1) My personal mandate in 2019 was to purposefully and aggressively shift ONE TWENTY NINE FILMS’ focus to create and develop original content including TV series, docu-series and films.
Because we’re a production company with a roster of directors who are also accomplished writers, we are aligning with them to both co-develop story ideas, and provide the necessary support to pitch, and secure funding for production.
That end goal involves facilitating funding and distribution channels to propel the development of original properties for our writers and directors and other creators interested in collaborating with OTNF.
This particular approach extends to producing branded content as well, collaborating with agencies and/or working directly with brands to tell original stories.
Audiences are savvy and want to be engaged with tangible, substantive content that push boundaries, helping us to connect with others and find our place in the world.
2) We currently have 14 original properties in various stages of development. The stories I’m most excited about are those featuring people who overcome tremendous odds and challenges – stories that feature the LGBTQ community, POC, and those going through major transformations–through scripted comedy, dramedy, and docu-series.
Based on the true story of writer/director Daniel Mabe’s own experience, the dramedy LAME follows his stay in a rehab hospital following a freak spinal cord injury. Relying on his sense of humor to maintain his sanity, he comes to grips with his new reality and begins his journey back to mobility.
Writer Ben Kawaller’s own experiences as a single gay man living in LA was the inspiration behind the comedy pilot, This Isn’t Me, directed and co-written by Adrian Elliot. This Isn’t Me is a Curb Your Enthusiasm–esque caper that follows an under-employed 30-year man who falls into odd jobs, strange beds, and bad habits, but might find redemption as a part-time tutor for a transgender 10-year old with a short temper and seriously backwards social politics.
With so many distribution channels vying for original content–and more popping up all the time–there’s a huge appetite for compelling stories. It’s an exciting place to be.
6) Mentoring new talent is all about providing opportunities to succeed. Whether it’s nurturing that talent, or providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, our approach succeeds when we’re presenting a well-rounded perspective, and pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Prime examples shine in the LGBTQ-centered work of director Rosie Haber or the personal and off-beat original comedy shorts of director Mary Dauterman.
And we’re delighted to begin production on a new docu-series in August featuring Craig Watson, an African-American entrepreneur who opened Baked Cravings, the very first nut free, peanut free and tree nut free bakery in East Harlem. It’s a fascinating tale of a small business succeeding against all odds and refusing to conform.
