Why Fund Ballroom?

My name is Laurence Walsh-Hodson, and I am the writer/director for a new independent film, “Ballroom.” Three years ago, I saw my brother, Forrest Walsh, perform a Paso Doble with his wheelchair partner, Mia Schaikewitz. I was amazed at the grace and power of the dance and it inspired me – so I wrote a script around it. I combined my life story of overcoming depression and a suicide attempt with elements of Mia’s life of dealing with her disability and creating a full life that went into this screenplay.

Just a bit about myself: 

• I’ve been working in the film and tv industry for 30+ years. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0909738/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3
• I’m passionate about self development, healing, and delivering these messages through film.
• With your contribution, you will help me achieve a lifelong dream of producing my own film that will help people and show them the power of oneself and the power of love.

Synopsis

“Ballroom” is an inclusive wheelchair ballroom dance movie about a struggling dancer, Violet, who needs the help of the charming ballroom dance instructor, Petro Saenko, to learn all the Latin dances in two weeks for an upcoming crucial audition. When Violet’s depressive mother, Janet, causes her to have a devastating car accident and become paraplegic, Petro helps Violet regain her love for life by showing her she can still dance and audition — in a wheelchair. However, Violet’s controlling mother and Petro’s fiery jealous business partner, Emery, will stop at nothing to prevent Violet from realizing her dreams.

The Team

Laurence Walsh-Hodson Writer/Director

• Writer on “CSI: Miami”, NCIS, “The Dresden Files”, and “Against the Wall” 
• Original Movies written and produced include “Matching Hearts” and “With Love, Christmas”
• Two original shows sold 
• “For The Record” won the Excellence Award at Best Film Shorts Competition

Madeline Delp as Violet Givens

• Madeline rose to worldwide recognition after becoming the first woman in a wheelchair to win titles in the Miss USA pageant system. Her acting career began when she appeared in the music video of country music star, Gabby Barrett, for the song “The Good One’s”. 
• Influencer on social media platforms that have reached over 20 million people
• TEDx speaker on the inclusion of people with disabilities

Dmitry Chaplin as Petro Saenko

• Dmitry is one of the most distinguished Ballroom Dancers and Choreographers in The United States and around the World. Special guest on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, Larry King Live, KTLA news, Wendy Williams Show, Steve Harvey, Entertainment Tonight, The View, performed with Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Gypsy Kings, Taylor Swift, Enrique Iglesias, Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, One Republic, Jewel, Mya, Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Taio Cruz, Joss Stone, PSY.
• A Star Professional on “Dancing With The Stars” 
• An EMMY Nominated Choreographer for his work on “So You Think You Can Dance”

Jamison Reeves

• Jamison Reeves has over twenty-six roles under his belt.
• Co-starred in “Parks and Recreation”
• Co-starred in “Raising Hope”
• Co-starred in “Without a Trace”

Armen Way

• Appeared on Dancing With the Stars
• Guest Star on Bones and Penny Dreadful
• Performed with Juliet Hough and Derek Hough
• Emerald Ball Latin Champion 2010 
• Golden State Challenge Latin Champion 2010 
• Does extensive charity work through his studio Aesthetics Studios

Jon Philion – Director of Photography

• Jon is a trusted member on the camera teams of Janusz Kaminski, Allen Daviau and Steven Spielberg, giving him a rare opportunity to develop a rich repertoire of lighting styles. 
• Credits include: 
• “Hate Crime” (director of photography) 
• “The Highwaymen” (libra operator)
• “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (librahead technician: Hawaii Unit), 
• “Ouija: Origin of Evil” (libra head operator) 
• “Suicide Squad” (librahead tech) 
• “Terminator Genisys” (libra head operator)

What We Need & What You Get

You’ll see that our goal is $80,000, the absolute minimum we can budget to complete 15 days of shooting. But we want you to know that our dream goal is $130,000, and when we reach our Indiegogo minimum we’re going to have a stretch goal of the remaining $50,000. That additional amount would allow us to immediately begin post-production at the end of filming. What you’ll receive in return is:

• A social media “thank you” on our social media pages.
• Soundtrack Download – we already have it recorded and ready!
• Many more perks depending on your contribution level so check those out!

The Impact

As I expressed before, this film is my life-long dream production. Its success will fuel the making of more inclusive films in the future. I have written professionally in the industry https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0909738/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3 and have put together an amazing, talented crew. This film will help people in their personal life as a story can bring focus to important social topics and do it in a way that is engaging, deep, yet also light with humor. Your donation to this film is tax-deductible. Acer Entertainment, is a 501(c3) non-profit and is producing the film.

Risks & Challenges

The script is complete and we have our crew working non-stop already in pre-production. Our crew and our actors are ready to begin filming on location January 7, 2023 in Los Angeles and Santa Clarita. We expect to wrap up shooting in three weeks. Post-production will begin in February 2023.

Our biggest challenges are weather, which is out of our control, locations are locked in but time-sensitive with juggling schedules, and the filming and post-production to bring this story to life.

Having a proficient, tight crew and talented actors will help alleviate some of the risks.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can’t contribute monetarily, that’s ok, you can help us by:

• Getting the word out and make some noise about this campaign!
• Follow and share our social media channels.
• https://twitter.com/ballroommovie1
• https://www.instagram.com/acer.entertainment/
• https://ballroommovie.com/
• https://acerentertainment.org/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@acerentertainment
• Use the Indiegogo share tools!