After a possible alien invasion, five black men quickly discover they may be the last humans left on Earth.
ABOUT THE ABANDON:
The Abandon is a sci-fi TV series. After a possible alien
invasion, five black men discover they may be the last humans on Earth
and quickly learn the importance of survival, loyalty and manhood. Kendall - early 30s, an unemployed attorney, divorced, but lots of vices Craig - early 30s, a lit professor, calm demeanor Aaron - early 30s, computer engineer, urban flavor Dennis - early 30s, attorney, ladies' man, very smart Jeff - early 30s, graphic designer, intellectual, bohemian Friends from college, these five men will also discover why they
are being hunted down by an alien species. And why the alien species
may have a message that will disrupt the entire universe.The Abandon is inspired by my desire to see black and
brown people work in the sci-fi genre. It is inspired by knowing so
many black people who deeply love and respect the sci-fi genre and my
interest in making them happy. Future episodes will use flashbacks to
introduce significant others, family, co-workers, and the hours leading
up to the invasion.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
My name is Keith Josef Adkins. I'm an award-winning
playwright and screenwriter. Several years ago I worked as TV writer for
the very popular show Girlfriends starring Tracee Ellis Ross. I have
pitched ideas to networks and studios and penned a few original pilots.
I even wrote and directed a few short films which screened in Toronto,
Berlin and Atlanta. I love sci-fi. I watch stories about UFO sightings and close
encounters of the third kind. Alien and Aliens are two of my favorite
films. Sci-fi provides me the opportunity to imagine a world where
race, gender and class are insignificant and the only thing that matters
is humanity's responsibility to preserve earth and each other.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON JULY 27, 2012:
On July 27, 2012 I will direct the pilot episode of The
Abandon in upstate New York. Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Will
Vaultz, a small crew, five actors and myself will spend 3 days shooting
the pilot. In other words, we will be working very hard to provide the
best quality pilot ever made.
WHY YOU'RE IMPORTANT TO THE ABANDON:
I need funds to pay the five actors for three days of work,
to pay the cinematographer and his crew, and for the car rentals. I need
funds for Screen Actors Guild insurance as well as securing a house for
the shoot. Not to mention lodging, food, gas, travel and lots of water
(the actors will be doing a lot of running from aliens. LOL)
A FINAL WORD ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
We all love sci-fi. It gives us a chance to image worlds
beyond this one. Some believe the only demographic for sci-fi is white
males between 18 and 40. However, we all know hundreds and thousands of
sci-fi lovers are black and brown. Help me put black people at the
center of a sci-fi TV series and I will do everything within my power
and imagination to bring you a series that will intrigue, entertain and
keep you on the edge of your seat. I love sci-fi and its audiences that
much. The Abandon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
SOME OTHER THINGS YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW:
Keith Josef Adkins (Writer/Director)
Keith worked as a TV writer on the CW hit comedy GIRLFRIENDS for three seasons. His feature film script THE DISAPPEARING is in development with SimonSays Entertainment (2010 Sundance’s Night Catches Us with Anthony Mackie).
Keith also worked as a story editor on the critically-acclaimed feature
film Gun Hill Road, which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film
Festival. Other projects include: The Turnpike (screenplay, horror),
The Super Life of Adam Boxer (original TV, dramedy), and Charming Frank
(original TV, comedy). Keith’s plays include SWEET HOME (2012 production MPAACT Theater – Chicago), SUGAR and NEEDLES (2012 Epic Theater – NYC), THE FINAL DAYS OF NEGRO-VILLE (2012 Playwrights Foundation – San Francisco), THE LAST SAINT
ON SUGAR HILL (Jeff-Award nomination, 2011 MPAACT), SAFE HOUSE, among
others. He was featured in the NAACP’S Crisis Magazine winter edition
as “a writer to watch”. Keith is also the co-founder and artistic
director of The New Black Fest, a festival of new and provocative
playwriting, music and discussion from the African Diaspora.
Will Vaultz (Cinematographer/Producer) Will Vaultz is a native New Yorker who has been working in
the Film/TV industry for more than 20 years. He has worked as director
of photography for several short films and music videos. He also has
the proud distinction of earning two Emmy Awards. Vaultz shot the independent feature film "Homecoming" which has just recently been acquired by IMAGE Entertainment for release in 2013. He is also gearing up to shoot a urban crime thriller(KING)in early 2013. Walter Greene IV (Producer) Walter Greene is a 15 year veteran of the entertainment industry focusing on publicity, artist management and marketing. In 2009, Walter founded Mixed Greenes Media (MGM), a talent development, media production and entertainment marketing company. MGM's clients include Nile Rodgers, Sumthing Distribution, RhoadesKill Entertainment, Silver Hill Management, Make Epic Media and recording artists MorrisonPoe and MOJOE.
As Director of National Sales and Marketing at Market Development Company, Walter has created and executed strategies for Sony Music, Island Def Jam Records, Interscope Records with artists including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Usher, Chris Brown and Keri Hilson. He has also successfully helmed national marketing campaigns for HBO, FOX Television, Paramount Studios and Nickelodeon among others.
Walter Greene is a Detroit native and proud Michigan Wolverine #GoBlue!