Kelly's Filmworks Takes On Breast Cancer With New Film, "1 Message"
"1 Message" tells the story of Becca, a beautiful 28-year-old woman whose perfect life is severely interrupted by the discovery of a lump in her breast. A double mastectomy follows, as well as a dark descent into seclusion and depression. The storyline revolves around her gradual reemergence into a world she sees with new eyes, thanks to a saintly mentor she encounters online.
Based on the novel of the same name by Mary T. Lennox, the screenplay was written by actor Jefferson Moore, who also serves as director and executive producer. Moore's wife, Kelly Worthington, is producer on the project. The couple started Kelly's Filmworks in 2003.
Moore received the novel back in 2006 from Ms. Lennox, a Catholic nun, who was inquiring as to whether or not her first book effort had merit as a screenplay.
"I was immediately drawn to the emotion of the story", says Moore, "it had such a strong message that inspired on so many different levels - inner beauty, family values, self-worth, and the amazing healing power of forgiveness. As a reader, I found myself touched and motivated at the same time, and I knew that feeling would resonate with movie audiences as well." (Moore's mother, Betty, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.)
New York theatre actress Ashley Kate Adams makes her movie debut in the role of Becca, the young woman who believes that her beauty is lost when cancer changes her body. For Ashley, auditioning for the role came with a great personal significance - her grandmother was a cancer patient who also had endured a double mastectomy. According to her, she felt an inner connection to what the main character was going through as a result of her grandmother's experience.
Adams' age was also a determining factor in how "1 Message" will be presented to the viewing public.
"Breast cancer has always been perceived as a 'mature woman's disease' - but that is not the case," says Moore. As a result of this common misconception, Adams will be appearing in a series of online public service announcements, aimed directly at twenty somethings, encouraging them not to neglect monthly self exams.
Kelly's Filmworks' vision for the release of "1 Message" is to carry the 'service' notion one step further; a percentage of proceeds from box office, television and DVD sales from the film will be donated to breast cancer research and prevention. The studio is currently seeking a national partner to help generate awareness for the project, and to serve as its main beneficiary; talks have already begun with several of the larger cancer foundations. "Right now its all about finding a good fit," says Kelly.
Principal photography on the film will continue through the end of August. A release date has not yet been set.
No comments:
Post a Comment