Growing up, our parents were the last people you had to worry about because the oldheads in the community would step in to help young people course correct. The film and franchise asks, how do we restore this level of mentorship back into communities struggling with violence and mass incarceration?
Growing up, our parents were the last people you had to worry about because the oldheads in the community would step in to help young people course correct. The film and franchise asks, how do we restore this level of mentorship back into communities struggling with violence and mass incarceration?
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Story
Mission Statement
We created Oldhead to be a vehicle for conversation. What does it mean to be a man? A leader? What are the things you need to do for your community? We are a living testament to how "Oldheads" laid out our paths to success.About The Project
Leaders do the right thing even when nobody’s watching
- Bumpy as played by "Drew Thompson" in OldheadSYNOPSIS
My Oldhead always told me,
Live by choice and not by chance.
There’s only two things in life we can’t fight, age and death.
So all you have to do is just keep on living.
- Fred/Jesus as played by “Facemoney” in OldheadOldhead tells the oft-forgotten tale of, what else, the "Oldhead"—those wise, older mentors that take younger men under their wings striving to offer sage advice to someone eager to get it.
Oldhead began its journey as a series. It grew on YouTube to surpass over 3 million views. The series starts with LA who returns home from being incarcerated. LA wants to change the course of his life, but the pressure of wanting to provide for his family – girlfriend and son – forces him to turn back to a life of crime. Knowing LA’s past, Bumpy, the film’s "Oldhead," offers his guidance and mentorship to get LA on the straight and narrow. The series explored LA's next moves.
We learned so much from the series. With the film, we’re exploring this story from a wiser and more experienced perspective as filmmakers and as men.Themes
Cult classic crime dramas have had an everlasting impact on the generation that grows up with them. In developing Oldhead, we pulled from defining classics that laid the groundwork for honest content that addresses the socio-economic issues that current day inner-city youth face.
ORIGIN STORY
One thing is real and that’s the choices we make.
You only get three choices in life:
give in, give up, or give it all you got.
- Fred/Jesus as played by “Facemoney” in OldheadTHE CREATORS
Without filmmaking experience, but with a lot of hunger and an eagerness to create, Writer/Director Tony Chenault set out to partner with Actor/Producer Joshua Meekins in 2014.
THE MOVEMENT
Oldheads, or mentors, provide young people with wisdom and guidance. The majority of urban stories only portray the pitfalls of our community, but it's our intention to show the proper representation of our people being mosaic individuals.
At the very first screening of Oldhead:The Series back in August 2014 at Tony’s highschool--400 people attended.
Because of the show's powerful message and impact, Tony and Joshua screened various versions of the project at local highschools and theaters including the Freedom Theater, High School of the Future and Neumann-Goretti Highschool in Philly. The film was also screened at the Hip Hop Film Festival at the National Black Theater in Harlem, NYC and at a local theater in East Hollywood in California.Through representation, the cast, crew and creators believe that they can change the lives of the young people who see the film. Once the film is complete we look forward to screening it in highschools, theaters and event space accross the country.
VIOLENCE IN CITIES
Choose to be motivated not manipulated
because if you could weather the storm, you can conquer the pain.
- Fred/Jesus as played by "Facemoney" in OldheadAs reported in Time.com, in 2020 “Historically, inner-city neighborhoods and marginalized urban communities across the United States face gun violence rates much higher than statistical norms.” The article went on to report that Philadelphia–the city that makes up the backdrop of Oldhead – had seen a 33% increase in shooting incidents that year, with more than 990 people shot.
You can find a similar statistics in neighborhoods all across the country. Oldhead seeks to demonstrate the importance of community members intervening to make an impact in the lives of individuals facing poverty and other hardships that provoke violence.
A universal lesson that a lot of kids can relate to. The search for – or seeking an Oldhead. Hopefully if you’re in a tough situation this person finds you.
Here's How You Can Help
We need to make $30,000 to complete our vision and we've got 30 days to make it happen! The bulk of our $$raising efforts are going to Production which includes:
- Equipment
- Weapons
- Cast
- Hair & Makeup
- Wardrobe
- Locations
- Props
- Sound
- Catering
Covid Protocol
In order to make sure that our cast and crew are safe on set, we will implement Covid testing 3 times a week and mandate that all cast and crew wear masks on set.
PLEDGE & SHARE
Talk About Us: Email Your Network
Reach out to your network. You can use this email template:
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Hey Friends! I just pledged to an independent film campaign on Seed&Spark called OLDHEAD. The project was first a YouTube series garnering over 3 miliion views. Now the creators are making a film. The film gives an authentic depiction of some of the socio-economic issues inner-city youth face. Help this film featuring Philly locals along with a cast and crew of people of color make $30,000 for production. Any amount helps! You can check out their crowdfunding campaign to learn more about the project and the creators here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/oldhead#story.
They've got XX/DAYS left to make their goal.
---------------------Talk About Us: Share to Your Network
Share these rave reviews. Straight from our fans. (as taken from the comments of the Oldhead: The Series YouTube section)
- “Absolutely Amazing YouTube Series. [Now they're making a film!] This was much appreciated. It grabbed my attention with the Title and held it with the storyline and choice of great actors/actresses. All young Men especially, and our young women should culturally speaking should tune in.” Pledge on Seed&Spark. https://seedandspark.com/fund/oldhead#story
- Oldhead is coming to the big screen and I agree the story “is addictive yet so positively motivated." Pledge on Seed&Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/oldhead#story
- I Like this jawn. Good acting. Enough said. Let's help this team of young black filmmakers from Philly turn their successful franchise into film. Pledge today! https://seedandspark.com/fund/oldhead#story
- “Oldhead is that ish! Great concept and streetwise OGs on some positive ish in the hood-- but giving u that real at the same time.” Pledge first and then share the campaign. https://seedandspark.com/fund/oldhead#story
Thanks for being part of the Oldhead crew.
We look forward to creating with you.Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout
Social Media Shoutout on Instagram
$25
Shout from Youngin’s and Oldhead’s
Everything above + Video Shout Outs from the Oldhead Cast
$50
Thank You Credits
Everything above + Special Thank You Credits in the Film
$75
First Look Virtual Screening
Everything above + Receive Tickets to the Private Virtual Screening
$150
Virtual Call with the Director and Producer
Everything above + Speak with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins about the Oldhead Movie
$250
Squad Goals
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend In-person Table Read with the Cast of Oldhead
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided$350
The Q+A Jawn
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend a Virtual Q&A with the Featured Cast
$500
Review Rough Cut with the Creators
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Review the Rough Cut of the Oldhead Film with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins
Virtual Offering
$750
Shot Caller - Shadow the Director for the Day
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Get Detailed Insight into What the Director’s Responsibility is On Set
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided. Must be available in the Summer 2022
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit
Review the Rough Cut of the Oldhead Film with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins + Receive an Associate Producer Credit
Virtual Offering
$2,500
Dinner with the Team
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend Dinner with the Oldhead Director & Executive Producers.
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided. Must be available in the Summer 2022Claimed: 1 of 4
$6,000
Sixers Game
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend a Sixers Game to Meet the Players and the Executive Team
Flexible scheduling around NBA Season required
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout
Social Media Shoutout on Instagram
$25
Shout from Youngin’s and Oldhead’s
Everything above + Video Shout Outs from the Oldhead Cast
$50
Thank You Credits
Everything above + Special Thank You Credits in the Film
$75
First Look Virtual Screening
Everything above + Receive Tickets to the Private Virtual Screening
$150
Virtual Call with the Director and Producer
Everything above + Speak with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins about the Oldhead Movie
$250
Squad Goals
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend In-person Table Read with the Cast of Oldhead
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided$350
The Q+A Jawn
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend a Virtual Q&A with the Featured Cast
$500
Review Rough Cut with the Creators
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Review the Rough Cut of the Oldhead Film with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins
Virtual Offering
$750
Shot Caller - Shadow the Director for the Day
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Get Detailed Insight into What the Director’s Responsibility is On Set
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided. Must be available in the Summer 2022
$1,000
Associate Producer Credit
Review the Rough Cut of the Oldhead Film with Tony Chennault and Joshua Meekins + Receive an Associate Producer Credit
Virtual Offering
$2,500
Dinner with the Team
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend Dinner with the Oldhead Director & Executive Producers.
Travel accommodations to Philly not provided. Must be available in the Summer 2022Claimed: 1 of 4
$6,000
Sixers Game
Special Thank You Credits in the Film + Attend a Sixers Game to Meet the Players and the Executive Team
Flexible scheduling around NBA Season required
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Anthony Samuels: Anthony is a talented rapper and actor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some of his recent works include the Teddy Pendergrass movie, in which he was the lead for the adult Teddy Pendagrass role. Also, he was the lead actor for the Oldhead web series, which has accumulated over two million views on their YouTube channel. He continues to hone his craft as an actor and is currently on an international tour with recording artist, Conway.
Julia Abreu: Julia is a motivated, committed, and talented actress with strong stage instincts and intensive formal training. She is passionate about life and expresses this through her artistic endeavors. Julia trained and undertook intensive courses in the Philadelphia acting studio and Break into Hollywood Studios in New York City. She has experience working on screen, print work, and theatre. She is excited and prepared to go the extra mile and is sure to make a real difference to any project she is involved in.
Milaya Gregory: S. Gregory is an actor, model, aspiring writer, and producer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some of her most recent work includes a print ad for Procter & Gamble Global Photography Refresh 2022, a supporting role as Lisa in the Bounce TVs Network feature film "Who is Christmas Eve?", supporting role as Shardae' in an independent film titled "Love You Right" that she also got the opportunity to help cast. In addition to honing her craft and exploring her creativity through the arts, health and wellness within the African American community are especially important to her. She has earned a Masters of Public Health- Nutrition track from West Chester University of PA and currently works as a Sanitarian Specialist now a supervisor with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for almost 10 years.
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