Support Todd and Jim as they inform the public of the true separation of Church AND State. Todd and Jim believe in women's rights, support for small businesses, and the freedom of religion.
Support Todd and Jim as they inform the public of the true separation of Church AND State. Todd and Jim believe in women's rights, support for small businesses, and the freedom of religion.
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Story
Mission Statement
TDE is a comedy driven short film that allows viewers to question their morals drilled into us by society. It is a story about the undeniable truth that friendship always wins. TDE will have a diverse cast, and will be lead by minority women in front and behind the camera.About The Project
The Story
Massachusetts finest, Todd Reid and Jim James, are on a mission, to spread the word about the seperation of Church and State through Satanism. They moved to Scotsdale, AZ to start their very own chapter, The Dark Essence.
Todd and Jim have decided to document everything about this new chapter on camera. As they begin to engage with the community, they quickly find that spreading the word is harder than they thought. Turns out, people are not thrilled with Satanists moving into the neighborhood. When Todd and Jim go to a community outreach, lead by Mari and Brenda, no one jumped at the opportunity to join their chapter. They were shunned.
The only friend they have been able to make is their neighbor, Rose, who, we come to find out, is a Catholic Nun. Todd and Jim love Rose, but, fear she will hate them because of their beliefs. And, that they ran over her cat. It was an accident! But, really, it was. Jim cried for a week...
Why Support Us?
The Dark Essence is an unconventional comedy. Those who have read and worked on the short, have said "it's a hilarious cross over between What We Do in The Shadows and Keeping the Faith." "Mari and Brenda have created something special." It is a story to remind us that no matter our differences, we can always build something better and stronger, together.
The Dark Essence can make room for hard converstaions. We hope that after watching The Dark Essence, people will be inspired to go into their jobs, their relationships, and their communities to make the change they wish someone else did.
**The Dark Essence is not putting down religion. As an old classmate once said, "it takes just as much courage to believe in something, as it does to NOT believe in someting." And that is the story we wish to tell.
Women Supporting Women
It is no secret. This is a male dominated industry. This project is very improtant to the two creators, Mari Assad and Brenda Nascimento, not only becuase they love comedy, but, THERE NEED TO BE MORE WOMEN BEHIND THE CAMERA. This script is written by women, it is produced by women, and it will be directed by women. Even though The Dark Essence has two male leads, this creative train is lead by females. It is important that we see minority women telling multiple genres of stories.
Meet the Characters
Todd Reid- A priveledged man, who grew up searching for his purpose in life. He was rebelling agaisnt his strict religious family by attending a liberal arts college. He saw a flyer for The Dark Essence and was immediatey intrigued. In the first meeting he prepared to make an animal sacrifice, instead, made lots of friends.
Jim James- A man with simple pleasures, like playing with dogs, going to the farmers market, and performing his self written jazz music on his keyboard. It was at one of the Sunday Farmers Market that Jim met Todd. Todd was passing out flyers, no one was paying attention to him, and Jim walked up and the two hit it off. Jim joined the Dark Essence, started a jazz band with Todd (album coming out soon), and moved to Arizona with him.
Rose- A wonderful, and gracious woman who has grown up with prayer close to her heart. Rose is no longer a practicing nun. She joined the convent when she was 17. However, after a family tragedy, Rose left the convent when was 36 to help her family. Rose realized that to live every day in the present, with an open heart, is the best way to serve the lord. She never went back. Rose met Todd and Jim a week after they moved in. She liked them, she thought they were funny and sweet boys.
Mari- A Political Science graduate from Georgetown University, she believes she is the next AOC... Mari has been working hard to fight against the social injustice in the US. She moved to Arizona to help the minority vote in the next election.
Brenda- An art therapist from UCLA, who has moved to Arizona to work with the children detention centers. Brenda met Mari while working at a non profit organization. Brenda wants to help shape the future for the next generation through the arts.
Will We Be Safe?
Most of the cast and crew will be vaccinated. For anyone who hasn't been able to get the vaccine, we will ensure that that we have covid test results and quarantining in place. Our set will also be amply supplied with faces mask, shields, and hand sanitizer. Everyone's safety and health is our main priority.
Incentives
$10
Hey, Satan...
Get a shout out on Instagram from Todd and Jim, they are currently trying to figure out social media, so if they have more friends, Todd and Jim will give a HEY on Favebook or Instagram.
$25
Hey Satan, you're deadly
Have you ever wondered which deadly sin you are? You can find out now. Nothing is more sexy than knowing your deadly sin (winky face).
$50
Hey, Satan, you seem cool...
You will receive a "You're Amazing Video"
Having a rough day? Todd and Jim want you to know that you matter. You are improtant. Todd and Jim will give you a wonderful pep talk video. You're a star. =)
$100
Hey Satan, I think really, really like you.
VIP Seating to out screening! You will receive a ticket to our screening with snacks, drinks, and a good laugh! Todd and Jim will personally show you around at The Dark Essence.
$500
Hey Satan, I'm in love with you
You will receive a Dark Essence T Shirt! Todd and Jim worked very hard on these t-shirts and want everyone to be wearing them.
$1,500
Satan, you sexy beast...
Join the creative team and be as an associate producer with Todd and Jim for The Dark Essence.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Hey, Satan...
Get a shout out on Instagram from Todd and Jim, they are currently trying to figure out social media, so if they have more friends, Todd and Jim will give a HEY on Favebook or Instagram.
$25
Hey Satan, you're deadly
Have you ever wondered which deadly sin you are? You can find out now. Nothing is more sexy than knowing your deadly sin (winky face).
$50
Hey, Satan, you seem cool...
You will receive a "You're Amazing Video"
Having a rough day? Todd and Jim want you to know that you matter. You are improtant. Todd and Jim will give you a wonderful pep talk video. You're a star. =)
$100
Hey Satan, I think really, really like you.
VIP Seating to out screening! You will receive a ticket to our screening with snacks, drinks, and a good laugh! Todd and Jim will personally show you around at The Dark Essence.
$500
Hey Satan, I'm in love with you
You will receive a Dark Essence T Shirt! Todd and Jim worked very hard on these t-shirts and want everyone to be wearing them.
$1,500
Satan, you sexy beast...
Join the creative team and be as an associate producer with Todd and Jim for The Dark Essence.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Mari Assad and Brenda Nascimento met in college. They bonded over the show Girls and Game of Thrones. After graduation, they decided to conquer LA. Mari and Brenda performed in plays, booked commercials, and sat in the front row of each others improv shows.
When Mari wrote, produced, and starred in her web series, Brother Husbands, she made sure to write a part for Brenda. The two realized they had the same work ethic, both had a passion for comedy, and both wanted to create something.
The Dark Essence is their first cowritten project. This whole process has been invigorating and forced Mari and Brenda to think outside of the box. Things took a turn in 2020 when the pandamic paused all work on The Dark Essence. Mari and Brenda decided that after a year of being stuck at home, it's time to get creative. So, Todd and Jim wandered back into their hearts, and now it is time to share them with the world.
And on their journey they met Jordan Van Clief, and she has been a great addition to the team:
Jordan Van Clief is an actor/producer who is beyond thrilled to be collaborating with such young, talented women! She wrote, produced and starred in the award winning film Failure is an Option and founded the Well Actually Production Company. She often finds herself questioning why God made brownies unhealthy and was drawn to the Satanic Temple as it offered less questionable morals.
Please check out Brother Husbands on YouTube!
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