When Madison, a struggling actress in New York accidentally showcases the powers of the Mask during a drunken stupor all bets are off when she becomes the biggest thing since sliced bread.  Join us Fall 2024 for a new entry in The Mask Universe with a brand new, zany feature fan-film us screwballs are calling...

The Beginning: In 1994, an outrageous film came out based on the Dark Horse comic book of the same title about a hopeless romantic bank clerk that was always "a nice guy that finished last" type. In that dark comedy he finds an ancient mask that turned him into a human cartoon character with zany super-powers. My mind was blown watching that. I mean seriously blown. It wasn't because that pet detective actor was the star (although to see the talent and physicality that he pulled off was an experience in itself) it was the concept of an item that can bring out everything you have held back. It was the idea that one item: a mask can do so much and was capable of bringing the world to a halt and even having some fun while at it. This was a fictional chain of events that had stayed with me ever since which is probably why I have a Loki Mask tattoo in my thirties but we will get more to that later.

Fast Forward to 2023: Ah the Present-day! Full of promise, unlimited video-streaming, and comfort food. I had been filming "I'll Be Dead for Christmas" and was in the shower after a long shoot day when an idea hit me so far that it took me back to the 90's.  I went straight to writing obsessively running on coffee and probably too many breakfast sandwiches when I then finished this amazing script. 

MEET THE CAST

(The Future Never Looked Greener)

  Madison- Ashley Pope

Ashley Pope is a passionate & ambitious actor, VO artist, singer, and writer. Dreamy & otherworldly, empathetic & vulnerable, powerful & multifarious, Ash has the unique ability to understand the misunderstood. Ash will keep audiences on their toes with her quirky comedic wit, weirdness, and fire. She wants audiences to feel like they can love themselves unconditionally. After all, the dark parts of you are just as lovable as the rest. Billy Joel once asked us "Have you ever let your lover see The Stranger in yourself?" In The Mask: Gone Viral Ash is letting The Stranger out to strut her stuff as Madison/The Mask and you don't want to miss it! Since the age of 10, Ash has maintained a magical and daring love affair with performance. Ashley has slayed Marauders as a Princess in magical improv games with her Grandfather, created and starred in her her own movies at the YMCA young filmmakers class through schooling, and completed rigorous classical training on the other side of the world in London. She’s done all that, and more…(Just ask her to take you to a graveyard and read your tarot.)

      Ash has fostered a powerful imagination and continuously embraced her inner child, with all the characteristics of the brightest fool. As a recent graduate with a BFA in the Actor Training from the Hartt school, Ashley is proud to come from a family of dedicated leaders, artists, and comedians.

    Riggs - Aaron Gold

Forged in the fires of improv and trained by comedians Bobby Moynihan (SNL), Jordan Klepper (The Daily Show), and Louis Ramey (Last Comic Standing), Aaron is a New York-based actor who has been cast in everything from dark comedy on MTV to kids’ shows on Nickelodeon. He’s lent his voice to Disney cartoons, Star Wars toys, and multiple podcasts, including: Don't Mind If I Don't, a show where fans and experts of things he doesn't like convince him why he is wrong. He has also hosted & produced the monthly mental health comedy show You Are Not Alone at the Magnet Theater since 2014.

When he's not busy acting or improvising, he can be found reading comic books, practicing marksmanship, impersonating obscure celebrities, or doing several kinds of martial arts which make him look like more of a bad-ass than he actually is.

 Felix - Nathaniel Tomb

Nathaniel Tomb is an actor based out of New York City. He is originally from Pennsylvania. Nathaniel has been acting all his life, beginning in church and later starring in both high school and college productions. He moved to NYC to begin his professional career. He has been in three Off-Broadway productions and has most of his experience in theatre. Since the end of the Pandemic, he has been working in children's theatre including a language learning play in Italy, an “officer” in-charge of looking after children on a cruise to Alaska, and most recently in an anti-bullying play called Box Out Bullying. While he loves the work, he is excited to work in front of the camera finishing his first project with the role of Bobby in “Amoriental” in the summer and the role of Demetrius in “Out of Spite” shot in the fall of 2023. He is currently in two ongoing interactive plays in New York “Accomplice: The Village” and “The Art of Killing It”.

Chloe Breen was bitten by the acting bug at the young age of four after being cast in a local commercial for a community hospital.  Since then, it has been her passion and her dream to entertain, enchant, enlighten, and make people laugh. Chloe respects the profession, at all levels, and right out of college, she worked as a PA on the film Down Low and worked closely with the cast, directors, producers and staff.  Learning the business from behind the scenes right out of the gate gave Chloe a greater respect for all that goes into the making of a film. 

More recently, Chloe has been cast in several horror/thriller films, where she has unfurled a new skill-set. Chloe has also been able to pivot quickly between roles and recently was cast as a lead in an independent Christmas comedy film, which will be released at the end of 2023. Bringing all her skills together, Chloe just landed a role in The Mask Reboot.  She will work alongside an incredibly talented cast and she can’t wait for the world to meet her character “Nancy." Chloe feels blessed to be part of an industry that is evolving constantly and is eager to share her talent with the world.  She credits her successes to date to her unflappable and incredible family who has supported and inspired her dream from the start. 

VISION & INSPIRATION:

(Now Comes The Part Where We Desperately Ask For Help)

When considering the ambitious endeavor of producing an independent fan film dedicated to the iconic creation of "The Mask: Gone Viral" the price tag of $250,000 is, in fact, a relatively small amount. This funding will not only support the production but also allow for the rewarding of generous donors at different contribution levels. By offering enticing perks and rewards tailored to the amount donated, supporters become active participants in the film-making process. From exclusive merchandise and behind-the-scenes access to the opportunity of making a cameo appearance, each perk serves as a token of gratitude for the invaluable support received. This interactive approach not only fosters a stronger connection between the creators and the fan community but also enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. With careful allocation of funds, the dedicated team behind this fan film will maximize every dollar, ensuring that the visuals, performances, and storytelling capture the essence and magic of "The Mask." Thus, the $250,000 price tag represents an accessible opportunity for supporters to contribute to the realization of this independent film while reaping exciting benefits along the way. Our production has planned out the logistics and importantly shooting schedule. We are prepared as a film to pull all the stops in terms of : Visual Effects, SFX Makeup, Set Design, etc.

We have collected the most talented, driven, focused professionals to make this happen but the time and dedication to a film of this magnitude does become costly. We want to make sure that everyone part of this film is paid for their hard work. 

Our Shooting Schedule consists of:  35 Days

Film Duration: 1hr 35m

Number of Locations Needed: 12

(including Film Studio Rental for Green Screen and Action Sequences)

GOAL  EXPECTATIONS:

$93,255

We make the short film version by slicing the script in half and still leaving our mark!

$186,000

We cut the flavor of the film and cut-back on certain elements: running gags, practical effects and specific locations.

$200,000

This will allow us to shoot within our planned production schedule.

$250,000

We can provide the necessary edits, visual effects, and perhaps a musical number or two *cough

$300,000

Who says we don't have a cameo or two up our sleeves? You get us there and we just might surprise you.

$400,000

You ain't ready! By helping us achieve this number we can not only go even further with the visual effects but also add extra scenes that were originally removed from the script for being too excessive.

You guys are still reading this right?

...Good! 

THE DIRECTOR:

Geordy Skolnick

Geordy Skolnick is an award-nominated actor, director, writer, producer, and comedian. Having been in the business 13 years starting in Manhattan, NY. He values every work given to him. He enjoys exploring the creativity of a story and the "no limit" journey it takes.  He is the creative director and founder of Laughing Hearse Entertainment; a horror-based production company that brings forth short films, features, and experimental works from various genres of the spectrum. It is timeless creativity, morbid elements, and lightheartedness to an otherwise dark world that needs to be expressed. Raised in the Bronx in the '90s and battling depression and anxiety, Geordy was able to find the light to be the person he needed to be by letting love in and the desire for more. He does his best everyday to make moments count. His film-making influences include: Tim Burton, Martin Scorsese, Mel Brooks, Noah Baumbach, Ed Wood, and Al Adamson. He was a regular cast member for Blood Manor New York's Premier Haunted Attraction and frequently mentions how it contributed to his career in terms of creativity.

 

MEET THE CREW

 

Giancarlo Estrada - Cinematographer

 

Giancarlo Estrada is an award-winning cinematographer who has worked on over forty shorts, commercials and short documentaries. Currently working in the industry with over seven years of experience with LA and NYC production companies on a variety of projects ranging from documentaries to feature films. His roles have ranged from the production assistant on MTV projects to being given the opportunity to be the director of photography on short films slated to festival run throughout the country this year. He is excited to take on the opportunity with 'The Mask Gone Viral' and with the team, bring back this classic story with an amazing spin. 

 

Andrei Damian - 1st AD

 

Andrei Damian is a filmmaker and visual artist based in New York, who specializes in cinematography, photography, and mixed media art. He graduated from Hunter College CUNY with a BFA in Film and has since worked as a cinematographer on various film projects including “I’ll be Dead for Christmas” (2023), and “Artistic Dreams” (2022). Born and raised
in NYC by immigrant parents, Andrei’s art practice is influenced by a multicultural perspective. Throughout his work, he reflects on various aspects of language, culture, aesthetics in art, and conceptual meaning. Currently, Andrei is working on Geordy Skolnick’s “The Mask: Gone
Viral” as a 1st Assistant Director. In addition, he is collaborating on projects centered around light painting, and exploring light in different visual mediums.

 

 

Phoenix Kent - Production Manager

 

Phoenix Kent is an indie film actress, dancer, published artist, and writer based in NY. She felt euphoria in expressing herself as a child and immersed herself in the performance world. Growing up mixed race, Phoenix always felt like she never fit in. Being multifaceted and passionate, as an adult she realized she would never fit into a box, and her diversity in race and creative passions was her gift to embrace and capitalize on.

Phoenix has followed her bliss in the arts and connected to the human spirit, embodying different characters to deepen her awareness of humanity. Her favorite roles are dramatic portrayals of complex and determined women. After years of running her own event production company, she is excited and grateful for the opportunity to be the Production Manager for The Mask: Gone Viral with Director/Producer Geordy Skolnick, who she has worked with in the past, admires deeply, and feels like her long-lost brother to work with within the film-making industry.

Michael J. Peterson - Production Crew

Michael Jamal Peterson, a talented actor and voice artist, brings a unique perspective to his craft, shaped by his diverse background and upbringing. Growing up in Southside Jamaica Queens, he was exposed to a vibrant cultural tapestry that deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. Being half Jewish on his mother's side added another layer to Michael's identity, allowing him to embrace and appreciate different traditions and values. This multicultural heritage instilled in him a profound appreciation for diversity and a deep-rooted empathy that he channels into his performances. During his childhood, Michael spent most of his time living with his father, immersing himself in the dynamic energy of the city. However, he would also visit his grandmother once a month in Long Island, providing him with a contrasting experience of a more suburban environment. These alternating settings allowed him to observe and absorb different lifestyles, contributing to his ability to empathize with a wide range of characters and perspectives. Michael's love for music played a significant role in his artistic development. He vividly recalls printing out pages of lyrics from his favorite artists and engaging in a creative exercise. He would rewrite the lyrics, exploring similar flows and crafting his own liner notes. This early experimentation with language and rhythm sparked his interest in storytelling and paved the way for his future endeavors in acting and writing. Building on his passion for performance, Michael embarked on a journey into voice acting. One of his notable roles includes his portrayal of Nick Fury in "The Badly Animated Avengers." Through his vocal prowess and nuanced delivery, he brought the beloved character to life, infusing him with charisma, determination, and a commanding presence. Combining his diverse upbringing, multicultural heritage, and passion for music, Michael brings a fresh and distinct perspective to his performances, whether on screen or behind the microphone. He draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of his experiences, infusing his characters with depth, and authenticity. As Michael Jamal Peterson continues to make strides in the entertainment industry, his unique voice acting talents, honed through memorable portrayals like Nick Fury in "The Badly Animated Avengers," serve as a testament to his versatility and commitment to bringing characters to life. With each project he takes on, he aims to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact through the power of his voice and the depth of his performances.

We also have an unbelievable SFX makeup artist!

...I feel like we should've mentioned that.

Yellow Moth FX LLC

Ashley Thomas has been working as a professional makeup artist in film, television, and most other media since 2009. Her skills range from character design, sculpting and fabrication of prosthesis, to beauty and hairstyling. She is located in the NY/NJ area.

 

Her training includes a certificate of Master Makeup Artistry from the Makeup Designory in SoHo, NY and countless hours of training under seasoned makeup and effects artists. 

Now for those wondering...

"Why will this movie be successful?

Why will this female-version be such a great film to watch?

Do we need this movie when we already had a sequel?"

(really glad you asked that...and yeah we are psychic)

1. Diverse Representation: In an era where diversity and inclusion are paramount, a female-led Mask movie would cater to a wider range of audiences, appealing to both existing fans and those seeking fresh and diverse narratives.

2. Empowering Themes: Empowerment and self-discovery are powerful themes that resonate with many. Watching a female character embrace her inner confidence and navigate the chaos of the Mask's powers could be deeply inspiring for viewers.

3. Fresh Perspective: A female protagonist can provide a fresh take on the character dynamics and comedy. The interactions, reactions, and comedic situations would be distinct from the original, offering a new experience while maintaining the spirit of the Mask.

4. Strong Female Lead: Strong, relatable female leads have proven to be box office draws. Audiences are drawn to characters who face challenges head-on and triumph, and a female Mask could embody this kind of resilience.

5. Crossover Appeal: A female Mask movie could appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers, from fans of the original to newcomers looking for entertaining and unique storytelling. This crossover appeal could attract a diverse audience demographic.

6. Nostalgic Value: The Mask has a nostalgic place in pop culture. A new movie could draw in fans of the original while introducing a new generation to the character's charm, creating a sense of nostalgia and excitement.

7. Timely Themes: Exploring themes of identity, empowerment, and self-expression aligns with contemporary discussions and resonates with viewers who appreciate films that reflect relevant societal conversations.

8. Comedic Potential: The Mask's comedic potential is boundless, and a female protagonist could bring a different comedic flavor to the mix, combining physical humor, witty dialogue, and unexpected scenarios.

9. Strong Female Relationships: Positive and supportive female relationships are increasingly valued in media. The interactions between the female Mask and other characters could add depth and relatability to the story.

10. Visual Spectacle: The Mask's iconic green whirlwind, zany transformations, and vibrant visual effects could create a captivating and visually stunning cinematic experience.

11. Market Demand: There's a growing demand for female-led stories across various genres. Capitalizing on this demand by bringing a beloved character like the Mask into a female perspective could generate significant interest.

Combining these factors with a well-crafted script, engaging performances, and skillful direction could lead to a successful female Mask movie that not only captures the spirit of the original but also stands on its own as an exciting and entertaining cinematic journey