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White Like Me the film

A film about what happens when a struggling black actress becomes a powerful white man.

$79
pledged of$75,000 goal
3
0Days Left

Project Description

Mission 

To produce a feature film that ignites an honest conversation about race using the power of comedy. This film is not meant to mock or make fun of any race. The protagonist in White Like Me is frustrated with where she is in life and thinks that things will work out differently if she changes her appearance. Whether or not that's true or that happens is one of the reasons this film is so relevant. 

During our original campaign we set out to raise $250,000. Well, we're almost at our goal! Thank you to all those who supported us on Indiegogo, Venmo and Paypal. Since we're so close, it's time to shine a little brighter and see if we can make our goal! 

We have an exciting team so far! White Like Me welcomes Executive Producer Antonio Enciso!

Short Summary

God, I miss romantic comedies! Films like When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Love Actually, Sixteen Candles, Say Anything... I could go on and on and on. These are the movies that made me want to start acting. I wanted to be that girl who met the guy and didn't realize I met the guy and then later realized, I met the guy! And then we would run through the streets of some big city looking for each other, meet in the rain in front of a beautiful American monument and kiss passionately. But over time, it became clear that girls like me weren't cast in this kind of movie. I'm considered more "the sassy friend," or "the friend who helps the heroine get the guy," or... "bus driver #2." (Although, I still hold tightly to the fact that my all-time favorite, Whoopi Goldberg, got to play not just the lead role but some of the best non-stereotypical characters in film.) 

Now, when a studio wants to "diversify" their film, they cast a black man or other man of color. It is very rare to see a black female lead on the big screen, and more often than not she's a famous singer in real life. Which is fine. But why doesn't a white actress have to be a famous musician in order to get a lead role in a film? Next time you're scrolling through Netflix or driving past a movie billboard, think about this.

"I've never done a movie, any movie, the silliest movie, where someone, some studio person, hasn't gone, 'Does the girl have to be black?'" -- Chris Rock, in Essence magazine.

Hi! Thank you so much for coming to our campaign page. It's so great to have you here. Take a look around. Make yourself comfortable. I'm Brandee Steger! I'm an African-American actress ("20s, urban, sassy"--kidding!), a writer (having started off as a journalist) and a producer (with a couple of awards for a short film starring Ted Danson and Emmy-considered for a comedic web series). I've been lucky enough to train with renowned acting teacher Warner Loughlin and am proud to be a lifetime member of the Actors Studio where I've learned from greats like Martin Landau, Lou Antonio and Lisa Richards. 

In junior high, I met my now husband and producing partner, Michael Steger. When we were 12 years old we didn't like each other very much.

In our teens, we brushed by each other trading curious adolescent smirks, and in college we shared stories, hung out in bookstores and made fun of each other's crushes. After college, we fell in love and got married. My real life became a romantic comedy! Although there still weren't any heroines like me in my beloved "boy meets girl next door" films. In 2008, our small-town selves were blown away when Michael became the lead on 90210, a popular TV show. The experiences we had on that wild ride, and the insights I've had since then, as a black woman and an actress, inspired me to write "White Like Me."  

Our campaign goal is to raise money to turn my script into a finished film. We want to make a movie that has an African-American female lead but is not a "black movie" or a "white movie," but instead one that acknowledges women of color and the experience of trying to succeed in what often feels like a predominantly white, male industry.

If you share our love of movies that have both comedy and romance, 

or if you're curious about different people's experiences in Hollywood, 

or if you value the fact that diversity makes everyone smarter, more creative and more innovative, we would be so excited and honored if you would contribute to our mission. We are grateful for your time and attention, and we hope you'll be there when we have the communal experience in a darkened theater watching the premiere of "White Like Me"!

What We Need and What You Get

It can cost well over a million dollars to make even a small, independent film. Our goal was to raise the bare minimum--$250,000--for an ultra low budget production of "White Like Me," to be shot in 20 days. And, we're almost there! 

All donations are welcome, and no amount is too small. Here is a breakdown of where the money will go: 

 

  • Please check out our perks and incentives!
  • Any and all funds will go toward producing this original piece.

Producers' History 

Brandee Steger and Michael Steger are not new to producing. The first project they produced together was Brandee's one-woman show, Brandee Built on Crazee, which ran for eight weeks to sold-out audiences at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood. Soon after this production, the Stegers started their production company, Book 11 Productions. 

  • Through Book 11 Productions, Brandee and Michael co-produced The Wrights, an award-winning short film with Nina Fehren and Kate Danson and starring Ted Danson. This experimental film was mostly a dramatic improv, in which the scenes were partially written and the actors had to improvise their lines in only 2-3 takes. It was an edgy drama that centered around death, trust and family secrets.

    Shortly after The Wrights, Brandee and Michael produced an Emmy-considered comedic web series called, Not So Union. This series followed a group of friends who were brand-spankin' new to Hollywood and struggling with how to navigate their aspirations. Many comedians and seasoned actors jumped on board to help create this series described by viewers as "hysterical" and "offbeat."

    In 2018, Michael branched out to produce an independent short film called, Fifteen Years Later, starring Manish Dayal, Matt McGorry, Tracy Mulholland, and Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan. 

    Now, the Stegers are excited to take the next step and produce a full-length feature film, "White Like Me," under Book 11 Productions.  

    Special thanks for helping us get this far 

    Antonio Enciso - Executive Producer (White Like Me) 

    Gordana (Gigi) Jovanov (Founder of The Global Organizer) 

    Mary Miskin (Writer and Inspiration to Children) 

    Stephanie Turner - Actress/Writer/Producer/Director (First Man, Justine) 

    Courtney Daniels - Director/Writer/Producer  (What Other Couples Do, This Fucking Town) 

    Dylan Kussman - Actor/Writer/Director (Dead Poets Society, Mission: Blacklist)

    Mengfang Yang - Editor/Director (Devotion, Generation Z)   

    Josie Martineaux - Actress/Director (When It Rains, Lonely Lil) 

    And to our makeup artist (you know who you are!) - THANK YOU! 

    Risks and Challenges

    It can be so scary to put yourself out there like this. But we recently decided we had a choice:  we could sit around and wonder what it would be like to create our own full-length feature film, complain about the small percentage of black women in film, let time go by, wait for our next big breaks and hope for the best, OR we could get off our butts and make a feature film from our original perspective. Obviously, the risk is that nobody will give a damn, nobody will help, maybe the sky will fall in and our dreams will dissipate like the clouds. But now that we have a daughter, Poet, it has become clear just how important it is for her to see her parents strive to achieve their goals. So, here we are, as a team, holding up the sky with hard work, determination and faith. 

    Other Ways You Can Help

    Some folks just can't contribute money, but that doesn't mean you can't help! There are many ways you can help us get the word out and make some noise about our campaign: 

    • Repost/Share/Tweet our campaign on your social media! 
    • Find us on Social Media  and Follow, Repost, Retweet and Share - 

    Instagram - @brandeesteger @michaelsteger11

    Facebook Page - @WhiteLikeMe

    Twitter - @BrandeeSteger @MichaelSteger11 

    • Tag your favorite celebrities on social media who care about a woman's perspective, female empowerment and African-American women in Hollywood. 
    • Tell your friends, family and acquaintances about our campaign.
    • TALK, SHARE, REPOST, TAG, FORWARD and REPEAT! 
    • Email us:  [email protected]

    www.WhiteLikeMethefilm.com

    All donations welcome and will be so appreciated! THANK YOU!

    Updates

    The Campaign FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • How much have you raised so far? Through crowdfunding and with the help of an incredible investor we are almost at our original goal of $250,000! 
    • Who is on your team? White Like Me will be Produced and co-directed by Brandee and Michael Steger with Executive Producer Antonio Enciso. We also have an amazing cinematographer and editor. 
    • How long will it take to get my reward? Most rewards will be delivered within 2 months. Some will take until the end of the year - depending on what reward you get. 
    • How can I contact the producers? Feel free to reach out with any comments, questions and/or concerns to [email protected] 
    • When do you start shooting? Our goal is to go into production in late Spring 2019. 
    • How long will it take to make the movie? We plan to shoot the film in 20 days and go into post production shortly after. 
    • What are your plans for the film? We plan to submit White Like Me to film festivals and eventually make it available on the major platforms. 

     

     

    Csonka Tucker
    03/15/2019
    Monetary Contribution
    $25
    02/13/2019
    Personal Thank You
    $50
    Kate Anderson
    02/01/2019
    Monetary Contribution
    $4
    Monetary Contribution

    Just Because I Care I'm sending a few bucks your way! <3

    2 Supporters
    Select this reward
    25.00 USD
    Personal Thank You

    Personal message thanking you for your support. 

    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    75.00 USD
    White Like Me tee

    Hand-designed White Like Me tee shirt. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    200.00 USD
    Social Media shoutout

    A tag on social media thanking you for your support. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    300.00 USD
    Ice Skating Lesson

    Growing up, Brandee trained professionally as a figure skater. She's pulling our her boots to show you some moves. So, grab your warmest gear cause you're hitting the ice with Brandee! One hour session in Los Angeles, CA. 

    4 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    650.00 USD
    Acting Class

    An intimate eight week acting session taught by Michael and Brandee Steger.  Class will be held in Los Angeles, CA for 3 hours, once a week. October 2019 Includes how to get started, the business of acting and all things acting! 

    20 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    750.00 USD
    Couples Coaching

    Brandee and Michael Steger have been in a relationship for almost 17 years and married for almost 11. Through Skype, Facetime or whatever avenue fits you, they'll talk to you and your lover or just you intimately about love and relationships.  (LOL) This is going to be a blast! 

    15 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    500.00 USD
    Personal Video

    We'll send you a personal video about how much your support means. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    2,000.00 USD
    Vintage Shopping Trip

    Bring extra cash because we're going on a shopping trip to all the best vintage stores in Los Angeles. Brandee has a vintage collection in Los Feliz, CA and can show you all the best places to shop in the city. 

    5 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    6,000.00 USD
    Speaker/Party Guest

    Brandee and Michael Steger will come to your event or party (within the U.S.) to talk about the entertainment industry and White Like Me. Or, to simply host your party! 

    15 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    8,000.00 USD
    On Set Visit

    Come visit us on set! 

    3 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    1,400.00 USD
    Harlem RagShop 1934 item for a year

    Brandee owns the vintage collection, Harlem RagShop 1934 in Los Feliz, CA 4519 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90068 and on Etsy! In this reward you'll receive one item worth $150 or less, shipped to you once a month for a year. 

    3 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward

    About the Entrepreneur

    Los angeles, CA
    Created 1 Campaign

    Rewards

    Monetary Contribution

    Just Because I Care I'm sending a few bucks your way! <3

    2 Supporters
    Select this reward
    25.00 USD
    Personal Thank You

    Personal message thanking you for your support. 

    1 Supporter
    Select this reward
    75.00 USD
    White Like Me tee

    Hand-designed White Like Me tee shirt. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    200.00 USD
    Social Media shoutout

    A tag on social media thanking you for your support. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    300.00 USD
    Ice Skating Lesson

    Growing up, Brandee trained professionally as a figure skater. She's pulling our her boots to show you some moves. So, grab your warmest gear cause you're hitting the ice with Brandee! One hour session in Los Angeles, CA. 

    4 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    650.00 USD
    Acting Class

    An intimate eight week acting session taught by Michael and Brandee Steger.  Class will be held in Los Angeles, CA for 3 hours, once a week. October 2019 Includes how to get started, the business of acting and all things acting! 

    20 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    750.00 USD
    Couples Coaching

    Brandee and Michael Steger have been in a relationship for almost 17 years and married for almost 11. Through Skype, Facetime or whatever avenue fits you, they'll talk to you and your lover or just you intimately about love and relationships.  (LOL) This is going to be a blast! 

    15 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    500.00 USD
    Personal Video

    We'll send you a personal video about how much your support means. 

    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    2,000.00 USD
    Vintage Shopping Trip

    Bring extra cash because we're going on a shopping trip to all the best vintage stores in Los Angeles. Brandee has a vintage collection in Los Feliz, CA and can show you all the best places to shop in the city. 

    5 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    6,000.00 USD
    Speaker/Party Guest

    Brandee and Michael Steger will come to your event or party (within the U.S.) to talk about the entertainment industry and White Like Me. Or, to simply host your party! 

    15 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    8,000.00 USD
    On Set Visit

    Come visit us on set! 

    3 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward
    1,400.00 USD
    Harlem RagShop 1934 item for a year

    Brandee owns the vintage collection, Harlem RagShop 1934 in Los Feliz, CA 4519 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90068 and on Etsy! In this reward you'll receive one item worth $150 or less, shipped to you once a month for a year. 

    3 Left
    0 Supporters
    Select this reward