Writer/director, Nikki Taylor Roberts, tells a timely & semi-autobiographical love story about two Baltimore teens from opposite sides of the tracks--during one of the city's most recent periods of racial unrest. This short film is being produced as part of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women.
Writer/director, Nikki Taylor Roberts, tells a timely & semi-autobiographical love story about two Baltimore teens from opposite sides of the tracks--during one of the city's most recent periods of racial unrest. This short film is being produced as part of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women.
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Story
Mission Statement
410 Stamped is about love, race and the absurdity of fear. Our writer/director blends her upbringing as a black woman, with today's Baltimore. She leads a production team that includes members of diverse races, genders, and religions. The diversity of our experiences is what makes this film special.About The Project
WHO AM I?
My name is Nikki Taylor Roberts and I am writer/director born and raised from Baltimore, MD, and 410 Stamped is my story. I grew up in Baltimore in the 80's and 90s in a broken home; Music saved me. Music took me places; it opened doors. I believed it could take me anywhere. And it did. It ignited other passions, the arts then filmmaking. Filmmaking was the synergy of these other forms of expression. Music taught me how to tell stories. And "410 Stamped" is my story.
OKAY, SO WHAT IS THIS FILM?
Set in Baltimore, the story centers on RASHIDA, a black teenager and an aspiring singer who is the lead of her band, and her unlikely friendship with her admirer, JOHN -- a severly socially awkward white teen. These teenagers are on the verge. They are joined by a desire to break free of their fears and limitations of their small town -- a town mired in racial unrest and mandatory curfews. Rashida must overcome her fear of stepping out on her band in order to reach her greatness, and John, must drop his fear of intimacy in order to have a shot at the love he desires. Over the course of one dangerous night in the city streets, their bond morphs into love; a love that empowers them take bold risks.SO, WHY NOW?
It's simple. I have wanted to bring this story to life for a long time and I am beyond excited that I get to tell it now! Love is risk! Right? It's a message to live by. It's the message that drives my film, and it couldn't be more timely. Telling this story also give me the privilege of showcasing Baltimore in its true light. It's not just "the city that bleeds." It's a also a place where love came bloom out of the most tense situations.
MORE ABOUT NIKKI
I got my professional start in film working on commercials. I went on to make a few shorts and participated in the Sony Picture Television Diverse Directing Program and my feature script, A Girl from Haiti, won the Grand Prize in the We Screenplay Diverse Voices Competition, supported by ARRAY NOW!
My award-winning shorts have screened at prestigious film festivals that include Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Sundance and San Diego Film Festival, and Urbanworld. My work has also been featured in FADER Magazine, GQ, and showcases by HBO Latino.
I write and produce film, television, and branded content and I am developing several feature films and episodic shows. '410 Stamped' is one of thoes projects that I hope to expand upon.
And thanks to AFI's Directing Workshop for Women, this film will get the support of a prestigious group of legendary filmmakers who will help mentor me through this journey.
It's a big deal because not only will they help to ensure that I make the best short film possible, they will also help '410 Stamped' get seen by the decisions makers and executives who are looking for diverse writers and directors to tell the next set of iconic movies. This exposure and promotion is invaluable, and that's why I need your support.
WHY WE NEED YOUR DONATION
To make this film, we need your help to bring Charm City to the City Of Angels. Everything we raise will go to pay for our cross-country production that will be shot in Baltimore and Los Angeles. Flights, crew, gear, locations, housing for the 410 Stamped team. All of these things we need to pay for in order to make this awesome film.
We can do it, with your help! Every donation will help and we THANK YOU in advance.
All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law; donors should consult with a tax preparer regarding donation eligibility.
Can't wait to share this project with you and the world. And again we we THANK YOU for your support!
Incentives
$15
Social Media Acknowledgement
Each donor will receive:
- Social Media "Shout-out" on 410 Stamped own accounts
$25
Supporters
Each donor will receive:
- A set of digital production stills.
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$50
Link to the Film
Each donor will receive:
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$75
Special Thanks
Each donor will receive:
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$100
The Soundtrack
Each donor will receive:
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$150
A Taste of Baltimore
Baltimore is known for our seafood: blue crab, crab cakes, crab bakes and boils. This incentive will help you get an authentic taste of Charm City.
Each donor will receive:
- My Famous Baltimore Crab Cake recipe
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$150
Non-speaking / Walk-on role
Not an actor, but always wanted to be? Then consider this opportunity to be in our film! If you live in or can get yourself to LA or Baltimore when we're filming, we'll give you a non-speaking /walk-on role during either our principal shoot in LA, or our creative team shoot in Baltimore. You will an official credit in the film and on IMDb, some dope stills, and an opportunity to hang with us on set.
And you'll still receive:
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$250
Signed Script and Movie Poster (Cast + Director)
Each donor will receive:
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$500
Call with the Writer/Director
Want to sing Nikki's praises? Have questions about the filmmaking process? Started a script but need a few words of encouragement? Then this is the donation level for you. You'll get a chance to get on a Skype call with the writer/director and talk about her vision, the project, and what she wants to do next. She'll also answer your creative questions.
Each donor will receive:
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$1,000
Associate Producers
Each donor will receive:
- Associate Producer IMDb credit & an invitation to visit set
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$2,500
Associate Producer & Swag Bag
Each donor will receive:
- Associate Producer credit on IMDb credit & an invitation to visit set
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$5,000
Executive Producer credit & "Thank you" Dinner and Private Screening
Each donor will receive:
Official Executive Producer credit on the film and IMDb.
- Tour of Set
- Swag Bag
- Sype Call with Director and Producers
- A "Thank you" dinner and private screening of the film.
- An Invitation to the AFI showcasing Event
Claimed: 1 of 4
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
Social Media Acknowledgement
Each donor will receive:
- Social Media "Shout-out" on 410 Stamped own accounts
$25
Supporters
Each donor will receive:
- A set of digital production stills.
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$50
Link to the Film
Each donor will receive:
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$75
Special Thanks
Each donor will receive:
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$100
The Soundtrack
Each donor will receive:
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$150
A Taste of Baltimore
Baltimore is known for our seafood: blue crab, crab cakes, crab bakes and boils. This incentive will help you get an authentic taste of Charm City.
Each donor will receive:
- My Famous Baltimore Crab Cake recipe
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$150
Non-speaking / Walk-on role
Not an actor, but always wanted to be? Then consider this opportunity to be in our film! If you live in or can get yourself to LA or Baltimore when we're filming, we'll give you a non-speaking /walk-on role during either our principal shoot in LA, or our creative team shoot in Baltimore. You will an official credit in the film and on IMDb, some dope stills, and an opportunity to hang with us on set.
And you'll still receive:
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$250
Signed Script and Movie Poster (Cast + Director)
Each donor will receive:
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$500
Call with the Writer/Director
Want to sing Nikki's praises? Have questions about the filmmaking process? Started a script but need a few words of encouragement? Then this is the donation level for you. You'll get a chance to get on a Skype call with the writer/director and talk about her vision, the project, and what she wants to do next. She'll also answer your creative questions.
Each donor will receive:
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$1,000
Associate Producers
Each donor will receive:
- Associate Producer IMDb credit & an invitation to visit set
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$2,500
Associate Producer & Swag Bag
Each donor will receive:
- Associate Producer credit on IMDb credit & an invitation to visit set
- Signed Movie Poster & Script signed by the cast and director
- Playlist of the songs from the film
- A “Special Thanks” during the film credits
- Private link to the film (available January of 2020)
- A set of digital production stills
- Social Media "Shout-out"
$5,000
Executive Producer credit & "Thank you" Dinner and Private Screening
Each donor will receive:
Official Executive Producer credit on the film and IMDb.
- Tour of Set
- Swag Bag
- Sype Call with Director and Producers
- A "Thank you" dinner and private screening of the film.
- An Invitation to the AFI showcasing Event
Claimed: 1 of 4
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Gregory Johnson
Producer
Gregory Johnson has dedicated his career to helping others solve their problems. He's an advocate in every sense of the word. After his matriculation from UCLA, he aided thousands of students from the overlooked and underrepresented communities in the
greater Los Angeles area in gaining entry into the nation's best universities. He honed his
advocacy skills and developed his legal know-how at Howard University School of Law
before providing leadership training to a generation of change agents throughout Southern
California. Additionally, he forged meaningful partnerships with business leaders around
Los Angeles to help fight poverty and close the educational opportunity gap. 5 STREAMS is
the culmination of all of his previous work and life experience.
Sophia Delgado WatsonProducer & Project Manager
With over 15 years in the media industry, Sophia Delgado-Watson’s creative drive is the force behind producing innovative content from concept through delivery. Her ability to manage all facets including operational logistics, financial management, legal affairs, and network relations has resulted in cost effective productions throughout the years. Always
liking a challenge, Sophia has been apart of several network start-ups and launches,
including the 2013 launch of “Al Jazeera America”. Some of her most notable clients are
CNN, NBC, FOX, AMC Network, BBCA, IFC, Sundance TV and BET Network. As a member of
New York Women in Film and Television and Hudson Union Society, she takes any
opportunity to network and meet up- and-coming screenwriters and filmmakers. A New
York City native, Sophia currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband and 4 year old
daughter.Afrah Ali
Producer
Afrah Ali is a fundraising professional, performing artist and activist with over a decade of nonprofit organizational experience. Afrah has held fundraising officer and associate positions with National Public Radio, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and the national office of racial justice nonprofit, Advancement Project. She enjoys combining her passion for the performing arts with her work in theworld of philanthropy and has lent her funding, public speaking and singing skills to local, regional and national causes fighting for housing, environmental and employment justice.
Having started her early professional career in music and media production, Afrah has frequently been tapped to manage special arts and film-related projects with high-profile collaborators and contributors. Her recent funding projects include a docuseries on policing directed by actor/activist, Jesse Williams for the national office of Advancement Project; and a benefit concert co-organized with and headlined by rapper/activist, Talib Kweli (featuring performances by Afrah) to support ROC United, ONE DC and Energy Justice Network. Afrah is a Howard University alumna, native of Brooklyn, NY and long-time resident of Washington, DC.
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