Support "The Sponsor" — Proof-of-Concept Short Film

Hi everyone, my name is Janai (Yannae) Kemp.

I’m a father to an amazing princess and have been an educator and mentor in Connecticut for over 17 years. But my deepest passion has always been film and screenwriting. That’s why I’m so excited to invite you on this journey with me as I produce and direct my first film, "The Sponsor".

I’ve been involved in various film production projects for years and have had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the business. Now, this is the moment where I stop hesitating and fully commit. I want to see what happens when I give this everything I have—with no excuses, no shrinking, and no holding back.

"The Sponsor" is a proof of concept for a full feature film. It’s a darkly comedic psychological story that explores loneliness, power, identity, and the danger of manufactured healing within modern recovery culture. It’s bold, emotional, unsettling, and deeply grounded in something real.

And I’m not doing this alone.

I’m blessed with an incredible team of talented creatives, all from New Haven, who believe in this story, believe in the vision, and are committed to making something truly powerful. That’s why

raising funds matters. There’s simply no way to bring this vision to life at the level it deserves without compensating the team fairly and professionally.

We are creating the highest-quality project possible—one built for festivals, momentum, and bigger opportunities ahead.

If you believe in me, if you believe in this vision, or if you simply believe people should pursue what they were put on this Earth to do, I would be deeply honored to have your support.

Thank you for donating, sharing, and being part of this journey.

Janai Kemp

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

Every dollar raised goes directly into production costs to help us shoot this short at a professional level and prepare it for festivals.

* Actor stipends (lead + key talent)

* Cinematographer / camera team support

* Location costs + permits / lockups

* Production design + props + wardrobe

* Meals + craft services (3-day shoot)

* Sound + lighting support

* Post-production (editing, sound mix, color)

* Festival submissions + deliverables (DCP/exports)

FUNDING GOAL TIERS (WHAT EACH LEVEL UNLOCKS)

$2,000 — “We Can Shoot It”

Covers essentials like meals, props, core production needs, and keeps the set moving smoothly.

$5,000 — “Festival Quality”

Adds elevated production design, stronger audio support, and meaningful post-production upgrades, including sound and color polish.

$10,000 — “Film Festival Ready”

Unlocks supporting cast compensation, stronger gear logistics, and a full festival submission push.

DONOR PERKS

Even if you can’t give much, you’re part of this.

(And if you donate and want to stay anonymous—I got you.)

This film is about what happens when someone becomes so hungry to feel seen…

they begin building a version of themselves the world can’t stop applauding.

No more waiting. No more shrinking. Let’s make something unforgettable.