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Carisa Stark-Click Bait Brat

Updated: 51 minutes ago

In modern pop culture, being a brat refers to someone who is confidently rebellious, unapologetically bold, and playfully defiant. This new definition celebrates individuality and a carefree attitude, often with a hint of sass and a love for fun.


Well, we at 573 have been busy again showcasing all the incredible talent up in these hills.  Recently, we got the opportunity to create some video content and a marketing program for Mary Jane Burgers and Brew in Perryville.  Working with our good friend and serial entrepreneur, Carisa Stark, is always a wild ride—this is gonna be good!

So buckle up because content creation for Mary Jane Burgers and Brew was like wrangling a greased pig at a craft beer festival. We're not talking about slapping some meat on a bun and hittin' it with a celly—that's not how 573 rolls. Here's the way it all went down...


Blonde woman, Carissa Stark, with tattoos sits on a director's chair, arms out, smiling. Studio lights illuminate the rustic room with signs and cables. Mary Jane Burgers & Brew.


Carissa Stark with tattooed arms gestures energetically, sitting in a dimly lit room with a stage in the background at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew.

In the film, Carisa stars as the evil, big-time movie producer, Carisa Lee Stark on set at the Warehouse.

First, concept and writing: Craft a script that's snappier than a fresh pickle, dripping burger puns with cheeky brew vibes—think "Young Mary Jane, Carisa's Grandmother invents the first burger" Next, storyboarding: Sketch scenes like a caffeinated cartoonist, mapping out a shot list and any special movements. Think: a shot list with more flair than a flambé, plotting burger flips, and a slow-mo ketchup squirt.  Casting? Find local actors who can channel burger charisma—maybe a local dancer with Oscar dreams who moonwalks with a tray. And an old guy with a twinkle in his eye to play the grumpy old man Jenkins, food aficionado. 


Two smiling women, Carisa Stark and Mabel Hasty, sit together in a photo editing software on a computer screen. One has long hair and headphones. Cozy indoor setting.
Mabel Hasty plays the evil Producer's assistant, and a server at Mary Jane Burgers and Brew.

Location scouting led us to a retro kitchen so perfect it screamed 1940s grease and glory.  Props and wardrobe? Think poodle skirts, slick fedoras, and secret props so wild that spilling them would ruin the premiere like a soggy bun.  The Shooting was chaos—cameras rolled, burgers sizzled, lines flopped, and batteries died like our intern's dreams of becoming a famous director.  Editing was a post-production salad toss, blending trippy transitions and a groovy surf-rock soundtrack.. Release plans? We'll unleash it on social media with a hashtag blizzard: #TheRealMaryJane, #MaryJanesKillsBird, #GrumpyMrJenkinsChugs.


Mabel Hasty holds a film clapperboard labeled "Ballad of Mary Jane" beside Carisa Stark in an indoor set at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew. She's smiling, wearing headphones.

Dual monitors on a desk; left screen shows a movie scene with a surprised grumpy Mr. Jenkins played by Mickey Hertwick, holding an object, right screen displays editing software.
Ear Horn wielding grumpy Mr. Jenkins played by Mickey Hertwick—his first acting gig.
A Young Mary Jane played by actor Skyler Gollaher in a hat shapes ground beef on a monitor screen next to a second monitor displaying video editing software. Dimly lit room with blinds.
Young Mary Jane played by actor Skyler Gollaher.
A Young Mary Jane played by actor Skyler Gollaher with a scarf around her head has a look of surprise on a monitor screen next to a second monitor displaying video editing software. Dimly lit room with blinds.

For the faux red carpet finale, we're going full Hollywood at the brewpub—velvet ropes, a "paparazzi" intern wielding a selfie stick, and a burger-shaped piñata stuffed with hot sauce packets.  We'll invite influencers, some local media, and many bigwigs for the big event and screen the film like it's Cannes, not a joint where fries are the VIPs. This wild ride was worth every spilled beer, and we're inviting you to share in the fun!  



A young Mary Jane played by Skylar Gollaher stands in front of a rustic cabin in a forest. Orange text reads "The Ballad of Mary Jane," with the subtitle "The Mother of Invention."

Written and Directed by Supreme Leader T. Smugala

As a loyal 573Lander, you have an opportunity to attend the premiere of the short film The Ballad of Mary Jane. You have the golden ticket; don't mess it up. 

CLICK HERE to get your free tickets and share our press release near and far.


Two monitors display a "Mary Jane Burgers & Brew" cap and a video editing timeline. A pint glass is visible. The setup is cozy and tech-focused.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Perryville, MO – May 1, 2025 – Hold on to your buns, folks! Mary Jane Burgers & Brew proudly announces the world premiere of The Ballad of Mary Jane: Inventor of the First Burger – An Almost True Story, a short film so juicy it might just sizzle off the screen. Join us for a faux red carpet extravaganza on June 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Warehouse in Perryville, Missouri, where the only thing hotter than the burgers is the Hollywood-style glitz we're faking for one night only!


This 8-minute cinematic masterpiece (give or take a few ketchup stains) chronicles the totally-not-made-up, almost accurate tale of Mary Jane, a plucky Perryville gal who, legend has it, slapped the first burger between two buns in 1942 after a cow and a loaf of bread got into a bar fight. Expect wild reenactments, questionable historical accuracy, and a cameo by Mary Jane herself. Directed by local visionary Supreme Leader Smugala, the film stars Skyler "No Fries" Gollaher as Young Mary Jane, with an original soundtrack and bloopers and deleted scenes, maybe.


Roll up to our faux red carpet, where flip-flops count as formalwear, and our "paparazzi" (Denny's cousins with iPhones) will make you feel like a star—music by international superstars Moonshine Express. Sip Mary Jane's signature "Burger Bonanza" brew, devour sliders inspired by the film, and pose with Mary Jane and her descendants. The standing room is unlimited (not really), so RSVP by June 27 or risk watching the YouTube bootleg later. Get tickets HERE.


Mary Jane Burgers & Brew: Where the burgers are honest, but the history's a little grilled up.


Carisa Stark and Mabel Hasty on a film set; one holds a clapperboard reading "Ballad of Marijane." They're in a dimly lit studio with film equipment around.

The Warehouse which is a Rustic barn interior with string lights, stage lit by blue lights, vintage signs on walls, and long tables. Cozy, festive atmosphere.
The Warehouse is available for rent, when you need a cool open space, and has weekend music venues.
The Warehouse stage with colorful lights and a tapestry featuring a moon and butterfly design. Posters and equipment in a dimly lit, rustic setting.

Film set with Carisa Stark being interviewed in a chair, large bright light, and camera setup. Industrial setting with posters and equipment. Thomas Smugala is behind the camera.

Framed portrait of a smiling young Mary Jane in a blue dress holding flowers, set against a bright pink curtain. Adjacent is a vintage car photo. Framed photographs hanging on the wall at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew.
The Real Young Mary Jane.
Five generations of women and a baby pose outside Mary Jane Burgers & Brew restaurant. The scene features three generations, with text labels identifying each. Carisa Stark, Devin Coppaway, Mary Jane,
All the Mary Janes.

Get Out There! Create something. Start that new business. Volunteer for something.  Do something.  Do anything. Take that class. Get that new job. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you. 


Pics & words - T. Smugala


Special thanks to Denny Ward for the loan of his pad and to Amanda Koehler for production assisting in Marquand.




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