Proof of Concept Video

"Wonderful script and project, cannot wait to see it on the big screen. So powerful what you're doing" - Chelsea

"Great to read your script tonight. Was so lovely. True activist films are few and far between, so this one is super special, timely and brings awareness to the Chicago Bus Crisis. - Sahar (London)

"As an actor, reading a script where I intuitively know who all of the people are, is really exciting. It's a testament to your writing, and the way I felt reading your script, was the same way I felt reading Short Term 12. Can't wait to see where your film goes. Congratulations!" - Dominique

THE WHAT

SHORT FILM: MI-MI SHU-SHU

Following a tragic loss, Claire Banes confronts her anguish by channeling her grief into advocacy.

Hello, we are filmmakers embarking on a project to spotlight a narrative on the nationwide bus driver shortage.

This is a multifaceted issue stemming from challenging work hours, inadequate pay, lack of benefits, and competition from companies like Amazon, Uber, and Doordash offering more flexible schedules and higher wages. This complex situation involves numerous factors, but with the right background information, here's our vision for the project:

Craft a narrative short film centered around a young family profoundly affected by this systemic challenge.

During this school year, a staggering 5,500 students from Chicago Public School Selective Enrollment and Magnet Schools lost their bus services, leaving numerous families, including our central characters, stranded and struggling.

THE WHY

The significance of this narrative lies in its reflection of a larger issue that affects countless families, emphasizing the urgency and importance of addressing these systemic challenges.

Here are some statistics:

Elgin buses 27,000 students daily on yearly a budget of $29.2 million. This costs them approximately $1081 per student yearly.

Houston, with only 950 buses, buses 36,000 students daily on a yearly budget of $54.4 million This costs them approximately $1511 per student yearly.

Miami-Dade county, a district similar in size to Chicago, has only 725 drivers and buses 35,000 students daily on a yearly budget of $99 million. This costs them approximately $2828 per student yearly.

Chicago Public Schools is currently busing only 12,500 students with budget of $146.3 million. In the previous year, they were busing almost 18,000 students on that same budget. Just three weeks before the start of school, they cut the number of students bused by about 30%, yet they never offered to provide stipends to affected families, even though their budget was still the same.

Public sources for this information are found at

CPS PARENTS FOR BUSES

This film aims to delve into this issue, highlighting its complexities and impact.

Without delving too deeply into political intricacies, here's how we plan to allocate the donations:

DONATIONS BROKEN DOWN

While we are primarily self-funding this project, an additional $8,500 can be allocated as follows:

Salary for the Crew is $6,600 alone.

Salary for the Actors is $2544-$3000

Food to feed Actors and Crew for 3 days on set is $1000-1500 approx

Permit to shoot on CTA is $3000

Travel for out of town Actors - $500-$1000

Production Design - $300

Locations - Rental of office space or coffee shop area $200-$300

Actors Wardrobe - $200

And,

Post Production (Editing, Coloring, Music Composition, Sound Correction)

THE WHO

Let me introduce you to our team:

The director:

Andrew Littlefield

Andrew, originally from Pennsylvania, is a veteran director and writer recognized for his work on films such as "The One True Thing" (2010), "Deadline" (2003), and "Perhaps" (2016). His most recent film, "When the Clock Strikes," has garnered critical acclaim, being selected as the official entry, winner, and nominee at 14 prestigious film festivals.

Our cinematographer:

Estrella Vargas

My mother used to tell me “Calladita te ves mas bonita (you look prettier when you’re quiet);” at a young age, I noticed how much women were policed, and instead of challenging such ideals we accepted them, believed them, and perpetuated them. But I realized I had a political heart. Instead of yearning to be beautiful, I made it a goal to never stay silent and use my voice to expose the ugliness of racism, sexism, classism, and xenophobia. It got me in trouble and made me undesirable, but the feeling of never conforming became addicting.

Estrella is a professor of cinematography at Depaul University and received her degree at Denizen University and Depaul for her MFA in Cinematography.

Estrella Vargas Website

Executive Producer

Marissa Lichwick is an actress, screenwriter, filmmaker, theatre artist, and producer. "Mi-Mi Shu-Shu" marks her fourth film endeavor. Her initial short film, "Yellow Dress," earned 16 Best Short Film Awards. Marissa's feature film, "Searching for Yoo," secured global distribution and is set to stream on major platforms in the upcoming fall of 2024. She honed her screenwriting skills at UCLA and earned an MFA in Acting from the University of Washington.

Searching for Yoo Film Site

Producer

Keipth Oliver is graduate of Whitney Young High School and Depaul University (BFA Film)

[I] Love making films that attempt to raise questions about human behaviors and tendencies, often using humor and satire as aids in telling stories about idiosyncratic subjects and topics. Started as a writer and producer for comedian Sammy Obeid. A huge proponent of “you get out of it what you put into it." He recently was on the producing team of the acclaimed short film "Cottage Grove."

THE PRINCIPAL PERFORMERS

TIFFANY BEDWELL leads the cast as Claire Banes. Tiffany is a consummate award winning actress recognized for her work in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and overseas. She has recurred in 61st. St (AMC), appeared on Next (FOX), as well as Chicago Fire and Chicago PD.

LILLIANE KLEIN joins us from the East Coast where she recently appeared in FEUD starring Jessica Lange, Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon. Lili is a force and we are thrilled she can join us this summer!

MARC JABLON plays Attorney Mark Cohen and comes to Chicago from Los Angeles. He was recently seen on Seth McFarlane's TED on Peacock.

SEAN PATRICK FAWCETT has been seen on Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Somebody Somewhere (HBO) and on many of the Equity Chicago Stages.

THANK YOU

Our Gratitude!

All donors will be thanked at the end credits of the film. And if there are some people that have deep-pockets and want to donate $500 or more, you will be listed at an Associate Producer in the credits as well as on IMDB.com.

Thank you for your precious time and support!

Gratefully, Marissa, Andrew, Estrella and Keipth!