Our Film

My name is Brian Tognotti, writer, director and producer of Just Ask Him, an LGBT-themed short film. 

Just Ask Him is the story of an out of the closet high school student deciding whether to ask the hot soccer jock out to a dance.  While there has been a lot of progress toward equality, it's still really hard to be a gay teen in high school, especially when you're living outside of major urban areas.  The film shows that love is possible, even when life feels hopeless and you least expect it.  We hope our story brings joy and meaning to viewers across the spectrum and the globe!

I'm joined by a diverse, inclusive cast and crew based mostly in Northern California.    We are close to completion, but we need your help to get the rest of the way.

Why We Need Your Help

Our film has been self-funded to this point but we need your help to get over the finish line.  Our goal is to raise $2,000 to complete post-production and get our film into festivals so people can see it.   There are many ways you can participate in the campaign along with cool perks and benefits, including electronic copies of the script, your own copy of the film, producer credit and more.

Thanks so much for your help!

About the Cast & Crew

Brian Tognotti, Director/Writer/Producer

Brian Tognotti is a Director, Screenwriter and Producer based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  He studied film at City College SF and has a BA with honors in Theatre from UCLA.  His plays have been produced at New Conservatory Theatre, Lakeshore Players Minnesota and The Playwrights’ Center of San Francisco.  "Just Ask Him" is his first film.

Nicole De Meneses, Producer

Nicole De Meneses is a freelance Producer working in the Bay Area with BARE BONES PRODUCTIONS.  She strives to make independent genre films with social commentary.  Nicole was 2nd AD and Associate Producer on the Feature film Freshman Year staring Diallo Thompson and Associate Producer for Prankster Entertainment on the feature film Free Byrd Staring Raymond J. Barry.  She recently Produced the QTPOC Web Series Chosen Fam staring Lea Robinson, Emily Chau and Bianka Alexandria Bell.   Her latest film project is a Lesbian Paranormal Thriller called "The Ghost of Stow Lake."

Donovan Napoli (Andrew)

Donovan Napoli is an American actor living in Los Angeles, California, currently studying at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting.  He was runner-up at the Ohlone Theatre festival and is a two-time best actor nominee at San Francisco’s 48H Film festival. Donovan is very excited to be a part of the "Just Ask Him" team and is ecstatic to see audience’s reaction to the film. 

Rio Padilla-Smith (Ricky)

Río Río Padilla-Smith is a History major at Stanford University.  He was recently initiated into the world of theater this past year in the role of Gomez Addams in the stage musical adaptation of The Addams Family. When not acting or singing, you can find him choreographing for his a cappella group The Stanford Harmonics, playing flute in the Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz ensemble, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with anybody and everybody.  Río is currently preparing for the role of Sweeney Todd in Latinx Theater's staged production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Ryan Castaneda, Director of Photography

Ryan is a Bay Area-based Cinematographer with over a decade of experience, a passion for creative images and a collaborative spirit, working hard to achieve the directors vision.  He has a focus on narrative/commercial work while still holding onto his documentary roots.  Classically trained Cinematographer with vast knowledge in post production/VFX.

Trey Makler, Composer

Trey Makler (b. 1994) is a musical storyteller.  His music creates dramatic, poignant narratives that take the listener on an unexpected journey through memories of hope, play, struggle, and triumph.  Aside from composing, Trey enjoys writing poetry, doodling, and organizing concerts.  Trey is a doctoral candidate in Theory and Composition at the University of California - Davis and holds degrees from The Juilliard School and the University of Missouri.  His primary teachers have included Drs. Mika Pelo, Melinda Wagner, Stefan Freund, and W. Thomas McKenney.