The Sugar Syndicate | Gemelli Films Xmas

THE STORY: When a shipment of contraband, discontinued candy accidentally arrives at her house, a resourceful 10-year-old girl launches an underground candy empire from her kitchen to fund the ultimate summer waterpark trip, forcing her straight-laced older brother into a high-stakes corporate alliance.

THE OPPORTUNITY: Gemelli Films is listing all opportunities on this page. People will be able to claim roles and producer positions, which will be listed below as they are made available. All fees paid for roles and producer positions include a reimbursement plus a 10% Return on Investment (ROI) once the film is distributed. All acting roles will receive still photos and at least once clip of a scene that they are in for their portfolio. All producer positions will be named in any awards that this film received. All contributors (actors and producers) will receive 2 tickets to the premiere plus invitations to any screenings of the film.

THE PROCESS: Roles and producer positions are listed below. SQUATTER'S RIGHTS will be filmed on Long Island between July 20 - August 6, 2026. The film then goes into post-production and will be released in mid-2027. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodations.

CONTRIBUTIONS: There is a donation link as well as the opportunity to sponsor specific parts of the film's production. Please see below.

THE REASON: The entertainment industry is very difficult to get into. By creating these opportunities, "regular" people can kickstart their careers, gain experience on a professional set, earn credits, and understand what it is like to be in the entertainment industry without any major risks. It's also difficult for children to get a leg up unless you know someone. Now your children can have a role in an actual film, being mentored by a former child actress turned successful writer-directoy-producer.

ROLES

Brian Sinclair

Age 40 - 45. Brian Sinclair is the husband of Connie (Rachel Reilly) and father of Michelle (Adora Villegas) and Ricky (TBD). A really great dad who works a 9 - 5 job. Fun and caring, but oblivious to the Sugar Syndicate run by his children.

SUPPORTING.

$3,500

Ricky Sinclair

Ricky is 13 years old, but can be played by a boy age 12 - 14. He is the son of Connie (Rachel Reilly) and Brian (TBD), and the "annoying older brother" of Michelle (Adora Villegas). Very much a rule follower. Afraid of getting in trouble. Tattle tale, until his sister coerces him into being her partner.

LEAD.

$5,000

Donald Lewis

Donald Lewis (60 - 70) is the kind, old man that runs The Candy Shoppe in town. Has a phone conversation with Brian Sinclair about the accidental delivery of candy to their house. Will film on July 20, 2026 on Long Island. One long phone scene that will be intercut with Brian's side of the call.

DAY PLAYER.

$750

Zuri

10 years old. (Can be played by a girl that is older but looks 10.) One of two best friends to Michelle Sinclair (Adora Villegas). Zuri is a little flighty and definitely the comedic sidekick. Will film between July 24 - Aug 6. SUPPORTING.

$2,500

Austin

13 years old (but can be played by 12 - 14). Ricky's best friend. A smooth operator and fast talker. Very handsome and charming, and talks his way out of trouble. Super smart. Will film between July 20 - Aug 6. SUPPORTING.

$2,500

Xander

13 years old (but can be played by 12 - 14). Ricky's best friend. Awkward and funny. A little immature for his age. No filter. The comic relief. Will film between July 20 - Aug 6. SUPPORTING.

$2,500

Producer Positions

Executive Producer

You will receive a credit as "Executive Producer" in the opening and end credits, as well as be named as the Executive Producer for any major awards that THE SUGAR SYNDICATE is nominated for and/or wins. You will receive invitations and tickets to all screenings and premieres. You will be able to represent the production team in a variety of events, as well as come to set and provide input. ($10,000)

CLAIM NOW

Producer

You will receive a credit as "Producer" in the opening and end credits of the film. Provide input on all aspects of the film and story: Help choose locations, wardrobe, etc. You will also be named as Producer in whatever awards the film is nominated for. Join the table read on Teams (or Zoom), and receive two tickets to all premieres and screenings. ($7,500)

CLAIM NOW

Creative Producer

You will receive a credit as "Creative Producer" in the opening and end credits of the film. Give your input on the creative process of bringing this film to life. Work directly with the writer/director of the film to ensure that the film is both tense and entertaining. You will receive invitations to all screenings and premieres. You are welcome to come to set and provide input as we film. ($5,000)

CLAIM NOW

Associate Producer

You will receive a credit as "Associate Producer" in the opening and end credits of the film. Join the very first table read over our video call (Microsoft Teams) as our cast reads the script together for the very first time and give feedback. As Associate Producer, you will receive tickets to all screenings and premieres. ($2,500)

CLAIM NOW

Sponsorships

Producing a film has a lot of different elements. All of these elements cost money. We are allowing people and companies to sponsor some of the elements that we need to produce this film. Any person or company that sponsors a category will receive a credit for that category. (For example, if you sponsor catering, you would receive a credit of "Catering Sponsored By" plus the name that you want credited.) Thank you for your generosity!

Craft Services

Craft services are snacks and beverage provided on set for cast and crew throughout the day, such as granola bars and bottled water. Our days typically last 10 - 12 hours, so crafty is a must!

$500

Breakfast Catering

It is industry standard to provide cast and crew with breakfast when they arrive to set. It is usually a simple breakfast that they can take with them while they get ready for the first shot.

$1,250

Lunch Catering

It is also industry standard to provide lunch on set for cast and crew. This helps keep the cast and crew together in one location so that we can start on time after the lunch break and finish out our day strong.

$1,500