Throuple
by Michael Doshier
Michael Doshier
Follow
Throuple
by Michael Doshier
Michael Doshier
Follow
Throuple is a coming-of-age romcom that showcases a diverse group of young people exploring new answers to life's old questions of growing up & falling in love. It also champions local musicians, unleashing into the world a no-skips indie soundtrack rivaling the likes of "Garden State" & "Once."
Throuple is a coming-of-age romcom that showcases a diverse group of young people exploring new answers to life's old questions of growing up & falling in love. It also champions local musicians, unleashing into the world a no-skips indie soundtrack rivaling the likes of "Garden State" & "Once."
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Story
Mission Statement
We aim to tell untold queer narratives, believing they can expose us to new options for our lives and help us all feel less alone. Inspired by the vibrant talent in every small pocket of our city, our approach is inter-disciplinary - using music and film in unique harmony.About The Project
With a screenplay boasting finalist positions in The Academy Awards Nicholl Fellowship, the Sundance Screenwriter's Lab, the Creative Capital Fund, and the Screencraft Fellowship, Throuple is a bold new take on the romantic comedy!
THE STORY
Throuple is the story of Michael, a twenty-something gay singer-songwriter who has lost his way and his voice. Michael struggles to express what he needs from those around him, preferring to live in a fantasy world where everyone just knows.
His social circle consists entirely of his best friend Tristan and her boyfriend Zach. Having completely given up on dating, he leans on Tristan to fulfull any of his needs for intimacy (much to Zach's chagrin). And despite being a talented musician himself, Michael gets his kicks from hyping them up backstage at their band's shows.
One night as Michael watches them perform, he catches the attention of Georgie and Connor, a married couple looking for something— or someone—to do. What should have been a simple hookup becomes a night of vulnerability none of them were expecting—but all of them needed.
With encouragement from Tristan and Zach, Michael pursues Georgie and Connor. The couple challenges Michael in more ways than he expected—and he ignites a flicker in their marriage they feared was long gone. But Michael's world is thrown into chaos when they all make life-altering decisions that leave him feeling abandoned.
Sitting at a new low, Michael must now decide whether to express his feelings and go after what he wants - both in his music and his relationships - or watch them all slip away.
THE LOOK & FEEL
As a film, Throuple operates within three visual worlds: friendship, romance, and music.
Pulling inspiration from quirky and quippy films like Juno and Frances Ha, the best-friendship of Tristan and Michael boasts fast-paced millennial humor and pop-culture references.
Backstage/Private Lives: Raw, emotional, often more muted in color.Inspired by the slow-burn of queer romances Weekend, Duck Better, and Blue is the Warmest Color, the love story that blossoms between Michael, Georgie and Connor simmers with deepening trust and vulnerability. These scenes will be shot with patience for the process of wounded people finally opening up.
On stage / Performance Lives: Vibrant, energetic, yet down to earth and relatable.Inspired by music documentaries and concert films such as Madonna's Truth or Dare and Woodstock, our concert scenes are exciting, passionate, and colorful. They pay tribute to the artistic process and give our indie talent the all-start treatment.
THE MUSIC
Throuple was conceptualized at open mic nights across New York City. These hidden gems from New York City's brightest up-and-coming musicians would go on to become our soundtrack. We are proud and excited Throuple brings together over 20 of New York’s rising underground musicians and gives them a new platform to share their art.
THE BANDS
Dakota Jones performing "Have Mercy"Dakota Jones blends vintage blues with modern soul to create a genre-bending sound, both familiar and refreshing. Recently, Dakota Jones’s song “Have Mercy” was featured in the Netflix film "Always Be My Maybe" (Ali Wong, Randall Park) and the band has had the opportunity to greatly expand their fan base and share their music on a global scale, including their recent performance at Afropunk.
Darlin! The Band performing "Breathe (Don't Sweat It)"Darlin! The Band is a synth/electro-pop outfit who combines introspective songwriting about trying to find love while struggling to find yourself with twinkling synths and a pulsing groove and rhythm. Of their debut single "Stealing a Glance," NPR Music wrote, "it fights feelings of isolation with glamour and dance moves!"
TC Superstar With 36,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, sold-out showcases at South by Southwest, and MTV calling them “as experimental as they are essential - and as cerebral as they are eccentric,” synth-pop band TC Superstar are set to take over the world. Their lyrical storytelling mixes surprisingly well with their tightly choreographed dance routines; think of them as The Talking Heads of 2021 and beyond.
Lily Mao performing "Sour Grapes"Lily Mao and the Resonators are a true New York act - they perform anywhere they can: stages, subway platforms, and street corners. It is at a concert of theirs where our protagonist decides to start living his life differently.
Kailey Prior's "Not A Tree" is a musical centerpiece of ThroupleKailey Prior uses her voice and her poetry to connect with and articulate her experiences as a queer woman, and as a human. A lover of storytelling, Kailey’s songwriting is reminiscent of Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, and Ingrid Michaelson.
Cameron Toy is a Brooklyn-based musician and writer. Recent projects include the soundtrack for the upcoming graphic novel Half Lifes. Cameron is composing an original song for the final scene and end credits of Throuple.
...And so many more to come!
WHO IS THE AUDIENCE?
- THOSE WHO DARE TO DREAM The message of our film is a universal one: sometimes the thing holding us back from the things we want in life is ourself. It appeals to the vast audience of moviegoers that seek out coming-of-age dramedies. It is for anyone who dares to dream of a life better than the one they have - one that will require becoming braver than they are.
- THE ROMANTIC Fans of the romantic comedy genre will find a home in Throuple, which tells a new kind of love story while following classic beats. It also de-prioritizes romantic love and acts as a tribute to the unique bond of soul-melding best-friendship. In short, it will find a home amongst those of us longing for deeper human connections during an isolating time.
- MUSIC LOVERS The vinyl-lovers, the poptimists, the merch collectors, those of us who Instagram-follow the bands from the stickers in dirty bathroom stalls - who frequent venues with $5 covers and busted sound systems. This movie captures these underground acts through a protagonist who worships them. Throuple has a built-in audience in those nostalgic for the days when movie soundtracks were just as important as the films themselves.
- UNDER-REPRESENTED LGBTQIA FOLKS AND THEIR ALLIES We are at a pivotal moment for queer cinema. As streaming continues to diversify our options and broaden our scope, audiences are insatiable for new stories. Because of this, queer representation is finding success in both the indie and mainstream markets. Saved! But I'm A Cheerleader. Moonlight. RENT. Tangerine. We will never forget the queer cinema that made us feel more human as young people. We are making one of those movies, and will fight for it to be seen by those who need it.
On Set of our Proof-of-Concept Shoot, November 2020WE NEED YOUR HELP
It is no secret feature films are expensive, and we truly cannot do this alone. We are honored by the chance to invite you on this journey with us, and our gratitude is endless to anyone who is willing to give.
HELP US SECURE THE PACKAGE!
Through the course of development, we have been blessed to work with some of the brightest indie filmmaking talent in NYC. We are seeking your support to secure the Throuple package!
From bringing our director on board - to finding our full cast - to assembling our behind-the-scenes crew - we are ready to extend offers and secure our full team, who will get the motor running and drive Throuple right into production.
It is of utmost importance to us that our cast and crew are paid fairly for their talent and hard work. Your donation will make that possible - and we will keep you posted right here on our Announcements section as these key roles begin to fill, all thanks to you!
THEN...
Once our team is complete, donations will go toward production costs, including but not limited to:
- CAST & CREW Making sure our diverse cast and crew are paid fairly for their time and talent.
- FOOD Keeping everyone on set properly fueled.
- MUSIC Securing the rights to the music that gives our film its heartbeat.
- LOCATIONS Renting out the iconic live music venues where our vibrant concert scenes - and intimate backstage discussions - take place.
- SAFETY Keeping our cast and crew safe with adequate PPE and the COVID-19 guidelines outlined by The Producer's Guild and SAG.
- EQUIPMENT RENTALS to ensure our film looks and sounds sleek and competitive.
- INSURANCE AND TRANSPORTATION to ensure our producer has dotted his I's, crossed his T's, and can get our operation from one location to the next day by day.
WHY SHOULD YOU GIVE?
SUPPORTING ARTISTS
- The show must go on As filmmakers and musicians, we all dealt with a full year of canceled shows and projects put on pause, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By supporting Throuple, you are supporting an entire creative community after an unprecedented moment in history which saw our futures venture into uncertainty.
- Ready for their shot in the spotlight Throuple has the potential to be a launchpad for so many different artists, from the filmmakers to the actors to the musicians. Both our story and our team consist of queer people, People of Color, and underrepresented communities in film. Donating to this project is an opportunity to become a deeper part of these communities and help us tell our stories in a new way.
FOR THE PERKS!
- Contributions of any size, large and small, are genuinely appreciated & deeply felt! We have compiled a wide array of gifts for you as a token of our appreciation.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
- Spread The Word We believe in this project and we hope you do too! Please share this fundraiser with your networks and encourage them to join us in helping Throuple come to life!
- Stream Our Artists The Throuple soundtrack assembles independent artist from a variety of genres to create an immersive experience but there is more to discover! Follow and stream these musicians on your favorite provider and fall in love with them just like we have!
Incentives
$10
Open Mic Night
- SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT-OUT!
It is not at all lost on us that we couldn't do this without you! We adore you. We can't wait to thank you on Instagram for your generosity!$30
Pianos
- SEE YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS!
- YOU'RE IN THE CREDITS!
- Social Media Shout-Out
Get a customized Thank You image of your name in lights at your favorite New York City Venue - and don't forget to share it far and wide on your socials! Oh! And, welcome aboard, you're a part of the film yourself, now, baby! When those credits scroll at the end, look for your name in a Special Thanks section!$50
Mercury Lounge
- PRIVATE LINK TO THE THROUPLE SOUNDTRACK!
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutYou've unlocked the full Throuple soundtrack! Long before it drops to the rest of the world, hear the songs that create the backdrop to our version of the best city in the world - New York City, baby!
$75
Bowery Ballroom
- PERSONALIZED THANK YOU VIDEO!
- Private Link to Throuple soundtrack
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe love you and will express our gratitude to you on the small screen! (Don't get mad if we burst out into a bit of song as we profess our love to you!) We will record a thank-you message, mean every word, and send that right your way!
$125
Brooklyn Steel
- STICKERS AND PINS!
- Personalized Thank You Video
- Private Link to the Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutReceive a batch of STICKERS and/or PINS from the bands involved in Throuple!
$250
Rockwood Music Hall
- POSTER & GAME NIGHT!
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe here on the Throuple production team are no strangers to a Zoom game night, and you will receive a special invitation to come hang out with us for a cast and crew virtual game night (we hope you like trivia)! We can't wait to thank you live - and have a little fun! We will also send you the limited edition Throuple poster! (Let us know if you want it signed by the team!)
$350
The Bitter End
- T-SHIRT & HAND-WRITTEN NOTE!
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-Out
Honey you've made it to the Bitter End! We are just beside ourselves to have your generous support. As a thank you we will be sending you a limited edition Throuple T-Shirt* and mail you a hand-written thank you note!*Small through 2X are available however we love all bodies so just send us a message if you need a different size.
$500
Terminal 5(hundred)
- PRIVATE CONCERT
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutTo quote the iconic Carly Rae Jepsen, "we really really really really really really like you!" And to show it we will be inviting you to a private virtual concert for donators featuring several of the artists from the Throuple soundtrack. You'll also get all of the perks from the previous tiers so maybe wear your Throuple T-shirt? Or not. Any shirt will be fine really.
$1,000
Radio City Music Hall (Co-Contributing Producer Credit)
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- CO-CONTRIBUTING PRODUCER CREDIT! / INVITATION ON SET!
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe truly do not deserve you - but are so grateful to have you! As a thank you for your support you will be credited as a Co-Contributing Producer and be invited on-set for an extra role in a concert scene! (pending COVID-safety precautions, transportation to set not provided).
$5,000
The Barclays Center (Contributing Producer Credit)
- CONTRIBUTING PRODUCER CREDIT! / INVITATION TO CAST & CREW SCREENING!
- Invitation On Set
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutHoly #$%! We are at the Barclays Center, Mama, partying with Rihanna and Jay-Z! You will be credited as a Contributing Producer for the film and we will make sure that EVERYONE knows, honey! You will also receive an invite to our first internal screening of the film for our team! You are a legend and we live!!!!!
$10,000
Madison Square Garden (Co-Executive Producer Credit)
- CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT! / EARLY ACCESS TO FILM CUTS!
- Invitation to first cast and crew screening
- Invitation On Set
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutHoney! You. Are. An. Icon! You've made it to the top. You are literally making this film happen and we could not be more thankful! You will be credited as a Co-Executive Producer for the film - with your name showing in both the opening and closing credits! You will have early access to view the film - and honestly our first born children if you want them.
- THOSE WHO DARE TO DREAM The message of our film is a universal one: sometimes the thing holding us back from the things we want in life is ourself. It appeals to the vast audience of moviegoers that seek out coming-of-age dramedies. It is for anyone who dares to dream of a life better than the one they have - one that will require becoming braver than they are.
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Open Mic Night
- SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT-OUT!
It is not at all lost on us that we couldn't do this without you! We adore you. We can't wait to thank you on Instagram for your generosity!$30
Pianos
- SEE YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS!
- YOU'RE IN THE CREDITS!
- Social Media Shout-Out
Get a customized Thank You image of your name in lights at your favorite New York City Venue - and don't forget to share it far and wide on your socials! Oh! And, welcome aboard, you're a part of the film yourself, now, baby! When those credits scroll at the end, look for your name in a Special Thanks section!$50
Mercury Lounge
- PRIVATE LINK TO THE THROUPLE SOUNDTRACK!
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutYou've unlocked the full Throuple soundtrack! Long before it drops to the rest of the world, hear the songs that create the backdrop to our version of the best city in the world - New York City, baby!
$75
Bowery Ballroom
- PERSONALIZED THANK YOU VIDEO!
- Private Link to Throuple soundtrack
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe love you and will express our gratitude to you on the small screen! (Don't get mad if we burst out into a bit of song as we profess our love to you!) We will record a thank-you message, mean every word, and send that right your way!
$125
Brooklyn Steel
- STICKERS AND PINS!
- Personalized Thank You Video
- Private Link to the Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutReceive a batch of STICKERS and/or PINS from the bands involved in Throuple!
$250
Rockwood Music Hall
- POSTER & GAME NIGHT!
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe here on the Throuple production team are no strangers to a Zoom game night, and you will receive a special invitation to come hang out with us for a cast and crew virtual game night (we hope you like trivia)! We can't wait to thank you live - and have a little fun! We will also send you the limited edition Throuple poster! (Let us know if you want it signed by the team!)
$350
The Bitter End
- T-SHIRT & HAND-WRITTEN NOTE!
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-Out
Honey you've made it to the Bitter End! We are just beside ourselves to have your generous support. As a thank you we will be sending you a limited edition Throuple T-Shirt* and mail you a hand-written thank you note!*Small through 2X are available however we love all bodies so just send us a message if you need a different size.
$500
Terminal 5(hundred)
- PRIVATE CONCERT
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutTo quote the iconic Carly Rae Jepsen, "we really really really really really really like you!" And to show it we will be inviting you to a private virtual concert for donators featuring several of the artists from the Throuple soundtrack. You'll also get all of the perks from the previous tiers so maybe wear your Throuple T-shirt? Or not. Any shirt will be fine really.
$1,000
Radio City Music Hall (Co-Contributing Producer Credit)
- CO-CONTRIBUTING PRODUCER CREDIT! / INVITATION ON SET!
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutWe truly do not deserve you - but are so grateful to have you! As a thank you for your support you will be credited as a Co-Contributing Producer and be invited on-set for an extra role in a concert scene! (pending COVID-safety precautions, transportation to set not provided).
$5,000
The Barclays Center (Contributing Producer Credit)
- CONTRIBUTING PRODUCER CREDIT! / INVITATION TO CAST & CREW SCREENING!
- Invitation On Set
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutHoly #$%! We are at the Barclays Center, Mama, partying with Rihanna and Jay-Z! You will be credited as a Contributing Producer for the film and we will make sure that EVERYONE knows, honey! You will also receive an invite to our first internal screening of the film for our team! You are a legend and we live!!!!!
$10,000
Madison Square Garden (Co-Executive Producer Credit)
- CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CREDIT! / EARLY ACCESS TO FILM CUTS!
- Invitation to first cast and crew screening
- Invitation On Set
- Private Concert
- T-shirt & Hand-written note
- Poster and game night
- Stickers and Pins
- Personalized Thank You Message
- Private Link to Throuple Soundtrack
- You're in the Credits
- See Your Name In Lights
- Social Media Shout-OutHoney! You. Are. An. Icon! You've made it to the top. You are literally making this film happen and we could not be more thankful! You will be credited as a Co-Executive Producer for the film - with your name showing in both the opening and closing credits! You will have early access to view the film - and honestly our first born children if you want them.
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
GREYSON HORST (DIRECTOR) is a filmmaker and editor from Sacramento, CA. He completed two years of his undergraduate degree at Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, studying narrative film and documentary. In 2017, he co-directed and edited Dempsey the Diabetic Superhero which was a semi-finalist for the 44th Student Academy Awards. The same year, he released Where’s Darren?, a short film about a non-committal singer-songwriter with conflicting passions and a fluid sexual identity, which won the Audience Choice Award at the Sacramento Film & Music Festival. Greyson completed his final two years of undergrad at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he dove head first into experimental and genre filmmaking, exploring the interplay between human connection and technology, the arts and Artificial Intelligence, and making love on an alien planet. His latest film, The Bugs and the Slugs, places a story of sexual discovery in a heightened fantasy environment, allowing for absurdist comedic extremes that reflect a human desire for love and societal acceptance. He’s thrilled to be directing Throuple, where he can bring his strength in visual storytelling and comedic sensibilities to this strikingly intimate story of love, music, and self-actualization.
MICHAEL DOSHIER (SCREENWRITER, "MICHAEL") is a Brooklyn-based writer, musician, and performer. A graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, he earned the 2013 Venable Herndon Award for Excellence in Screenwriting. He has written columns for online magazines The Talkhouse and Things Created by People, and promos for Viacom’s Logo Movie House. His screenplays have been finalists in the Sundance Screenwriter's Lab, Screencraft’s Fellowship (thrice), the Creative Capital Fund, WGAEast’s Made In NY Competition, and the Missouri Stories Competition (winner). As a musician and performance artist, Michael's multimedia cabaret Johnny Darlin: In the Closet was met with sold-out crowds and rave reception at the 2016 New York and 2017 Prague Fringe Festivals. His follow-up, Johnny Darlin: Songs About Boys, performed well in the 2018 Prague Fringe and New York Frigid Festivals. His "Way With Words" music video - featuring a drag performance set in a Methodist church in the Bible Belt - received press from The Arkansas Times who called it a "sultry, glittering mashup." He now performs regularly at historic NYC venues with his band Darlin! the Band. Of the band’s premiere of debut single “Stealing a Glance,” NPR Music wrote, “Darlin! The Band fights feelings of isolation with glamour and dance moves!”
PHILLY HUGHES (PRODUCER) is an alumni of the Tisch School of the Arts Filmand Television Production Program. Upon graduation, he began working in higher education marketing where he's helped produce over 50 short-form videos that have collectively garnered over 1 million views. In addition to producing videos, he's managed several large scale marketing campaigns for New York University increasing application conversions and overall potential tuition income. Outside of his work in production and marketing Phil is an avid TV fan, occasional stand-up comedian, and amateur chef. He's so excited to be a part of the Throuple team to help bring a unique story, not only about the queer experience, but the journey towards self expression and living your best life, to a screen near you.
STINE DAHLMAN (COSTUME DESIGNER)'s work aims to challenge the mind beyond the real. Raised in both Norway and Germany, investigating the past and culture has become a continuous exploration. Stine graduated with her BA in Fashion Design from AMD Akademie Mode & Design Düsseldorf, Germany in 2016 and with her MFA in Costume Design from NYU Tisch Department of Design for Stage and Film in 2020.
TRISTAN CARTER-JONES ("TRISTAN," MUSIC) is a writer, storyteller, and the lead singer of Dakota Jones. Her commanding vocals and visceral songwriting allows their stage show to meld the hell-hath-no-fury power of Chaka Khan, the wild spontaneity of Janis Joplin, and the honey-dripping sensuality of Marvin Gaye. Since its inception in 2016, the band has built a loyal following in the NYC area, and become regulars at some of the city’s most-respected venues.
FUNDRAISER & PROOF OF CONCEPT TEAM
Any Throuple scenes present in this fundraiser come from our proof-of-concept shoot from November 2020.
Directed by ... Morgan Ingari
Written by ... Michael DoshierCinematographer ... Maria Rusche
1st AC ... Mika Hawley
Gaffer ... Sam Wolff
Sound ... Danny RosenHanst
Editor ... Min Dai
Producer ... Philly Hughes
Producer ... Michael Doshier
Producer ... Candice KuwaharaCast:
Michael ... Michael Doshier
Tristan ... Tristan Carter-Jones
Zach ... Scott KrampAll Graphic Design by Nicole Rogers
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