A Community-Built Indie Series About Keeping It Together When Your World Is Falling Apart
Short Rides. Hard Truths. Real People.
In Collaboration
ABOUT
A ride-share driver becomes an accidental witness to the private lives of strangers navigating love, identity, and belonging.
SYNOPSIS:
#FareLife gives us a peek inside the lives of Connecticut strangers from all walks of life as they ride from place to place with everyone’s favorite FareRide driver, affectionately called “buddy”. From drag queens to estranged parents to drunk strangers, follow “buddy’s” adventures as he navigates the streets and the pitfalls of living, in this zany, touching and often times irreverent ride of a lifetime.
What Is #FareLife
Viewed through the lens of a middle-aged gay filmmaker moonlighting as a ride share driver learning to navigate his own life while he navigates the streets of Connecticut, #FareLife boldly explores not only what it means to be out, but it what it means to truly learn how to be out, and proud.
Why This Matters Now
In times of social and political unrest, creativity is a radical act. Filmmaking is collaboration at a time when division dominates. Supporting artists and training young storytellers strengthens the social fabric.
This show exists to strengthen Connecticut’s creative ecosystem and elevate marginalized voices while telling meaningful stories.
We plan to become CT’s first viral narrative IP. You gettin’ in?
A Note From the Writer...
I grew up in Connecticut in a time when being openly LGBTQ+ still meant living in secrecy. Storytelling became my escape and eventually my calling.
#FareLife was born from the idea that the most powerful stories often happen in ordinary places between strangers. Through Story Labs, we’re also using the show to train the next generation of filmmakers right here in Connecticut.
Our goal is simple: create meaningful stories while strengthening the creative community that makes them possible.
Get #Fare Warning
& Ride along with us
Get #Fare Warning
Ride along with us
Early access to episodes, premieres, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, and Story Labs workshops.
Story Labs
The #FareLife Production Model
Story Labs is the production model behind #FareLife. Each season doubles as a training ground for emerging filmmakers, creating real career pathways while producing meaningful stories.
1. Local Paid Crew: We prioritize hiring Connecticut-based artists and technicians.
2. Youth Workforce Pipeline: Through CT Story Labs, high school students observe live production and learn from working professionals.
3. Higher Education Mentorship: Undergrads and Graduate students step into paid crew roles alongside industry professionals.
4. Community Partnership: We collaborate with local businesses, universities, and arts organizations to keep creative capital in Connecticut.
What's Coming Next
Join us live for our next event, workshop or screening
Awards & Press
February
Season 1 Principle Photography (Pre-Pandemic)
#FareLife season 1 completed principle photography on episodes 2, 3 and 4 before the covid-era lockdowns began
Season 1 Principle Photography (Post-Pandemic)
After a three year delay #FareLife wrapped production on all five season 1 episodes.
Sacred Heart University Partners With Us
We are grateful and thrilled to announce SHU’s Film & TV Master’s program joins us as our official Academic Partner and largest in-kind donor.
UFVA Official Screening
#FareLife Season 1 was accepted as a rough cut to screen at the University Film & Video Association 2024 Annual Conference in Cleveland OH.
SHU Community Theatre Sneak Preview
A sneak peak at Season 1 of #FareLife screened at the Sacred Heart University Community Theater Orientation Event for incoming graduate student filmmakers.
Season1 Official Trailer Debut Online
Check out the first official trailer for Season 1 of #FareLife, the web series that reminds you that you always have a “buddy.”
Hollywood Diversity Film Fest Official Selection
We are proud to announce that the pilot episode of #FareLife has been selected to screen at the Hollywood Diversity Film Festival on March 8th.
Toronto & LA LGBTQ+ Film Fest Official Selection
The Complete First Season of #FareLife has been selected to screen at the Toronto & LA LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Our hearts are full.
#FareLife is on the WildSound Podcast
Brian, Tyler and Allie talk about the show, the unique Story Labs production model and why they won’t let this go despite pandemic sized hurdles.
#FareLife won Best TV Web Series in Los Angeles & Toronto
Not only was #Farelife selected to screen, but it swept the category and won Best TV Web Series in 2026 at the Toronto & Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival. We treasure this moment!
Premiere of #FareLife Origin Stories and Season 1 Soft Launch
Making this show has been an epic journey of self-discovery, creative awakening, and mission-driven storytelling. Follow on to learn how it started and where we’re headed. Season 1 available on our site.
Leadership Team
Meet Brian
Brian Hogan is the co-creator, writer, director, producer, and lead actor of #FareLife. He is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and clinical therapist with an MFA in storytelling from Sacred Heart University, where he also teaches. Brian has produced over 100 short films since 2017 and is a multiple award-winning screenwriter and director.
Meet Tyler
Tyler Stirling is the co-creator, director, producer, and editor of #FareLife. He holds an MFA in Film Production from Sacred Heart University, where he is also a guest lecturer. Tyler is a multiple award-winning short film director and freelance video editor whose work includes documentaries, commercials, social media, and narrative shorts.
Meet Tyler
Tyler Stirling is the co-creator, director, producer, and editor of #FareLife. He holds an MFA in Film Production from Sacred Heart University, where he is also a guest lecturer. Tyler is a multiple award-winning short film director and freelance video editor whose work includes documentaries, commercials, social media, and narrative shorts.
MEET ALLIE
Allie O’Brien is the Executive Producer of #FareLife. She earned her MFA in Film Production from Sacred Heart University, where she also teaches graduate and undergraduate production courses. Allie has produced over 75 short films and brings a strong focus on bold storytelling and underrepresented voices.
Our Advisory Board
A small and growing group of leaders helping guide the long-term growth of #FareLife and the Story Labs Production Model that powers it.
Todd Barnes JD
Todd Bio:
Reaney Critchell M.Ed., LPCA
Reaney Bio:
TBA
To Be Announced.
Our Growing Family
Creative projects thrive through collaboration. We are grateful to the institutions and local businesses helping bring #FareLife to life.
We are so grateful to welcome Sacred Heart University and their Film & TV Master’s Program onboard as our Official Academic Partner and major ongoing in-kind donor. Thanks for being our Pioneer!
Our Corporate & Institutional Partners
Our Local Sponsors
- Paradise Pizza
- Gaetano’s Deli
- Stratford Skillet
- Dao Fusion
- Main Hing Chinese
- Emerald City LLC
- Kicker Pictures
- Town of Stratford
- Town of Fairfield
- City of New Haven
Join Our Growing Network
Support Youth Training, Workforce Development & Under-represented Voices
#FareLife is more than an indie web series. It’s a storytelling initiative designed to elevate under-represented voices while building a sustainable creative ecosystem in Connecticut.
Through our Story Labs production model, each season of the show trains emerging filmmakers, creates paid opportunities for local artists, and partners with educational institutions to develop the next generation of storytellers.
By becoming a partner, you help make meaningful stories possible while investing directly in youth training, workforce development, and the future of Connecticut’s creative community.
Viewed through the lens of a middle-aged gay filmmaker moonlighting as a ride share driver learning to navigate his own life while he navigates the streets of Connecticut, #FareLife boldly explores not only what it means to be out, but it what it means to truly learn how to be out, and proud.
STILL UNSURE?
Take a deeper look at what we’re building. Our Partnership Overview includes our 501c3 documentation, full season access, and a closer look at the team, the model, and the mission behind #FareLife.
Episodes
#FareLife will release publicly on YouTube in Summer 2027. Enjoy and exclusive first look.
Season 1 - Buddy’s First Day
1. #NoFare
Buddy signs up for the FareRide app while his sister signs him up for dating app.
2. #DragQueens
Buddy meets a sassy, homophobic drag queen revealing his own internalized homophobia.
3. #SafetyFirst
Buddy suffers two drunk strangers who do drugs and make out in the back seat.
4. #JerseyGirl
Buddy drives a girl estranged from her parents all the way back home to New Jersey.
5. #WhereTo?
Buddy picks up a familiar face and embarks on a brand new, wildly unexpected journey.
5. #WhereTo?
Buddy picks up a familiar face and embarks on a brand new, wildly unexpected journey.
4. #JerseyGirl
Buddy drives a girl estranged from her parents all the way back home to New Jersey.
3. #SafetyFirst
Buddy suffers two drunk strangers who do drugs and make out in the back seat.
2. #DragQueens
Buddy meets a sassy, homophobic drag queen revealing his own internalized homophobia.
1. #NoFare
Buddy signs up for the FareRide app while his sister signs him up for dating app.
Get #Fare Warning
& Ride along with us
Get #Fare Warning
Ride along with us
Early access to episodes, premieres, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, and Story Labs workshops.
CREDITS
Created by
- Brian Hogan
- & Tyler Stirling
written By
- Brian Hogan
DIRECTED BY
- Brian Hogan
- & Tyler Stirling
STARRING
- Brian Hogan
- & Hannah Rechtschaffen
PRODUCED BY
- Brian Hogan
- Tyler Stirling
- Allie O'Brien
Theme Music By
- YouthXL
- Song: "Yoga"
Season 1
GUEST STARS
- Drag Queen: Johnny Gottsegen
- Drunk Couple: Frank Provenzano & Janet Aldrich
- Jersey Girl: Brittnay Hottman
- Voice of Mom: Catherine Hogan
CREW
1st Assistant Directors: Allie O’Brien, Jules Tizian
Director of Photography: Mike Galeotti
1st Assistant Camera: Eric Rowlands, Caleb Berger, Mike Griggs
Lighting Designers: Matt Valade, Nyle Prince Higgs
Special Effects Supervisor: Connor Rog
Process Trailer/SFX Team:
Alec Gutierrez, Kiera Cecchini
Anthony Granchelli, Nyle Prince Higgs
Amanda Cabral, Ryan Pelligrinelli
James Flynn, Trent Miller
Sound Engineer: Jaff Lamson
Technical Advisor: Ty Collige
Hair & Make Up: Kim Ferrera, Wyseleen Valcourt
Property Manager: Melissa Ruzicki
Sound Designer: Rex Recker
Production Assistants:
Nina Miglio, Lauren Lowther
Emily Quercia, George Rodriguez
Danielle Calabrese, JJ De Graffenried
Get #Fare Warning
& Ride along with us
Get #Fare Warning
Ride along with us
Early access to episodes, premieres, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, and Story Labs workshops.
get Fare warning
Cruise along on this journey with everyone’s favorite “buddy” and stay in-the-know on screenings, episode drops, premieres and other exciting updates.
