The Gig
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy
Matt is a mid-twenties magician in a modern New York City that has left his art form in the past. Surrounded by a troupe of flamboyant illusionists and microcelebrity clients, he fights to make it big through a series of scrappy, oddball gigs. The pilot episode of a prospective comedy series.
The Gig
New York City, New York | Film Short
Comedy
2 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,250 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
30 supporters | followers
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Matt is a mid-twenties magician in a modern New York City that has left his art form in the past. Surrounded by a troupe of flamboyant illusionists and microcelebrity clients, he fights to make it big through a series of scrappy, oddball gigs. The pilot episode of a prospective comedy series.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Matt, a young, struggling magician, has been allured by magic since his youth. At yet another lackluster children’s gig Matt tries to dazzle the room, particularly the uninterested parents, with his craft by pushing his act to another level. However, his attempts yield no reward. With his confidence defeated and his dreams of becoming a world renowned magician feeling farther away than ever, Matt heads back to his home turf, an eccentric magic shop at the heart of New York City. There, an unexpected high-profile booking appears, offering him a chance to really prove himself.
At the glamorous gig, Matt performs for an infamous up-and-coming rapper and his posse. He attempts to seize the moment but his performance backfires, leaving him publicly humiliated by the very crowd he hoped would be his ticket to success. A small encounter unexpectedly reawakens Matt’s spark, and a viral moment suggests his failure may actually be the opening to something beyond his imagination… or maybe not.
This introductory installment of a comedy series reminiscent of Donald Glover’s Atlanta and Ben Sinclair’s High Maintenance, puts Matt at the center of this niche world of magic, surrounded by an even larger current-day New York and all the unique encounters the city offers.
The Gig, through its tricks, twists, and irreverent comedy, is a powerful story of artistic yearning. Matt represents a generation of young artists trying to make a living in the digital age, advancing his craft in a world that sees it as bygone and tired. The pilot strips the magic world of its novelty status and explores it as a living ecosystem of vibrant personalities and devotion despite countless odds, Matt himself at the forefront of its transition to a fresh, daunting new domain. What Crashing did for stand-up, what The Bear did for the culinary world, The Gig wants to do for modern magicians.
Your help bringing this project to life will not only allow the creation of the pilot but the possibility for an ongoing series exploring this dynamic, hilarious world. Magic doesn’t just entertain, it transports audiences. There’s nothing quite like the spellbinding feeling of seeing a trick you can’t understand, a hidden card, a disappearing rabbit… We want you to feel the thrill again and again, every episode and as soon as possible. With our brilliant cast and crew (pictured below!) at the ready and the support of Tisch School of the Arts behind us, there’s no better time than now to take The Gig from page to screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $900
Let's bring the magic world to the screen and shoot in spaces such as Tannen's Magic Shop and in a studio where the infamous Gig goes down!
Production Design
Costs $400
Help us build the gritty, bizarre world of The Gig with dazzling sets, props, and costuming!
Transportation
Costs $550
Equipment is heavy, help us bring it to shooting locations with trucks and vans.
Camera
Costs $580
Matt is ready for his closeup, help us capture him in the spotlight with pristine lenses and camera accessories.
Cast
Costs $900
For our wonderful talent whom we could not do this without.
Distribution
Costs $400
Let's get this film on the big screens and bring it to audiences.
Contingency
Costs $470
For all the just-in-cases and the backup plans.
Food
Costs $800
Help us feed our incredible team who is working hard to bring The Gig to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Israel is a NYC–based writer, director, and actor. He studied Film at Bard College and will graduate from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in spring 2026. His work has screened at festivals in his hometown of Connecticut as well as at NYU’s New Visions and Voices. With extensive experience both on and off screen, Chris is first and foremost a storyteller; focused on connecting audiences often through laughter and relatability with his work.
Chris Martinez is a New York–based actor and producer committed to telling stories that amplify underrepresented voices. His on-screen work spans a wide range of genres and audiences, with credits in shows and films for Nickelodeon, Disney+, CBS, ABC, NBC, and Hulu. As a development intern at Market Road Films, he contributes to productions that champion bold storytelling and diverse perspectives. Currently a junior at NYU Tisch, CJ has already produced a plethora of films, Including eight Thesis productions. CJ remains passionate about building meaningful, resonant work that connects with audiences across backgrounds and celebrates the power of inclusive storytelling.
Joyce Salame is a born and raised New Yorker of Syrian and Hungarian descent. She is a writer, director, and producer, currently attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a Film and Television major. She is the producer of feature film The Rothschilds and of several short films. Additionally, Joyce has written and directed several short narratives and experimental documentaries. Her film, Sticks, was an official selection at NYU’s Sight and Sound Showcase and she is currently in post production for her Junior Thesis Americanism.
Spencer Sabath is a filmmaker based in New York City. He is currently in post-production for his debut feature, The Rothschilds, and studies at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. At age 21, he has a decade of short film work featured at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth, the All-American High School Film Festival, and around the globe at student film showcases. In addition to film production, he is a composer of film scores and concert music.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Matt, a young, struggling magician, has been allured by magic since his youth. At yet another lackluster children’s gig Matt tries to dazzle the room, particularly the uninterested parents, with his craft by pushing his act to another level. However, his attempts yield no reward. With his confidence defeated and his dreams of becoming a world renowned magician feeling farther away than ever, Matt heads back to his home turf, an eccentric magic shop at the heart of New York City. There, an unexpected high-profile booking appears, offering him a chance to really prove himself.
At the glamorous gig, Matt performs for an infamous up-and-coming rapper and his posse. He attempts to seize the moment but his performance backfires, leaving him publicly humiliated by the very crowd he hoped would be his ticket to success. A small encounter unexpectedly reawakens Matt’s spark, and a viral moment suggests his failure may actually be the opening to something beyond his imagination… or maybe not.
This introductory installment of a comedy series reminiscent of Donald Glover’s Atlanta and Ben Sinclair’s High Maintenance, puts Matt at the center of this niche world of magic, surrounded by an even larger current-day New York and all the unique encounters the city offers.
The Gig, through its tricks, twists, and irreverent comedy, is a powerful story of artistic yearning. Matt represents a generation of young artists trying to make a living in the digital age, advancing his craft in a world that sees it as bygone and tired. The pilot strips the magic world of its novelty status and explores it as a living ecosystem of vibrant personalities and devotion despite countless odds, Matt himself at the forefront of its transition to a fresh, daunting new domain. What Crashing did for stand-up, what The Bear did for the culinary world, The Gig wants to do for modern magicians.
Your help bringing this project to life will not only allow the creation of the pilot but the possibility for an ongoing series exploring this dynamic, hilarious world. Magic doesn’t just entertain, it transports audiences. There’s nothing quite like the spellbinding feeling of seeing a trick you can’t understand, a hidden card, a disappearing rabbit… We want you to feel the thrill again and again, every episode and as soon as possible. With our brilliant cast and crew (pictured below!) at the ready and the support of Tisch School of the Arts behind us, there’s no better time than now to take The Gig from page to screen.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $900
Let's bring the magic world to the screen and shoot in spaces such as Tannen's Magic Shop and in a studio where the infamous Gig goes down!
Production Design
Costs $400
Help us build the gritty, bizarre world of The Gig with dazzling sets, props, and costuming!
Transportation
Costs $550
Equipment is heavy, help us bring it to shooting locations with trucks and vans.
Camera
Costs $580
Matt is ready for his closeup, help us capture him in the spotlight with pristine lenses and camera accessories.
Cast
Costs $900
For our wonderful talent whom we could not do this without.
Distribution
Costs $400
Let's get this film on the big screens and bring it to audiences.
Contingency
Costs $470
For all the just-in-cases and the backup plans.
Food
Costs $800
Help us feed our incredible team who is working hard to bring The Gig to life.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Israel is a NYC–based writer, director, and actor. He studied Film at Bard College and will graduate from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in spring 2026. His work has screened at festivals in his hometown of Connecticut as well as at NYU’s New Visions and Voices. With extensive experience both on and off screen, Chris is first and foremost a storyteller; focused on connecting audiences often through laughter and relatability with his work.
Chris Martinez is a New York–based actor and producer committed to telling stories that amplify underrepresented voices. His on-screen work spans a wide range of genres and audiences, with credits in shows and films for Nickelodeon, Disney+, CBS, ABC, NBC, and Hulu. As a development intern at Market Road Films, he contributes to productions that champion bold storytelling and diverse perspectives. Currently a junior at NYU Tisch, CJ has already produced a plethora of films, Including eight Thesis productions. CJ remains passionate about building meaningful, resonant work that connects with audiences across backgrounds and celebrates the power of inclusive storytelling.
Joyce Salame is a born and raised New Yorker of Syrian and Hungarian descent. She is a writer, director, and producer, currently attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a Film and Television major. She is the producer of feature film The Rothschilds and of several short films. Additionally, Joyce has written and directed several short narratives and experimental documentaries. Her film, Sticks, was an official selection at NYU’s Sight and Sound Showcase and she is currently in post production for her Junior Thesis Americanism.
Spencer Sabath is a filmmaker based in New York City. He is currently in post-production for his debut feature, The Rothschilds, and studies at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. At age 21, he has a decade of short film work featured at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth, the All-American High School Film Festival, and around the globe at student film showcases. In addition to film production, he is a composer of film scores and concert music.