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How It All Began...
In a world, not far way (right here, actually), a gal from Iowa was encouraged to write. "If you're waiting, you need to be creating" said the booming voice overhead. So she wrote and wrote - for two days strong. When she finally arose from her almighty laptop, her eyes grew big and an enormous smile flooded her face. There, in front of her, a newborn script was born! She rushed it to her mentors for an initial review. They took one look and passed it with flying colors! Now, after several months of care and nurturing, it's time to present it to the world. Introducing, for the first time ever...(da da da daaa)...Mission:Mom-Possible!
Okay, okay...maybe that was just a little dramatic.
My name is Diandra and I am an actress-turned writer-turned producer (and one day soon, director ;-) based out of Chicago. I was encouraged by a mentor to write while I awaited the often sporadic opportunities presented by all of the 'gatekeepers' of the business (agents, casting directors, etc...) and after considering this challenge, it all made sense. Why not create my own projects, tell my own stories, and take control of my own career?
So, I wrote - and after two days, my first short screenplay was complete!
Mission:Mom-Possible
This story, loosely based on some actual events, is a fresh take on the lengths parents will go to preserve special childhood memories for their young ones. As the mother of a seven year old, I've quickly learned that the adventures of childhood - and PARENTHOOD - are endless. Parents wear many hats, but one of the most important ones is providing certain 'magical' moments that will be cherished forever.
This project, as well as several others in development, embody the goal of Gypsy Rose Films: to relate to the masses.
What does this mean?
Well, it's quite simple: I aim to develop stories that practically anyone can relate to, enjoy, and understand - regardless of race, age, culture, orientation, etc... We need to build bridges and see how much we really do have in common! Different, but the same...but different. It's really a beautiful concept that should be embraced.
THE CREW
~award-winners, casting directors, and big-time pro's - oh my!~
We've assembled an AMAZING crew to bring M:MP to life! This is truly where our strength lies.
director: morocco omari
Not only a phenomenal thespian, but an award-winning writer/director as well! One of his films, (Mis)Leading Man, screened at Sundance this year (as well as Cannes and Chicago International in years past), and another (Good Intentions) won the HBO Best Short Film honor this past fall at the Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival.
director of photography: joe 'jody' williams
With an MFA in Film (Cinematography), Jody has worked on several big-budget features (25th Hour, Stranger Than Fiction, Transformer's 3), as well as alongside directors Spike Lee, Ron Howard, & Michael Bay.
producer: natasha parker
An actress, writer, and director as well, Natasha has a wealth of experience in the entertainment business. Aside from her own indie films (Raw Emotions, The Package, The Lost One), she has worked on projects such as The Secret Life of Bees, The Dark Knight, Transformers 3, as well as upcoming Ron Howard & Steven Soderberg films.
producer: sharon king
Notable casting director, Sharon's experience speaks for itself! She's cast an array of films including (but not limited to) Barbershop 1 & 2, Roll Bounce, Soul Food, Spiderman II, Proof, and Electra. She's also produced award-winning films and has several projects on the horizon.
line producer/production accountant: adrienne swan...
Our 'numbers' guru, Adrienne has workedfor several significant projects on both the big-budget and indie levels. Some of her films include Traitor, Why Did I Get Married, and Batman Begins.
producer: diandra lyle
The newest producer to the game, Diandra is also the writer and star of M:MP. She has experience in film, television, theatre, commercial, radio, hosting, improv & sketch (trained at Second City Chicago), and even stand-up! Some recent work includes: Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC), McDonalds & KMart commercials, and several short films due for release in 2011 - The Package (dir: Natasha Parker); The Truth (dir: Hill Harper).
Your Mission: To Help!
M:MP goes into production mid-February 2011 and will shoot over the course of two days. Upon completion, it will be submitted to various festivals around the world.
In order to make this happen, WE NEED YOUR HELP! This is an independent project where funds are raised independently and through the good of people's hearts. Everyone working on this film is doing so voluntarily and will not reap monetary gain. Monies will go toward production costs (equipment, insurance, set design, craft services for crew, etc...), post-production costs (editing, sound, video, dvd production, etc...), marketing (promotional efforts such as posters, etc...), and festival submission fees (it costs money to submit to festivals).
This film will be shot, so no fear! We want to create the best product possible - and to insure quality and increased exposure - that's where your help comes in. Everyone who contributes to M:MP is part of the team, for we can't do it without you! In return for your generosity, we'd like to reward you with tokens of our appreciation. There are different levels of donation (i.e. $10, $25, $50 and so on) and with each one comes unique 'perks' (like personal thank you's, posters, dvds, screening invites, and much more)! Check them out on the right side of our page and become a 'Special Agent' today!
Anything helps in this journey! I know times are hard for all of us, but if everyone donates even a few dollars - just think how much that adds up! Also, for those of you who may own businesses, I'd love to spotlight your company/services on our page in return. Another way you can help? DIWO!
DIWO = 'Do It With Others'. Spread the word about M:MP and help make noise about this campaign. Simply 'share' this page via email, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace - smoke signal, bat signal - whatever! With just a click of a button, the 'Share' tools on our page make it easy to do.
The purpose of this project is to shine a light on talent (directing, cinematography, writing, acting) and set the stage for bigger and better projects in the future. On a more personal note, we want to encourage and motivate others to follow their dreams! There's almost NOTHING we can't do in this lifetime - BELIEVE in yourself, WORK hard, and keep PUSHING!
The entire M:MP team and Gypsy Rose Films thanks you from the top, to the bottom, and everywhere in between of our hearts!
Remember to check back for updates!
*Questions and/or concerns? Contact us at gypsyrosefilms@gmail.com*
Team on This Campaign:
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diandra lylewriter/exec.producer/actress
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natashaparkerProducer