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.