Viral Vignettes
New York City, New York | Series
Comedy
Viral Vignettes is a comedy about ALL of us - at a time when we all locked down. Produced in the early days of the pandemic, this is a once-in-a-millenium snapshot of what we were going through - even as we were living through it. Poignant AND funny.
Viral Vignettes
New York City, New York | Series
Comedy
1 Campaigns | New Jersey, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $23,740 for festivals. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
92 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Viral Vignettes is a comedy about ALL of us - at a time when we all locked down. Produced in the early days of the pandemic, this is a once-in-a-millenium snapshot of what we were going through - even as we were living through it. Poignant AND funny.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Do you remember the first days of the pandemic?
We know what you’re thinking: who the hell wants to?
Viral Vignettes is a film that has its origins in that early, confusing time. The entertainment industry had basically shut down, except for a few living room concerts and bathroom comedy sets. Almost no scripted content was being produced.
So a bunch of your favorite TV, film and theater actors decided to stop sitting at home and climbing the walls, and do something.
Actors like Barry Bostwick (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Spin City), Don Most (Ralph on Happy Days), Audrey Landers (Dallas), Robert Wuhl (Batman, Arli$$), John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville), Linda Purl (The Office, Happy Days), Renée Taylor (The Nanny), Mary Chieffo (Star Trek Discovery), Marion Ross (Happy Days) Maxwell Gail Jr. (Barney Miller, General Hospital), Fred Melamed (WandaVision, Impeachment) and others all came on board.
We used what we had – smartphones, computers and a new thing called Zoom. We worked with writers and directors to produce a series of original, one-act plays to benefit the Actors Fund.
Together, we created VIRAL VIGNETTES– Twelve one-act comedies that introduced us to 21 unique characters – stuck at home during the pandemic, trying to make sense of an unprecedented situation. A once-in-a-lifetime snapshot, capturing that period in all of its strangeness and unexpected humor.
These short films were presented for a limited time on YouTube as a fund-raiser for THE ACTORS FUND.
Now, so that these critically acclaimed plays can get the attention they deserve, we’re submitting Viral Vignettes to film festivals in three separate formats:
- As a web-series as they were originally presented in their limited YouTube run.
- As individual short, stand-alone films, with their own titles, posters and trailers
- As a feature-length film, recut for an even wider audience.
As we mentioned, Viral Vignettes has been all-volunteer. Everyone has contributed their time and talent.
Now, though, entering these festivals, creating the promotional material, polishing the final edits, mixing, color correcting, etc takes actual money.
Your support can make this happen.
And as a thank you, we've put together some of the coolest pledge perks we could imagine:
- Personalized downloadable posters featuring YOU
- Personal Cameo-style shout outs from our stars
- One-on-one Zoom calls with many of our stars
- Early edits of the feature as it is being cut
- Exclusive on-line watch parties
- Contributing Producer credits in the web-series, the shorts and the feature
And our BIGGEST INCENTIVE: You will be the producer and co-star with one of our cast members in an exclusive, all-new Viral Vignette of your very own! (WHAT?!?!?)
That's right! We will create an episode that you (or someone you love) can co-star in, shot over zoom, and available for you to share with your friends and family.
We are so excited about ALL of this! I hope you'll support our work and become part of the VIRAL VIGNETTES team! We need you!
Please register to follow us on seedandspark.com and SHARE this with your friends, family and on social media! Each person who even just simply follows and shares us gets us closer to our goals!
Check out our other videos and updates to see trailers, greetings from our stars, bios of our talent and participants and more.
And thanks!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Color correction and finishing
Costs $2,500
Making the film professional - titles, color correcting. Everything it needs to look good on screen
Final mixing
Costs $750
Our sound needs some major sweetening. Levels need to be evened out. We need to hire a pro!
PR, Posters, Promos and Printing
Costs $750
We need to get the word out. This will help us get there!
Edits and Re-shoots
Costs $2,000
As we get to this point, if we need to reshoot for technical reasons, this is what we need.
Share this update!
About This Team
CREATOR
DAVID LEVIN
Emmy winner David Levin has created shows like MTV UNCENSORED, TV LAND CONFIDENTIAL and ANIMAL PLANET'S A-LIST. His worked has appeared on DISCOVERY, A&E, HBO, CBS, ABC, AMC, VH1 and more.
BARRY BOSTWICK as JACK
Golden Globe winner Barry Bostwick is best known as Brad Majors in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and Mayor Winston on SPIN CITY. He originated the role of Danny Zuko on Broadway in GREASE, won a Tony for THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM He's played presidents: George Washington and a werewolf battling Franklin Roosevelt.
RENÉE TAYLOR as Mitzie
Academy Award nominee Renée Taylor, has starred on-screen with fellow comedy legends Jerry Lewis, John Candy, Adam Sandler and Mel Brooks. She's best known as Sylvia, the jewish mother of Fran Drescher on THE NANNY.
DON MOST as Marshall
Don Most gained fame as Ralph Malph on the long-running hit, HAPPY DAYS. Don has recently returned to his first love, singing. Currently touring with his signature standards/swing/big band style of music, Don also directed two episodes of Viral Vignettes.
LINDA PURL as Judy
Linda Purl came to fame playing 2 memorable characters on HAPPY DAYS: Gloria, Richie’s girlfriend and later Ashley, Fonzie’s fiancee. In addition to her singing career, Linda had featured roles on THE OFFICE, MATLOCK and HOMELAND.
LYDIA CORNELL as Valerie
Lydia Cornell is best known as Ted Knight’s daughter on the ABC sitcom, TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. She has appeared on HBO’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Today, she is an author, producer and award-winning podcast host.
MARION ROSS as Mom
Beloved and iconic actress, Marion Ross (aka “America’s Mom” for her Emmy nominated role as Mrs. C on HAPPY DAYS) came out of retirement for VIRAL VIGNETTES. Marion co-starred with Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Doris Day. Post-Happy Days, she earned Emmy Nominations for BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
FRED MELAMED as Neil
Fred Melamed has been featured in AMERICAN CRIME STORY: IMPEACHMENT, BROOKLYN NINE NINE, FARGO, HOUSE OF LIES, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, WANDAVISION and many more. As Sy Ableman in A SERIOUS MAN, Melamed garnered praise as one of the 25 Greatest Screen Villains of all time. He co-starred with Lake Bell in “IN A WORLD…"
MICHELE GREENE as Andrea
Michele Greene received an Emmy nomination for her as Abigail Perkins on the long-running L.A. LAW. As artistic director of Adelante Arts Collective, a performing arts collective, she works with at-risk youth in underserved communities.
MAXWELL GAIL JR. as Rick
Recently getting some of the best reviews of his career, not to mention an Emmy Award, for his work on GENERAL HOSPITAL, Maxwell Gail Jr. is a prolific character actor who is best known for his work as Wojo on BARNEY MILLER.
JIM MESKIMEN as Jubal
Jim Meskimen is an actor, impressionist, voice-artist and improvisational comedian best known for his work on WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY and IMPRESS ME. Currently playing Colonel Sanders in the popular KFC commercials, Jim's appeared in films such as FROST/NIXON, APOLLO 13 and THE PAPER.
JANE KACZMAREK as Amy
Actress Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as Lois, the harried mom on MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, for which she garnered 3 Golden Globe nominations and 7 Primetime Emmy Nominations. More recently she has guested on shows such as THIS IS US and MIXED-ISH.
EMMA PFITZER PRICE as Shannon
Recent graduate of the Julliard School, Emma Pfitzer Price is quickly garnering attention as an actress to watch. She recently appears in AMERICAN RUST with Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney.
JENNY LEONA as Jess
Jenny Leona is as actress and producer who has appeared on FBI MOST WANTED and Unforgettable. In addition to starring and writing in BED BUDS, Jenny also directed Prom Night.
JOHN SCHNEIDER as Stan
Actor-Producer-Director John Schneider is well known as Bo on THE DUKES OF HAZZARD and Jonathan Kent on SMALLVILLE. A country singer and prolific filmmaker, John produces movies like POKER RUN from his JSS Studios in Louisiana.
MARY CHIEFFO as Trish
Multi-talented Mary Chieffo's acting ranges from Shakespeare to sitcoms. As a singer, her range is five-octaves. Ironically, in her most well-known role we never see her face: as Klingon Commander L'Rell on STAR TREK: DISCOVERY
SUSAN RUTTAN as Patricia
Veteran character actress Susan Ruttan earned 4 Emmy nominations as Roxanne on LA LAW. She has guested on dozens of series and movies including The Jeffersons, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Newhart.
ADAM LANGDON as Milo
Acting since he was 12, Adam Langdon was the titular star of the TV series MOE & JERRYWEATHER. Most notably, Adam starred in the National touring company of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
ROBERT WUHL as Todd
The iconic Robert Wuhl is a multi-hat wearing producer, writer and actor. Best known for his work on ARLI$$, Wuhl also had starring roles in the 1989 hit, BATMAN and BULL DURHAM.
GAIL O’GRADY as Dr. Brandstein
Gail O'Grady's prolific career spans decades, memorable in Criminal Minds, Revenge, NYPD BLUE, Boston Legal, American Dreams.
YVONNE JUNG as Candace
Yvonne Jung is best known for her roles on NBC's THIRD WATCH, STUFF and ER. She's currently the producer of the DREAMLAND podcast.
AUDREY LANDERS as Rita
From her run as Afton Cooper on the long-running series, DALLAS, to her memorable turn as Val in the film adaptation of A CHORUS LINE, Audrey Landers has always been a fan favorite. The multi-talented performer created the children’s show THE HUGGABUG CLUB for PBS and released over a dozen albums.
WRITERS
DAVID LEVIN
FREDERICK STROPPEL
WILLIAM S. BICKLEY
STEVEN VAN PATTEN
KURT FRIED
DIRECTORS
DAVID LEVIN
DON MOST
JENNY LEONA
ANSON WILLIAMS
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Do you remember the first days of the pandemic?
We know what you’re thinking: who the hell wants to?
Viral Vignettes is a film that has its origins in that early, confusing time. The entertainment industry had basically shut down, except for a few living room concerts and bathroom comedy sets. Almost no scripted content was being produced.
So a bunch of your favorite TV, film and theater actors decided to stop sitting at home and climbing the walls, and do something.
Actors like Barry Bostwick (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Spin City), Don Most (Ralph on Happy Days), Audrey Landers (Dallas), Robert Wuhl (Batman, Arli$$), John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville), Linda Purl (The Office, Happy Days), Renée Taylor (The Nanny), Mary Chieffo (Star Trek Discovery), Marion Ross (Happy Days) Maxwell Gail Jr. (Barney Miller, General Hospital), Fred Melamed (WandaVision, Impeachment) and others all came on board.
We used what we had – smartphones, computers and a new thing called Zoom. We worked with writers and directors to produce a series of original, one-act plays to benefit the Actors Fund.
Together, we created VIRAL VIGNETTES– Twelve one-act comedies that introduced us to 21 unique characters – stuck at home during the pandemic, trying to make sense of an unprecedented situation. A once-in-a-lifetime snapshot, capturing that period in all of its strangeness and unexpected humor.
These short films were presented for a limited time on YouTube as a fund-raiser for THE ACTORS FUND.
Now, so that these critically acclaimed plays can get the attention they deserve, we’re submitting Viral Vignettes to film festivals in three separate formats:
- As a web-series as they were originally presented in their limited YouTube run.
- As individual short, stand-alone films, with their own titles, posters and trailers
- As a feature-length film, recut for an even wider audience.
As we mentioned, Viral Vignettes has been all-volunteer. Everyone has contributed their time and talent.
Now, though, entering these festivals, creating the promotional material, polishing the final edits, mixing, color correcting, etc takes actual money.
Your support can make this happen.
And as a thank you, we've put together some of the coolest pledge perks we could imagine:
- Personalized downloadable posters featuring YOU
- Personal Cameo-style shout outs from our stars
- One-on-one Zoom calls with many of our stars
- Early edits of the feature as it is being cut
- Exclusive on-line watch parties
- Contributing Producer credits in the web-series, the shorts and the feature
And our BIGGEST INCENTIVE: You will be the producer and co-star with one of our cast members in an exclusive, all-new Viral Vignette of your very own! (WHAT?!?!?)
That's right! We will create an episode that you (or someone you love) can co-star in, shot over zoom, and available for you to share with your friends and family.
We are so excited about ALL of this! I hope you'll support our work and become part of the VIRAL VIGNETTES team! We need you!
Please register to follow us on seedandspark.com and SHARE this with your friends, family and on social media! Each person who even just simply follows and shares us gets us closer to our goals!
Check out our other videos and updates to see trailers, greetings from our stars, bios of our talent and participants and more.
And thanks!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Color correction and finishing
Costs $2,500
Making the film professional - titles, color correcting. Everything it needs to look good on screen
Final mixing
Costs $750
Our sound needs some major sweetening. Levels need to be evened out. We need to hire a pro!
PR, Posters, Promos and Printing
Costs $750
We need to get the word out. This will help us get there!
Edits and Re-shoots
Costs $2,000
As we get to this point, if we need to reshoot for technical reasons, this is what we need.
Share this update!
About This Team
CREATOR
DAVID LEVIN
Emmy winner David Levin has created shows like MTV UNCENSORED, TV LAND CONFIDENTIAL and ANIMAL PLANET'S A-LIST. His worked has appeared on DISCOVERY, A&E, HBO, CBS, ABC, AMC, VH1 and more.
BARRY BOSTWICK as JACK
Golden Globe winner Barry Bostwick is best known as Brad Majors in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and Mayor Winston on SPIN CITY. He originated the role of Danny Zuko on Broadway in GREASE, won a Tony for THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM He's played presidents: George Washington and a werewolf battling Franklin Roosevelt.
RENÉE TAYLOR as Mitzie
Academy Award nominee Renée Taylor, has starred on-screen with fellow comedy legends Jerry Lewis, John Candy, Adam Sandler and Mel Brooks. She's best known as Sylvia, the jewish mother of Fran Drescher on THE NANNY.
DON MOST as Marshall
Don Most gained fame as Ralph Malph on the long-running hit, HAPPY DAYS. Don has recently returned to his first love, singing. Currently touring with his signature standards/swing/big band style of music, Don also directed two episodes of Viral Vignettes.
LINDA PURL as Judy
Linda Purl came to fame playing 2 memorable characters on HAPPY DAYS: Gloria, Richie’s girlfriend and later Ashley, Fonzie’s fiancee. In addition to her singing career, Linda had featured roles on THE OFFICE, MATLOCK and HOMELAND.
LYDIA CORNELL as Valerie
Lydia Cornell is best known as Ted Knight’s daughter on the ABC sitcom, TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. She has appeared on HBO’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Today, she is an author, producer and award-winning podcast host.
MARION ROSS as Mom
Beloved and iconic actress, Marion Ross (aka “America’s Mom” for her Emmy nominated role as Mrs. C on HAPPY DAYS) came out of retirement for VIRAL VIGNETTES. Marion co-starred with Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Doris Day. Post-Happy Days, she earned Emmy Nominations for BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
FRED MELAMED as Neil
Fred Melamed has been featured in AMERICAN CRIME STORY: IMPEACHMENT, BROOKLYN NINE NINE, FARGO, HOUSE OF LIES, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, WANDAVISION and many more. As Sy Ableman in A SERIOUS MAN, Melamed garnered praise as one of the 25 Greatest Screen Villains of all time. He co-starred with Lake Bell in “IN A WORLD…"
MICHELE GREENE as Andrea
Michele Greene received an Emmy nomination for her as Abigail Perkins on the long-running L.A. LAW. As artistic director of Adelante Arts Collective, a performing arts collective, she works with at-risk youth in underserved communities.
MAXWELL GAIL JR. as Rick
Recently getting some of the best reviews of his career, not to mention an Emmy Award, for his work on GENERAL HOSPITAL, Maxwell Gail Jr. is a prolific character actor who is best known for his work as Wojo on BARNEY MILLER.
JIM MESKIMEN as Jubal
Jim Meskimen is an actor, impressionist, voice-artist and improvisational comedian best known for his work on WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY and IMPRESS ME. Currently playing Colonel Sanders in the popular KFC commercials, Jim's appeared in films such as FROST/NIXON, APOLLO 13 and THE PAPER.
JANE KACZMAREK as Amy
Actress Jane Kaczmarek is best known for her role as Lois, the harried mom on MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, for which she garnered 3 Golden Globe nominations and 7 Primetime Emmy Nominations. More recently she has guested on shows such as THIS IS US and MIXED-ISH.
EMMA PFITZER PRICE as Shannon
Recent graduate of the Julliard School, Emma Pfitzer Price is quickly garnering attention as an actress to watch. She recently appears in AMERICAN RUST with Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney.
JENNY LEONA as Jess
Jenny Leona is as actress and producer who has appeared on FBI MOST WANTED and Unforgettable. In addition to starring and writing in BED BUDS, Jenny also directed Prom Night.
JOHN SCHNEIDER as Stan
Actor-Producer-Director John Schneider is well known as Bo on THE DUKES OF HAZZARD and Jonathan Kent on SMALLVILLE. A country singer and prolific filmmaker, John produces movies like POKER RUN from his JSS Studios in Louisiana.
MARY CHIEFFO as Trish
Multi-talented Mary Chieffo's acting ranges from Shakespeare to sitcoms. As a singer, her range is five-octaves. Ironically, in her most well-known role we never see her face: as Klingon Commander L'Rell on STAR TREK: DISCOVERY
SUSAN RUTTAN as Patricia
Veteran character actress Susan Ruttan earned 4 Emmy nominations as Roxanne on LA LAW. She has guested on dozens of series and movies including The Jeffersons, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Newhart.
ADAM LANGDON as Milo
Acting since he was 12, Adam Langdon was the titular star of the TV series MOE & JERRYWEATHER. Most notably, Adam starred in the National touring company of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
ROBERT WUHL as Todd
The iconic Robert Wuhl is a multi-hat wearing producer, writer and actor. Best known for his work on ARLI$$, Wuhl also had starring roles in the 1989 hit, BATMAN and BULL DURHAM.
GAIL O’GRADY as Dr. Brandstein
Gail O'Grady's prolific career spans decades, memorable in Criminal Minds, Revenge, NYPD BLUE, Boston Legal, American Dreams.
YVONNE JUNG as Candace
Yvonne Jung is best known for her roles on NBC's THIRD WATCH, STUFF and ER. She's currently the producer of the DREAMLAND podcast.
AUDREY LANDERS as Rita
From her run as Afton Cooper on the long-running series, DALLAS, to her memorable turn as Val in the film adaptation of A CHORUS LINE, Audrey Landers has always been a fan favorite. The multi-talented performer created the children’s show THE HUGGABUG CLUB for PBS and released over a dozen albums.
WRITERS
DAVID LEVIN
FREDERICK STROPPEL
WILLIAM S. BICKLEY
STEVEN VAN PATTEN
KURT FRIED
DIRECTORS
DAVID LEVIN
DON MOST
JENNY LEONA
ANSON WILLIAMS