Dear Reader,

I never thought I could write a short film script.

Which is a funny thing to say, considering I've written essays, blog posts, magazine blurbs, and short form content for most of the 25+ years of my writing career.

Yet, short films – and their cousin short stories – have always intimidated me.
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​Then I took a sketch comedy class at UCLA.

In that class, I had to learn to write a script that contained the four beats of sketch comedy and told a whole story – all in just 3 pages!

The Four Beats of Sketch Comedy

1. You have the initiation — the concept, the idea, the setup.
2. Then you have an unusual thing that comes in and amps the game up or switches it up.
3. Then you escalate that switch-up.
4. And then sometimes you do another twist at the end — and then you end it right there, as soon as possible.

It's a pretty easy formula that leads to some great laughs.

I loved the format, I just had one problem: My idea was seven to ten pages — way over.

So I brought it to class to workshop it and make it shorter.

It turns out — if I may be so braggy — they loved it as is. The class said: please don’t cut it. This is comedic genius.

My teacher said, there’s one really simple fix: Turn it into a short film.

​And that is how No Animals Harmed was born.

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I've got the script – now I need your help to turn it into a short film!

My team and I are currently running a crowdfunding campaign for No Animals Harmed and we need to raise $20,000 by July 24 to make this film in September.

Here are three ways you can help:

1. Follow the campaign on Seed & Spark and share it with friends. Not only does this show potential funders that there is interest in queer films, it also helps us reach our goal of 250 followers, which unlocks perks to help us make the movie.
2. Donate to the film fund. This helps us directly rent gear, secure the venue, cover catering, and pay our cast and crew for their time.
3. Donate your time, talent, or gear. Are you a photographer with a light kit you can let us borrow for filming? Would you be willing to bring us food for the crew? You can use our Wishlist to donate and help reduce our overall cost.

If you're able to donate, we have some really great incentives for you – like IMDB credit, naming a character after your ex, and joining us on set. And everyone gets a digital copy of the film when it's done.

Whatever way you're able to help, I'm so very grateful to have your support in getting this queer short film made.

Because the world needs our stories now more than ever.

With love and laughter,

Lauren

P.S. Our crowdfunding campaign ends July 24 and we need to hit $20,000 in donations of money or time by then. Can you help us get to 50% by the end of the week?

Follow, share, and/or donate to help the film today at NoAnimalsHarmedFilm.com.