A one-night immersive storytelling event inspired by the feature screenplay, The Weight of Silence by Shannan E. Johnson.
THE STORY
The Weight of Silence is a contemporary Southern crime drama feature set against the rarely seen world of Black cowboys in Houston, Texas.
After her estranged father, a revered Black cowboy, is murdered in a string of serial decapitations, a sharp, guarded butcher returns home to bury him and get the hell out of Houston, only to be pulled into an investigation that re-entangles her in a toxic love triangle and exposes a buried family secret she's spent her life running from.
THE EXPERIENCE
The Weight of Silence Live Pitch Experience is an immersive storytelling event that invites audiences into the world of the feature script of the same name that explores Black rodeo culture, mystery, and family secrets. More than a staged reading, this experience is a bold reimagining of how stories are introduced to Hollywood, blending performance, atmosphere, and innovation.
We're looking for co-conspirators who believe in taking risks, championing original voices, and backing fresh ideas from the ground up.
WHO KILLED CALVIN?
Help us bring this experience to life
It takes a village to open a gate. Become part of the story behind the story.
Every contribution towards our $20,000 goal will cover the time and talent of our cast and crew and products and services from local businesses.
Join us as we build something extraordinary together.
Interested in becoming an in-kind sponsor or official event partner?
We'd love to hear from you.
Contact us to discuss custom partnership opportunities.
The Team
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Shannan E. Johnson
WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Former TV exec turned screenwriter and CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen, a script consultancy developing screenwriters from idea to pitch.
Credits: Syfy, FOX, Hallmark, allblk -
Jason Dirden
DIRECTOR
An actor, writer and director; Jason's work has stretched from Broadway to the screen. Working opposite the likes of Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, his audience favorites include Greenleaf, American Soul and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. -
Artis J. Olds
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Through The Art Is Brand, Artis partners with artists, institutions, and organizations to shape experiences rooted in culture.
Credits: STOMP, October London, Kanye West, Expo 2025 Osaka -
LATEX Media
EVENT PARTNER
LATex Media is a multi-platform production company that develops and produces bold & authentic narrative film and television content for global audiences through innovative storytelling, strategic partnerships, and branded networking events.
Team: Rodney Turner, Founder/CEO, Tawana Turner, Partner -
Brittney Harris
CREATIVE STRATEGIST
Specializing in conversation-driven campaigns, experiential marketing, and audience engagement, Brittney develops thoughtful, high-impact activations that help independent creatives and brands generate meaningful buzz through strategic storytelling, authentic connections, and memorable experiences. -
Stefen Paris
SPONSORSHIP PRODUCER
Stefen Paris is a screenwriter, creative strategist, and civic and community engagement connector. His work allows him to bring people, brands, and stories together through meaningful partnerships, authentic storytelling, and experiences that create lasting impact. -
Shari “Ri” Bihms
SPONSORSHIP PRODUCER
An entertainment event producer and fundraising strategist specializing in high-profile events, film initiatives, and impactful experiences, Shari connects creatives, brands, and investors through events that inspire engagement and lasting partnerships.
The Cast
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Birgundi Baker
Kennedy Leslie
Credits: The Chi, Praise This -
Zachariah Rogers
Beau Robicheaux
Credits: P-Valley, The Oval, Genius: Aretha -
Jon Chaffin
Tedrick “Teddy” James
Credits: Diarra from Detroit, Perry Mason, BMF -
Omar J. Dorsey
Calvin “Cowboy” Leslie
Credits: Bookie, Queen Sugar, Harriet -
Shari Bihms-Ervin
Narrator
Credits: A Lesson Before Dying, Tonies -
Jeff Prater
Captain
Credits: Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, Criminal Minds, Chameleon -
Deborah Joy Winans
Josie
Credits: Greenleaf, Whitney, Born For This: The Bebe Winans Story -
Cairo Spenceer
Josh
Credits: Bel-Air, Mecca -
Reno Warmath
Shep
Credits: Looters, Background -
Amad Jackson
Philip
Credits: The Ladykillers, Lackawanna Blues, St. Denis Medical -
Rolando Boyce
Marshall
Credits: The Chi, Scandal, Lights Out -
Geffri Maya
Brianna
Credits: All-American, All-American: Homecoming, Snowfall -
Leshay Boyce
Mrs. Maynard
Credits: Wine in the Wilderness, From Scratch, FBI: Federal Bureau of Infidelity -
Jessica Frances Dukes
Ma Rae
Credits: The Westies, Ozark, The Gilded Age -
Armani Greer
Teenage Kennedy
Credits: Why Did I Get Married Again?, A Snowfall Saga: The Drop, The Waterboyz -
Jeremie Rivers
Day Player 2
Credits: Games People Play, She Had To Ask -
Paul Archer
Day Player 3
Credits: Abbott Elementary, NCIS: New York, Good Trouble -
Michael Monks
Day Player 4
Credits: Code 3, Dr. Sleep, Self Custody -
Misty Anderson
Day Player 5
Credits: Spartacus: Blood and Soul, G.B.F., Mean Girl -
Maria Pallas
Day Player 6
Credits: Shining Vale, High Potential, Night Court
EVENT FAQ’s
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Contributions support the production of The Weight of Silence Live Pitch Experience, including technical elements, creative talent, guest experience, and event operations. Contributions support the event itself and do not represent an investment in the feature film.
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Contributions to The Weight of Silence Live Pitch Experience are not currently tax-deductible. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities or alternative giving arrangements are encouraged to contact us.
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Absolutely. We welcome conversations with businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities, in-kind support, or custom partnerships. Please contact us to learn more.
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The Weight of Silence Live Pitch Experience is not a traditional ticketed event. The evening is designed to introduce the story to industry professionals, creative collaborators, and supporters who can help move the project forward.
Our goal is to put the right people in the room and give this story its best opportunity to become a feature film. By supporting the event, our co-conspirators become part of that journey and help make the next chapter possible.