Just A Dream
The Movie
About Just A Dream
No more waiting for Hollywood... we’re creating the work!
It is with great pleasure to announce the production of my 1st film Just A Dream!
I am super excited to have a group of very talented actors and film professionals that believe in this project so much so that they have given their time and expertise to make a great film. ~Déjà Dee
JUST A DREAM’s screenplay is registered with the Writers Guild Association (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
Plot Outline
No one is promised tomorrow which means no one is promised the life that they dream. Often we are so focused on the future that we miss the dream that's right in front of us and devastated when it's too late to appreciate what we had. Although clique, this is why it's so imperative to live and love for today!
In JUST A DREAM we see this lesson played out between Daniel and Carmen who have a tremendous love affair but it's complicated by schedules, friends and jobs. As they plan for the greatest day of their lives, this bride and groom learn the difficult lesson that each moment together, however complicated, is in fact the best gift.
The Filmmakers
CREATOR, WRITER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND ACTRESS
Déjà Dee
As an actor all I want to do is WORK as an Actor! But who knows when your next job will come. I would have create the work I wanted to star in and that meant confronting one of my biggest fears….WRITING! Over the years my literacy has been a challenge. Faced with signs of dyslexia, although never diagnosed, I struggle with staying focused while reading and lack confidence in my ability to write anything cohesive. But my dream was bigger than my fear. With the help of an amazing team I forged forward to write and produce my first short film…JUST A DREAM. What a fete! Producer/AD and Photographer Nicolle Whalen, Director Fred Thomas Jr. & Director of Photography and Editior Tallie Brinson...I call them my Dream Team! I wish all first time filmmakers would have such lovely spirited, talented and passionate artists pushing them towards their goal.
Producing this film was to show that there's more GREAT talent out here than just the
familiar names and we're more than just stereotypes. Perhaps “Hollywood” hasn’t called us with the starring roles we desire but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a voice that shouldn't be heard. The film JUST A DREAM is an opportunity for our talents to shine!
It is my desire that the audience will take a journey with Carmen and Daniel and participate emotionally in their love story. I would love for them leave with hope and appreciation for the life you have been allowed to experience and know that it's still a joyous miracle even in the tough times! But I would also like for this to be a spring board opportunity for the entire cast & crew and that this will unlock doors for us all!" ~ Déjà Dee
Déjà started her entertainment career as a radio personality January of 1995 at POWER97-WQMG in Greensboro, N.C.. Due to her hard work and commitment to her craft, Déjà was afforded the great opportunity to join the Morning Shows of prominent through North and South Carolina. On top of her success in radio, Déjà remained faithful to her first love –acting.
To learn more about Déjà Dee see her full bio on the Cast page.
DIRECTOR FRED THOMAS JR.
"I wanted to do this film one; due to the heart felt story line and two; amazing cast that was assembled. It was a wonderful collaboration of talent and crew coming together, respecting each others crafts and contributions. It's the synergy you want to create on every film you work on. I would love if the audience walks away invested in the relationship between Carmen and Daniel and the infinite power of true love. Also, for viewers to enjoy the look and feel of the film as well as the actors performances." ~Fred Thomas Jr.
Fred Thomas Jr., writer, director, producer and actor, is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He is a seven time 2012 NAACP award nominee and winner for Best Director, Best Playwright and Best Producer for 12'x9'. Thomas is also the co-writer, director and producer of TV ONE'S R&B Diva Los Angeles featured stage play What Would Divas Do? Divalogues. He recently directed the independent film 24 Hour Love, starring Tatyana Ali, Flex Alexander and Lynn Whitfield and served as a production team member on Will Smith’s Men In Black 3. Thomas received his B.A from Lincoln University (PA), and MFA from Temple University where he founded the Temple University’s Black Media Collective.
PRODUCER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, 2nd UNIT DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND ON SET PHOTOGRAPHER
NICOLLE M. WHALEN
"Producing is something I REALLY enjoy. When Deja approached me I was honored to finally get a chance to help her push her "film baby" out of the creative womb. The JAD set ran smooth in my eyes...the challenge was getting Deja to the 'event' of the production. lol I overcame small challenges by not taking anything personal nor dwelling on a certain situation. In filmmaking you have to pick your battles wisely and focus on the goal at hand - passing GO and collecting A FINISHED PRODUCT! :) I always enjoy being around GREAT cast members who love what they do. Watching them put their interpretation of how they see the scene is life changing. :) Yes, Fred was a GREAT director who wasn't POWER hungry so we collabed very well when my creative moments would strike. I just want the audience to have fun and go on this journey with Carmen. Oh...and to appreciate all of the moments...because you never truly know." ~Nicolle M. Whalen
CEO, Writer, Director and Producer for her own company, NHizWill Productions (www.nhizwill.com ) The place where creative music videos, positive films and original stories for television come to life. Whalen received her BA in Mass Communications from Tennessee State University.
CO-PRODUCER CRISTAL BUBBLIN
Cristal Bubblin' is known for her quick wit, hilarious social commentary, and strong improv skills. Cristal has truly learned to live in the moment. After a 12 year career as a radio personality, she decided to pack up and move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of acting.
Upon arrival, Cristal's first stop was at The Second City in Hollywood where she is currently a cast member of the weekly sketch shows "TMI" & "Apocalypse Now...Or Later". Her improv skills and hilarious dead pan delivery led to her being cast on Oxygen's "Celebrities Undercover" and TLC's "We Should Have Eloped".
Cristal also has a passion for working behind the camera. As a producer, she has worked on many shows including CMT's "Trick My What" and EbruTV's "Survivor Stories". Cristal is excited to be part of the "Just A Dream" Team and enjoyed every minute with this UBER talented cast and crew.
PUBLIC RELATIONS, PROPS MANAGER AND CATERING
CRYSTAL LEE BROWN
Crystal Lee Brown, a Philadelphia native, is a SAG-AFTRA Actor and Publicist. Recognized for her unique hands on approach and attention to detail, Crystal is the Founder and CEO of Brown PR Group, a boutique PR firm that provides a wide range of publicity and social media marketing services to its clients, generating awareness and exposure through vastmedia outlets. As an actor, her niche as "The Hip and Witty Charmer with an East Coast Flare", has landed her roles on CBS's 2 Broke Girls, TNT's Perception and a host of independent films, theatre productions and commercials. She recently added writer and producer to her resume with The Cell Block Seven, a stage play, which was nominated for a 2013 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Ensemble Cast. With a dedicated work ethic, Crystal promises to forge a permanent impression in the world of show business. Crystal lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Temple University.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AND EDITOR
TALLIE L. BRINSON
Actor/Writer/Director. Tallie currently
has 2 films in the festival circuit "Victim
of Circumstances" and "Colorlines".
And upcoming projects include Deceit and is currently on tour as a principle dancer on the Keisha Cole "Point Of No Return Tour."
CAMERA ASSISTANT AND KEY GRIP
KING ORR
King Orr, from Indianapolis, IN, now living in Los Angeles. BA
in Theater. Actor and Co Owner of Production company AlphaDawg Entertainment.
COMPOSER JOSEPH ARCHIE
Joseph Archie is making his stamp in the film, television and game industry. Being a P.K. (preacher's kid) and coming from strong church roots, Joe began as a child learning to play multiple instruments "on the fly" often. The music industry was his dream and at the age of 17 he got his chance as a drummer. He began touring all over the world with many artists of all genres. Joe quickly started learning how to create songs, as well sequence multiple instruments; which earned him platinum song credits for music production, live arrangements and songwriting. The opportunity to create for television came when Joe was invited to compose 9 episodes with Meshell N'degeocello for The Logo Channel (sub station of vh1) show "Noah's Arc". This experience of bringing film to life through the marriage of beautiful music
sparked another creative volt. Soon commercials followed (McDonalds, Burger King, Ford, BET, M.T.V., The Word Network, Comcast, Sirius XM) Being a musician first; and playing multiple instruments (drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ its important that these elements are felt and represented as much as possible.
"Its Important to use every opportunity to show that Music is more than Rap, R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop. I just want to help blaze that trail"... Being a firm believer of hard work and paying dues, Joe constantly strives to go further and make each composition stand out differently than the previous one. Joe is currently building his catalog as well working with Indie film directors, as well as Webisode directors and writers. "At the end of the day I just LOVE creating memorable music and being a part of history."
SONG WRITER AND ACTRESS ANDREA JONES
Andrea Jones is a singer/songwriter from Sacramento, CA currently living in Los Angeles, CA. Her sultry yet powerful voice and breathy deep tones filled with emotion make her song delivery one of a kind. Andrea's singles, "Back to Me" and "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" are featured in the nationally distributed films, "The Divorce" and "24 Hour Love" by Don B. Welch, respectively. She was recently selected to be part of the Gospeldelic Choir that performed background vocals for the movie/soundtrack of "Black Nativity" produced by music veterans, Raphael Saadiq/Taura Stinson.
Andrea is no stranger to musical theatre. She has starred in Don B. Welch's Hit Gospel stage plays, "Walking By Faith", "Let the Church Roll On", "The First Lady of Zion", "Give Me That Ol' Time Religion", "Hallelujah Mahalia", and "Take It To the Lord Or Else". Her television appearances include "The Crazy Ones" starring Robin Williams, a Hewlett Packard commercial, Young and the Restless, The Tonight Show w/Jay Leno (background vocalist w/Josh Groban) and Ellen (w/Tribe of Judah and background vocalist for Josh Groban). As a solo artist, she has been an opening act for PJ Morton, Frank McComb, and Rahsaan Patterson.
Andrea is taking the industry by storm as a singer, songwriter, actress, and advocate for healthier living. Her faith in God is what sustains her. Be on the lookout for a solo cd from Andrea in the near future as well as numerous film/tv/radio projects.
www.officialandreajones.com
WARDROBE STYLIST MAKYSHA "K-BOOGIE" BARKSDALE
Chicago native, Makysha “K-Boogie” Barksdale, has been a costume/fashion designer for almost 10 years. She spends her time equally between the world of fashion, theater and film. “The Libra in me lives for that balance and I wouldn’t have it any other way”. As a designer of a successful clothing line, BW COLLECTIV, “K-Boogie” thrives behind the curtain and she loves to be able to tell a story through the costumes…”giving them a purpose is the best!”.
In between productions, K-Boogie works with the costume department for The Los Angeles Ballet and she’s looking forward to the official launch of her brand, BW Collectiv, later this year. Costume Design is her life’s work and having the opportunity to play such an important part in the filmmaking process is such a rewarding experience.
KEY MAKE-UP ARTIST AND BACKGROUND ACTOR
BRANDIE NAEEMAH WHITE
Brandie White, also known as "Brandie on the Beat," is a freelance makeup artist located in the Southern California area. She has been in the makeup industry for 5 years. Even as a self taught freelance makeup artist, her professionalism and skill has afforded her the opportunity to work alongside top producers, directors, photographers, and a number of actors. In October 2013, Brandie on the Beat took part in the first Beauty Lounge for the Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival founded by Tanya Kersey. After showcasing her skill to Producer and Photographer Nikki Whalen at the Beauty Lounge, she was asked to be the Key Makeup Artist for the short film "Just A Dream,” written by Deja Dee, and directed by Fred Thomas Jr. Since the wrapping of that film, Brandie was offered the opportunity to be the official makeup artist for the first ever African American Fashion Film created and developed by Freemynds Entertainmemt, which will take place June 12, 2014.
In between these big projects, Brandie still continues to book proms, graduations, and weddings. Outside of her passion for makeup, she is furthering her education by working on her Masters in Business Administration. "All the women in my life, most importantly my mother, instilled in me that no matter what you do in life have a piece of paper to back you up. Many things can be taken away from you, but no matter what, your education will stick with you for the rest of your life...”
In Brandie on the Beat free time, she enjoys spending much of her quality time with her lovely daughter getting mani's and pedi's, shopping, and going to the movies.