Film Producer Errol Sadler Signs on to Produce a Family Drama with Powerhouse Production Team

ATLANTA - Sept. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- Errol Sadler of Supremacy Films has signed on to produce “Across the Track” a family drama directed and co-written by Michael Cook and Kimberly Y. James. The movie is the story of Tara and Ella Hines, sisters that are living very different lives. Tara is a big city architect with a fighting spirit that has brought her great success. Ella a few years younger, never left the hometown of their youth and has been the primary caretaker of the family. Estranged for 40 years, they are brought together finally with the death of their mother.

Through a series of flashbacks, their childhood in rural 1960s Georgia unfolds. The “Coloreds only” bathroom and side entrance to shops. The train tracks that separated the town by skin color. We see them navigate this world full of inferiority and bullying, ultimately leading to Ella’s decision to become white. As the sisters lay their mother to rest, the past rises up to meet them and we’re finally shown the moment that tore their family apart.

About the project:

FROM THE DIRECTOR MICHAEL COOKE

My parents and grandparents grew up during the civil rights movement. They never let me live a day without understanding how blessed I was to live NOW. The struggles of my forefathers got me to where I am today, and our current struggle pales in comparison to what Ella and Tara had to go through. I chose to examine a universal element that drives everyone, regardless of race or creed, and that is the need to belong. What if you had to give up a part of yourself to belong, reject who you are? Could you do it?

FROM THE PRODUCER KIMBERLY Y JAMES

When Michael and I were writing this story, I understood completely the heartbreaking choice that this young girl made in the face of intense turmoil. I’m a mixed Asian woman who grew up in Middle America at a time when there weren’t a lot like me. And even in Korea, my mother’s country, I didn't feel I belonged. The in crowd wasn't an option. I was sometimes white, sometimes Asian; always different.

As an adult, I’ve come to realize that what I felt as an outsider on the fringe of society was the way everyone feels on some level. What choice would you make? We wrote this film to pay respect to the folks who stood together, changed the laws and redefined our lives. It wasn't an easy choice to make, but we are grateful they made them.

ABOUT THIS TEAM

Michael Cooke, Co-Writer, Director & Director of Photography

An Atlanta native, Mike was fortunate enough to begin his career as a camera assistant at Turner Broadcasting. His humble beginnings cleaning lenses and hanging lights quickly led to camera operating positions. Turner Broadcasting, parent company to notable networks like CNN and Cartoon Network, put Mike to work shooting content to match each of their diverse brands and it wasn’t long before the opportunity arose to begin his career as a Director of Photography. Turner provided practice in the skills of light, color, and composition, but music videos and commercials crafted Mike’s shooting style. His first feature film, God Loves the Fighter, was filmed on location in Trinidad and won Best Narrative feature at the 2013 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival. Mike has shot for clients and brands all over the world, including upstart interactive software companies and Billboard 100 artists who trust him to execute their vision and bring their story to life.

Kimberly James, Co-Writer & Producer

Kimberly is a Writer and Producer with 13yrs of experience in international TV & Film. Born and raised in the Midwest, she spent half her life moving to Asia, Africa and different parts of the US, and has worked in over 30 countries and wandered through 17 others. Concepts she has written were official selections in 3 major TV pitch competitions in Asia. Various seasons of The Amazing Race that she worked on have won 5 awards internationally, including an Emmy Award for The Amazing Race Australia. She has dangled off of skyscrapers and snuggled up to cheetahs, but she counts this film as her greatest leap of faith. Kimberly is a member of the Producer's Guild of America and is now based in New York City.

Don Battee, Producer & "Walter Lee"

Don has credits in The Matrix Trilogy, X-Men Wolverine, and recently in the fantastic musical film that swept the world, The Sapphires. He’s been on panels discussing diversity in filmmaking and has great distribution contacts all over Asia and Australia — places where stories like ours are just as relevant as in America. He’s also agreed to play “Walter Lee” in the film, so we’re excited to have him on board.

Errol Sadler is the founder of Supremacy Films an Atlanta based film company. Sadler was recently awarded the Georgia Entertainment Gala People to Watch Award; along with his business partner Brandon “TwoMill” Thaxton. This production powerhouse is becoming one of the most sought after new film team in the Atlanta Film Industry.

More information on Supremacy Films can be found on the website at www.supremacyfilms.com. Daily updates on upcoming projects can be seen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under Supremacy Films. For press inquiries, speaking engagements, or film panels please contact publicist Rahru. R. Arceneaux at hautechoclatmultimedia@live.com and put Supremacy Films Press in the subject box.