Help Us Create "The Pickle:" A Short Film About Addiction

Mission Statement

The Pickle is a deeply personal project, born out of my own experience with loss and the devastating grip of addiction. Nellie’s story mirrors my own, and Cody’s is based on my late cousin Nic, who passed away from a drug overdose. Much of the dialogue in this film stems from our real conversations—our shared laughter, pain, and dreams.

Through this film, I aim to honor Nic’s memory and the bond we shared while shedding light on the harrowing realities of addiction. If we surpass our funding goal, I plan to donate all additional proceeds to the Nic Pagano LGBTQ Scholarship. This fund, offered by Caron Treatment Centers, provides crucial rehabilitation care to LGBTQ+ youth battling addiction, turning tragedy into hope for others.

The Story

Set one year after the devastating loss of her cousin Cody, The Pickle follows Nellie, a video editor in her mid-twenties, as she grapples with grief and the memories of their relationship. Cody, who died at 18 from a drug overdose, frequently visits Nellie as a spirit—his presence equal parts comforting and haunting.

Nellie often pushes Cody away when he uses drugs around her, unable to confront the pain of his choices. But this time, Cody forces her to witness his struggle, reliving the moments that defined their bond and the tragedy of his illness. The film explores the complexities of grief, the enduring nature of love, and the unshakable imprint left by addiction.

Influential Titles

In the vein of Euphoria and Beautiful Boy, The Pickle offers an unflinching look at addiction and its impact on relationships, while also celebrating the beauty of human connection amidst profound loss.

Impact

This film is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Addiction touches countless lives, leaving pain and unanswered questions in its wake. The Pickle aims to open hearts and minds to the realities of this crisis, encouraging compassion, dialogue, and hope.

My goal is to raise $4,000, and it will will allow us to bring this heartfelt story to life with exceptional production value. The budget will cover key elements like high-quality cinematography, thoughtful production design, and the rest of our cast and crew. Additionally, we’ll ensure our hardworking cast and crew are well-supported with nourishing meals and safe working conditions.

Your contribution is more than financial—it’s a step toward spreading awareness and honoring those lost to addiction. Together, we can create a film that resonates deeply and inspires change.