In 1960s Georgia, two sisters Ella and Tara grew up surrounded by prejudice due to their "blackness". But Ella was born with fair skin. And when schools integrate in their small town, she sees a chance to change her destiny. Ella decides to become white. Click the STORY tab to read more.
In 1960s Georgia, two sisters Ella and Tara grew up surrounded by prejudice due to their "blackness". But Ella was born with fair skin. And when schools integrate in their small town, she sees a chance to change her destiny. Ella decides to become white. Click the STORY tab to read more.
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Story
About The Project
FROM THE DIRECTOR MICHAEL COOKE
My parents and grandparents grew up during the civil rights movement. They never let me live a day without understanding how blessed I was to live NOW. The struggles of my forefathers got me to where I am today, and our current struggle pales in comparison to what Ella and Tara had to go through. I chose to examine a universal element that drives everyone, regardless of race or creed, and that is the need to belong. This is further complicated when the need to belong is ultimately rooted from within. Ella’s need to find herself comes at a time when things were not equal and the advantages of being one race over another were clearly evident. What if you had to give up a part of yourself to belong, reject who you are? Could you do it?
FROM THE PRODUCER KIMBERLY Y JAMES
When Michael and I were writing this story, I understood completely the heartbreaking choice that this young girl made in the face of intense turmoil. I’m a mixed Asian woman who grew up in middle America at a time when there weren’t a lot like me. And even in Korea, my mother’s country, I didn't feel I belonged. The in crowd wasn't an option. I was sometimes white, sometimes Asian. Always different from them.
As an adult, I’ve come to realize that what I felt as an outsider on the fringe of society was the way everyone feels on some level. Everyone has suffered prejudice. Everyone has struggled with identity and wanted to be accepted. The choice young Ella makes in the film may not be the same decision we all would, but for a young girl at that time, passing for white meant the difference between going to prom or going to the back of the bus.
What choice would you make?
We wrote this film to pay respect to the folks who stood together, changed the laws and redefined our lives. It wasn't an easy choice to make, but we are grateful they made them.
ABOUT YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
We have partnered with From The Heart Productions, a 501c3 non-profit organization, so all your donations are tax deductible! Michael and I have invested our own money but without your help, we can't make this film happen, so thank you thank you thank you for caring to read and caring to give. All your gifts will be used to rent equipment and vehicles, buy food and water, insure everyone's safety, and to thank our phenomenal crew with a token gift for spending a week away from home with us.
THANK YOU!
Incentives
$25
Thank you for your support! You'll get a social media shout out on Twitter or Facebook
$50
A thank you selfie from one of our glorious cast and crew memebers on set. A social media shoutout and a thank you in the credits.
$100
You get a link to stream the final film! Early access to behind the scenes photos. A special thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out.
$125
$25 BUMP
For just $25 more you'll get everything listed in the $100 category plus Michael, The Director will record a custom voicemail for your phone. Just tell him what you want him to say!
$250
A signed photo of the entire cast and crew. A special Q & A with the Director and Producer via Google Hangout. Plus everything listed in the $100 dollar reward category.
$300
Our Casting Director, Isabella Way, will give you a 30 minute acting or audition coaching via Skype.
*limited to $300 price point only.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Become an Associate Producer! Invitation to an early screening, plus all of the above rewards, as well as your name in the credits as an Associate Producer.
$1,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Congrats! You're an Executive Producer! You get an invitation to an early screening, plus all of the above rewards, as well as your name in the credits as an Executive Producer.
$2,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER VIPThank you and Congrats! Not only do you get an Executive Producer credit you enjoy all the rewards of the above categories. Plus a private dinner with the director and producer at a fancy restaurant, and receive two VIP tickets to the premiere of the film.*NYC or GA onlyClaimed: 0 of 5
$2,500
For a donation of $2700, we will fly you to Arlington, Georgia where you will appear in a walk-on role in the film, have dinner at the finest restaurant in town, hang out with the cast and crew, get your own personalized director's chair on set, have a karaoke song sung to you by members of the crew, sample the region's award winning wines, enjoy sweet tea and southern hospitality, and have your name made into a limerick. What a deal!
(US domestic flights only)
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
Thank you for your support! You'll get a social media shout out on Twitter or Facebook
$50
A thank you selfie from one of our glorious cast and crew memebers on set. A social media shoutout and a thank you in the credits.
$100
You get a link to stream the final film! Early access to behind the scenes photos. A special thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out.
$125
$25 BUMP
For just $25 more you'll get everything listed in the $100 category plus Michael, The Director will record a custom voicemail for your phone. Just tell him what you want him to say!
$250
A signed photo of the entire cast and crew. A special Q & A with the Director and Producer via Google Hangout. Plus everything listed in the $100 dollar reward category.
$300
Our Casting Director, Isabella Way, will give you a 30 minute acting or audition coaching via Skype.
*limited to $300 price point only.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$500
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Become an Associate Producer! Invitation to an early screening, plus all of the above rewards, as well as your name in the credits as an Associate Producer.
$1,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Congrats! You're an Executive Producer! You get an invitation to an early screening, plus all of the above rewards, as well as your name in the credits as an Executive Producer.
$2,000
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER VIPThank you and Congrats! Not only do you get an Executive Producer credit you enjoy all the rewards of the above categories. Plus a private dinner with the director and producer at a fancy restaurant, and receive two VIP tickets to the premiere of the film.*NYC or GA onlyClaimed: 0 of 5
$2,500
For a donation of $2700, we will fly you to Arlington, Georgia where you will appear in a walk-on role in the film, have dinner at the finest restaurant in town, hang out with the cast and crew, get your own personalized director's chair on set, have a karaoke song sung to you by members of the crew, sample the region's award winning wines, enjoy sweet tea and southern hospitality, and have your name made into a limerick. What a deal!
(US domestic flights only)
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Michael Cooke, Co-Writer, Director & Director of Photography
An Atlanta native, Mike was fortunate enough to begin his career as a camera assistant at Turner Broadcasting. His humble beginnings cleaning lenses and hanging lights quickly led to camera operating positions. Turner Broadcasting, parent company to notable networks like CNN and Cartoon Network, put Mike to work shooting content to match each of their diverse brands and it wasn’t long before the opportunity arose to begin his career as a Director of Photography. Turner provided practice in the skills of light, color, and composition, but music videos and commercials crafted Mike’s shooting style. His first feature film, God Loves the Fighter, was filmed on location in Trinidad and won Best Narrative feature at the 2013 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival. Mike has shot for clients and brands all over the world, including upstart interactive software companies and Billboard 100 artists who trust him to execute their vision and bring their story to life.
Kimberly James, Co-Writer & Producer
Kimberly is a Writer and Producer with 13yrs of experience in international TV & Film. Born and raised in the Midwest, she spent half her life moving to Asia, Africa and different parts of the US, and has worked in over 30 countries and wandered through 17 others. Concepts she has written were official selections in 3 major TV pitch competitions in Asia. Various seasons of The Amazing Race that she worked on have won 5 awards internationally, including an Emmy Award for The Amazing Race Australia. She has dangled off of skyscrapers and snuggled up to cheetahs, but she counts this film as her greatest leap of faith. Kimberly is a member of the Producer's Guild of America and is now based in New York City.
Errol Sadler, Producer
Errol is the founder of Supremacy Films and is one of the most sought after producers in the Atlanta Film Industry. He has taken at least six films to festivals around the world including a feature to Sundance and a short film to Cannes. He said he’s been tracking Michael’s career for years and knew that if Michael wanted to make this, only good things would come of it. All we can say is, likewise. :)Don Battee, Producer & "Walter Lee"
Don has credits in The Matrix Trilogy, X-Men Wolverine, and recently in the fantastic musical film that swept the world, The Sapphires. He’s been on panels discussing diversity in filmmaking and has great distribution contacts all over Asia and Australia — places where stories like ours are just as relevant as in America. He’s also agreed to play “Walter Lee” in the film, so we’re excited to have him on board.Isabella Way, Co-Producer/Casting DirectorIsabella has been in the business for over 10 years as an actor/dancer/singer and has recently jumped into casting and producing. She's enjoyed dancing in the Making of Frozen to the BET Awards and acting credits include Criminal Minds, Entourage, Master Class, Cabaret and many commercials. She recently directed the LA-Northwestern Alumni Showcase and cast a super top secret video game voiceover project. Currently, she's writing/producing her own webseries, thirtydumpling. Isabella can be found splitting her time between Los Angeles and New York City.
Kyle Wullschleger, Steadicam/Cam Op
Kyle is an internationally traveled IATSE Local 600 Cameraman and Steadicam Operator. For the last 4 years he has worked on countless TV series and feature films, including Saturday Night Live. He has worked under some award winning directors and cinematographers. Kyle will bring a level of advance operating and technical prowess not seen in most indies.
Lindsey Wiseman, Hair Stylist
Since childhood, Lindsey has seen herself as a Hair Stylist. She has been sharing her passion for the beauty industry for over ten years and continues to learn innovative techniques by attending educational seminars and hands-on workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. She is also the Creative Director for Salon Modello, where her hair and makeup team resides, and a National Educator for Aquage. Over the years, she has earned several awards and certifications. With a Master Cosmetology License, Lindsey’s talents include specializing in color, cutting with precision, sculpting beautiful eyebrows, and special occasion hair artistry.
Anna Bearman, Special Effects Makeup & Artist
Anna's make up abiltites are not limited to one style. She is an artist at both tradition and special effects makeup. With her talents Anna's has had a successful career, styling for award winning films and photo publications throught the country.
Talysha Monee, Wardrobe Stylist
Talysha has been styling herself since she was in single digits. For almost half a decade, here, in New York City, she has steeped herself in the Art Department’s on countless films, TV shows, and editorial shoots. Her unique style and keen thrifting abilities bring depth and authenticity to each story she encounters. She specializes in period pieces, because the history of clothing and artifacts are timeless.
Cam Williams, Camera/Electric Swing
Cam draws from more than 5 years of professional experience working in both the film and photography industry. Multi- Talented professionals are such a growing demand in production. Cam will take his extensive knowledge of lighting and camera maintence and support both departments on this film.
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