnake Greg hopes to display more a sense of humor and wonder to contrast the explosive violence in the film.
Instagram: @bdawk511
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6679114/
Austin Greene
Austin will play our lead, Taffy Ladderback. A talented actor and musician Austin looks forward to bringing his blend of nuanced acting and slapstick humor to the role of Taffy. Formed over years of admiring Jim Carrey and Buster Keaton performances as well as being the lead singer of his band "The Mimic".
Instagram: @austin_conner_greene
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10556923/
Sugey Cruz –
Sugey Cruz will play Rita Tejada and is the film's Producer. She has won multiple awards and has worked with Disney, Universal, M. Night Shyamalan, Nicholas Cage and more.
Instagram: @miss_sugey_cruz
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4929338/
Other Cast Members
David Starr
David joins us as Mug 1. He is an international, award-winning fashion designer, actor, and production designer,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstarrdesigner/
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2870518/
Brandon Keeton
Brandon joins us as Mug 2. Aside from being an actor, Brandon is also an award-winning writer, director and producer.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonscottkeeton/
IMDb: https://www.instagram.com/brandonscottkeeton/
Did we mention, it’s a musical?
While not conventionally a musical, Taffy is the kind of guy who thinks there’s a song for any moment and enjoys making others happy through song. While it sometimes agitates Rita, she learns that Taffy’s heart is in the right place and the two are able to bond over music. All songs in the film are original compositions from Director – Greg Poppa and Lead actor – Austin Greene.
(Austin Greene in his band "The Mimic)
Close and Personal:
As to be expected with any Roaming Shadow production we will be employing a certain level of body horror, and this isn’t for the squeamish. Director Greg Poppa certainly enjoys seeing these elements in great detail, highlighting the brilliant work of Izzy Isel of Trauma Queen SFX. We will once again be teaming up with Izzy to make audiences squirm a little, much to Greg’s delight.
Stills from Greg's directorial debut "Foxes" and most recent film "Cold"
(Make up artist Izzy Isel helps Greg get to set after beating him up)
The Heart:
At the heart of the film is the emotional journey of the characters. As Taffy learns more about his father the more the mythos around him begins to erode and while at first irritating to Rita, Taffy’s hope and joy remind her that there are good people in the world. And at the center is Rattlesnake who believes in neither good nor evil but what serves him and those most loyal to him.
(Sugey with our amazing picture horse Kobe)
About Roaming Shadow Productions
In 2022, Greg and Sugey met on a feature film they were both acting in and she was producing called “Transient” and they made a pretty quick creative duo. Since then they’ve worked on numerous projects both in front and behind the camera, “Cold” being their biggest to date. “Roaming Shadow Productions” is a production company where they look to tell stories about people up close and personal, looking at the ugly and beautiful in great detail. They hope to inspire in our audience a sense of belonging and community, so that they can reach out and practically touch the characters they see.
They both share a vision to bring great filmmaking to the Pennsylvania indie film scene. They believe PA has so much to offer in terms of talent, scenery, and locations and we are extremely proud that our film “Cold” was made of 100% PA-based talent and crew. Every film they make and work on is a learning experience and we plan on building on those experiences to make the best films they possibly can.
Follow us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@RoamingShadowProductions
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Costumes
Costs $1,500
Costumes can make or break any film, but in a western costumes are EVERYTHING. Help us have the slickest costumes in the west!
Prop Weapons
Costs $500
Can't have a shoot out without the guns, help us have SAFE and period accurate prop weapons on set!
Special Effects
Costs $2,000
We like to get gnarly and see the gnarl in a close up and this film has the gnarl!
Locations
Costs $1,700
Locations are key to giving us that western atmosphere
Score
Costs $2,000
The score sets the tone of the film, think Morricone meets Willie Nelson
Camera Package
Costs $2,000
You can do everything right but without the camera package you'll miss the finer details. We plan to film on beautiful anamorphic lenses!
Feedin the crew
Costs $1,000
A fed crew is a happy crew, help us keep the crew happy!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Utilizing the skills of some of the talented filmmakers in Pennsylvania, we aim to make a film that is equal parts dynamic, humorous and brutal. With over 130 awards and an additional 52 nominations, our team has worked with some of the best in the industry including: Nicholas Cage, M. Night Shyalaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Peter Sarsgaard, Billy Magnessun, Heather Graham, Kevin Nealon, Matt Walsh, and many more.
We aim to bring all of our diverse talents together behind a project that highlights what can be accomplished by an indie team regardless of budget.
Austin Greene
Austin will play our lead, Taffy Ladderback. https://www.instagram.com/austin_conner_greene/
Austin Greene is an American actor best known for playing comedic and dark twisted characters. He has worked on numerous indie features and shorts including "Loose Ends" which won best acting ensemble at the New York International Film Awards 2021. He has been the face of many independent films, and was a supporting character in the short film "Righteous" which was an official selection at both the 2022 San Francisco Short Film Festival and the 2022 Prague Independent Film Festival. Austin can also be seen in many commercials including Weis Markets, Rite Aid, F&M Trust, and Westshore Homes.
Austin began his varied on stage career in 2014 as a singer/songwriter at the modest open mic nights of his hometown in Gettysburg, PA. and soon found himself moving up to improv comedy at The Harrisburg Improv Theatre, and the community theater; often balancing multiple shows simultaneously at a few different locations over the next couple of years. His Improv experience exposed him to a short film festival called "Vid-jam" where he began learning the ins and outs of filmmaking, working in front of and behind the camera on over 15 short films from 2018-2021; garnering connections to the greater filming communities in the Lancaster, York, and Philly markets of PA, as well as the DMV.
Aside from film work, Austin is also the lead singer and lyricist of the band "The Mimic" which is currently working on their third album; and even wrote and co-produced an original song for "Merry Pawmus" entitled: "Something about Borphy" which won Best Original song at the New York International Film Festival in 2023.
Austin resides in his hometown and was married in August of 2020. He is the father of four children.
Sugey Cruz –
Sugey Cruz will play Rita Tejada and is the film's Producer.
Sugey Cruz is an actress and filmmaker, whose collaborations have included Universal Pictures, Disney, Blinding Edge Films, and Phi Phen Studios. Sugey's expertise spans a variety of crucial positions on both film and commercial sets, including acting, serving as a continuity supervisor, all aspects of production, as well as Health and Safety/Covid Compliance.
Sugey began her filmmaking career as a documentary film producer for the Oscar-qualifying film, "The US of Autism". Other projects of note have included "The Old Way" and "Butcher's Crossing" starring Nicholas Cage; "Hellbent on Boogie" starring Shiloh Fernandez; "Coup!" starring Peter Saragaard and the Apple TV+ show "Servant" and feature film "Knock at the Cabin" from Director M. Night Shyamalan.
Most recently, Sugey co-founded Roaming Shadow Productions with creative partner, Greg Poppa. There are several projects coming out under that umbrella including "Transient" (with BMN Films), "Good Mothers" (with Proffittable Productions) and "Cold" which Greg wrote and directed and Sugey did the Spanish translations for and starred in.
Outside of her film work, Sugey engages in philanthropic works particularly involved in supporting causes related to Autism and related conditions and she has been learning Western-style horseback riding for the last year.
Greg Poppa –
Greg Poppa will play Sam "Rattlesnake" King and wrote and will be directing the film.
Greg Poppa was born in Philadelphia. He began his creative career writing short stories as a child before moving into acting in his early 20s. Greg has worked on several big budget productions such as M. Night Shyamalan's Apple+ show "Servant" and HBO's "Mind Over Murder" as well as numerous indie features and shorts including "Weapons and Their Names" which has been nominated for best short film at Sundance Film Festival 2023. Greg made his directorial debut in the short film "Foxes".
When he's not working on films, Greg can usually be found playing guitar, piano, ice hockey, boxing or riding horses. Greg studies acting under Lisa Pelikan at HB Studio in NYC.
Chris Cole
Chris joins us as our Director of Photography and founded the production company, Dynamic Motion Picturez. Chris J Cole is known for The Contract Musical (2021), Some Sunny Day (2022), and Untitled Floating Mom Short (2022). He has worked with filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan and DP'ed the music video for Saleka Shyamalan for "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
Meghan Clayton
Meghan joins the crew as the First Assistant Director. She has worked in the industry as a Producer, First AD, and Makeup Artist.
Noel Sadak
Noel will be our Gaffer and has experience on various sets including the recent "Maybe We Should" feature film on the Grip and Electric team. His other credits include "James" and "Lieutenant Liam."
Crescentia Volz
Crescentia spent their childhood years on the West Coast, between Washington and California, learning dance, art, costume design, and an appreciation for nature. Adolescence brought a change of scenery, to Wisconsin, where adulthood beckoned.
After a short time adventuring, Crescentia settled for a time in Dubuque, Iowa. It was here that this filmmaker's career began. With a growing family, and a broadening professional network, Crescentia worked on many short films and directed a first feature film, Black Friday (2017), with the assistance of collaborator Jayme Schmitt, and the Great River Film Initiative.
Iowa offered many opportunities in film, theater, and a haunted attraction (Dark Chambers), but a new adventure called in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Crescentia now calls "home." Crescentia continues to be an active member in the local indie film community in Lancaster, as well as traveling for projects across the country, from coast to coast.
They join us as both the Production and Costume Designer.
Izzy Isel
Izzy Isel is am award-winning, professional special effects makeup artist based in Philadelphia. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Izzy is 23 years old and has spent the past 5 years perfecting her craft. She has a passion for horror, gore and bringing others' ideas to life!
Richie DeVon
Richie has spent the better part of the last few years building up his talents and abilities in front of and behind the microphone. He has been extremely active in DIY music for over 10 years, being a member of bands like Lástima, No Gods, Half/Cross & more. Outside of the scene, Richie has a Bachelor of Science in music from Boyer College of Music. He has trained, assisted, and worked with some of the best engineers in the area including Grammy-Nominated producer Will Yip at Studio 4, Joe Reinhart, Kyle Pulley, & Mark Watter at Headroom Studios. While at these studios he learned from and helped on sessions with Bouncing Souls, Quicksand, Tigers Jaw, Caspian, and several other acts. Eager and purposeful, Richie has already begun to craft a sound and a portfolio that seeks to put the artist's sound and vision first and foremost above all else.
He joins us for a third time as our composer. Previously he worked with us on "Foxes" and "Cold".
Jeremiah Hornbacker
Jeremiah Hornbaker was born on February 12, 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, USA. He is an art director and production designer, known for Emancipation (2022), Imperium (2016) and Hush (2008). He joins the team as a professional armorer. He has previously worked in this capacity on several feature films including Nicholas Cage's "Butcher's Crossing" and Samuel L. Jackson's and Pierce Brosnan's, "The Unholy Trinity".
Erik Neill
Erik Walker Neill is known for "Calls," "The Rogues: Dawn of the Black Sun" and "Turbo Cola". He joins our team as both cast and crew as a stunt coordinator.
Other Cast Members
David Starr
As an international, award-winning fashion designer, actor, and production designer, Starr's client list includes some of the biggest names in show business. He has worked in over 60 countries, on motion pictures, television, concert tours, and live theater. Starr's fashion creations have graced the runways of Milan, New York, Florence, Berlin, Las Vegas, and at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. He has appeared on many international television shows, as well as worked behind the camera as a designer and creator of illusionary effects. Starr has also been featured on the covers of many international fashion and entertainment magazines, as well as recently starred in his own comic book called "RockStarr Designer", published by Earth Dog Studios.
Brandon Keeton
Dad, Husband, retired Marine, retired Boxer, Martial Artist, former Martial Arts School Owner, Entrepreneur, Actor, Producer, and all around workaholic.
He received a scholarship to College (Morehead State University in KY) for Acting and did not take it. He joined the Marine Corps instead in 1992 and stayed for 21 years. After retiring from the service, he opened his own martial arts academy and as of December of 2020, sold the Academy, though he still teaches there on occasion.
Owning a business, he found himself doing his own commercials and Public Service Announcements and thought he'd give acting another shot and the results have been great.