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

Logline

When rent gets raised, Mike and his post-grad buddies make the most of their last year living together, before losing their dreams in the digital age. As reality closes in, the comfort of their aimless routines starts to unravel, forcing Mike to decide whether to finally move forward or keep coasting in the city that never quite felt like home

Synopsis

After a post-grad breakup, aspiring music journalist Mike Wilson faces a quarter-life crisis, and blames it on Los Angeles. Thanks to his slacker buddies, and their haven, The Palace, they’ve coasted by just alright. When rent gets raised, best friend Barry’s impending return to New York sets off a ticking clock for their last year living together. At a Halloween party, Mike meets Portia, a quirky firecracker and visiting New Yorker, dead-set on moving to LA. They walk and talk all night, leading to a kiss before her departure.

Barry invites Mike to spend New Year’s in New York, setting a full-on boys trip in motion. There, Mike questions his future, only complicated by a magical weekend with Portia. They trade laughs and even fall for each other, but leave a lot unsaid. Back in LA, the guys mourn “the old Barry,” feeling dismissed as he falls for Lily, his college crush.

Portia returns to LA and offers an escape, encouraging Mike to contact Faye, an established writer he admires. Things hit a fever pitch with Barry at their last house party, where Mike lashes out and makes a fool of himself. In the fallout, he seeks advice from Faye, who tells him how it is, motivating him to finally write.

Through Portia’s eyes, we see the grass is not always greener in New York, on the worst day imaginable. She acknowledges her true feelings for Mike and ultimately decides to move. Months later, Mike celebrates his first published piece on July 4th with the guys. As the fireworks dwindle, Portia calls with news of her move to LA, while Mike announces his move to New York. Anticipating a month of overlap in LA, they leave the door open to continue the relationship, both having grown up a little.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Ben Oliphint — Director/Co-Writer
Ben Oliphint is a New York-based filmmaker and writer whose work blurs the line between melancholy and mischief. A Chapman University alum and Texas native, Ben co-created the indie feature A Most Atrocious Thing, which was made on a shoestring budget and still landed distribution through Giant Pictures. His directing style blends lyrical emotion with grounded realism, often exploring the absurdities of modern young adulthood. With I Hate It Here, Ben turns the camera on his own post-grad limbo, crafting his most personal story yet. He’s a believer in making movies with your friends, using what you’ve got, and leaning into the uncomfortable stuff.

Matthew Wassong — Producer/Actor
Matt Wassong is the founder of BoxFort and a bi-coastal producer with a history of turning chaos into cinema. Originally from New York, he got his start as an assistant at CAA before joining the production team behind MrBeast’s viral YouTube empire. He produced A Most Atrocious Thing, hustling it from a scrappy DIY project to a fully distributed feature. Now based in LA, Matt brings a sharp mix of industry savvy and creative energy to I Hate It Here, leading a team of emerging talent with ambition, heart, and lots of spreadsheets.

Grant Oliphint — Co-Writer/Actor
Grant Oliphint is a Dallas-born screenwriter and performer known for turning existential dread into razor-sharp comedy. A cousin and frequent collaborator of Ben Oliphint, Grant co-wrote I Hate It Here, infusing it with the voice of a generation unsure of what it’s doing. His background in advertising and comedy gives him a unique edge, blending structure with chaos in equal measure. Grant’s strength lies in dialogue that cuts close to home and characters that feel lifted from your group chat. This marks his feature writing debut—and his best excuse yet for being overly online.

Isabella Marano — Co-Writer/Actor
Isabella Marano is a New York native turned LA creative force, known for her bold on-screen presence and even bolder writing. She co-wrote I Hate It Here and stars as Portia, the impulsive, emotionally honest New Yorker who throws the protagonist’s world off balance. Isabella has appeared on Netflix’s John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A. and is one half of the hit Snapchat series Swipe Talk. Equal parts chaos and charisma, she brings raw energy and bite to every scene—and every script.

Jennifer Beliard — Producer
Jennifer Beliard is a New York– and Los Angeles–based producer with a background in narrative film, documentary, music videos, and commercials. She brings sharp logistical instincts and a steady creative hand to every project, having worked with brands like Hyundai, UGG, and Target, as well as on award-winning indie features and shorts. Jennifer produced the upcoming feature They Rescue Horses, Don’t They? and has been a vital force behind the scenes on a wide range of projects, from intimate vérité docs to stylized narrative work. On I Hate It Here, she anchors the production with clarity, compassion, and the kind of quiet leadership that makes everything run smoother.

Max Shepardson — Associate Producer
Max Shepardson is a Los Angeles–based creative and longtime BoxFort collaborator who blends production savvy with musical instinct. As Associate Producer on I Hate It Here, he supports the film across logistics, post, and sound—while also composing its original score. Max previously scored A Most Atrocious Thing and has worked across short films, music videos, branded content, and podcasts. His atmospheric style brings emotional depth and texture to every project, and his calm, deliberate presence on set makes him a quiet force behind the scenes. Whether editing, mixing, or writing music, Max helps shape the pulse of the film—both on screen and off.

Make a donation to I Hate It Here.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.