Ever had a friend from high school or an acquaintance suddenly start a business selling cosmetics, essential oils, or wellness supplements? Did they hit you with “Hi hun!” over social media and try to lure you in by promises of working from home and making lots of money easily? If so, you know someone in a multi-level marketing scheme. Roughly 8 out of 10 women that I've talked to about this film have either been recruited or have a close relationship with someone who was recruited into an MLM.

And that’s what THE DOWNLINE is about. This psychological thriller is about a woman who has fought her way to the top of the MLM pyramid, only to be at the risk of losing it all (and her mind) when a member of her downline dies.

THE DOWNLINE asks, what does the mental, social, and emotional toll of being in an MLM look like? How do women cope with being pit against one another to succeed in a business that's designed to make them fail? As with any long con, MLMs use these social practices to make the hapless distributors complicit in their own fleecing.

THE DOWNLINE will come to life in a bright visual style like MIDSOMMAR and THE STEPFORD WIVES with the foreboding of a modern thriller like ALWAYS SHINE and the deadpan comedy in AMERICAN PSYCHO and SHIVA BABY, all set in a contained location.

To give you a sense of tone and mood, check out our proof-of-concept short film based on the feature length script:

Our financing will go entirely towards the production of this feature film, our location rentals, our crew, and our cast. Production design, including sets, props, and wardrobe are another key expense to immerse the audience in the world of our MLM, LemonWell.

Why will we be successful?

• Microbudget - Movies made for very low budgets are more likely to make a profit and find an audience.
• Market Value - Moviegoers have long had a fascination with cults, scammers, and true crime. Movies like The Downline make up the most in-demand subgenre of film and television.
• Self-Distribution - We plan to partner with a distributor who is open to relationships with first time filmmakers, or we'll self-distribute using Jim Cummings' winning model.* See here for the case study by the Sundance Institute.

A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Rachel is a Richmond-based writer, director, and mother. Her focus is on creating vulnerable, character-driven feature films across a variety of genres that are often darkly comedic, but always grounded in emotion. Among other accolades, Rachel won the the Virginia Screenwriting Competition (notable alums include Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad, and Megan Holley, Sunshine Cleaning) for her heist-in-the-sky script “Take Off.”

Devin is a Director of Photography and Editor who has worked in the national advertising industry for over 25 years - and has worked with clients like Geico, DoorDash, Pizza Hut, Walmart, UPS and Quiznos (you know their famous We Love the Subs' commercial? That was his handiwork). Having also directed, shot, and edited many short films, Devin brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for cinematography and visual storytelling to the table.

Will Sidaros is an international filmmaker and producer who believes great stories have the power to bring people together. Drawn to projects that challenge perspectives and inspire discussion, he is excited to bring The Downline to life with the support of its community. Through stories grounded in authentic characters and universal themes, he strives to create films that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Will was recognized at FILMAPALOOZA '25 with the Spirit of the 48 Award for his film "Humanity," which was filmed in 48 hours for the Yes We Cannes Global Film Competition where he collaborated with filmmaking units on all 7 continents!

Stacie Jones Gentzler has over 15 years of experience in independent film. Most notably, she served as Unit Production Manager on the Academy Award nominated, Margin Call. She has worked with A-list talent including Brie Larson, Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, and Demi Moore. 

Stacie helmed award-winning programs for the U.S. Army Jumpmaster and Pathfinder training programs, and worked on the production teams for three films that have premiered at Sundance. She also teaches film courses at Stevenson University. 

Hot off testifying against LuLaRoe in the Washington Pyramid Scheme case, Roberta Blevins created the Life After MLM podcast as an outlet for healing. Being able to tell her story on an international platform in LuLaRich brought a much needed catharsis she wanted to be able to provide for others. On Life After MLM, victims of MLMs have a place to tell their own story, in their own words and feel confident knowing they are helping future victims heal as well.

The Downline team could not be happier to have such an amazing creative and marketing partner on this feature film journey!

We are raising $50,000 to cover the cost of production. Our budget will go towards fair pay for our cast and crew, securing locations, and post production/editing of The Downline. We are set to film in December.

Independent filmmaking like this is only possible with the support from a passionate audience like you!

How can you support us?

CONTRIBUTE

Join The Downline by making a contribution. Seed&Spark requires we reach at least 80% of our goal ($40k) before we receive any funds. Choose from any of our incentives with whatever fits your budget. EVERY contribution makes a difference. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, you can do so through our fiscal sponsor, the EMMY-AWARD WINNING Belltower Pictures. Click here to make a tax deductible donation.

FOLLOW THE FILM

Follow our campaign on Seed & Spark and stay updated on all of our progress! It's 100% free and it helps us earn products, services, and festival fee waivers. It takes a just a few seconds and goes a long way. You can also follow @thedownline.film on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.

SPREAD THE WORD!

Our networks will only get us so far -- we rely on people like you spreading the word about our film and campaign. Please share our campaign via your social media, email, word-of-mouth, however you want! No matter where you share, we promise it will make a huge impact.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like to setup a call, please email us at [email protected].