Title: “Gang Girl,” originally titled, “Surrender,” based on my play, “Surrender All.”
Director: Damian Bailey
Producer: Damian Bailey
Writer: Damian Bailey
Starring: Anissa Chalmers, Jesenia Bailey, Frances Lozada, Jada S. Louie
Synopsis: A troubled girl affiliated with “the Croniks,” a well known female gang in NYC, is sent to a “Scared Straight” program to meet the reformed leader on death row who created it 25 years ago.
What inspired the film? It’s based on a play I wrote called, “The New Testament,” a modernized version of Paul the Apostle. It was brought to my attention to do a female version of gang life from actress Anissa Chalmers, whom I have been friends with for a long time. I laughed at the idea until she told me her life story, which consisted of her involvement with gang life, rape and an abusive home. Within a week I wrote the play “Surrender All” and it was performed in 2003 off Broadway. After doing more research and talking to former and present female gang members, I wrote the screenplay version of my play and realized there was only one film on this subject, so I planned to be the second.
Community Impact? Well with the film’s raw edge and it’s Christianity foundation, I was rejected by many churches, studios and production companies, particularly the black ones. All said no…so I used my own money.
What was the film shot on? Panasonic hvx100 24p
How many days of shooting? We shot on weekends that started in June and ended in November 2006.
How long did it take to make the film: pre/post production? Post took two years
Locations: The Bronx-Allerton Ave. Gun Hill Road, Burke Ave., 168 St. and Ridgewood-Queens.
Acclaim/ Festivals: New Filmmakers Festival. Planning to submit to Urbanworld this year.
What’s in the works? Two more features and a short will all be released this year. “The Big West,” a mockumentary comedy about an actor trying to be like Wesley Snipes – June. “Moth to a Flame,” a short film about a couple dealing with HIV/AIDS-June. “The Choice,” a feature film about abortion in the church community-September. I’m finishing up a screenplay I plan to shoot this summer called “Scar,” a drama on teen suicide. Trying to get funding for that.
