Proof of Concept for Black Summer

 

Objective: To create a compelling short film or teaser that captures the intensity, realism, and emotional weight of Black Summer, convincing potential investors, producers, and audiences of its importance.

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Key Elements:

1. Opening Scene:

• Establish the film’s setting: a gritty, urban neighborhood at sunset, emphasizing the warm, nostalgic glow of summer before the tension unfolds.

• Introduce Raheem, Dwayne, Maine, and Rashid inside Raheem’s newly purchased Buick Century, celebrating his achievement.

• Use natural, energetic dialogue to show their bond and the joy of youth.

 

2. The Traffic Stop (Main Scene in POC)

• Jarring transition from joy to fear: Red and blue lights explode in the rearview mirror.

• Officer Miller and Officer Jackson approach the car, Miller’s gun already drawn.

• The tension is palpable—close-ups on the boys’ hands gripping their knees, sweat forming, nervous glances exchanged.

• Raheem calmly provides his documents, but Miller’s suspicion doesn’t wane.

• Officer Jackson is present but hesitant, his internal conflict subtly conveyed.

• The situation escalates, forcing Raheem and the others to remain frozen in fear.

• Climax of the scene: Miller ultimately lets them go, but the trauma lingers.

 

3. Aftermath:

• Raheem’s emotional reaction at home—silence, then a breakdown.

• Uncle John and Aunt Donna’s fierce reaction, leading to discussions of systemic racism and legal action.

• Neighborhood reactions—barbershop conversations, debates on taking action, tensions rising.

 

4. Visual & Cinematic Style:

• Cinematic realism with dramatic lighting (contrasts between warm summer hues and harsh police lights).

• Handheld, immersive cinematography to heighten the anxiety of the stop.

• Tight framing during the traffic stop for claustrophobic tension, then wider shots to contrast freedom before and the feeling of oppression after.

• Sound Design: Loud music fades to dead silence as sirens wail, heavy breathing, radio static, and the click of Miller’s gun holster.

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Why This POC Works:

 

✅ Immediate Emotional Impact – The shift from celebration to fear is gut-wrenching and sets the stakes early.

✅ Visually Striking – The use of contrasting lighting, handheld tension, and immersive sound design enhances realism.

✅ Showcases Core Themes – Racial profiling, systemic oppression, and the emotional burden placed on Black youth.

✅ Leaves Viewers Wanting More – Ends with the haunting question: What happens next?

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Why do I want to make this film?

I wrote this film because, at 17 years old, I experienced firsthand the fear and trauma that too many Black men face when simply existing in their own skin. After working all summer to save up money to get my car registered and insured, I was pulled over, and before I could even explain myself, police officers had their weapons drawn on me—assuming my car was stolen. That moment of terror never left me. It wasn’t just about me; it was about the countless Black families who have to sit their children down and have the talk—not about the birds and the bees, but about survival. About how to stay alive when faced with the very people sworn to protect us. This film isn’t just a story; it’s a reality that Black communities know all too well. I wanted to capture the emotional weight of these experiences, to show how the system continuously fails us, and to shed light on the conversations we are forced to have with our children that others never have to think about. This film is about truth, injustice, and the resilience of our people in the face of it all.

What Is Black Summer About?

 

Set in In the city, Black Summer follows four best friends— Raheem, Dwayne, Maine, and Rashid—as they drive through their neighborhood, celebrating Raheem’s hard-earned success of buying his first car. The night is filled with laughter, hip-hop blaring through the speakers, and the promise of freedom. 

 

But that freedom is cut short when flashing red and blue lights appear in the rearview mirror.

 

Officer Jason Miller, a cop with a history of racial profiling, stops the boys at gunpoint, falsely accusing them of stealing the car. What should have been a routine interaction becomes a moment of trauma, humiliation, and fear—one that will change their lives forever.

 

From the aftermath at home to the legal battle that follows, Black Summer delves into the deep-seated injustice within our policing system, the strength of community activism, and the moral crossroads between street justice and the law.

 

This film explores:

✅ The reality of racial profiling and police brutality

✅ The power of community organizing and protest

✅ The inner conflict between legal justice and taking matters into your own hands

✅ The emotional and psychological toll of growing up Black in America

Why This Story Matters

 

This is more than just a film—it’s a mirror to society, a conversation starter, and a wake-up call.

 

We have seen real-life cases like this play out time and time again—young Black men and women targeted, harassed, and even killed for simply existing. Black Summer seeks to capture that reality in an honest and emotionally gripping way, forcing audiences to confront these uncomfortable truths.

 

This film is for everyone—for those who have lived these experiences, for those who need to understand them, and for those who are fighting for real change.

Why We Need Your Help

 

Independent filmmaking is incredibly expensive, and we are committed to doing this story justice by ensuring high-quality production, powerful performances, and an authentic representation of our communities. Your generous contributions will go directly towards:

 

🎥 Production Costs – Hiring a professional crew, securing camera equipment, and capturing stunning cinematography.

📍 Location Fees & Set Design – Creating an authentic Jersey City atmosphere and making every scene feel real.

🎭 Cast & Crew Compensation – Supporting talented Black and diverse actors, and crew members who will bring this story to life.

🎬 Post-Production – Editing, color correction, sound design, and original music to ensure a cinematic experience.

📣 Marketing & Distribution – Submitting Black Summer to major film festivals, organizing community screenings, and reaching a global audience.

 

With your support, we can make Black Summer a film that doesn’t just entertain—but educates, enlightens, and ignites action.

How You Can Help

 

🔹 Donate: Every dollar makes a difference! No contribution is too small, and every bit brings us closer to making this film a reality.

🔹 Share: If you can’t donate, help us spread the word! Share this campaign with your friends, family, and community.

🔹 Partner With Us: If you’re a filmmaker, activist, or organization that aligns with our mission, let’s collaborate!

 

💡 Our Goal: $50,000.00 💡

Your support is not just funding a film —you’re helping create something that will leave a lasting impact for years to come .

This Is Bigger Than a Movie—It’s a Movement

 

We are telling the stories that matter . We are fighting for justice through art . And we can’t do it without you .

 

Join us in making Black Summer a reality. Let’s shine a light on the truth—because when the system fails, the story must be told.

 

🔥 DONATE NOW & BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT! 🔥

#BlackSummerFilm #JusticeForAll #SupportBlackFilmmakers #EndRacialProfiling

 

What do you get for your contribution? 

1. Thank-You Notes

 Donation Amount : $10–$20

Perk: A personalized thank-you note or email from the director.

  

2. Exclusive Digital Content

 Donation Amount : $25–$50

Perk: Behind-the-scenes digital content, including production photos, early script drafts, and video updates from the cast.

  

3. Name in the Credits

 Donation Amount : $50–$100

Perk: Your name appears in the “Special Thanks” or “Credits” section of the film.

  

4. Digital Download of the Film

 Donation Amount : $100–$250

Perk: A digital download of Black Summer once the film is released.

  

5. Limited-Edition Movie Poster

 Donation Amount : $250–$500

Perk: A signed, limited-edition movie poster featuring artwork from the film.

  

6. Special Screening & Meet the Cast

 Donation Amount : $500–$1,000

Perk: Access to an exclusive online screening of the film with a live Q&A featuring the director, cast, and crew. A customized t-shirt that has artwork from the film on it with your name on it. 

 

 

7. Behind-the-Scenes Access

 Donation Amount : $1,000+

Perk: A private virtual tour of the film’s set, including the opportunity to interact with the director and key crew members. A customized t-shirt that has artwork from the film on it with your name on it. 

  

8. VIP Premiere Tickets (In-Person or Virtual)

 Donation Amount : $2,000+

Perk: VIP access to an in-person or virtual premiere event, including red carpet access and meet-and-greets with the cast. A customized t-shirt that has artwork from the film on it with your name on it. A custom artwork or personalized sketch inspired by Black Summer. A customized t-shirt that has artwork from the film on it with your name on it.

  

9. Executive Producer Credit

 Donation Amount : $5,000+

Perk: An Executive Producer credit in the film’s opening titles and everything on the list. 

  

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No matter the size, every donation brings Black Summer closer to reality. Thank you for helping us tell this important story!

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