A coming-of-age story set in a different time. One night when I was 16 years old, I had a misadventure with a friend that pushed me to confront the fact that I am gay. This is the story about a night in a young person's life that makes the world seem a whole lot bigger, and a lot more complicated.
A coming-of-age story set in a different time. One night when I was 16 years old, I had a misadventure with a friend that pushed me to confront the fact that I am gay. This is the story about a night in a young person's life that makes the world seem a whole lot bigger, and a lot more complicated.
in partnership with
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Story
Mission Statement
The film depicts an LGBT teenager who is struggling to become himself. We are aiming to train a lens on something that isn't often depicted--when one is coming out to oneself. Behind the camera, women and LGBT people are our producers, editors, colorists, production designers and more.About The Project
Why this story?
I grew up in Kansas City in the 80s. It was a different time, with little public conversation about gay people, aside from the bullying many of us got used to. So coming out was a slow and gradual process, and it began with being honest with myself.
One night when I was 16, my friend Matt and I had a misadventure that I'm now able to look back and see what a turning point it was in my own realization of who I am. So we're making that story into a movie. And we're making it in Kansas, where it actually happened.
The Kicker
My friend Matt from that night is now a professional actor in Kansas City who teaches and works with young people--so he was my casting director. With his partner Sarah, he brought in incredible young actors who will be so compelling in the film. It was a wild experience to be in the room with Matt, auditioning young actors to play ourselves!
Our Track Record
Kansas, 1989 is a film conceived as a short feature, under twenty minutes long and shot on 16mm film, just as my cinematographer Giacomo Belletti and I did with our first project together, Off Track Betty.
Off Track Betty screened at 17 film festivals and screens regularly in our community. It also won several awards: Best Short Audience Award at the Brooklyn Film Festival; Best Kansas Filmmaker at the Tallgrass Film Festival; Best Work Shot on Film at the Queens World Film Festival. It has been distributed on Comcast cable in 36 states, on the ShortsTV cable channel, and several online platforms.
Our second short, TOO LATE, was nominated for Best Comedy Short and Best Short Short at the Queens World Film Festival, and was just accepted into its seventh film festival.
We love working together, and we can't wait to do it again.
Who is Your Crew?
We're already hard at work putting together our dream team for crew positions. We will predominantly fill positions locally, in Kansas City. Local legend Roger Branit will serve as Assistant Camera, and Mile Deep Films' Anthony Ladesich is our KC-based producer. The KC Film Office has been instrumental in connecting us with local resources.
Support from Kodak, and Shooting on Film
Kodak has awarded us an Eastman Product Grant, that came with our award for Best Work Shot on Film at the Queens World Film Festival. The generous grant provides us with part of the film stock that we will use on this project! Although we need additional support to be able to obtain the number of reels that we'll need, we are so appreciative to Kodak for the tremendous honor--and to the Queens World Film Festival, which organized this generous award.
Benefiting Synergy Services and at-risk LGBT youth
It's important to us to give back. A percentage of all funds raised will be matched by an anonymous donor, and that amount will be given to Synergy Services, a Kansas City non-profit organization that helps at-risk and homeless LGBTQ youth in crisis, because young people struggle with these issues today.
In Closing
Casting is complete. Location scouting is underway. Production design, late 80s car research, and music licensing are afoot. But we simply won't be able to move forward without your support. We have an ambitious goal, commensurate with an ambitious project. We can't do it without you!
Thank you for joining our team with a pledge at whatever level you are able. It means the world to me to have your support, and to make this passion project in my hometown!
Incentives
$10
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba Baby
You Did Not Forget My Number! And I won't forget yours when I shout you out on social media. Thank you for your support!
$25
Miss You Much: Clayton's Killer Late 80s Jams
At this level, you'll receive your very own late 80s rockin' Spotify mix conjured up by Clayton. It's all Depeche Mode, Sugarcubes, Kate Bush and Love & Rockets, all the time. Don't worry, no Milli Vanilli.
$40
NYC Wrap Party!
Once we wrap, Clayton, Giacomo and Eden will be flying back to NYC to unwind. Join us and other New York-based production crew for a dive bar hang, and hear tales from the set. (Travel and lodging not included.)
*Includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
$50
Summer of '89 T-shirt
Grab one of our crew's limited edition black t-shirts at this level. Wear with pride!
*Includes Clayton's late 80s spotify playlist, and invite to the NYC Wrap Party.*
Sold Out!
$50
NYC, Sept 6th: Special Event with Emily Fletcher and Clayton
A special event in Soho, NYC, with wine, hors d'oeuvres and good times, as Clayton's dear friend Emily Fletcher opens her private meditation studio to us for a chance to come together and celebrate. (Travel and lodging not included.)
*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Sold Out!
$50
Kansas City, Sept 14th: Ticket to Special Event
Join Clayton and the cast at an exclusive party at The Creamery in downtown Kansas City. Open bar, hors d'ouevres, red carpet photo ops and a silent auction with an outrageous number of awesome prizes. Very limited inventory and a chance to mingle with fantastic people! (Transportation and lodging not included.) 7:30pm-10pm.
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Signature Cocktails:
The Electric Youth (Crisp Lemon Martini)
The Straight Up (Basil Hayden's Bourbon)
The Love Shack (Rum Punch Bowl)*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Sold Out!
$75
L.A.: Dinner at Five Leaves Restaurant, East Hollywood
Talk about bang for your buck: contributing at this level gets you $50 worth of food and drinks at one of Los Angeles' MOST buzzed about new restaurants, Five Leaves LA! Enjoy outrageously delicious cuisine and cocktails in a beautifully restored Art Deco building. Extremely limited availability. (Located in Los Angeles, CA; travel and lodging not included.)
Claimed: 3 of 4
$90
Two Tickets to Sept 14th Party in Kansas City
You and a plus-one can join Clayton and the cast at the exclusive party at The Creamery in downtown Kansas City.
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Sold Out!
$150
VIP Ticket to Sept 14th Event in Kansas City
Come an hour early! 6:30pm entry for red carpet photo ops with Clayton and the creative team behind "Kansas, 1989." Open bar, and first dibs on hors d'oeuvres at this level. An intimate and fun experience before the party starts! Preview the silent auction with an outrageous number of awesome prizes.
*Includes a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt, a link to the finished film, and Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Sold Out!
$150
VIP Hang with Clayton: Pick your movie!
Clayton would love to hang with you in NYC. Choose a movie, and it's on him! Film Forum, Metrograph, IFC, Alamo, BAM? Take your pick.
Also available in KC! Alamo, AMC, Screenland, Stray Cat FIlm Center? Take your pick.
*Includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Claimed: 5 of 8
$250
Reunion! The Premiere Party Invite in Kansas City
**Includes one VIP ticket to the Sept 14th Event at The Creamery in downtown KC**
(If you're in NYC, this level will get you an invite to both the Sept 7th event, and the Wrap Party.)
Exclusive invite to a private friends-and-family and cast and crew screening of the finished film at a venue in Kansas City, prior to any other public screening. Another opportunity for old friends and good times. Date TBA, travel and lodging not included.
*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist, a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt and a link to the finished film.*
Claimed: 4 of 10
$500
You're a Boss, so get a credit.
Your name mentioned in the "Thank You" section of the closing credits of the film.
Includes invites to all events: the NYC Wrap Party, the NYC Sept 7th event, the Kansas City Sept 14th event, and the KC Premiere Party.
Also includes a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt, a streaming link to the film, Clayton's rockin' Spotify playlist, and snapshots and missives from the set just for you. Like a boss. Travel and lodging not included.
Claimed: 3 of 8
$1,000
Producer Credit: Be a Barrymore
Join the team as a Special Producer with your very own IMDb credit on the film.
Includes an invite to all events: the NYC Wrap Party, the NYC Sept 7th event, and the Kansas City Sept 14th event and Private Premiere Party, if you're able to join.
Also includes Clayton's spotify mix, a company t-shirt, and a link to the finished film, and notes and pics from the set.
Join the dynasty.
Claimed: 8 of 10
$2,500
Executive Producer Credit: Be a Heather
Become a Heather for our project as an Executive Producer.
Tickets to all events in NYC and KC, and special customized shout-outs from set and on social media. Includes company t-shirt, Clayton's Spotify mix, and a link to the finished film. Your very own IMDB credit. Stature.
Rule the school.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$5,000
Top-Billed Executive Producer Credit
At this pinnacle level, you've earned yourself a top-billed Executive Producer credit on our film and on IMDb. Not only that, you have carte blanche to any damn event we hold in any city. Links, playlists, shirts--you really can have it all!
In addition, you are invited to come on set in Kansas City and witness the magic as it's made.
In NYC, you are invited behind the scenes to see the edit, color correction, or sound mix as we do it in real time. (Transportation and lodging not included.)
Claimed: 1 of 3
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba Baby
You Did Not Forget My Number! And I won't forget yours when I shout you out on social media. Thank you for your support!
$25
Miss You Much: Clayton's Killer Late 80s Jams
At this level, you'll receive your very own late 80s rockin' Spotify mix conjured up by Clayton. It's all Depeche Mode, Sugarcubes, Kate Bush and Love & Rockets, all the time. Don't worry, no Milli Vanilli.
$40
NYC Wrap Party!
Once we wrap, Clayton, Giacomo and Eden will be flying back to NYC to unwind. Join us and other New York-based production crew for a dive bar hang, and hear tales from the set. (Travel and lodging not included.)
*Includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
$50
Summer of '89 T-shirt
Grab one of our crew's limited edition black t-shirts at this level. Wear with pride!
*Includes Clayton's late 80s spotify playlist, and invite to the NYC Wrap Party.*
Sold Out!
$50
NYC, Sept 6th: Special Event with Emily Fletcher and Clayton
A special event in Soho, NYC, with wine, hors d'oeuvres and good times, as Clayton's dear friend Emily Fletcher opens her private meditation studio to us for a chance to come together and celebrate. (Travel and lodging not included.)
*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Sold Out!
$50
Kansas City, Sept 14th: Ticket to Special Event
Join Clayton and the cast at an exclusive party at The Creamery in downtown Kansas City. Open bar, hors d'ouevres, red carpet photo ops and a silent auction with an outrageous number of awesome prizes. Very limited inventory and a chance to mingle with fantastic people! (Transportation and lodging not included.) 7:30pm-10pm.
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Signature Cocktails:
The Electric Youth (Crisp Lemon Martini)
The Straight Up (Basil Hayden's Bourbon)
The Love Shack (Rum Punch Bowl)*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Sold Out!
$75
L.A.: Dinner at Five Leaves Restaurant, East Hollywood
Talk about bang for your buck: contributing at this level gets you $50 worth of food and drinks at one of Los Angeles' MOST buzzed about new restaurants, Five Leaves LA! Enjoy outrageously delicious cuisine and cocktails in a beautifully restored Art Deco building. Extremely limited availability. (Located in Los Angeles, CA; travel and lodging not included.)
Claimed: 3 of 4
$90
Two Tickets to Sept 14th Party in Kansas City
You and a plus-one can join Clayton and the cast at the exclusive party at The Creamery in downtown Kansas City.
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Sold Out!
$150
VIP Ticket to Sept 14th Event in Kansas City
Come an hour early! 6:30pm entry for red carpet photo ops with Clayton and the creative team behind "Kansas, 1989." Open bar, and first dibs on hors d'oeuvres at this level. An intimate and fun experience before the party starts! Preview the silent auction with an outrageous number of awesome prizes.
*Includes a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt, a link to the finished film, and Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
All event info at https://www.facebook.com/events/916316865382224/
Sold Out!
$150
VIP Hang with Clayton: Pick your movie!
Clayton would love to hang with you in NYC. Choose a movie, and it's on him! Film Forum, Metrograph, IFC, Alamo, BAM? Take your pick.
Also available in KC! Alamo, AMC, Screenland, Stray Cat FIlm Center? Take your pick.
*Includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist!*
Claimed: 5 of 8
$250
Reunion! The Premiere Party Invite in Kansas City
**Includes one VIP ticket to the Sept 14th Event at The Creamery in downtown KC**
(If you're in NYC, this level will get you an invite to both the Sept 7th event, and the Wrap Party.)
Exclusive invite to a private friends-and-family and cast and crew screening of the finished film at a venue in Kansas City, prior to any other public screening. Another opportunity for old friends and good times. Date TBA, travel and lodging not included.
*Also includes Clayton's late 80s Spotify playlist, a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt and a link to the finished film.*
Claimed: 4 of 10
$500
You're a Boss, so get a credit.
Your name mentioned in the "Thank You" section of the closing credits of the film.
Includes invites to all events: the NYC Wrap Party, the NYC Sept 7th event, the Kansas City Sept 14th event, and the KC Premiere Party.
Also includes a "Kansas, 1989" t-shirt, a streaming link to the film, Clayton's rockin' Spotify playlist, and snapshots and missives from the set just for you. Like a boss. Travel and lodging not included.
Claimed: 3 of 8
$1,000
Producer Credit: Be a Barrymore
Join the team as a Special Producer with your very own IMDb credit on the film.
Includes an invite to all events: the NYC Wrap Party, the NYC Sept 7th event, and the Kansas City Sept 14th event and Private Premiere Party, if you're able to join.
Also includes Clayton's spotify mix, a company t-shirt, and a link to the finished film, and notes and pics from the set.
Join the dynasty.
Claimed: 8 of 10
$2,500
Executive Producer Credit: Be a Heather
Become a Heather for our project as an Executive Producer.
Tickets to all events in NYC and KC, and special customized shout-outs from set and on social media. Includes company t-shirt, Clayton's Spotify mix, and a link to the finished film. Your very own IMDB credit. Stature.
Rule the school.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$5,000
Top-Billed Executive Producer Credit
At this pinnacle level, you've earned yourself a top-billed Executive Producer credit on our film and on IMDb. Not only that, you have carte blanche to any damn event we hold in any city. Links, playlists, shirts--you really can have it all!
In addition, you are invited to come on set in Kansas City and witness the magic as it's made.
In NYC, you are invited behind the scenes to see the edit, color correction, or sound mix as we do it in real time. (Transportation and lodging not included.)
Claimed: 1 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Writer/Director
Clayton D. Smith
Clayton is a New York-based filmmaker whose first two shorts are enjoying healthy runs on the festival circuit, several award wins, and distribution on cable and streaming platforms. He is also an actor in theater, film and television. He hails from Kansas City, and now lives in East Harlem after 17 years on the Lower East Side. He is a moderator and screener for the Austin Film Festival, and a chapter leader of the New York film collective The Filmshop.
Producer
Eden Martinez
Eden is a Nuyorican filmmaker with a talent for crafting cinematic narratives about real people. Her commercial work includes the 9/11 Memorial and Museum's Our City, Our Story video campaign featuring Rosie Perez. She has created content for Cornell University, Verizon, Zeiss Group and worked with A-list talent including John Cleese, Susan Sarandon and Robert De Niro. Her latest film, Masterpiece, premiered at the Lighthouse International Film Festival and has had continued success on the film festival circuit. She is also in development on a coming-of-age feature about Hispanic identity (Adela) and a documentary about sexual assault (Tell Me Why). Eden is a chapter leader of the New York film collective The Filmshop.
Cinematographer
Giacomo Belletti
Giacomo is a New York-based cinematographer with extensive experience in feature films, short films, and documentaries. After moving to New York from Italy, he assisted on the Academy Award-nominated film The Savages (shot by Mott Hupfel), and has since served as DP on more than 35 independent features, shorts and documentaries. He dedicates himself to shooting projects that tell a good story.
Associate Producer
Shonta’ Rogers
Shonta’ is an emerging Creative Producer who thrives in providing a sacred and open space for fellow filmmakers to share their hearts’ deepest stories. Her ultimate love is to see individuals’ truth shine bright through media and film. Shonta’ is currently producing a filmmaker podcast and a short film.
Associate Producer
Sarah Granger
Sarah is an award-winning writer and digital media innovator in California. She grew up in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Michigan. She is a produced screenwriter and playwright, a published author and journalist. Her bylines include LA Weekly, Slate, SFGate, and The Huffington Post. She has managed numerous digital outreach campaigns for national organizations focused on diversity and inclusion and she has been a featured speaker at South by Southwest, the 3% Conference, and the California Leadership Forum. She spent many hours on stage and behind the scenes working with Clayton in high school and can’t wait to reprise that role.
Casting Director
Matt Rapport
Matt has been a Kansas City-based actor and teaching artist for 25 years. In that time, he has worked onstage, backstage, and in the classroom for most of the major arts organizations in the area. In addition to acting and teaching, Matt is also an accomplished musician and variety artist. He is delighted to be a part of Kansas, 1989 and proud to call Clayton a friend since before 1989!
Executive Producer
Aidan Crossen
Aidan is CFO of a Wealth Advisory and Law Firm. She grew up in theater and met Clayton the first day of elementary school as the new kid from the East Coast. Clayton made his first "film" with her in 5th grade (a remake of Poltergeist, on VHS tape). They were connected by a love for the stage and a love of horror movies. Aidan is so proud to call Clayton a life long friend and part of the fabric of her youth. "Clayton's talent knows no bounds and he can make me laugh until my stomach hurts. He has always followed his dreams with courage and conviction. He is a true dreamer and seeker of passion. I will be rooting him on for the rest of my days!"
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