C.R.E.W
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C.R.E.W ✩
“Let’s Run’it Joe”
Short Summary
C.R.E.W. (Congress. Run. Everything. in Washington) – "The Death of Chocolate City"
My name is Donnell “DC” Grimes, a proud Washington, D.C. native and the creator of C.R.E.W., a bold, gripping crime drama that exposes the untold story of how Congress controls and cripples the Black community in the nation’s capital. This series isn’t just entertainment—it’s a deep dive into the harsh realities of life in D.C. without statehood, where systemic oppression fuels crime, corruption, and the fight for survival.
At the heart of C.R.E.W., we follow Rico and Tracii, two young adults with completely different ideologies—one looking to escape D.C. through wealth and power, the other determined to fight for change and justice. As they clash, we also see the struggles of Councilman Taylor, battling for policies that uplift the community but being stonewalled by federal laws. Agent Bundy, a federal officer with personal resentment toward D.C.’s Black community, wages his war, while Chris, a conflicted MPD officer, wrestles between justice and loyalty.
What We Need & What You Get
Bringing C.R.E.W. to life requires passion, resources, and a community that believes in the story we’re telling. We are raising $250,000 to fund the pilot episode, which will serve as a proof of concept to attract major networks, streaming platforms, and investors to greenlight a full season.
Where Your Contribution Goes:
Every dollar raised will go directly toward production, ensuring authenticity, quality, and the highest level of storytelling:
✔ Production Costs – Cinematography, lighting, set design, and securing real D.C. locations to capture the city’s raw essence.
✔ Cast & Crew – Paying talented actors, directors, writers, and production crew members who will bring this world to life.
✔ Wardrobe & Props – From 80s-90s era fashion to classic Go-Go music and real D.C. cultural references, ensuring historical accuracy.
✔ Post-Production – Editing, sound design, music licensing, and special effects to make the pilot polished and market-ready.
✔ Marketing & Distribution – Getting the pilot in front of the right people, including industry decision-makers and streaming platforms.
What You Get:
Your contribution isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in history. To show our appreciation, we’ve designed exclusive perks for our supporters:
🎬 Digital Behind-the-Scenes Access – Get exclusive updates, set photos, and a sneak peek at the making of C.R.E.W.
📜 Your Name in the Credits – Be a part of the legacy and have your name featured in the "Special Thanks" section of the pilot episode.
🎟 Early Screening Access – Watch the pilot before anyone else and be among the first to experience the world of C.R.E.W.
🖊 Signed Script Pages & Posters – Own a piece of the production with autographed script pages and limited-edition posters.
🎤 Exclusive Producer Q&A – Join a private virtual session where I’ll personally discuss the creative process and what’s next for the series.
💎 Executive Producer Credit – For our biggest supporters, you’ll receive an Executive Producer credit, invitations to set, and VIP event access.
What Happens If We Don’t Reach Our Goal?
Every contribution counts. If we don’t hit the full $250,000, we will scale the production to fit our budget while maintaining the highest quality possible. Here’s how we’ll adjust:
$150,000-$200,000: We’ll shoot a condensed version of the pilot (proof-of-concept short film) to pitch to investors.
$100,000-$150,000: We’ll produce an extended trailer with key scenes to showcase the potential of C.R.E.W.
Below $100,000: We’ll create a high-quality sizzle reel with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and story breakdowns to gain more funding.
Regardless of the amount raised, C.R.E.W. will not stop. The story of D.C. deserves to be told, and with your support, we will bring it to life, our way.
💰 Every dollar matters. Every supporter helps. Be part of history. Let’s make C.R.E.W. a reality. Thank you for believing in this vision.
The Impact
C.R.E.W. is more than just a crime drama—it’s a cultural movement. This series shines a light on Washington, D.C., in a way that has never been done before, exposing the unique struggles, triumphs, and survival tactics of a community trapped between the federal government’s control and the fight for local power.
Why This Story Matters
📍 Authenticity – Unlike most stories about D.C., which focus only on politics or generic street crime, C.R.E.W. gives an unfiltered look at the real Chocolate City—the people, the culture, the music, and the impact of policies made by people who don’t live there.
💡 Education Through Entertainment – We’re telling a historically significant story about the effects of gentrification, the War on Drugs, and D.C.’s lack of statehood, all wrapped in a gripping, character-driven drama.
🎶 The Soundtrack of a City – Go-Go music is the heartbeat of D.C., yet it’s often left out of mainstream media. C.R.E.W. is a love letter to the sound, the movement, and the spirit of Go-Go.
⚖ A Reflection of Today’s Struggles – The issues tackled in C.R.E.W.—police brutality, mass incarceration, and economic inequality—are still relevant today. This show forces viewers to confront why the system remains broken.
Why Your Contribution Matters
By supporting C.R.E.W., you’re investing in:
✔ A Black-Owned, Independent Production – Keeping the creative vision intact and telling our story, our way.
✔ D.C.’s Legacy & Culture – Ensuring that the true history of Chocolate City is preserved and shared with the world.
✔ Opportunities for Local Talent – Creating jobs for local actors, filmmakers, and creatives in Washington, D.C.
Building on a Strong Foundation
This isn’t just a dream—we have the talent, the vision, and the experience to bring C.R.E.W. to life. Our successful track record includes:
A completed 10-episode script ready for production.
A fully shot teaser that has already gained attention.
A growing network of industry professionals and investors.
With your help, we can take C.R.E.W. from a passion project to a groundbreaking television series that will change the way people see Washington, D.C.
🔥 Join us in making history. Your support means everything. 🔥
Risk and Challenges
Bringing C.R.E.W. to life comes with its fair share of obstacles, but we are prepared to tackle them head-on.
1. Funding a High-Quality Production
The Challenge: Producing a top-tier television series requires significant funding for cast, crew, locations, and post-production.
Our Plan: We are actively seeking a mix of crowdfunding, private investors, and grant opportunities to ensure we can bring this story to the screen without compromising its integrity.
2. Industry Gatekeeping & Ownership
The Challenge: Many studios want to tell D.C.’s story—but not from an authentic Black perspective. We risk losing creative control if we partner with the wrong backers.
Our Plan: Keeping C.R.E.W. independent as long as possible allows us to preserve its raw, unfiltered storytelling. We are strategically building relationships with Black-owned media platforms and independent networks to distribute the show without compromising its authenticity.
3. Filming in Washington, D.C.
The Challenge: Capturing the true essence of Chocolate City means filming on location, but securing permits and permissions in D.C. can be complex and costly.
Our Plan: We have established local connections with city officials, property owners, and community leaders to secure filming locations without major roadblocks.
4. Competing in a Crowded Market
The Challenge: Streaming platforms and networks are flooded with crime dramas, making it hard to stand out.
Our Plan: C.R.E.W. isn’t just another crime drama. It’s the only show that fully explores the impact of Congress controlling a predominantly Black city, infused with D.C.’s music, culture, and political struggles. We will market directly to audiences hungry for authentic Black storytelling and leverage grassroots marketing, partnerships, and digital campaigns to build momentum.
Why We’re Built to Succeed
✅ Proven Leadership: With a fully developed 10-episode script, a shot teaser, and a team of experienced writers and creatives, we have the vision and execution plan ready.
✅ Strong Community Support: Our network of local artists, activists, and influencers is already behind us, ensuring a built-in audience eager to see this project thrive.
✅ Passion & Persistence: This isn’t just a show—it’s a movement. We are prepared to push through every challenge to make sure the story of Chocolate City is told right.
With your help, we can bring something revolutionary to television. Let’s make history together. 🚀
Other Way You Can Help
We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but spreading the word is just as valuable! Here’s how you can help bring C.R.E.W. to life:
📢 Share, Share, Share!
Post about C.R.E.W. on social media—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Tag friends, family, and anyone who loves authentic, culture-driven storytelling.
Use #CREWTVseries #SaveChocolateCity #DCStatehood #SupportBlackCinema to spread the movement.
📩 Email & Word of Mouth
Tell your network about C.R.E.W. and why this story needs to be told.
Forward our campaign to community leaders, activists, educators, and film lovers.
🎥 Engage with Our Content
Like, comment, and share our teaser and behind-the-scenes footage.
Join discussions on why D.C.’s story is unique and worth telling.
💡 Introduce Us to Industry Connections
Know a producer, filmmaker, investor, or media contact?
Connect us with organizations and grants that support independent Black cinema.
Every share, post, and conversation helps us reach the right people to make C.R.E.W. a reality. Let’s build this movement together! 💪🏾🔥
Giving FAQs
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When are you planning to film? 2025
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What platform are you planning to release on? License across all platforms
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Are you looking for investors? Yes