Filmmaker Statement

As an artist in America sometimes you get to make your dream project. But other times you're forced to make something just to survive. Sometimes, it can be both. Last year, Ellen realized she was going to be short for her SAG health insurance earnings, and when we found out we were going to be having a baby we realized we couldn't rely on the whims of commercial executives, zoom auditions, and surprise residual checks. We needed to make our own opportunity. And we called the film "Ellen Needs Insurance." But making a movie is a LOT of work. And if we were going to be putting in all the blood, sweat, and tears, we might as well cast other actors who were in similar situations. So we did. Turns out it's all too relatable, and a number of our actors ended up earning another year of health insurance through this short film. Ultimately, it's insane that we had to do this. Health insurance shouldn't be tied to employment. But it is. And I'm so happy we got to make it.