SNAPPING DOGS
What choices do we make when we’re young, alone and afraid? And what can we possibly do later, to heal the terrible wounds of our past?
For nearly thirty years, we’ve watched news stories linking bullying to horrific gun violence among America’s kids. SNAPPING DOGS is a moving drama about one boy’s experience, and the life-long consequences for him and the people he touched. It is a universal story of guilt, rage, hope and the search for redemption.
Snapping Dogs reminds us that everyone, even the most timid victim, can himself become a victimizer, if given complete power over another person. It shows us how, in one fleeting moment, any of us might make a decision that would haunt us the rest of our lives.
The film will convey the complexity of all its characters — none are completely “evil” or completely “good”. All wrestle in their own ways with the consequences of their choices.
The film will show how moments of joy break through even the darkest times in life. It will convey the power of love to awaken us to the preciousness of life. And the power of forgiveness, to heal both the person forgiven and the person who is forgiving.
Roger Stigliano
Brandon Matthews is 25 years old and recently released from prison. As a shy, overweight boy, he faced extreme bullying at school. Desperate, he brought his father's gun to school to scare his bully, but ended up killing him instead. Now, struggling to start over in his hometown, he yearns to start fresh—but he's stalked by the dead boy's father, a police officer consumed by grief and rage.
When Brandon meets Katy, a young woman burdened by raising her younger brother Mickey after their mother's death, he experiences his first real chance at love and redemption. Mickey, a shy 12-year-old boy who is also gay and badly bullied at school, makes his very first friend when Brandon intervenes to protect him. Brandon tries to guide Mickey away from violence, offering him the compassion he never received.
But the past refuses to stay buried. Brandon must decide whether to run or to finally face the people he's hurt. Snapping Dogs is a profound exploration of guilt, rage, hope, and the search for redemption—a universal story about how moments of joy break through even the darkest times, and how the power of forgiveness can heal both the person forgiven and the person who is forgiving.
Themes
Guilt, rage, hope, redemption, forgiveness, consequences of choices
Production Timeline
Principal photography: October 2026 in Austin, Minnesota
Our Mission
Snapping Dogs is more than a film—it's a conversation starter. We're committed to partnering with organizations dedicated to anti-bullying initiatives, gun violence prevention, LGBTQ support, and programs helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.
The Filmmakers
Written and directed by Roger Stigliano, an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been celebrated at major festivals. Produced by Ray Chang, with three decades of experience in film and television.
Main Characters
BRANDON MATTHEWS, 25 - 30
As a shy, overweight boy, Brandon faced extreme bullying at school. Desperate, he brought his dad’s gun to school to scare the bully, but ends by killing him. Now, just released from prison, he yearns to start fresh. But he’s stalked by the dead boy’s dad. Brandon must decide whether to run or to finally face the people he’s hurt.
Casting Wish List
Tom Holland
Lucas Hedges
Harris Dickinson
Jeremy Allen White
Dane De Haan
Nick Robinson
Leo Woodall
Owen Teague
KATY, 22 - 27
Katy is burdened by having to raise her younger brother, Mickey, after the death of their mom and abandonment by their dad. After a string of bad relationships, she allows herself to hope that Brandon might give her and Mickey a happier life.
Casting Wish List
Zendaya
Maya Hawke
Elle Fanning
Millie Bobby Brown
Sadie Sink
Emilia Jones
Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson
MICKEY, 12
A shy boy who’s also gay, Mickey is badly bullied at school. When Brandon intervenes and drives the bully away, Mickey makes his very first friend, and Brandon tries to guide Mickey away from violence.
Joe CAPIELLO, 50s
A police officer and father of Anthony, the boy Brandon killed. Joe was a violent husband and dad. He pursues revenge against Brandon, but ultimately must face his own responsibility for Anthony’s terrible fate.
Casting Wish List
Justin Theroux
Walton Goggins
David Harbour
THE STORY
Impact & Purpose
Mrs. Mathews, 50s
Brandon’s mom, she is heartbroken and guilt-ridden at what her son has done, and struggles every day to help him move forward toward a happier life.
Casting Wish List
Laura Linney
Rene Zellweger
Carrie Coon
Julie Anne Moore
Melanie Lynskey
MR. MATHEWS, 50s
He has watched his wife worry herself sick over their son for years, and wishes Brandon would just leave them in peace — but he must learn to forgive his son and himself.
Casting Wish List
Mark Ruffalo
Brendan Fraser
Jason Isaacs
Offering Structure
Share price - $20,000 USD
Total Offering - 48% of Outstanding Shares
Production Budget - ~$500,000 (cast-contingent)
Investor Classes
Class A (Development) Investors
Total: $100,000 (1-2 investors)
• 50% ROI
• First to recoup principal + ROI
• Funds development, casting, location scouting
Class B Preferred Investors
Minimum: $100,000
• 20% ROI
• Second to recoup principal + ROI
• Takes precedence over Class B Investors
Class B Investors
Minimum: $20,000
• 20% ROI
• Third to recoup principal + ROI
• Flexible investment amounts
Important Note on Creative Control
Creative control and all final creative decisions remain exclusively with the Writer/Director, Roger Stigliano. Class A shareholders receive priority financial returns but do not have creative control over the film's artistic direction, casting, editing, or other creative elements.
Use of Proceeds
Union Compliance
Securing mandatory union actor wages in escrow
Pre-Production & Logistics
Location scouting, permits, set design in Austin, MN
Principal Photography
October 2026 shoot, crew, equipment, housing
Post-Production & Distribution
Editing, VFX, sound, festival submissions, marketing
Production Crew
Maxwell Behnke - Director of Photography
Acclaimed cinematographer with Minnesota roots bringing professional expertise to the production. His visual storytelling will capture the authentic essence of Snapping Dogs.
Emmy Award-Winning Casting Director
Leading the casting process with a Letter of Intent secured with a well-known actor. Bringing top-tier talent to the production.
Jason Kramer - Music Supervisor
Famed KCRW DJ and music supervisor bringing his distinctive ear and industry connections to craft the film's sonic landscape.
Roxana Reyes - PR & Marketing Director
Directing the film's marketing and public relations strategy to ensure maximum reach and impact at festivals and beyond.
Impact & Purpose
COMPARABLES
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565%
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1179%
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Eighth Grade
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The Florida Project
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Winter’s Bone
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500,000
Aftersun
8,477,235
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Gross
Film
Budget
ROI
4 Oscar nominations, 1 win
8 Oscar nominations, 3 wins
DGA award, Best Director
1 Oscar nomination
RECEPTION
1 Oscar nomination
1 Oscar nomination
4 Oscar nominations