CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HIGHTOWER
Tuesday Morning is a short film that explores the nuances of two people caught between choosing themselves and fulfilling their dreams of being in love.
Logline: Autumn and Christian, a new couple in their 30’s, find themselves at odds with each other on the morning of Autumn's scheduled abortion.
After years of random run-ins around town, seeing each other at summer cookouts, and friends’ birthday celebrations, Autumn’s dormant love life is revived with a long time acquaintance, Christian. Her lens on Christian suddenly changes from a platonic friend to a passionate lover.
On the other hand, Christian always had his eye on Autumn since their first encounter years prior. So it is a dream come true when they come together to step on the fast track of love. Yet, the realities of life quickly stir up a whirlwind of emotions, unvisited past behaviors and uncertainty for this budding relationship. Actions speak louder than words, but what is not being said rings the loudest.
We meet Autumn and Christian on an early, brisk Tuesday morning in Autumn’s apartment. Autumn is pregnant by Christian, after a passionate three months of dating. Amidst a transition of sorts, Autumn has already decided to have an abortion. What appears to be just another morning with this new couple marks the beginning of the end in more ways than one.
This is the morning of the scheduled abortion.
Tech by day, fine artist by night. Autumn is finally getting her big break in the world of fine arts when she is offered a unique job opportunity...on the other side of the country. Autumn is ambitious, fiery but sweet, and independent. She is driven about making all of her dreams come true from her career to finding true love. Now, focused on her blossoming career, she is caught by surprise as her dating life suddenly blooms with a long time acquaintance. When we meet Autumn, she is preparing to take a leap of faith of sorts.
Christian, a single father to a five year old girl, is who one would describe as “an all around good guy”. He is audacious, at times idealistic, and big-hearted. A college graduate, Christian has since devoted his career to his steady but lucrative “city job with good benefits” for several years. Now, in his late-thirties, he is finally gaining traction with what he feels is his purpose as a father, and a leading figure in his work and community. The only dream left to fulfill is finding “the one”. When we meet Christian, he is ready to expand his family with the woman of his dreams and live happily ever after.
Tuesday Morning is 10 years in the making as the catalyst was my own personal experience with abortion. I was inspired to write a script that counters the narrative of trauma and regret in the aftermath of an abortion. Years later I was challenged to finally finish the script...and I did just that! Over the years the story has evolved; also exploring the complexity of balancing the dreams we have for ourselves and the dreams we have in our relationships.
There is a wider conversation to be had surrounding a story centered on a Black woman with agency, as that agency must be realized in carnal, personal ways. The recent attack on women's reproductive rights here in America highlights the need for this story all the more; however challenging to put together. The emphasis on today’s ongoing conversation on holding ourselves accountable for our mental and emotional healthcare is equally relevant. We witness two adults in their mid-late thirties stripped of their wants, desires, goals and accomplishments, down to their vulnerabilities. It poses the questions: What do we really understand about ourselves and the values that drive our decisions? Are we willing to be open and vulnerable in the name of a healthy, human connection?
I look forward to the journey of creating this film and finally sharing this story with the world.
With Love,
LaJonel
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Executive Producer/Writer/Director
LaJonel Brown
LaJonel is a film, television and digital producer and director based in Los Angeles. The native of West Chester, PA, built her career on one simple motto: "You can do whatever you want—never assume barriers." LaJonel’s unveiled talent as a producer has manifested in the independent world of digital and film production of short films and digital series including the highly anticipated comedy digital series, Outta Pocket, and the 2019 Pan African Film Festival short film selection, Colors of Sankofa. Today, LaJonel has taken on network television and feature film production for Paramount Network, Netflix, AFI, Lionsgate and HBOMax. LaJonel's endless energy and true passion for telling compelling stories and creating impact is matched by the opportunities she is afforded to continue producing and directing content across mediums. LaJonel holds a BA in film and media arts from Temple University.
Producer
Fetle Negash
Fetle is a filmmaker with over a decade of experience within the entertainment industry.
Ms. Negash began her career in the Public Relations field in 2007. Working for successful boutique agencies such as DSD Publicity & Consulting, The FrontPage Firm, and The PowerHouse Agency, she covered a myriad of “A-List” clientele such as; Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther), Jay Ellis (Insecure), DeVon Franklin (The Star), and TD Jakes to name a few.
In 2015, she leveraged her experience and vast network to follow her true passion of filmmaking. She earned a position at Black Entertainment Television (BET). During her time there she worked on the scripted side of physical production as a Production Executive with credits that include hit shows such as; “The New Edition Story”, “Real Husbands of Hollywood”, “and “Twenties” to name a few. In 2021, Ms. Negash joined AMC Networks as a Director of Production where she oversees their growing slate of scripted projects. Ms. Negash earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Northridge in Communications Studies with a minor in African American Studies. She is also a member of the Television Academy and the Producers Guild of America.
Cinematographer
Tanisha Moreno
Tanisha is Salvadoran/Honduran-American Director of Photography based in Los Angeles. As a storyteller, Tanisha’s objective is to create captivating imagery that explores purpose, connection and pulls from personal experiences. Through an intricate process, she is committed to delivering stimulating visuals that illustrate an authentic & unique portrayal of the world being created.
Casting Director
Irie Williams
Irie Williams is a Casting Director, Producer, Writer, Tastemaker. This LA-based creative hails from Detroit, MI by way of Grambling State. Irie has already begun to make an impact on the industry by way of casting and producing. She has worked on projects for Tyler Perry Studios, Marvel, Hulu, Apple+, ABC & Disney and Disney+. Currently she is a member of Kim Coleman's casting empire, and most recently has taking matters into her own hands as the casting director of the latest young adult podcast series starring Marsai Martin who is leading the star-studded cast. Irie's hard work, passion and vision align to make her a force to be reckoned with in this industry.
