Help highlight queer stories with ill-advised!

Who are we?

ill-advised is a series that, just like the queer and black communities it represents, knows how to have fun, spread hope, and find humor in even the most difficult of situations. It’s time for the rest of the world to see themselves in us.

What makes us different?:

ill-advised (the pilot) is about three queer, BIPOC, Twenty somethings trying and often failing to make it through the modern troubles of living in NYC, finding love, and settling on a career. Like all youngsters in the times before, our crew relies heavily on the (mostly ineffectual) advice they give each other.

This pilot will introduce you to our lovely characters: Beau (Kayla Hopkins) struggles to commit to her white but kind F-Buddy, while Patrice (Imani Guy) comes to terms with her new found queerness, and Donna (Antoni Bumba) realizes they aren’t as comfortable in their own skin as they once believed themself to be.

ill-advised is unique due to its all black and queer main ensemble. Unlike shows before it, ill-advised is on a mission to show that being in your twenties and living in a big city is an experience that leads to mishaps, growing pains, and growing friendships, for everyone. By contributing to this fundraiser, you’re complicit in the mission to bring Black Queer folks to the small screens near you… are you up for the challenge?

Financial Distribution:

Money will go towards paying our lovely (>80% female and queer!) crew and cast. As well as: funding location expenses, food, wardrobe, and post production. However, we’re a scrappy creative bunch just casually looking to make history. But don’t worry, on top of feeling good about yourself internally, we'll be sure to publicly reward you for your effort to uplift Black and Queer voices in such scary times like these.

Creator Statement:

“As a black, queer woman in her twenties, who just so happens to be living in New York City, it’s needless to say I’ve written the show I want to see. I cut my teeth writing specs of sitcoms like Will & Grace, Friends, and Sex & the City. The characters were hilarious, easy to relate to, and over time they became a part of your life as if they were real. But there was always something about them that failed to connect with me fully. The older I am, the less I see myself, my friends, or even my family in those shows. I’m working towards changing that! Black people and queer folks deserve a space to be messy and have fun. To see themselves -- free to try, free to fail, free to learn. With that, I created ill-advised.”

— Kayla Hopkins

Creator, ill-advised

About This Team:

Kayla Hopkins is the creator of “ill-advised”. Based in New York, Kayla has had the opportunity to write and star in a well received short film, “A Few Parties then Dinner" (2023), shown at OUTSouth Film Festival and the Black Film Space Symposium. She has also recently directed a short film set to be released this year called “Trust All is Well”(2024). Kayla looks to highlight BIPOC and Queer folks in a manner that does not include trauma or unrequited love but rather focuses on the importance of friendship and community. “ill-advised” is everything she loves and cares about all wrapped up neatly in one 30 min comedy.

Tyaela Nieves is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and graduate of NYU's Experimental Theater Wing. Their debut short film, "Limón Agrio" (2021), received recognition from the Best Shorts Competition and the Latino Film Market. Tyaela's latest work, "Lola Mama Nanay" has screened at several prominent festivals, including the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival and the San Diego Filipino Film Festival. As a Teaching Artist at Ghetto Film School, Tyaela is committed to elevating the stories of underrepresented voices. Rooted in their Afro-Latinx heritage and queer identity, they aim to examine diverse expressions of love and connection in their upcoming projects.

Tyaela is the Director of “ill-advised”.

Kayla Nicholson is a 2x Webby Award winning producer and writer best known for her work producing Man Enough for Wayfarer Studios, as well as various projects across Bunim-Murray, MTV, Gutsy Media, and UWG. Based in the Bronx, Kayla is passionate about reflecting the true beauty and diversity of New York City in film and media.

Kayla is the Creative Producer and Co-Executive Producer of “ill-advised”.

Akuarella is a Venezuelan actress and producer based in Brooklyn, NYC. Growing up in Venezuela, she immersed herself in the world of musicals, fueling a lifelong dream to pursue an acting career in New York City. After relocating, she honed her craft through the conservatory program at Atlantic Acting School and continues to expand her artistic range through one-on-one coaching, seminars, and a variety of acting classes. Known for her emotionally nuanced and authentic performances, Akuarella is passionate about taking on roles that challenge her and foster her growth as an artist. As both an actress and producer, she is committed to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in the industry. Believing in the transformative power of storytelling, she strives to create work that inspires, provokes thought, and resonates profoundly with audiences.

Akuarella is the Executive Producer of “ill-advised”.

Any donation goes a long way.

Whatever you can give will get us one step closer to our goal!

Thank you!!

ill-advised