The Queen Wants Revenge
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Action, LGBTQ
Hellvania, a young drag queen seeks solace from her drag mother after a horrific beating from her ex-lover, Chet. Her drag mother convinces her to take up a blade, and kill her ex-lover. But to do so, she must venture into enemy territory... and make it out alive.
The Queen Wants Revenge
Austin, Texas | Film Short
Action, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,299 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
100 supporters | followers
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Hellvania, a young drag queen seeks solace from her drag mother after a horrific beating from her ex-lover, Chet. Her drag mother convinces her to take up a blade, and kill her ex-lover. But to do so, she must venture into enemy territory... and make it out alive.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hellvania, a young drag queen finds herself embroiled an underworld of drag, crime, and violence, struggling to get her control and agency back. An abusive relationship leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, and her only solace is with her drag mother, Russia. Russia helps her to seek revenge, but at the cost of her loyalty. Through her journey for revenge, she must take on enemies of all sorts, only to find that taking control over her life is more than revenge, more than her ex- lover, and more than the approval of her drag mother.
WHY IT MATTERS
We love drag, and we love cinema! This film is written and directed by a local Austin drag queen, and that background gives the story a real view into the drag world. There's no doubt that drag has hit the mainstream in a big way with shows like Rupaul's Drag Race, We're Here, and Pose, but we haven't seen drag leap out into other genres in almost fifty years! Films like Pink Flamingos (1972), The Roky Horror Picture Show (1975) , or Outrageous! (1977) took drag to new places in cinema, and it's about time we did it again. We want to take drag to the traditionally masculine world of action, and we want you to be a part of it! Not only does this help us make the movie that we know you'll love to see, but it lifts drag to new places!
Left to right: Drake Howard, Executive Producer, Tyler Soares (Director), and Karla Armendariz (Associate Producer) supporting Austin Drag!
VISUAL STYLE
Our visual style comes from a blend of 60s Japanese layered cinematography, the brilliant technicolor of 70s Italian Giallos, and the dark, mysterious lighting of the 50s Noir films. The idea is to create a visual world of mystery and tension where there’s always a corner or crevice where danger might hover on the periphery of the darkness. It’s a world where you’re never safe and must always be on your guard. This visual style pairs well with the struggle of our main character. She struggles for her own agency by pushing herself further into danger. We will focus on cutting between wide, cinematic shots, and extreme closeups on faces, mimicking the style of the 70s Spaghetti Western. This will help to build the tension as well as the visual aesthetic.
My Blueberry Nights (2007)
Suspiria (1977)
Harakiri (1962)
Left: In the Mood for Love (2000)
Right: Drive (2011)
INFLUENCES
This film is directly inspired by exploitation cinema like Coffy, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, Shogun Assassin, and so many others. I grew up with the hits and kicks of Shaw Brothers, the groovy ass-kicking of blaxploitation, the explosive violence of the samurai film, and the quickdraws of spaghetti westerns. These films shaped my storytelling, my characters, and my outlook on cinema as a whole. But underpinning all of that is the artform that saved me. Drag is the biggest influence on this film. Drag allows a community for those who may not have ever had one. Drag families serve as support systems. Drag shows serve as a gathering place. And drag itself is an expression of queer identity, and a living, moving, breathing work of art.
Left to right: Pink Flamingoe (1972), Shogun Assassin (1980), TNT Jackson (1974), The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970), The Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
WHERE ARE WE NOW? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
So far, the project is in its pre-production stages. We have a finished script, we are well into casting, and we have scouted locations. We are filling out our crew day by day, scouting for talented people passionate about the project.
We will put our film on the festival circuit and aim to show the film at SXSW, Austin Film Festival, and Sundance. Because the film features LGBTQ+ characters, we will be submitting to a number of LGBTQ+ festivals such as Outfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival, and the Frameline Film Festival. This film is certain to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences, but also deals with themes that cast a wider net. The theme of control applies to anyone who has ever had it taken from them. Continuing the cycle of abuse is easy to fall into, but to rise above it and find self worth and agency internally is both healing and sustaining. It’s a message that resonates beyond just the LGBTQ+ community.
Costume Designs
Storyboards
COVID SAFETY
It is important for us to make sure our cast and crew are safe as we embark on this project, so we will be requiring Covid tests for all cast and crew a few days prior to shooting, as well as monitering temperature of cast and crew on set.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
FOLLOW
Follow 'The Queen Wants Revenge' to see our progress! On top of showing your interest in the project, Seed&Spark rewards us for building our audience with products, services, and festival fee waivers, which can go so far in helping to get this film funded, finished, and distributed to the people who will love it!
CONTRIBUTE & PLEDGE
No pledge is too small, and everything helps us to make 'The Queen Wants Revenge'! In order to recieve the funds for the project, we must raise 80% of our goal, and you can help by choosing one of our great incentives, or any pledge that fits your budget. Every dollar helps!
SPREAD THE WORD
Nothing is more powerful than communication, and the best way to help us reach beyond our networks is by sharing this project with yours! You can help us find a larger audience for this film by sharing this campaign on social media, email, or by word of mouth. We can't do it without you!
Tyler Soares (director) as his drag character, Jodie Fosterchild.
The Queen Wants Revenge is a film about taking control. On the surface, Hellvania wants retribution, but under it all, what she really demands is control. Control over her life, her decisions, her wants and needs. For too long, she’s had a man controlling her, a mother controlling her. Now its her chance to finally take agency over her life and forge her own way.
But on a grander scale, it’s true that drag has become part of the culture. This is wonderful as the art of drag confronts, comments on, and challenges societal norms through art and performance. But for all we’ve seen of drag culture, we have yet to see a breakthrough in the traditionally masculine action genre. This is surprising the more we dissect it. With drag families, houses, and over a century of underground culture, drag lends itself to storytelling with accessible conflict and world building. Coupled with the residual feelings of the LGBT+ community that have been built up over the 20th century, the action/revenge story is a perfect fit.
We deserve a no-holds-barred drag action star! After all, there’s no image more powerful than a drag queen with a weapon.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,050
This is for our wonderful thespians who make the characters come to life!
Crew
Costs $4,300
This will be used to pay the people who make movies happen. our production crew!
Production Design
Costs $650
This will be used to build our world on screen, and make it come to life through production design!
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,000
This is the most important part of it all! The camera!
Grip and Electric Equipment
Costs $700
This is going to the equipment that makes sure we can be seen!
Location Expenses
Costs $1,000
This gets us to where we need to film. Literally! It gets us our filming locations.
Miscellaneous expenses
Costs $2,355
This goes to our Catering, Digital Storage, Contingency, and Insurance!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Tyler Soares
Director/Co-Writer/Executive Producer
Tyler Soares grew up in rural Oregon where they would film and edit their own short films. Tyler graduated with honors from the Montana State University School of Film and Photography, where they won the Tracy Awards for best production design for the short film ‘Frequency’, and best editing for the short film ‘Little Princess’. Tyler found a new home in Austin Texas, where they have worked in costume design, sound recording, and directing for film and theatre. They aim to bring LGBTQ+ stories to new genres and new audiences.
Drake Howard
Executive Producer
Drake Walter Howard is from Comfort, Texas and attended Texas State University studying theatre. There he a directed a feature length doc and short films. After college he moved to Austin where he started Green Bean Pictures where he directs/produces short films, music video and commercials. Being a Texan native he strivers to help tell Texas stories.
Zachery T. Scott
Associate Producer
Zachary T Scott has been acting and making films since he was 14 years old! He grew up in the Bay Area where he studied at the American Conservatory theater in San Francisco. He began making films at the East Bay Media Center in Berkeley California. He’s received a young producer award for ‘Jeff Higgins Dead Blood’, and a Distinguished Young Artist Award from the American Conservatory in San Francisco. He attended a film program in Sedona Arizona, where he worked on several short films until he moved to Austin Texas where he continues to act, write and direct. He’s acted in numerous short films including “Let’s Talk outside” which premiered at SXSW as well as commercials and feature films. His directing work has gotten local and international recognition as well as won several awards including “Instant Classic” Award from the Austin Music Video Film festival, and the “Buckets of Blood” Award from the Berkeley Video Film Festival. His work has premiered on The AV Club, Bloody Disgusting.com, Top Billboards, and The Austin Chronicle.
Karla O. Armendariz
Associate Producer
Karla is an Austin filmmaker originally from the border cities of Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas. She works as a Creative Director/Producer at 2perf Productions directing, producing, and shooting commercials, music videos, shorts and feature indies. A graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with an RTF Bachelor and Business. She is passionate about bringing stories around diversity to life and creating space for creative untold stories to shine.
Taylor Camarot
Cinematographer
Taylor is a cinematographer based out of Austin, TX. Specializing in narrative and commercial cinematography, his focus is on storytelling through compelling visuals.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Hellvania, a young drag queen finds herself embroiled an underworld of drag, crime, and violence, struggling to get her control and agency back. An abusive relationship leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, and her only solace is with her drag mother, Russia. Russia helps her to seek revenge, but at the cost of her loyalty. Through her journey for revenge, she must take on enemies of all sorts, only to find that taking control over her life is more than revenge, more than her ex- lover, and more than the approval of her drag mother.
WHY IT MATTERS
We love drag, and we love cinema! This film is written and directed by a local Austin drag queen, and that background gives the story a real view into the drag world. There's no doubt that drag has hit the mainstream in a big way with shows like Rupaul's Drag Race, We're Here, and Pose, but we haven't seen drag leap out into other genres in almost fifty years! Films like Pink Flamingos (1972), The Roky Horror Picture Show (1975) , or Outrageous! (1977) took drag to new places in cinema, and it's about time we did it again. We want to take drag to the traditionally masculine world of action, and we want you to be a part of it! Not only does this help us make the movie that we know you'll love to see, but it lifts drag to new places!
Left to right: Drake Howard, Executive Producer, Tyler Soares (Director), and Karla Armendariz (Associate Producer) supporting Austin Drag!
VISUAL STYLE
Our visual style comes from a blend of 60s Japanese layered cinematography, the brilliant technicolor of 70s Italian Giallos, and the dark, mysterious lighting of the 50s Noir films. The idea is to create a visual world of mystery and tension where there’s always a corner or crevice where danger might hover on the periphery of the darkness. It’s a world where you’re never safe and must always be on your guard. This visual style pairs well with the struggle of our main character. She struggles for her own agency by pushing herself further into danger. We will focus on cutting between wide, cinematic shots, and extreme closeups on faces, mimicking the style of the 70s Spaghetti Western. This will help to build the tension as well as the visual aesthetic.
My Blueberry Nights (2007)Suspiria (1977)Harakiri (1962)
Left: In the Mood for Love (2000)
Right: Drive (2011)
INFLUENCES
This film is directly inspired by exploitation cinema like Coffy, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, Shogun Assassin, and so many others. I grew up with the hits and kicks of Shaw Brothers, the groovy ass-kicking of blaxploitation, the explosive violence of the samurai film, and the quickdraws of spaghetti westerns. These films shaped my storytelling, my characters, and my outlook on cinema as a whole. But underpinning all of that is the artform that saved me. Drag is the biggest influence on this film. Drag allows a community for those who may not have ever had one. Drag families serve as support systems. Drag shows serve as a gathering place. And drag itself is an expression of queer identity, and a living, moving, breathing work of art.
Left to right: Pink Flamingoe (1972), Shogun Assassin (1980), TNT Jackson (1974), The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970), The Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
WHERE ARE WE NOW? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
So far, the project is in its pre-production stages. We have a finished script, we are well into casting, and we have scouted locations. We are filling out our crew day by day, scouting for talented people passionate about the project.
We will put our film on the festival circuit and aim to show the film at SXSW, Austin Film Festival, and Sundance. Because the film features LGBTQ+ characters, we will be submitting to a number of LGBTQ+ festivals such as Outfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival, and the Frameline Film Festival. This film is certain to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences, but also deals with themes that cast a wider net. The theme of control applies to anyone who has ever had it taken from them. Continuing the cycle of abuse is easy to fall into, but to rise above it and find self worth and agency internally is both healing and sustaining. It’s a message that resonates beyond just the LGBTQ+ community.
Costume Designs
Storyboards
COVID SAFETY
It is important for us to make sure our cast and crew are safe as we embark on this project, so we will be requiring Covid tests for all cast and crew a few days prior to shooting, as well as monitering temperature of cast and crew on set.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
FOLLOW
Follow 'The Queen Wants Revenge' to see our progress! On top of showing your interest in the project, Seed&Spark rewards us for building our audience with products, services, and festival fee waivers, which can go so far in helping to get this film funded, finished, and distributed to the people who will love it!
CONTRIBUTE & PLEDGE
No pledge is too small, and everything helps us to make 'The Queen Wants Revenge'! In order to recieve the funds for the project, we must raise 80% of our goal, and you can help by choosing one of our great incentives, or any pledge that fits your budget. Every dollar helps!
SPREAD THE WORD
Nothing is more powerful than communication, and the best way to help us reach beyond our networks is by sharing this project with yours! You can help us find a larger audience for this film by sharing this campaign on social media, email, or by word of mouth. We can't do it without you!
Tyler Soares (director) as his drag character, Jodie Fosterchild.
The Queen Wants Revenge is a film about taking control. On the surface, Hellvania wants retribution, but under it all, what she really demands is control. Control over her life, her decisions, her wants and needs. For too long, she’s had a man controlling her, a mother controlling her. Now its her chance to finally take agency over her life and forge her own way.
But on a grander scale, it’s true that drag has become part of the culture. This is wonderful as the art of drag confronts, comments on, and challenges societal norms through art and performance. But for all we’ve seen of drag culture, we have yet to see a breakthrough in the traditionally masculine action genre. This is surprising the more we dissect it. With drag families, houses, and over a century of underground culture, drag lends itself to storytelling with accessible conflict and world building. Coupled with the residual feelings of the LGBT+ community that have been built up over the 20th century, the action/revenge story is a perfect fit.
We deserve a no-holds-barred drag action star! After all, there’s no image more powerful than a drag queen with a weapon.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,050
This is for our wonderful thespians who make the characters come to life!
Crew
Costs $4,300
This will be used to pay the people who make movies happen. our production crew!
Production Design
Costs $650
This will be used to build our world on screen, and make it come to life through production design!
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,000
This is the most important part of it all! The camera!
Grip and Electric Equipment
Costs $700
This is going to the equipment that makes sure we can be seen!
Location Expenses
Costs $1,000
This gets us to where we need to film. Literally! It gets us our filming locations.
Miscellaneous expenses
Costs $2,355
This goes to our Catering, Digital Storage, Contingency, and Insurance!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Tyler Soares
Director/Co-Writer/Executive Producer
Tyler Soares grew up in rural Oregon where they would film and edit their own short films. Tyler graduated with honors from the Montana State University School of Film and Photography, where they won the Tracy Awards for best production design for the short film ‘Frequency’, and best editing for the short film ‘Little Princess’. Tyler found a new home in Austin Texas, where they have worked in costume design, sound recording, and directing for film and theatre. They aim to bring LGBTQ+ stories to new genres and new audiences.
Drake Howard
Executive Producer
Drake Walter Howard is from Comfort, Texas and attended Texas State University studying theatre. There he a directed a feature length doc and short films. After college he moved to Austin where he started Green Bean Pictures where he directs/produces short films, music video and commercials. Being a Texan native he strivers to help tell Texas stories.
Zachery T. Scott
Associate Producer
Zachary T Scott has been acting and making films since he was 14 years old! He grew up in the Bay Area where he studied at the American Conservatory theater in San Francisco. He began making films at the East Bay Media Center in Berkeley California. He’s received a young producer award for ‘Jeff Higgins Dead Blood’, and a Distinguished Young Artist Award from the American Conservatory in San Francisco. He attended a film program in Sedona Arizona, where he worked on several short films until he moved to Austin Texas where he continues to act, write and direct. He’s acted in numerous short films including “Let’s Talk outside” which premiered at SXSW as well as commercials and feature films. His directing work has gotten local and international recognition as well as won several awards including “Instant Classic” Award from the Austin Music Video Film festival, and the “Buckets of Blood” Award from the Berkeley Video Film Festival. His work has premiered on The AV Club, Bloody Disgusting.com, Top Billboards, and The Austin Chronicle.
Karla O. Armendariz
Associate Producer
Karla is an Austin filmmaker originally from the border cities of Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas. She works as a Creative Director/Producer at 2perf Productions directing, producing, and shooting commercials, music videos, shorts and feature indies. A graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with an RTF Bachelor and Business. She is passionate about bringing stories around diversity to life and creating space for creative untold stories to shine.
Taylor Camarot
Cinematographer
Taylor is a cinematographer based out of Austin, TX. Specializing in narrative and commercial cinematography, his focus is on storytelling through compelling visuals.