Interwoven stories of different perspectives of the same day preceding an act of violence against a young black man. Robert is applying for his dream job. Gail is in an unhappy marriage. Their worlds' collide, showing us that one person’s bad day can be another person’s last.
Interwoven stories of different perspectives of the same day preceding an act of violence against a young black man. Robert is applying for his dream job. Gail is in an unhappy marriage. Their worlds' collide, showing us that one person’s bad day can be another person’s last.
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Story
Mission Statement
As a mixed race, female writing team we examine white female complicity and systemic racism in a way that’s never been done before. During a global call for white people to examine their own racism and complicity, Oh What A... holds a mirror up to this behavior and names it what it is, violence.About The Project
After the murder of George Floyd, our country went through a massive upheaval of its own soul. People were asked to change, not soon but now. And while the "work" was happening in some corners of society, the summer of 2020 felt like an endless barrage of social media posts and news cycles bearing witness to white-on-black violence. Then came the corrupt turned clickbait "Karen". We all watched as white women called the police or maligned against black grocery store patrons, company employees, and even birdwatchers. All in the name of their own racism, ignorance, and entitled self-preservation.
This is what laid the groundwork for Oh What A…
When we came together to write, our goal wasn’t to create a story about black trauma, but rather a film that pierces into the violent nature of white female complicity. What came to pass was a 16 page short that made us both realize that this is a story of deep, resolute necessity.
As a mixed-race writing team, and longtime friends- Oh What A... became an opportunity for the two of us to create through a time of deep discomfort, pain, and learning. Exploring themes of race, gender, and our willingness to truly see each other.
We open on Robert Laurey, a young black man, singing along to the soundtrack of Oklahoma!, debating whether or not to wear his favorite pair of falsies (fake eyelashes) to his big interview at Harborville Company-his dream job.
We then meet Gail Miller, in her disorganized and chaotic life, managing both her teen daughter and aloof, narcissistic husband, Nathan. When Nathan leaves his lunch at home on his way to work, Gail begrudgingly brings it to his office... Harborville..jpg)
We learn that Robert is interviewing for a job under Nathan when he “bumps” into Gail at the office. This collision changes both of their lives. And notably, completely shifts the tone of the film. After Gail and Robert meet, they are tethered in ways they don't yet understand.
As events ensue over the course of the day, Gail must choose whether or not to remain complicit in an act of violence against Robert.
We hope that this film acts as both a mirror and a window into the varying experiences under white supremacy, and invites us all to not just think more critically but to act. Oh What A... is a product of passion, confusion, fury, and hope for the future.
In Solidarity,
Bukola and Tessa
We will be filming Oh What A... in the Southern California area in mid-August 2021. It will be a 4-day shoot following all SAG-AFTRA guidelines as well as COVID compliance guidelines from the CDC. We will be using both local actors and flying in some actors and crew from New York and Chicago.
Our main goal with this project is to have a strong and vibrant film festival run.
Given the nature of the story, our hearts lay more in having people watch the film and learn something over any monetary gain. We are all passionate about sharing this story with anyone willing and excited to listen.
No donation is too small. Right now we are primarily looking for monetary contributions to help us get this project off the ground.
Your donations will go to hiring, equipment, food, and lodging for our cast and crew, PPE, safety precautions, insurance, and post-production.
Any remaining money will go directly to film festival submissions and travel to festivals for our cast and crew.
We are currently building our team and are focused on the mission of representation on all levels, specifically for those above the line.
Our hope is to find an additional producer or consulting producer for the project. Interested in working with us? Email us at [email protected]
Bukola Ogunmola (She/Her)
Writer/Producer
Bukola is starring in her fourth season at Independent Shakespeare- a public Shakespeare company based in LA. She also works as a career coach and writes comedy content. Learn more about her in the "team" tab.
Tessa Hope Slovis (She/Her)
Writer, Director
Tessa's 2019 directorial debut, Pizza Party was featured at over 20 film festivals and won several awards. She now works as a freelance writer for branded content, producer, and director. Learn more about her in the "team" tab.
Brianna Seamster (She/Her)
Producer
Brianna is taking the biz by storm as an Assistant to the Showrunner of CW’s new Series Naomi. Learn more about her in the "team" tab.
Hannah Welever (She/Her)
Producer, Cinematographer
Hannah is kicking ass and taking names in Chicago. She currently works as a Director's Assistant on Showtime's Work In Progress. Learn more about her in the "team" tab.
Incentives
$15
Oh what... A Shout Out
- Oh what an awesome help this is! Thank you for your contribution. We are excited to offer you a very special social media shoutout on our instagram @ohwhatafilm in our stories and in our list of weekly donor posts.
- You'll also receive downloadable art work from the film!
$25
Oh what... An Advocate
- A very special social media shoutout on our instagram @ohwhatafilm that includes your photo on the template below!
- The Oh What A team will amplify a social justice organization or non profit of your choosing and share the info on our socials.
- You'll also get all previous awards.
$65
Oh what... An Early Bird
- The early bird catches the worm! Your generous contribution will allow you to receive an early screening of the completed film.
- And yep, you guessed it! You'll get all previous awards as well.
$100
Oh what... A Pal
- You truly are a pal! Your name will appear in our credits under "Special Thanks".
- You'll get all previous awards as well!
$500
Oh what... A Big Spender
- We can't contain ourselves! Your contribution will get you a pair of special Oh What A... fake eyelashes, a signed poster and an Associate Producer credit!
- You'll also receive all previous awards.
$1,200
Oh what... A Producer
- With this generous gift, your name will appear as one of the contributing producers on both our credits and IMDB. - You'll also get to chat with us in a private zoom call with select cast and crew!
- YOU can be a featured extra in the film (LA Locals only and/or willing to provide own travel and lodging).
- You will also receive all previous awards.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$2,500
Oh what... An Exec
- You are a badass! We are thrilled to offer you an Executive Producer credit as well as include your company's Logo at the end of our film. You will be included in full team production calls and will receive invitations to film festivals! LA locals will also be invited to observe the filming process. - And of course, you'll receive all previous awards!
Claimed: 0 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.
$15
Oh what... A Shout Out
- Oh what an awesome help this is! Thank you for your contribution. We are excited to offer you a very special social media shoutout on our instagram @ohwhatafilm in our stories and in our list of weekly donor posts.
- You'll also receive downloadable art work from the film!
$25
Oh what... An Advocate
- A very special social media shoutout on our instagram @ohwhatafilm that includes your photo on the template below!
- The Oh What A team will amplify a social justice organization or non profit of your choosing and share the info on our socials.
- You'll also get all previous awards.
$65
Oh what... An Early Bird
- The early bird catches the worm! Your generous contribution will allow you to receive an early screening of the completed film.
- And yep, you guessed it! You'll get all previous awards as well.
$100
Oh what... A Pal
- You truly are a pal! Your name will appear in our credits under "Special Thanks".
- You'll get all previous awards as well!
$500
Oh what... A Big Spender
- We can't contain ourselves! Your contribution will get you a pair of special Oh What A... fake eyelashes, a signed poster and an Associate Producer credit!
- You'll also receive all previous awards.
$1,200
Oh what... A Producer
- With this generous gift, your name will appear as one of the contributing producers on both our credits and IMDB. - You'll also get to chat with us in a private zoom call with select cast and crew!
- YOU can be a featured extra in the film (LA Locals only and/or willing to provide own travel and lodging).
- You will also receive all previous awards.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$2,500
Oh what... An Exec
- You are a badass! We are thrilled to offer you an Executive Producer credit as well as include your company's Logo at the end of our film. You will be included in full team production calls and will receive invitations to film festivals! LA locals will also be invited to observe the filming process. - And of course, you'll receive all previous awards!
Claimed: 0 of 3
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Tessa Slovis is an Argentinean/Eastern European actor and filmmaker. Her directorial debut, Pizza Party was an official selection at 20+ film festivals including Academy Qualifying, Indy Shorts at Heartland Film, Rhode Island Film Festival and Cinequest. She was the recipient of the Female Filmmaking Award at the Portland Film Festival and received special jury mention at Ashland Film Festival. She has appeared in 20+ musicals and plays in NYC, LA and regionally, and can be seen on screen in Law and Order SVU, The Affair, Indie Film "Actor Seeks Role" and SXSW 2020 Grand Jury Prize Film Shithouse. Her short stories and personal essays have been featured in Bustle.com and the Huffington Post blog. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Barnard College and an MFA in acting from the University of Southern California where she was the recipient of the 2019 USC Marshall School Of Business Performance Science Scholarship for her writing and activism.
Hannah Welever is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker with a hustle mentality and a Midwestern upbringing. With a colorful background in cinematography, Hannah has shifted her visionary skills to become an accomplished director of various forms. Accolades include an AICE Award for her 'NIKE FORCE IS FEMALE' campaign, Best Director at SeriesFest for webseries 'GOOD GENES', and a recipient of the ASC Vision Scholarship. Hannah's latest short film, SWIPE UP VIVIAN, has screened around the country (virtually) this past year at festivals such as Outfest, Frameline, Atlanta International, Chicago International, and Fantasia. Hannah is committed to creating refreshing and empowering content that remains at a point of accessibility and relevance to women and minority communities. In early 2019 Hannah created a production company as a hub for underrepresented artists called Good Trouble Films. Hannah currently works as the Director's Assistant on Showtime's WORK IN PROGRESS, produced by Lilly Wachowski.
Bukola Ogunmola is a Nigerian-American film and theater actor and writer born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, New York with experience in both the LA and NYC theater. Previously worked with incarcerated individuals through the company Creative Acts. She is currently working on Comedy of Errors with the Independent Shakespeare Company. She holds an MFA in Acting from the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
Brianna Seamster was born and raised in Southern California. She is a Co-Founder of the independent production company Dope TV. Seamster is a winner of the 2020 Create the Writers Room Competition and runner-up for the Scriptapalooza Fellowship with her teleplay HOMEBOUND. Seamster is a member of the Disney PA Program and Writers Mob. She previously worked at companies such as FX Networks, ABC and Innovative Artists. Seamster is a Producer/Writer/Director.
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