"Hearty Heart"

Hey, hello, welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our GoFundMe page for Hearty Heart. Please consider donating to our film if you should feel so inclined!

Why Does This Project Need To Be Made?

Writer-director Olivia Butler believes this story has something relatable for everyone, specifically the millennial generation. There are many faces to this generation, like the ones who feel a sense of despair due to the current economic standing of the U.S. Part of the reason Olivia wrote the script was to make an attempt to comfort those who may feel stuck, isolated and numb from her generation's unique circumstances. Their hopes and dreams of becoming educated and beginning their careers started were dashed drastically as the economy took a dive in 2008, and the cost of living and affordable state colleges went up. Employers began to employ eight part-time workers instead of four full-time workers to save money. Graduates are forced to slog through low paying, dead-end jobs while hoping to receive salary with benefits. Entry-level positions now require three to five years of experience, creating a real life Catch-22. In what some would call a hopeless situation, people like Cotter can’t help but sink themselves further into the ground as a response, and not go along with the change; struggling to make sense of this world neither our parents or grandparents have ever dealt with.

Why Is Your Project The One To Tell That Story?

Olivia sees a lot of herself in Cotter’s stagnation. It took a long time, but she came to terms with feeling lied to when parents and teachers said we could do anything; graduate from college and grad school, get our career started, get our lives going. But due to the recession, and now the COVID-19 pandemic, millennials have taken on massive student loan debt without having the safety of a guaranteed position in their careers. And it turns out they'll be the trailblazers for the smarter generations behind them, who will be less likely to go to college for their passions and seek other avenues. It’s bittersweet for Olivia to see the support and advocacy students, and young people now have, when she didn’t have it due to circumstances outside of her control. Hearty Heart is an ode to those who feel stuck. It’s okay to seek comfort but too much of anything is bad. Life begins to happen to you, instead of you taking initiative.

Where Will The Money Go?

The majority of our expenses will come from transportation and catering during production, and entering Hearty Heart into future film festivals and competitions after we wrap. Those who donate to the film will be updated regularly during and after production, either through our Instagram page, @heartyheart_film , or through our GoFundMe page.

Creative Influences & References:

1. 21st Century American Economics

The Recession of 2008

The COVID-19 Pandemic

Lasting wealth inequality and its consequences

The hopelessness of the future no previous generation has ever faced before

The disillusionment and growing disdain for capitalism and its flaws

2. When I Was Your Age...

Gen X and Millennials were told they would have access to jobs after college to start their lives and pay off debts; the jobs never existed

Desires for safety; major comfort in nostalgia

Avoidance of a seemingly bleak future

Amazing recall of iconic pop culture characters (e.g., Nelson from The Simpsons)

3. Self-Medicating via Marijuana Consumption

The potency of weed has increased dramatically since the 20th century

Dependency is becoming more prevalent

Easier means of acquirement due to more acceptance and legalizations

Although not physically addictive, some question the unseen effects on the psyche of a long time user

4. Ever-Advancing Technology

Cyberspace lasting forever

Access to almost anyone around the world

Technology is currently in its adolescence; it will only continue to improve and expand even faster

Despite interconnectivity, people are just as easily disconnected 

Meet The Cast

Jake Rose as "Cotter"

Originally from Bradford, North England, Jake studied for two years at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After completing their acting program, Jake was invited back to be involved in The Academy’s Company where he had starring roles as ‘Beau’ in Douglas Carter Beane's Star Spangled and ‘York’ in the Royal Shakespeare Company, for Owen Horsley’s mashup of Shakespeare’s historical plays in The Richard Project. His most recent film credit was as ‘Martin’ in Marco Barrata’s The Parting Glass. Jake is now a working actor living out of Manhattan, New York and extremely excited and thankful to be the lead Hearty Heart.

Taje Champagnie as "Benny"

Taje has enjoyed acting both on stage and in short films in the last decade, and he’s glad to be a part of his own story in the role of ‘Benny’. He shares some key qualities with ‘Benny, so it’s going to be an organically pleasurable experience. Taje eagerly anticipates the exploration of the characterization of Benny, wanting to shape his world with all the interacted friend group dynamics at play.

Chelsey Mitchell as "Moira"

Chelsey began her career in both community and musical theatre, and is now making a transition into film and television. She’s currently writing and producing her own projects. She is exceedingly passionate about her craft, and expresses gratitude for every opportunity to perform. 

Tatiana Skyy as "Pam"

Tatiana is an actress and writer from Queens, New York. Tatiana received her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Production at Temple University. Some of Tatiana’s recent acting credits include productions such as Effigy (Theatre for the New City), Tales from Da Ville (New Wave Kino Productions), and I Am We (Yates House Productions). Her hobbies include binging television shows, playing video games, and spending time with loved ones. 

Mónica Pérez-Valle as "Charlotte"

Born in Mexico and raised in New York, Monica is a twenty-three year old filmmaker and actress, who is dedicated to visionary innovation. In love with performing and entertainment, Monica founded Film Junky TV and strives to bring people together through laughter, imagination and creativity.

Meet The Crew

Olivia Butler - Writer-director, Composer

Christine Grobelny - Executive Producer, 1st Assistant Director

Mónica Pérez-Valle - Producer, Graphic Designer

Jeaney Páez - Associate Producer, Post-Production Coordinator

Marcus Johnson - Director of Photography

Richie DiMaggio - Assistant Camera, Set Photography

Jordan Baruch - 2nd Assistant Director, Locations Manager

Allen Kessman - 2nd 2nd Assistant Director, Production Assistant

James-Anthony Loe - Production Assistant

Aaron Davis - Production Assistant

Jonas Murad - Editor

Tyler Smith - SPX, Color Grader

Emmanuel Polakoski - Casting Director, Boom Operator, Set Photography

Ezekiel Jeremiah - Set Photography

Carly Sharpsteen - Storyboard Artist

This film is dedicated to Micah Havriliak and Aaron Davis, friends we've lost. Micah had originally been cast as Cotter in 2016, and Aaron was a production assistant during filming. I wish to thank them properly for their ingenuity and passionate efforts for Hearty Heart.

Visit Us

Feel free to check out our pages, and follow us on Instagram, @heartyheart_film for pictures and updates. Your contribution to Hearty Heart will forever appreciated, as you allow BIPOC millennial and Gen Z voices to be heard.

Marcus Johnson, is one half of his production company, Vision Craft Productions. Follow @visioncraftproductions

Tyler Smith has his production company, Swindling Films.

Follow @swindlingfilms

Richie DiMaggio is a professional photographer and videographer. Here is his website.

Follow @richiedimaggio

Ezekiel Jeremiah is director and photographer. Here is his website.

Follow @ezekieljeremiahx

Teaser Trailer

Episode 001

A Chat With An Actor