Abby Needs a Friend - A Film

Fundraising Deadline: February 25th, 2025

Logline:

Drawn in by the allure of quick riches and friendship, a lonesome woman falls prey to the promises of a pyramid scheme, only to discover she's entangled in a deadly cult.

Creator Statement:

ABBY NEEDS A FRIEND seeks to shed light on MLMs as predatory organizations, particularly towards women. When success depends on tearing others down and worshiping a founder, it's not a legitimate business—it's a cult

At-home rep, MLM, pyramid scheme, no matter what you call it, these dangerous organizations exploit vulnerable people with promises of financial freedom, friendship, and a better life. Despite their abysmal 1% success rate, they persistently infiltrate the lives of Americans, often targeting women and stay-at-home moms with the allure of 'flexible hours.'

Jennifer McMurtry at 22, fell into the trap of an MLM, not because she believed in the product, but because the people who recruited her seemed fun, driven, and like-minded. Jennie had recently gotten out of her first serious relationship and longed for friends who shared her passion and zest for life. Six months and $5,000 later, Jennie hadn’t made a single sale and was more surprised to learn, she hadn’t even made a friend. After Jennie left, those who stayed never spoke to her again because the sisterhood was a facade.

About the Project:

This is a proof of concept for a feature film, mainly to set up the story and allow for big shot investors see our vision and our skills to make this story a reality. With a 5 day shoot we plan on shooting a 20-25 minute proof of concept we will submit to festivals and fellowships to continue guiding this dream. The entire cast and crew of this project is passionate and volunteering. The fundraising goal is to help feed us, get gear rentals and any art needs to fill the screen.

Timeline:

Fundraising until February 2025

Principal Photography Late February 2025

Editing to January 2026

Festival Run in 2026

Public Release 2027

Creative Team:

Director: Emerson Cole

Emerson is a professional production sound mixer located in Chicago, IL. He has been working in the industry around seven years on films, TV, commercials, and corporate videos. He has directed five narrative short films, four of which while attending Columbia College Chicago. With a passion for making movies, he has worked in lots of different departments such as production, camera, G+E, art and editing. With the knowledge he has gathered over the years and the connections within the industry, he feels confident he can create something at the highest quality.

Director of Photography: J. Amy Limpinyakul

J. Amy Limpinyakul grew up in the city of Chicago where she learned the importance of hard work and building a community–both ideologies that she carries to her work as a cinematographer.

Recently, she was the 2nd Unit DP for The Bear, in which she was praised for capturing the essence of Chicago that is rarely showcased.

Her second feature, Cecily and Lydia at the Waypoint, garnered much attention for its depiction of a lush yet eerie world.

Amy’s approach to cinematography is rooted in empathy. Her professional experience tied with her upbringing gives her a unique perspective behind the lens.