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https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3752852/cru...
https://deadline.com/2023/02/alan-ruck-crust-ho...
https://www.joblo.com/crust-sean-whalen/
https://www.elkharttruth.com/lifestyles/enterta...
https://rue-morgue.com/sean-whalen-socks-it-to-...
https://horrorfuel.com/2023/03/02/alan-rusk-joi...
https://www.screamhorrormag.com/sean-whalen-dir...
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Back in 2016, I had just come out of a depression after my recent divorce and I had a lot of anger and confusing feelings. I wasn’t mad at anyone or anything and I didn’t know why I felt that way. At the same time people said to me, “You should have gotten yourself a pet!” I thought to myself, “A Pet! I couldn’t take care of myself let alone a pet. But it would be nice to have a pet that would eat all the jerks in my life”. Then it hit me. A depressed guy who picks out the left over socks in the laundromat he owns and lives in, and uses them to wipe his bodily fluids (sweat, snot, earwax, blood, etc.). Vegas, the owner, then gets abused by some bullies and cries in the socks and they come to life and become... Crust. Crust is a creature that loves Vegas unconditionally and will do anything to make him happy. Vegas’s life grows more complex. He starts a new relationship with a girl named Nila, he is hounded by an investigator who is convinced Crust exists, and his old costar Randy, is trying to reboot their 90’s sitcom, BAKER’S DOZEN. Vegas and Crust try to navigate all of these incoming issues, but there’s a slight problem. Crust gets angry sometimes... very angry. What should Vegas do?
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Sean Whalen - I was the youngest of four, who got out of doing dishes by entertaining my brothers and sisters. After I directed and starred in a version of Rumpelstiltskin in fifth grade, I knew acting was my thing. I loved movies like Little Shop of Horrors, Willard and Young Frankenstein. I bring all these influences and many more for you to enjoy this quirky movie of mine. This is not a movie for the masses. I am making this for the passionate fans of cult, comedy, horror films that will love it the way I have loved Sleepaway Camp and The People Under the Stairs. I hope you enjoy it.
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Danny Roebuck - I met Danny in the lobby of an audition. He was so kind and we were laughing when we met again on Wizards of Waverly Place. We became good friends on that set and have shared many other movies and shows including Lost and 3 from Hell but now we are costars doing most scenes together! Great friend, great actor... couldn’t be happier!
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Alan Ruck - I met Alan when I got into a beat up truck on a dirt road while filming TWISTER in 1996. That would be the majority of my time for the next several months. I was an excited actor who was eager to “act” in a big movie. Alan calmed me and basically told me to relax and just be present. I still kept my backstory but I was able to have a master class in his brilliant easygoing style of acting. Not only that we became friends and he’s just one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. He signed on this movie just because it was my directorial debut. He has spoken to my acting classes, and has always supported me. I am so glad to have him in this movie. And when I say we share the screen together for the first time in 27 years... trust me, we do. And it’s not about driving, yelling directions, or folding maps. We get into it. You’ll see...
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Rebekah Kennedy - I met Rebekah through my manager years ago. We bonded immediately about looking young for our age and never getting romantic roles. She’s such a fantastic actress and am thrilled to share my first romantic role with her. Can two “offbeat” looking actors tear at your heart strings? Well, with Rebekah, its a resounding yes! You’ve never seen her like this before.
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Felissa Rose - I was obsessed with Felissa from her role on Sleepaway Camp back in 1983. A dream came true when I met her at a con in 2010. She quickly became one of my best friends and I’m so excited to finally go toe to toe with her on screen. Roach meets Angela! LET’S GO!
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Ricky Dean Logan - Ricky and I have been character actor brothers for 3 decades. We auditioned for the same parts in the early 90’s and he was even in the callback for ROACH! We grew up, had kids and reconnected 10 years ago and have been artistic twins since. His passion for everything he does is unmatched!
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Shawntay Dalon - I had the privilege of acting with Shawntay on Finding Nicole this past summer. We were opposing counsel in a courtroom drama. She was so fantastic and a great foil. But then we got to talking and IT WAS LIKE TALKING TO MY LONG LOST SISTER. She has an impressive comedy resume and you will be treated to something special from her on CRUST. Can’t wait.
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Subhah Agarwal - Subhah came to me as a student but was at a different level. Always prepared, always professional and she is an amazing writer and stand-up as well. I’ve always admired her work and am proud to have her on this film. Now you get to watch her skills. You’re welcome.
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Charles Chudabala - I met Charles on the set of Ugly Sweater Party, a movie he coproduced and starred in. It was him and his crew that made me realize that movies could be made on a budget but done well. I wrote this part for Charles because no one could do it like he will. So happy to have him here. You’ll love to hate him!
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Ethan Daniel Corbett - I met Ethan on the set of Headless Horseman as a sidekick to his lead bad guy. No lie, he stole the movie. He was phenomenal. And when we met one night to rehearse we ended up chatting all night. That was it... fast friend. He is a true talent and I am honored to have him aboard. You’ll see....
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Jeremy Falla - I met Jeremy in one of my sketch classes. He was professional, hard working, talented and extremely humble. One of the nicest students I worked with. And beyond that he was very talented. Is he nice in Crust?.... You’ll have to wait and see!
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Gabriel Grier - I met Gabe through a mutual friend who I was producing a play with. So good looking and striking, he was a great person for the romantic lead. After nailing that part for our first run, the dorky guy role opened up and Gabe wanted it. I was strongly against it because how could such a good looking guy understand what it's like to be an outsider dork? I was wrong. He transformed himself so powerfully, the people didn't recognize him in the lobby after. He became a fast friend, and a cowriter on many of my fun projects. I can't wait for you to see what he brings to CRUST... you will be amazed.
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Ross Kurt Le - I met Ross 10 years ago as a student. He was an incredible presence with his Aussie accent and good looks. But that never went to his head. He always worked his butt off to get the acting on point. So when I challenged him with a comedic role he went for it and at our table read he crushed it. He’s a good man and a great actor. You guys will love his character.
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Angela Grace Martin - I’ve only known Angela for a year. We met in acting class. She has a lovely personality that can't be ignored. Not only did she do the acting “work” she went above and beyond that and tackled so many other business hurdles as well as helping the class function online. She gives 110% always. She makes me think of the Steve Martin quote, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” And I couldn’t.
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Chanda Rowling - Chanda was introduced to me by Felissa and Dan. I sent her the script on a Friday and we made plans to talk on Sunday. She emailed me that night to say how excited she was about the project and her energy, passion and kindness shown through. She's got a great attitude, and I am so excited to work with this young actress.
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Roxy Striar - I met Roxy on a podcast we were hired for by Maria Menounos and Keven Undergaro. It was an acting podcast. We had a deal. She wanted to learn about acting if she could help me learn about podcasting. She suddenly became my Podcast cohost with the most, an amazing mentor, a great actor and one of my good friends. Get ready for this one folks.
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Zoe Unkovich - It's always scary to meet your new neighbors but when I met Zoe and her husband I knew we had instant new friends. It was awesome because they were artists too! Zoe is a kick ass dancer and choreographer, and I already have hired her for that on CRUST... then I found out she could act too. She is fun, energetic and will bring so much life to the movie. I am so lucky to have such a huge talent and such a good friend on this movie! Howdy neighbor!
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Felissa Rose - As mentioned, Felissa and I are fast friends. She is one of the hardest working women in the horror genre today. We tried to launch this 6 years ago but we both had to learn more and now the time is right. We share the same philosophy, “Happy Set, Good Vibes, Everyone's ideas are important = Great movie!” Love her to death and we are the only ones that know why.
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Daniel John Kearney - Dan and I met just 6 months ago. But his passion and understanding for my script was unprecedented. He’s the first one who actually “got” what I was trying to do. And the best part? He’s a family man from the East Coast. So he has no interest in being a sleazy producer who takes advantage of artists. Dan has been a workhorse and I could not have been here today without him. I’m blessed not only to have a great producer, but a new friend.
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The Soska Sisters - I met the sisters at a con several years ago. We hit it off immediately. We were horror creatives who understood the power of art and how meaningful it is for people to have interesting groundbreaking entertainment. When I was feeling lost about CRUST, Sylvia wrote me a letter telling me how much she loved the script and how special it was. She told me to never give up on it. 7 years later, here I am. I knew if they liked it, I wasn’t crazy. Their support means so much to me. Love those gals.
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Ricky Dean Logan - I told Ricky about CRUST several years ago and he was dying to read it. His response was one of the most exciting and passionate of anyone I'd ever given it to. He's read it four times and loves it. I went through other producers but was grateful to circle back to Ricky as he is convinced this is going to be a special film. He's voracious in the way he wants to promote and get this project to go as smoothly as possible so you all can enjoy it. Glad to have him aboard!
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This campaign has initial investors but we need your help to make sure we can make the best movie we can. There are so many moving parts when making a movie, so to keep all of the balls in the air we need to have the proper funding so we can make the best film possible. Every bit of money raised will go to the production of this movie. And I need a FABULOUS VACATION!! Obviously I’m kidding. As my directorial debut I want to make sure I deliver my vision. I’ve been unwavering in how I want you to experience this story. I’ve had many producers approach me and try to alter my creativity and shoot a watered down version. I had the perfect way to do it with some close friends and then the pandemic hit and they relocated overseas. Thinking I wouldn’t have another chance for a long time, I was so overjoyed to get another opportunity. And as the Soska Sisters are so aware of my script, directing vision, cast, and CRUST itself they know I’m on to something unique and special. And I’d love for you to be involved. Thank you so much for even reading this and considering helping. The entire cast and crew are beyond grateful for your participation. We all thank you so much.
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