support US

WE GOT INTO SXSW!!!

SXSW is one of the most important launchpads for new film and TV voices. It's a place where pilots like ours find collaborators, champions, and next-stage funding.

But we need your help to get there!

PILOT LOGLINE

This pilot is the proof-of-concept for a larger series.

A rookie doula is thrust into her first birth with a mother she’s never met. After a rocky start, she quickly learns supporting women through labor is messier, funnier, and more profound than any training could have prepared her for.

SUPPORT

CREATOR STATEMENT

HANNAH SHEALY | ACTOR | WRITER | DOULA

In my work as a doula over the past ten years, countless clients have told me that their only knowledge of birth comes from movies. What I quickly have to explain is that films rarely, if ever, get it right. Birth is For P*ssies is my heartfelt and humorous attempt to rewrite Hollywood’s clichés and invite audiences to see birth through the eyes of New York City doulas—through my eyes. Traversing boroughs, income brackets, and hospitals, the pilot captures the unparalleled intimacy and absurdity of doulas supporting strangers through the most important moments of their lives.

That's me! Doula-ing during the pandemic.

Doula-ing: a useful made up verb describing the art of supporting people through labor, life, and any situation where you say, "breathe," and hope they don't yell at you.

THE TEAM

HANNAH SHEALY

Creator & Co-Director & Doula

Hannah Shealy is an actor, writer and director based in NYC and London. As an actor she most recently appeared as Charlotte Astor in season 3 of HBO's "The Gilded Age". She has performed onstage at the Williamstown Theater Festival, 54 Below, Tanglewood, Off Broadway and more.

As a doula she has helped over 100 clients give birth, and is the founder of a company of perinatal hydration mixes called Pushee, launching in 2026.

CELINE SUTTER

Producer & Co-Direcftor

Celine Sutter is a writer, director, and producer born and raised in New York City. Celine recently earned their MFA in Writing/Directing from Columbia University. Since graduating, they have directed projects for prominent names such as Vogue, Maya Hawke and King Princess.

Celine’s films have screened at Frameline, Proof Film Festival, and Short of the Week, and she was honored with the Female Is Future Award.

KING PRINCESS

Executive Producer & Score

King Princess (Mikaela Straus) is a critically acclaimed musician, songwriter, and actor known for her genre-defying sound and bold artistry. Her past soundtrack credits include Hacks (2024) Bottoms (2023), and Adventure Time: Distant Lands (2020). King Princess has expanded into acting and film (Song Sung Blue, Nine Perfect Strangers), bringing her unique creative vision to new mediums.

For "Birth is for P*ssies," King Princess brings a depth of experience and artistry to the show’s theme song, elevating its sonic world while championing an idea she genuinely loves.

PUFF PIECE PRODUCTIONS

Susie Talbot & Lila Claghorn

Executive Producers

Puff Piece is a female-led, bi-coastal entertainment company focused on developing bold narrative and nonfiction projects that spotlight underrepresented voices with heart, humor, and a strong point of view. Our Film & TV slate includes projects in development with Condé Nast, Tribeca Studios, Ley Line Entertainment, Maven Screen Media, and Mark Gordon Pictures, as well as titles set up at Universal and Peacock.

FUNDS BREAKDOWN

Post Production Reimbursement — $6,116

Re-shoot production costs
Post-production overages
Festival submissions & deliverables
SXSW housing & logistics

SXSW Readiness & Impact — $4,050

Marketing & publicity: $2,250
DCP conforming: $500
Website, graphics & titles: $500
Festival participation costs: $800

Fundraising Goal: $10,166

HELP US GET TO SXSW

Support levels:

$100 — Covers a portion of our post-production costs

$250 — Helps cover lodging or PR materials

$500 — Supports SXSW logistics and ensures the team can show up fully prepared

Custom / Any Amount $100+ — Every bit helps bring the pilot to life! 💛

this fundraising goal ensures we show up prepared, professional, and positioned for what comes next.

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

This project was produced on a lean micro-budget over the last year with a lot of friends and favors.

Since picture lock, we’ve personally covered additional costs — from re-shoots and festival submissions to post-production needs and SXSW housing — pushing the project beyond its original budget.

Like many indie filmmakers without institutional support, we’re now asking for help us get to SXSW and make the most of this moment.

WHY NOW?

SXSW isn’t just a screening, it’s a huge opportunity.

Your support helps turn this pilot into…

the opportunity to showcase the pilot to episodic-focused industry decision-makers
relationships that can drive series development, financing, and distribution
a launchpad toward a full episodic series
…your future favorite TV show!

All contributions are processed via PayPal, and donors will receive an automatic transaction receipt. Please note that contributions are not tax-deductible.