PICKLEBALL IS LIFE: DILL WITH IT!
Cape May, New Jersey | Series
Comedy, Family
Can Pickleball Save America? Probably not. But we can try! When three "besties" find themselves in a pickle, they are forced to compete in a high stakes pickleball tournament. Thus, their friendship and determination are put to the ultimate test on the court.
PICKLEBALL IS LIFE: DILL WITH IT!
Cape May, New Jersey | Series
Comedy, Family
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $28,445 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
112 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Can Pickleball Save America? Probably not. But we can try! When three "besties" find themselves in a pickle, they are forced to compete in a high stakes pickleball tournament. Thus, their friendship and determination are put to the ultimate test on the court.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
CATHERINE CURTIN (Jane): She is best known for her role as correctional officer Wanda Bell in the Netflix comedy-drama series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. Her other notable recurring roles include INSECURE, STRANGER THINGS and HOMELAND. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
CAROL ANN DEMARCO (Frances): An award-winning TV, Film and Theatre actress, her strength lies in her comedic timing and her gift for improv. She is known for her award-winning performance in the short film "Crumb Cake" and lead roles in many indie features, and LIFETIME movies such as "A Party Gone Wrong," "Monarch Butterfly," "Don't Think" and "Mom." She also appeared on TV shows such as on LAW & ORDER: SVU's 20th season and Showtime's THE LOUDEST VOICE. Pickleball self-rating: 4.5
LEIGH ANNE WEST (Camille): She is best known for her performances in the digital series SWIPE TO THE RIGHT as well as in the indie films such as "Scare Zone," "Crumb Cake," and "The Possession." She also has an expansive theatrical resume appearing in productions such as "1984," "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Drowsey Chaperone" and Times Ledger Best Actress winner for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" as Nurse Ratchet with The Chain Theatre NYC. Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
MALIK REED (Brandon): From the Eastside of Detroit, he's all about the love, light and growth. He is known for his role as Luther in CBS' EAST NEW YORK as well as appearing in NBC's THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS, LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME, LAW & ORDER: SVU, "A Case of Blue" and "Sweet Sweet." He also appeared in Off-Broadway productions such as "Love Stories: Chehov/Tolostoy" and "The Messiah." Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
DAVID LANSBURY (Gunther): He is known for having roles "Michael Clayton," HBO's OZ, "Scent of a Woman," "From Other Worlds," LAW AND ORDER, FRINGE, and as Father Barnaby in Paramount's "EVIL." The nephew to Angela Lansbury, he has also appeared on Broadway in "War Horse," "Hedda Gabler," and "Major Barbara." Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
JOHANNA DAY (Tinsley): A Broadway veteran with two Tony Award nominations, she has appeared in plays such as "Sweat," "You Can't Take it With You," and the Tony-award winning plays "August: Osage County" and "Proof" opposite Mary-Louise Parker. She is also known for her role as Admiral Ellen Hill in MADAM SECRETARY and appearances in THE GOOD FIGHT, BULL, NEW AMESTERDAM, THE BLACK LIST, and ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
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Can Pickleball save America?
Can Pickleball save these women?
Donate and find out!
What the heck is this game? Why is it so addicting? Are pickles involved? The pickleball world has been in existence since 1965 (or so we’ve been told). A few bored fathers and their bored children invented the game along with their excited dog Pickles (or so the legend goes).
The sport has grown exponentially over the past 5 years (at least that's what pickleball experts say).
WHY NOW?
COVID-19 drove Carol Ann to the beach town of Cape May, where she met Mindy Mack, owner of Dink It Pickleball. After her first lesson, she was hooked, playing daily with other beginners. She progressed to playing with the “big kids”, competing in tournaments in New Jersey and beyond.
She teamed up with Actress/Writer Leigh Anne West and Producer/Writer Seth Chitwood to create PICKLEBALL IS LIFE: DILL WITH IT!, empowering women of all walks of life and levels of athleticism.
This film's comedic elements and mockumentary style will bring to mind some epic and classic TV series and feature films such as:
... all taking place in the Pickleball World!
THE LEADING PLAYERS
FRANCES | Frances may be in her 50s, but don’t count her out in life. She is the glue that keeps the friends together. She is the most talkative, the leader of the group, and the one making the decisions and plans. She sees the best in her friends and would do anything for them. Despite this, it isn’t often she lets her guard down and lets them help her. Frances can be a team player, albeit a tad competitive in everything she tackles…which sometimes gets her into a pickle.
JANE | Jane is a woman who loves to drink and party. She can often be found lounging around the pool or doing other activities that involve drinking and not sweating. Why does Jane drink? You'll have to find out! Jane's sense of humor and "tell it like it is" attitude can get her into trouble, but her love for dogs shines in any situation. She even has her own dog blog which she is passionate about and will share at any opportunity. Jane's passion for things she believes in creates a focus that sometimes gets in her own way. One thing's for certain: If there is a celebration or a party to be had - Jane is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave!
CAMILLE | Camille is a no-nonsense businesswoman who is always one step ahead of everyone else. She lives on the phone putting out fires and making big decisions. Her career success came from sheer determination and a strong work ethic. As a result, she is a workaholic who devotes the majority of her time to her business, without much balance in other areas. She sees things in black and white and sometimes misses the shades of grey that may be exactly what she needs.
BRANDON | Brandon is a larger than life character - a super flamboyant, pansexual man with a passion for life, pickleball and an eye for style. He loves to show off his sexuality by wearing outrageously bright and colorful outfits that are sure to turn heads. He was a talented pickleball player, but his career took a hit when he was caught in a cheating scandal. Despite this setback, Brandon is still out there living and loving life to the fullest and speaking his truth without holding back.
TINSLEY | Tinsley is the ultimate "mean girl." Regina look out! She loves having all the power and isn't afraid to use it. She is the ruthless landlord of an apartment complex and loves to see her tenants suffer. She is wealthy, self-centered, and demands the spotlight. She is competitive, often leaving her victims in tears. Her goal is to win at any cost. However, underneath it all, Tinsley is conflicted. She thinks putting on a tough facade will protect her from getting hurt again after the last time she let someone see her vulnerable side.
Can you imagine if the world was one big Pickleball court?!
Films, stories, and Pickleball unite people from diverse backgrounds. Players of all ages and abilities, those in all stages of life, can come together for exercise, competition, and fun. No matter who you are, you'll find a warm welcome on any pickleball court worldwide!
Donate to this delightful comedy and
let’s see how we can change the world!
Help the filmmakers of Pickleball Is Life (Dill with It!) by supporting their film that champions women everywhere who are independent, stepping out in life, meeting challenges head on, and taking life by the paddle! Join them on www.seedandspark.com/fund/pickleball-is-life-dill-with-it
Where is the money going?
Your contributions will be utilized for production costs including travel for our NYC crew, equipment rental, fees, feeding our cast and crew, and ensuring each member of our cast and crew is paid a fair wage for their time and talents.
It would not be possible without your help, and we are endlessly thankful for you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Creative Team Salaries
Costs $9,250
Our A-list team (see our team page!) is going to ensure this is a kick-ass film! They are amazing!
Production Insurance
Costs $2,000
It is important to make sure everyone is safe on set as well as protect all our cool equipment!
Food
Costs $4,500
"I'm Hangry!" We want to prevent the grumpy, overworked, hungry team member! Let's keep them happy!
Equipment Rental
Costs $2,200
Although our DP has his own stuff, we are renting some extra stuff to make the TV pilot even better!
Crafty / Snacks
Costs $800
We need to keep our cast & crew fueled through our four day shoot. They need the junk food!
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Help our wardrobe designer Mark Anthony Hardy make the cast look even more amazing on set!
Props
Costs $1,000
We have a LARGE list of props to find!
Make up / Hair supplies
Costs $750
We have to look pretty, so help us get the supplies for our designers Sinnarith Vann & Kait Mogey!
Travel costs
Costs $1,000
We have talent and crew coming from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York coming to Cape May!
AirBnb Accommodations
Costs $3,250
We are putting our out-of-state talent and crew in multiple Airbnb locations around Cape May!
Lighting Equipment
Costs $1,400
We need some extra equipment so our cast on the screen can be even brighter!
Cast Payments
Costs $5,600
We have an exciting cast doing our project and to have them in Cape May will cost a few bucks.
Editor
Costs $2,250
Our editor can't wait to start working on our pilot! They hope to have it ready for September 2023!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CAROL ANN DEMARCO (Frances, Creator, Co-Writer, Co-Director, Executive Producer)
An award winning TV, Film and Theatre actress, her strength lies in her comedic timing and her gift for improv. She is known for her award-winning performance in the short film "Crumb Cake" and lead roles in many indie features, and Lifetime movies such as "A Party Gone Wrong," "Monarch Butterfly," "Don't Think" and "Mom." She also appeared on TV shows such as on LAW & ORDER: SVU's 20th season and Showtime's THE LOUDEST VOICE. Pickleball self-rating: 4.5
Find out more at: www.carolanndemarco.com.
LEIGH ANNE WEST (Camille, Co-Writer, Executive Producer)
Leigh Anne doesn't know how to play pickleball, but she can deadlift 240 lbs and spent five years learning how to throw bad guys across the room. She is a classically trained actress (MFA, Asolo Conservatory) and has performed in film, theatre and several webseries. Her most recent indie film, CRUMB CAKE has won numerous festival awards this year, including a BEST ACTRESS nomination for Leigh Anne (Southern Shorts Awards Film Fest). She's excited about pickleball as long as it plays nice with Crossfit. Most of all, she's excited about this film! Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
https://www.leighannewest.com/
SETH CHITWOOD (Producer, Additional Writer)
Seth has been unofficially crowned the "web series king" of Rhode Island, having created ten award-winning web series with over 200 web episodes. His works include "Luna, The Witch" on Amazon Prime, "Lungs: The Series," "Family Problems," "The Girl in the Attic," "Out: A Short Film," "4:48," and the upcoming short film "Revelation" featuring Michelle Mazza, Catherine Curtin and Peter Gerety.
For his accomplishments, Seth was awarded the 2016 "Shooting Star Special Achievement Award" by Imagine Magazine. He also holds an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory's Screenwriting Program, and works as a special reporter for The Standard-Times, a USAToday regional affiliate in the SouthCoast area of Massachusetts. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
ETHAN DE AGUIAR (Director of Photographer, Co-Director)
A self-proclaimed “artrepreneur” & New Bedford native, Ethan de Aguiar is an experienced filmmaker, focusing on the art of storytelling. No matter the video project, Ethan brings the essence of the subject matter to life with cinematic visuals that create a unique experience for audiences. He has built long-term working relationships with notable local organizations such as the YMCA, Southcoast Community Foundation, Viva! Fall River, Fabric Festival, NB Creative and Destination NB, just to name a few. With a multi-faceted eye on both the creative aspects and data analytics of video marketing, Ethan creates long- and short-form visual content that delivers impactful results. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
MARK ANTHONY HARDY (Wardrobe Designer)
New to the independent film series, Mark Anthony is excited to start this new chapter. Hailing from the creative marketing world, he has worked with such brands as CVS, Oomph!, Kronos, and Club Monaco. He currently worked on the third season of Amazon Prime's LUNA, THE WITCH and is developing the TV series HE'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS with Angelwood Pictures. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
TANJA MELENDEZ LYNCH (Associate Producer)
Tanja Melendez Lynch is an award winning SAG-AFTRA actress and producer from Long Island and is now based in Boston and New York City. Her ethnic look allows her to be cast in diverse roles. She played opposite Miles Teller in the boxing saga Bleed For This. She has also produced a variety of films from shorts, made for TV films and feature films. Pickleball self-rating: 2.5
MICHELLE MAZZA (Contributing Producer)
Recently Michelle produced and starred in the short film Revelation directed by Libe Barer starring Peter Gerety and Cathy Curtain. As an actor Michelle has worked in television, film, commercials and theatre. Some of her credits include FBI, BLUE BLOODS and the film PENANCE. Michelle has also originated many roles in new musicals such as BIRTHDAY BOY, BARDY BUNCH and EVANGELINE. The greatest role she has ever received is being a mother to her three children- Peter, Scarlett and Vivian. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
CATRIONA RUBENIS-STEVENS (Assistant Director)
Catriona is an Academy Award nominated, UK born and raised filmmaker. She is known for work on the TV series MODEL AMERICA, HISTORY'S GREATEST MYSTERY hosted by Laurence Fishburne, "Lost Cos," and "Andy & Kaliope," "The Path of Avarice," "The Feather," "So You Wanna Be an Actor," "How Much Am I Worth?" among many many more including several incredible music videos for Giselle and LUX.
Her film "e.ro.sion, noun" screened at over 20 festivals worldwide, including The Sci-Fi London Film Festival, SoHo International Film Festival and the Fargo Fantastic Film Festival and went on to receive numerous nominations and awards including Best Director, Best Film and Best Screenplay. Catriona was also a producer for BBC on "Houdini's Diaries".
Catriona was recently commissioned by Speak.a Technology in Hangzhou China to write, direct and produce over 50 videos for an English language learning app for preschoolers learning English.
Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
Haley Pine (Second Assistant Director)
Haley Pine attends NYU Tisch where she is enrolled in a BFA in Drama from the Meisner studio and Stonestreet studio. She is also pursuing a minor in Producing and the Business of Entertainment Media and Technology. Haley has written and directed award winning her own screenplays and wrote her first screenplay, Desperate, Anything Helps at age 15.
Her first film and her other screenplays Harper's First Kiss, Zoom Dating and A Special Dinner received multiple awards at Festivals throughout the United States. Haley has wanted to learn all aspects of this industry and has worked as a Production Assistant for many production companies. She has also worked as a Casting Assistant for an established NYC Casting Agent and is the Co-Founder and director of Open Gate International Film Festival. In her free time she loves to play golf and poker! Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
SINNARITH VANN (Make Up Designer)
Sin has done make up design for multiple productions including "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Higher Methods," Amazon Prime's LUNA, THE WITCH, "Spin," "The Principal's Assembly" and "A Sister's Gift." Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
KAIT MOGEY (Make Up Designer, Associate Producer)
Kait, a resident in Cape May, NJ, has over a decade of experience in cosmetology. Almost 2 decades of experience in stage and theater makeup and hair, working occasionally on production sets. She also has experience with set and costume design. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING CAST ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SPONSORS JOINING OUR TEAM!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
CATHERINE CURTIN (Jane): She is best known for her role as correctional officer Wanda Bell in the Netflix comedy-drama series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. Her other notable recurring roles include INSECURE, STRANGER THINGS and HOMELAND. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
CAROL ANN DEMARCO (Frances): An award-winning TV, Film and Theatre actress, her strength lies in her comedic timing and her gift for improv. She is known for her award-winning performance in the short film "Crumb Cake" and lead roles in many indie features, and LIFETIME movies such as "A Party Gone Wrong," "Monarch Butterfly," "Don't Think" and "Mom." She also appeared on TV shows such as on LAW & ORDER: SVU's 20th season and Showtime's THE LOUDEST VOICE. Pickleball self-rating: 4.5
LEIGH ANNE WEST (Camille): She is best known for her performances in the digital series SWIPE TO THE RIGHT as well as in the indie films such as "Scare Zone," "Crumb Cake," and "The Possession." She also has an expansive theatrical resume appearing in productions such as "1984," "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Drowsey Chaperone" and Times Ledger Best Actress winner for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" as Nurse Ratchet with The Chain Theatre NYC. Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
MALIK REED (Brandon): From the Eastside of Detroit, he's all about the love, light and growth. He is known for his role as Luther in CBS' EAST NEW YORK as well as appearing in NBC's THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS, LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME, LAW & ORDER: SVU, "A Case of Blue" and "Sweet Sweet." He also appeared in Off-Broadway productions such as "Love Stories: Chehov/Tolostoy" and "The Messiah." Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
DAVID LANSBURY (Gunther): He is known for having roles "Michael Clayton," HBO's OZ, "Scent of a Woman," "From Other Worlds," LAW AND ORDER, FRINGE, and as Father Barnaby in Paramount's "EVIL." The nephew to Angela Lansbury, he has also appeared on Broadway in "War Horse," "Hedda Gabler," and "Major Barbara." Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
JOHANNA DAY (Tinsley): A Broadway veteran with two Tony Award nominations, she has appeared in plays such as "Sweat," "You Can't Take it With You," and the Tony-award winning plays "August: Osage County" and "Proof" opposite Mary-Louise Parker. She is also known for her role as Admiral Ellen Hill in MADAM SECRETARY and appearances in THE GOOD FIGHT, BULL, NEW AMESTERDAM, THE BLACK LIST, and ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
Can Pickleball save America?
Can Pickleball save these women?
Donate and find out!
What the heck is this game? Why is it so addicting? Are pickles involved? The pickleball world has been in existence since 1965 (or so we’ve been told). A few bored fathers and their bored children invented the game along with their excited dog Pickles (or so the legend goes).
The sport has grown exponentially over the past 5 years (at least that's what pickleball experts say).
WHY NOW?
COVID-19 drove Carol Ann to the beach town of Cape May, where she met Mindy Mack, owner of Dink It Pickleball. After her first lesson, she was hooked, playing daily with other beginners. She progressed to playing with the “big kids”, competing in tournaments in New Jersey and beyond.
She teamed up with Actress/Writer Leigh Anne West and Producer/Writer Seth Chitwood to create PICKLEBALL IS LIFE: DILL WITH IT!, empowering women of all walks of life and levels of athleticism.
This film's comedic elements and mockumentary style will bring to mind some epic and classic TV series and feature films such as:
... all taking place in the Pickleball World!
THE LEADING PLAYERS
FRANCES | Frances may be in her 50s, but don’t count her out in life. She is the glue that keeps the friends together. She is the most talkative, the leader of the group, and the one making the decisions and plans. She sees the best in her friends and would do anything for them. Despite this, it isn’t often she lets her guard down and lets them help her. Frances can be a team player, albeit a tad competitive in everything she tackles…which sometimes gets her into a pickle.
JANE | Jane is a woman who loves to drink and party. She can often be found lounging around the pool or doing other activities that involve drinking and not sweating. Why does Jane drink? You'll have to find out! Jane's sense of humor and "tell it like it is" attitude can get her into trouble, but her love for dogs shines in any situation. She even has her own dog blog which she is passionate about and will share at any opportunity. Jane's passion for things she believes in creates a focus that sometimes gets in her own way. One thing's for certain: If there is a celebration or a party to be had - Jane is the first one to arrive and the last one to leave!
CAMILLE | Camille is a no-nonsense businesswoman who is always one step ahead of everyone else. She lives on the phone putting out fires and making big decisions. Her career success came from sheer determination and a strong work ethic. As a result, she is a workaholic who devotes the majority of her time to her business, without much balance in other areas. She sees things in black and white and sometimes misses the shades of grey that may be exactly what she needs.
BRANDON | Brandon is a larger than life character - a super flamboyant, pansexual man with a passion for life, pickleball and an eye for style. He loves to show off his sexuality by wearing outrageously bright and colorful outfits that are sure to turn heads. He was a talented pickleball player, but his career took a hit when he was caught in a cheating scandal. Despite this setback, Brandon is still out there living and loving life to the fullest and speaking his truth without holding back.
TINSLEY | Tinsley is the ultimate "mean girl." Regina look out! She loves having all the power and isn't afraid to use it. She is the ruthless landlord of an apartment complex and loves to see her tenants suffer. She is wealthy, self-centered, and demands the spotlight. She is competitive, often leaving her victims in tears. Her goal is to win at any cost. However, underneath it all, Tinsley is conflicted. She thinks putting on a tough facade will protect her from getting hurt again after the last time she let someone see her vulnerable side.
Can you imagine if the world was one big Pickleball court?!
Films, stories, and Pickleball unite people from diverse backgrounds. Players of all ages and abilities, those in all stages of life, can come together for exercise, competition, and fun. No matter who you are, you'll find a warm welcome on any pickleball court worldwide!
Donate to this delightful comedy and
let’s see how we can change the world!
Help the filmmakers of Pickleball Is Life (Dill with It!) by supporting their film that champions women everywhere who are independent, stepping out in life, meeting challenges head on, and taking life by the paddle! Join them on www.seedandspark.com/fund/pickleball-is-life-dill-with-it
Where is the money going?
Your contributions will be utilized for production costs including travel for our NYC crew, equipment rental, fees, feeding our cast and crew, and ensuring each member of our cast and crew is paid a fair wage for their time and talents.
It would not be possible without your help, and we are endlessly thankful for you.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Creative Team Salaries
Costs $9,250
Our A-list team (see our team page!) is going to ensure this is a kick-ass film! They are amazing!
Production Insurance
Costs $2,000
It is important to make sure everyone is safe on set as well as protect all our cool equipment!
Food
Costs $4,500
"I'm Hangry!" We want to prevent the grumpy, overworked, hungry team member! Let's keep them happy!
Equipment Rental
Costs $2,200
Although our DP has his own stuff, we are renting some extra stuff to make the TV pilot even better!
Crafty / Snacks
Costs $800
We need to keep our cast & crew fueled through our four day shoot. They need the junk food!
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
Help our wardrobe designer Mark Anthony Hardy make the cast look even more amazing on set!
Props
Costs $1,000
We have a LARGE list of props to find!
Make up / Hair supplies
Costs $750
We have to look pretty, so help us get the supplies for our designers Sinnarith Vann & Kait Mogey!
Travel costs
Costs $1,000
We have talent and crew coming from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York coming to Cape May!
AirBnb Accommodations
Costs $3,250
We are putting our out-of-state talent and crew in multiple Airbnb locations around Cape May!
Lighting Equipment
Costs $1,400
We need some extra equipment so our cast on the screen can be even brighter!
Cast Payments
Costs $5,600
We have an exciting cast doing our project and to have them in Cape May will cost a few bucks.
Editor
Costs $2,250
Our editor can't wait to start working on our pilot! They hope to have it ready for September 2023!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
CAROL ANN DEMARCO (Frances, Creator, Co-Writer, Co-Director, Executive Producer)
An award winning TV, Film and Theatre actress, her strength lies in her comedic timing and her gift for improv. She is known for her award-winning performance in the short film "Crumb Cake" and lead roles in many indie features, and Lifetime movies such as "A Party Gone Wrong," "Monarch Butterfly," "Don't Think" and "Mom." She also appeared on TV shows such as on LAW & ORDER: SVU's 20th season and Showtime's THE LOUDEST VOICE. Pickleball self-rating: 4.5
Find out more at: www.carolanndemarco.com.
LEIGH ANNE WEST (Camille, Co-Writer, Executive Producer)
Leigh Anne doesn't know how to play pickleball, but she can deadlift 240 lbs and spent five years learning how to throw bad guys across the room. She is a classically trained actress (MFA, Asolo Conservatory) and has performed in film, theatre and several webseries. Her most recent indie film, CRUMB CAKE has won numerous festival awards this year, including a BEST ACTRESS nomination for Leigh Anne (Southern Shorts Awards Film Fest). She's excited about pickleball as long as it plays nice with Crossfit. Most of all, she's excited about this film! Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
https://www.leighannewest.com/
SETH CHITWOOD (Producer, Additional Writer)
Seth has been unofficially crowned the "web series king" of Rhode Island, having created ten award-winning web series with over 200 web episodes. His works include "Luna, The Witch" on Amazon Prime, "Lungs: The Series," "Family Problems," "The Girl in the Attic," "Out: A Short Film," "4:48," and the upcoming short film "Revelation" featuring Michelle Mazza, Catherine Curtin and Peter Gerety.
For his accomplishments, Seth was awarded the 2016 "Shooting Star Special Achievement Award" by Imagine Magazine. He also holds an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory's Screenwriting Program, and works as a special reporter for The Standard-Times, a USAToday regional affiliate in the SouthCoast area of Massachusetts. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
ETHAN DE AGUIAR (Director of Photographer, Co-Director)
A self-proclaimed “artrepreneur” & New Bedford native, Ethan de Aguiar is an experienced filmmaker, focusing on the art of storytelling. No matter the video project, Ethan brings the essence of the subject matter to life with cinematic visuals that create a unique experience for audiences. He has built long-term working relationships with notable local organizations such as the YMCA, Southcoast Community Foundation, Viva! Fall River, Fabric Festival, NB Creative and Destination NB, just to name a few. With a multi-faceted eye on both the creative aspects and data analytics of video marketing, Ethan creates long- and short-form visual content that delivers impactful results. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
MARK ANTHONY HARDY (Wardrobe Designer)
New to the independent film series, Mark Anthony is excited to start this new chapter. Hailing from the creative marketing world, he has worked with such brands as CVS, Oomph!, Kronos, and Club Monaco. He currently worked on the third season of Amazon Prime's LUNA, THE WITCH and is developing the TV series HE'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS with Angelwood Pictures. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
TANJA MELENDEZ LYNCH (Associate Producer)
Tanja Melendez Lynch is an award winning SAG-AFTRA actress and producer from Long Island and is now based in Boston and New York City. Her ethnic look allows her to be cast in diverse roles. She played opposite Miles Teller in the boxing saga Bleed For This. She has also produced a variety of films from shorts, made for TV films and feature films. Pickleball self-rating: 2.5
MICHELLE MAZZA (Contributing Producer)
Recently Michelle produced and starred in the short film Revelation directed by Libe Barer starring Peter Gerety and Cathy Curtain. As an actor Michelle has worked in television, film, commercials and theatre. Some of her credits include FBI, BLUE BLOODS and the film PENANCE. Michelle has also originated many roles in new musicals such as BIRTHDAY BOY, BARDY BUNCH and EVANGELINE. The greatest role she has ever received is being a mother to her three children- Peter, Scarlett and Vivian. Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
CATRIONA RUBENIS-STEVENS (Assistant Director)
Catriona is an Academy Award nominated, UK born and raised filmmaker. She is known for work on the TV series MODEL AMERICA, HISTORY'S GREATEST MYSTERY hosted by Laurence Fishburne, "Lost Cos," and "Andy & Kaliope," "The Path of Avarice," "The Feather," "So You Wanna Be an Actor," "How Much Am I Worth?" among many many more including several incredible music videos for Giselle and LUX.
Her film "e.ro.sion, noun" screened at over 20 festivals worldwide, including The Sci-Fi London Film Festival, SoHo International Film Festival and the Fargo Fantastic Film Festival and went on to receive numerous nominations and awards including Best Director, Best Film and Best Screenplay. Catriona was also a producer for BBC on "Houdini's Diaries".
Catriona was recently commissioned by Speak.a Technology in Hangzhou China to write, direct and produce over 50 videos for an English language learning app for preschoolers learning English.
Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
Haley Pine (Second Assistant Director)
Haley Pine attends NYU Tisch where she is enrolled in a BFA in Drama from the Meisner studio and Stonestreet studio. She is also pursuing a minor in Producing and the Business of Entertainment Media and Technology. Haley has written and directed award winning her own screenplays and wrote her first screenplay, Desperate, Anything Helps at age 15.
Her first film and her other screenplays Harper's First Kiss, Zoom Dating and A Special Dinner received multiple awards at Festivals throughout the United States. Haley has wanted to learn all aspects of this industry and has worked as a Production Assistant for many production companies. She has also worked as a Casting Assistant for an established NYC Casting Agent and is the Co-Founder and director of Open Gate International Film Festival. In her free time she loves to play golf and poker! Pickleball self-rating: 1.5
SINNARITH VANN (Make Up Designer)
Sin has done make up design for multiple productions including "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Higher Methods," Amazon Prime's LUNA, THE WITCH, "Spin," "The Principal's Assembly" and "A Sister's Gift." Pickleball self-rating: 2.0
KAIT MOGEY (Make Up Designer, Associate Producer)
Kait, a resident in Cape May, NJ, has over a decade of experience in cosmetology. Almost 2 decades of experience in stage and theater makeup and hair, working occasionally on production sets. She also has experience with set and costume design. Pickleball self-rating: 1.0
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