So, what is Lady Kings of Texas?
Remember when we thought this couldn't happen?:
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Yeah, us too. It's crazy, right?
When we brainstormed ideas for our feature film, Roe v. Wade had already been overturned. Women’s rights everywhere were being attacked. Not to mention many of us, being from Texas, witness every day how strict abortion laws negatively impact regular women in a variety of ways. (Kate Cox, anyone?)
We imagined a story set in the near future where Texas finally fulfills its threat of seceding from the Union and forming its own rebel government – while telling us how they really feel about childless cat ladies.
That story became Lady Kings of Texas, a 90-minute dark comedy feature film that asks, "What are the real-world consequences when politicians take their agendas to the extreme?".
And WHY are you making this?
As women past our 20's in the entertainment industry, we were having a hard time finding work where we're more than the "wife," "mother," or "girlfriend." Women make up 50% of the population and while some progress has been made, our stories are still underrepresented in the industry, meaning a lack of options in quality work and entertainment. Not to mention, if you're a woman over 35 and not already famous? Forget it.
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We believe the film industry underserves us all, so we're making the kind of dark-comedy feature film we want to see onscreen – a satisfying story that allows us to be complex, messy, and human.
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Sure, but why should I care?
Are you a woman?
Are you friends with a woman?
Were you born of a woman?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then caring about what happens to the women in your life and whether or not they have autonomy over their own bodies should matter to you, too.
Being a woman is SUPER NUANCED and our experiences and opinions are colored by our upbringings and variables like religion, ethnic culture, age, and socioeconomic background. Our team is 87.5% women (yes we did the math. Don't believe us, check out our full team roster!) -- so we cover a lot of bases. And we've come together to do something about the state of things as we view it. But we also wanna laugh so we don't cry! And because we know you have a woman somewhere in your past, present, or future that you care about, we humbly ask that you join us.
Wait, who even are you?
OUR COMBINED EXPERIENCE
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Our team is a powerhouse of talent, ready to rock the film industry with our diverse, award-winning
experience both in front of and behind the camera. We are all set to combine our superpowers and filmmaking prowess to create a rollercoaster of laughs, drama, and pure magic -- with a message!
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We have:
$850K previously fundraised for video projects
37 awards won
3 feature films made
186 IMDB credits for onscreen acting, and counting!
76 video projects produced
THE TEAM
CARLY CHRISTOPHER-
Story By/Producer/Actor
Carly splits her time between Austin, Los Angeles, and Jackson, WY. Her sidesplitting social media posts and TikTok (with over 3.2 million likes) have won the hearts of 52,000 followers. You can catch her in shows such as Duster by producer J.J Abrams (Max), Criminal Minds (Paramount+), and Landman (Paramount+). She’s known for her indie comedy work in films like Berliners (Berlin Independent Film Festival), The Stress Is Killing Me (Best NM Feature, Santa Fe Film Festival), Four Influencers and a Funeral (Texas Short Film Award nominee at Austin Film Festival). She's also the go-to gal for commercials, having starred in over 70 ads for big names like Ford, Home Depot, Nissan, and more.
GIOVANNIE CRUZ-
Story By/Producer/Actor
Meet Giovannie, an operatically trained, multi-talented Puerto Rican artist who splits her time between the bright light of Los Angeles and the big hats of Dallas, Texas. She can be seen shining in big-budget hits such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 (Marvel), Reminiscence (Warner Bros.) across from Hugh Jackman, and the upcoming Superman (Warner Bros./DC) across from Nicholas Hoult, among other films. She has worked with acclaimed indie filmmakers David Lowery, Lisa Joy-Nolan, and Joe Lynch; recently appeared in Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix); and can be seen on TV shows such as Queen of the South (USA), NCIS: New Orleans (CBS), and Queen Sugar (OWN). Giovannie is also a fan-favorite anime voice actor at Sony's Crunchyroll Productions.
Elisabeth is an award-winning filmmaker & actor based in the NYC. The Yale alumna's comedy chops have been reviewed as "especially funny" (New York Times), "razor-sharp" (Washington Post), and "hilarious" (Times Herald-Record). Take the Lead named her one of its “50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment”. Onscreen appearances include CBS's Bull & FBI, Amazon's Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Marvel's Daredevil, and Lady in the Lake (AppleTV+) with Natalie Portman. Among the 63 projects she’s produced, Elisabeth created the hit digital comedy series Redheads Anonymous; featured in USA Today, Huffington Post, and Tubefilter, it garnered dozens of awards and nominations at festivals worldwide.
ELISABETH NESS-
Story By/Producer/Actor
KENNEISHA THOMPSON-
Story By/Co-Producer/Actor
Kenneisha Thompson hails from Dallas, TX, and can be seen in silver screen hits such as Love & Death (HBO Max), Grey's Anatomy (ABC), Secrets of Sulphur Springs (Disney+), and Dallas (TNT). She's rubbed elbows with Hollywood bigwigs like Debbie Allen, David Oyelowo, William H. Macy, and Brittany Snow, and even snagged a gig as the voice of "Lady Aurelia Hammerlock" in the Borderlands series, much to the delight of gaming fans. Most recently, Kenneisha brought grit and grace to the recurring role of Dora in Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and turned heads internationally as the lead in PATTERNS, a short film executive-produced by Jamie Lee Curtis.
KATHERINE DUDAS -
Story By/Writer
Katherine Dudas directed, co-wrote, and edited the feature film Juniper, which premiered at the prestigious Santa Barbara International Film Festival and received rave reviews and several offers for distribution. Juniper was acquired by STX Entertainment and sold to Showtime and Paramount+. Katherine's work has been featured on Whohaha, Funny or Die, Reductress, and Bustle. She's performed in comedy shows Off-Broadway and on a team at Upright Citizens Brigade. Her digital comedy show has over half a million views. Coming from an improv comedy background, she is dedicated to telling heartfelt and truthful stories through a comedic lens. Her second feature film is currently in post-production.
Ok, what do you need from me?
Making a feature film is a big, expensive undertaking, and we're grateful for our 700+ generous backers who believe in this project! Not to mention the incredible generosity of one backer who is donating the use of their sprawling ranch for filming — significantly reducing the cost of our shoot.
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Now, we can turn our attention to securing post-production funds, with your help. Come join our party!
​This is your chance to help make history. Let’s be honest: women have always been resourceful, but we deserve more than just “making do.” With your support, Lady Kings of Texas can go from scrappy indie charm to a powerhouse film that represents the strength, creativity, and resilience of women everywhere!
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WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
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We are an ultra-low-budget film (defined as under $300K) being funded by donations and grants, including monetary and in-kind contributions of food, gear rental, locations, etc.
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Our film is fiscally-sponsored by The Film Collaborative, a fantastic 501(c)3, making donations tax-deductible.
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This is a labor-of-love project, so we are all wearing multiple hats to keep our budget tight, as well as being thoughtful about where every cent is allocated!
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The beautiful Texas landscape is an important character in our film, and we will be relying on the kindness of its community! In return, we’ll infuse revenue into the local economy and support creative film industry professionals in Texas -- all while advocating for women’s bodily autonomy.
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We’re committed to ensuring a safe set that abides by all SAG-AFTRA guidelines, which creates certain budgetary considerations!
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?​
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$25k+ = Executive Producer credit onscreen/IMDB + invitation to set + walk the red carpet with us at screenings + all below
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$15k+ = Co-Executive Producer credit onscreen/IMDB + celebratory dinner with the team + all below
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$10k+ = Contributing Producer credit onscreen/IMDB + a personalized thank-you video from the whole group + provide film editing feedback + all below
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$5k+ = "Additional Funding Provided By" credit onscreen/IMDB + all below
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$1k+ = “Special Thanks” credit onscreen/IMDB + group virtual screening & Zoom Q&A talkback + all below
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<$1k = Our enduring gratitude, because every contribution is meaningful to this film's success!
PLUS: A tax deduction for your donation (through The Film Collaborative), VIP updates, AND the priceless gift of supporting women filmmakers!
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SUPPORT
WHAT IS THE FILM COLLABORATIVE?
The Film Collaborative is a wonderful 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers with all aspects of filmmaking in addition to fundraising and distribution.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
The Film Collaborative offers select fiscal sponsorships to worthy filmmakers with socially-conscious projects that pass its extensive application process (as Lady Kings of Texas has done). This sponsorship extends The Film Collaborative's tax-deductible status to donors contributing to our film through them. They are also assisting us with grant applications and strategy for festival submissions and distribution.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When you donate to our film, you receive a tax deduction for your contribution.
WAYS TO DONATE
Pick your fave tax-deductible method! Donations to The Film Collaborative can easily be made via PayPal or credit card; they can also be made (fee-free!) by ACH, check, 401k distribution, Donor-Advised Fund, stocks, etc. Initiate yours now via one of the buttons below. Thank you for helping us tell this story!!
