We are a collection of artists who love to create stories that inspire, entertain, and make people think about the world today. We are always looking for new ways to make you giggle and reflect. This project, a stoner comedy written and co-directed by a woman, strives to bring something new.

“Our Little Collective” is made up of a group of entertainment industry professionals who were looking for something to do while Hollywood production was shut down from COVID-19. Before we started the collective, we were friends who helped each other on our individual projects, but now time and circumstances have allowed us to come together and create a short film. We were brought together by a script written by Radhia Jamil called “Bad Mushroom”. Radhia had a simple idea. There are plenty of stoner buddy comedies. She wanted to make a psychedelic comedy.

What makes this script a success, is that Radhia has created deep and interesting characters within a genre that is known for being relatively formulaic. Dillon and Kola, the protagonists, are more than just stoner or druggie archetypes. The characters have complex inner lives and motivations. They are characters you will want to know more about. And this is all done in fifteen pages.

 

FILMING PROGRESS

We have finished shooting 50% of the script

Short films cost an estimate of $20,000. Luckily for us, as professionals in the industry, we are able to bring our own equipment and labor to the project cutting our budget in half. This is where you come in. Please contribute and make this film with us! We need your help to pay for a camera, COVID-19 saftey gear (and tests), food and accomdations, post-production, some helpers on set, and distribution.

 

THE CAST

KOLA JAMES AKINGBADE

Kola James Akingbade plays the role of Kola. This is one of those situations where we knew he was in the movie before there was a movie. We are always impressed with Kola. When he performs he fully embodies the character. Between "action" and "cut" we witness a complete transformation. It's as if he walked off set and a complete stranger entered.

 

NOLAN BRYAN

Nolan Bryan plays Dillon. His acting is poetic. Subtle. Understated. He has great timing. He never fails to take you on a journey with every scene he is in. He has also generously offered his time to produce this production as well as create the soundtrack. Nolan is an incredibly talented musician and we cannot wait for you to see this film, if not for the music alone.

 

NICK CHAPMAN

Nick is a special guy. He takes this relatively small role and runs away with it. You're never quite sure what to expect when Nick is infront of the camera, making it hard to turn away. He is a true wild card. Nick is also co-directing this film. His plethora of experience both behind and infront of the camera has proven to be essential for communication between talent and crew. 

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - MATTHEW NEVINS BELL

One cannot really say where this production would be without Matthew Nevins Bell. His entrance on the scene took a pet project and elevated it to where it is today. He has been incredibly generous with his time and equipment, making him indepensible to this project. Not only does he bring decades of experience but he also has a great eye. He is well-versed in every aspect of filmmaking and helps fill in any gaps that comes with a skelaton crew like ours, making him that cohesive energy this project needs.

 

CO-DIRECTORS - RADHIA JAMIL & NICK CHAPMAN

So you heard a bit about both of these individuals already. They are a married couple directing this film together. They are living the "Co-" lifestyle on and off set.

 

PRODUCER - NOLAN BRYAN

Nolan was the reason all of us hopped on zoom and started talking. He has been instrumental to bringing this crew together. He keeps a running roladex of interesting, creative, and hardworking people. A person Nolan knows is a person you want to know.

 

SOUND - LEJLA SUBASIC

Lejla Subasic has had a hand in almost all aspects of this film. She is a jack of all trades and incredibly gifted with sound and camera equipment. She is our sound person in production, but she is also a talented writer. We hope to produce some of her work in the future.

 

CAMERA ASSISTANT - JORDAN SWANSON

Jordan Swanson has been a great help on set. Incredibly patient and resourceful, she is always there with a smile on her face and ready for anything. 

 

POST PRODUCTION

EDITOR - SPENCER JACK

Spencer is just the person for the job. An experienced editor and writer, Spencer has a carefully crafted voice that perfectly complements the vision for this film. This guy is not above losing some sleep to deliver a stunning product.

 

SOUND DESIGN - NOLAN BRYAN

Nolan is a magician with sound. His skills have been a godsend for this project and gives this short film a real edge.