High Stakes. Low Lifes.
Big Trouble Deep in the Heart of Texas.
Support High Stakes, a genre-bending crime thriller filmed in and around Austin, Texas with a 70s soul.
Follow irreverent detectives Ralpot & Astreña as a routine case in modern Austin, Texas spirals into a deadly confrontation with the unhinged crime lord, El Escorpión. Expect dark laughs and darker truths in this unforgettable cinematic trip.
About The Film
Two wise-cracking detectives stumble into Austin, Texas' deadliest cartel war, led by a theatrical kingpin called El Escorpión.
A burnt-out Camaro screeches past a music bar as sirens bleed into guitars. High Stakes tosses laid-back laughs into blood-spattered chaos, as Detectives Adam 'Poe' Ralpot and Salvatore 'Sal' Astreña chase the mercurial El Escorpión through weed-hazed college parties and crooked cops in a retro-futuristic Austin, Texas that looks straight out of 1979.
Pineapple-Express humour, Dark-Knight stakes.
The Gist
Detectives Adam 'Poe' Ralpot and Salvatore 'Sal' Astreña navigate a city steeped in 1970s aesthetics and modern grime, hunting the enigmatic El Escorpión through a maze of eccentric characters and neon-lit dangers.
Key Features
- Genre-Blend: Buddy-cop banter meets noir thriller.
- Retro-Modern Aesthetic: VHS grime, digital polish.
- New-Studio Launch: OFFBEND's flagship film.
Project Status
Currently in pre-production; cameras roll Nov. 17 2025 — community funding closes Jun 30 2025.
High Stakes is brought to you by the passionate team at Offbend Studios and our dedicated production crew.
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Meet the Players
Three complex lives on a collision course in the heart of Austin, Texas. Choose a character to learn more.
Adam Ralpot
Played by TBD
The Anchor
Clean-cut, calculated, and low-key compulsive, Adam is the calm to Sal's storm—though not without his quirks. He folds his socks, alphabetizes his record collection, and never lights a joint without trimming the end first. He's sharp, loyal, and a surprisingly willing accomplice in Sal's chaos, even if he spends half the time cleaning up after it. While he's the more composed of the two, Adam's no stranger to bending the rules when justice calls—or when Sal drags him into another half-baked scheme. Together, they're messy, magnetic, and somehow always one step ahead of the fire they lit.
Supporting Cast
Lieutenant Rockston
A hardened, by-the-book LAPD veteran struggling to keep his grip on a department that's slipping into chaos.
Sid McQueen
A sharp-tongued UCLA student with a rebellious streak and a knack for sniffing out trouble—and starting it.
Officer Melrose
An eager, young officer desperate to prove himself, but always one step behind and in over his head.
Officer Mangold
A jaded, underpaid cop who's seen it all and stopped pretending to care—unless there's a beer or bribe involved.
Become a Backer
Join the High Stakes crew. Every contribution fuels the fire and brings this vision to the big screen.
Crew Member
- Digital copy of the script
- BTS production updates
- Name in "Digital Backers" credits
Associate Producer
- All Crew Member rewards
- Exclusive early access screening link
- Digital concept art pack
Executive Producer
- All Associate Producer rewards
- Your name in the MAIN credits
- Virtual Premiere Q&A invite
Studio Partner
- All Executive Producer rewards
- Invitation to virtual Q&A w/ Director
- Signed limited edition poster
Executive Circle
- All Studio Partner rewards
- Special Thank You credit (on-screen)
- Set visit opportunity (travel not included)
Custom Amount
Support the film at any level that works for you.
All backers — no matter the amount — will be featured in our digital Backer Wall and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes updates.
Early Bird Bonus
First 50 backers at Executive Producer tier & above get exclusive digital wallpapers + special BTS Zoom access.
Formal Investment Opportunities
For those interested in equity investment or other participation structures beyond our backer rewards, we welcome a discussion. Please reach out to explore formal investment opportunities with Offbend Studios.
[email protected]Support the Vision
Finalize your contribution details below. We appreciate your support in bringing High Stakes to life!
Join the Inner Circle
High Stakes is a $1.5M production already on track. We're inviting our core community to invest $150,000 (10%) for exclusive access and rewards. Here's how you can be part of the journey.
An Exclusive Community Opportunity
Filmmaking is collaboration and we believe in sharing the excitement and success directly with you – our earliest supporters. This $150,000 community raise isn't just about funds; it's your chance to join the High Stakes family, gain unique insights, access exclusive rewards, and literally help us make the film even better.
Project Status & Next Steps
Currently in late pre-production. Key cast attached, locations scouted, script locked.
This community funding ensures we hit the ground running for Principal Photography in Fall 2025 with enhanced resources.
Community Investment Target: $150,000
Representing 10% of the total $1.5M budget, your support directly elevates these key areas:
Upgraded Camera Package, Special Effects Budget
Premium Sound Mix, Advanced Color Grading, Score Enhancement
Festival Strategy, Initial Trailer Launch, Community Engagement
Platform Fees, Reward Fulfillment Buffer
Project Roadmap
Summer 2025
Script Locked & Core Team Assembled
Final script polished, director and key producers onboard.
Fall 2025
Late Pre-Production & Casting
Key cast attached, locations scouted, production design finalized.
Nov 2025
Principal Photography Begins
Lights, camera, action! Filming commences.
January 2026
Post-Production
Editing, sound design, VFX, color grading, and score composition.
Early 2027
Festival Circuit Begins
Showcasing High Stakes at major film festivals.
Late 2027
Projected Wide Release
Bringing the finished film to theaters and our backers.
Behind the Lens: Offbend Studios
Crafting original stories with unforgettable characters.
Offbend challenges Hollywood by merging auteur cinema with tech innovation. We create original IP for film, TV, and future platforms, building immersive experiences. Our debut feature, High Stakes, showcases our edgy, smart, and memorable style. We're building a multi-vertical powerhouse driven by artistic integrity, audience focus, and constant innovation.
Hayden Phillips
CEO
Carson Meadors
COO
Stefanie Maxson
CMO
Marshal Hodges
Co-Head of Production
Evy Pitt-Stoller
Co-Head of Production
Lesley Rotonto
Head of Software
Growing Film in Texas
OFFBEND is committed to bringing more productions to Texas. Launching High Stakes in Austin is just the beginning of building a vibrant pipeline of films made in the Lone Star State.
Meet the High Stakes Crew
The core creative team bringing this vision to life.