The Family Recipe
Somerville, New Jersey | Film Feature
Comedy, Family
We've all hosted or know someone who has hosted a large family party. It gets crazy!! This is a coming-of-age family comedy that is easy to identify with no matter what generation you’re in. It explores the eagerness, the ignorance, and the fears of moving into our next phases in life - with a laugh
The Family Recipe
Somerville, New Jersey | Film Feature
Comedy, Family
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $20,582 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
114 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
We've all hosted or know someone who has hosted a large family party. It gets crazy!! This is a coming-of-age family comedy that is easy to identify with no matter what generation you’re in. It explores the eagerness, the ignorance, and the fears of moving into our next phases in life - with a laugh
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Alison, the dedicated family matriarch, scrambles to recreate her traditional Thanksgiving feast from memory after her cherished recipe book is destroyed, while her family's personal struggles and growth converge in a heartwarming and hilarious coming-of-age comedy.
Filmmaking involves numerous expenses, from equipment rentals to location fees, and from set design to post-production editing. Your donation will directly fund these essential components.
WHY ME
This is exactly my kind of movie—an edgy holiday comedy that appeals to audiences of all ages. I have a deep nostalgia for the holiday films of the '80s and '90s, where grounded characters like Clark Griswold, Judy Benjamin, Annie Walker, Del Griffith and Neal Page, or Dutch Dooley found themselves in wild and hilarious situations. You might wonder why those decades inspire me more than recent years. Well, think about it—can you name a holiday movie from the last 10 years that you truly love? Just so you know, Elf was 21 years ago.
Here’s why your contribution is so important:
- Cover Production Costs: Filmmaking involves numerous expenses, from equipment rentals to location fees, and from set design to post-production editing. Your donation will directly fund these essential components.
- Support Talented Artists: By donating, you are supporting a diverse team of actors and crew members. Your contribution helps us to pay fair wages and create a supportive environment for creative talent.
- Bring Quality Content to Life: We are committed to producing a high-quality film that not only entertains but also inspires and provokes thought. Your support ensures we can maintain the highest production standards.
- Be Part of a Community: Joining our campaign connects you to a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of storytelling. Together, we can create something truly special.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Any amount, big or small, makes a difference. You can contribute to our campaign by visiting our crowdfunding page at [link to the crowdfunding campaign].
- Share: Spread the word about our project. Share our campaign on social media, with friends and family, or anyone who might be interested in supporting the arts.
- Engage: Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/karlryanerikson/ to stay updated on our progress, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates for our supporters.
WHY US
Over the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of working with these incredibly talented individuals who are not only industry professionals but also great friends.
Together, we have produced award-winning films and, with their invaluable feedback, helped me refine my award-winning screenplays, such as THE FAMILY RECIPE. While we share a deep friendship, we are also dedicated professionals who understand our roles and come prepared to excel in them. We intuitively know what each other needs, both mentally and artistically, to bring our best to every project.
WHY THIS
You’ll definitely relate to this story! Holiday parties are always filled with chaos, no matter who hosts. Everyone goes a bit bananas with short fuses, too much food, kitchen disasters, running late, showing up early... or saying the wrong things!
WHY NOW
I do not know of a Thanksgiving Holiday movie with the tone of the films I've previously mentioned. So let's make one. We want it.
THE CAMPAIGN
The film is currently in the PRE-PRODUCTION stage. That means the team and I are handling all aspects of the filmmaking process that are needed before filming begins. It's an important process, and done right, will make the production process (shooting the movie) much smoother. There are three main stages of making a movie, pre-production, production, and post-production. Post-production is the editing of the film, the coloring, sound design, scoring the movie and any other needs like ADR.
When the campaign has reached it's goal, this will allow us to begin the production process.
WHEN THE MOVIE IS DONE
It's off to the festivals. Like most films, you want to get your film into a "market festival" so that it has a better chance if getting distribution. And that is the ultimate goal - distribution. Someone who has the power to get the movie seen by a larger audience.
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR WORK
WRITER/DIRECTOR - KARL RYAN ERIKSON
ACTOR - CHRIS CONNELL
Director of Photography - NICHOLAS PIETRONIRO
ACTOR - BENJAMIN ERIKSON
Movie Trailer from Previous Films
DISARRAY DAYS
ADDLE STRIFE
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew
Costs $15,000
CAST - This movie has an ensemble cast of 16 actors. Most of the actors are needed for most of the shoot dates. CREW - 20 Members.
Catering, Snacks, Water - FOOD!
Costs $2,000
Production will take 18 to 22 Days. Imagine hosting a dinner party for 18 to 22 Days. It adds up.
Legal Mumbo-jumbo
Costs $2,000
Everything associated with legal and insurances.
Transportation
Costs $1,000
Cast and Crew transportation. (Not everyone is local or drives) Transportation of equipment. Lots of equipment that needs save traveling.
Gear
Costs $5,000
Camera/ accessories to run and move it. Lighting/accessories. Sound equipment. Safety equipment. Production accessories.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Karl Ryan Erikson - Writer/Director/Producer. An award-winning writer, director, and editor. His short films have over 2,200,000 views on YouTube.
His four feature length screenplays have over 90 Awards. He won the EXCELLENCE IN FILMMAKING AWARD at MSU.
He’s a husband, a father, dog dad, cat dad, and chicken dad. A musician, comic, and lover of 70’s, 80s, and 90s filmmaking. He enjoys DVD’s, listening to records, and being with family. With his nostalgia for the holiday season and his experience with a crazy family, he’s the perfect filmmaker to handle this family comedy.
Some of his favorite films are holiday related stories like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and JAWS.... you know, the 4th of July!
Caroline Erikson - Producer. A Speech Language Pathologist and an independent film producer. Over the last 12 years, Caroline has produced many award winning short films - such as Disarray Days, Addle Strife, Freeman Velocity, and Poor Earl.
CAST
Stacey Van Gorder Raised in a small town in upstate New York, Stacey Van Gorder, went to graduate school in New York City to study acupuncture. At the encouragement of one of her teachers, she began taking acting classes and studying acting professionally. Stacey has since appeared in countless commercials and multiple films. Stacey has appeared in Gossip Girl, Hudson Falls, Goodbye Honey.
Chris Connell - Chris trained at the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Shortly after, his career began with performances on ABC's soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN and MTV's THE BIG TEN. Chris eventually broke ground in Los Angeles on film sets such as 500 DAYS OF SUMMER, ABC LIFETIME's DEVIOUS MAIDS and numerous leading roles in film, television, commercials and music videos. After founding CHRIS CONNEL PRODUCTIONS, Chris began writing and producing cinematic styled, narrative films, including his World War II love story "THE PROMISE". Releasing on television later this year, Chris stars in the feature length movies LOVE'S SECRET INGREDIENT, A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PAIRING and A DATE WITH DECEPTION.
Mark Townsley - Everyone who works with Mark is two degrees away from Kevin Bacon. In a former life he wrote for commercials for close to fifteen years. Mark decided to use his experiences and flip the script to be the guy in the booth for voiceovers and be in front of the camera.
Victor Del Rio - is an actor, director and producer working out of NYC/NJ. He has a degree in Theatre from the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University and has an MFA from The Actors Studio at Pace University. He has appeared in numerous TV Shows such as The Food That Built America (History) Evil Lives Here (Discovery +) and more recently Beer League: The Series starring as "Seven Trinno" opposite Jimmy Palumbo. Victor has also been seen in numerous films such as Precognito (Amazon Prime) and recently completed work on the feature film The Martyr Of Gowanus playing opposite of Sawyer Spielberg. In March 2024, Victor completed his first short film titled "Ed" which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in. The project has been sponsored by the Utah Film Center and will make its festival run this coming fall.
Benjamin Erikson - Student at the Allegra School of Music & Arts with a film and theater background.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Alison, the dedicated family matriarch, scrambles to recreate her traditional Thanksgiving feast from memory after her cherished recipe book is destroyed, while her family's personal struggles and growth converge in a heartwarming and hilarious coming-of-age comedy.
Filmmaking involves numerous expenses, from equipment rentals to location fees, and from set design to post-production editing. Your donation will directly fund these essential components.
WHY ME
This is exactly my kind of movie—an edgy holiday comedy that appeals to audiences of all ages. I have a deep nostalgia for the holiday films of the '80s and '90s, where grounded characters like Clark Griswold, Judy Benjamin, Annie Walker, Del Griffith and Neal Page, or Dutch Dooley found themselves in wild and hilarious situations. You might wonder why those decades inspire me more than recent years. Well, think about it—can you name a holiday movie from the last 10 years that you truly love? Just so you know, Elf was 21 years ago.
Here’s why your contribution is so important:
- Cover Production Costs: Filmmaking involves numerous expenses, from equipment rentals to location fees, and from set design to post-production editing. Your donation will directly fund these essential components.
- Support Talented Artists: By donating, you are supporting a diverse team of actors and crew members. Your contribution helps us to pay fair wages and create a supportive environment for creative talent.
- Bring Quality Content to Life: We are committed to producing a high-quality film that not only entertains but also inspires and provokes thought. Your support ensures we can maintain the highest production standards.
- Be Part of a Community: Joining our campaign connects you to a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of storytelling. Together, we can create something truly special.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Any amount, big or small, makes a difference. You can contribute to our campaign by visiting our crowdfunding page at [link to the crowdfunding campaign].
- Share: Spread the word about our project. Share our campaign on social media, with friends and family, or anyone who might be interested in supporting the arts.
- Engage: Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/karlryanerikson/ to stay updated on our progress, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates for our supporters.
WHY US
Over the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of working with these incredibly talented individuals who are not only industry professionals but also great friends.
Together, we have produced award-winning films and, with their invaluable feedback, helped me refine my award-winning screenplays, such as THE FAMILY RECIPE. While we share a deep friendship, we are also dedicated professionals who understand our roles and come prepared to excel in them. We intuitively know what each other needs, both mentally and artistically, to bring our best to every project.
WHY THIS
You’ll definitely relate to this story! Holiday parties are always filled with chaos, no matter who hosts. Everyone goes a bit bananas with short fuses, too much food, kitchen disasters, running late, showing up early... or saying the wrong things!
WHY NOW
I do not know of a Thanksgiving Holiday movie with the tone of the films I've previously mentioned. So let's make one. We want it.
THE CAMPAIGN
The film is currently in the PRE-PRODUCTION stage. That means the team and I are handling all aspects of the filmmaking process that are needed before filming begins. It's an important process, and done right, will make the production process (shooting the movie) much smoother. There are three main stages of making a movie, pre-production, production, and post-production. Post-production is the editing of the film, the coloring, sound design, scoring the movie and any other needs like ADR.
When the campaign has reached it's goal, this will allow us to begin the production process.
WHEN THE MOVIE IS DONE
It's off to the festivals. Like most films, you want to get your film into a "market festival" so that it has a better chance if getting distribution. And that is the ultimate goal - distribution. Someone who has the power to get the movie seen by a larger audience.
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR WORK
WRITER/DIRECTOR - KARL RYAN ERIKSON
ACTOR - CHRIS CONNELL
Director of Photography - NICHOLAS PIETRONIRO
ACTOR - BENJAMIN ERIKSON
Movie Trailer from Previous Films
DISARRAY DAYS
ADDLE STRIFE
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew
Costs $15,000
CAST - This movie has an ensemble cast of 16 actors. Most of the actors are needed for most of the shoot dates. CREW - 20 Members.
Catering, Snacks, Water - FOOD!
Costs $2,000
Production will take 18 to 22 Days. Imagine hosting a dinner party for 18 to 22 Days. It adds up.
Legal Mumbo-jumbo
Costs $2,000
Everything associated with legal and insurances.
Transportation
Costs $1,000
Cast and Crew transportation. (Not everyone is local or drives) Transportation of equipment. Lots of equipment that needs save traveling.
Gear
Costs $5,000
Camera/ accessories to run and move it. Lighting/accessories. Sound equipment. Safety equipment. Production accessories.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Karl Ryan Erikson - Writer/Director/Producer. An award-winning writer, director, and editor. His short films have over 2,200,000 views on YouTube.
His four feature length screenplays have over 90 Awards. He won the EXCELLENCE IN FILMMAKING AWARD at MSU.
He’s a husband, a father, dog dad, cat dad, and chicken dad. A musician, comic, and lover of 70’s, 80s, and 90s filmmaking. He enjoys DVD’s, listening to records, and being with family. With his nostalgia for the holiday season and his experience with a crazy family, he’s the perfect filmmaker to handle this family comedy.
Some of his favorite films are holiday related stories like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and JAWS.... you know, the 4th of July!
Caroline Erikson - Producer. A Speech Language Pathologist and an independent film producer. Over the last 12 years, Caroline has produced many award winning short films - such as Disarray Days, Addle Strife, Freeman Velocity, and Poor Earl.
CAST
Stacey Van Gorder Raised in a small town in upstate New York, Stacey Van Gorder, went to graduate school in New York City to study acupuncture. At the encouragement of one of her teachers, she began taking acting classes and studying acting professionally. Stacey has since appeared in countless commercials and multiple films. Stacey has appeared in Gossip Girl, Hudson Falls, Goodbye Honey.
Chris Connell - Chris trained at the prestigious New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Shortly after, his career began with performances on ABC's soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN and MTV's THE BIG TEN. Chris eventually broke ground in Los Angeles on film sets such as 500 DAYS OF SUMMER, ABC LIFETIME's DEVIOUS MAIDS and numerous leading roles in film, television, commercials and music videos. After founding CHRIS CONNEL PRODUCTIONS, Chris began writing and producing cinematic styled, narrative films, including his World War II love story "THE PROMISE". Releasing on television later this year, Chris stars in the feature length movies LOVE'S SECRET INGREDIENT, A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PAIRING and A DATE WITH DECEPTION.
Mark Townsley - Everyone who works with Mark is two degrees away from Kevin Bacon. In a former life he wrote for commercials for close to fifteen years. Mark decided to use his experiences and flip the script to be the guy in the booth for voiceovers and be in front of the camera.
Victor Del Rio - is an actor, director and producer working out of NYC/NJ. He has a degree in Theatre from the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University and has an MFA from The Actors Studio at Pace University. He has appeared in numerous TV Shows such as The Food That Built America (History) Evil Lives Here (Discovery +) and more recently Beer League: The Series starring as "Seven Trinno" opposite Jimmy Palumbo. Victor has also been seen in numerous films such as Precognito (Amazon Prime) and recently completed work on the feature film The Martyr Of Gowanus playing opposite of Sawyer Spielberg. In March 2024, Victor completed his first short film titled "Ed" which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in. The project has been sponsored by the Utah Film Center and will make its festival run this coming fall.
Benjamin Erikson - Student at the Allegra School of Music & Arts with a film and theater background.