Malcolm Dwain Carter, Creator & Writer of The SZN
Malcolm Dwain Carter is an American-born actor, writer, director & editor residing from Houston. Both born and raised there, Carter first tried his hand in short films throughout his high school years, creating original works such as Retribution and The Dance Off. He attended Barbara Jordan High School for Careers specializing in Audio/Visual production for filmmaking in 2012-2015 and Texas Southern University majoring in Communication with a concentration in Radio, Film, and TV.
Carter would become a two-time award-winning director for his web series entitled, Filthy Prelude back in 2018 for Best Web Series/Pilot which is now streaming on Prime Video & YouTube. Carter left his job during the pandemic to pursue his career full-time which birthed the development of a new digital drama series titled, The SZN back in 2020.
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Qasim Barnes, Cinematographer - The Mastermind Shooting The SZN
Qasim Barnes is a Houston-based filmmaker. He is passionate and driven by all aspects of storytelling. In 2015 he got his first start on a successful Web Series titled, The Sideline, with views totaling 100K plus to date. From the beginning, you quickly see there was no aspect of filmmaking Qasim was afraid to leave his creative mark on. Due to his willingness to be an asset in front and behind the camera, he has been able to work with some top-name clients, BET, McDonald's, P. Diddys Blue Flame, ROC Nation, NIKE, & Academy Sports & Outdoors to name a few. Not only does he apply the science of filmmaking in films, but he also used his eye for social media content creators, which has led to national notoriety and success for them as well. His love and commitment to the art on and off set is probably why all his work as of 2019 is being met with awards in the short film circuit. With various clients on his resume from Los Angeles to Atlanta to Houston, it’s no wonder his talent is becoming a hot commodity.
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The Origin
In an effort to create timeless television with an emphasis on storytelling, came the birth of The SZN. A series with a focus on excellence, luxury, and presenting a different adaptation of the African American plight represented on television. The SZN should be supported because it symbolizes the reemergence of quality characters and stories that resonate with the masses. The creation of the series is an accumulation of a team effort both on-screen and behind the scenes amongst independent artists.
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Pushing for a new level of success outside of Hollywood, The SZN series guarantees a modern depiction of real-world experiences from independent artists who've dealt with deception, betrayal, and broken loyalty that has set a new standard of quality content presented by collaborative rising artists.
Below are images from the first two episodes which you are now able to watch.
Every person involved in this project gave 100% whether it was through acting, clapping the slate, telling others quiet on the set, setting up the lights, doing two jobs in one, etc.
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*Click to preview
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*Click to preview
The Goal
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Our first milestone is to film ‘The Perry Games’ Part 1 & 2 in May. The dates are currently being scheduled and locked in. The cast and crew are already on board to begin the finalization before production.
The next step is to begin post-production immediately after the projects are completed. The final episodes will be submitted to additional film festivals as well as pitching to major TV & streaming networks for a season renewal.
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After premiering the pilot at The Cinematic Affair in 2021 and presenting the second episode online this past January, which has become a fan favorite, we wanted to push the limits with the last two episodes of season one. The SZN story is very personal to the creator himself especially with it being inspired by true events, but it is also showing the art of dedication amongst a team of indie artists.
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Why do we need $45,000?
In all actuality, television budgets range anywhere from the hundreds of thousands to the millions per episode. Given our target seems like a lot, it ranks on the lower end as far as television budgets.
"Now, where exactly does the money go?"
More than 80 percent of the funds will go directly into every aspect of filming from equipment, to cast, crew, locations, pre-production, and postproduction. Having a final product that’s the total accumulation of a team effort.
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We want to say thank you! Any amount given to this project is allowing us to tell more of our stories that are not only making an impact on us, but on anyone who is going through a different season in their life right now and is looking for inspiration. In addition, you’re eligible to receive exclusive rewards only available to Indiegogo Backers. There are a few easy steps to begin the process:
Pick out an amount in your budget or a reward that suits you, click the incentive, and proceed through the instructions.
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If we do not hit our goal, we will utilize the funds provided to move forward with production and fit with the adjusted budget plans to keep things rolling before the set premiere date.
If you can't contribute to this production, it is okay. Please send this campaign page to at least 5 people who you think can contribute and don't forget to follow us on social media so you stay up to date on the exclusiveness going on with the project.
@thesznseres | Facebook, YouTube, Twitter & Instagram
The SZN Perks
Your contribution to our project means so much to us and we understand the amount of work you've done in order to support our dream. We definitely want to ensure you get something special during this process!
In the right-hand sidebar, you will find all of our perk descriptions where you can select incentives right away.
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COVID Protocol
Given the times and being a non-union project, the health and safety of our cast & crew are of the utmost importance. Following all COVID protocols in addition to CDC guidelines is a must in addition to having all participants provide proof of testing negative within 6 days of shooting. Also, always include a COVID-19 compliance officer while on set, and masks being worn by all personnel on set, except for actors during filming. We have to adapt to the new lifestyle with COVID by working smartly to produce amazing content in a safe matter.
Realistically speaking, the only way to reach this crowdfunding goal is to operate and market outside of our networks. If you’d like to support the SZN Series and our efforts to tell stories that matter, your contributions make all the difference.
SPREAD THE WORD
Please share our campaign however you want such as your social media, word-of-mouth, etc.
Below, we have the perfect examples to use as a copy and paste method to easily share:
Help the rising award-winning writer & television director by supporting the new digital/tv series, THE SZN about a conceited entrepreneur who concocts his way to become the next COO of an independent media company to prevent his partners from taking the throne.
Join the movement on @indiegogo: bit.ly/thesznseries
I watched the first two episodes for THE SZN, by Malcolm Dwain Carter @malcolmdwaincarter, made in Houston, Texas which has received recognition from Houston Life KPRC 2 & several film festivals for ‘Best Web Series/Pilot’.
Support the movement on @indiegogo: bit.ly/thesznseries
Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram: @indiegogo
Our Journey, Our SZN
Join the Movement