The B Word
Vancouver, Canada | Film Short
Comedy, Drama
The B Word follows Liv, a 22-year-old, determined to graduate from her pre-pointe class - a class she has continued to take for an entire decade. Year after year, her dance teacher has thwarted her life-long dream. What lengths will Liv go to to make her dream finally come true?
6 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
C$2,430
Goal: C$7,600 for post-production
The B Word follows Liv, a 22-year-old, determined to graduate from her pre-pointe class - a class she has continued to take for an entire decade. Year after year, her dance teacher has thwarted her life-long dream. What lengths will Liv go to to make her dream finally come true?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The B Word is a dramedy short film that follows Liv, a passionate and determined 22-year-old who has revolved her life around ballet.
I first wrote The B Word in October of 2024, and have been eager to get this project made ever since. The B Word is loosely based on my own childhood, specifically my constant pursuit to be the best in every activity I involved myself in - striving for excellence in a world that didn’t always want to support me. I want to explore the concept of pursuing a passion over and over again, despite being constantly shut down, and continue to make no progress year after year. Overall, I want to share the message that sometimes, what we think we want most in life, is the exact thing we need to let go of to make room for greater, more magical opportunities. This project holds a special place in the hearts of everyone involved. I wanted to partner with Goose Berry Films Ltd. and Girls That Giggle Productions, as both of their companies hold similar mission statements when it comes to supporting diverse and equity seeking artists.
In this coming-of-age short, Liv confronts the reality of 'achieving' her childhood dream - and realizes that the thing she thinks she wants most in life might not be what's truly meant for her. Inspired by films such as Frances Ha (2012), Shiva Baby (2020), and the TV Series Pen15 (2019), The B Word is a comedic, quirky and emotional exploration of identity, dreams and rejection.
We first meet Liv returning home from her part-time food service job, rushing to get ready for dance class, her favourite place.
Liv arrives at her dance school after getting a car ride from her mother. Before her mom can express her worries, Liv is out of the car, too excited to start class.
Liv is the first student to arrive. As she warms up in the studio, the rest of the students arrive. It's revealed that Liv is the oldest one there - by far. She is in a pre-pointe class, with a bunch of pre-teens.
Finally, the teacher (Miss Rachel) arrives and leads the class through barre exercises. Afterwards, she gathers all the students for her annual end of year pointe shoe ceremony. One by one, each student receives their brand new first pair of pointe shoes - except Liv.
After a heartbreaking class, Liv confronts Miss Rachel to find out why she was the only one who didn't receive a pair of pointe shoes. It's revealed that this isn't the first time Liv has been denied the shoes. This has been happening year after year. Miss Rachel gives Liv the brutally honest truth that she isn't prepared to hear. This pushes Liv over the edge, and she storms out of the studio.
After breaking down at home, Liv decides to take matters into her own hands. She will finally make her dream a reality, regardless of what Miss Rachel says.
Why this story?
There is a need for more laughter, hope, and female rage in stories right now. In an industry that has always been male-dominated, we need to continue to encourage female filmmakers of all levels of experience to tell stories together and to support diverse and equity seeking artists.
Help us bring more female-led stories to the big screen by supporting The B Word!
HITTING OUR GOAL WILL ALLOW US TO...
- LOCK ALL OF THE LOCATIONS IN THE SCRIPT! We have very specific locations that are not cheap to come by! Locations can make or break a film, and we have some super cool spots secured that we will build our world around!
- MAKE THE CINEMATOGRAPHY/LIGHTING LOOK GOOD - We want this film to look beautiful, and gear is expensive! Help us get our dream gear for the shoot!
- FEED OUR CREW *GOOD* FOOD EVERY DAY. Our shoot will take place over 3 days and we have lots of mouths to feed! We want to feed our team healthy, yummy, energizing meals.
- HAVE EXCELLENT PRODUCTION DESIGN & COSTUMES! Very specific design needs for this ballet film! Help us achieve our dream vision!
- SUBMIT TO FILM FESTIVALS!!! We want to share our film and story with some big festivals and that can really add up!
We need your support to make this film a reality! Join us in bringing this story to life!
- Pledge to our campaign if you can!
- Follow along on our film journey on Instagram: @thebword.shortfilm & @gtg.productions
- Share with your friends!
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs C$1,500
Locations can make or break a film, and we have some super cool spots secured that we will build our world around!
Feeding our crew!
Costs C$1,100
Our shoot will take place over 3 days and we have lots of mouths to feed! We want to feed our team healthy, energizing meals.
Production Design/Costumes
Costs C$1,250
Very specific design needs for this ballet film! Help us achieve our dream vision!
Gear!
Costs C$2,190
We want this film to look beautiful. Help us get our dream gear for the shoot!
Post Production
Costs C$1,000
Extensive editing and specific song composing is needed to complete the film! Help us finish the job :)
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer / Co-Director / Liv - Samantha Kerr
Samantha is an award winning theatre creator, filmmaker & performer based in Vancouver, BC. She is a graduate of the Acting Program at Studio 58. Since graduating, she wrote, produced and performed in the play Bitches with Baggage which had a sold-out run at the 2024 Vancouver Fringe Festival, and proceeded to produce and perform in the production BFF-less at the 2025 Vancouver Fringe Festival. She wrote, produced, directed and starred in her first short film, No Sleep which screened as a semi-finalist at the 2025 Shits N' Giggles Festival.
Sam is always seeking opportunities to craft original work for the stage and screen, telling feminist stories and empowering the female voice.
Producer - Alexis Hope
Born and raised in Calgary, Alexis Hope is an award winning performer, writer, and producer. She graduated from the VanArts Acting for Film & TV program in 2021, and went on to co-found Girls That Giggle Productions. Her producer credits include The Kids (2026), Growing Pains (2025), and Us, Janus (2023). She is passionate about creating and collaborating on projects that highlight womanhood, faith, and Black experiences, particularly Black joy. Her latest scripts clearly embodied these themes and were produced at theatre festivals around the country: ‘Her Crown’ premiered in 2024 at the Women At Play(s) 6 Festival in Toronto, and ‘The Poet & The One Who Worshipped Her’ premied in 2024 at the OR Festival 5 in Vancouver.
Co-Director / Executive Producer - Maddy Ginn
Maddy Ginn is a filmmaker based out of Vancouver, BC and the co-founder of the production company Goose Berry Films Ltd. She studied film production at Vancouver Film School where she specialized in directing and producing, and has been able to continue her work as an independent filmmaker on short films such as Starman (2026), Magenta (2024) and Pieces (2025).
As a queer filmmaker, she wants to use her work as a conduit to uplift underrepresented communities in the media, with a special focus on inter-sectional feminism & 2SLGBTQ+ stories. She hopes to make a difference in the film industry with her passion for inclusive storytelling.
Co-Producer - Jasmine Hans
Jasmine Hans is a passionate filmmaker and visual storyteller based in Vancouver, BC. Since graduating in 2021, she has been making a name for herself in the industry by working on a variety of projects, ranging from short films to feature films in multiple different roles. With a keen eye for meaningful stories and through her work on a variety of projects, Jasmine has continued to refine her skills in both the cinematography and art departments. Throughout her journey as a student of film and emerging filmmaker, Jasmine has been driven by a desire to create impactful work that leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Her dedication to the craft is matched only by her enthusiasm for exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of visual storytelling.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The B Word is a dramedy short film that follows Liv, a passionate and determined 22-year-old who has revolved her life around ballet.
I first wrote The B Word in October of 2024, and have been eager to get this project made ever since. The B Word is loosely based on my own childhood, specifically my constant pursuit to be the best in every activity I involved myself in - striving for excellence in a world that didn’t always want to support me. I want to explore the concept of pursuing a passion over and over again, despite being constantly shut down, and continue to make no progress year after year. Overall, I want to share the message that sometimes, what we think we want most in life, is the exact thing we need to let go of to make room for greater, more magical opportunities. This project holds a special place in the hearts of everyone involved. I wanted to partner with Goose Berry Films Ltd. and Girls That Giggle Productions, as both of their companies hold similar mission statements when it comes to supporting diverse and equity seeking artists.
In this coming-of-age short, Liv confronts the reality of 'achieving' her childhood dream - and realizes that the thing she thinks she wants most in life might not be what's truly meant for her. Inspired by films such as Frances Ha (2012), Shiva Baby (2020), and the TV Series Pen15 (2019), The B Word is a comedic, quirky and emotional exploration of identity, dreams and rejection.
We first meet Liv returning home from her part-time food service job, rushing to get ready for dance class, her favourite place.
Liv arrives at her dance school after getting a car ride from her mother. Before her mom can express her worries, Liv is out of the car, too excited to start class.
Liv is the first student to arrive. As she warms up in the studio, the rest of the students arrive. It's revealed that Liv is the oldest one there - by far. She is in a pre-pointe class, with a bunch of pre-teens.
Finally, the teacher (Miss Rachel) arrives and leads the class through barre exercises. Afterwards, she gathers all the students for her annual end of year pointe shoe ceremony. One by one, each student receives their brand new first pair of pointe shoes - except Liv.
After a heartbreaking class, Liv confronts Miss Rachel to find out why she was the only one who didn't receive a pair of pointe shoes. It's revealed that this isn't the first time Liv has been denied the shoes. This has been happening year after year. Miss Rachel gives Liv the brutally honest truth that she isn't prepared to hear. This pushes Liv over the edge, and she storms out of the studio.
After breaking down at home, Liv decides to take matters into her own hands. She will finally make her dream a reality, regardless of what Miss Rachel says.
Why this story?
There is a need for more laughter, hope, and female rage in stories right now. In an industry that has always been male-dominated, we need to continue to encourage female filmmakers of all levels of experience to tell stories together and to support diverse and equity seeking artists.
Help us bring more female-led stories to the big screen by supporting The B Word!
HITTING OUR GOAL WILL ALLOW US TO...
- LOCK ALL OF THE LOCATIONS IN THE SCRIPT! We have very specific locations that are not cheap to come by! Locations can make or break a film, and we have some super cool spots secured that we will build our world around!
- MAKE THE CINEMATOGRAPHY/LIGHTING LOOK GOOD - We want this film to look beautiful, and gear is expensive! Help us get our dream gear for the shoot!
- FEED OUR CREW *GOOD* FOOD EVERY DAY. Our shoot will take place over 3 days and we have lots of mouths to feed! We want to feed our team healthy, yummy, energizing meals.
- HAVE EXCELLENT PRODUCTION DESIGN & COSTUMES! Very specific design needs for this ballet film! Help us achieve our dream vision!
- SUBMIT TO FILM FESTIVALS!!! We want to share our film and story with some big festivals and that can really add up!
We need your support to make this film a reality! Join us in bringing this story to life!
- Pledge to our campaign if you can!
- Follow along on our film journey on Instagram: @thebword.shortfilm & @gtg.productions
- Share with your friends!
Thank you!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs C$1,500
Locations can make or break a film, and we have some super cool spots secured that we will build our world around!
Feeding our crew!
Costs C$1,100
Our shoot will take place over 3 days and we have lots of mouths to feed! We want to feed our team healthy, energizing meals.
Production Design/Costumes
Costs C$1,250
Very specific design needs for this ballet film! Help us achieve our dream vision!
Gear!
Costs C$2,190
We want this film to look beautiful. Help us get our dream gear for the shoot!
Post Production
Costs C$1,000
Extensive editing and specific song composing is needed to complete the film! Help us finish the job :)
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer / Co-Director / Liv - Samantha Kerr
Samantha is an award winning theatre creator, filmmaker & performer based in Vancouver, BC. She is a graduate of the Acting Program at Studio 58. Since graduating, she wrote, produced and performed in the play Bitches with Baggage which had a sold-out run at the 2024 Vancouver Fringe Festival, and proceeded to produce and perform in the production BFF-less at the 2025 Vancouver Fringe Festival. She wrote, produced, directed and starred in her first short film, No Sleep which screened as a semi-finalist at the 2025 Shits N' Giggles Festival.
Sam is always seeking opportunities to craft original work for the stage and screen, telling feminist stories and empowering the female voice.
Producer - Alexis Hope
Born and raised in Calgary, Alexis Hope is an award winning performer, writer, and producer. She graduated from the VanArts Acting for Film & TV program in 2021, and went on to co-found Girls That Giggle Productions. Her producer credits include The Kids (2026), Growing Pains (2025), and Us, Janus (2023). She is passionate about creating and collaborating on projects that highlight womanhood, faith, and Black experiences, particularly Black joy. Her latest scripts clearly embodied these themes and were produced at theatre festivals around the country: ‘Her Crown’ premiered in 2024 at the Women At Play(s) 6 Festival in Toronto, and ‘The Poet & The One Who Worshipped Her’ premied in 2024 at the OR Festival 5 in Vancouver.
Co-Director / Executive Producer - Maddy Ginn
Maddy Ginn is a filmmaker based out of Vancouver, BC and the co-founder of the production company Goose Berry Films Ltd. She studied film production at Vancouver Film School where she specialized in directing and producing, and has been able to continue her work as an independent filmmaker on short films such as Starman (2026), Magenta (2024) and Pieces (2025).
As a queer filmmaker, she wants to use her work as a conduit to uplift underrepresented communities in the media, with a special focus on inter-sectional feminism & 2SLGBTQ+ stories. She hopes to make a difference in the film industry with her passion for inclusive storytelling.
Co-Producer - Jasmine Hans
Jasmine Hans is a passionate filmmaker and visual storyteller based in Vancouver, BC. Since graduating in 2021, she has been making a name for herself in the industry by working on a variety of projects, ranging from short films to feature films in multiple different roles. With a keen eye for meaningful stories and through her work on a variety of projects, Jasmine has continued to refine her skills in both the cinematography and art departments. Throughout her journey as a student of film and emerging filmmaker, Jasmine has been driven by a desire to create impactful work that leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Her dedication to the craft is matched only by her enthusiasm for exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of visual storytelling.