White Meat is a movie about labor. Specifically, the abuse of labor. As such, it would be the worst form of irony for the film to be produced via the abuse of labor. In light of the recent strikes and near-strikes by such groups as the WGA, SAG, and IATSE, we commit to working conditions that respect the worker. We will…

 

• • Pay fair, livable wages

• • Have reasonable hours that allow workers to live their lives

• • Have a respectful work environment where kindness is the default and unkindness is not tolerated

To these ends we will show a preference for working with unions where possible. 

Healing

Given that White Meat is also a film about traumatic historic and present day social harms, we vow to make this space a healing space and to lean into whatever practices (including but not limited to mental health support on set) that allow the process of making this film to be a process that engenders healing via, in part, creative expression. 

We will follow the example of films such as Women Talking, that build kindness and good working experience into the planning and the budgeting of the film. We will raise enough money to give people the space to create with respect, rest, and mental health. If it takes longer to make that movie, and it will, then we will plan and budget for a longer shoot. 

Funders

As such we will partner with funders, be they individuals contributing to a crowdfunding campaign, wealthy individuals, or corporations, that embrace this manifesto and won’t give us crap about the bottom line when the going gets rough (and it will). Provided we are transparent, honest stewards of their contribution (or investment, as the case may be), we will expect them to work with us to achieve the goal of making this film in the way described above over getting a return on their investment. Put another way, their investment is not in a fund, it is in a vision – both of a finished artistic work and in the process that goes into making that work. People who are in this for a quick buck will be sorely disappointed. 

We value people above things. Even above the vision of the film itself. More to the point, the people and relationships that go into achieving the vision are part and parcel of the vision. We refuse to separate the two. We respect the interdependence of the people working on this film and the world and society in which the film is made. Which brings us to our next point.

Philadelphia

White Meat is a film about historic inequities. And it is a film that takes place in Philly. Therefore, we will, where possible, show a preference for working with Philly vendors. And, where possible, with Black owned businesses in Philly. And, where possible, with Black woman or non-binary owned businesses in Philly. 

Relationships

White Meat is a film about relationships. And the first measure of success of this film isn’t box office or even artistic vision, even those would both be lovely to achieve. The first measure of success is the relationships we forge during the making of this film. Those will likely outlast any box office or artistic success. We will certainly spend more time in those relationships than we will in the spotlight of any potential success the film generates. So let that be the legacy first and foremost. Put another way, if this film were bigger than Get Out, but we all hated each other at the end, I would consider that a failure. If it couldn’t even get distribution, but we’ve forged strong friendships that last into future endeavors, that’s still a success in my book. 

But an Oscar or two would be nice.

Find out how you can help White Meat get made!