Welcome to my crowdfunding campaign!

My name is Ken Austin, writer-director of The Gold Digger: Murder, Money, and Mayhem. I am a screenwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia, currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. When creating this film, I took inspiration from real-life reality tv show star Tiffany "New York" Pollard from VH1 Flavor of Love. So much so that I dedicated the name to my protagonist. Throughout most of my work, they all take place through various periods. And I concluded that there could be no better time for a flamboyant, unapologetic, and self-centered character such as Tiffany Banks than in the early 2000s. But to bring such a larger-than-life character to the screen and period-accurate set design. I am going to need help from you all.

The Story

Logline: Set in 2003, reality tv star Tiffany Banks must fight to prove her innocence after being charged with 1st-degree murder after the suspicious death of her billionaire husband.

The Gold Digger is a parody/ mockumentary, poking fun at hit mystery show Unsolved Mysteries to early 2000's reality shows The Simple Life and The Anna Nicole Smith. This film has various layers of black comedy, satire, suspense, and a lot of drama!

Throughout the film, we follow Elliot Cooper, host of Unfathomable Conundrums, as he documents Tiffany Banks's fight to prove her innocence amongst a vicious smear campaign from the media and a manhunt from the NYPD. At the same time, he is uncovering the real culprit behind the murder of Tiffany's 80-year-old husband, Herbert Eisenhower.

Although this film is entirely comedic, it does, however, highlight the media's toxic behaviors from media against young female celebrities that dominated the press in the early 2000s.

Where The Money Is Going To

The funds raised will go towards:

Locations - We need to pay locations fees to find that perfect spot for the Princess of New York's luxurious abode.
Wardrobe - Wearing period-accurate clothing is a priority to add authenticity to the film.
Set Design- To maintain authenticity to the film's period and the shows that we parody, set decoration will be critical to achieving the desired look.
Hair and Makeup - Having period-accurate hair and makeup will add to the film's authenticity. And in some situations imperative to various scenes n the film.
Meals - It's imperative to keep the crew and cast well-fed as we embark on shooting this ambitious film.
Transportation - Transport heavy film equipment safely to and from the sets is a must to ensure a smooth production.

Key Collaborators

Producer

Shawndre Young

She is a producer, writer and, casting director with a background in Journalism. Shawndre has worked on multiple thesis films as the casting director and producer.

Co-Producer

Corey Hill

Owner of COG, a New York-based production company, Corey has created a variety of films ranging from independent projects to music videos for over nine years.

Risks + Challenges

One of the risks while filming will be the weather. Since it will be shot in November and cold, keeping the cast and crew warm with heat warmers and protective gear.

Other Ways to Pledge

If you cannot pledge towards our film, you can also do the following:

Share the campaign on your social media platform.
Share the campaign with friends, family, and colleagues who would be interested in supporting it.
Follow our social media handles @thegolddiggershortfilm on Instagram and Facebook!

Support Ken Austin’s MFA THESIS!

By Kendra Austin

Support Ken Austin’s MFA THESIS!

The Gold Digger: Murder, Money, & Mayhem

Team Members