TWINKLE TOES
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
You'll cringe, you'll laugh, and question everything. Follow a tightly wound counselor unravel a toe-sucking mystery brewing on campus. Ultimately, this story is about how we hide from ourselves, bury our truths, and try to be what we are not.
TWINKLE TOES
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,025 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
28 supporters | followers
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You'll cringe, you'll laugh, and question everything. Follow a tightly wound counselor unravel a toe-sucking mystery brewing on campus. Ultimately, this story is about how we hide from ourselves, bury our truths, and try to be what we are not.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Twinkle Toes is a darkly funny, deeply uncomfortable short about a college campus plagued by a bizarre predator—someone is sneaking into dorm rooms at night and sucking on students’ toes.
At the center of the story is Elle, a tightly wound college counselor, trying to hold her life together while comforting an endless stream of disturbed students. Her regular patient, Charlie, is charming, smart, magnetic—and might know more than she’s letting on.
The film takes place almost entirely in one therapy session, but the tension spirals fast. As the conversation between Elle and Charlie deepens, boundaries blur, trust erodes, and the truth slithers to the surface.
What starts as creepy turns intimate. What feels like a joke gets serious. And the final twist? It bites.
I’m inspired by the stories I wish existed but rarely see—films that don’t just push boundaries, they obliterate them. Too often, I feel a void in the kinds of creators and projects that speak to me: work that blends tones, plays with structure, and embraces contradiction unapologetically. The written and visual storytelling that excites me most lives outside of genre–they are considered genre-less. You can categorize for categorization’s sake, but the stories I am inspired to tell sit at the intersection of drama, comedy, and horror. Films like Parasite and more recently, One Battle After Another gave me permission to pursue that kind of freedom and therefore–comes Twinkle Toes.
What drives me is the belief that creative liberation starts when the filmmaker gives themselves permission to make a story that might make other people scratch their heads. Today’s film landscape leans toward safety and proven recipes, but those formulas don’t always work and they rarely reflect how life actually feels. Our work seeks to carve out space for what is weird, intimate, creepy, and emotionally honest. We want to create the kind of bold, specific world I’ve been seeking where discomfort has value, and humor coincides with fear.
We are not just trying to make films. We are building a body of work that challenges expectations, makes space for new voices, and invites people to feel things they didn’t expect to feel. If it’s too strange for the algorithm but too real to ignore, that’s exactly where we want to be.
--Byron, Director
This is not just a film about toes getting sucked.
Nobody is who they say they are anymore. We’re in a weird space where everyone wants to be seen, but no one wants to be perceived. We alter ourselves and act a certain way just to feel validation. It happens in everyday life to any and everyone, but especially as creatives.
That tension between who we say we are and who we actually are is exactly why Twinkle Toes feels urgent right now. Elle and Charlie’s story is a reflection of the moment we are in. Social media constantly blurs the line between what’s real and what’s not. We all talk about mental health, but it feels like too many people are cracking under pressure but say they are “fine.” People tell others to hide their truths and lie to themselves because they can’t face them.
In a world where we’re all struggling to be ourselves and losing track of our own moral compass, we wanted to make something honest, weird, and human. And more of that is needed.
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We are making this film because we love filmmaking, and we believe in building a body of work that actually means something. This project is a step toward the careers we're making for ourselves. Bookmark this page. Follow our journey. We're just getting started.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rentals
Costs $5,000
We need $5K for locations that match our film’s tone: a realistic dorm + counselor’s office are key to tension, mood, and story.
Camera Gear Rentals
Costs $3,000
Our film relies on high level visual storytelling and to accomplish this, we need lenses, stabilization, and lighting.
Post Production Expenses
Costs $3,000
We need skilled post pros to edit the film, color it, and add any VFX to elevate our story and make for a good viewing experience.
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $3,500
With filming days stretching up to 12 hours, we need to properly feed our crew!
Production Design, VFX Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $3,000
Our sets need to be decorated and we have to find the perfect (prosthetic) toes to be sucked on!
EMERGENCIES!
Costs $2,500
Accidents happen. Plans change. Funds to allow our team to pivot when they do is critical.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Byron Mason II - Director
Byron Mason II is a Chicago-born filmmaker and USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA graduate who creates genre stories that scare, entertain, and mean something. He’s worked for Blumhouse, Monkeypaw, Netflix Animation, and served as a script coordinating assistant for director Rob Savage. His short CYCLE premiered at the 2023 Frieze Arts Festival, and his USC-funded film PRICE screened at the Micheaux Film Festival and Screamfest. He also wrote and produced Top Voices, a USC mini-series currently in contention for the College Emmys. Byron believes in telling bold, character-driven stories with collaborators who share his passion for impactful filmmaking.
Charlotte Marcoulis - Producer
Charlotte Marcoulis is a film producer dedicated to telling stories that honor the depth and diversity of the human experience. With a background that bridges creative direction and storytelling, she approaches every project with equal parts artistry and intentionality. Guided by a belief that cinema is both mirror and movement, Charlotte seeks out projects that center authentic voices, dynamic visuals, and emotional truth. Her work has been celebrated across several renowned festivals, including HollyShorts, where her produced film Negro League Nights won Best Historical Sports Drama. Her other projects have also been featured at the Micheaux Film Festival, the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, and The 50/50 Fest. Every selection a testament to her commitment to stories that move audiences and spark meaningful conversation. Each film she produces is an act of collaboration and care, shaped by a dedication to storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and expands the way people see themselves and the world around them.
Hannah Kelley - Producer
Hannah Grace Kelley is a director and producer based in Los Angeles who recently earned her MFA at University of Southern California in Film and Television Production. She has worked on both narrative and documentary films that have been selected at festivals such as LA Shorts International Film Festival, DOC NYC, Dances With Films, and shortlisted at the Yugo BAFTA student awards. Hannah is currently working as a post-production assistant on NBC’s The Voice while producing and directing films that amplify female and LGBTQ+ voices.
Alex Leo Garcia - Cinematographer
Alex Leo Garcia is a mexican cinematographer with an incredibly strong eye for visual storytelling with a creative style founded in atmospheric and dynamic imagery.
Throughout his working career, he has freelanced working for brands such as Top Dawg Entertainment, LA Dodgers, Apple Music, Def Jam Records, and Flight Club. Developing his voice in music videos, he has lensed for music videos for artists such as Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Regulo Caro, Ray Vaughn, and Joony.
This combined with his lensing for short and features films (with several having won film festivals), He is looking to create with some of the top talent of this new generation.
Kaela Bland - Associate Producer
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kaela Bland has always been surrounded by storytelling in all its forms—from the rich cultural landscape of her city to the vibrant communities that shaped her early years. After attending Marlborough School for Girls, Kaela went on to Howard University, where her passion for creative expression and strategic thinking found a natural home.
Currently working at Del Shaw, Kaela supports the CEO while gaining firsthand insight into the business side of entertainment. This experience has strengthened her ability to merge creativity with structure—skills she recently brought to her first film as an associate producer. With over five years in the industry, she thrives at the intersection of artistry and organization, balancing big-picture vision with meticulous attention to detail.
Kaela is deeply inspired by the ongoing evolution of the entertainment landscape. She’s eager to take a deep dive into production, contributing to a future where inclusive, original stories take center stage. Energized by collaboration and the promise of change, Kaela is ready to be part of the creative revolution shaping the next era of entertainment.
Ros Ramzan - Editor
Ros Ramzan is a film editor based in Los Angeles, originally from the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Film and Television Production program.
Shortly after graduating, she joined Stuart McClave’s debut film On the Line: The Richard Williams Story, a documentary about the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. The film premiered as a Spotlight Documentary at the 2022 Tribeca Festival and later premiered internationally at Sheffield DocFest.
In 2023, she worked in TV as a post-production assistant on A Murder at the End of the World, working under showrunners Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (The OA) and editor Dylan Tichenor (Boogie Nights). She is currently a post-production assistant on Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film The Social Reckoning.
As an editor, she is drawn to thrillers and dark comedies that comment on societal dysfunction and its psychological effects. Her influences include Darren Aronofsky, Ruben Östlund, Vince Gilligan, and Park Chan-wook.
Joy Cooper - Actor - Elle
Air Force Vet originally from the south (North Carolina), Joy Cooper ventured into acting out of a curiosity for the arts after service. She used her GI Bill to study theatre and film production, participating in stage, commercial, tv, and film projects in-front and behind the camera. Joy also held the role of TV Coordinator for Warner Bros TV Production department overseeing WB's tv roster. Acting still remains a source of joy for Joy as she seeks out unique and interesting roles working with unique and interesting creators.
Erin Lucid - Actor - Charlie
Erin Lucid is an actor & costume designer based in LA as well as a recent graduate of USC’s Schools of Dramatic & Cinematic Arts. Her latest roles include Sally & Ilia in the Outtakes web series, Lisa in the new play “Happy Birthday” for Hollywood Fringe, & Jenn in “The Pact.” Erin is absolutely thrilled to have been bestowed with the honor of twinkling some toes alongside this fabulous cast & crew. She would like to always thank her wonderful friends & family & toe twinklers everywhere for everything that they do. @erinlucid_
Quaz Degraft - Actor - Jared
Quaz Degraft is a former accountant turned actor and playwright. He earned his MFA in Acting from the USC School of Dramatic Arts before creating In The Black, a darkly comedic solo play inspired by his years in finance. The show premiered to five-star acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where audiences praised its honesty, wit, and emotional precision. On screen, Quaz is known for his roles as Freddy in Power: Raising Kanan and George in Love & Swiping.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Twinkle Toes is a darkly funny, deeply uncomfortable short about a college campus plagued by a bizarre predator—someone is sneaking into dorm rooms at night and sucking on students’ toes.
At the center of the story is Elle, a tightly wound college counselor, trying to hold her life together while comforting an endless stream of disturbed students. Her regular patient, Charlie, is charming, smart, magnetic—and might know more than she’s letting on.
The film takes place almost entirely in one therapy session, but the tension spirals fast. As the conversation between Elle and Charlie deepens, boundaries blur, trust erodes, and the truth slithers to the surface.
What starts as creepy turns intimate. What feels like a joke gets serious. And the final twist? It bites.
I’m inspired by the stories I wish existed but rarely see—films that don’t just push boundaries, they obliterate them. Too often, I feel a void in the kinds of creators and projects that speak to me: work that blends tones, plays with structure, and embraces contradiction unapologetically. The written and visual storytelling that excites me most lives outside of genre–they are considered genre-less. You can categorize for categorization’s sake, but the stories I am inspired to tell sit at the intersection of drama, comedy, and horror. Films like Parasite and more recently, One Battle After Another gave me permission to pursue that kind of freedom and therefore–comes Twinkle Toes.
What drives me is the belief that creative liberation starts when the filmmaker gives themselves permission to make a story that might make other people scratch their heads. Today’s film landscape leans toward safety and proven recipes, but those formulas don’t always work and they rarely reflect how life actually feels. Our work seeks to carve out space for what is weird, intimate, creepy, and emotionally honest. We want to create the kind of bold, specific world I’ve been seeking where discomfort has value, and humor coincides with fear.
We are not just trying to make films. We are building a body of work that challenges expectations, makes space for new voices, and invites people to feel things they didn’t expect to feel. If it’s too strange for the algorithm but too real to ignore, that’s exactly where we want to be.
--Byron, Director
This is not just a film about toes getting sucked.
Nobody is who they say they are anymore. We’re in a weird space where everyone wants to be seen, but no one wants to be perceived. We alter ourselves and act a certain way just to feel validation. It happens in everyday life to any and everyone, but especially as creatives.
That tension between who we say we are and who we actually are is exactly why Twinkle Toes feels urgent right now. Elle and Charlie’s story is a reflection of the moment we are in. Social media constantly blurs the line between what’s real and what’s not. We all talk about mental health, but it feels like too many people are cracking under pressure but say they are “fine.” People tell others to hide their truths and lie to themselves because they can’t face them.
In a world where we’re all struggling to be ourselves and losing track of our own moral compass, we wanted to make something honest, weird, and human. And more of that is needed.
We are making this film because we love filmmaking, and we believe in building a body of work that actually means something. This project is a step toward the careers we're making for ourselves. Bookmark this page. Follow our journey. We're just getting started.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location Rentals
Costs $5,000
We need $5K for locations that match our film’s tone: a realistic dorm + counselor’s office are key to tension, mood, and story.
Camera Gear Rentals
Costs $3,000
Our film relies on high level visual storytelling and to accomplish this, we need lenses, stabilization, and lighting.
Post Production Expenses
Costs $3,000
We need skilled post pros to edit the film, color it, and add any VFX to elevate our story and make for a good viewing experience.
Cast and Crew Meals
Costs $3,500
With filming days stretching up to 12 hours, we need to properly feed our crew!
Production Design, VFX Makeup & Wardrobe
Costs $3,000
Our sets need to be decorated and we have to find the perfect (prosthetic) toes to be sucked on!
EMERGENCIES!
Costs $2,500
Accidents happen. Plans change. Funds to allow our team to pivot when they do is critical.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Byron Mason II - Director
Byron Mason II is a Chicago-born filmmaker and USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA graduate who creates genre stories that scare, entertain, and mean something. He’s worked for Blumhouse, Monkeypaw, Netflix Animation, and served as a script coordinating assistant for director Rob Savage. His short CYCLE premiered at the 2023 Frieze Arts Festival, and his USC-funded film PRICE screened at the Micheaux Film Festival and Screamfest. He also wrote and produced Top Voices, a USC mini-series currently in contention for the College Emmys. Byron believes in telling bold, character-driven stories with collaborators who share his passion for impactful filmmaking.
Charlotte Marcoulis - Producer
Charlotte Marcoulis is a film producer dedicated to telling stories that honor the depth and diversity of the human experience. With a background that bridges creative direction and storytelling, she approaches every project with equal parts artistry and intentionality. Guided by a belief that cinema is both mirror and movement, Charlotte seeks out projects that center authentic voices, dynamic visuals, and emotional truth. Her work has been celebrated across several renowned festivals, including HollyShorts, where her produced film Negro League Nights won Best Historical Sports Drama. Her other projects have also been featured at the Micheaux Film Festival, the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, and The 50/50 Fest. Every selection a testament to her commitment to stories that move audiences and spark meaningful conversation. Each film she produces is an act of collaboration and care, shaped by a dedication to storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and expands the way people see themselves and the world around them.
Hannah Kelley - Producer
Hannah Grace Kelley is a director and producer based in Los Angeles who recently earned her MFA at University of Southern California in Film and Television Production. She has worked on both narrative and documentary films that have been selected at festivals such as LA Shorts International Film Festival, DOC NYC, Dances With Films, and shortlisted at the Yugo BAFTA student awards. Hannah is currently working as a post-production assistant on NBC’s The Voice while producing and directing films that amplify female and LGBTQ+ voices.
Alex Leo Garcia - Cinematographer
Alex Leo Garcia is a mexican cinematographer with an incredibly strong eye for visual storytelling with a creative style founded in atmospheric and dynamic imagery.
Throughout his working career, he has freelanced working for brands such as Top Dawg Entertainment, LA Dodgers, Apple Music, Def Jam Records, and Flight Club. Developing his voice in music videos, he has lensed for music videos for artists such as Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Regulo Caro, Ray Vaughn, and Joony.
This combined with his lensing for short and features films (with several having won film festivals), He is looking to create with some of the top talent of this new generation.
Kaela Bland - Associate Producer
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kaela Bland has always been surrounded by storytelling in all its forms—from the rich cultural landscape of her city to the vibrant communities that shaped her early years. After attending Marlborough School for Girls, Kaela went on to Howard University, where her passion for creative expression and strategic thinking found a natural home.
Currently working at Del Shaw, Kaela supports the CEO while gaining firsthand insight into the business side of entertainment. This experience has strengthened her ability to merge creativity with structure—skills she recently brought to her first film as an associate producer. With over five years in the industry, she thrives at the intersection of artistry and organization, balancing big-picture vision with meticulous attention to detail.
Kaela is deeply inspired by the ongoing evolution of the entertainment landscape. She’s eager to take a deep dive into production, contributing to a future where inclusive, original stories take center stage. Energized by collaboration and the promise of change, Kaela is ready to be part of the creative revolution shaping the next era of entertainment.
Ros Ramzan - Editor
Ros Ramzan is a film editor based in Los Angeles, originally from the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Film and Television Production program.
Shortly after graduating, she joined Stuart McClave’s debut film On the Line: The Richard Williams Story, a documentary about the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. The film premiered as a Spotlight Documentary at the 2022 Tribeca Festival and later premiered internationally at Sheffield DocFest.
In 2023, she worked in TV as a post-production assistant on A Murder at the End of the World, working under showrunners Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (The OA) and editor Dylan Tichenor (Boogie Nights). She is currently a post-production assistant on Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film The Social Reckoning.
As an editor, she is drawn to thrillers and dark comedies that comment on societal dysfunction and its psychological effects. Her influences include Darren Aronofsky, Ruben Östlund, Vince Gilligan, and Park Chan-wook.
Joy Cooper - Actor - Elle
Air Force Vet originally from the south (North Carolina), Joy Cooper ventured into acting out of a curiosity for the arts after service. She used her GI Bill to study theatre and film production, participating in stage, commercial, tv, and film projects in-front and behind the camera. Joy also held the role of TV Coordinator for Warner Bros TV Production department overseeing WB's tv roster. Acting still remains a source of joy for Joy as she seeks out unique and interesting roles working with unique and interesting creators.
Erin Lucid - Actor - Charlie
Erin Lucid is an actor & costume designer based in LA as well as a recent graduate of USC’s Schools of Dramatic & Cinematic Arts. Her latest roles include Sally & Ilia in the Outtakes web series, Lisa in the new play “Happy Birthday” for Hollywood Fringe, & Jenn in “The Pact.” Erin is absolutely thrilled to have been bestowed with the honor of twinkling some toes alongside this fabulous cast & crew. She would like to always thank her wonderful friends & family & toe twinklers everywhere for everything that they do. @erinlucid_
Quaz Degraft - Actor - Jared
Quaz Degraft is a former accountant turned actor and playwright. He earned his MFA in Acting from the USC School of Dramatic Arts before creating In The Black, a darkly comedic solo play inspired by his years in finance. The show premiered to five-star acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where audiences praised its honesty, wit, and emotional precision. On screen, Quaz is known for his roles as Freddy in Power: Raising Kanan and George in Love & Swiping.