THE BAD GUY - SHORT FILM

(Joker 2019)

 

 

By characterizing the herculean struggle of post-incarceration adjustment, we will expose systemic flaws in the criminal justice system and advocate for change that improves rehabilitation and reintegration. We intend to engage our audience to support justice reform and further the conversation toward creating real change.

 

 

The Bad Guy is a story about exploring inequality through example. Through the eyes of Briar, we navigate a world built on prejudice and hate, unwilling to give him the second chance he deserves. Though reformed, he's rejected by his family, bystanders, and the judicial/penal system, immediately setting him up for failure.

 

Given only two weeks to find housing, work, and a form of contact on a $200 stipend and no work-placement programs, the for-profit prison systems waste no time in encouraging criminal relapse and, in turn, recidivism.

 

Beyond systemic failures, The Bad Guy made sure to incorporate both big and small forms of racism. Whether blatant, deniable, or simple microaggressions, we wanted to demonstrate the consistency and range of racism people of color face. Whether passive or abrasive, the wear of these acts will diminish any man, no matter how strong his will or how good a person he is. And for someone who already struggles with guilt and his sense of identity, its effects are only amplified. This is why it’s called The Bad Guy. Because if not for his record, Briar would still be deemed “the bad guy” simply because of the way he looks.

 

Therefore, we wanted to take on the untold perspective. Showing Briar's moments of vulnerability: his doubts, his guilt, his compassion, etc… these bits humanize him and provoke sympathy and empathy for an otherwise easily dismissable felon.

 

 

 

5 years after committing a hit-and-run, Briar Morrison is released from prison. Reacclimating to an unwelcoming world proves impossible as he can’t seem to escape his haunting past. Paranoia strikes deep as the surviving victims of his crime begin to stalk him. All the while, Briar grasps for the life he once had, attempting to reconnect with his ex-wife and daughter. But parallel to the family he killed, his past has wrecked any chance of salvaging the family he has. With nowhere to go and no one to confide in, Briar has been discarded. But as items like a contorted doll, burning roadkill, and an old newspaper reporting Briar’s crime are delivered to his doorstep, he’d sooner feel abandoned than be trapped in this nightmarish spotlight. The culmination of all this leads up to a heated fight between the predatory victims and Briar. But when a misfire kills someone, Briar must make a decision… to be free or forgiven.

 

 

 

The 90’s in LA are iconic, but also, troublesome. Seeing record crime rates, corruption, violence, and gang culture are some of what must be painted into Briar’s peripheral.

 

 

 

Morgan Ann Hammen - Writer/Director

 

Originally from Oshkosh, WI, Morgan Ann Hammen has paved a path for herself as an up-and-coming director in LA. With several films under her belt, she also has experience working on high-profile productions in various positions including The Morning Show, Snowfall, Shameless, Westworld, and JJ Abrams' latest show Duster.

 

Most recently and impressively, Hammen worked in development at Stone Village (Station Eleven, Chef, The Lincoln Lawyer) where she was made co-producer on their most recent release, Quebrando Mitos. Adding to her development experience, she completed a development internship at 87North Productions (Deadpool, Bullet Train, John Wick).

 

Now under the mentorship of Emmy-Winning director, EP, and showrunner Greg Yaitanes (House of the Dragon) and TV director/DGA Diversity Chair, Michael Goi (Avatar TLA, American Horror Story), Hammen has gotten off to a running start in the LA scene.

 

 

Greg Yaitanes - Executive Producer

 

Greg Yaitanes is a visionary, Emmy-winning director and producer known for his ability to build new worlds through technical ingenuity while preserving his refined artistic aesthetic on-screen.

 

Yaitanes served as the Co-Executive producer of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” prequel, “House of the Dragon,” for which he also directed three episodes including the critically acclaimed season finale. The final episode “The Black Queen” drew in HBO’s largest global audience, surpassing the international viewership of “Game of Thrones.” The series won Best Drama Series at the 2023 Golden Globes and was nominated for Best Drama Series at this year’s Critics Choice Awards.

 

Prior to that, Yaitanes Executive Produced and Directed “Castle Rock” for J.J. Abrams and Stephen King, as well as for Jordan Peele’s “The Twilight Zone.” Additionally, Yaitanes served as Showrunner, Executive Producer, and sole Director for Netflix's “Manhunt: Unabomber”, Cinemax’s revered series “Quarry” as well as the rave-reviewed cult favorite “Banshee.” It was his work on the global phenomenon “House” that earned him a Primetime Emmy® Award in 2008 for ‘Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.’ Between “House” and “Banshee,” Greg has led his team to 29 Emmy nominations and six wins. His 30-year career includes a myriad of acclaimed episodes for “The Old Man”, “Snowfall”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Genius: Picasso” “Lost” and the pilot episode of “Bones” which ran for 13 seasons.

 

 

Michael Goi - Executive Producer

 

Michael Goi, ASC, ISC was born and raised in Chicago, where he established himself in the fields of documentaries and commercials. He has directed numerous television shows such as "Avatar: The Last Airbender", "Big Sky,", "The Rookie", "Kung Fu", "The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina", and many others. He wrote and directed the viral feature film sensation "Megan Is Missing" about the subject of internet predators, as well as directing Gary Oldman in the film "MARY".

 

As a cinematographer, he has compiled over 70 narrative credits, including films for cinema and television screens such as "American Horror Story," "Glee," "Salem" and "The Town That Dreaded Sundown." He has received four Emmy nominations for "Glee", "My Name Is Earl" and two seasons of "American Horror Story." He was nominated for the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Outstanding Achievement Award for the telefilms "The Fixer" and "Judas" and for the pilot "The New Normal" and the mini-series "American Horror Story: Asylum".

 

 

Anthony A. DiMaria - Producer

 

Anthony DiMaria is a producer and director located in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Grand Canyon University with a B.A. in Digital Film Production and a B.S. in Business Management, he started working in the non-profit sector. Following several years of producing and directing brand films focused on fundraising for organizations in South Africa and Burundi, Anthony transitioned to narrative and commercial work.

 

As creative director at Manley Creative, he produced and directed national commercials, infomercials, and promotional content for Fortune 100 brands. During this time, he also produced the independent film Teenage Badass, which was selected for the SXSW film festival in 2020. In 2022, Anthony left his role as creative director and started his production company Odd Galaxy, where he produces shorts, features, and documentaries.

 

 

Sam Shapiro - Producer

 

Sam Shapiro is a Los Angeles based producer from Watchung, New Jersey. After studying Television, Radio, and Film at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Sam moved to sunny SoCal to pursue a career in film and television.

 

Since then, he has worked a variety of production jobs on many levels ranging from independent film, music videos, commercials, and studio television, including For All Mankind Season 3 (Sony for Apple TV +) and Hacks Season 2 (NBC Universal for HBOMAX). When Sam is not working, he enjoys going to concerts, playing ice hockey, road tripping, good food and drink, and dogsitting for his friends.

 

 

Laavanya Hunt - Producer

 

Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Laavanya Hunt is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Cinema Arts and Science with a focus in producing.

 

Since graduating, she has moved to Los Angeles and has been actively working on numerous productions like Snowfall, Grown-ish, For All Mankind. However, she is passionate about independent filmmaking and attaches herself to indie films as a producer and line producer.

 

 

Darsh Thakker - Associate Producer

 

Darsh Thakker is a producer dedicated to the advancement of underrepresented creators, particularly South Asians. Originally from Orange County, he left California to study film producing at Columbia College Chicago, where he earned his BFA. Darsh has developed experience in physical production working on shows for HBO, Comedy Central, Apple, and NBC. In 2020, he cofounded Chaotic Neutral Studios and continues to serve as CEO.

 

 

Avi Zephyra - Associate Producer

 

Avi Zephyra is a forward-thinking filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur, interested in the exploration of difficult themes through high-concept genres like fantasy and horror. Since graduating with a BFA in Producing from Columbia College Chicago, he has worked on a variety of films, television, and commercials, for Netflix, Disney, and Peacock. He actively serves as COO for Chaotic Neutral Studios, which he cofounded in 2020.

 

 

 

Cast ($18,000) - Casting and employing professional talent to play our characters,

stunt performers to execute fights, and a stunt coordinator to help make it look real and keep it safe!

 

Art Department ($9,000) - 1990's period-accurate set dressing, props, and picture cars!

 

Lighting ($7,500) - Talented lighting crew and equipment rentals to set the mood.

 

Wardrobe ($2,500) - Clothing authentic to each character with multiples to rough up.

 

Makeup ($2,000) - Blood, sweat, tears!

 

Camera ($7,000) - The people, equipment, lenses, and accessories to capture the world we create.

 

Sound ($1,500) - To capture the best quality sound during production and immerse you in the environment and deliver every word with clarity.

 

Locations ($20,000) - From pre-built sets to vast exterior environments, we will transport you into the shoes of the characters. This also includes essentials like permits, police, catered meals, and communications.

 

Post-Production ($3,000) - Cutting, coloring, and sound design will bring the whole film together.

 

Operations and Contingency - ($7,000) - Filmmaking requires insurance to protect our locations, equipment, and all parties involved in the event of loss or damage. We also need a safety net set aside for any incidentals that could arise if any plans have to change.

 

 

Without your support, this film would not be possible. If you like our short film and want to help us make it happen, please consider a financial contribution. Every bit helps.

 

We understand that not everyone has the means to donate their money. If you have non-monetary resources or abilities to share, we would love to hear from you.

 

Another important way to lift up the project is by sharing this fundraiser, our website, and social media posts with your network, whether it be family, friends, or colleagues. Boosting our traffic and engagement will ensure momentum with our fundraising campaign and marketing efforts.

 

Thank you so much for supporting The Bad Guy, a short film by Morgan Ann Hammen.