Stepping Off with Juvey-D Synopsis

Synopsis

After rediscovering footage he shot on his father's video camera as a teenager, Dion “Juvey-D” Jackson, now an adult, revisits his formative years. Each tape reveals aspects of his life that helped shape him.

The year is 1992 and 14-year-old Dion periodically sneaks his father’s rarely-used video camera out onto the streets of Brooklyn.

His plan is simple: record him and his best friend Antman “bugging out” after school. His inner monologue guides us over a five-day period.

During that time, we see the making of a personal diary, a street adventure with dire consequences, and a glimpse of a Brooklyn neighborhood in flux.

Visual Approach

The film is entirely shot from Juvey-D’s POV to show how he sees adults, girls, threats, and the world he shares with his best friend Antman.

Shot on location in Fort Greene / Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the neighborhood serves as an ideal backdrop for the film.

The shooting style is free-moving and vérité, using natural lighting to create a raw documentary-style realism.

The film was shot on Hi-8 video, embracing the grain and imperfections of that format.

Stepping Off with Juvey-D Poster
Red Carpet
Festival Gala
Group Photo
Awards Stage
Additional Gallery Photo 1
Additional Gallery Photo 2
Additional Gallery Photo 3
Additional Gallery Photo 4
Additional Gallery Photo 5
Additional Gallery Photo 6
Additional Gallery Photo 7

Origin Story

Discover the beginnings of Stepping Off with Juvey-D.

Pitch Deck

Pitch Deck 1
Pitch Deck 2
Pitch Deck 3
Pitch Deck 4
Pitch Deck 5

Cast

Chris Jacques

Chris Jacques

Juvey-D

Chris Jacques portrays the lead character Juvey-D.

Ian Reid

Ian Reid

Antman

Ian Reid is a multi-disciplinary artist working across photography and film.

Mr. F.L.I.X.

Mr. F.L.I.X.

Baby Death

Revolutionary rapper and Brooklyn artist.

Creators

Wendell Moore

Wendell Moore

Director, Writer, Producer

Wendell is the writer, editor, producer, and director of Stepping Off with Juvey-D.

Peter John Marquez

Peter John Marquez

Director of Photography

Peter’s work includes The Apollo Theatre, New York Public Theater, and the Kennedy Center.

Jon Calvert

Jon Calvert

Producer

Jon has been part of Juvey-D since 1990 contributing across production, editing, and writing.

Terrance Copeland

Terrance Copeland

Narrator

Terrance’s first role as a narrator builds on his successful music career as hip hop artist and rapper T. Anansi and True Terry Cope.

Steadymakin

Steadymakin

Score

Maryland-raised producer Steadymakin bridges influences from the blog era with current hip hop and house sounds.

Robin Moore

Robin Moore

Audio Consultant

Robin Moore of RLizM Music brings decades of experience in composition, engineering, performance, and sound design.

Joshua Leonard

Joshua Leonard

Graphic Artist – Poster

Joshua Leonard is an illustrator, concept artist, character designer, and traditional 2D animator.

Other Key Personnel

Other Key Personnel

Production Team

Jack Smith
Production Designer

Regi Allen
Associate Producer / Consultant

Anthony Edwards
Animator

Experience the Story

Watch Stepping Off with Juvey-D online.

Watch the Film