Why Donate to RUBY?

1. Help us finish the film

Pushing this film from first draft to the final day of shooting was a labor of love that's spanned two years and NOW comes the hard part, bringing in the funds to finish post production and re-coup our upfront costs. Every aspect of the production process including renting quality equipment, securing locations, catering, and transportation all take money and YOUR donations to this campaign will help us offset those costs. That way we can pay our editors & composers for their incredible work crafting a finished film and start sharing it with the world sooner!

2. Help us take on the festival circuit

The funds from this campaign will also go toward our entrance fees and expenses as we submit to and promote this project at as many prominent film festivals as possible. We will always keep you updated on new developments as we take RUBY on the road!

3. Help support a great cause

Above all else, this project started with an idea to create a film that brought the very real terror felt by LGBTQ youth forced onto street to the screen. "Up to 1.6 million young people experience homelessness in the United States every year. Forty percent of them identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender), according to a 2012 study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law. It’s estimated that LGBT youth represent about 7 percent of the population, which puts that 40 percent figure into heartbreaking context." (per The Washington Post). Addiction among these homeless youth and the LGBTQ community at large are all at disproportionately high levels. We want to do something to help combat these issues, so we are making the following pledge... 40% of all excess funds from the campaign and of all possible proceeds made as a result of this film will be donated to THE ALI FORNEY CENTER. They are an incredible organization whose "mission is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently" (www.aliforneycenter.org)

4. Help yourself to exciting PERKS

We've worked to come up with some amazing incentives for all of our supporters because we ADORE you and want you to get some bang for your buck. Even a small donation can get you a sweet little shout out or place on our credits all the up to angel donations that come with full prize packages and one of a kind experiences. Check out the perks to the right and always keep watching this page for updates!

Other Ways You Can Help

SPREAD THE WORD! Besides donating, its the best way to help get this project past it's fundraising goals and out into the world.

• Share the campaign link throughout social media
• Use our hashtag #IssaRubyMovie
• Tell EVERYONE you know to check us out
• Keep updated on the film and keep other's updated too

Every contribution no matter how big or small helps us and helps us give back!

Meet The Team

We assembled a passionate team both in front of and behind the camera to bring this film to life. Many of us have been working together since college or have other artistic connections and everyone brought their own unique energy & enthusiasm to set. Here are just a few of the many faces that contributed to RUBY...

The Creative Team

Writer/Director - Brenden Gregory

Brenden Gregory is a Brooklyn based filmmaker & theatre artist. Since graduating with a degree in Acting/Directing from Binghamton University he has directed & performed Off-Broadway as well as created content for a variety of artists and media outlets. RUBY will be his 8th short film and this first release of his production company BORN FOR IT PRODUCTIONS. @brendogrego, www.brendengregory.com

Director Of Photography - Phil Kral

Philip Kral is a New York based filmmaker with a foundation in celluloid cinema formats. His on set experience spans for more then 10 years, in addition to taking classes at both NYU and at Binghamton University where he finished his degree in cinema. He is more known for his work in the horror genre and through the company Reel Prophecy.

Producer - NJ Agwuna

NJ Agwuna is a freelance theatre and film director hailing from central Maryland. Performing from a young age, NJ began studying theatre at REP Stage Summer Institute, where she not only learned the art of acting, but was also inspired to pursue the adventurous life of directing. She recently received her Masters from Columbia University.

Production Designer - Nick D'Annunzio

Film and performance has allowed me to unite the many different avenues of my creativity and collaborate to make the greatest possible whole. I have created work for the broadway stage but also in a tiny town in the Italian mountainside where I made carnival puppets. I continue to be amazed with the group of people and spaces I am able to create in. It is my responsibility to occasionally have to do a check in and make sure the conversation my works create are in fact the conversation that needs to be happening.

The Cast

Beth - Willow Reed

Willow Reed grew up in upstate NY and attended Hofstra University where she was a student in the BFA Theatre Performance program. Now she’s living in Brooklyn pursuing a career in acting and theatre directing.

Ruby - Ellen Bryan

Ellen Bryan is thrilled to have Ruby be her film debut! New York Theatre: Aquamarine (Vineyard Theatre), Middletown (Columbia), Macbeth (Columbia), Hello from Bertha (dir. Ron Van Lieu). Regional Theatre: Romeo & Juliet (Boston Theater Co.), Coriolanus (Commonwealth Shakespeare), 8, The Play (Broadway Impact, Mid-West Premier). TV: The Path (Hulu). MFA in Acting from Columbia University 2019. @ellen_phant, @lennyslens.

The Man - Rudy Bamenga

Rudy Bamenga is a French-born New York based actor and writer. A Binghamton University Graduate, he is very grateful to be working once more with fellow Alum Brenden, NJ, Ethan and Jared, as well as working on his first project with Ellen, Willow, Nick & Phil. This is his first time acting in a short film and he is very thankful for the experience he has had with this cast & crew.

Mother - Patricia Lawrence

Pat refers to her life in NYC (she’s been here a year and a half) as her “Third Act” after previous careers in academia and teaching/directing youth theatre. She has been honored to have been cast in numerous stage productions, but has also found a new home in film, music videos, web series, and commercials and print. She also occasionally walks her dogs and cooks dinner for husband, Jay.  Find out more at www.patriciamlawrence.com

For four whirlwind days of filming our little family overcame every obstacle to do this story justice not because we thought we were making a fortune but because we love creating independent film and believe this one can be an entertaining visual experience that contributes something to an important discussion. Now we want YOU to become part of that extended family that helped make it all happen. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!