Transcending
Kansas City, Missouri | Film Feature
Comedy, Drama
An artist from the big city is reeling from a breakup after his wife leaves him for a DJ. Newly single, he takes their anniversary trip to Kansas City, MO where he ends up in a romantic three-way with the mysterious widow that runs the BnB and the spirit of her dead husband living in its walls.
Transcending
Kansas City, Missouri | Film Feature
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | Missouri, United States
20 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$19,590
Goal: $80,000 for post-production
An artist from the big city is reeling from a breakup after his wife leaves him for a DJ. Newly single, he takes their anniversary trip to Kansas City, MO where he ends up in a romantic three-way with the mysterious widow that runs the BnB and the spirit of her dead husband living in its walls.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Deb left Robby for DJ OuiOui. Robby has a crush on Lynn. Lynn is in love with her dead husband Jack, who she believes has transcended into the walls of her home...
ROBBY
It’s obvious Robby (played by Tone Bell, Survival of the Thickest, Acme vs Coyote) is lost. Set on the backdrop of his failing marriage, he’s distracted trying to figure out his purpose in life.
DEB
His half-hearted attempt to plan a getaway with his wife, Deb (played by Kirby Howell-Baptise, The Good Place, Barry), for their 10 year anniversary is soured by her leaving him… for a DJ.
MARTHA
Robby's unapologetic sister Martha (Nicole Byer, Nailed It!, Grand Crew) was never a fan of Deb anyway. She pushes newly single Robby to take the trip for two to Kansas City, MO.
LYNN
At their first dinner together, Robby learns that while Lynn may be a 10, she’s crazy. After noticing a few red flags, he finally calls out the elephant (or rather, the ghost) in the room.
JACK
Lynn explains with a plain face that she believes her husband’s soul (Jack, played by Mike Luciano, Animals, Creep Tapes, who also directed the film), has transcended into the walls of the house. In other words: Lynn is in love with her house. Robby is on guard. Back to horror movie vibes.
WHAT IF you showed up to your BnB and your host informs you that their dead spouse’s spirit is alive in the walls?
TRAPPED
Robby calls Martha, begging his sister to help him get out of this situation before his BnB host Get Out's him. Martha dismisses his fear; says he’s overreacting. He’s trapped. Will he make it out of this alive?
Check out our Deadline article!
Having navigated the loss of her father, stepmother, grandparents, and a close friend in her twenties, writer and lead star Raleigh Cain possesses a deeply personal understanding of grief. Finding solace in the belief that we do not simply vanish after death, but rather transcend and remain spiritually connected, she processed her experience through writing and humor. That journey gave birth to Transcending. Because mortality is a universal reality, this story rests on an undeniable truth: none of us are immune to loss, making our shared vulnerability the true heartbeat of connection.
Working in Hollywood as an actress, Raleigh is surrounded by dreamers locked in an exhausting pursuit of their big breaks, often wrestling with the quiet fear of what happens if they never quite "make it." She channeled that universal industry anxiety directly into Robby’s character. Having abandoned a full-time accounting gig to chase his dream as an artist, Robby puts a lot of pressure on himself to do "something important" in his life, while also struggling to pay his bills. Robby’s internal conflict mirrors the bittersweet reality of someone who loves creating yet continually questions their place and purpose. Rather than leaning into cynicism, Transcending uses that tension to fuel its humor and heart, reminding us that it is entirely okay to love what you do without needing to conquer the world to justify your existence.
Shot on location in Kansas City, MO, during the summer of 2025, Transcending brought together a stellar creative team anchored by local legend and Director of Photography Jeremy Osbern. True to its independent spirit, the production also served as a launchpad for rising talent, giving numerous crew members the chance to step up into elevated positions. This included seasoned art department veteran Liv Gallo taking the reins as Production Designer, alongside several other talented team members who embraced the opportunity to step up and expand their creative roles.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
We were lucky enough to raise the minimum private equity needed to start production last year. And then we used the Missouri Tax Credit & Kansas City Film Tax Rebate to leverage financing from The Launch Company to complete our production and start editing. We've made it this far by borrowing and scraping by, but we no longer have the luxury of time to continue chasing private equity. So we're turning to our community to not only help us finish this movie, but to also show us who our audience really is. We believe that your support will show distributors that people actually want to watch this movie. Therefore, in a way, you contributing today means you're also helping us sell this film so you can watch it tomorrow.
Supporting a project by pledging does not give you any ownership or revenue rights to that project. Seed&Spark does not allow equity based incentives. To learn more, visit Seed&Spark's FAQs page.
HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO TAKE?
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design and ADR
Costs $7,500
We're re-recording dialogue with our 4 main cast, capturing foley, designing sound effects, & blending it all together to elevate this film!
Post & Finishing
Costs $20,000
Includes online editing, motion graphics, visual effects, & color correction. Some of the best minds in post are working on this right now!
Music
Costs $30,500
Our film features music by The Talking Heads, Kevin Morby, & other big artists. On top of licensing, we've also hired a talented composter!
Marketing and Festivals
Costs $17,000
Designing our poster, building out EPK assets, editing our trailer(s), and travelling across the USA to spread the word & find our audience!
Legal, CAMA, & Contingency
Costs $5,000
We would love to pay our lawyer & collection account manager for all of their hard work! Plus bank fees, subscriptions, & unexpected costs!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Raleigh Cain, Actress / Writer / Executive Producer
Kansas-born actor, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles, Raleigh Cain believes the best stories help us feel less alone. She creates films rooted in vulnerability, humor, and hope.
Paige Blankenship, Producer
Paige Blankenship is an accomplished producer with a background in feature films, branded content, and commercials who combines creative storytelling and strategic insight to build impactful brand partnerships, produce memorable events, and deliver compelling content.
Mike Luciano, Director
Mike Luciano is a director and writer, and co-creator of the HBO animated comedy series, Animals. He’s developed shows for Netflix & Fox and has recently acted on screen opposite Mark Duplass in The Creep Tapes. Transcending is his feature directing debut.
Court Tait, Producer
Courtney Tait is an independent producer with extensive knowledge of narrative feature productions, union contracts, and budgets at all scales.
Jeremy Osbern, Director of Photography
Jeremy Osbern is an ADDY Award-winning director and Emmy Award-winning cinematographer.
Liv Gallo, Production Designer
Liv is an experienced art department professional in commercial, music video, and narrative features, including set dressing, props, and art directing music videos.
Whitney Manney, Costume Designer
Whitney Manney is a fashion and textile designer from Kansas City, Missouri, building a movement with her own label WHITNEYMANNEY, creating ready-to-wear art.
Randi Atkins, Editor
Randi Atkins is a film editor whose work spans various genres and workflows, with work premiering at Sundance.
Michael Paraskevas, Composer
Michael Paraskevas is a Los Angeles-based composer deeply immersed in storytelling through film and visual media.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Deb left Robby for DJ OuiOui. Robby has a crush on Lynn. Lynn is in love with her dead husband Jack, who she believes has transcended into the walls of her home...
ROBBY
It’s obvious Robby (played by Tone Bell, Survival of the Thickest, Acme vs Coyote) is lost. Set on the backdrop of his failing marriage, he’s distracted trying to figure out his purpose in life.
DEB
His half-hearted attempt to plan a getaway with his wife, Deb (played by Kirby Howell-Baptise, The Good Place, Barry), for their 10 year anniversary is soured by her leaving him… for a DJ.
MARTHA
Robby's unapologetic sister Martha (Nicole Byer, Nailed It!, Grand Crew) was never a fan of Deb anyway. She pushes newly single Robby to take the trip for two to Kansas City, MO.
LYNN
At their first dinner together, Robby learns that while Lynn may be a 10, she’s crazy. After noticing a few red flags, he finally calls out the elephant (or rather, the ghost) in the room.
JACK
Lynn explains with a plain face that she believes her husband’s soul (Jack, played by Mike Luciano, Animals, Creep Tapes, who also directed the film), has transcended into the walls of the house. In other words: Lynn is in love with her house. Robby is on guard. Back to horror movie vibes.
WHAT IF you showed up to your BnB and your host informs you that their dead spouse’s spirit is alive in the walls?
TRAPPED
Robby calls Martha, begging his sister to help him get out of this situation before his BnB host Get Out's him. Martha dismisses his fear; says he’s overreacting. He’s trapped. Will he make it out of this alive?
Check out our Deadline article!
Having navigated the loss of her father, stepmother, grandparents, and a close friend in her twenties, writer and lead star Raleigh Cain possesses a deeply personal understanding of grief. Finding solace in the belief that we do not simply vanish after death, but rather transcend and remain spiritually connected, she processed her experience through writing and humor. That journey gave birth to Transcending. Because mortality is a universal reality, this story rests on an undeniable truth: none of us are immune to loss, making our shared vulnerability the true heartbeat of connection.
Working in Hollywood as an actress, Raleigh is surrounded by dreamers locked in an exhausting pursuit of their big breaks, often wrestling with the quiet fear of what happens if they never quite "make it." She channeled that universal industry anxiety directly into Robby’s character. Having abandoned a full-time accounting gig to chase his dream as an artist, Robby puts a lot of pressure on himself to do "something important" in his life, while also struggling to pay his bills. Robby’s internal conflict mirrors the bittersweet reality of someone who loves creating yet continually questions their place and purpose. Rather than leaning into cynicism, Transcending uses that tension to fuel its humor and heart, reminding us that it is entirely okay to love what you do without needing to conquer the world to justify your existence.
Shot on location in Kansas City, MO, during the summer of 2025, Transcending brought together a stellar creative team anchored by local legend and Director of Photography Jeremy Osbern. True to its independent spirit, the production also served as a launchpad for rising talent, giving numerous crew members the chance to step up into elevated positions. This included seasoned art department veteran Liv Gallo taking the reins as Production Designer, alongside several other talented team members who embraced the opportunity to step up and expand their creative roles.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
We were lucky enough to raise the minimum private equity needed to start production last year. And then we used the Missouri Tax Credit & Kansas City Film Tax Rebate to leverage financing from The Launch Company to complete our production and start editing. We've made it this far by borrowing and scraping by, but we no longer have the luxury of time to continue chasing private equity. So we're turning to our community to not only help us finish this movie, but to also show us who our audience really is. We believe that your support will show distributors that people actually want to watch this movie. Therefore, in a way, you contributing today means you're also helping us sell this film so you can watch it tomorrow.
Supporting a project by pledging does not give you any ownership or revenue rights to that project. Seed&Spark does not allow equity based incentives. To learn more, visit Seed&Spark's FAQs page.
HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO TAKE?
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design and ADR
Costs $7,500
We're re-recording dialogue with our 4 main cast, capturing foley, designing sound effects, & blending it all together to elevate this film!
Post & Finishing
Costs $20,000
Includes online editing, motion graphics, visual effects, & color correction. Some of the best minds in post are working on this right now!
Music
Costs $30,500
Our film features music by The Talking Heads, Kevin Morby, & other big artists. On top of licensing, we've also hired a talented composter!
Marketing and Festivals
Costs $17,000
Designing our poster, building out EPK assets, editing our trailer(s), and travelling across the USA to spread the word & find our audience!
Legal, CAMA, & Contingency
Costs $5,000
We would love to pay our lawyer & collection account manager for all of their hard work! Plus bank fees, subscriptions, & unexpected costs!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Raleigh Cain, Actress / Writer / Executive Producer
Kansas-born actor, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles, Raleigh Cain believes the best stories help us feel less alone. She creates films rooted in vulnerability, humor, and hope.
Paige Blankenship, Producer
Paige Blankenship is an accomplished producer with a background in feature films, branded content, and commercials who combines creative storytelling and strategic insight to build impactful brand partnerships, produce memorable events, and deliver compelling content.
Mike Luciano, Director
Mike Luciano is a director and writer, and co-creator of the HBO animated comedy series, Animals. He’s developed shows for Netflix & Fox and has recently acted on screen opposite Mark Duplass in The Creep Tapes. Transcending is his feature directing debut.
Court Tait, Producer
Courtney Tait is an independent producer with extensive knowledge of narrative feature productions, union contracts, and budgets at all scales.
Jeremy Osbern, Director of Photography
Jeremy Osbern is an ADDY Award-winning director and Emmy Award-winning cinematographer.
Liv Gallo, Production Designer
Liv is an experienced art department professional in commercial, music video, and narrative features, including set dressing, props, and art directing music videos.
Whitney Manney, Costume Designer
Whitney Manney is a fashion and textile designer from Kansas City, Missouri, building a movement with her own label WHITNEYMANNEY, creating ready-to-wear art.
Randi Atkins, Editor
Randi Atkins is a film editor whose work spans various genres and workflows, with work premiering at Sundance.
Michael Paraskevas, Composer
Michael Paraskevas is a Los Angeles-based composer deeply immersed in storytelling through film and visual media.