Short Summary

• A group of bright teenagers in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, who defy both their parents and the status quo, forever changing the segregated atmosphere of the1960’s, by going head-to-head with the most segregationist of the time.

• In 2023, it will mark the 60^th Anniversary of The Children Protest.

• SHORT SUMMARIES FROM THREE PROFESSIONAL COVERAGES;

• 1) The SUNDANCE TABLE READ, My Screenplay Coverage Group – “This script would make for a solid, interesting period film about events that are not the stuff of typical civil rights historic portrayals. It’s well told, and shows a solid command story.”    

• 2) SCREENWRITER’S COVERAGE, a respected Hollywood screenplay coverage writer – “This is a wonderful piece of history to dramatize. Most people living have either forgotten or know little about The Children’s March in Birmingham – and it is a story that is certainly due a telling and a dramatization. The writer does a nice job of pairing down, what is probably an enormous amount of fact, into a manageable screenplay.”                                         

• 3) SHARONDA HARRIS, a respected Hollywood screenplay coverage – “Great Story! The Civil Rights Movement is a historical moment transitioning from recent events into the annals of history. Therefore, it is a great era to write a narrative for, especially with the questioning of whether or not we are truly in a post-racial society. The Children’s Crusade of 1963 is almost never told in a narrative form, so the writer made a great topic choice. The writer has certainly done his research on this topic. The reader, spending part of her childhood in Birmingham and growing up with a next-door neighbor who participated in the march, thoroughly enjoyed the narrative approach of this familiar, yet rarely explored topic.

• ABOUT THE WRITER
  Ken Sagoes is an award winning writer and actor. He won the CableAce Award (now Emmy) for Best Family Writer for Disney’s family movie, “On Promised Land.” He has a passion for “giving back” to communities; all over the world.

  In 1997, Sagoes founded the non-profit organization, GBC-Giving Back Corporation. GBC has supported more than 600 youth with higher education scholarships and given thousands of supplies to teachers to help in their classroom. 

• Ken Sagoes’ last short film, “The McHenry Trial, received more than 200 film festival awards (USA and International), including “Best Short,” “Best Writer, and “Best Director,” Sagoes is very committed to any project he creates. He has written for Disney and Paramount. He also studied Writing and Directing at UCLA. 

What We Need & What You Get

•  The goal of this project is to raise a minimum amount of $60,000 for the short film, “The Secret Weapon, Yesterday IS Today”. The funds raised will be spent to secure our actors, locations, crew, permits, equipment rental, rights to old footage, and festival submissions. With your financial support, we will be able to complete this film successfully. Because we are using children, there are specific legal guidelines that must be followed, which includes a teacher and a social worker on set at all times. In addition,  we especially want to make sure ALL guidelines are followed to secure the safety of everyone involved due to Covid-19. Thank you for your support!

• There are many great rewards for those that support, such as, The Secret Weapon, Yesterday IS Today merchandise, (including limited edition prints from three original artwork by noted artists: “I Shall Not Be Moved” by Kenneth Gatewood, “Yesterday is Today” by Nathan Thomas Milliner,” and “The Blue Tear of Bravery” by Guilli Garcia.” Plus, Production Credits and special “Thank you” from writer-creator Ken Sagoes.

The Impact

Many of us have seen pictures of protesters being attacked by dogs and hosed with deadly forces of water during the Civil Rights Movement, but only a few realize that those images seen nearly 60 years ago were of brave youth! Seeing young people in such a monumental non-violent crusade will impact other youth around the world to take a stand for what is just and fair.

This short film will have one of the most notable impacts on comparing the happenings of “yesterday” to the happenings of “today.” It is a rare story that has never been done in the narrative form nor told from the perspective of young performers.

I believe this short could become an integral part of school Literature and History curricula that will inspire youth to own their stakes in the march for civil rights and total equality.

This story has already IMPACTED teachers to create lesson plans on social justice and the fight for equal rights.

The Team

Risks & Challenges

• If obstacles occur such as production delays or staff issues; Ken will communicate with all followers and resolve the issues in due time. Ken has a professional film crew working with him. The movie will be filmed in an independent studio that meets all union and insurance requirements. Also, there will be notable, professional actors performing and a teacher for the youth.

Other Ways You Can Help

• PLEASE share “The Secret Weapon” campaign on social media, community group, and organizations to help spread the word and gain support. Thank you.