This is not a Hollywood movie, it's an Ohio movie where hard times & family dysfunction trump superheroes, aliens or the Kardashians. When 15-year-old Sophia finds out she's pregnant on Christmas Eve, the holiday quickly goes to hell as her whole life snowballs downhill.
This is not a Hollywood movie, it's an Ohio movie where hard times & family dysfunction trump superheroes, aliens or the Kardashians. When 15-year-old Sophia finds out she's pregnant on Christmas Eve, the holiday quickly goes to hell as her whole life snowballs downhill.
Participating In
Hometown Heroes 2017
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Story
Mission Statement
This movie is for the forgotten voices in places like Youngstown, Ohio - where many dream to escape the financial and social struggles of their day-to-day lives. It's for ostracized teenage moms everywhere, kids who never see themselves on-screen and everyone who battles real world problems.About The Project
THE MAHONING VALLEY FILM INITIATIVE presents...
worst.christmas.ever.
A dark comedy/coming-of-age tale about a teenage girl named Sophia, who discovers she's pregnant on Christmas Eve. The entire movie takes place over one day & night in a small-town Ohio setting.
Unwilling to share the news with her highly dysfunctional family and unable to cope with her cheating boyfriend, Sophia turns to a higher power to help provide a solution. Throughout this fateful Christmas Eve, Sophia's entire life (as well as those of her family and friends) will change forever.
(original poster by Youngstown's own Craig Latchaw)
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MAIN CHARACTERS:
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Sophia - A typical 15 year old, filled with angst and resentment, she offen feels embarrassed by her dysfunctional family. "Stuck" in her small Ohio town, Sophia has low self-esteem, lacks ambition and doesn't know how strong she truly is. Up until now, she's been a go-with-the-flow type but an unexpected development changes her direction in life and forces her to forge her own path.
Theresa - Sophia's hardworking mother, she is the sole provider for her family and not very happy about it. Over-worked and under-appreciated, Theresa never has a moment to herself and is not afraid to let her feelings be known. Unfortunately, her busy work schedule means she is also rarely there for her daughter.
Rajon - Sophia's stepfather, he's a no-stress kind of guy whose idea of a good time is to kick back and watch TV while drinking a beer or twelve. Unemployed and secretly insecure about it, his alcoholism serves as a welcome distraction to the emasculation he feels from his wife.
RJ - Sophia's introverted 13-year-old stepbrother. Socially awkward and a bit of a pervert, he doesn't have any friends his own age. Instead, he bullies kids younger than he is. RJ is the type who scoffs at sports and would much rather spend the day playing violent video games or watching things he shouldn't be watching on the internet.
Malecia - Sophia's BFF since the 3rd grade. A social butterfly who texts as fast as she talks, Malecia is Sophia's shoulder to cry on and a top source of gossip though she's not really able to offer any useful advice when pressed.
Trey - Sophia's on again, off again boyfriend. 18 years old but still a sophomore in high school, Trey doesn't care much for learning or authority. Even though he grew up as far from the hood as it gets, Trey pretends to be a gangsta, imitating every rap video he's ever seen, chasing girls and trouble all day, every day.
Noah - Sophia's best guy friend, also 15 years old. A bit nerdy and shy by nature, Noah is a loner just dying to come out of his shell. Unathletic and unpopular, he finds himself trapped in the friend-zone with Sophia, his biggest crush.
Grandpa - Pushing 70 but energetic for his age, Sophia's Grandpa (on her mom's side) is wise-cracking, unfiltered and unpredictable mostly due to his over-medication. He has a hard time remembering things but tends to use that to his advantage.
Grandma - Stubborn, sassy and a little bit mean, she's put up with Grandpa and his crazy antics for so long that she isn't afraid to show him who's boss. Grandma is not your stereotypical "little old lady."
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THE PLAN
We know that making this movie and being able to market it will cost more than we're originally asking for. That's because we will be using the money raised in this campaign to fund the production phase of our movie, which we'll accomplish entirely in the Mahoning Valley starting in late November, 2017. We are very excited about the HOMETOWN HEROES RALLY and the potential to work with Seed & Spark as well as the Duplass brothers. Once we hit our fundraising goal, we intend on proving why we should get one of the loans they're offering to finish this project in post-production and successfully market it to our audience.
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TEASER
"Where's Grandma?"
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(Rated PG-13... Probably)
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JOIN THE INITIATIVE
The Mahoning Valley Film Initiative is a collaborative of local filmmakers, crew members, production companies and all-around movie lovers in & around Youngstown, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley. The group formed in 2017 with a mission to empower our community to create, watch and enjoy movies together. Find the MVFI ON FACEBOOK or look up any of our members and companies including Jim Fogarty and 2 Ticks & the Dog Productions, the Mizicko brothers and Stuck in Ohio, Xander Tennent and RED POINT DIGITAL, John Chechitelli's ITALIASCOPE LTD, Justin Ciminero's Cinemagic Productions, Bill & Emily Rusu's Pebble Films, Ed Starkey's LUX SHOTS, Josh Menning and MENNING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS as well as Greg Lanning and Daniel Click of GD Effects. You can even FOLLOW WORST.CHRISTMAS.EVER. on Facebook too!
Incentives
$5
Special Thanks Credit!
Every contribution counts, which is why we'll be sure to list your name in the end credits of the movie! For all you teenagers out there, the end credits are the long boring list of names at the end of every movie.
$10
Custom Emoji
Teenagers today don't use punctuation marks, they use emojis! So send us a picture of yourself and we'll create a custom emoji just for you. Plus, you'll get the special thanks end credit too!
$20
Texts from your BFF, Sophia
Every day during principal photography of the movie, you'll get a text message from Sophia - the main character at the heart of Worst.Christmas.Ever. -- Be advised, Sophia is 15 years old and pregnant so... she may not always be in the best of moods :) #SorryNotSorry Plus, you'll get a custom emoji and the special thanks in the end credits!
$30
Be an Extra Special Extra
Ever wanted to be in a movie? Now's your chance to shine like a star on top of the Christmas tree. We have up to 15 spots for featured extras in this movie so reserve your role now. Filming will take place this winter in the Youngstown, Ohio area. Most, if not all, of these roles will only require one day of filming. **Must provide own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 2 of 15
$40
Digital Download
As soon as the movie is finished in post-production, you'll get a link to download and watch the final cut before it's released anywhere else! Plus you'll get the texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
$50
Best T-Shirt Ever (Limited Edition)
Youngstown artist Craig Latchaw created a special poster for Worst.Christmas.Ever. featuring Sappy, the depressed Christmas tree or "suicidal spruce" as the Warren Tribune's Andy Grey dubbed him. But before he pulls the trigger, we're throwing ol' Sappy on 100 T-Shirts and you can have one delivered to your house just in time for Christmas! Forget the ugly sweaters, you'll be the talk of the office Xmas party with this limited edtion T-shirt! Sizes available: Medium, Large, XL and XXL. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
(final colors may vary)
Claimed: 2 of 100
$75
Signed DVD
Not satisfied with a digital download? Need to touch it to believe it's real? Don't worry, we're making 100 copies on old school DVD that you can get months before it's released anywhere else! And each disc will be signed by the Writer/Director. Plus you'll still get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 100
$100
Signed Blu-Ray
DVDs don't do it for you? Blu-ray or bust? We get it, that's why we're making 50 copies on Blu-ray that you can get months before it's released anywhere else! And each disc will be signed by the Writer/Director. Plus you'll still get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 50
$150
Boxing Lesson with Boom Boom Mancini
Sophia is a fighter (just ask the girl who stole her boyfriend!) and Youngstown knows a thing or two about fighting. Our city's own lightweight champ and International Boxing Hall of Famer, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, will teach you how to hold your own in a schoolyard scrap. This is a limited space (JUST 30 SPOTS TOTAL), one-time class, so reserve your spot now. This class will take place on a weekend in January and will last a few hours so you'll get a great workout, meet a true champion and help the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative make a feature film right here in Youngstown! This class is for men or women, boys and girls of all ages and any experience level! **Must provide your own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 29
$150
VIP Pass
You and a guest can come by the set on any day of filming, join us for the wrap party and be there for the premiere with this VIP pass. Get a first-hand look at how a movie is made, witness how a scene is blocked, observe the actors getting into character and even eat our craft service with the cast & crew! We appreciate your generous contribution and will treat you like family... or dysfunctional family in Sophia's case. **Must provide own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
$500
500 'Thank Yous' by Christmas Eve!
Seriously, we will record 500 different thank yous (specifically to you) from everyone involved in this movie throughout the journey of pre-production, production and post-production. Actors, crew members, myself, hell even Diablo Sophia's bearded dragon could thank you. We will then assemble it and deliver to you on Christmas Eve! Each edited video will be like a condensed mini-documentary specifically personalized to you for your help and contribution. As simple as it may sound, this is a time consuming process and requires some serious work. That's why we're only offering a very select few of these. Plus, you still get all the stocking stuffers including a VIP Pass, digital download, DVD or blu-ray, t-shirt, custom emoji, texts from Sophia!
Claimed: 0 of 15
$1,000
Producing Credits!
Did you know that the legendary moviemaking Warner brothers came of age and got their start in the film business while living right here in Youngstown, Ohio? They eventually plastered their name in the OPENING CREDITS on the big screen and now you can too! As an Associate Producer, your name will join the select few to appear at the start of the movie. It will adorn the poster and show up on IMDB.com. Or, if you'd rather we leave your name out of the credits, that's fine too. It's completely up to you. We also appreciate all the help and want you to join us on-set, at the premiere and in any film festivals we get into. The cast and crew will be forever in your debt too. Plus, you still get all the stocking stuffers including a VIP Pass, digital download, DVD or blu-ray, t-shirt, custom emoji, texts from Sophia!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Special Thanks Credit!
Every contribution counts, which is why we'll be sure to list your name in the end credits of the movie! For all you teenagers out there, the end credits are the long boring list of names at the end of every movie.
$10
Custom Emoji
Teenagers today don't use punctuation marks, they use emojis! So send us a picture of yourself and we'll create a custom emoji just for you. Plus, you'll get the special thanks end credit too!
$20
Texts from your BFF, Sophia
Every day during principal photography of the movie, you'll get a text message from Sophia - the main character at the heart of Worst.Christmas.Ever. -- Be advised, Sophia is 15 years old and pregnant so... she may not always be in the best of moods :) #SorryNotSorry Plus, you'll get a custom emoji and the special thanks in the end credits!
$30
Be an Extra Special Extra
Ever wanted to be in a movie? Now's your chance to shine like a star on top of the Christmas tree. We have up to 15 spots for featured extras in this movie so reserve your role now. Filming will take place this winter in the Youngstown, Ohio area. Most, if not all, of these roles will only require one day of filming. **Must provide own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 2 of 15
$40
Digital Download
As soon as the movie is finished in post-production, you'll get a link to download and watch the final cut before it's released anywhere else! Plus you'll get the texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
$50
Best T-Shirt Ever (Limited Edition)
Youngstown artist Craig Latchaw created a special poster for Worst.Christmas.Ever. featuring Sappy, the depressed Christmas tree or "suicidal spruce" as the Warren Tribune's Andy Grey dubbed him. But before he pulls the trigger, we're throwing ol' Sappy on 100 T-Shirts and you can have one delivered to your house just in time for Christmas! Forget the ugly sweaters, you'll be the talk of the office Xmas party with this limited edtion T-shirt! Sizes available: Medium, Large, XL and XXL. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
(final colors may vary)
Claimed: 2 of 100
$75
Signed DVD
Not satisfied with a digital download? Need to touch it to believe it's real? Don't worry, we're making 100 copies on old school DVD that you can get months before it's released anywhere else! And each disc will be signed by the Writer/Director. Plus you'll still get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 100
$100
Signed Blu-Ray
DVDs don't do it for you? Blu-ray or bust? We get it, that's why we're making 50 copies on Blu-ray that you can get months before it's released anywhere else! And each disc will be signed by the Writer/Director. Plus you'll still get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 50
$150
Boxing Lesson with Boom Boom Mancini
Sophia is a fighter (just ask the girl who stole her boyfriend!) and Youngstown knows a thing or two about fighting. Our city's own lightweight champ and International Boxing Hall of Famer, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, will teach you how to hold your own in a schoolyard scrap. This is a limited space (JUST 30 SPOTS TOTAL), one-time class, so reserve your spot now. This class will take place on a weekend in January and will last a few hours so you'll get a great workout, meet a true champion and help the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative make a feature film right here in Youngstown! This class is for men or women, boys and girls of all ages and any experience level! **Must provide your own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 29
$150
VIP Pass
You and a guest can come by the set on any day of filming, join us for the wrap party and be there for the premiere with this VIP pass. Get a first-hand look at how a movie is made, witness how a scene is blocked, observe the actors getting into character and even eat our craft service with the cast & crew! We appreciate your generous contribution and will treat you like family... or dysfunctional family in Sophia's case. **Must provide own travel and accommodations. Plus you'll get the digital download, texts from Sophia, a custom emoji and a special thanks in the end credits!
$500
500 'Thank Yous' by Christmas Eve!
Seriously, we will record 500 different thank yous (specifically to you) from everyone involved in this movie throughout the journey of pre-production, production and post-production. Actors, crew members, myself, hell even Diablo Sophia's bearded dragon could thank you. We will then assemble it and deliver to you on Christmas Eve! Each edited video will be like a condensed mini-documentary specifically personalized to you for your help and contribution. As simple as it may sound, this is a time consuming process and requires some serious work. That's why we're only offering a very select few of these. Plus, you still get all the stocking stuffers including a VIP Pass, digital download, DVD or blu-ray, t-shirt, custom emoji, texts from Sophia!
Claimed: 0 of 15
$1,000
Producing Credits!
Did you know that the legendary moviemaking Warner brothers came of age and got their start in the film business while living right here in Youngstown, Ohio? They eventually plastered their name in the OPENING CREDITS on the big screen and now you can too! As an Associate Producer, your name will join the select few to appear at the start of the movie. It will adorn the poster and show up on IMDB.com. Or, if you'd rather we leave your name out of the credits, that's fine too. It's completely up to you. We also appreciate all the help and want you to join us on-set, at the premiere and in any film festivals we get into. The cast and crew will be forever in your debt too. Plus, you still get all the stocking stuffers including a VIP Pass, digital download, DVD or blu-ray, t-shirt, custom emoji, texts from Sophia!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Worst.Christmas.Ever. is the debut film from the Mahoning Valley Film Inititative - a collaborative of filmmakers & crew members based in and around Youngstown, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley. The film is also in association with local production companies 2 Ticks & The Dog, Cinemagic Productions, ItaliaScope and Stuck in Ohio.
Writer/Director: John Chechitelli
A filmmaker from Youngstown, Ohio and Film graduate of Full Sail University - John has spent the past 11+ years Writing, Directing, Producing and Editing Film & TV projects in Los Angeles, CA. John was a Writer of TV shows like UFC Tonight and Fox Sports Live as well as a Producer/Director on Barfly and the feature documentary Youngstown: Still Standing. In 2016, John's feature-length screenplay Fight Night was optioned to Shepherd Films & Entertainment and is currently being developed for a feature film. In late 2016, John moved back home to Youngstown where he began writing the script for Worst.Christmas.Ever.
Producer: Justin Ciminero
A Film graduate from Cleveland State, Justin is also from the Mahoning Valley, having grown up in North Lima, Ohio. He brings several years of on-set experience as well as a crucial technical understanding of filmmaking fundamentals and an extensive grip and electric package to the project. From pre-production through post-production, Justin is in charge of keeping the train on the tracks.
Producer: Xander E. Tennent
Alexander E. Tennent is currently a Producer with Red Point Digital Studios in Akron, Ohio. A native of Springfield, Oregon, he entered the film business in Portland where he worked on corporate videos, commercials, music videos and features before spending several years in Los Angeles, California working at LA Center Studios. Xander comes to Northeast Ohio on the heels of what he calls "a massive documentary" of which he says, "if allowed to see the light of day, will blow the lid off the nation." He joined the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative from the very beginning and has been a guiding force in this project.
Producer: Jason Klingensmith
Jason was born and raised in northeast Ohio. He's an award winning actor and screenwriter, who first discovered his passion for filmmaking in 2013 after a layoff from a steel mill led him to an open casting call for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Since then he's starred in a number of independent films and shorts. He's also written several screenplays, and produces, directs, and edits his own web series. He works each day to improve and refine his filmmaking skills and has been a member of the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative since day one.
Associate Producer: Brent Furrie
Anyone who knows Brent can tell you, the man is a marketing machine and is full of ideas which are both necessities for any successful producing team. A Youngstown native as well, Brent would go on to study at Youngstown State University before joining the United States Air Force - where he attained a degree in Political Science. Brent has a substantial background in sales and promotion which he's already putting to use to get the word out about the movie locally.
Associate Producer: La'Rayja Hill
At 17 years old, La'Rayja is the youngest member of the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative. She's also an aspiring Director, Writer, Actress and Producer. Though most of her work has been on-stage, La'Rayja continues to work behind the scenes on original film and creative media pieces. Most recently, she could be seen playing the role of "Little Inez" in the Youngstown Playhouse production of Hairspray. With her own upcoming production company, La'Rayja plans to create work that will change the way we see ourselves and the world. She also plans to Major in Film/Cinematography in the college of her choice.
Associate Producers: Ken & Dan Mizicko
Founders of the extreme sports video production company "Stuck in Ohio," the Mizicko brothers are two of the Mahoning Valley's strongest proponents and talents. Ken and Dan formed "Stuck in Ohio" over a decade ago and have built it from a boutique company which showcased local artists and athletes into a national juggernaut that produces music videos, documentaries and ad spots for brands like Mountain Dew, Fiat and New Era. When the Mizicko brothers heard about the Mahoning Valley Film Initiative, they immediately jumped on board and brought their "midwest work ethic" with them.
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