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ABOUT THE FILM
Urban Development is about a shady real estate agent named Victor Malloy who plans to take over and redevelop the low-income, crime ridden MarketView Heights neighborhood by any means possible. However, his from-the-neighborhood emplo
yee, Rome Calloway discovers his plan. Rome soon discovers that corporate america can be just as dangerous as any street corner. With Rome's web of connections that reach local politicians, bankers, and drug dealers, he is able to use his street smarts and business savvy to divert Victor’s plans.
The film is relevant, timely, and a real world account of how corporate and legal greed can be just as dirty as the illegal deals that happen in the streets.
We have worked hard to make characters that are likable, relatable, and layered. They all have secrets and a past that shape their actions in this film. Some do the right thing in the end, while some don't.
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We are all Rochester Natives and love this city and want to show it off in our film. We want to support, grow, and highlight our local filmmaking community. Making this film in Rochester means we will hire local talent for both cast and crew, as well as shoot in local restuarants, bars, and on our city streets and in neighborhoods. We believe that Rochester is ripe for more feature films and becoming a great filmmaking hub.
Please help us make this possible!
ABOUT US
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Yasin Shabazz - Writer/Director/Producer - After graduating from Clark Atlanta University Film program, Yasin began his film career on film productions in the Atlanta area. In 2001, Yasin began working as a director, director of photography and editor on a variety of projects that included music videos, commercials, PSA’s and short films. Yasin's short films have screened at numerous film festivals around the country. In addition, Yasin has directed two feature documentaries “Vagabon” & “The Hot 8 Brass Band.” "Urban Development" is Yasin's first feature film.
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Noel Bastien - Writer/Producer - Noel has worked in the film industry for more than 10 years in nearly every stage of production. Upon graduating from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, Noel moved to LA to begin his film career. In addition to working on feature film sets with high profile talent, he worked with several production companies learning the in's and out's of the business. Most recently, Noel worked as a videographer and editor for the county’s biggest online video marketing provider based in Rochester.
What We Need & What You Get
We've called in some favors and have been able to get some amazing equipment at great prices. The funds raised from this campaign, along with the funds secured from our investors will be used for all of our production needs. These expenses include:
- Paying our cast and crew
- Camera Department expenses (Support gear, Lens rentals)
- Grip Truck rental with all the gear (Tape, Sandbags, C-Stands, Flags)
- Props
- Wardrobe
- Location Costs
- Permits/Legal fees
- Meals for our cast and crew
- Hard Drives (The RED Epic offers great quality at the cost of huge data rates, so we need several drives for storing and backing up our RAW footage)
We have been able to secure a RED Epic camera, which is a top of the line camera used in Hollywood films and TV, so we know the film will look amazing.
Our goal is to put the entire budget on screen to create a great looking, high production value film.
We’ve been busy holding casting sessions, crewing up, and location scouting in Rochester and are ready to shoot in July.
We'd also like to include YOU. Our perks include several opportunies to be involved: some of our perks include:
- A visit to the set.
- An opportunity to be in the movie.
- Joining us on the red carpet at the Rochester Premiere.
- Becoming an Associate Producer.
Other Ways You Can Help
We know times are tough and money is tight, but every dollar counts. We are using all the resources we can to keep the budget tight and getting the most production value on screen.
We understand if you are unable to contribute, but we would greatly appreciate any word of mouth promoting that you can do to help us. Please help our campaign by telling your friends, family and collegues.
THANK YOU!!
