Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, “Scroll Food” tells the story of Derrick Loomis, quarantining at home alone, absorbing a smorgasbord of social media posts being spread online. His mental health begins to suffer due to his inability to put down his phone and “disconnect” from the world while he also deals with his own personal demons and depression.
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Our film is inspired by what David Leonard’s experiences during the pandemic after losing his mom and several other relatives and friends around that time. Derrick experiences deep depression and isolation as he’s suffocating in the midst of his turmoil. “Scroll Food” has elements and themes that draw comparison to the Academy Award winning film “Gravity” , “Cake” and “Man On Fire”, but through the lens of today’s social media age.
In this age of social media and artificial intelligence, this film takes an unflinching look at how perception vs reality can blur everyday life. The more time we dedicate to scrolling through our social media, it can foster a sense a discontentment, insecurity and even depression.
Recent studies shows U.S. depression rates are at an all-time high. The percentage of U.S. adults diagnosed with depression during their lifetime has reached 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015. The percentage of Americans who currently have or are being treated for depression has also increased, to 17.8%, up about seven points over the same period. Both rates are the highest recorded by Gallup since it began measuring depression using the current form of data collection in 2015.
Clinical depression had been slowly rising in the U.S. prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but has jumped notably in its wake. Social isolation, loneliness, fear of infection, psychological exhaustion (particularly among front-line responders such as healthcare workers), elevated substance abuse and disruptions in mental health services have all likely played a role. While experiences of significant daily loneliness have subsided in the past two years amid widespread vaccinations and a slow return to normalcy, elevated loneliness experienced during the pandemic likely played a substantive role in increasing the rates of the longer-term, chronic nature of depression. Currently, 17% of U.S. adults report experiencing significant loneliness “yesterday,” projecting to an estimated 44 million people.
Like Derrick in “Scroll Food”, people often compare the online lives of their friends/associates to the offline world of themselves and often times feeling like they do not measure up. We anguish over the number of “likes” our social media posts receive and allow our social media engagement to define our self-worth often stressing over not being a better version of ourselves.
We want “Scroll Food” to be a vehicle to educate on the effects that social media has on the fragility of mental health thereby creating an opportunity for the film to provoke meaningful conversations and create a memorable impact.
We are in the midst of post-production and your generous donation will aid us in the completion of “Scroll Food” by covering expenses for sound design, mixing, editing, color correction, music scoring, promotional, marketing materials and deliverables for film festivals.
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For those that have already donated, your contribution is extremely appreciated. If you are unable to donate at this time, we understand and encourage you to spread the word about this campaign in the hopes to maximize our fundraising efforts and make this project a reality!
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David Leonard – Writer/Executive Producer
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David Leonard’s career spans more than two decades in the entertainment industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Columbia College where he studied Business Management with a concentration in Music Business and minored in Film Production/Screenwriting. David got his early start working on several major feature films as a production assistant and transitioned into the music business working in radio and several years as a regional promotion director with Interscope/Geffen Records traveling the Midwest promoting artists such as 50 Cent, Robin Thicke, The Pussycat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Common, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg and many more. On the film side, David has worked as an Assistant Location Manager and Location Scout for many Chicago based film/TV productions including FOX’s “Empire” , “APB” and “Proven Innocent” and Showtime’s “The Chi” & “Shameless”. Most recently, David has worked on the blockbuster Warner Bros feature “The Batman”, AMC Networks drama series “61st Street” and season three of the popular HBO Max series “South Side”. When he’s not working behind the camera, David can also be seen on screen as an actor in several commercials, independent films and television shows including NBC’s “Chicago Fire”, “Chicago Med”, the aforementioned “The Chi” and FOX’s limited drama series “Next”. “Scroll Food” is David’s first foray into screenwriting and the first project to launch from his company DaveHeart Entertainment which launched in 2020 during the pandemic.
Natasha Parker – Executive Producer
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Natasha Parker raised on the West Side of Chicago has 20 years in the film industry with a Bachelor of Arts from University of Illinois in Speech & Communications, minoring in African-American Studies. Natasha studied screenwriting at the Independent Screenwriters Group and is a ScreenwritingU alumna. Balancing the dual hats as an independent filmmaker and studio craftsman, Natasha worked in wardrobe, props and coordinated for various departments becoming a member of IATSE, Local 476. In 2012, Natasha joined the Directors Guild of America becoming the first African American female Location Manager in the Midwest. Her credits range from films such as, ‘Transformers 3’, ‘Empire’, ‘Man of Steel’, ‘Chiraq’, The Chi, ‘61st Street’, ‘Ironheart’ and the upcoming tv show ‘Emperor of Ocean Park’. Natasha created and co-founded Noisemakers Entertainment producing films which she has written, produced and directed competing in Urban World, Martha’s Vineyard, ABFF, Black Harvest Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival, Sacramento International Film Festival, HBO competitions and screened at the Library of Congress. “The Lost One” was nominated for an African Movie Academy Award in Nigeria. In 2008, Natasha wrote, directed and produced “Raw Emotions” which premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival. In 2021 Natasha became a member of Producer’s Guild of America.
Adrienne Swan – Executive Producer
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Chicago native, Adrienne Swan, is a career film professional with more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. After spending 20 years starting as an Assistant Accountant moving up to Key Production Accountant on various films and tv shows throughout the country, Adrienne leveraged her financial expertise to delve further into the realms of producing and storytelling.
In 2012, Adrienne co-founded Noisemakers Entertainment, LLC, a production company that has produced films that have been recognized by various film festivals domestically and internationally. In this role, Adrienne has produced short films for her own company and allowed her to lend her knowledge to other creatives as well.
Adrienne has a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and more than 30 credits in her filmography to date. In recent years Adrienne has added Line Producer and Production Management to her experience.
Presently, Adrienne lends her talent and professionalism to the Transportation department on various film and television projects and provides budget consulting services. As a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Adrienne continues her commitment to social advocacy and youth empowerment.
Mono Wilborn – 1st Assistant Director/Producer
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Monoleto Wilborn is a multi-talented individual, thriving as a son, father, husband, and brother. He is also accomplished producer, location manager and assistant director. With a passion for the arts and an extensive career in the film and television industry since 1995, Monoleto has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
For over eight years, Monoleto dedicated his talents to NBC Universal, where he played a vital role in the acclaimed television show 'Chicago Fire.' Working behind the scenes, his contributions were instrumental in bringing the gripping stories and captivating characters to life. His tenure at NBC Universal showcases his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to the craft.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Monoleto proudly received a Telly Award in 2023, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. This accolade stands as a milestone in his illustrious career, highlighting his creativity and commitment to producing captivating content.
Beyond his success in the entertainment industry, Monoleto is also an accomplished entrepreneur. For the past seven years, he has co-owned and managed a flourishing production and party rental business. Monoleto and his business partner have transformed this venture into a trusted and sought-after brand, providing top-notch services to clients.
Monoleto's ability to balance his artistic pursuits with his entrepreneurial endeavors showcases his versatility and exceptional work ethic. His relentless drive to push boundaries and explore new horizons has cemented his reputation as a respected figure in both the creative and business realms.
In his free time, Monoleto enjoys spending quality moments with his family, cherishing the role of a devoted father and loving husband. His dedication to nurturing his personal relationships alongside his professional pursuits serves as an inspiration to others.
As Monoleto continues to make waves in the entertainment industry and beyond, his unwavering passion and commitment remain the driving forces behind his remarkable journey. With each new endeavor, he continues to leave an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to witness his talent and embrace his inspiring spirit.
Christopher Rejano – Cinematographer
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Christopher Rejano was born and raised in the shadows of Detroit and versed in early MTV, skateboard videos, and American independent cinema. Now based in Chicago, Christopher Rejano has forged a career in feature film, commercials, and television. A mentorship under Laszlo Kovacs, ASC made a major impact on Rejano and solidified his aims toward being the best person for every job. Often cited for a hearty midwestern work ethic has resulted in his work being featured at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW Film Festival, Berlinale, and Tribeca Film Festival among others. Credits include the feature films “Knives and Skin” and “Night's End” as well as Second Unit photography on Candyman (2021) and the HBO series “Lovecraft Country”. Rejano is a member of International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.
Jason Bonner - Director
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While no stranger to the Chicago production scene, “Scroll Food” is Jason Bonner’s first time in the director’s chair. He has a wealth of experience in and around the camera department spending many years as a camera operator and as a First Assistant Camera on projects such as “The Chi”, “Hostel: Part III” and “Source Code”. Bonner is a self-proclaimed “prep school kid” who spent a portion of his life in Berlin Germany. Before he got his start in the film and television world, he also spent time as a bike messenger. Where ever his journey takes him he will always be “Chi4eva” and now he “wants the iron throne”.
Brian Keys – Lead Actor – “Derrick”/Co-Producer
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Brian Keys is an actor, singer & multi-instrumentalist born and raised in the Englewood neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. Keys recurred as Carver for one season on the Joshua Safran NETFLIX original series “Soundtrack” and has also been cast in roles on “Empire”
, “Lovecraft Country”, “Chicago PD”, “Chicago Fire”, “Chicago Justice”, “NEXT” and “A.P.B.” He has also found much success on off-Broadway and regional theatre stages across the country and was awarded the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Award as well as the Black Theatre Alliance Award for his role in the 2019 Windy City Playhouse Production of Jonathan Caren’s The Recommendation. In 2018 Keys was also named a recipient of the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship at The Second City. Brian can currently be seen as recurring characters on season 2 of the hit STARZ series “Power Book IV: Force” and season 6 of the hit Showtime series “The Chi”.
We hope that you will consider becoming a vital partner with us. Your support would not only contribute to the success of “Scroll Food” but also help foster the growth and development of independent cinema.
Any amount you can provide to this project would be immensely helpful and greatly appreciated. We have prepared a range of rewards and recognition options to acknowledge your generosity from prominent mentions in the film’s credits, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and invitations to premiere events.
By supporting “Scroll Food”, you are supporting in a creative endeavor through the power of artist storytelling transforming lives and inspiring change. Your contribution would enable us to deliver a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences and contributes to the cultural fabric of our society.
We sincerely hope we can count on your support! Together, let us make a difference and share an unforgettable cinematic experience with the world!
