Introduction

Hello, my name is Julio-Cesar Esquivel or Esqui for short. I'm a Miami Dade College alumni and recently graduated from Film Production Technology with a minor in musical theater during the Covid-19 pandemic. One thing that added to my passion for the film and acting world was directing a short film called "Inner Me" on my senior year of highschool which led to be selected by the Miami Short Film Festival in 2016. It was such a great accomplishment and I only wanted to keep going. I’m also the Songwriter, Screenwriter, and Producer of A 2020 Story. I’ve wanted to convey this funny and realistic tale ever since I wrote the song Quarantine…while actually being in quarantine. After many rewrites with the script and the songs, I simply can’t wait to present my project to all of you.

What is A 2020 Story?

Inspired by real life events, A 2020 Story is a short concept musical film about a group of diverse college friends who live together and suddenly face challenges due to the occurrences of the infamous year 2020 and how their friendships, faith, and beliefs are heavily tested. It had been the year that they were looking forward to, wishing for a brand new start in the new decade. They wanted to improve themselves and do something productive in their lives. However, things don't go according to plan when the coronavirus pandemic, the B.L.M.(Black Lives Matter) movement, and the elections started to happen that year. Will they survive through it or will their own beliefs cause them to be socially distant for good?

Here's a concept of how some scenes will look like:

The Inspiration

Inspired by real life events incuding personal experiences. This film is influenced by the style of Inside, the drama of Rent, The Last Five Years, and the comedy of The Book of Mormon.

Why Tell The Story Now?

Regardless of how much time passes, I still want to convey this story. It's a very controversial yet honest subject that is being expressed through music and through a character who views everything equally regarding how these series of events divided everyone. I believe that time repeats itself and as the years will go on, there will always be a time of division caused by a movement, an election or another pandemic. Nothing can be the same forever. People come and go, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. They can always return or simply won’t but even from a distance, you can still try to be close to them.

I Need Your Help

I’m aspiring to raise an estimate of $20,000 for this short film. Aside from doing my research for the financial costs of the music production, actors, materials, props, film, sound and lighting equipment, I'm confident that I can make this a top quality project.

The most funds that I raise will be spent on every aspect of production including: cast, crew, equipment, props, locations, catering, film festival fees, and the music. You can't have a musical without music.

I will appreciate more than anything to raise more than what I've listed in order to make this dream a reality, due to additional fees that are extracted from the money raised, as well as, taxes.

Risks and Challenges

Though it will be a short film, even full length films, always run risks and challenges. A 2020 story will be my first professional production. It's not a class project, and it's my desire for it to be taken seriously. Any risks that may occur will never affect the donor and shall be fixed immediately whether it be re-casting, re-locating, or re-shooting scenes. I will notify well in advance if there is to be any delays