ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
When a newly famous music producer visits his hometown, he battles the guilt of abandoning his past and the bitterness of an old friend.

SYNOPSIS
Up-and-coming producer, Antoine “A-Wav” James, returns to his small town after blowing up in the music industry. Antoine is uneasy when Dez, an estranged friend, convinces him to visit a studio where his old crew is having a recording session.

As soon as Antoine arrives, it becomes painfully clear how much he’s changed since leaving home, creating an awkwardness between himself and everyone else. To make matters worse, Antoine’s hardened and least impressionable friend, Lamont openly shows resentment towards his success.

Rising tensions between Antoine and Lamont lead to an explosive confrontation where Antoine must face the guilt he’s been suppressing for years. Did he really betray his friends and leave them behind for the lure of success, or was their lack of ambition keeping them from reaching his full potential?

Men are often raised to believe sensitivity is weakness. Black men specifically are taught that every aspect of our survival hinges on projecting a traditionally masculine exterior. As a result, many of us are constantly at war with our vulnerability.

We know firsthand how life can drastically change when we’re fortunate enough to excel in our careers. None of these changes are more jarring than when personal relationships begin to fracture. BRAND NEW is a commentary on what happens when men on either side of that lost connection do not have the tools to express their vulnerability.

PROJECT TYPE Narrative Short

DIRECTOR Denzel Whitaker, Quincy G. Ledbetter
SCREENWRITER Denzel Whitaker, Quincy G. Ledbetter
PRODUCER Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter, Ramfis Myrthil
Consulting Producer Johnny Starke

WEBSITE ml-nebula.com/brand-new