talent!
talent strategy: the asks are minimal...
With our desired budget in mind, we strategically have written supporting roles that don’t span for an extended amount of shooting days. Most of these supporting roles have a 2-to-4 day ask, so it makes it easier to book names, more desirable to talent and representatives, as well as cheaper for the production. And lastly,...this strategy obviously helps with distribution.
casting: imagination templates
lead characters
crew
directors bio
Writer, producer and director Manny Rodriguez Jr made his film debut with the award-winning feature film BUTTERFLY CAUGHT. After receiving a film degree from Cal State University Northridge, (and over 17 years of work in the studio system), Rodriguez grew tired of waiting for his opportunity. He quickly established Heckfire Films, consolidated his filmmaking resources, and began producing. Rodriguez has achieved great recognition and accolades for his recent film. He was the recipient for the “Chris Brinker Award” for Best New Filmmaker at Variety’s Night of the Stars Tribute at the San Diego International Film Festival. Also, understanding what he has available at his fingertips, he’s built this script around the locations and assets that will spike the production value.

why this story?
Writer / Director statement:
People have asked me, "why have you chosen this story for your next project?" My reason is simple. Not only is this story a hilarious, fast-paced, and stylistic ride -- but I also want to make a statement to the undeniable historical (and current) climate of industry jobs for women in Hollywood. I interviewed a female studio executive recently and she shamefully admitted that their studio had 15-films slated last year and the amount of important creative [departmental jobs] given to women was "only three." She said that with disgust. THEY WON'T HIRE US -- shines a light on this problem, but does it through comedy, uniqueness, and style. Did I mention that its crazy storyline is also based on a true scenario?
To expand on that, back in 2002 -- I was fresh out of film school working a low position on a popular game show. I made friends with one of the producers and we shared a drink after one of the tapings at a local dive-bar. Once we broke the ice, he realized my ambitions to break into the business and my drive to find the resources to help me achieve that. Once the drinks took their effect, he got comfortable enough to propose a scenario for me to achieve funding for my feature film. I was all ears, excited for any opportunity. However, to my surprise, there was a twist. His proposition was completely zany and illegal in nature, but -- it indeed was a path to quick cash. I didn't execute the proposal, but -- I'd be lying if I told you my head wasn't spinning for the next few weeks thinking, "what if?"
Now, let's meld these two stories together.
Coming off of our recent successes from Butterfly Caught -- [a female-driven story which follows three aspiring actresses], I quickly realized the power and interest from audiences during our amazing festival run. It resonated so much with aspiring actors. Women thanked my wife and I for telling a story [about women] that was so timely and relevant. To a lot of them, it was their story. It got us thinking..."why not make another statement exposing the issues and oppression of women in film?" Think about it...how many women cinematographers can you name off the top of your head? It's a problem, right? I wanted to form a story around this subject, but I didn't want to be too preachy. And, I still desired to knock audiences socks off and entertain. Then, I remembered that strange day back in 2002 -- and it was obvious. What if the ladies of our story CAN'T find industry jobs, so they decide to take on this illegal scenario?
THEY WON'T HIRE US -- makes a statement. Young women will gravitate to its message and the stance it takes against their lack of opportunities in this business,...or in any business for that matter. This film will capture and feed our young generation of women with its revolutionary consciousness, but also entertain other generations and the other half of the gender population.