Updated with trailer:
—
Kyla Pratt takes the lead in psychological thriller ‘The Memo,’ a film adaptation of Minda Harts’ novel by the same name. The film marks the debut project for Seed Media, a multimedia company and storytelling platform founded by Valeisha Butterfield.
Directed by Vanna James and written/produced by Nakia Stephens, ‘The Memo’ is a short film that portrays the tumultuous journey of a woman climbing the corporate ladder, starring Pratt.
MC Lyte has joined the project to score the film and act as the music supervisor. Jarren Fahey, Tiffany Black, Shawana Carter, and Alesha Renee round out the cast.
The announcement reveals the film’s inspiration, emphasizing a concerning trend: “Women leaders are leaving their jobs at the most alarming rate in history,” citing data from Forbes and the Women in the Workplace study by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company. The film aims to address this issue through powerful storytelling and music, uniting entertainment pioneers in music, film, and television.
Directed by Vanna James and written/produced by Nakia Stephens, ‘The Memo’ is currently in post-production. Executive producers include Butterfield, Harts, Pratt, Modupé R. Congleton, and Miatta Johnson.
“The Memo is a first-hand account of my experience in corporate America, but I’m not alone,” says Harts. “Our stories are often overlooked, leaving many women feeling isolated with nowhere to turn for support while climbing the proverbial corporate ladder to success. Success is not a solo sport, and partnering with Valeisha Butterfield and Seed Media will set a new audience and generation free.”
Pratt shares her connection to the story, stating, “The Memo’s book and script resonated deeply with me from beginning to end. Coming from a lineage of resilient Black women and now raising daughters myself, the chance to portray the lead Minda Harts presented by Seed, was an unequivocal yes! As storytellers, it’s our responsibility to truthfully depict narratives and characters that empower others to feel acknowledged, understood, and liberated. I am honored to be the vessel that brings this amazing story to life.”
Butterfield highlights the film’s timely relevance, noting, “Storytelling and music are the most powerful tools on the planet to drive transformation and positive social change. Seed’s vision is to illuminate the most iconic, untold stories of our generation, and ‘The Memo’ is one of the most riveting books ever published for women in the workplace. This project comes at the perfect time as we approach one of the most consequential presidential elections in history with a woman at the top of the ticket.”
MC Lyte echoes the film’s powerful message: “Music and music creators are at the bedrock of every great story and movement in history. I’m honored to partner with Seed to score ‘The Memo’ during such a pivotal time with women at the highest levels taking center stage. This project is a powerful message about resilience, and I can’t wait for audiences to feel the impact of this story.”
(Originally read on Variety)