Bushwick Film Festival 2019 – Catch A Girl
With his elementary understanding of courtship 11-year old Darius meets up with friends that conspire to play a popular “predator vs. prey” childhood game, targeted to take advantage of girls.
Interview with Writer/Director LeRon E. Lee
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you. I made this film with the intention to extend this conversation beyond my reach. This film was written during a time we were rampantly losing our heroes due to predatory behavior. I rebelliously refuse the idea that men are innately predators; it's learned behavior. So, I took a serious interest in getting involved by using my voice to combat this culture of problematic gender roles by getting to the core of the issue - childhood. I wanted to observe how children were participating in potentially dangerous behaviors before they were even fully conscious of the effects of their actions. There are a plethora of societal norms that we absorbed as children that contributed to issues that we face today. I thought that was important to share.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is as informative as it is entertaining. For those who are familiar with the game, it will offer some nostalgia but also a new perspective. For those who are not, it will introduce a widespread reality that is very well still relevant. There has not been a film made like this before. It’s also a good way to introduce young people to those conversations that parents are not quite ready to have.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My films are often reflections - slices of life. We use real-life situations and everyday occurrences to continue the conversation around respect, consent, and self-control.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I think everyone starts off with the idea of the film that you want to make and the film that you actually make. The original film was supposed to include various archival clips of cartoons and influences of children's behavior. I played with themes a lot and ultimately wanted it to feel a little "cartoonish" in moments, but it turned out being too much of a financial complication to include it. Also, the original script included more problematic themes but it was trying to squeeze in too many layers and conversations for a 15-minute film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been great! The purpose of this film was to have a conversation and that is exactly what happens. Some have even been enlightened by the film and that feels good.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I can't say that I've faced challenges. The most common feedback from this film is a wealth of "thank yous". My point of view is always a reflection of reality. I think it's pretty cool when someone gains more from the film than you aimed for, that is the purpose of art. But ultimately the audience gains exactly what I intend them to.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We need everyone to see this film. This is a piece that is truly pushing us forward as a better and responsible society. It's important.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We intend to continue to spread this message to as many people as possible. For those that wish to assist in our travels, conversations, and finding the film an ultimate home, our arms are open.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to open conversations that ultimately lead to action. Ultimately, I want all to know that sexual misconduct comes in many forms.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why do you believe that men exercise predatorial behavior from generation to generation?
Would you like to add anything else?
I'd like all to please support www.coveredbygodclothing.com - they really brought this film to life. This film was produced by men wanting to improve male behavior. So I want to thank Derrick Williams, Ladun Thompson, Jeff Billingsley, Eric Richardson, and Pat Stoffer for being forces in getting this film done.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am developing a feature for my short film, Ugly, and working on a multimedia project entitled, The Newarkive, set to release in October. Derrick Williams is working on a documentary centering gospel music. Jeff Billingsley is working on a documentary The Birth of Def...Who is Bob Sumner.
Interview: September 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Catch A Girl
With his elementary understanding of courtship, 11-year old Darius, meets up with friends that conspire to play a popular “predator vs. prey” childhood game, targeted to take advantage of girls.
Length: 14:45
Director: LeRon E. Lee
Producer: Derrick Williams, Ladun Thompson
Writer: LeRon E. Lee
About the writer, director and producer:
LERON E. LEE is a Newark, NJ native and graduate of Howard University. His early film career began assisting in the editing room at 40 Acres and a Mule. Since then, he has worked as crew on various films, directed short films, music videos, and commercials. Recently, his short film, Ugly, was acquired by HBO and all of its platforms. It was also featured in over 40 film festivals, including a premiere at Cannes Film Festival and the HBO Short Film Competition as a finalist. He has won six “Best Short Film” awards including the “BET Best Short Film Award”. This year he is screening his new short film, entitled, Catch A Girl, a film inspired by the increasing spotlight on male predatory behavior. He observes this through a popular “predator vs. prey” childhood game. His other work includes teaching film to underserved communities and individuals transitioning from prison, catering to exploring filmmaking as a tool to express, inform, and to entertain.
Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey and known for producing and coordinating events such as Honda Battle of The Bands, American Black Film Festival, CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association), DERRICK WILLIAMS is certainly no stranger to the film world. He completed his undergraduate degree at Temple University utilizing course work to develop skills in directing and producing. Upon graduation, Derrick went on to produce several independent short films, music videos, commercials and documentaries that have won various awards for television networks such as Aspire TV, Showtime, BET and HBO.
LADUN THOMPSON is an executive producer/ actor with over 20 years of experience in the theatre/ film industry. His end goal is to create content for minority actors that shift the culture and industry. When’s he’s not acting/producing, he’s creating new merch for his brand Covered By God Clothing.
Key cast: Daniel G. Cunningham, Kayciblu Wright, Zakai Lassiter
Looking for: distributors, journalists, film festival directors, sales agents, producers, buyers
Facebook: LeRon Lee; Catch A Girl
Twitter: @NEWARTFILM
Instagram: @lookatmrlee
Hashtags used: #catchagirl
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: 186 Productions/Covered By God
Funders: Self-Funded and Venmo: @LeRon-Lee, CashApp: $LeRonELee
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Bushwick Film Festival/Brooklyn, NY - Oct. 5; Tacoma Film Festival/Tacoma, WA - Oct. 9; Milwaukee Film Festival/Milwaukee- October 17-31