The Director's Statement
I have to create See You Yesterday! as my artistic response to the many atrocities that black and brown people are suffering at the hands of the Police. My film will explore the frustration of the family and friends of the victims left behind. Over the past year, I experienced a range of emotions that led me to the question, “What would it be like to give a time machine to young Black people who have suffered through the pain of losing a loved one to Police brutality?”
The Logline
Two Brooklyn teenage prodigies, Sebastian Thomas and CJ Walker, determined to outwit fate and role-play as God build a time machine to save CJ's brother, Calvin, from being wrongfully killed by the police.
The Characters and Synopsis
Sebastian and CJ have been best friends since middle school. Sebastian is a socially inept wiz kid who is ostracized by the neighborhood kids because they don’t understand his genius. CJ appreciates his genius. She is often inspired to find the greatness within herself. They both understand each other.
When our heroes first witness the death of Calvin, they jump back in time to save him, but only to fail. They devise a plan and try again...and again...and again. Each attempt proves to be more dangerous than before. A rift ensues between Sebastian and CJ. Our heroes have to decide if it’s worth it to risk their lives to save someone whose fate seems destined to end the same way or overcome their obstacles and find a solution to combat police brutality towards minorities.
The Purpose
See You Yesterday! is my final thesis film to complete for Master’s of Fine Arts studies at Tisch School of the Arts. We plan to package this film with an already completed script in an effort to pitch to studios to develop the larger vision of this project: a feature film.
Filming Schedule
Principle photography will be in September of this year.
Filming Location - Brooklyn, NY, USA
See You Yesterday! will be shot in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. As a native Brooklynite and proud West Indian, Canarsie speaks to me on so many levels: The people, the architecture, and the fact that is still feels like the Brooklyn I know and love!
Budget
A substantial amount of our budget will be spent on art department, wardrobe, stunt coordination, location fees and the computer generated visual effects to bring our time travel sequences to life. The remainder of the budget will be spent on cast and crew meals, special equipment rentals, transportation and other essential production expenses. We have already raised $8,000 towards our goal. Currently, we are constructing our crowdfunding and soft money campaigns to help close the gap. A more detailed budget breakdown can be provided upon request.
The Director
Stefon was born in Brooklyn, bred on Strong Island by immigrant Guyanese parents. Growing up in a strict household, he was taught that education is the key to a successful future. While earning his B.A. in English Literature at Morehouse College he made his first short film, Saved, a short about a young man attempting to save a college friend from committing suicide.Saved was featured in the Short film Corner of the 2011 Cannes International Film Festival. Following the success of Saved, he earned an internship with Spike Lee at 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks during the post-production of the critically-acclaimed HBO documentary If God is Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise.
In 2011, Stefon was invited to study film production at NYU’s prestigious graduate film program to further his craft as a filmmaker. During his studies he wrote and directed five films, including "The Bodega" (starring Joshua Rivera, Gimmie the Loot) which won the Fall 2013 Cine Golden Eagle Award for Best Drama in the Student Division. Throughout his journey as a filmmaker Stefon strives to make films about socioeconomic struggles of minorities around the world with elements of magical realism.
Other Ways to Contribute
I would greatly appreciate a contribution from you. If you're broke or not able to give a financial contribution, please spread the word
in your network about this timely ambitious endeavor. You can also spread the word through your social media pages, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Thank you!
Contact: Stefon Bristol, stefonbristol@gmail.com