Short Film - Thank You for Supporting TOBI

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our GoFundMe campaign for TOBI. Your support means a lot.

This narrative is deeply personal, as I experienced firsthand the brutality of the tensions of the recent EDL protests that swept across the UK including Middlesbrough where I reside. During the protest, while filming from my window, I was subjected to racial slurs and had bottles thrown at me simply for documenting the events as a Black person. This moment of fear and anger solidified my resolve to write this story, not just for myself, but for everyone marginalized or silenced.

This project is part of my Masters in Producing for Film and Television at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, UK. However, my vision goes far beyond a simple student film. With Tobi, I aim to create a powerful and critically acclaimed production that addresses crucial themes such as racial unity, resilience, escalating issues of knife crimes, social justice, and the need for peace in a world increasingly torn apart by division and conflict. With the right investment, I believe Tobi can make a profound impact both creatively and socially.

Thanks to you, we can cover vital aspects of production. Every penny brings us closer to realizing this vision and making TOBI the impactful, resonant film it is meant to be.

I look forward to sharing the finished film with you and the world, and I hope it will inspire the same sense of hope and unity that we’re trying to capture on screen.

About The Director/Writer/Producer

Jon Babs Adeniyi is a seasoned actor, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur currently studying for his Master's degree in Producing for Film and TV from Teesside University, Middlesbrough. Renowned for his versatile talent, Jon has captivated audiences with his performances in the Netflix original "King of Boys" series and Amazon's "Grind" series. Beyond acting, Jon has made significant contributions as a cinematographer and director, showcasing his expertise in several short films such as Iwin, BlackMans Reality, Blink Time etc. His multifaceted career in the entertainment industry underscores his dedication to storytelling and visual artistry.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FILM OVERVIEW

Title: Tobi

Genre: Drama, Social Commentary

Format: Student Short Film

Duration: 25 minutes

Production Date: 5th - 8th November 2024.

Target Audience: General audience with a focus on those interested in social justice, contemporary drama, and multicultural stories (Ages 16-45).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOGLINE

In a town torn by racial tension and anti-immigrant protests, Tobi, a Nigerian immigrant filmmaker, and Lily, a determined dancer rally a diverse group to create a dance video promoting unity. When tragedy strikes, they must overcome their grief to deliver a message of hope beyond their community.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THEMES

Tobi explores themes of unity, resilience, and the transformative power of art in the face of hatred and division. The story delves into the impact of racial tension and violence on individuals and communities, highlighting the strength found in solidarity and the importance of standing up against fear and prejudice.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYNOPSIS

Tobi follows the journey of Tobi, a Nigerian migrant and filmmaker and Lily, a talented dancer, as they come together to create a dance music video aimed at promoting unity and peace in a time of rising racial tensions in the UK. As protests against immigrants sweep across the country, the town of Middlesbrough becomes a flashpoint of unrest. Lily and Tobi recruit a diverse group of dancers to represent different cultures, using the universal language of dance to bridge the divides in their community.

However, the growing tension culminates in tragedy when Tobi is brutally attacked by Mikey, a childhood friend of Lily’s who has been consumed by racism and anger. Tobi’s death leaves the group shattered, but Lily refuses to let his vision die with him. Determined to honor Tobi’s memory, she rallies the dancers to complete the video, turning their grief into a powerful statement of defiance and hope.

The dance video is live-streamed, attracting global attention as messages of support pour in from around the world. Despite the loss they’ve suffered, the project becomes a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love, unity, and art have the power to heal even in the darkest of times.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARACTERS

Tobi (Male, 20-28): A Nigerian migrant and passionate filmmaker. Athletic build, strong, introspective, and driven by the power of art and social change.

Lily (Female, 20-25): A talented dancer and Tobi's close friend. Determined, emotional, and dedicated to creating unity through their dance project.

Ifeoma (Female, 25-35): A Nigerian podcaster. Wise, empathetic, and a strong voice of reason. Her podcast ties the film's themes together.

Mikey (Male, 25-30): A troubled, angry figure grappling with his past and racism. Intense and volatile, his actions drive much of the film's conflict.

Supporting Dancers (All genders, 18-30): Skilled dancers from diverse backgrounds to participate in a central dance video project within the film.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEAM

Paula Watson - Co - producer

Oluwasemilore Adewumi - Co - producer

Maximillian Newcombe - Cinematographer

Nadia El Menabawey - Choreographer

Curshauna Guilford - Production manager

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUDGET STATEMENT

To produce "TOBI" at a high-quality standard worthy of global recognition, we require £7,500. This funding will cover this short film's pre-production, production, and post-production. We will allocate the funds for High-quality equipment rental (cameras, lighting, sound), production design, props, costumes, and actor crew salaries. Additionally, welfare and logistics, crew accommodation, editing, sound design, mixing and color grading.

We are committed to utilizing this budget to elevate "TOBI" into a project with global appeal. A detailed breakdown of the budget can be provided upon request, ensuring transparency and demonstrating our strategic allocation of funds to maximize the film's production quality.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISTRIBUTION PLAN

Film Festivals: Submit Tobi to major film festivals like Sundance, BFI, and Raindance to generate early buzz, critical acclaim, and gain exposure to a global audience.

Digital and Streaming Platforms: After the festival circuit, release the film on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Vimeo On Demand to reach a broad, international audience.

Social Media and Online Campaigns: Use Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to promote the film through behind-the-scenes content and hashtag campaigns, building anticipation and engagement around the film’s message.

Community and Educational Screenings: Host screenings at universities, schools, and community centers, partnering with nonprofits to promote discussions on social issues like racism and immigration.

Press and Media Outreach: Engage with media outlets, podcasts, and influencers to raise awareness, securing features, reviews, and interviews to boost the film’s visibility.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you once again for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,

Jon Babs Adeniyi

Producer/Writer/Director, TOBI