Expiration Date: Will she make it in time?

I could tell you how I’m an immigrant and I came to this country 6 years ago with a dream (which is true), but what’s more important is talking about why this project is so important; Not just for me, but for the future of television. Like Insecure, Broad City, and Flatbush Misdemeanors, I aim to tell authentic stories about real people and their hustle to success. Grad City is an episodic narrative that tells the stories of 5 friends trying to make their dreams come true in the Big Apple. (Cliche, but who in New York isn’t)

Grad City explores the awkward, embarrassing, confusing, and freeing lives of 23-year-olds trying to make it in the city and follow their artistic dreams. In the pilot episode, “Expiration Date,” Andrea, “Dre,” has always wanted to be a stand-up comic and she has a talent for laughing through the pain. She’s done everything right, but somehow it still isn't enough, and time is running out. Whoever said “the early twenties are the best time of your life”, was definitely not an Immigrant woman trying to get a visa to stay in the country she now calls home. Her friends, or the family she’s found, keep her sane and inspire her everyday. We’ll meet them later in the series. They have their own stories too.

I want to tell a story of an immigrant in a way never seen before. One that is true and relatable. Too often we see the same stories being told, especially for latina women; maids, drug dealers/users, the fiery latina, the gold digger, undocumented trauma porn, so why not take a fresh approach. Dre Rosario's story, a fictionalized version of my story, is unique, but it's relatable.

In order to tell that story we need to raise money to make it happen, to pay everyone for their time, their skill, their work. As well as funds to make sure everyone's hard work is seen by every festival possible! On behalf of the cast and crew, we would appreciate any contribution to reach our goal of $12,000.

Expiration date is the Pilot/proof of concept for Grad City and starts with the narrative of Dre.

Log line:

Dre is trying to make a name for herself big enough to keep her in the country.

Synopsis:

Dre Rosario is a young 23 year old in the New York comedy scene who is constantly undermined due to her age. She’s been told by a comedy club booker she’s been trying to impress that he still wont pass her cause she still has developmental areas and emphasizes on how much time is on her side. Hungry and scared to lose out on an opportunity of a lifetime she sits in the stasis of having tried to stand up for herself but failing. She falls back on her circle of friends and mentors alike to prepare for anything.

Meet The Team:

The Creator, writer and producer:

Paula J. Leon is a Peruvian NY based comedian, actor and award winning filmmaker. Her first film which she produced, wrote, directed and starred in went on to receive multiple awards including Best First Time Filmmaker at the inaugural Focus Film Festival at NYU where she was invited to be a panelist. Paula has served as head of media for Women Stand Up NYC where she helps guide young comics (experience wise not age wise) find their footing in the New York comedy scene. She’s been developing this script and series since January of 2022 where she was able to workshop the pilot at The New School during her graduate program. This series was inspired by her and her friends' real life experiences making it on their own fresh out of NYU.

Director - Synara Dsouza

Synara Dsouza is a filmmaker, born and brought up in Mumbai and based in NY. She has a multifaceted creative background, having taken on roles such as writer, director, producer, and director of photography for her short film in May 2023. Prior to this, she’s had experience as an Assistant Director, DP, and Content Producer on several projects in both Mumbai and New York. Through her various roles, Synara explores and showcases the beauty and chaos coexisting in urban environments, believing that these narratives are what make urban spaces, and any space, more nuanced and worthwhile. Her art centers around people and the stories they hold.

She is currently pursuing an MA in Media Studies at The New School, NY.

Director of Photography - Jude Mundt

Jude Mundt, known as Jo, is a Director of Photography originally from Cologne, Germany, and now calling New York City home. Jo's journey into the world of filmmaking began with a diverse background in Media and Film Production, but she actually started her career in UX/UI design. She's made quite a splash in the industry, especially with her work as a Director of Photography, which has earned recognition on the festival circuit. Notably, she also directed and produced a film that got nominated by the National Board of Review. Jo's creative heart beats for fiction and experimental documentary filmmaking. She loves pushing the boundaries of storytelling and artistry. Her most recent project delves into the subject of Dissociative Identity Disorder, demonstrating her commitment to shedding light on complex topics.

Assistant Producer - Merissa Nakashi Collins

Merissa Nakashi Collins is a Caribbean (Grenada) born, Maryland-raised producer, dancer, model, and creative director who currently lives in NYC, where she is completing her Master’s degree in Media Studies with a certification in Media Management. In 2019, Merissa received a BA in Dance and a BA in Sociology from the University of Maryland-College Park. While at UMD, Merissa professionally danced with several companies, including Project ChArma Dance Collective, Monica Bill Barens & Company, Heart Stück Bernie, and Orange Grove Dance. Although her first artistic love is dance, Merissa has always been drawn to cinematic storytelling! She loves red velvet cupcakes, spending time in the ocean, and making work that represents the communities she is a part of!

Cast:

Paula Leon - Andrea “Dre” Rosario

Paula J. Leon is a peruvian NY based actor, comedian and award winning filmmaker.

She did her undergrad at NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts training at the Atlantic Acting

School, and furthering her training at the Lee Strasberg theater and film institute. She

finished her time at NYU at Stonestreet studios where she developed and produced her

first comedic award winning film She Knows Her Place. Paula can be seen regularly at

West Side Comedy Club and frankly all over the city.

Alex Ramirez - Olivia “Ollie” Lopez

Alex Ramirez is a New York based artist with a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Hailing from Southern California, Alex loves to bring her chicana culture into every project she does whether it is onscreen, onstage or behind the scenes as a sfx makeup artist. You can find her whereabouts at alexramirez.xyz

Katrina Newman - Tamara “Ti” Johnson

Katrina Newman is an NYC based actor and recent graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with her BFA in Drama. Katrina has trained and performed on stage through the Atlantic Acting School and Shakespeare in the Square. She then studied film, TV, and VO acting at Stonestreet Studios, where she was featured in multiple projects. Katrina brings authenticity to every project she is a part of, and is always excited to collaborate and create remarkable art with her community. She’s especially thrilled to be cast as Ti and bring every part of who she is to the screen.

Danté Crichlow - “Joshua” Jackson

Danté Charles Crichlow is an Afro-Caribbean actor, photographer, director and writer based in New York City. Their artistic passion is fueled by a deep commitment to exploring black and brown bodies on their journeys of healing and self-discovery. Danté is a dedicated practitioner of presence, embracing the here and now with a profound focus on self-actualization. Credits include See You Yesterday (Netflix), Law & Order: Organized Crime (NBC), Blue Fire Burns The Hottest (The Bric).

Mari Manoloto - “Espy” Espino

Marcina Manaloto (she/her) is an NYU Tisch Drama Graduate. She is a proud trans Filipina American 20 something actress, writer, model, mover, and video vixen. She enjoys collecting plushies, learning languages, and seeing everything as a sign. She is based in Brooklyn, NY but is also never here. Her friends call her Mari.

Brian Scott Mcfadden - “Andy”

Actor/Comedian Brian Scott McFadden is one of the funniest stand up comics working in the industry today. A regular on the NY comedy club circuit, Brian has recently taken his act to a whole new level with his high energy performances & some of the most unique, incisive & hilarious routines around. After making his debut on The Late Show with David Letterman Brian followed that up with an appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS. A multidimensional performer Brian is both an accomplished stage actor, who has played Hamlet in New York, and a versatile voice over artist with a vast range of accents and character voices in his repertoire. Brian was recently seen on the big screen in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty with Ben Stiller & also performed in such films as Ice Age II with Ray Romano and Robots with Robin Williams & Halle Berry. Brian has just released his first live Comedy CD, “What Women Want”

Glorelys Mora - Valeria “Val” Bez

Glorelys “The Legend” Mora is a proud Dominican-American stand-up comedian, writer, and actress hailing from Uptown, New York City. Known for her hilarious observations, honest storytelling, and relatable "homegirl" humor, she has quickly become a rising star in the comedy scene. After a tumultuous career in advertising, Glorelys fearlessly told her boss to "suck it" in 2018, leading to her pursuit of a career in comedy. Since then, she has dedicated herself to perfecting/studying her craft, performing at top comedy clubs, theaters, and festivals nationwide. Notably, she has opened for comedians such as Aida Rodriguez, Erik Rivera, Yvonne Orji, Ralph Barbosa, and more.Glorelys has gained recognition in various media outlets, including Refinery29, Teen Vogue, the New York Times, Ain’t I Latina, Remezcla, and Latinas Poderosas. You've seen her on Vice, Fuse TV, Cleo TV and now on MituTV. Her unique comedic voice has resonated with audiences, and her witty presence on stage leaves a lasting impression

Wesley Cruz- Chewie Dominguez

The youngest of Wales and Ana's kids, A Dominican kid trynna be funny basically his whole life. Lover not a fighter but does fight for what he loves. Wesley is the cohost of a podcast with his best friend called Survival of The Littest.

Where is the money going?

Production costs: Payments for all cast and crew, feeding everyone, transportation of equipment, and venue costs. Post-production costs; editing, sound mixing, color correction, and festival submissions.

Disclaimer

no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe