You Don't Say
Muskogee, Oklahoma | Film Short
Family, Drama
An aging Vietnam War Widow invites her four estranged adult daughters home to personally share devastating news. As they show up for their mother, they are confronted with a choice to cling to their sacred cows or put their family first. A family dramedy about love, lasagna, and life.
You Don't Say
Muskogee, Oklahoma | Film Short
Family, Drama
1 Campaigns | Oklahoma, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,082 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
29 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
An aging Vietnam War Widow invites her four estranged adult daughters home to personally share devastating news. As they show up for their mother, they are confronted with a choice to cling to their sacred cows or put their family first. A family dramedy about love, lasagna, and life.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
YOU DON'T SAY - the STORY
LOGLINE: When four estranged sisters reunite at their elderly mother’s home for what they believe is an ordinary family supper, their simmering rivalries, clashing ideologies, and unresolved wounds erupt into sharp humor and bitter truth-telling. Over the course of the evening, they confront generational divides, question faith and politics, and expose their own insecurities, only to discover that their mother is harboring a grave secret. Forced into uncomfortable intimacy, the sisters must reconcile—or at least coexist—as they face mortality together. You Don’t Say is a sharp-edged dramedy blending biting family satire with poignant themes of love, legacy, and the inevitability of loss.
The Characters (In Order of Appearance):
Mother: She lost her love in the Vietnam War, and raised four headstrong daughters by herself.
Angela: The youngest of the family, she keeps her optimism by side-stepping the family dramas until pushed into them.
Margaret May: The second daughter, she clings to her belief that if she follows her faith close enough, she can avoid the challenges of life.
Gwendolyn: The free spirit, she goes her own way but this comes with an emotional toll.
Eleanor: The oldest, and the caretaker, who seems to see everyone else's needs but her own.
Sundance Collabs, Scriptapalooza, Santa Barbara, and the Big Break
I wrote the first draft over two days, but it was NOT the script I have today. The script has been honed over DOZENS of iterations with feedback from
- Big Break Screenwriting Competition https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-screenwriting-contest/
- Scriptapalooza https://scriptapalooza.com/
- The Santa Barbara Screenwriting Competition https://www.santabarbarascreenplayawards.com/,
AND the Pre-Production for filming was developed in conjunction with
- Sundance Collabs https://collab.sundance.org/ With instruction of Sushma Khadepaun, who taught the Directing:From Short Film Prep to Festival Submission course (June 2025).
But why THIS story? And WHY NOW? Because my life fell apart, and I wrote it back together.
Challenges Created Opportunity
Over 2023-2024, I almost died due to multiple bowel obstructions. I lost my father to old age, and my former partner to suicide. I lost my health, my job, and found new love. In a time of such incredible transition, I found myself thinking a lot about what matters.
N-G tubes are horrible. Just HORRIBLE.
What Matters to Me:
Family. Love. Support of friends. And stories. Stories matter. When my OWN family was shaken by my father's death, the way my own family put religious and political differences aside to come together inspired me. (Though this story is NOT about them--with the exception of my favorite canine niece and nephews, who were too cute not to include).
My funny family uniting in humor at my Dad's Funeral.
Humanism is the HEART of the Film.
I am very troubled by the tribalism that has gripped my family, my neighborhood, and my Country. My reason for writing this film is to tell a story that puts PEOPLE over politics, while acknowledging how CHALLENGING tribalism is to overcome. I hope you see the humor, humanity, and love in this work. I want to inspire you to see that no matter what tribe we think someone belongs to, we can wrap them in love and make them ours. As the movie shows, we may not be able to control what happens in the world or in our country, but we can control ourselves (most of the time...). We are all human, after all. Love One Another is not a feeling. It's how we show up for each other.
My Father, Rick Colyer, showed up for my plays for five decades. He died the day before my birthday in 2024.
What Does Our Movie Cost to Make?
The total budget of our film is $20,000 and every cent is allocated to actual costs. Our cast is working at a SAG MicroBudget Rate, and our crew is working at a discount. We are compensating EVERY person who is working on the film because we value our humans who choose to be part of our team. Except me. Whoops! I'm valuable but I'm not getting paid. I am doing this solely for the PASSION. We would love to crowd-fund the whole $20,000, but Seed and Spark only lets us keep our money if we meet 80 % of our goal, which is why we have set our fundraising goal lower than our actual costs. We appreciate every team contribution, large or small. We at the Cast and Crew of You Don't Say truly appreciate you JOINING OUR TEAM! YOU MATTER!
How is Your Contribution Tax Deductible?
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition https://ovac-ok.org/Home, a 501(c)3, has accepted You Don't Say for a fiscal sponsorship. When you join our campaign, your contribution is tax deductible, minus $3 for the anticipated Video On Demand price that our screening partner, Kinema, suggests we charge for each rental. Kinema (https://kinema.com/watch-now), a streaming platform, hosts live screening events and movies on demand for independent film-makers. Our public screenings promote the non-profit mission of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, our sponsor.
OUR AWARDS TO DATE:
The story of You Don't Say has attracted national and international accolades, WINNING several categories where it was nominated.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Labor
Costs $3,025
We have a SAG microBudget agreement to pay our actors.
Cinematography
Costs $4,000
This covers our equipment and labor for principal photography
Hair and Makeup
Costs $1,500
We want to look good in our film. Help us pay the Hair and Makeup artist!
You Don't Say--the house
Costs $627
Help us pay for our location rental
Props and Wardrobe
Costs $500
Help us to not make a naked film. Our set AND our actors need dressing. This dresser is an essential part of our set.
CREW Housing
Costs $650
Our cast and crew are coming from all over the Oklahoma and nearby states. Do you want to help give them a bed for the shoot?
Composer, Musicians, and Studio
Costs $1,600
Our composer is starting his career, and we are excited to help uplift his work. https://www.danmcintyrecomposer.com is his site.
Catering
Costs $700
We don't want any HANGRY cast or crew. Help us FEED them! We also accept Tots and Pears!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
OUR TEAM: Assembling Excellence.
Our cast are some of the best actors (and acting instructors!) in Oklahoma. Our Cast, in order of appearance:
OvaJean Siemens as Mother
OvaJean Siemens (Mother) is a SAG-Aftra Eligible actress who recently completed the short Welcome to the Neighborhood. She had principal roles in 13 Minutes, The Turkey Bowl, and Dotty and Soul, and is also known for the movie Birdie (2021). OvaJean has been on the big screen since her film debut in 2016.
Leesa Neidel as Angela
Leesa Neidel (Angela) is an acting instructor at the Actor Factory in Norman, OK. Leesa is a talented film and commercial actress and is best known for her roles in Stillwater (2021) with Matt Damon, and the Coffee Shop (2025). Leesa is a member of SAG-Aftra.
Dodie Brown as Margaret May
Dodie Brown (Margaret May) is a SAG-Aftra member who recently starred as Rosa Ise in Sod and Stubble (2025). You may also have seen her in the TV series American Horror Story (2014) or Queen Sugar (2018). American Horror Story won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Juliet Colyer as Gwendolyn
Juliet Colyer (Gwendolyn, Writer, Director) is a SAG-Aftra Eligible actress who recently played supporting roles in Spirit of Christmas Station (2025) and You Once Called Me Wife (2025). This is her first screenplay, and first time directing a film. She has directed two plays written by Mark Brown.
Elizabeth Ann Townsend as Eleanor
Elizabeth Ann Townsend (Eleanor) is an acting instructor and the Actor Factory in Norman, OK, where she teaches the Alba method. Elizabeth has starred on stage and screen, most notably as a NWS weather guide in the 2024 hit movie Twisters. She has also played in Law and Order (1994-1997) and the Sopranos (1999). Elizabeth is a member of SAG-Aftra.
Director of Photography
You Don't Say's Director of Photography is the amazing Jeffrey Nicholson, of Synergy Pictures. He is a talented cinematographer, screenwriter, and director. He is assembling a top notch crew to bring amazing visuals to our story.
Jeff Nicholson, DP (The Grizzly, Frackers, The Sleepover)
Jeffrey Nicholson, Director of Photography, is owner of Synergy Productions, LLC. He has written and directed several short and feature length projects, including the features El Coyote (2019) and Redemption (in production). He has 16 writing credits on IMDB, and 15 directing credits.
Our Composer
Daniel McIntyre, Composer
Daniel McIntyre will be making all original music for our project. With a Masters in Music and years of performance experience, Daniel McIntyre has spent the last few years honing in his composition skills. He recently attended Fusion Film Scoring Workshop in Greece, a selective international film scoring workshop to continue to master his craft. Daniel joined our team after I auditioned over 40 composers from https://www.reddit.com/r/composer/. Reddit proves we don't need AI. There are scores (pun) of talented musicians at reasonable rates who will bring the SECRET SAUCE to your project as Daniel is doing for ours. Check out his other work at https://www.danmcintyrecomposer.com
Alexius Naté, 1st AD, props/set design is founder of Trinitie Productions, LLC, a visionary production company dedicated to impactful storytelling that explores the human spirit, family dynamics, and personal growth. With over 15 years of industry experience, Nate’ has produced short films, stage promos, music videos, commercials, and live productions, with work featured in festivals such as WorldFest-Houston and the Greenwood Film Festival. The company’s projects—including Rescue (2022) and Spirits (2023)—reflect its mission to inspire, uplift, and create narratives that can “Save a Life and Save a Lifetime.” In addition to film and media, Trinitie Productions also champions education and youth empowerment through workshops and creative arts initiatives in the theatre world.
Dana Cotter-Courtright, 2nd AD, Script Supervisor, has 10 IMDB acting credits, including recently in LOST (2025).
Mary Kidd and Heather Dall-Amaya have also contributed valuable time and talents toward You Don't Say's Pre-Production.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
YOU DON'T SAY - the STORY
LOGLINE: When four estranged sisters reunite at their elderly mother’s home for what they believe is an ordinary family supper, their simmering rivalries, clashing ideologies, and unresolved wounds erupt into sharp humor and bitter truth-telling. Over the course of the evening, they confront generational divides, question faith and politics, and expose their own insecurities, only to discover that their mother is harboring a grave secret. Forced into uncomfortable intimacy, the sisters must reconcile—or at least coexist—as they face mortality together. You Don’t Say is a sharp-edged dramedy blending biting family satire with poignant themes of love, legacy, and the inevitability of loss.
The Characters (In Order of Appearance):
Mother: She lost her love in the Vietnam War, and raised four headstrong daughters by herself.
Angela: The youngest of the family, she keeps her optimism by side-stepping the family dramas until pushed into them.
Margaret May: The second daughter, she clings to her belief that if she follows her faith close enough, she can avoid the challenges of life.
Gwendolyn: The free spirit, she goes her own way but this comes with an emotional toll.
Eleanor: The oldest, and the caretaker, who seems to see everyone else's needs but her own.
Sundance Collabs, Scriptapalooza, Santa Barbara, and the Big Break
I wrote the first draft over two days, but it was NOT the script I have today. The script has been honed over DOZENS of iterations with feedback from
- Big Break Screenwriting Competition https://www.finaldraft.com/big-break-screenwriting-contest/
- Scriptapalooza https://scriptapalooza.com/
- The Santa Barbara Screenwriting Competition https://www.santabarbarascreenplayawards.com/,
AND the Pre-Production for filming was developed in conjunction with
- Sundance Collabs https://collab.sundance.org/ With instruction of Sushma Khadepaun, who taught the Directing:From Short Film Prep to Festival Submission course (June 2025).
But why THIS story? And WHY NOW? Because my life fell apart, and I wrote it back together.
Challenges Created Opportunity
Over 2023-2024, I almost died due to multiple bowel obstructions. I lost my father to old age, and my former partner to suicide. I lost my health, my job, and found new love. In a time of such incredible transition, I found myself thinking a lot about what matters.
N-G tubes are horrible. Just HORRIBLE.
What Matters to Me:
Family. Love. Support of friends. And stories. Stories matter. When my OWN family was shaken by my father's death, the way my own family put religious and political differences aside to come together inspired me. (Though this story is NOT about them--with the exception of my favorite canine niece and nephews, who were too cute not to include).
My funny family uniting in humor at my Dad's Funeral.
Humanism is the HEART of the Film.
I am very troubled by the tribalism that has gripped my family, my neighborhood, and my Country. My reason for writing this film is to tell a story that puts PEOPLE over politics, while acknowledging how CHALLENGING tribalism is to overcome. I hope you see the humor, humanity, and love in this work. I want to inspire you to see that no matter what tribe we think someone belongs to, we can wrap them in love and make them ours. As the movie shows, we may not be able to control what happens in the world or in our country, but we can control ourselves (most of the time...). We are all human, after all. Love One Another is not a feeling. It's how we show up for each other.
My Father, Rick Colyer, showed up for my plays for five decades. He died the day before my birthday in 2024.
What Does Our Movie Cost to Make?
The total budget of our film is $20,000 and every cent is allocated to actual costs. Our cast is working at a SAG MicroBudget Rate, and our crew is working at a discount. We are compensating EVERY person who is working on the film because we value our humans who choose to be part of our team. Except me. Whoops! I'm valuable but I'm not getting paid. I am doing this solely for the PASSION. We would love to crowd-fund the whole $20,000, but Seed and Spark only lets us keep our money if we meet 80 % of our goal, which is why we have set our fundraising goal lower than our actual costs. We appreciate every team contribution, large or small. We at the Cast and Crew of You Don't Say truly appreciate you JOINING OUR TEAM! YOU MATTER!
How is Your Contribution Tax Deductible?
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition https://ovac-ok.org/Home, a 501(c)3, has accepted You Don't Say for a fiscal sponsorship. When you join our campaign, your contribution is tax deductible, minus $3 for the anticipated Video On Demand price that our screening partner, Kinema, suggests we charge for each rental. Kinema (https://kinema.com/watch-now), a streaming platform, hosts live screening events and movies on demand for independent film-makers. Our public screenings promote the non-profit mission of the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, our sponsor.
OUR AWARDS TO DATE:
The story of You Don't Say has attracted national and international accolades, WINNING several categories where it was nominated.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast Labor
Costs $3,025
We have a SAG microBudget agreement to pay our actors.
Cinematography
Costs $4,000
This covers our equipment and labor for principal photography
Hair and Makeup
Costs $1,500
We want to look good in our film. Help us pay the Hair and Makeup artist!
You Don't Say--the house
Costs $627
Help us pay for our location rental
Props and Wardrobe
Costs $500
Help us to not make a naked film. Our set AND our actors need dressing. This dresser is an essential part of our set.
CREW Housing
Costs $650
Our cast and crew are coming from all over the Oklahoma and nearby states. Do you want to help give them a bed for the shoot?
Composer, Musicians, and Studio
Costs $1,600
Our composer is starting his career, and we are excited to help uplift his work. https://www.danmcintyrecomposer.com is his site.
Catering
Costs $700
We don't want any HANGRY cast or crew. Help us FEED them! We also accept Tots and Pears!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
OUR TEAM: Assembling Excellence.
Our cast are some of the best actors (and acting instructors!) in Oklahoma. Our Cast, in order of appearance:
OvaJean Siemens as Mother
OvaJean Siemens (Mother) is a SAG-Aftra Eligible actress who recently completed the short Welcome to the Neighborhood. She had principal roles in 13 Minutes, The Turkey Bowl, and Dotty and Soul, and is also known for the movie Birdie (2021). OvaJean has been on the big screen since her film debut in 2016.
Leesa Neidel as Angela
Leesa Neidel (Angela) is an acting instructor at the Actor Factory in Norman, OK. Leesa is a talented film and commercial actress and is best known for her roles in Stillwater (2021) with Matt Damon, and the Coffee Shop (2025). Leesa is a member of SAG-Aftra.
Dodie Brown as Margaret May
Dodie Brown (Margaret May) is a SAG-Aftra member who recently starred as Rosa Ise in Sod and Stubble (2025). You may also have seen her in the TV series American Horror Story (2014) or Queen Sugar (2018). American Horror Story won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Juliet Colyer as Gwendolyn
Juliet Colyer (Gwendolyn, Writer, Director) is a SAG-Aftra Eligible actress who recently played supporting roles in Spirit of Christmas Station (2025) and You Once Called Me Wife (2025). This is her first screenplay, and first time directing a film. She has directed two plays written by Mark Brown.
Elizabeth Ann Townsend as Eleanor
Elizabeth Ann Townsend (Eleanor) is an acting instructor and the Actor Factory in Norman, OK, where she teaches the Alba method. Elizabeth has starred on stage and screen, most notably as a NWS weather guide in the 2024 hit movie Twisters. She has also played in Law and Order (1994-1997) and the Sopranos (1999). Elizabeth is a member of SAG-Aftra.
Director of Photography
You Don't Say's Director of Photography is the amazing Jeffrey Nicholson, of Synergy Pictures. He is a talented cinematographer, screenwriter, and director. He is assembling a top notch crew to bring amazing visuals to our story.
Jeff Nicholson, DP (The Grizzly, Frackers, The Sleepover)
Jeffrey Nicholson, Director of Photography, is owner of Synergy Productions, LLC. He has written and directed several short and feature length projects, including the features El Coyote (2019) and Redemption (in production). He has 16 writing credits on IMDB, and 15 directing credits.
Our Composer
Daniel McIntyre, Composer
Daniel McIntyre will be making all original music for our project. With a Masters in Music and years of performance experience, Daniel McIntyre has spent the last few years honing in his composition skills. He recently attended Fusion Film Scoring Workshop in Greece, a selective international film scoring workshop to continue to master his craft. Daniel joined our team after I auditioned over 40 composers from https://www.reddit.com/r/composer/. Reddit proves we don't need AI. There are scores (pun) of talented musicians at reasonable rates who will bring the SECRET SAUCE to your project as Daniel is doing for ours. Check out his other work at https://www.danmcintyrecomposer.com
Alexius Naté, 1st AD, props/set design is founder of Trinitie Productions, LLC, a visionary production company dedicated to impactful storytelling that explores the human spirit, family dynamics, and personal growth. With over 15 years of industry experience, Nate’ has produced short films, stage promos, music videos, commercials, and live productions, with work featured in festivals such as WorldFest-Houston and the Greenwood Film Festival. The company’s projects—including Rescue (2022) and Spirits (2023)—reflect its mission to inspire, uplift, and create narratives that can “Save a Life and Save a Lifetime.” In addition to film and media, Trinitie Productions also champions education and youth empowerment through workshops and creative arts initiatives in the theatre world.
Dana Cotter-Courtright, 2nd AD, Script Supervisor, has 10 IMDB acting credits, including recently in LOST (2025).
Mary Kidd and Heather Dall-Amaya have also contributed valuable time and talents toward You Don't Say's Pre-Production.