The Story
A forgotten inventor awakens centuries late to a future that has already moved on without him.
Washed-up inventor Curt Durwood finally gets his chance to matter when he joins a colonization mission to New Earth. Centuries later, he awakens alone to discover that newer missions arrived first and built a bizarre society without him. Guided by a sarcastic artificial intelligence and an unlikely new companion, Curt sets out to uncover the colony’s secrets—and perhaps find the purpose and connection he has been searching for all along.
THE MISSION IS ALREADY UNDERWAY
A COMEDY OUT OF TIME
Leapfrog blends character-driven comedy, retro-futuristic satire and absurd sci-fi adventure. Beneath the humor is a surprisingly grounded story about becoming obsolete—and discovering that it’s never too late to find where you belong.
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPLETE
The rocket has officially left the launchpad. Leapfrog has completed principal photography, bringing its dysfunctional future, eccentric characters and offbeat world of New Earth to life. A limited number of pickups and reshoots remain as we shape the strongest possible version of the film.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Leapfrog is now entering its next major phase: editing, visual effects, sound design, music and final finishing. Every element is being crafted to transform our independent production into a polished sci-fi comedy ready for audiences.
Production-Focused, Indie-Built:
The majority of our budget has been dedicated to principal photography, ensuring maximum on-screen value.
A minimalist set design, practical effects, and lean, efficient crew allow Leapfrog to deliver a studio-quality experience with indie soul.
THE CAST
Curt Durwood (Kurtis Bedford)
Curt Durwood (Kurtis Bedford)
Curt Durwood (Kurtis Bedford)
Main character. Former suburban dad, out-of-place optimist. Believes he’s humanity’s first interstellar explorer. Carries emotional loneliness, growing self-awareness.
Theresa Sanchez (Erica Munoz)
Curt Durwood (Kurtis Bedford)
Curt Durwood (Kurtis Bedford)
Hard-edged but weary New Earth citizen. Starts cold but reveals depth and empathy. A reluctant guide and foil to Curt's wide-eyed naivety.
Aura (Anna Faris)
Nick Trickle (Brian Patrick Butler)
Nick Trickle (Brian Patrick Butler)
Curt’s sarcastic, sentient AI wrist companion. Evolving from protocol-driven to emotionally aware. No physical body — voiceover.
A-List actress with a knack for
playing eccentric roles.
Nick Trickle (Brian Patrick Butler)
Nick Trickle (Brian Patrick Butler)
Nick Trickle (Brian Patrick Butler)
“Party bro of the future” consumerist, clueless, aggressively casual. Like a walking ad foreverything that went wrong in Earth culture… now casually transplanted to the stars.
THE CREW
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
Zander Schaus is an actor, comedian, writer, and director—always in that order—from Las Vegas. He has performed at Caesars Palace, Second City, UCB, and iO West, among other places that have since been demolished. Zander co-directed and starred in the award-winning feature Apples and Oranges, helped create Dirty Friends for Funny or Die, and is a founding member of the comedy trio ALF.
DAVID MARTINEZ - WRITER
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
David Martinez is a Los Angeles–based writer, actor, and director working across film, comedy, and digital entertainment. He has written numerous vertical dramas for platforms including DramaBox, ReelShort, My Drama, and DramaPops. David co-wrote the TNIFF award-winning screenplay Mahjongg: Tiles of Glory and the independent feature Leapfrog. He is also a founding member of the comedy trio ALF.
BRANDON DELANY - PRODUCER
ZANDER SCHAUS - WRITER/DIRECTOR
BRANDON DELANY - PRODUCER
Brandon Delany is an Emmy-nominated producer, director, and writer with more than 18 years of international experience. His work for brands including Nike, Dove, GE, and Marvel has appeared on HBO, Netflix, Amazon, PBS, and VH1. He also co-founded the post-production company Champion Turf and currently teaches filmmaking with the Berridge Programs in Los Angeles and France.
ERICA MUNOZ - PRODUCER
ERICA MUNOZ - PRODUCER
BRANDON DELANY - PRODUCER
Erica Muñoz stars in the HBO feature Long Gone By as Ana Alvarez, a Nicaraguan mother who risks everything to secure her daughter’s future after receiving a deportation order. The film premiered at the New York Latino Film Festival and is now streaming on HBO.
TOM SCHAUS - PRODUCER
ERICA MUNOZ - PRODUCER
TOM SCHAUS - PRODUCER
Tom Schaus is a veteran helicopter pilot and performer whose remarkable career has spanned nearly five decades. After flying helicopters for the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Tom brought his expertise to Hollywood, contributing aerial work to productions including Ocean’s Eleven, Race to Witch Mountain, Sleepless, and Fright Night. His on-screen
Tom Schaus is a veteran helicopter pilot and performer whose remarkable career has spanned nearly five decades. After flying helicopters for the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Tom brought his expertise to Hollywood, contributing aerial work to productions including Ocean’s Eleven, Race to Witch Mountain, Sleepless, and Fright Night. His on-screen credits include America’s Sweethearts and Elvis Has Left the Building.