A Kathi Kennedy
Production: KathiKennedyWrites.com
Aspirations
Logline
A struggling family tries to recreate their past but makes a colossal
decision that alters their
future irrevocably.
Summary
This story follows a close-knit family
standing at a pivotal crossroads. Jay and Liz Ellis are a
married
couple with a baby boy named Khari. While Jay is a laid-back, content
man, his wife,
Liz, and his determined mother, Beenie, share
ambitious dreams for Khari and their family. They
long to reclaim
the comfortable lifestyle they once knew. They make a bold choice to
achieve
their vision. As their desires and priorities clash, the
family’s journey unfolds in a heartfelt
exploration of ambition,
sacrifice, and the bonds that hold them together.
Funding Statement
Short films offer artists a powerful medium
to tell meaningful stories and engage deeply with
audiences.
However, the financial demand of production—covering locations,
editing, music,
lodging, food, travel, props, festival fees, and
more—can be overwhelming. Your support, in any
amount, can play a
vital role in making this film a reality. Every contribution brings us
closer to
sharing a story that could inspire, move, and connect people.
Thank you!
We are thrilled to have you join us on the incredible journey as we
bring this engaging and
unpredictable story to life together.
Your support means the world to us, and we would be so
grateful
if you could share this project with your network to help spread the
word. Thank you for
being an essential part of our adventure!
Donations
$10.00+ and Tag our campaign link to Friends & Family on Social Media – You will receive A Thank You! Every dollar counts.
$25.00+ and Tag our campaign link to Friends & Family on
Social Media – You will receive A Thank You! And a shoutout on FB as a donor.
$50+ and Tag our campaign link to Friends & Family on Social
Media – You will receive A Thank You! A shoutout on FB and IG as a donor.
$100.00+! and Tag our campaign link to Friends & Family on
Social Media – You will receive A Thank You! A shoutout on FB and an
Invitation to the Premier Screening. (In person or Online TBD)
$500.00+ - You will receive All of the above, plus A video
recorded Thank You from selected Cast or Crew. A Digital Poster. Plus,
select seats for you and a guest if we have a Premier Screening in a
theater. (In person or Online TBD)
$1000.00+ - You will receive All of the above, A video recorded
Thank You from selected Cast and Crew. Plus, select seats for you and
a guest if we have a Premier Screening in a theater. (In person or
Online TBD) A day on the set.
$2500.00+ You will receive All of the above, an early viewing,
and an Associate Producer Credit.
$5000.00+ All of the above, A VIP Experience at the Premiere if
we open in a theater, an Autographed copy of Aspirations—The Script,
An autographed photo by selected cast or crew, and an Executive
Producer Credit.
*By contributing $2,500 or more to this campaign, you will
receive an Associate Producer credit
in the film. This credit is honorary and does not grant any
rights, warranties, creative control,
decision-making authority, financial interest, ownership, or
legal association with the film or
Aspirations Productions LLC. The credit is solely a
recognition of your generous support and
does not entitle you to royalties, profit participation, or
any other benefits beyond those explicitly
stated in this campaign. Aspirations Productions LLC retains
all rights, ownership, and control
over the film and its related materials.
-------------
Cast
JAY ELLIS – Ronald Julian
Ronald is a pastor, speaker, and multi-talented musician and singer with a deep passion for inspiring others through faith and creativity. With a background in acting, he has graced both the stage and screen, bringing stories to life with authenticity and emotion. His love for the arts has always intertwined with his ministry, using music and performance to connect with audiences on a profound level. Now, as he prepares to step back into acting for an upcoming short film, Ronald is excited to merge his experience and faith-driven storytelling to create a powerful and meaningful performance.
ELIZABETH MAUBRAY/Liz Ellis – Anchal Dhir
Anchal Dhir is an Indian NYC-based actress and classically trained singer. She is in her second year of Meisner acting training under Bruce McCarty at the William Esper Studio. Earned two Encouragement Awards from the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in the NYC District. Her recent credits include a reading of the new Opera Custom of the Coast (Savita Halappanavar) at The National Sawdust, which will premiere at the Kilkenny Arts Festival in Ireland, The Baker's Wife (Dominique) at VLOG, and Pirates of Penzance (Mabel) at Ithaca College. In addition to performing, Anchal is a filmmaker with her newest work "COME UNTO HIM" to be released soon!
-------------
1. General Campaign Disclaimer (Protects Against Unmet Expectations & Risks)
"Aspirations Productions LLC is raising funds for the production of Aspirations. While we are committed to completing the project as described, unforeseen circumstances such as production delays, budget constraints, or creative changes may impact the timeline and final outcome. Backers acknowledge that contributions are voluntary and do not guarantee specific results beyond the rewards outlined in this campaign. All funds will be used for the stated purpose of film production and any associated fees, taxes, or expenses related to the film or Aspirations Productions LLC. No refunds will be issued once funds are allocated."
2. Rewards Fulfillment Disclaimer (Covers Delays & Limitations)
"We appreciate your support in bringing [Aspirations to life! All rewards will be fulfilled as described; however, estimated delivery dates are subject to change due to production schedules and unforeseen circumstances. If any reward becomes unavailable, we will provide a comparable alternative of equal value. We are not responsible for lost or undeliverable shipments due to incorrect backer information. Please ensure your mailing address is accurate when submitting your pledge."
3. No Equity or Profit-Sharing Disclaimer (Avoids SEC Violations)
"This is a donation-based crowdfunding campaign. Contributions do not grant any ownership, equity, or profit-sharing rights in Aspirations Productions LLC, Aspirations, or any future revenues generated by the film. This campaign is not an investment opportunity, and no financial returns are promised or implied."
4. Tax & Legal Compliance Disclaimer (Covers Tax & Consumer Laws)
"Aspirations Productions LLC is a for-profit company. Contributions may be considered taxable business income. We are not a nonprofit organization, and donations are not tax-deductible. If your reward includes physical merchandise, applicable sales tax may be collected based on New York State laws. Backers understand that their support is voluntary and does not create a contractual obligation for specific results beyond reward fulfillment."
5. No Refunds Policy Disclaimer (Prevents Disputes)
"All contributions to this campaign are final. Due to the nature of independent filmmaking, we cannot offer refunds once funds are allocated toward production expenses. If significant production challenges arise, we will communicate updates to backers and make every effort to complete the project as planned.”
A Kathi Kennedy Production: KathiKennedyWrites.com
Perks
Highlights
See all activity16Crew
A Kathi Kennedy Production: KathiKennedyWrites.com
Crew
----------------------------------
Kathi
Kennedy - Writer/Director/Producer
Kathi
Kennedy - Writer/Director/Producer
Katy Frame - Cinematographer
Katy Frame is a cinematographer, director, and editor. She has worked on a diverse range of subjects and formats, from comedic TV pilots to music videos to dramatic shorts to presidential campaign projects and everything in between. She especially loves to work directly with writers, comedians, musicians, and other creative people to bring their projects to life. She has a special place in her heart for female-forward productions, and she brings an exuberant and loving energy to each project she works on.
Rojonna Luv - Assistant Director
Rojonna Luv, a native of New Haven,
CT, has been a creative force since the age of one, when she
first began exploring the world of Dance. With a foundation in
Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop, West African, and
Musical Theater, Rojonna’s artistic journey unfolded naturally.
Throughout her youth, she honed her craft at Art schools and
Theater camps, igniting a deep passion for ACTING, WRITING, and
ENTERTAINING. Rojonna’s desire to push the boundaries of
storytelling led her to study filmmaking at Richard Lawson
Studios, and she recently graduated from NYU’s prestigious Tisch
School of the Arts Film & TV program, further developing her
skills in both Film and Television.
Self-described as an
*ARTIVIST*, Rojonna has written, directed, and produced both
short and feature films, while also owning and operating her
very own Dance Studio. She is now expanding her expertise in the
entertainment world with Disney Theatrical Group, where she’s a
key part of the production team. With boundless creativity and
ambition, Rojonna is thrilled to be contributing her talents to
the upcoming *Aspirations* film, where she looks forward to
playing a pivotal role in bringing this exciting project to life.
Sabrina Wu - Sound Mixer
Xiaoyu (Sabrina) Wu, 26, based in NYC. Graduated from Emerson College in the major of Media Art Production in 2022. In the past 3 years, as location sound and post mixer, I have done over 50+ productions, including short films, feature films, documentaries, and commercials.
Robin P. Hemmings - Costume/Props Design
Robin P. Hemmings holds a BA in Theatre Dance with Honors and a Master of Education (MEd). However, Robin has been a clothing and costume designer since her earlier days in high school, where her focus of study was clothing and architectural design. She has created garments for her personal use and clients and created costumes for the arts departments at school, dance studios, and theatre houses throughout the New York City tri-state. She also has her own line of crocheted outerwear accessories and home designs that show off her personal style. Robin's flair and passion for fashion can be seen in all the design projects she takes part in. As part of the Aspirations team as the costume designer, Robin is thrilled to be able to share her vision of incorporating costumes that will capture the essence of the film's time period. Her eye for costume embodies this ability, bringing the viewer closer to the characters of the Aspirations.
Lily Estelle - Key Makeup Artist
Niara Niles - Script Supervisor
Bill Kennedy - Senior Consultant
Bill serves as a consultant for Aspirations, providing expertise in finance and budget management. He recognizes the film’s potential to bring awareness to the community and is committed to supporting its success. He has led compliance teams, supervised over 500 representatives, and served as a liaison with regulators. His expertise in policy development, risk mitigation, and compliance training has helped firms align regulatory requirements with business objectives while fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct. Leveraging his extensive industry background, he is excited to contribute to Aspirations and help bring its vision to life!
Petol Weekes - Set Photographer
Petol Weekes is the founder and producer of Glass Flower Films. Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Petol came to New York with the sole purpose of pursuing acting, which she did in small theatre productions. She was cast in the Infinite Variety Production of 'A Piece of My Heart' by Shirley Lauro, which took her on an unexpected path. With IVP, she quickly became involved in producing and stayed with the company as an actress and co-producer of the play 'These Shining Lives' by Melanie Marnich and a co-producer of Eclipsed by Elizabeth Brogan and 'Censored on Final Approach' by Phyllis Ravel.
Petol realized her true passion when she was given an opportunity to work as a Line Producer on Orion Studios award-winning short film 'Metal Gear.’ She went on to write, direct, and produce the short film "Glass Flowers," which screened at various festivals in New York and Los Angeles.
She then branched out on her own by creating the production company Glass Flower Films LLC, which has a variety of projects at various stages of production, such as the Web series ‘The My Take Show’ and ‘Facts and 2 Cents’, Short Films “Glass Flowers’ and ‘Loving Billy' and Documentaries.
Will Kennedy - Production Assistant
Eric Sukhdeo - Production Assistant
A Kathi Kennedy Production: KathiKennedyWrites.com
Activity
