Love is complicated. Love has so much gray no matter how much we try to make it black and white. How do two people change and stay together? How do two people survive change as they strive to become the best versions of themselves. Can love really survive those kinds of changes?
Love is complicated. Love has so much gray no matter how much we try to make it black and white. How do two people change and stay together? How do two people survive change as they strive to become the best versions of themselves. Can love really survive those kinds of changes?
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Story
Mission Statement
I'm a storyteller with a passion for exploring the complexity of what it means to be human. There is a spectrum for every aspect of humanity and that's what I love exploring. As a gay, Puerto Rican artist, I like to explore love and religion - especially all the "supposed to's" of those concepts.About The Project
Starting about 5 years ago, lots of people in this business would tell me, "you should write." Back then, my response would be, "I don't have anything to say." What a difference time and a pandemic make because today, I have quite a bit to say!
Here's the storyline for my short film - Numb Like You
A gay, Latin dentist goes to work just like any other busy day.
His caring staff squeeze in a patient that's in excruciating pain and he discovers the patient is his estranged ex-husband - who has transitioned and now lives as Julia!
How does he navigate this moment? How does he even keep it together to treat his ex? Also, how did their love end?
The idea for this story came to me almost 2 years ago. I personally have been involved in dentistry (as a manager not a dentist) for a long time. My first long-term relationship was with an incredible dentist in Philadelphia and I worked with him for 10 years managing his office and our staff! Fun fact - I currently manage staff and patient communications at a dental office here in LA called Downtown Dental and it's the location for our shoot!
I think dentistry is an amazing field and it rarely (if ever) gets showcased in film/television so I am spotlighting it MYSELF!
Back to my inspiration: I am friends with a Korean, non-binary, trans actor (the actor playing the role of my ex) named Nicky Endres. Nicky is so charismatic and funny and powerful.
I worked with Nicky in acting class and directed them in a stand-up special (just before Quarantine) called, Asian-AmericanEyez'd - about the Asian-American immigrant experience. Nicky smashed that stand-up special and that inspired the character I created for them.
My desire with this film is to create a safe space where LGBTQ+/People of Color (POC) actors and creators step into the spotlight and demonstrate the mastery of their individual crafts in front of and behind the camera. Where our storyline is the lead story line - front and center - not a sidekick or a character/caricuture with 1 or 2 lines. Where the set is run by and comprised of LGBTQ+/POC artists and they can all operate without judgment or fear.
I spent years writing small projects/scenes and honing my style which is this: telling meaningful stories that explore our FULL humanity (the good, the bad, the in-between the good and the bad) with spritzes of humor through the lens of the LGBTQ+/POC experience. Taking it one step further - through the specificity of this lens, I have discovered and hope that others see, there is only UNIVERSALITY and ONENESS.
When we tell specific and honest stories based on our experiences, the public in general will always relate to the humanity of those stories.
On top of all this I have an incredible friend, multi-hyphenate powerhouse, Kate Hamilton, who is set to direct this project. She is proudly part of the LGBTQ+ community and I couldn't think of a better person to lead us in this collaborative journey!
What happens once we make this film? Well, my personal plan is to enter it onto the film festival circuit and then make it available on all social platforms. I want anyone and everyone to have access to this material - especially people outside of the world of film buffs - communities who are craving to see more of themselves in the stories/content they consume.
After that? I'm gonna keep creating more content with this lens. My heart is called to do so and I'm just answering the call. And the text. And email. And smoke signal.
I have an announcement for all people of color and people identifying as LGBTQ+:
It's time to stand up, be counted, take up space, make room and make some ART. Join me.
Incentives
$15
I Need a Teeth Cleaning
Thank you! You're gonna get a shout-out on social media including your handle!
$25
I Need Teeth Whitening
We thank you socially (Instagram) so that your generosity can be widely recognized. I will video record your shout out along with a pic of YOU!
$50
I Have a Cavity
You'll get the same perks as the $25 level PLUS:
When we finish post production, we will send a link to view the film before anyone else!
$100
I Have a Chipped Tooth
You will get the same perks as the $50 level PLUS credit at the end of our film under "Special Thanks" because you're special!
$500
I Need a CROWN
You'll get all the perks at the $100 level PLUS:
We will use your name and/or photo of you in our film!
$1,000
I Need a ROOT CANAL and a Crown
All the perks at the $500 level PLUS:
Credited as an Associate Producer at the end of the film. Because producers are ballers and deserve to be credited as such!
$5,000
I need a whole smile makeover
You'll receive all the perks at the $500 PLUS:
Credited as an Executive Producer:
You'll receive credit as an Executive Producer on the film. It's a big title in exchange for a big contribution!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$15
I Need a Teeth Cleaning
Thank you! You're gonna get a shout-out on social media including your handle!
$25
I Need Teeth Whitening
We thank you socially (Instagram) so that your generosity can be widely recognized. I will video record your shout out along with a pic of YOU!
$50
I Have a Cavity
You'll get the same perks as the $25 level PLUS:
When we finish post production, we will send a link to view the film before anyone else!
$100
I Have a Chipped Tooth
You will get the same perks as the $50 level PLUS credit at the end of our film under "Special Thanks" because you're special!
$500
I Need a CROWN
You'll get all the perks at the $100 level PLUS:
We will use your name and/or photo of you in our film!
$1,000
I Need a ROOT CANAL and a Crown
All the perks at the $500 level PLUS:
Credited as an Associate Producer at the end of the film. Because producers are ballers and deserve to be credited as such!
$5,000
I need a whole smile makeover
You'll receive all the perks at the $500 PLUS:
Credited as an Executive Producer:
You'll receive credit as an Executive Producer on the film. It's a big title in exchange for a big contribution!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
As a Puerto Rican gay man my mission is to help increase visibility for all marginalized artists. Our cast and crew will be mostly comprised of women, people of color, and folx who identify somewhere on the spectrum of LGBTQIA+
Pic of Me: Writer/Producer/Star (Pronouns), nationality, LGBT
Pic of Nicky: Star (LGBT)
Pic of Kate: Director pronouns, LGBT
Pic of Natalie: Producer, pronouns
Pic of DP:
Pic of Editor:
Crew?
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