LOGLINE

BIG GIRL FACE is a crime-comedy about a desperate young woman who kidnaps an arrogant neurosurgeon to save her mother's life.

SYNOPSIS

When Phoebe’s eccentric mother is denied life-saving brain surgery, she kidnaps an arrogant neurosurgeon and blackmails him into performing the operation. A darkly comedic tale of healthcare desperation, mother-daughter codependency, and the outrageous lengths we'll go to protect those we love. Get ready for a wild ride—put on your big girl face!

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

"Big Girl Face" is an audacious, darkly comedic exploration of the extremes we face within a broken healthcare system—part heartfelt drama, part criminal hijinks, entirely outrageous. Inspired by the fearless friendship of the girls from Booksmart, the desperate determination of John Q, and the absurd comedic chaos of Saving Silverman, we boldly tackle provocative themes of healthcare injustice through irreverent humor, authentic emotion, and unapologetic satire. We miss the days when a movie could make us laugh until we cried, all while secretly slipping in profound, timely truths beneath the hilarious surface. "Big Girl Face" captures that magic. Our film is a love letter to crime comedies with guts, heart, and a purpose—stories brave enough to confront real-world issues while still delivering laughs and absurdity. Set against an increasingly chaotic world, where many feel powerless against seemingly impenetrable systems, the film follows Phoebe, a young woman trapped in a suffocatingly close, codependent relationship with her eccentric mother, Sherri. When Sherri is denied life-saving surgery due to insurance issues, Phoebe and her loyal, hilarious friends resort to kidnapping and blackmailing an arrogant neurosurgeon to get the care her mother needs. What unfolds is both a hilarious misadventure and a biting commentary on our healthcare system. Ultimately, "Big Girl Face" amplifies voices overlooked by a flawed system. It’s about courage, independence, and the extraordinary lengths we’ll go for family. So brace yourself, embrace the chaos, and put on your big girl face.

KEY CREW

Daniel Zagayer - Director/Producer

Daniel Zagayer is a film director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Daniel has a unique blend of skills in comedy, documentary filmmaking, and cinematography. He has directed shows for major networks, including Discovery Channel's The Expedition Files (the #1 new show on Discovery Channel at its release in January 2025) and Gambles, Hustlers & Crooks. In addition to his directing work, Daniel has produced and directed numerous short films and worked as a cinematographer for major outlets like HBO, Hulu, and Netflix, filming in over 50 countries. With a passion for storytelling, Daniel's approach combines his classical film education, improv comedy, and documentary expertise, making him a versatile director who thrives in dynamic environments.

Doug Emmet - Cinematographer

Doug Emmett is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer whose career spans a range of genres and platforms. Currently shooting Swiped for director Rachel Goldenberg, Doug's recent work includes The American Society of Magical Negroes (dir. Kobi Libii, Focus Features), which premiered at Sundance and released theatrically in March 2024. He also shot Presumed Innocent for Apple TV+, a hit reimagining of the classic novel starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, and Peter Sarsgaard. Doug’s previous television work includes Hal & Harper (2023), Angelyne (Peacock), and Julie Delpy’s On the Verge (Netflix). A key highlight of his career was his cinematography for Sorry To Bother You, written and directed by Boots Riley, which premiered at Sundance in 2018, won at the Indie Spirit Awards, and earned a Gotham Awards nomination. Doug’s past credits also include shooting 2nd unit on Euphoria, and films like I Care A Lot (Netflix), Unpregnant (HBO Max), and Breaking (2022). He photographed the first two seasons of HBO’s Room 104 and pilots for The Rookie, Tell Me a Story, and Speechless. Doug’s film career, which began in 2009, includes notable feature films such as The One I Love, Edge of 17, Bachelorette, and The To Do List. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Doug is a Union Local 600 cinematographer and a member of the Directors Guild of America. He is represented by United Talent Agency.

Key Lee - Production Designer

Kay Lee is a production designer known for her standout work on HBO's "Euphoria" and the feature film "Bleed for This," directed by Ben Younger. She began her career as a fashion and technical designer before transitioning to production design, where she found her true calling. Kay’s notable feature work includes "Blue Caprice," "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus," "Destroyer," and "All Day and a Night." She has also worked on the Netflix series "Girlboss" and "On My Block," as well as the two-time Golden Globe-nominated HBO series "Insecure." Kay's unique background in fashion design and sculpture, combined with her studies in Urban Studies and Visual Arts at Brown University, has contributed to her versatile approach to production design. She has worked with renowned directors such as Spike Lee, Karyn Kusama, and Joe Robert Cole. Kay’s creative vision continues to bring rich and immersive worlds to both television and film. Currently based in Santa Monica, CA, Kay continues to expand her influence in the industry with her exceptional ability to blend artistry and storytelling through the design of compelling spaces.

Ron Singer - Line Producer

Ron Singer is an accomplished Line Producer and Unit Production Manager (UPM) with over two decades of experience in film and television. With a career rooted in meticulous production oversight, Ron has successfully managed numerous feature films and independent projects from pre-production through post-production. His extensive expertise includes budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and logistics, ensuring productions run smoothly, efficiently, and within financial parameters. His notable credits include collaboration with prominent filmmakers and talent. Ron served as UPM on "I Am Michael" (2015), starring James Franco, Emma Roberts, and Zachary Quinto, and "In Dubious Battle" (2016), further showcasing his capability to manage complex film sets with high-profile casts. Earlier in his career, he line-produced films such as "Free Enterprise" featuring William Shatner and "The Specials," written by James Gunn, demonstrating a consistent ability to deliver high-quality productions within budget and schedule. Ron’s skill set extends beyond production logistics into strong leadership, problem-solving, and a keen understanding of industry standards and compliance. As President of That's Hollywood, Inc., based in Beverly Hills, he brings entrepreneurial insight to every project, combining organizational precision with creative adaptability. Known for his collaborative style and comprehensive knowledge of the filmmaking process, Ron Singer consistently contributes to the success and integrity of the productions he manages, making him an invaluable resource for producers, directors, and production teams aiming to realize their creative visions effectively and efficiently.

Scott Reed - Producer

Scott Reed is a highly experienced producer and production manager with decades of expertise, having produced and managed over 30 feature films and numerous television series. Born in Brighton Beach, New York, Scott began his career at just eight years old on the set of "The Lords of Flatbush," sparking a lifelong passion for filmmaking. Throughout his extensive career, Scott has skillfully navigated both creative and logistical demands, contributing to major studio films, independent projects, and animated features. His versatility extends into television, commercials, live special events, and theme park productions, highlighting his adaptability across various entertainment mediums. Known for his keen organizational skills and collaborative leadership, Scott excels in managing large teams and complex productions, ensuring projects consistently meet creative and financial goals. His wide-ranging portfolio demonstrates his capability to oversee projects from concept through completion, handling everything from budgeting to on-set management. Scott’s commitment and proficiency have established him as a trusted figure in the industry, with an impressive resume reflecting a dedication to delivering high-quality entertainment. His comprehensive experience continues to make him an invaluable asset on every production he undertakes.