The Black Experiment

New York City, New York | Film Feature

Comedy, Thriller

Rahmell Peebles

1 Campaigns | New York, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $13,539 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

102 supporters | followers

Enter the amount you would like to pledge

$

In the African American community we have psychological blockage that is embedded in our genetic memory that stems from a long line of trauma. In this film we want to not only address that trauma, but do so in a way that entices you, and reflects a variety of different Afro American experiences.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

The filmmakers, producers, and actors are all African American. Rahmell Peebles wanted to create a film, where he would simultaneously give minority youth an opportunity to be a part of a professional feature film, while also teaching them to use the arts as a means of therapy in an acting class.

The Story

This film will follow a group of African American teenagers who are selected to be a part of this “Experiment” at a local high school. Though they all have the black identity in common, they come from a variety of different experiences that sets them apart. But because of a mysterious teacher (who is in charge of this experiment) and his really harsh and bizarre ways, they are forced to look beyond their differences, and find the one truth that they all have in common. But this “truth” can potentially cost them their lives, or even worse, their psyche. 

A comedy, a thriller, a drama, and a whole lot of suspense all in one.

 

The special thing about this project, is that it is actually being developed in an acting class. A class of African American students that come from a variety of different experiences, much like the script. 

In this acting class, while perfecting the script, the students will be learning acting techniques that help them explore their inner selves. It’s very challenging to play another character unless you’re very familiar with your own. Therefore this class is designed for the students to conquer their insecurities and teenage demons, and become masters of themselves. 

There aren’t many acting classes in New York City that are designed for African Americans. Especially African American teenagers who are constantly prejudged and mistreated. There aren't many safe spaces for young African Americans to be vulnerable and explore the experiences they’ve had. And rarely do we see films that accurately depict these experiences and do so in a way that bends and stretches traditional ways of telling stories through film.  

 

Im talking “Do the right thing” meets “Inception”...

“Juice” meets “Black Mirror”

 

This is the type of film we want to make. “The Breakfast Club” set up, with a “When They See Us” flavor, and a “Twilight Zone” Twist.

 

 We don’t believe we need a huge budget to make a classic film. We believe we can do so with our layered stories, and creativity alone. But we do want to have the necessary budget to make sure we have the quality to match our creative efforts. 

 

This group is special. This project is innovative, ambitious, and golden. And we want you to be a part of it. 

 

Join our world 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Equipment

Costs $4,400

The platforms we want our film to be screened on have equipment requirements. We want to meet them!

Crafty

Costs $2,300

We have to eat! Set days can be long. An un-fed team can be unproductive.

Wardrobe

Costs $2,300

The film will be shot in a school, so uniforms will help tell our story.

Film Crew

Costs $6,000

A quality film needs a quality team! We want to pay them for their work

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Teacher, executive producer and co director

Rahmell Peebles 

Rahmell has been a teaching artist since late 2014. His Solo show “Rahmell’s Inferno” won the United Solo Theater festivals “Best poetry” award in 2017. He also won the NBC star project award in 2015. At 16 years old, he was an expelled student, placed in special education, and put on probation for a year for carrying a key chain pocket knife to school. At 22 years old in 2011 he graduated from Morehouse College with an Honors degree in philosophy. Rahmell empathizes with young ones, especially those of the African American experience, and has dedicated the majority of his adult life to assure the kids he comes into contact with are on a path of growth, success, and emotional well being.

 

Executive producer and co director Ali Banks

 Ali Banks is a NY based filmmaker. He developed his passion for film at the age of 14 and participated in the NYU Future Filmmakers Program, where he was trained by film experts, including Sam Pollard. Ali soon developed his skill at Morehouse College and shortly after, served as producer on shows for the NFL Network and CNBC. Ali is interested in telling engaging uplifting stories.

 

Executive producer Marcus Charles 

Marcus Charles aka Chuck Marcus is a New York based photographer. Born and raised in Harlem, NY. Back in 2012 Chuck created his own company ChuckMarcus Photography, a digital and print brand that organically communicates concepts and ideas through photography, creative direction, mood board creation, and graphic design. He’s worked with an impressive roster of clients, such as Adidas, Nike, Kith NYC, Foot Locker, New Balance and other household name brands. 

 

Meet the actors 

 

Jada Kornegay - 18 yrs old.

I born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and i wanted to be an actress since I was 9. I got inspired to pursue this career from growing up watching Tyler Perry films.

 

Niara Medford - 16


I'm from Brooklyn, NY
I've acted for a few years and I want to be an actor because I can cultivate my emotions ❤️

 

Kidada Bekoé - 15


I’m from Brooklyn,NY 
I have never acted professionally before
I want to be an actor to develop, grow and express myself. 

 

Cydney Haynes, 16 years old.

 

I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Upper East Harlem. I have been an actress since elementary school, and I have always had a passion for the art of acting because it allows me to transpose myself into different characters that I can portray.

 

Abou Coulibaly, 18 years old 

My nam is Abou, I’m a kid from the Bronx who grew up watching a lot of movies and shows. I’ve also been interested in how they are made. I wanted to try it myself, and I’ll try hard to make my dream come true. 

 

Ousmane Baro - 18

Im from The Bronx, Ny. Acting has been a passion of mine for the past 2 years. I’m a focused and determined person , and as most will say, “i’m a “Humble Beast”

 

Current Team

Supporters

Followers

Incentives