Black Girl’s Be Like is
the girls’ side of the story. Very often we see a woman at the end of her
journey with no clue of how she got there. No one starts out broken, hard, and
difficult to love. Yes, even the most hardened woman started out as an innocent
girl. What happens to one as they ditch the innocence of girlhood and slip into
the woman they will become? Black Girl’s
Be Like is a coming of age tale of a girl at the cusp, with the limitless
potential that only a child could possess. Does she fall in line with the
others and become what her environment dictates? Or does she break out and
blaze a new trail? Ta’Sheena is every girl, in every school in a failing
district, in every urban community. You ever wonder who was the name behind the
statistic? What blurred out child’s face you see in the 5:00 news? This film
portrays what young women in such environments experience on a daily basis and
how innocence is constantly threatened. In the ongoing narrative of “the hood”
who is the heroine?
What We Need & What You Get
In order to make Black
Girl’s Be Like a reality I need the proper funding. My past films have been
made with little to no budgets. It is my plan for this film to reach larger
audiences and that can’t be done without financial support. All the basics of
production will be covered; insurance, cast, crew, locations, catering, set
dec, props, etc. As well as post-production, which is a huge key in producing a
great finished product. I’m collaborating with an awesome crew that are great
in their perspective crafts. As an independent contractor myself I know how
important it is for our work to be valued and compensated. I would like to
translate the kind of professionalism I encounter working on network
television/films to my own set, which includes paying and feeding people.
Principle photography will be done in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI, a town
that once benefited from a fruitful film incentive but has since lost. It is my
hope that my film, in some small way, can bring the love of filmmaking back to
the city. By employing local cast, talent, and vendors I hope to add a small
spike in the Grand Rapids economy. In short help fund my film because the story
needs to be told. Our girls need to know that there are other people like them
out there, and that the every day struggle they encounter isn’t singular.
Aside from the warm-fuzzy feeling you get for donating to a good cause here are some perks that come with giving:
$5-10.00 – Thanks boo, you put 5 on it and we appreciate you!
$15-25.00 – We will make you our #MCM or #WCW (we’ll make sure
to choose a cute pic)
$50.00 – You are the proud owner of an official BGBL disc, complete with behind the scenes footage.
$100.00 – You get hooked up with a #salutetothepursuit t-shirt BGBL Edition as well as a BGBL disc
$200.00 – Come through! Come kick it with us on set in addition to a #salutetothepursuit t-shirt and BGBL disc
$500.00 – Thank yooouuu! The whole world will know of your support to the film, you will be featured in the credits.
$1,000.00 – Lights, Camera, Action! Are you ready for your close-up? This gets you a featured extra role, maybe even a line or two
$5,000.00 – Welcome to the Team! This gives you an Associate Producer Credit
$10,000.00 – Exec Producer Credit
I worked for the Grand Rapids Public School District for 3
years fresh out of college, after first being a product of the district myself.
During my time there I worked as an after school teacher, instructing video
production, and as a Youth Advocate where I was given a case load of students
that I was responsible in helping matriculate through the school year. The kids
on the caseload were considered “at-risk” due to whatever guidelines and
criteria created by some person sitting in an office came up with. Due to their
parents income, and the area they lived in they could have ended up on my list.
The students I encountered changed my life. They inspired me, angered me, and
challenged me every single day. Although I would leave work exhausted I would
always leave feeling like a change was made, even though it may have been
small. Not only did I take away a piece of those students in my heart, but also
left with their stories and experiences. It angered me that the outside world
thought that these kids were bad or stupid, or unworthy in some sense. Black Girl’s Be Like is a story inspired
by the stories and lives of the students I encountered. Behind the tough
facades of each student I found a child that wanted to be accepted, understood,
and loved. I wanted to make this Film so people on the outside could get a
glimpse of what happens beyond the headlines.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help:
If you're not able to contribute please spread the word and pass the campaign along to others. Share the post & video with as many people as you can so the vision can become a reality.
Also, if you would like to contribute equipment or talents contact me via email at r.dee.floyd@gmail.com.