disco fries

An upStream Film

The future of newlyweds John and Claire hangs in the balance when the couple separates in light of recent events that have put their plans of starting a family on hold. While apart, Claire discovers John's latest screenplay, submerging Claire into the world of John's all-too-real narrative about a deranged writer who seeks out a hitman to put an end to all of his problems.

KICKSTARTER

Disco Fries

A Dark Comedy Thriller

Written by Dylan Murphy & Roger Turner Jr

John and Claire are a seemingly happily married, newlywed couple. However, when John and Claire find themselves separated as they try to work through a rough patch in their marriage, Claire stumbles upon John's latest screenplay, unexpectedly thrusting herself into the deranged world of her husband's all-too-real narrative about a writer gone mad.

DISCO FRIES will be filmed in New York City and Long Island from Nov. 14-17, 2024.

The run time for the short will be approximately 20 minutes.

Donor Tiers

How Did We Get Here?

The Story of DISCO FRIES

2022

It all started with a killer idea.

Toward the end of 2022, Dylan and Roger had a killer idea about a desperate husband who seeks out a hitman. We then saw GLASS ONION, and after noticing similarities in Rian Johnson's Knives Out sequel and our idea, we decided to change the trajectory of the story. This led to putting the idea on pause for almost all of 2023.

2023

Enter Carlos & Toro.

While working with a former employer, Dylan communicated the premise of DISCO FRIES to fellow filmmakers Carlos Vasquez and Chris Toro, who were immediately excited by the potential of the concept. Fast-forward a few weeks later, and Dylan and Roger have resurrected their shared passion to tell the story of DISCO FRIES, implementing new and improved elements to the story after meetings with Carlos and Chris.

Early 2024

Rewriting, Rewrites, and a Final Draft.

The resurrection of DISCO FRIES prompted rewrite, after rewrite, after rewrite. Dylan and Roger would dedicate whatever free time they could spare tweaking the character motives, enhancing plot points, and location scouting with fellow Producer & Location Manager Greg Ronayne before finally finishing a final draft of DISCO FRIES in September.

Today

We found a diner.

Finding a diner that would be both within our budget and fit the mold of the diner written in the script, required the expertise of Greg Ronayne who became tremendously helpful over the course of location scouting for the film. Finally, on the first Saturday of October, we visited Mineola Diner out in Long Island where we met and chatted with the owner Shane. Our visit affirmed every aspect of the diner we envisioned filming DISCO FRIES. After months of rewrites, altering the script based on location access, and shooting a kickstarter in a local diner, we had found the most prized and crucial setting for the story...

For a price.

BUDGET

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1. Pre-Production

The Pre-Production of DISCO FRIES began in early 2024. Over the Summer, the script was revised until a final draft was realized in early September. DISCO FRIES is currently in the financing and crowdfunding stage of the Pre-Production phase, before moving in production in mid-November.

2. Production

Cameras will begin rolling for the production of DISCO FRIES on the evening of November 14, 2024 in Astoria, NY. The Production Budget chart provides a breakdown of what will be financed during the production phase, which will take place over the course of three and a half days in New York. While there are many ways to shoot a short film, prior experience has taught us to preparation and attention to detail are the cornerstones for producing a successful short film.

3. Post Production

Following the final day of production, post production will commence as the filmmakers begin the editing process. During this time, all additional promotional materials, licensing for music rights, and securing screening locations for DISCO FRIES will also be conducted. It is our goal to complete the post production phase by the end of 2024. As we navigate through 2025, DISCO FRIES will be screened at a select theater in New York City for friends, family, and all others who purchase tickets to see the premiere of DISCO FRIES. In addition, the filmmakers also plan to screen the film for a viewing audience in Florida as well.

Meet The Cast & Crew

CAST

JOHN

Dylan J. Murphy

Dylan J. Murphy is an actor/writer/producer born and raised in New York City. He trained at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in the Two Year Conservatory Program. He co-hosts The Wrap Beers podcast with best friend/collaborator, Roger Turner Jr. He does a world class Patrick Warburton impression.

CLAIRE

Kim Ivory Fuller

Kim Ivy Fuller is an actor who previously studied at Terry Knickerbocker Studio and NYU. Bred’n buttered in San Diego, she's a New York City transplant who thrives in bright/indirect sunlight. Ideal for beginners, she can take a fair amount of neglect. Water once a week-ish.

Phoenix Best

Phoenix Best is a New York based performer seen on both the stage and screen. Her credits include Broadway appearances in Dear Evan Hansen (Alana Beck) and The Color Purple Revival (Swing). She has also taken her talents on various National Tours, as well as appearing on screen in multiple film and television projects.

The Crew

Just as important as the brilliant actors portraying the characters on screen are all the creative minds and talented individuals who will help bring DISCO FRIES from script to screen.

Anne O'Driscoll

Executive Producer

Anne O’Driscoll is a native New Yorker and lifelong film and theater enthusiast. Anne has served as Executive Producer on all prior upStream Films projects, offering her home as the setting for multiple short films shot in New York. Anne is also the much-needed eyes and ears on the administrative and consulting side of things for upStream, having a hand in all phases of production for upStream Films and The Wrap Beers Podcast.

Carlos Vasquez

Director | Producer

Carlos Vasquez grew up with a steady diet of 80s cinema, largely in part due to his grandfather's passion for the art. A native of Washington Heights, New York City, Carlos is an independent filmmaker with a passion for telling stories centered around his Dominican heritage. His projects vary from music videos, innovative industrial videos for Apple, to punchy short films.

Roger Turner Jr

Producer | Cinematographer | Editor

Roger Turner began his career as a wedding and event videographer before pursuing his passion within the film and television industry. Over the last eight years, Roger has written, directed, produced, and edited numerous short films as co-founder of upStream Films. He currently is a creative producer on The Wrap Beers Podcast alongside upStream co-founder and his co-host Dylan Murphy.

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Chris Toro

Art Director | Co-Producer

Chris Toro is a Filmmaker from NYC & Founder of Matador Pictures. Chris offers a unique approach to filmmaking, shooting most of his work on Super 8 for a vintage and original viewing experience. Since the pandemic, his short films PORT OF RICHES, PRIMAVERA, THE MAGIC HOUR, and MELODY have received acclaim across the short film festival circuit domestically, and abroad.

Greg Ronayne

Co-Producer | Location Manager

Greg Ronayne is a NYC-based Location Scout with nearly a decade of experience in the film and television industry. His work has been seen in films and television produced by A24, Columbia Pictures, Netflix, CBS, Comedy Central, and more. Greg uses his creative eye and appreciation of NYC landmarks and history to find unique and distinct locations for film creatives, no matter how big or small the budget.

Gary Murray

Production Manager | AD

Gary is an NYC-based assistant director and production manager with over six years of experience in the film industry. Gary's passion for storytelling and keen eye for detail have been a staple in past upStream pictures, offering crucial technical and creative support in every phase of the production. Gary thrives on bringing creative visions to life, ensuring every production runs smoothly and successfully.

Inspired By

The premise for DISCO FRIES came to fruition nearly two years ago, and has been an ever-evolving story that is, at its core, a homage to classic films of the 90s and Noire eras of cinema. The primary setting for DISCO FRIES is a diner, an iconic location used in some of the most memorable films of the 90s. In addition to the feeling of nostalgia a diner offers the audience, DISCO FRIES also draws much inspiration from a broad range of Mystery, Thriller, and Dark Comedy films over the past 100 years.

Here are just some of the main players that got us to this point: