Behind the Scenes

Phase 2: Building the Cult’s World

As Phase 2 began, Dollars & Donuts transitioned from Disneyland to an expansive and meticulously designed world of Disney-inspired nostalgia and dark satire. The team rented a warehouse in Oakland, California, to serve as the cult’s lair, transforming the empty space into an over-the-top shrine to obsessive Disney fandom. The set design emphasized nostalgia and personal connections, blending the Disneyana aesthetic with Daryl’s family history.

The space was filled with references ranging from a porcelain Goofy figurine Daryl’s aunt Vicky had gifted him in his childhood to a replica of Disneyland’s original “D” sign — a nod to Daryl and Ray’s encounter with John Stamos’s house during a Los Angeles road trip. Other key items included a Big Al doll from The Country Bears Jamboree complete with Tex Ritter’s album with the song “Blood on the Saddle,” mouse ears signed by Annette Funicello, a vintage Ludwig Von Drake doll, and a 3D-printed Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, courtesy of Brian Grima.

The central macguffin was Walt Disney’s fictional Smoke Tree Ranch tie pin, reimagined as a tie pin Whitney’s mother had received from Walt himself.

Casting the Cult

The Dollars & Donuts ensemble expanded significantly to populate the cult’s lair. Ray Revello stepped into the role of the Maestro, a flamboyant and deranged cult leader. Michael Martin eagerly returned to acting as Maddox, one of the Maestro’s devoted henchmen, while his brother Mitch Martin joined the cast as Braddox, creating a twin dynamic that allowed for matching outfits inspired by Dick Van Dyke’s costumes in Mary Poppins. Lorenzo Ocon played Mopey, a warped version of Dopey from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, while Gino Vigil embodied Gooby, a sinister ringmaster dressed in a grotesque Goofy muzzle found on Etsy. Recording artist Maisy Kay, a Disney fan and Kickstarter donor, played Alish, a reimagining of Alice in Wonderland.

The cult’s world was further fleshed out by an eclectic mix of longtime collaborators and friends, all of whom added their own quirks to the twisted collective.

From Songs to Cinematic Ambition

Before shooting began, Daryl decided that the film needed musical numbers to pay homage to Disney’s rich musical history. Songwriter Robert Ruby was brought on to craft two pivotal songs. The Maestro’s grand entrance became a villainous talk-singing number reminiscent of 1990s Disney animated features, while Whitney’s character arc culminated in an indie power ballad. These musical additions elevated the film’s emotional depth and narrative complexity, blending satire with heartfelt moments.

To record the songs, Daryl and Michael drove to Los Angeles, where Tara Erickson, Sasha Boggs, and Gino Vigil laid down their vocal tracks. The Maestro’s song, in particular, became a centerpiece of the production, showcasing Ray’s theatrical flair as the cult leader.

The integration of Disney songs into the narrative of Am I See You? elevated the film’s emotional resonance and playful tone, weaving music deeply into the plot. One of the most hilarious moments came from Sherman and Alana's connection as they quote-sang A Whole New World from Aladdin. This scene inspired their escape later in the film in a clever nod to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? In a climactic scene, Whitney uses Disney songs to outwit the Maestro. She and Alana sing a medley of Disney tunes, baiting Sherman into joining them with an enthusiastic rendition of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. The Maestro, always desperate for the spotlight, can’t tolerate being upstaged, and the sequence becomes a violent turning point in the cult's unraveling.

The musical contributions didn’t stop there. Maisy Kay, an accomplished pop star, was cast as Alish and participated in the Maestro’s song. To the team’s surprise and delight, Maisy offered to compose and perform an additional piece for the film. Daryl eagerly took her up on the offer, suggesting a nostalgic tone inspired by Candle on the Water from Pete’s Dragon and Someone’s Waiting for You from The Rescuers, two lullabies his mother used to sing to him as a baby. Maisy created Bittersweet, a stunning ballad that became the perfect opening for the film. Her hauntingly beautiful voice carried over the credits, accompanied by actual Super 8mm footage that Daryl’s grandfather shot in the early 1960s.

The footage was nothing short of serendipitous—it featured Daryl’s father as a boy running around Disneyland, coincidentally near the very same Cigar Store Indian central to Whitney's story. This unexpected intersection of personal history and art added an incredible layer of authenticity and emotion to the film. It was as if the universe itself conspired to tie the threads of Am I See You? together, further cementing its nostalgic heart and thematic depth.

Improvisation and Adaptation

True to Dollars & Donuts’ ethos of constant improvisation, Daryl continued to tweak the script as opportunities arose. Alana’s character arc expanded to include Daryl’s father’s childhood Disneyland pocketknife, which became a key tool for Whitney and Alana’s escape. The collectible shop scene, originally planned for a location near Disneyland, was instead shot at Coastside Comics in Pacifica, a beloved local store. The scene was brought to life with intricate details, including a replica of Uncle Scrooge’s Number One Dime, painstakingly crafted by Daryl and Kirsten. Price tags handwritten by Daryl’s grandmother added an authentic, heartfelt touch.

The cult’s kidnapping scene provided an opportunity for a dramatic visual shift. Filmed on the RED Monstro, the scene begins with Whitney and Alana having sacks thrown over their heads. When the sacks are removed, the aspect ratio expands from 2.35:1 to 16:9, taking full advantage of the Monstro’s VistaVision full-frame sensor. This transition creates a stunning and immersive effect, symbolizing the characters’ descent into the Maestro’s surreal world.