Short Summary

Hidden Treasure is a compelling short film that is based on a real life woman and her attempts to free herself from her abusive husband. The movie also examines the ideas and sexism some men exhibit toward woman. The  woman in our story meets two strangers and in the course of their encounter they develop a bond that empowers all of their lives  

• Every 9 seconds in America a woman is beaten...
• Everyday in the U.S. more than 3 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends..
• Every minute 20 people are victims of intimate partner violence..

These are alarming statistics. Their is an epidemic of violence against women in America. When I was 7 years old one of the early lessons I learned form my dad was to never put your hands on a woman. He never did, and neither have I. More men should have been taught this valuable lesson. It is a known fact that violence against women continues to rise. I think it's time to get men to change their ways and violent behavior against women. That is the goal of my film Hidden Treasure. We want to bring more attention to the problem of spousal abuse, and at the same time we want men to take a good long look in the mirror and examine the way they think. act and relate to women. Its time for people who are violent to learn the lesson my father taught me as a small boy. When it comes to women... Keep your hands to yourself 

We need your support to get out this important message. Hidden Treasure is a 35 minute short film based on a true story of a woman who is brutally abused by her husband. A chance encounter with 2 strangers one night, changes all of their lives forever. This movie will be SAG approved, and will feature professional actors including Brittney Frazier, Ricky Marshall, and William Bryant. Mr. Bryant currently starts on the hit television show Greenleaf. Our budget to shoot, edit and produce the movie is $15,000.  Every dollar raised form the campaign will be used to cover production costs,and actor and crew salaries.

Have you always wanted to be on a professional film set and see how the magic happens?

Have you always wanted to be in a film and see yourself on the big screen?

How beautiful would it look to see your name in the opening credits as a Producer?

Any one of these opportunities can be yours with your donation to this great film and bringing attention to this great cause.

• As a SUPPORTER with a donation of $25 you will get your name listed in the end credits.
• As a BACKER with a donation of $ 50 you will l be invited to the set on 1 shoot day to observe the film making process and listed in the end credits as a backer.
• As a MEMBER with a donation of $100 you will appear in the film as a background actor and be listed in end credits of the film. You will also be invited to observe an additional day of shooting, other than your actor appearance shoot day.
• As a FUNDER you will be giving an Associate Producer credit in the opening and closing credits of the film. You will also be invited on the set for 3 days of shooting.  In addition you will make an appearance as an  actor in one scene in the film with 1 line of dialogue.
• As a PRODUCER you will be given a Producer credit and invited to be on set for all 5 days of shooting. Your producer credit will appear in opening credits by itself and in end credits. You will also be invited to the Red Carpet World Premiere of the film.

The Impact

This movie will have an impact by drawing more attention to this issue. At each screening we plan to have post screening discussions with women's groups, activists, survivors of violence, and men who have been abusers in the past. We want this film to serve as an ice breaker to get people talking about the issue and what we can do to decrease the incidences of violence and abuse against women. The discussions will also include organizations that provide help and support to women who are living in abusive relationships and marriages.

The film will also be submitted to Sundance, Tribecca, Caanes, and other high profile film festivals.   At these festivals we plan to secure a distributor so the film can be shown around the country and worldwide.

In my 32 years of being in the entertainment industry I have appeared on HBO SHOWTIME, STARZ, NBC, CBS, ABC and BET as an actor and comedian. I have appeared in films with Robin Williams, Benjamin Bratt, James Franco and Delroy Lindo. I have had he pleasure to work on films directed by Taylor Hackford,  Francis Ford Coppola, and Thomas Carter.

As an artist and activist I have focused the majority of my long career on addressing issues of social relevance. I am passionate about using my art to make a difference in the world as Hidden Treasure will do. I also have worked in Oakland as the founder of the LoveLife Foundation which I founded for my 16  year old daughter who was murdered on October 20, 1997, an innocent victim to a shooting. On April 5, 2016 the city of Oakland adopted the Motto: "Love Life" as the official city motto.

My collaborating producer and director of Photography is Mr. Evertis Wright.   Evertis S. Wright (Vert) is the owner and operator of MLC productions, a video production company based in Fairfield California. Vert holds a Bachelors Degree in Theater Arts from San Francisco State University with an emphasis on television production. Vert can fill practically every role on a production crew. His favorite roles include producer, director, cinematographer, gaffer and editor. Vert even finds himself in front of the camera occasionally as he is a trained actor.  Vert is very active in the Sacramento and Bay Area low-budget filmmaking communities. He also works with local businesses producing content for community access television and business websites. Vert's work has been featured in various film festivals including the Hollywood Black film Festival, The Vacaville international Film Festival and the Cannes  Film Festival.

I am excited to work with Evertis on this project to help save lives and greatly appreciate your support. 

Risks & Challenges

Every film set I have been on in my 32 year career faces challenges. I've learned over the years no matter how well you plan, the unexpected may happen.  It could start raining when you plan to shoot outdoors, or an actor may get sick. No matter what challenges may present this project my 32 years of experience will ensure that we navigate seamlessly any unforeseen challenges. I have worked on stage, the big screen. television, and radio. I have been fortunate to learn from some of the greatest artists of our time, and I use those experiences to create art that is meaningful and rich. 

Other Ways You Can Help

I appreciate you taking the time to review this campaign. I urge you to donate. I promise you that you will be proud of helping bring to life this pivotal story. If for some reason you can not make a donation, there are other ways you can help

• Help us get the word out and share our campaign on all of your social media pages, facebook, instagram. twitter, and all your websites.
• Use the indiegogo share tools
• Ask all of your friends to share our campaign on their pages as well
• Spread the word by using our hashtag: #Keepyourhands2yourself