The U.S. President auctions California. Texas secedes. Free speech vanishes. Support this 2–4 minute vertical satire and help fight real-time censorship. Our goal is $1,600, and we aim to film in mid-November.

SYNOPSIS

The "United" States of America is a micro-short film, inspired by The Onion News, and built to feel like something you’d casually scroll past on TikTok or Instagram Reels.

It opens on a cheesy commercial for Patri-Optics™ Smart Glasses, promising the power to “block out fake news,” a wink at all the cheaply made political merch that we already see from the Trump Store today.

Mid-pitch, an emergency alert hijacks the feed. President Brande (based on JD Vance) steps to the podium. In calm, Heritage Foundation-style language, he declares that the state of California is no longer part of the USA, boasting of a secret deal with the Republic of China, and hinting that other states will soon follow.

Chaos erupts in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. The live feed glitches and stutters back, each blackout a sign of deliberate media manipulation. The news anchor fights to keep the story alive as producers press her to move on. Finally the signal dies and the Patri-Optics™ ad returns...

Scroll. Next.

INSPIRATIONS

Director Adam Smith didn’t get the idea from Civil War (2024), but when he watched the film's opening he thought, "well, that’s basically what I just wrote." That overlap pushed him toward something funnier, built for a vertical scroll and today’s free-speech fight.

This film is based on a short story that Smith wrote at Southeast Missouri State University in 2019. You can read the original version on his Substack page, "Belly of the Well."

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

This project comes from equal parts frustration and hope. As a former journalism student, Smith's goal is to create art that celebrates free expression. Watching real-time censorship, from late night hosts pulled off the air to entire networks barred from the White House, has him convinced that satire remains the last truly protected forms of "free" speech... at least he hopes.

Smith grew up conservative in Southeast Missouri, with FOX News constantly echoing through his childhood home. Over time, filmmaking and journalism taught him to question it all, and to pour those discoveries into his creative works. Now more critical of the Republican Party, he see projects like this as a way to keep that conversation going.

OUR TEAM

Our team is a group of Milwaukee-based creators ready to prep and shoot in just two days. Leading the charge is producer and screenwriter Adam Smith, with Producers Anthony McKenzie and Steve Oakley. Our principal cast features Heather Arendt, C.J. Guzan, Jonathan Wainwright, and supported by a dozen local extras.

By creating and finishing projects now, we’re building a strong in-state résumé so that when Wisconsin film incentives unlock in 2026, we’ll be ready with local credits, trusted crews, and a proven production structure.

PROJECTED TIMELINE

WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?

Your backing lets us find a suitable location, build a striking set, and keep full creative control. Every pledge makes sure this free-speech story is told by people who want to stand up and fight against—

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Okay, so we’re a bunch of broke artists. But we’re itching to create something. With your help, we can make a sharp and funny political satire that lands right on time. And nobody is really getting paid for this, so it’s strictly for the love of the game.

WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO?

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THIS PROJECT?

Because free speech only works if people use it. Plain and simple.

And right now the stakes are rising. Jimmy Kimmel has already been yanked off air (temporarily). White House press access has tightened. South Park’s clock is ticking. YouTube podcasters are suddenly the ones interviewing world leaders. And in their first major post-election strategy session, Democratic leaders said they are “taking the gloves off” online, actively throwing more controversial attacks at the right to dominate the digital fight—we want to step inside that squared circle.

In a climate like this, satire isn’t just entertainment, it’s leverage. Not only cultural but financial leverage as well. With a strong production value, a piece like The “United” States of America can attract buyers among political organizations, advocacy groups, and even elected officials.

DISCLAIMER

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