BREAK THE STAGE CAMPAIGN PAGE
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Help us finish our movie by
joining the movement!
A troubled and self-centered teen must earn the respect of her
step team before she can lead them to the National Championship.
Break the Stage is based on the novel of the same name, written by Erik V Wolter.
IMDb – Break the Stage
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What’s the movie about?
Break the Stage tells the story of Tia Lewis, a troubled teen at an urban Florida high school, who struggles to win her father's approval and the respect of her step team, only to discover she must confront her own faults before she can lead the team to the Nationals. Tia's journey of self-discovery includes an ensemble cast of multi-racial high school students, each with their own personal issues, who clash with Tia's style and her inability to deal with the death of her mother and her father's unrealistic expectations.
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Break the Stage sends the message: Freedom is more than a legal status. Freedom means the chance, the ability, and the means to pursue our dreams.
"Being free won't guarantee people will respect you. Being free doesn't mean people will respect your dream of what you want in life... what you want to be. Where does that come from? How do you get anyone to listen?"
Denied the freedom to communicate, against the rules of their owners, slaves clapped their hands, stomped their feet, and uttered sounds to preserve their culture. Step, or Greek Letter Style Stepping is a form of dance, innovated over 700 years ago of Afro centric origin. It has been modernized and popularized since as early as the Harlem Renaissance by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the early 1900s.
But for Tia, as a black girl and supposedly free today, she couldn't help but wonder if slaves back then didn't want more than just being legally free.
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Tia and the team
Our Goal:
80%
of Break the Stage has been shot. We
need you to help us get to the finish line. Five days of critical filming,
followed by postproduction editing will make Break the Stage a reality. Our 30 day campaign seeks to find
$35,000 in contributions from individuals like you who love movies and want to
see this entertaining drama become a feature film.
But
that’s not all. Making our 30 day goal is only the beginning. We have a sequel
written and a series of other teen drama and dance films ready for production.
Tia and Bobby
making a last minute check of their lines and John Jeffrey photo bombing
Our Mission:
As filmmakers, we make movies that make a difference. Cliché? Perhaps. But if we
can make movies that shed a light on everyday life, offer an inspirational
story with a message that touches the heart, and still entertain our audience,
we believe that is what matters.
Break
the Stage is that movie!
Join us now and be a part of all our
upcoming projects!
Let’s make movies together.
CONTRIBUTOR REWARDS:
To show our appreciation for your help,
we’re offering you a reward.
$10 – For a thank you for
helping us finish our movie! We appreciate your support.
$20 – For an e-Book copy of the novel, Break the Stage. Read it on any device.
$35 – For a copy of the paperback, Break the Stage.
$50 – For a digital download of the film + the
paperback.
$75 – For a Break the Stage T-shirt + digital download + the
paperback.
$150 – For an Official Movie poster + 2 T-shirts + digital
download + the paperback + the DVD.
$250 – For your name in the
film’s “Thank You” credits+ posters of Katrina and Josh + the paperback + DVD.
$500 – Foryour name in the film’s “Thank
You” credits + 2 signed DVD’s + the paperback +
2 T- shirts + the official movie poster signed by the cast.
$1,000 – For a prominent Associate Producer
credit + 2
tickets to the premiere + all of the $500 package.
$2,500 – For a prominent Co-Executive
Producer credit +
2 tickets to the premier + all of the $500 package.
$5,000 – For a prominent Co-Executive
Producer credit +
a speaking role in our next film + 2 tickets to the premiere + the $500 package.
Who We Are:
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ERIK V WOLTER is Founder and Owner of EVW Entertainment LLC, Executive Producer, author of the book, and screenwriter for “Break the Stage”. The book, Break the Stage, was published in 2014. The screenplay “Break the Stage” was awarded First Place in the 2015 Ink Awards. Erik’s first book, Loyalty on Trial: One American’s Battle with the FBI, is a nonfiction historical documentation of how his German American father was prosecuted for imagined disloyalty during WWII and was a First Place winner for nonfiction in the 2015 Ink Awards. The screenplay adaptation was a Finalist in the historical category of the Page Awards.
Erik’s
screenplay “Footsteps of My Father” recently advanced to the Finals in the
family drama category of the 2015 Screenplay Festival and was a Finalist in the
2015 BlueCat Screenplay Contest.![]()
Erik’s screenplay adaptation of the novel, The Trials of Adrian Wheeler, by Steve Shear is in development with a Hollywood production company. He has written over twenty feature screenplays, including having been hired to adapt to the screen a Eugene O’Neil play, coauthored, “Lynwood” the screenplay based on the true story of David Lynn and a rogue police gang in LA, collaborated with other screenwriters, and written numerous specs of his own.
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Here’s what people are saying about
Break the Stage:
It steals your heart one step at a time.“Break
the Stage” is a heartwarming and inspirational story of self-discovery. The
story highlights the important message that everyone can overcome adversity.
The characters will dance their way into your hearts.” Terri Zinner, Story
Consultant and Independent Producer, A Film Writer
A portrayal of powerful performances on and off the stage.“Despite the myriad of personal,
social, economic, and educational obstacles endured by this eclectic cast of
teenage character roles, this endearing story will have you cheering front
stage for them all - as they dig deep in their hearts and souls to earn as well
as find respect for themselves, each other, their families, their teachers, and
more importantly, their community.
As
each riveting scene unfolds, you will be ultimately rooting for this set of
persistent, young, but ever so talented diverse dancers to evolve into the most
inspiring human beings possible on stage as well as off stage. This story
certainly will give you a newfound love for dance, music, and life itself!” Carol Pilallis, High School English Teacher
A great story. “I found “Break the Stage” to be a
great, great story depicting real life characters and subject matter most are
not familiar with, I'm sure. Tia, the young protagonist, arcs in a way that is
heartfelt and surprising.”
Awesome, Heartfelt.“Your heart
aches for these kids, trying to grow up with such difficult circumstances
surrounding them. You're rooting for them all the way. Can't wait for the movie
to see all of the incredible dancing that'll be performed.”
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Erik and Director
Dalas Davis on the set of “Break the Stage”
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DALAS L DAVIS is the Director/Producer and creative/story consultant
of “Break the Stage” bringing in-depth experience and expertise in motion
picture production. Dalas is the founder of
Fishers of Men Entertainment ( http://fishersofmenent.com/ )the production company that produced the feature
film "A Measure of Faith” (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mGXxgPSBsoc). Dalas created the story, directed,
produced and was lead actor on the picture. The movie had a limited Theatrical
release and is now in digital distribution.
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TODD
THOMPSON is a
partner in EVW Entertainment LLC and owns the Florida-based motion picture
production company, Stars North (www.starsnorth.com). He is also a 20-year
veteran director/producer with Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group in Orlando,
Florida. While he has enjoyed a career
both in front and behind the camera in films such as “The Green Mile”, “Rosewood”,
“The Waterboy”, “From the Earth to the Moon”, and TV's “Dawson's Creek”, Todd's
favorite role has always been that of a storyteller. Even as a boy, he
experimented behind the camera making short films with the help of his family
and friends and his grandfather's 8mm camera.
Today,
he has over 20 years of experience writing, directing and producing a wide
range of commercial work for The Walt Disney Company and other well-known
consumer brands. He also boasts a modest resume of award-winning films,
including “Time & Again” starring Academy Award-nominee Seymour Cassel, “Once
Not Far From Home” starring Erik Per Sullivan, Skye McCole Bartusiak, Daniel
Hugh Kelly and veteran actor, James Best, and “This Man's Life” starring
Michael Rooker, Bill Cobbs and Betsy Brantley.
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Our
Stars with Seth Garcia (Estafan in “Break the Stage”) doing a little product
placement for B-Boy Seth’s sponsor, Xing Tea.
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STACY
ANN ROSE
Stacy is a Producer for “Break the Stage”, and plays Wyvonne, the Carver Team
sponsor in our movie. Accomplished in Theater, Voiceovers and Film, she is known
for “Dolphin Tale” (2011), “Hoot” (2006), “If You Only Knew” (2011), “Ladies
Night Out” (2008), “The Square Root of 2” (2008), “Bad Girl Island” (2007), and
“Twilight Angel” (2007). In addition to hosting and producing an
Internationally Syndicated Radio Show “Island Praise”, Stacy has recently
appeared in “Ballers” (2015) on HBO and “Complications” (2015) on USA. |
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CHUCK
MALDONADO is the Supervising
Choreographer and a Producer of “Break the Stage”. Chuck is known for his work
on “Collateral” (2004), “Garfield” (2004) and “Shark Tale” (2004). He has been in over 25 Billboard Top 200
artist videos. He has worked with artists such as Chris Brown, P. Diddy, Neyo,
Fergie, Omarion, Missy Elliot, Kanye West, Usher, Ludacriss, and Pink.
Chuck
choreographed and danced in over 25 major Movies, numerous commercials,
countless TV Sitcoms, and Award Shows.
He
was honored at the 2008 "Choreographers Media Honors Awards" for his
work on 2007 Chris Brown Performance at the Grammy's, 2007 NAACP Image Awards
for Artistic Direction, and Choreography, Brighthouse Network Commercial, and
Best Movie in 2007 "Stomp the Yard".
Chuck
Maldonado choreographed all the Promotional videos for the Disney Movie
"G-Force" (2009).
Chuck
choreographed and danced in over 25 major Movies, numerous commercials,
countless TV Sitcoms, and Award Shows.
He
was honored at the 2008 "Choreographers Media Honors Awards" for his
work on 2007 Chris Brown Performance at the Grammy's, 2007 NAACP Image Awards
for Artistic Direction, and Choreography, Brighthouse Network Commercial, and
Best Movie in 2007 "Stomp the Yard".
Chuck
Maldonado choreographed all the Promotional videos for the Disney Movie
"G-Force" (2009). |
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ADAM BARNES is a Producer of our movie and Founder and Executive Director of Step-in-School Inc. Chief Executive Officer of Break the Stage, National Step League.
Adam oversees operations, sales, marketing and Grant Writing. Acting spokesman for:
-Step-in-School services over 10,000 youth participants nationally.
-Manages curriculum implementation for over 50 corporate clients, and 100 academic institutions.
-Step-in-School Inc, features a unique curriculum which utilizes step to bridge the gap to higher learning and is a licensed Vendor for the Department of Education.
-Partnered with over a dozen community based organizations providing enrichment through teaching, Step, Gumboot dance and Hip Hop dance and the physio-educational, artistic, historic and professional development components that coincide with each.
Break The Stage is an organized sport league that awards youth ages 9-21 for their competitive efforts in step and their corresponding academic achievements. BTS is structured to manage youth talent, specifically Step Teams, Step Competition Judges and Step Choreographers.
Current Endeavors:
- Break the Stage National Step League
- Co Producer Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards Expo Step Show
- Universal Studios Step Show
- “Break the Stage” the Movie |
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Film score by Willie "Bum Bum" Baker
Multi-Platinum Grammy nominated Producer/Songwriter/Engineer/Entrepreneur, Willie Baker has over eighteen years of experience in the music business.
CREDITS
- Billboard Hot 100 #1 single for 9 weeks and several charting songs
- Named #83 by Billboard as one of rock eras best songwriters
- Wrote and Produced for BoyzIIMen, India Arie, P!NK, Blaque, Jump 5,Divine, Menudo & Destiny Child, to name a few.
- NARAS/LARAS voting member/Board Member for Florida Chapter
- Signed as songwriter by L.A. Reid (Epic/XFactor) in 1997 to 2005
- HENDU/Universal Records-indie/major label experience (A&R, VP of Op./Publishing, Marketing)
- Feature Film Scores (The Way Back Home, Elektra, Fantastic Four, We We’re Soldiers
- Television Soundtracks (Disney, Nickelodean, Universal, Fox)
- Pro Tools Certified Recording Engineer
- Produced television content for various networks
- Developed and discovered many recording artist, put on showcases for Major Label Execs.
- Secured Record deals for several artist as well as contract negotiating
- Specialize in product development for mobile content, creating revenue for artist and record lables
SPEAKER
Educating corporate structures and college students on the elements of the Music Business including but not limited to multi media, business essentials, and how to effectively secure, maintain and stay competitive in the Entertainment Industry
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Our Cast:
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KATRINA
ROSE TANDY is the multi-talented
singer, dancer, and actress who plays Tia in “Break the Stage”. Known for “Teen Spirit”
(2011), “30 Days 'Til I'm Famous” (2008), “Rock of Ages” (2012) and “Dolls of
Voodoo” (2013), this is Katrina’s first lead role.
“Sleep
When I’m Dead,” was Katrina’s debut single with Interscope Records.
The
track was produced and written by K. Rose and acclaimed global dance music
producer Steve Angello (Swedish House Mafia). Check out “Sleep When I’m Dead”, the
viral street video. The video was choreographed and written by K. Rose and
Directed by Guy Logan.
K. Rose has greater goals than mere show
business success. She has dubbed her philosophy the RoseBot Rebel Movement, an
army of youth fighting to find their purpose and place in the world as a way to
achieve peace and happiness. Combining softness and strength, life and machine,
the rose and the robot, K feels this is what embodies the youthful spirit of
her generation. ”Sleep When I’m Dead,”
for instance, “is about never giving up,” she says. “Everyone around you may
tell you what you need to do with your life, but only you can write your own
life story.” She hopes to spread the message of hope to struggling youth
everywhere through her music.
Born in Hialeah, FL, Katrina Rose Booker-Tandy is the
youngest child and only daughter (four older brothers) of a singer mother and
jazz musician father. She studied ballet beginning as a five-year-old and later
took up the martial art taekwondo. The lessons of the two different disciplines
enabled her to master hip-hop dancing and led her to join the HipHopKidz dance
company on a scholarship. Starting as a 10-year-old, she performed with this
company around the world, including Tokyo and Singapore, and competed in two
World Hip Hop Dance Championships. While attending a performing arts middle and
high school, she performed in choir and musical theater, and majored in Music
Production/Recording. K. Rose has since worked with Grammy-winning producers RedOne
(Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, (Jennifer Lopez) and Danja (Madonna, Duran Duran, and
Justin Timberlake) See Sleep when I’m Dead
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JOSH
RANDALL plays Bobby, the male
lead, in “Break the Stage”. Josh is known for “Cyn” (2007), “Rock of Ages”
(2012), and “Spring Breakers” (2012). Known professionally as J Rand, he is a
singer, songwriter, actor and dancer. Following a performance alongside Flo
Rida on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, USA TODAY named J Rand their
"Artist on the Verge" for 2014. And Josh is always in demand for major brand commercials like this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF4wPulWgWE
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THE REST OF THE CARVER HIGH STEP TEAM
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VANNESSA GIORGI as Luisa. Vanessa Giorgi is an American actress and
dancer. Born in Kissimmee, Florida and
raised in Bogota, Colombia, Vanessa has been part of a Colombian dance TV show
called "La Pista". She plans to continue acting in the television and film industry. |
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EKANDEM ESSIETas
TJ. Born in Canada, raised in Nigeria, Ekandem "E" Essiet is a professional
choreographer, dancer and actor out of South Florida. He can be found
starring in the feature film "Break the Stage (BTS)" as the role of
TJ. Prior to BTS, Ekandem has choreographed and danced in several music
videos, award shows, feature films, and national commercials including Bud
Light Lime, Dodge Dart and HTV. He is a tenacious advocate for the
continuous building of the entertainment/dance community in South Florida and
proposes to continue his personal career growth in the television, film and dance
industry to the point of success. |
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KERINE JEAN-PIERRE as Desiree. Kerine Jean-Pierre is an American Haitian
professional dancer, choreographer, and actress in Miami, FL. She stars in the
recent film "Break the Stage" as Desiree Thompson. Kerine has
appeared in other feature dance films, commercials, and music videos. Kerine
has high hopes and is looking forward to expanding her talents in the film and
television industry.
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BRITTANY
CASCONE as Carla. Brittany
Cascone, singer, dancer, actress, is the true definition of a "triple threat."
Brittany is already a veteran in the music industry, being signed by L.A. Reid,
to Mercury island def jam as a recording artist for five years. Brittany is an
accomplished dancer trained in all genres of dance. She has appeared in
numerous music videos, award shows, danced for two NBA dance teams, and back up
danced with artists Ashlee Simpson, Prince Royce, and Pitbull.
Brittany
has also appeared in national commercials such as Fiat, Optimum Online cable
vision, Nike, and Volkswagen, as well as independent films, feature films, and
Television shows. Watch for Brittany as "Johanna" in the new Hulu web
series, "South Beach Fever", debuting July 2015.
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JOHN JEFFREY ARIAS as Edbirto. A gifted dancer, model, and multifaceted entertainer,
“Break the Stage” is John Jeffrey’s debut as an actor.
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John Jeffrey Arias goes airborne
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Choreographer Chuck Maldonado on set
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Jamar,
(Xan Manning), from Break the Stage Tournaments, speaks to the team
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“The Girl” in class,
(Angela Migliorato), and Tia while Bobby eavesdrops
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Join
our team! Support Break the Stage!
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