Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Wild Animal to life.

Logline

In rural Montana, a rising MMA fighter’s reckless life in and out of the cage is derailed further when she is forced to attend equine therapy after clashing with the police.

Synopsis

Lennon was a teenage phenom MMA fighter on the fast track to success but her reckless lifestyle has all but derailed her dreams. Now in her early 20s, she lives out of her car and fights in local smokers along the highways of Montana, taking whatever she can to make ends meet. As her injuries mount and her physical and mental states decline, Lennon is arrested and ordered to Equine Therapy—working with rescue horses and a talented Horse Trainer—where she gradually finds the courage to face her past traumas and regain her strength. When a new opportunity arises to fight, will she be able to lace up her gloves and climb back into the cage?

Make a donation to Wild Animal.

Meet the Filmmakers

Joseph Marconi – Writer/Director

Joseph Marconi is a writer and director. Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Joseph moved to New York City in 2006 to pursue a career in advertising working for giants like BBDO and Showtime. In 2009 he transitioned into film and began writing and directing short films that have played all over the country winning several awards. In 2017 he founded the boutique production company, Upperstate, producing meaningful content for companies like Bulletproof and Four Sigmatic. Joseph lives in Atwater Village with his wife and baby daughter.

Lysette Urus – Producer

Lysette is a multi-faceted producer originally hailing from NY and currently working in LA. She got her start in commercials in NYC and has since transitioned into producing documentaries and films. Her most recent credit includes Co-Producer on a Quibi documentary, Blackballed, that covers the player’s side of the 2014 NBA race scandal. She currently serves as a Creative Executive at the production company Strike Anywhere and is passionate about stories that frame the underdog and human resilience above all else.

David Vollrath – Director of Photography

Originally from Northern Virginia, David moved to NYC in 2009 to pursue his career in film. He worked his way up through the camera department while honing his craft as a cinematographer on TV commercials. David moved to LA in 2017 working on Music Videos and Narrative projects. Combining his deep technical understanding of the filmmaking process with strong creative sensibilities, David strives to find the most unique and authentic moments that make a film stand out.

Chance Housley – Co-Producer

Chance Housley, a Montana native born and raised in Billings, is a film producer with a passion to help bring various stories fixated around the human condition. In 2018, he graduated from Montana State with a BA in Film and Photography and has been based in the gorgeous Bozeman area ever since! His high energy, passion for his work and life shine through in everything he does.

Make a donation to Wild Animal.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.