Unprofessionalism Series

My name is Miles Burton and I am the Writer, Director, and Co-Producer of Unprofessionalism. My lifelong dream as an artist is to tell stories that highlight black and brown individuals. Throughout the history of film, prejudiced storytelling marred our integrity with racist caricatures and degrading stereotypes. Even black artists have created content that made fun of our community, not realizing that they were continuing down the same hateful path as our oppressors. Prime example, The Chapelle Show, which attempted to reclaim these derogatory depictions. But, failed when it in turn furthered the perpetuation of these stereotypes. Our history defines us as a people, but black storytelling shouldn’t simply be rooted in our past. I’m not saying we should completely avoid our history, no not at all. Some of my most powerful and “eye-opening” projects have and will shine a light on the injustices that the black community continues to face. But we should also make space for storytelling that includes a black face where it’s least expected, or even a comedy such as, Unprofessionalism, that involves dysfunctional minorities whose ineptitude isn’t rooted in racist stereotypes. 


“Ever since Jackson was hired our company’s been dying. But for some reason, they keep promoting him. I don’t-- I don’t get it.


Unprofessionalism follows the daily life of inexperienced, unethical, and under-qualified professionals. All of whom are led by one absolute ignorant fool, Jackson. First, there are his two new hires, Douglas and Bruce. Douglas, is a stick-in-the-mud, know-it-all who would probably be more successful in life if he wasn’t so bitter. Next, there’s, Bruce, and what he lacks in autonomy he makes up for in witless, undying loyalty. He’s a lot like a Golden Retriever, and the only white guy in the office. Lastly, there’s Jackson’s counterpart and work-wife, Faye. They have this love-hate relationship where it’s hard to tell if they actually hate each other or if they are having a workplace affair.


With encouragement from my Co-Producer, Giovanni Ortega, I began writing this story back in 2019 with hopes of filming in person come 2020. But, as you probably guessed filming in person was no longer an option once COVID-19 reared its ugly head. I’m very fortunate to say I was not affected financially or medically by this pandemic, but my plans for this project definitely took a turn. We decided to film the first season via Zoom, which came with many challenges. But, it also allowed for an artistic expression we never thought possible. I couldn’t have asked to work with a better team of actors: Kyle Lee, Jeff Friedman, Aliyah Muhammad, Gbeke Fawehinmi, and Mark Diaz. All of whom sacrificed their time to work on this project. 


With 2020 at a close, Unprofessionalism is coming up on its year mark and we plan to start filming season two in the Spring of 2021. Despite the project’s title, we would love to make this process as professional as possible and make what we produced in the first season even better! Your help is greatly appreciated. All donations will go towards funding the team, acquiring better equipment, and the continuation of Unprofessionalism, season two.  Thank you!

Here's a link to Season 1!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm4thLwBTPs&list=PLcdv-_MemFMu60gSygd8K7gjpmcEQpbln