Wow! We've reached our funding goal! But there are still a few comedic hills to climb ....

We're absolutely thrilled to have achieved our funding goal. Our deepest thanks to all those who have supported the project! You are wonderful!

If you're still interested in supporting the film we could still use your help. Yes, we've reached our goal, but there are additional elements that a little extra cash would help us secure.

For example, as it is now our budget allows for us to get the standard arm sling cast as a prop. But we'd think it be much funnier to have a huge shoulder cast. Problem is they're pricey. But take a look at it below. It's hysterical. And your support would help us get it. So please help us out, even though we've reached our goal.

What is The Key?

The Key is a fast paced, short comedy about a curmudgeonly hoarder who becomes obsessed with the contents of a locked safe he can not open.

Our cast and crew are working for free, so we're looking for financial support to help with production design, props, wardrobe, and location fees.

The Story

Boris, a curmudgeonly hoarder, has discovered a locked foot safe in depths of his attic. Enticed by sound of the contents inside, he tries to open it with one of his many keys. When none of them works he tries to pry it open, hammer it open, saw it open. But no luck. Boris’s curiosity consumes him. What is inside? Gold? Jewelry? Millions? Obsessed with opening it, he embarks on increasingly desperate and dangerous attempts to free the contents and in the process looses his house, his job, his best friend and his sanity.

The Team

The film is a collaboration between Writer/Director Marco Ricci and tenlegs.com, a network for artists.

Marco's latest film, The Reconstruction of Asa Carter, premiered on PBS in April. The Key marks a return to his comedic roots as displayed in his last feature film, The Wedding Bros.. It will be similar in pacing and style to another short Marco directed, the film festival hit Hyper.

Tenlegs is an NYC-based startup dedicated to helping emerging and independent artists to connect with each other for rewarding collaboration, with organizations for freelance opportunities, and with their fans and critics for meaningful interaction.

Production Update

Matt Scott has come on board as Producer and Writer. Matt and Marco have finished writing the script and are working with Director of Photography Jason Harper and Production Designer Jennifer Cantelmi to create the look of the film.

Our two leads have been cast. Brendan Averett, who  just wrapped As You Like It for Shakespeare in the Park, will play the lead roll of Boris. And JoJo Gonzalez has been cast as his best friend and side kick.

Shooting is scheduled to begin the first week of August in Queens, NY.

Why Support the Project?

For the cast, crew and creators The Key is a labor of love. We're all doing it for free. Why? Because we enjoy the creative outlet that's not usually provided by the corporate videos that make up our paid work.

But even when we donate our time and equipment there are still certain elements for which we need to pay. Props, such as safe's and phony casts. Location fees for the perfect basement. Fish eye lenses and costumes.

That is why we're looking for angels to support the project. The most creative and innovative projects are usually the hardest to get funded. And The Key is one such example.

We want to thank you in advance for your support. And please check back in for updates on the project!