Tax-deductible on donations starting at $250
Mission Statement
https://youtu.be/j-OXOxR7EcA
The Story
After being away for two years, 25-year-old Ezekiel returns home to a list of outlandish shiva requests left behind by his late-brother, Benji. Now, feeling guilty for not being present during Benji's sickness, Ezekiel attempts to fulfill the requests left behind and put on the perfect shiva.
Despite his best efforts, Ezekiel's sister, Sydney, frustrated with Ezekiel for suddenly appearing and taking the reins, tries to stop him, believing a regular shiva is what's best for everyone. With Benji, the peace-maker, now gone and their mother inconsolable, tensions are high.
Even worse for Ezekiel, his estranged father, Alan, arrives, derailing him from the tasks at hand and making it harder to ignore his grief.
Meet the Ackermans -- and "Friends"
Ezekiel Ackerman (25): The oldest of the Ackerman kids. A hard worker who likes to focus on what he can control and ignore what he can't. With a tendency to be high-strung, Ezekiel puts on a facade of being confident and put together, seemingly letting nothing bother him. In reality, Ezekiel can only take so much before he reaches his breaking point.
Benji Ackerman (25): The middle Ackerman child (only by a minute). Benji was a glass half-full kind of person, always wanting the best for his friends and family. He didn't always have things figured out or organized, but there was nothing a good joke or laugh couldn't get him through (except cancer -- though he tried).
Sydney Ackerman (23): The youngest of the Ackerman kids. Sydney was once a more care-free individual, but has since had to step up and take on more responsibilities. Sydney has been frustrated, feeling stifled within her own life and family. Luckily, she's not afraid to express those feelings, especially to Ezekiel.
Alan Reznik (50s): The estranged father of Ezekiel, Benji, and Sydney. After acting only in his own interest, his kids stop contact with him. Years later, when Benji reaches out to make amends given his condition, Alan shows he's changed, doing everything he could for Benji, and being there, but not overstepping with Sydney. Now, at the shiva, Alan hopes to reconnect with Ezekiel.
Deborah Ackerman (50s): The single mother of Ezekiel, Benji, and Sydney. She's worked hard to support her children. After a grueling battle and loss, Deborah is now completely distraught. She did everything she could; she has nothing left to give.
Snoop Dawg: A Snoop Dogg impersonator who arrives to provide some much-needed comic relief.
My name is Justin Scolnick. I’m a Senior at NYU Tisch, a child of divorce, and my mom’s second-favorite child (if we don’t include the dog).
My thesis film, Die by the Schtick , explores a topic I’ve made many jokes about, but have avoided digging into: family. Growing up through complicated family dynamics (divorce, remarriages – thankfully to different people – and a blended family), this story is one I understand and appreciate deeply. Following our protagonist, Ezekiel, we go on a vulnerable and honest journey through grief, guilt, and forgiveness.
Death is obviously a great tragedy, especially that of someone so full of heart and humor (as Benji was), but using Benji’s rose-colored perspective, we find the humor in tragedy. This humor gives Ezekiel the license and courage to look at himself in the mirror and face what’s within – it gives him the ability to persevere just a little longer, just as it did for Benji.
Sadly for him, Ezekiel’s journey isn’t all schtick-shine and rainbows. When you realize that your family isn’t as perfect as you once thought, it only becomes harder to keep yourself together. Now, throw an estranged father into the mix…well, it doesn’t exactly get easier. That being said, sometimes things need to break down in order to be built back up better and stronger; things need to get harder before they get easier. So please, join the Ackerman family in saying goodbye to Benji in this beautiful and exciting tragedy.
Why We Need Help
We really want Die by the Schtick to happen, but we need your help. All the donations will go straight to location, cast, equipment, and production design needs. We want to make sure that the Ackerman family has a fitting home for all of their residents and guests, that we have residents and guests, and that the shiva is up to Benji's desired standards.
Though financial support is always welcome and appreciated, you can also support this film with in-kind donations. Check out our wishlist to see how else you can be part of this film.
We appreciate any and all support! We have many wonderful and fun incentives you can get by donating, but if you're unable to donate, sharing our campaign would go a long way as well! So share with friends, family, and even people you don't like -- we're not picky!
To stay updated on our project, follow @diebytheschtick on Instagram. We hope you love and appreciate the Ackermans and their story as much as we do, and thank you for your support!
About This Team
Justin Scolnick (Writer/Director/Never Sad/Always Handsome): Justin Scolnick (Writer/Director/Never Sad/Always Handsome): Justin is currently a senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and Crafts. He's worked on many short films in various positions, including Writer, Director, and Actor (whether or not the acting was sufficient is up for debate). While at NYU, Justin has worked at companies including Netflix and Marvel Studios as a production assistant. Traveling constantly with two recorders in his bag (one for his mouth and one for his nose), Justin is always quick and ready to play a tune. You can undoubtedly say he lives and dies by the schtick!
Maria Quezada (Producer/Professional Juggler/Part-Time Gator Wrestler): Maria has worked on numerous award-winning film and episodic projects for companies like Netflix, Viacom, CBS, and NBC International. She has been nominated and elected for awards like the Imagen Awards, NAACP, and the NYFF. Now, as a Senior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Maria has interned at companies like HollyShorts, Cannes, and Bleecker Street. Known for carrying a clipboard on set and getting clamped for doing her job, Maria has mastered the art of live, love, laugh through the pain -- who better to get Schtick done!
Benjamin Meppen (Co-Producer/Typical Good Kid): Benji is a sophomore from Los Angeles in UGFTV. He has moxy and spunk and drive and passion and he's the right guy for the job. Also, he may or may not owe Justin a personal favor. Regardless, he’s excited to work on this project!
Malcolm Walker (1st AD/Justin's Best Friend): Malcolm Walker is a senior at New York University's (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts with a focused and defined interest in becoming an entertainment mogul. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Malcolm discovered his passion for film at the age of 12 while watching Scarface and Pulp Fiction on the same night. Malcolm has a demonstrated history of working within the industry, landing jobs as a production assistant on major Warner Bros. Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, and Marvel Studios. Malcolm dreams of much, but his biggest dream is making Justin Scolnick's dreams come true, because he is Malcolm's favorite person in the world.
Liam Podos (DP/Mustache Enthusiast): Liam Podos is an NYC-based DP and Gaffer in his senior year at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He’s shot numerous shorts, including Justin’s Intermediate NYU Film, Shpilkes, as well as a number of music videos and live events. His hobbies include sipping various beverages and wearing cargo shorts while leaning against light stands. He was once caught gaffing in his sleep.
Perks
Get a personalized "thank you" video from (Writer/Director) Justin and (Co-Producer) Benji!
An exclusive Die by the Schtick poster and digital script signed by the cast and crew!
Early access to the completed Die by the Schtick film as well as a 10 minute phone call with Justin's friend Jake Bengelsdorf (www.tiktok.com/@jakedoesmusicsometimes)
Associate Producer credit as well as a personalized video of (Co-Producer) Benji talking about whitefish, the Mets, or the Upper West Side!
Executive Producer Credit and a recorder cover of a song of your choice, played and recorded by Writer/Director, Justin!
Highlights
See all activity68Activity
Get a personalized "thank you" video from (Writer/Director) Justin and (Co-Producer) Benji!
An exclusive Die by the Schtick poster and digital script signed by the cast and crew!
Early access to the completed Die by the Schtick film as well as a 10 minute phone call with Justin's friend Jake Bengelsdorf (www.tiktok.com/@jakedoesmusicsometimes)
Associate Producer credit as well as a personalized video of (Co-Producer) Benji talking about whitefish, the Mets, or the Upper West Side!
Executive Producer Credit and a recorder cover of a song of your choice, played and recorded by Writer/Director, Justin!
