We are currently finishing the casting of the film through 4/5/16. We will start filming 5/5-9/16. We plan to wrap post production the last week in June/first half of July 2016. Yep this is going to be a full on rollercoaster ride!

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A NOTE FROM THE PRODUCERS AND CREW: 

This is a passion project for all of us. We have all lived and breathed these creative, funny, and sometimes sad stories in our actual lives. Bars and mean managers! (lol). Thank you all, so very, very much for considering funding us! It means the world to us that you are even considering helping us make this story a reality! 

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PLEASE NOTE:

All the money raised is going to fund the following: (what we need the money for!)

1. Camera equipment rental

2. Paying our amazing cast! 

3. Location rental & catering meals for the crew and cast

4. Make-up, hair people and wardrobe rental 

5. Grip and electric crew and equipment 

6. Editing and finishing (grading) the film 

7. Graphic design & effects work 

8. Music clearance 

Yep its all going on screen! 

Thank you for your support of our dream to tell this story! 

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Comps: 

This film is a current day "Waiting" and "Shameless" for our generation.

Logline: 

An emotionally and financially devastated waitress faces off against her own bad life choices, her misogynist, sexist boss, during a double shift dinner rush. 

Summary:

This is an all-american saloon comedy film. The story follows our millennial hero Sophie on her first day at work as the staff preoccupy themselves with endless gossip, complaining about the customers, seeking covert revenge on particularly rude or annoying patrons. Each employee has his or her own problems, drama, happy and sad stories, which are interwoven with the ebb and flow of the double shift dinner rush they are all working.

MIDTOWN: Step Outline

At the beginning of act one, we meet our hero SOPHIE SAUNDERS (late-20s), a conservative MBA student. Sophie pours all of her time and money into her deadbeat family, leaving her financially destroyed. Unable to pay her bills, Sophie drops out of school. Sophie takes a job at a trashy bar, MIDTOWN, (think Hooters or Tilted Kilt) to help pay off her debt. 

The inciting incident happens: Sophie receives a letter from her MBA school that she has 90 days to return to her studies or her current credits will expire. Sophie needs money, and she needs it now. In working at MIDTOWN, Sophie must also confront her conservative nature in dealing with her misogynistic, sexist boss, LOGAN. 

At the end of act one, Sophie accepts the challenges posed by working at MIDTOWN. Sophie also gets a taste of the extent of Logan’s sexual harassment.

In the first half of act two, Sophie deals with inappropriate patrons and not making as much in tips as she thought she would. JACKIE, a fellow waitress, teaches Sophie how to flirt with patrons for more tips. Sophie embraces her sexuality and puts Jackie’s advice into practice. Sophie’s tips grow exponentially. Sophie flirts with JONATHAN, a bartender, much to the chagrin of SHERRI, another bartender. Sherri has a crush on Jonathan, which Jonathan has never entertained. Sherri’s jealously propels her to make Sophie’s life miserable.

At the midpoint and further into at two, Sophie and Jonathan share their first kiss. Sophie’s confidence grows, even as Logan makes Sophie clean up after puking patrons, unclogging toilets and dumping soiled trash, and Sherri intentionally messes up Sophie’s drink orders and makes her perform menial tasks. Later, Sophie is mugged and her savings are stolen. Sophie spirals, unsure of what she’s supposed to do now. She has dealt with sexual harassment and crappy coworkers and now has nothing to show for it. 

At the end of act two, Jonathan tries to perk Sophie back up, however unsuccessfully. Sophie’s mom, DIXIE MAE, arrives at the bar and reveals Sophie’s darkest secret – that she is an alcoholic. Sophie has lost everything, her life savings, her secrets and her dignity. 

At the climax of act three, Sophie rallies and decides to throw parties and events at the bar to bring in more patrons. After all, more patrons means more tips. Later, Sophie counts her tips, excited to have finally earned enough to enroll back in school. Logan is impressed by Sophie’s ability to earn the bar more money, and he offers Sophie a promotion to Party Manager. The Party Manager position comes with a raise and the benefit of being a full time job. With only six days left to enroll back in school before losing her credits, Sophie has a decision to make. Having developed a newly found confidence, Sophie finally stands up to Logan and Sherri, calling them out on their antics. 

In the end, Sophie decides to stay at the bar as she’s making good money, while also choosing to go back to school. Sophie gets what she wants in that she gets to go back to school, but she has also accepted that she’ll need to keep working in this trashy bar in order to do it. Jonathan’s here though, so it’s not all bad. Sophie has developed confidence and the ability to stand up for herself, learning that she needs to not let people walk all over her.

Who's who: Character Breakdown

Sophie Saunders (Our Hero)

Sophie is in her Mid-twenties and super smart. She is a graduate student with a passion for poetry. She has taken some time off in pursuit of getting her MBA at a great business school. Sophie struggles financially from the constant strain of her broken troubled family that lives in a trailer park. (i.e. Winter’s Bone) This has severely trickled into her being able to sort out her own personal finances. During the journey, Sophie will leave the world she is familiar with and enter a new one. This new world will be so different that whatever skills Sophie used previously will no longer be sufficient. Together, Sophie and the audience will master the rules of the new world, and save the day.

There are some flaws and goals to consider with our hero. First, she constantly dates the wrong guy, and is perpetually attracted to the bad boy. She meets Jonathan on her first day. He is really the right guy for her, but she doesn't want anything serious. This is due to her confidence that she has to finish her MBA and the waitress life is only a temporary thing. Secondly, she is in a constant panic over her bills, so she agrees to take on a double shift her first day. Her financial state has her 3 months behind on her rent. Also, most of the time to her fault, she always tells the truth. Internally she suffers from anxiety and of course she has run out of money for her prescriptions. Lastly she is never one to ask for help to a fault. She would be surprised what would happen if she did ask. For most of her life she has done for others before herself. She also speaks Spanish, so she is constantly translating for the kitchen staff. That being said, her work ethic is strong, for instance, she is never too shy to assist a choking customer, clean a clogged toilet or take out the garbage.

Claire Stevens (The Ally) 

Claire is in her mid-twenties, which is shown easily by always being on her phone. Claire has the aura of seamlessly tap dancing between the raindrops. Claire is always there for Sophie no matter what. Sophie will have some great challenges ahead; too great for one person to face them alone. They’ll need someone to distract the guards, hack into the mainframe, or carry their gear. Plus, the journey could get a little dull without another character to interact with. Claire is that person to our Sophie. i.e. Like many allies, Sam Wise looks up to Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. He starts the story as a gardener, joining the group almost by accident. He feels it’s his job to keep Frodo safe. But not all allies start that way. They can be more like Han Solo; disagreeable at first, then friendly once the hero earns their respect. Either way, the loyalty and admiration allies have for the hero tells the audience that they are worthy of the trials ahead.

Sherri (The Shape Shifter)

Sherri will constantly blur the line between the ally and the enemy. She will begin as an ally, and then betray Sophie at a critical moment. All other times after, her loyalty is in question as they waver back and forth. Sherri is someone who may be on Sophie’s side in the overall conflict, but who gets in her way and causes Sophie to consider surrendering to our manager villain or taking the wrong path to reach her end goal. Regardless, they provide a tantalizing combination of appeal and possible danger. Sherri will benefit the story by creating interesting relationships among the characters, and by adding tension to scenes filled with allies. i.e. Dr. Elsa Schneider, from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, is a very effective shape shifter. Even after she reveals she is working for the enemy, she and the hero still have feelings for each other. She allows him to steal an item back without getting caught, and he allows her to discover the McGuffin with him. But the distrust between them remains.

Jonathan – (Love Interest driven by Emotion)

Jonathan is in his mid twenties and a graduate student. He is the romantic interest of Sophie. They will be on again off again throughout the story after meeting on her first day on the job. His actions are driven purely by emotion when it comes to Sophie. He can be negatively emotional with anger, or positively emotional with compassion, or sometimes he can be both. Jonathan will influence Sophie’s choices, sometimes, for better or worse. Jonathan will be unique to Sophie’s journey because he is the catalyst of her inner and outer journey. He will alternately support Sophie and resists her, depending on which action is necessary to push forward the story and character. 

Logan (The Manager/Villain)

Logan is a creepy old man, with an alpha personality, and is 100 percent sexist and misogynist. He has one want, which is to sleep with his wait staff. Sophie will definitely not be another notch to his belt. He exists to create threat and conflict, and to give Sophie something to struggle against in the work place. He is very dark, and when you don’t think he could go any further he does. Logan will be especially effective when he mirrors Sophie in her goals. Their interactions show the audience the twisted person the hero could become if Sophie went down the wrong path, and highlights her internal struggle. This, in turn, will make her success more meaningful. i.e. The reveal that Darth Vader is Luke’s father, right after Luke had ignored Yoda’s advice, makes the dark side feel more threatening.

Buddy (The Trickster)

Buddy is in his late twenties, is flamboyantly over the top, and loves to dress in women’s clothing. He is the most effeminate. The trickster adds fun and humor to the story. When times are gloomy or emotionally tense, the trickster gives the audience a welcome break. Often, the trickster has another job of challenging the status quo. Buddy will offer an outside perspective and open up important questions. He will also lampshade the story or the actions of the other characters. i.e. Dobby from the Harry Potter series is an ideal trickster. He means well, but his efforts to help Harry Potter do more harm than good. Also, every time he appears in person, his behavior is ridiculous. However, underlying the humorous exterior is a serious issue – Dobby is a slave, and he wants to be free of his masters.

Shorty (Sidekick) Cook #1

Shorty only speaks Spanish the entire film, except when in private one on one moment with Sophie. He is everything from a best friend to a co-worker, but never a lover. Shorty is loyal to and supportive of Sophie. He sees her goals and does everything he can to help her move forward. Shorty differs from Sophie in important ways, whether good or bad, in order to highlight areas of her growth.

The Homeless Guy (Guardian/ Mentor)

He will describe how the new world operates, and instruct Sophie in using any innate abilities she possess. He will also gift Sophie with equipment, because a level one hero never has any decent weapons or armor. Often, the guardian/mentor will perform another important task, to get the plot moving. Sophie will be reluctant to leave the world they have come to know for one they don’t, but that’s where The Homeless Guy will be most powerful for our hero. He will also test Sophie before she will face certain challenges. Sophie will prove her worth by answering the riddle, sneaking past, or defeating the guardian/mentor in combat. i.e. Glinda tells Dorothy to seek the Wizard, and shows her the yellow brick road. Once the hero is on the right path and has what they need to survive, the mentor disappears. Heroes must fight without their help.

The Dragon Girl

The Dragon girl is another waitress in the bar. She does not speak at all, but by the looks of her edgy hot exterior she doesn’t need to talk. She always shows up for a shift and is never late. Buddy the Trickster always talks at her, with no response ever given back, but he tries. 

Cook #2 

Our cook #2 will be the right hand man to Shorty in the kitchen. He only speaks Spanish the entire story, but understands English. 

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THE CAST

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Kim Gravel: The Mom

A veteran television host, entrepreneur, public speaker and leader, but most of all she has a passion for people and hearing their stories. Kim is regularly seen on The Steve Harvey Show and Headline News Network as a recurring contributor, is featured on the SiriusXM Radio show Dirty Pop with Lance Bass in the weekly advice column segment “Gravel Mail” and starred in the hit weekly docu-series Kim of Queens on the Lifetime Network. Kim’s newest venture, the Belle By Kim Gravel™ apparel and cosmetic line, launches on QVC in August 2016.

In 1991, at the age of 19, Kim became one of the youngest Miss Georgia in the state pageant’s history. She went on to represent her home state in the renowned Miss America pageant and as a result was asked to serve as US Goodwill Ambassador to Japan. Combining her expertise skills of communication and leadership, Kim is also a certified Life Coach. Her compassionate yet straight forward “Dr. Phil-esqe” style keeps her in high demand as a Life Coach, mentor, advisor and consultant.

Kim is a sought after keynote speaker, specializing in the areas of women’s empowerment, inspirational motivation, and beauty & image perception. She also hosts her own sold-out women’s conferences annually in Atlanta. Kim lives in metro Atlanta with husband Travis and her two young boys, Beau and Blanton.

Anthony Treble: The Spanish Cook

Anthony is a native New Yorker with roots in the South.  Anthony started his professional career in the classroom as a college instructor while moonlighting as a musician.  After many years of performing, both in the classroom to a daily audience, and on stage as a vocalist/keyboardist, he transitioned in front of the camera.  After 5 short months of having representation, Anthony has landed two commercial roles, a TV role, and is in pre-production on two feature film roles with ensemble casts.  He is of Latin American and African American descent, and is fluent in Spanish.  He still currently works as a musician, both as a performer in bands and as a disc jockey.

Jason C Louder: The Homeless Herald 

A native of Atlanta (Atlien) and student of life, Jason began massaging his acting chops in December of 2009 and has been traveling on that beautiful journey ever since. Appearing on several stages from Atlanta to New York and more recently in TNT’s “Good Behavior” and the feature film “A Product of the American Ghetto" with his feet firmly planted in Creative Love-Flow, Jason's theatrical journey has allowed him to travel the wave of self-discovery, experimentation, re-invention and integrity. His genuine desire to hone his craft through continued study, devotion and commitment will bring forth truth and enlightenment.

Adam Labored: The Shameless Manager

A successful working actor working film, TV and stage.  Known for appearances in several films and tv shows.  Including Investigation Discovery channel's "Your Worst Nightmare".  Feature films include "The Real Reason" and other various independent films.  Adam is from and lives in Atlanta, Ga. He is also regularly involved in improv in atlanta to keep his acting and comedy skills sharpened.

Bio coming soon... please stand by! 

More cast soon... 

Message from one of our writers!

Musical Score by the amazing band. The Night Hobs

The Night Hobs are a recording collective and live performance group. They offer a pseudo lo-fi approach to recording (while also taking advantage of digital tools) and make use of a variety of instruments and guest musicians.  

In the past they worked with Saint Euphoria Pictures on the film “The Giant Spider” by director Christopher Mihm and, My Roaming Studios for the yet to be released film “Shizzlygrark” by director Tim Mattson. 

The Night Hobs Are: 

Josh Cruz – Bass Guitar, Standup Bass, Drums/ Percussion, Vocals, Keys, Musical Composition, Production, Recording Engineer.

Richard Boyce – Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Saw, Keys, Percussion, Musical Composition, Production.

Charlie Bennett – Cello, String and Horn Arranger, Musical Composition, Standup Bass, Sousaphone, Production.

The Night Hobs Video! Enjoy! 

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OUR TEAM

===========================================================Julie Andrew: Writer/Producer (Supervising Producer)