4WT Media and Yoruba Saxon Productions have partnered for a new project called “5150”, a narrative short film starring Jovan Adepo (When They See Us, Watchmen) as Celeb— a world-famous but narcissistic celebrity whose erratic behavior leads him to be confined in a psychiatric facility under mysterious circumstances. Written and Directed by Denzel Whitaker and Executive Produced by David Oyelowo (Selma), the film explores mental health within the black community and the sometimes toxic power of celebrity.
5150 explores mental health and the power of modern celebrity culture, especially within the black community. The film itself aims to be a positive example of filmmakers of color supporting one another with Oyelowo providing leadership and mentorship for Whitaker as director and Adepo as
star of 5150.
“Now more than ever, people of color have the greatest opportunity to be heard and share our unique perspectives through film and television,” says director Denzel Whitaker. “This project is a chance to explore the interrelated issues of mental health and celebrity from the perspective of a global icon played by the incredible Jovan Adepo.”
Set to film in Los Angeles over the summer, the production faces the added challenges created by the global pandemic. The team has developed production guidelines to keep the cast and crew safe during filming and intends to make these resources available for other productions.
5150 is aiming for strong festival performance coupled with a wide release, following a model used by producer John Trefry with previous projects to generate critical acclaim and millions of views. The film will serve as a proof of concept for a limited series to be produced by 4WT Media and Yoruba Saxon Productions.
Loading…