Wonder Child: The Pilot

Hey there!

My name is Jessica Tolliver and I am the writer/director of Wonder Child.

Right smack in the middle of the pandemic, I decided to write about an adventure that became my personal love letter. I call it "Wonder Child." It's a quirky tale that celebrates black experiences on screen while inspiring viewers to reconnect with their inner child for personal growth, healing, and a richer life.

The Journey So Far:

So, here's how it all went down. I submitted "Wonder Child" to a local pitching competition right here in Chicago. It didn't grab the top prize, but guess what? It snagged the runner-up spot! That was the sign I needed to keep going, to believe in this project. So, I did something kind of crazy, maxed out 3 credit cards, and shot the proof of concept.

But hey, I wasn't alone on this wild ride. The Chicago film community, this fantastic group of talented and supportive folks, had my back. Many of these amazing creatives stepped up and offered their skills and resources for free. They saw something special in "Wonder Child."

The Turning Point:

Fast forward to today, and we've reached a major milestone. Our proof of concept is done, and it's a testament to the hard work and artistry of everyone involved. But you know what? This is just the beginning.

The Vision:

I've got this grand vision for "Wonder Child." I want to take it from a concept to a full-blown episodic series that captures the heart and soul of our stories and experiences. And guess what? I need your help to make it happen.

Wonder Child is more than just a narrative. It's an inspirational call to reevaluate the imprints of our childhood experiences and their influence on our present selves. This project champions mindfulness and provides practical tools for enhancing mental well-being, setting meaningful goals, and gaining clarity.

Personal growth and self-discovery are at the core of Wonder Child. Think summers on the South side of Chicago - cruising on bikes, chilling on the porch with the best 90s jams, and eating a hot slice of Giordano's pizza with neighbors who felt more like family. It's time to break those stereotypes about our city and our people. It's time to show it as the place where we made beautiful memories.

What sets this story apart is Anne Waters. Anne Waters is a beacon for "Black Girl Nerd" culture, a character archetype too often sidelined in cinema and media. The projects strives to expand the portrayal of black nerdy women by shedding light on their unique experiences. Issa Rae, the genius behind Insecure and Awkward Black Girl, broke the mold by introducing alternative black women to TV. I want to take that even further.

Why We Need Your Support:

Creating a series at this level doesn't come cheap. In taking on this project, we were able to create the proof of concept through the generosity of our community. The talent volunteered, a local camera house donated essential gear, and our community contributed donations. After all these benevolent contributions, the project budget totaled $15,000. This is why we need your help! As we move to producing a completed pilot to pitch for broad consumption, the projected budget is $200,000. But you know what they say, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. So, I'm reaching out to our awesome community.

Your Contribution Matters:

No matter how big or small, every contribution brings us closer to making this dream come true. When we raise funds from our community, it's not just about the money— it's about nurturing our local creative scene and creating something extraordinary. Local BIPOC creatives will get a chance to showcase their talent and build impressive portfolios. Emerging talent will gain valuable experience to boost their skills and confidence as we strengthen our local creative community. Your donation shows the world how much we believe in "Wonder Child." Our community is the first step to open doors to bigger investments and grants.

Where Your Donation Goes:

Out of that $200,000 budget, $150,000 will go into production. With a fully shot project, it gives us a huge boost in securing the remaining $50,000 for post-production. Your support is like the secret sauce that makes it all possible.

Join Us on this Journey:

We're kicking off right here with our community and supporters. Together, let's champion the stories of quirky black women and bring "Wonder Child" to life.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support means the world to us!