The Atonement Series
Washington, District of Columbia | Series
Crime, Thriller
Looking to escape his demons, a D.C. Homicide detective tackles a case in rural Georgia, where a local woman becomes his unlikely ally in unraveling a web of small-town secrecy - and finding redemption. This six-part crime thriller explores domestic violence, resilience, and restorative justice.
The Atonement Series
Washington, District of Columbia | Series
Crime, Thriller
1 Campaigns | District of Columbia, United States
Campaign Closed
Unfortunately this campaign didn't reach the Greenlight. But you can still follow the filmmaker to stay updated on future projects!
8 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Looking to escape his demons, a D.C. Homicide detective tackles a case in rural Georgia, where a local woman becomes his unlikely ally in unraveling a web of small-town secrecy - and finding redemption. This six-part crime thriller explores domestic violence, resilience, and restorative justice.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a small town where everyone has secrets, she may have the darkest of them all.
When D.C. Homicide Detective Robert Grant returns to his hometown to investigate a complex murder case, he uncovers a web of secrecy that drags him further from the truth and deeper into his guilt and grief over an unsolved case from his past.
He finds solace with Emily Thornton, a local woman with demons of her own. Together, they embark on a journey toward truth, redemption, and restorative justice.
With its compelling ensemble cast of characters and haunting backdrop of rural Georgia, The Atonement series tells a story that stays with you long after its truth is revealed.
Inspiration for my storytelling through film comes from the evocative landscapes, compelling personalities, and small-town lore that mesmerized me throughout my childhood in rural Georgia. The Atonement emerged from these elements as a gripping crime-thriller that ultimately explores hope, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.
-Vanessa D. Anthony, Series Creator
THE ATONEMENT series evolved from an early childhood memory I have of losing two distant family members to domestic violence. I remember the stories that circulated throughout the small town where I grew up in rural Georgia. I remember attending a funeral with two caskets, which was something I had never seen before and left a lasting impact on me. I later learned my family saw no justice as the killer went free.
Decades later, I find myself drawn again to this family history - a tragedy that has become an all-too-common occurrence with no simple answers in sight. I feel moved to reimagine elements from my family’s experience as a crime drama/thriller. By setting the story in a small town, I examine the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence and how communities can sometimes protect abusers instead of their victims.
The series follows two compelling protagonists as they navigate the unique power dynamics of such insular communities. Detective Grant finds unexpected solace with Emily Thornton whose dark secret may hold the key to justice and healing they each seek.
Robert Grant is a seasoned homicide detective haunted by a case that went cold on his watch; the death of his sister at the hands of an escaped killer has left him reeling in guilt and grief that he barely manages with prescription drugs. Grant returns to his hometown in Georgia to take on a complex murder investigation, hoping to find personal atonement by bringing justice to the victim’s family. His empathy and persistence are a double-edged sword - drawing him deeper into a web of lies in a close-knit community bound to keep silent even as the prime suspect remains at large.
Grant's investigation leads him to Emily Thornton, a local woman who has endured years of psychological and physical torment at the hands of her husband. The series follows Emily's growing drive to escape, survive, and seek justice by the only means available to her. Her journey from victim to courageous and determined ally in the murder investigation highlights themes of empowerment and recovery, enriching the storyline with a poignant exploration of personal vulnerability and strength.
THE ATONEMENT draws inspiration from new and classic films/TV series in the crime/thriller genre featuring complex, empathetic truth-seekers.
.
The series offers a twist on the character-driven procedural, taking a deep dive into the complexities of relationship abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking protection and justice in small towns.
WHY TELL THIS STORY NOW?
The Atonement has undergone numerous changes over the years. The story has expanded significantly with the introduction of new characters,
storylines, and locations. The series is based on my short film "Death of a Drunk," which was filmed in Chiba, Tokyo, Japan in 2008. The short was compelling on its own, but I had many ideas for expanding the story into a feature film.
In 2014, I revisited the script and discovered I had so much more of the story that I wanted to tell. I decided to shoot The Atonement as a pilot preview and trailer teasing a fully-imagined series.
After I moved to Washington DC for work, I put The Atonement aside. My motivation to work on the project dwindled. During the COVID pandemic, I was moved by the steep rise in reported cases of domestic violence and felt drawn to revisit The Atonement story. With my passion for writing reignited, the story and characters grew in depth and complexity. The Atonement was now a mature six-episode screenplay. In July 2021, the series trailer was selected by the Festival for Trailers Monthly via FilmFreeway.
The Atonement series is now in pre-production. Season One is set to begin filming for 18 days on location in Washington D.C. and Georgia in the summer of 2025. The six-episode screenplay has captured the attention of viewers and accomplished industry professionals alike.
The Atonement team is already hard at work scouting locations and assembling a core production staff, cast and crew.
Our team now includes:
- Director of Photography - Richard Sanborn
- Music Composer - Keith Blount
- Wardrobe Supervisor - Jazmyne Elizabeth Booking
Check out the Seed & Spark "TEAM" page for more details.
KEY LOCATIONS are set for Washington, D.C.and Sprewell Bluff State Park in Thomaston, Georgia. Additional location scouting has been conducted and confirmed including several historic sites in Greenville and Griffin, GA. Specialized sets will be provided by RJR Props/Studio in Atlanta, GA.
For more info on the production and our social impact mission, visit www.theatonementseries.com.
Last winter, we met our campaign goal and then some - raising $5K+ for pre-production costs through Seed & Spark!
For this round of crowdfunding, we're seeking $25,000 toward The Atonement's total production costs!
We need to reach 80% of our goal during our Seed & Spark campaign to be permitted to use this round of crowdfunding toward The Atonement series production next summer!
HOW WE PLAN TO USE WHAT WE RAISE:
Crowdfunding from this campaign goes directly to support these key production costs:
- CASTING STRONG LEAD TALENT
- A DIRECTOR WHO SHARES OUR VISION
Plus - we've created a PAID INTERNSHIP opportunity for new filmmakers to gain on-site production experience and networking!
We're currently in talks with some accomplished directors and lead talent interested in joining the project. With your support, we can build on this key fundraising phase to secure these essential production roles!
HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOUR CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTS:
With your help, we can bring the unique crime-thriller we envision to life AND deliver the high production value our powerful story demands!
3 Ways You Can Help:
- PLEDGE: to this campaign in ANY amount! OR choose from our list of incentives/rewards!
- FOLLOW US: Sign up at the top right of this page to follow our campaign. You'll be helping us reach 500+ followers unlocking valuable benefits, such as free registration to screen The Atonement series at film/media industry festivals and events. You'll also receive progress updates on our campaign!
- SHARE US: Share this LINK to our campaign page to your email, social media, and text networks!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting: Lead Actor
Costs $12,700
Strong lead actors are essential for The Atonement to convey its emotional depth, suspense, and themes of domestic violence and redemption.
A Director who shares our vision is crucial
Costs $10,000
Someone with experience in storytelling that deeply resonates with the themes of our series, such as domestic violence and mental health.
Production Assistant: Paid Internship
Costs $2,300
This role not only reduces the workload on the team but also encourages a learning environment that nurtures new talent.
Share this update!
About This Team
The Atonement Series was created by Vanessa D. Anthony, founder and CEO of Movie Mad Entertainment, an independent production company based in Washington, D.C/Atlanta. Movie Mad creates content for television and independent films in the genres of thriller, drama, suspense, and more. We've assembled a team of dedicated entrepreneurs who share a vision for realizing The Atonement series as Social Impact Entertainment, using compelling storytelling and community engagement to drive positive change.
.jpg)
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In a small town where everyone has secrets, she may have the darkest of them all.
When D.C. Homicide Detective Robert Grant returns to his hometown to investigate a complex murder case, he uncovers a web of secrecy that drags him further from the truth and deeper into his guilt and grief over an unsolved case from his past.
He finds solace with Emily Thornton, a local woman with demons of her own. Together, they embark on a journey toward truth, redemption, and restorative justice.
With its compelling ensemble cast of characters and haunting backdrop of rural Georgia, The Atonement series tells a story that stays with you long after its truth is revealed.
Inspiration for my storytelling through film comes from the evocative landscapes, compelling personalities, and small-town lore that mesmerized me throughout my childhood in rural Georgia. The Atonement emerged from these elements as a gripping crime-thriller that ultimately explores hope, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.
-Vanessa D. Anthony, Series Creator
THE ATONEMENT series evolved from an early childhood memory I have of losing two distant family members to domestic violence. I remember the stories that circulated throughout the small town where I grew up in rural Georgia. I remember attending a funeral with two caskets, which was something I had never seen before and left a lasting impact on me. I later learned my family saw no justice as the killer went free.
Decades later, I find myself drawn again to this family history - a tragedy that has become an all-too-common occurrence with no simple answers in sight. I feel moved to reimagine elements from my family’s experience as a crime drama/thriller. By setting the story in a small town, I examine the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence and how communities can sometimes protect abusers instead of their victims.
The series follows two compelling protagonists as they navigate the unique power dynamics of such insular communities. Detective Grant finds unexpected solace with Emily Thornton whose dark secret may hold the key to justice and healing they each seek.
Robert Grant is a seasoned homicide detective haunted by a case that went cold on his watch; the death of his sister at the hands of an escaped killer has left him reeling in guilt and grief that he barely manages with prescription drugs. Grant returns to his hometown in Georgia to take on a complex murder investigation, hoping to find personal atonement by bringing justice to the victim’s family. His empathy and persistence are a double-edged sword - drawing him deeper into a web of lies in a close-knit community bound to keep silent even as the prime suspect remains at large.
Grant's investigation leads him to Emily Thornton, a local woman who has endured years of psychological and physical torment at the hands of her husband. The series follows Emily's growing drive to escape, survive, and seek justice by the only means available to her. Her journey from victim to courageous and determined ally in the murder investigation highlights themes of empowerment and recovery, enriching the storyline with a poignant exploration of personal vulnerability and strength.
THE ATONEMENT draws inspiration from new and classic films/TV series in the crime/thriller genre featuring complex, empathetic truth-seekers.
.
The series offers a twist on the character-driven procedural, taking a deep dive into the complexities of relationship abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking protection and justice in small towns.
WHY TELL THIS STORY NOW?
The Atonement has undergone numerous changes over the years. The story has expanded significantly with the introduction of new characters,
storylines, and locations. The series is based on my short film "Death of a Drunk," which was filmed in Chiba, Tokyo, Japan in 2008. The short was compelling on its own, but I had many ideas for expanding the story into a feature film.
In 2014, I revisited the script and discovered I had so much more of the story that I wanted to tell. I decided to shoot The Atonement as a pilot preview and trailer teasing a fully-imagined series.
After I moved to Washington DC for work, I put The Atonement aside. My motivation to work on the project dwindled. During the COVID pandemic, I was moved by the steep rise in reported cases of domestic violence and felt drawn to revisit The Atonement story. With my passion for writing reignited, the story and characters grew in depth and complexity. The Atonement was now a mature six-episode screenplay. In July 2021, the series trailer was selected by the Festival for Trailers Monthly via FilmFreeway.
The Atonement series is now in pre-production. Season One is set to begin filming for 18 days on location in Washington D.C. and Georgia in the summer of 2025. The six-episode screenplay has captured the attention of viewers and accomplished industry professionals alike.
The Atonement team is already hard at work scouting locations and assembling a core production staff, cast and crew.
Our team now includes:
- Director of Photography - Richard Sanborn
- Music Composer - Keith Blount
- Wardrobe Supervisor - Jazmyne Elizabeth Booking
Check out the Seed & Spark "TEAM" page for more details.
KEY LOCATIONS are set for Washington, D.C.and Sprewell Bluff State Park in Thomaston, Georgia. Additional location scouting has been conducted and confirmed including several historic sites in Greenville and Griffin, GA. Specialized sets will be provided by RJR Props/Studio in Atlanta, GA.
For more info on the production and our social impact mission, visit www.theatonementseries.com.
Last winter, we met our campaign goal and then some - raising $5K+ for pre-production costs through Seed & Spark!
For this round of crowdfunding, we're seeking $25,000 toward The Atonement's total production costs!
We need to reach 80% of our goal during our Seed & Spark campaign to be permitted to use this round of crowdfunding toward The Atonement series production next summer!
HOW WE PLAN TO USE WHAT WE RAISE:
Crowdfunding from this campaign goes directly to support these key production costs:
- CASTING STRONG LEAD TALENT
- A DIRECTOR WHO SHARES OUR VISION
Plus - we've created a PAID INTERNSHIP opportunity for new filmmakers to gain on-site production experience and networking!
We're currently in talks with some accomplished directors and lead talent interested in joining the project. With your support, we can build on this key fundraising phase to secure these essential production roles!
HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOUR CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTS:
With your help, we can bring the unique crime-thriller we envision to life AND deliver the high production value our powerful story demands!
3 Ways You Can Help:
- PLEDGE: to this campaign in ANY amount! OR choose from our list of incentives/rewards!
- FOLLOW US: Sign up at the top right of this page to follow our campaign. You'll be helping us reach 500+ followers unlocking valuable benefits, such as free registration to screen The Atonement series at film/media industry festivals and events. You'll also receive progress updates on our campaign!
- SHARE US: Share this LINK to our campaign page to your email, social media, and text networks!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Casting: Lead Actor
Costs $12,700
Strong lead actors are essential for The Atonement to convey its emotional depth, suspense, and themes of domestic violence and redemption.
A Director who shares our vision is crucial
Costs $10,000
Someone with experience in storytelling that deeply resonates with the themes of our series, such as domestic violence and mental health.
Production Assistant: Paid Internship
Costs $2,300
This role not only reduces the workload on the team but also encourages a learning environment that nurtures new talent.
Share this update!
About This Team
The Atonement Series was created by Vanessa D. Anthony, founder and CEO of Movie Mad Entertainment, an independent production company based in Washington, D.C/Atlanta. Movie Mad creates content for television and independent films in the genres of thriller, drama, suspense, and more. We've assembled a team of dedicated entrepreneurs who share a vision for realizing The Atonement series as Social Impact Entertainment, using compelling storytelling and community engagement to drive positive change.