Inspired by martial arts movies of the 70's & 80's, join us in making this modern day kung fu western set in South LA about a young girl who learns kung fu from her premed teacher to save lives and protect her community.
Inspired by martial arts movies of the 70's & 80's, join us in making this modern day kung fu western set in South LA about a young girl who learns kung fu from her premed teacher to save lives and protect her community.
in partnership with
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Story
About The Project
PROLOGUE:
Imagine that you're walking down the street and someone begins harassing you. You walk a little faster hoping to leave them behind but this person keeps following you. Suddenly you hear a small voice pop up, "Hey! Stop messing with him/her." You turn around to see a young black girl standing there in her school uniform and book bag. She steps in between you and your harasser. You both look at each other frowning completely skeptical of what's going to happen next. We'll tell you. She's going to save your ass. She's the Black Kungfu Chick!
WHAT IS IT?
Black Kungfu Chick is a long form dramedy webseries about a young girl from South LA who learns kung fu from her premed teacher to save her community from local menaces.
WHY THIS STORY?
Inspired by our love for martial arts movies of the 70's and 80's and a passion for female superheroes like Chinese martial artists Hsu Feng, Angela Mao Ying, and Pei Pei Cheng, Black Kungfu Chick comes from a desire to emulate these heroes-- women who were outspoken, noble and courageous not only in martial arts but within their communities. We wanted to tell a story of an ordinary black girl who, in facing daily challenges, becomes remarkable on her journey to saving lives both as a martial artist and a doctor.
WHY SOUTH LA?
Compton, Watts and Willowbrook are incredible places! We wanted to tell a story of a girl's life in South Los Angeles because it is a rare place filled with beauty and tension with its electric public art, lush communal gardens, jazzy train and bus station plazas juxtaposed against torn wire fences, abandoned trash and trees that struggle to offer shade. While we have seen one side of South LA portrayed in many mainstream movies, we wanted to show a different side. The South LA that is a place of creativity, resilience, and strength -- we wanted to portray this darkly magical place in a unique way.
THE STORY
When Tasha, a middle child of a single parent, fails one of her premedical classes the month before she is supposed to graduate from high school, she ends up taking morning summer school classes with her old math and science teacher, Mr. Jian. After she comes across a grieving Mr. Jian one day planting seedlings in a community garden, she stops to help him. The next time he sees her with a new shiner from another fight defending someone, he decides to help her by teaching her kung fu.
In this garden, Tasha and Mr. Jian discover the yin and yang of challenges they each face: for Tasha its figuring out how to take care of those close to her while she struggles to find a way to achieve her own dreams of becoming a doctor; for Mr. Jian it’s searching for new meaning in his life after the untimely death of his wife. They both find answers in the study and teaching of white crane kung fu, tai chi and qigong as they apply these principles to not only Tasha's pursuit of medicine but a better life.
We want to show that kung fu is not only a defensive technique, it is an art form that encourages us to reach for higher spiritual and mental planes. When we reach those spaces, we are truly powerful.
WHY IS THIS WEB SERIES DIFFERENT?
This web series affords us the opportunity to tell a unique story a different way. What we love about the idea of kung fu is that the most important lessons are not only physical. Although we have a fight sequence in every episode, the true values that Tasha learns are through applying the lessons to real life. We visit kung fu not simply as a defensive form, but as a form of enlightenment, holistic health, and healing.
We want to use a few transmedia approaches to do that. We're excited to deliver in its final form a web series that is shot on super 8 with the texture of a home grown telecine and distributed on a digital platform, something that has never been done. Super 8 provides us with the opportunity to provide an intimate shooting environment as well as a living image on screen. We can move and follow cast without the dearth of equipment that makes productions move slowly. As well, there is no format more personal and accessible than super8.
We're also excited to expand this narrative over 3 platforms: comic, app and game. We'll provide this rare image via YouTube but also as a part of a specialized app that will serve girls around the globe with the episodes, an interactive blog, and a game that is based on African and Chinese fables. Funding for the app will take place after we shoot the first 3 episodes.
WHY NOW?
The most exciting thing about this web series is that it has a young coming of age black heroine. There have been so few young female black role models in the world. We get to tell a story about a young female heroine of color for young females of color all over the world. This app will allow us to surmount the boundaries of cable and television to access our international audience directly over their mobile in a short version television series.
WHO ARE WE?
We are an award-winning team of media creators and innovators with a bold vision. Our work has been supported by industry pioneers Panavision, Kodak, Monkeyland Audio and Fotokem. Our films have screened at Los Angeles Women's Film Festival, BFI International Film Festival, LA Shorts Fest, Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series, University of Chicago DOC Films, Newport Beach Film Festival, and Camerimage International Film Festival for the Art and Craft of Cinematography. Our work has been featured by Paste Magazine, Filmmaker Magazine, Madame Noire, Shadow & Act, Graveyard Sisters, Black Girl Nerds, Chicago Reader, Wilmington News Journal, and Kodak Storyboard.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You can help us by supporting and getting others to support. Our goal on Seed and Spark is $20,000 which allows us to shoot the very first pilot episode, but our REACH GOAL is
$45,000
which will allow us to shoot the first 3 episodes. This funding goes towards some very important areas because every episode requires a martial arts sequence. Safety is fundamental to the success of that sequence and safety is a function of:
STUNT COORDINATION
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
PERMITTING & PUBLIC LOCATION STAFF
INSURANCE
Because we are shooting a martial arts series, it is imperative that experienced crew be hired, cast be trained, and permitted locations be secured and staffed.
THANK YOU
Finally we want to thank you for believing us and believing in this project which we truly feel can change the lives of girls of color everywhere by showing a young girl and her teacher who save the world by starting with their community.
Incentives
$10
BKC Follower
+ shout out on social media
+ behind the scenes digital photo
$25
BKC Fan Club Member
+1 digital copy of first comic cover
+theme music download
+prerelease clips of episodes
+enrollment in BKC Fan Club
+BKC electronic behind the scenes still photo
+social media thanks
$50
BKC Comic Writer
+featured sponsor credit on one of the mini comics
+pdf download of all season one comics
+exclusive pdf page of Comic Book sketches/artwork
+all previous electronic gifts.
Claimed: 9 of 200
$50
BKC Martial Artist
+digital compilation of street art, female martial artists and dancers
+exclusive pdf download of storyboards for martial art sequence
+featured sponsor credit on one episode
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 6 of 200
$100
BKC Graphic Novelist
+ cast autographed graphic novel of all season 1 comics (add $7 for shipping)
+ exclusive cast and writer commentary downloads on comics
+ special thanks in the novel
+ all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 6 of 50
$100
BKC Made in South LA
+BKC Handmade Leather Bracelet (specify small or large wrist)
+special thanks credit in every BKC episode
+ all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 9 of 50
$175
The Sisterhood of Tasha
+BKC digital poster
+BKC patch
+BKC pencil
+BKC girls only hangout with Tasha, other cast and the director in downtown LA (one date only)
+Sisterhood of Tasha Special Thanks in every BKC episode
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 1 of 100
$250
Community of Gardeners
+a day of gardening at a community garden (Los Angeles only)
+how to grow and eat healthy on a budget video by Tasha
+a calendar or photo collage of community gardens in South LA
+organic seed packet signed by Mr. Jian (given at gardening day)
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 25
$500
Mr. Jian's Fellowship of the Sifu
+how to write a web series or television 2-hr session with director-producer Rae Shaw
+learn martial arts video by one of cast/crew
+exclusive behind the scenes action footage
+digital photo collage poster of martial arts artists/sequences
+BKC pencil set (given at web series session)
+BKC poster
+special thanks in episode credits
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 2 of 10
$1,000
BKC Ambassador
+Associate Producer credit
+BKC T-shirt
+BKC Interview
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 2 of 25
$1,000
BKC Socal Local
+set walk-on role with healthy eating lunch (transportation to LA not included)
+wrap dinner at local south la eatery with crew/cast
+chaperoned location scout (schedule permitting)
+autographed BKC t-shirt
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 10
$2,500
The Black Belt
+Associate Producer Credit on season one
+invitation to set and special screenings.
+select autographed BKC retail items including special embroidered patch
+rare visit to a post production session
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
The Grandmaster
+Executive Producer Credit on pilot episode
+Sponsor Credit on comic book series
+special invitation to set and special screenings
+ special introduction to cast and above the line crew
+featured segment in behind the scenes
+select autographed BKC retail items and poster
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 5
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
BKC Follower
+ shout out on social media
+ behind the scenes digital photo
$25
BKC Fan Club Member
+1 digital copy of first comic cover
+theme music download
+prerelease clips of episodes
+enrollment in BKC Fan Club
+BKC electronic behind the scenes still photo
+social media thanks
$50
BKC Comic Writer
+featured sponsor credit on one of the mini comics
+pdf download of all season one comics
+exclusive pdf page of Comic Book sketches/artwork
+all previous electronic gifts.
Claimed: 9 of 200
$50
BKC Martial Artist
+digital compilation of street art, female martial artists and dancers
+exclusive pdf download of storyboards for martial art sequence
+featured sponsor credit on one episode
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 6 of 200
$100
BKC Graphic Novelist
+ cast autographed graphic novel of all season 1 comics (add $7 for shipping)
+ exclusive cast and writer commentary downloads on comics
+ special thanks in the novel
+ all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 6 of 50
$100
BKC Made in South LA
+BKC Handmade Leather Bracelet (specify small or large wrist)
+special thanks credit in every BKC episode
+ all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 9 of 50
$175
The Sisterhood of Tasha
+BKC digital poster
+BKC patch
+BKC pencil
+BKC girls only hangout with Tasha, other cast and the director in downtown LA (one date only)
+Sisterhood of Tasha Special Thanks in every BKC episode
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 1 of 100
$250
Community of Gardeners
+a day of gardening at a community garden (Los Angeles only)
+how to grow and eat healthy on a budget video by Tasha
+a calendar or photo collage of community gardens in South LA
+organic seed packet signed by Mr. Jian (given at gardening day)
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 25
$500
Mr. Jian's Fellowship of the Sifu
+how to write a web series or television 2-hr session with director-producer Rae Shaw
+learn martial arts video by one of cast/crew
+exclusive behind the scenes action footage
+digital photo collage poster of martial arts artists/sequences
+BKC pencil set (given at web series session)
+BKC poster
+special thanks in episode credits
+all BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 2 of 10
$1,000
BKC Ambassador
+Associate Producer credit
+BKC T-shirt
+BKC Interview
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 2 of 25
$1,000
BKC Socal Local
+set walk-on role with healthy eating lunch (transportation to LA not included)
+wrap dinner at local south la eatery with crew/cast
+chaperoned location scout (schedule permitting)
+autographed BKC t-shirt
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 10
$2,500
The Black Belt
+Associate Producer Credit on season one
+invitation to set and special screenings.
+select autographed BKC retail items including special embroidered patch
+rare visit to a post production session
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 5
$5,000
The Grandmaster
+Executive Producer Credit on pilot episode
+Sponsor Credit on comic book series
+special invitation to set and special screenings
+ special introduction to cast and above the line crew
+featured segment in behind the scenes
+select autographed BKC retail items and poster
+all previous BKC Fan Club electronic gifts
Claimed: 0 of 5
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
PRODUCER- DIRECTORRae Shaw is a director-producer and writer whose work pushes boundaries to create new narratives and forms of storytelling. After completing her undergraduate thesis of poetry at the University of Chicago, Rae attended University of Miami’s graduate film school program and dedicated herself to the craft of making films inspired by her poetry. Rae has gained recognition for The Repass which was a 2014 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist and also the award-winning short thriller, Soap and Roses which she directed and produced. Soap and Roses won festival competitions Los Angeles Women’s Festival and Brooklyn’s Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series. After directing a trailer for The Repass in 2014, Rae is currently developing The Repass, a tv series and the web series Black Kungfu Chick. She teaches producing and writing at the New York Film Academy and is a member of LACMA, ACLU and Alliance of Women Directors. She is also the recipient of many awards including the Woodrow Wilson National Foundation Fellowship, Frances E Williams Fellowship, Guy Hanks and Marvin Miller Screenwriting Fellowship and Delaware Division of the Arts Fellowship among others. Rae splits her time between New York and Los Angeles.
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Eli Arenson is a graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory and is a Los Angeles and Tel-Aviv based cinematographer. He began filming professionally during his military service in the Israeli Defense Forces where he was stationed as a photojournalist. His exclusive coverage from within the Gaza Strip during the Gaza War in 2008-9 was opening news broadcasts worldwide alongside President Obama's inauguration. Since his discharge Eli has been working on award winning feature films, primetime television and commercials in Israel, Brazil, Canada and the USA. He recently wrapped shooting the first season of the TV Series ALESIA: GROUND ZERO. Besides a focus on narrative filmmaking, his work also includes music videos (THE FOALS, GUSTER) and commercials (DORITOS, SAMSUNG). Eli's work on "Killing Time", dir. Rafi Shor, was an official selection in the Etudes Competition at the International Cinematography Film Festival, Camerimage 2015.
LINE PRODUCER
Sandra E. Varona is a Los Angeles-based Film, Music Video & New Media Producer with over 10 years of experience. In 2008, Sandra received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant—which provides up-and-coming independent filmmakers a full camera package to jumpstart their careers. Soon after, she launched her own company, Varona Productions—a banner that has been at the forefront of numerous music videos, short films, new media projects and now its first feature film. www.varonaproductions.
com In 2010, Varona was one of 30 participants selected for the highly coveted year-long mentorship program Project Involve sponsored by Film Independent. After completing Project Involve, she signed on as the Unit Production Manager on the feature film, FILLY BROWN, which was well received at Sundance and starred Golden Globe-winner Gina Rodriguez. Her debut as a Producer/Line Producer on a feature film came in the fall of 2015 as she applied her expertise to the independent film SHINE. Completely shot in New York City and currently in Post Production, the feature stars David Zayas (Gotham, FOX), Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black, Netflix), the world-renowned bachatero Jorge Burgos and Gilbert Saldivar. Most recently, Varona produced the web series pilot Tarantella with an all women crew to actively prove diversity behind camera is certainly attainable. CO-PRODUCER
Prarthana Joshi is a creative producer based in Los Angeles. Her most recent project as a production manager, a web series called "the Millionaires” has been featured on the funny or Die and is in the second season. Her introduction to the industry was in 2008, when she started working as an assistant director in independent features and short films in India. Her first short film she directed, ‘Vaatsaru', The Rolling Stone, was screened at the International film festival of India. She Was Awarded a fellowship from the National Film Archives of India for her work on the archival documentary on Prabhat film company. She graduated with a MFA from New York Film Academy in Los Angeles in 2012. The Projects that she AD’d on include The Well, Following Jerry, Imperial Odyssey: Questions of War, Black and Shiny Things , Chippy and Imperial Odyssey: The Brushfire Impasse. Her credits not only include her work as a producer/ AD but she has edited over 10 short projects and has done production design on projects like Dance of insanity, A Father's Love , Blind Date, Infliction, Same Time Same Place, napkins and Tell Me a Memory.
TRANSMEDIA PRODUCER
Jainardhan Sathyan is a multi talented producer, director and a transmedia specialist. He has produced more than twenty television shows, music videos, commercials and directed short films. His recent film Harvey's Dream, has been winning several awards at the festivals around the world. In the past, he has worked with the WPP group, the world's largest advertising conglomerate, as Producer/National Director - Content, where he was responsible for producing branded content and delivering transmedia campaigns for brands like Pepsico, Unilever, Kelloggs, Lufthansa, LG and many more. He also runs a startup that develops smartphone applications for entertainment shows and series. He is a film graduate and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, son and when he is not working, he loves traveling to a new city on exploration.
CASTING DIRECTOR
Brooklyn born, and Florida raised, Tiffanny Nelson is founder of NYLA Creative Consulting, LLC. From New York to Los Angeles, Tiffanny connects aspiring actors and actresses with insight into navigating the growing entertainment arena. In film, TV, and digital, Tiffanny has aided directors and producers in bringing their vision to life on the small and large screen. Her first intrigue into entertainment was ignited thru acting, working on numerous independent projects in Los Angeles. Tiffanny worked rigorously and became a member of SAG-AFTRA. Her love of acting led her to finding out more about the casting side of the business. It was during her time as a casting intern she realized her passion was in helping artists find the right actors to bring their projects to life. After sharpening her skills at as a casting assistant at Central Casting, she branched out into casting projects independently. Credits include “Rocking With the Best” music video, and AFI Masters Thesis Films: Crenshaw Nights, Bula’s Fortune, Song of David, and In Another Life. She is currently working on the new post-Hurricane Katrina thriller, “The Repass” and the upcoming film, “Salsa Millenia”.
CASTING ASSOCIATE
Born in Boston, raised in Miami, educated in NYC, came of age in Washington, DC and now living in Los Angeles, Jihane Jeanty serves as our Casting Associate on Black Kungfu Chick. When she's not busy looking up new restaurants to visit or hanging out at Costco for free samples, she works as a Digital Media Producer for a fun and innovative entertainment advertising agency. Jihane also really likes cheese.
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Disney Hall is a Writer/Producer from the Inland Empire. After attending the Los Angeles Film School in 2011, Disney has been actively writing and producing since. She acted as the production coordinator for Anna Elizabeth James pilot "Diary of a Teenage Nobody" as well as the 48 hour film competition. Disney is a huge fan of Japanese anime and kung-fu!
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