ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
A serious look into the absurd world of Tight & Nerdy—the first and only burlesque troupe devoted to the music of “Weird Al” Yankovic.
SYNOPSIS
TIGHT & NERDY is a feature-length documentary that takes viewers on a journey deep inside the world of the first burlesque troupe devoted to rock music’s multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning misfit, “Weird Al” Yankovic.
The origins of Tight & Nerdy are rooted in the story of its founder Pickles Kintaro. Born in South Korea and adopted into a white, Christian conservative family, Pickles stood out in a world in which she wanted nothing more than to blend. Upon discovering the empowering force that is burlesque, she became the leader of the nerdiest group of “strippers” the world has ever seen—surrounding herself with friends that exude the kind of warmth and unconditional love that she did not experience during her childhood.
TIGHT & NERDY focuses on Pickles and her chosen family—the main members of this unusual troupe: Odessa Lil, the caustically funny daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Mistress Marla Spankx, the shy HR executive with a secret wild side, and Pearl E. Gates, the creatively frustrated day-care provider turned full-time burlesquer. Along the way, the performers reveal what happens when people are given the chance to learn how to love themselves and how Weird Al inspires them just by being himself so loudly and so proudly.
The film documents the troupe’s travels as they get ready to return to the stage where it all began, giving viewers a glimpse into what drives this niche art form. With themes of female empowerment, body positivity and self-acceptance, TIGHT & NERDY is aimed squarely at those who have ever felt powerless, bullied, lonely or simply “not enough.” This film ultimately tells the tale of finding connections in a chaotic world, and learning how to accept that which makes one different, all wrapped up in big personalities, over-the-top costumes, unforgettable performances—and a brand-new interview with “Weird Al” Yankovic.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Jeff Nucera, Jonathan Ruane
PRODUCER Jeff Nucera, Jonathan Ruane
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Eddie Schmidt
WEBSITE TightAndNerdyMovie.com
FACEBOOK Facebook Page
🎬 Support independent film through The Film Collaborative
The Film Collaborative (TFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting independent filmmakers.
Federal Tax ID: 32-0295081
Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
💳 Ways to Give
- Online:
Click the Donate button above. You can:- Use your PayPal account, or
- Check out as a guest with your debit/credit card — no PayPal account required.
- ACH or Wire
Email us for instructions.
- Zelle
Email us for instructions.
- Check
Checks are accepted, but for time and security reasons, electronic donations are preferred when possible.
Check donation instructions are here.
- Stock
Donating appreciated stock can increase your impact by up to 20%.
Learn more about advantages of stock donations here.
Email us for instructions.
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAF):
Instructions for donating from a DAF are here.
📈 Maximize Your Gift
- Many employers offer matching gifts, doubling or even tripling your donation. Some match contributions up to a year after they’re made.
- When donating via PayPal, consider covering the small processing fee to make the most of your gift toward the project.
📄 Tax Receipts
- In compliance with IRS rules, tax receipts are issued for the amount TFC receives after payment processor fees are deducted.
- PDF tax receipts are emailed within 30 days of your online donation.
- The “receipt” immediately sent by PayPal is only a payment confirmation — it is not your tax receipt.
📅 Important Year-End Giving Dates for 2025
- Dec 19: Most large gifts are decided by the Friday before the holidays.
- Dec 31, 4:59 PM PT: Cutoff for wire, ACH, and Zelle gifts to be received in TFC’s account.
- Dec 31: Postmark deadline for check donations.
- Dec 31, 11:59 PM PT: Cutoff for online credit/debit gifts.
Thank you for helping bring powerful independent films to life.
ID: 533