Action!!!
It’s the first day of principal photography so what better way to hear from the director on Exposed: The Series.
I sat down with the CEO of IV Vision and director, Jewel Hamrick IV, to discuss his seventh project, Exposed: The Series, and explore how this project completes the World of Exposure and his plans for the future.
Q: What inspiration did you use to write this story? Music, shows, art (paintings/pictures/music)
A: With the world/story being built over a span of multiple years, a lot of things have inspired me. With Exposure (the first film in the trilogy) I was highly influenced by Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange and BLONDE projects, also his 2015 Oyster Magazine photoshoot. That sparked the idea of making Marcus Carter a photographer. For ZIR (the second film in the trilogy), I was inspired by my own personal struggles with my father, Jewel Hamrick III, and how they have shaped who I am today. Exposed’s influence is layered from the previous films, my evolving relationships with my friends, parents, and society as a whole being an openly black gay male. The first episode stems from influences from Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black, which I highly resonated with while structuring and writing the pilot episode.
Q: What drew you to this story?
A: The immense lack of openly gay black protagonists on linear and OTT platforms with the “diversity and inclusion song” playing in the background. It saw a need.
Q: Did you put yourself in any of the characters or identify with them?
A: All of the characters that have been built within this proof or overall series concept have stemmed from personal experiences from my life, such as relationships, actions, dialogue, etc.
Q: Where do you hope this story goes?
A: I know the story will go far with the previous establishment. I hope it resonates with fellow members, and non-members of the black LGBTQ community primarily.
Q: What do you hope ppl get from this story?
A: At least one of the 4 instilled themes, exposure, self-discovery, family, and acceptance.
Q: Which character would you say you are most like and why?
A: Marcus Carter for sure. Besides the fact that he is 50% me, I think what really connects us is the fact that we have gone through the dating process in the Lowcountry as gay men, which is a whole lot of trial and error.
Q: What was the most challenging and most rewarding part of Exposed?
A: The most challenging part has been financing if we are going to be completely honest. As much as we are in the time of supporting black stories, it does, unfortunately, come with a cap. The most rewarding part of Exposed, personally, is the fact that it is the last piece to this impromptu trilogy that has developed over the span of 3 years.
Q: Favorite line or scene from the script?
A: “It’s giving Try Again, no Aaliyah.” | Brandon
Q: Are there any hidden messages/gems in the world that you hope people will recognize? If so, what? Do you dare share?!
A: With this project being the final piece to this “pitch puzzle” that I like to call it, I made sure that the audience would get as many answers to plotted questions and situations that the writers and I pay off as much as we can, without straight handing it to them. The visual structure matches the script, and the script … is DETAILED. The most detailed script I have written to date. Pay attention to characters and what they want, and how they go about getting what they want.
Disclosed Playlist.
With Levi’s Disclosed Playlist, side A, we wanted to focus on the outward appearance that the world including Levi’s family Shazir, Von, and his love interest Alicia, and you our viewers see. The side he shows the world.
With production right around the corner for IV Vision's seventh project, Exposed: The Series, it only felt right to not only see the vision when creating this piece but also envision how it will sound. While writing and preparing this project, I kept track of what music I took in and how it influenced the mood/tone of the setting/local, conflict, characters, and their story arcs. Bringing it to the attention of my fellow producers made us decide to share multiple character-based playlists we will curate weekly, leading into the project's production. We hope you capture a glimpse of the sounds and elements that embody the characters of the Exposure world and get a taste of what you could hear within the project's soundtrack.
~Jewel IV, Creator/Director of Exposed: The Series
Levi’s Disclosed Playlist
“Disclosed” seems to be the word that best describes Levi Sutton (played by Khalil Harmon). Although he is an ATL native his roots are in Savannah. The audience first gets a glimpse of him in Exposure as he plays Marcus’ down-low lover. He and his brother shazir Sutton are the heirs to their uncle’s underground drug operation. Thought the series Levi juggles his double life with his developing relationship with Marcus while trying to keep his public relationship with Alicia hidden. He establishes a closer connection with Shazir, helping him with the hardest decision he has to make, which is killing Von. Formulated from the latest hits in Hip-Hop and Trap beats, this playlist features artists that showcase Lev’s outward appearance. The playlist features artists such as Q From the Block, Travis Scott, Tyler the Creator, Don Toliver, Drake, and Future.
Side A - Listen on Apple. Tidal. Spotify.
Check out our individual picks.
Jewel:
Lean - Q From Tha Block
Mob Ties - Drake
Guilt Trip - Kayne West
4K - DUCKWRTH & Phabo
Come On, Let’s Go - Tyler the Creator & Nigo
Sarah:
Bubbly - Young Thug ft. Drake & Travis Scott
ESCAPE PLAN - Travis Scott
Send It Up - Kayne West
Landed - Drake
No Idea - Don Toliver
Alex:
Sum 2 Prove - Lil Baby
Cash In Cash Out - Pharrell Williams ft. 21 Savage & Tyler the Creator
south to west - Gunna
Hey Mista - Isaiah Rashad
FOR A NUT - Future ft. Gunna & Young Thug
Tobi:
Pop That Trunk - Juicy J & Wiz Khalifa
Fergivicous - A$AP Ferg
too easy - Gunna & Future
In the Bible - Drake ft. Lil Durk & GIVĒON
Flocky Flocky - Don Toliver ft. Travis Scott
Crowdfunding Perks - Tier One.
IV Vision is excited to announce that we offer special perks to everyone who donates to Exposed. You will receive a perk based on the donation amount listed.
Over the course of the upcoming weeks, we will introduce additional tiers with more ways to contribute and even more perks.
$10 - social media shoutout
$20 - Personal thank you video
$30 - Movie Theatre Gift Card
$40 - Fill Up On Us
$50 - Digital copy of Exposed Script
See graphic for more details.
Crowdfunding Perks - Tier Two.
$75 -The World of Exposure Lookbook
$100 - Be A Part of The Crew
$125 - Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes
$250 - Special Screening
See graphic for more details.
Thank You to our Donors!
As the weeks countdown, we at IV Vision grow more excited to create a story highlighting the Queer Community. We would love to take this time to shout out our donors who have contributed to our film.
If this story speaks to you in any way and you would like to donate please check out our contributions page on our website. On this page, you will find the different ways to sponsor or provide any goods or services needed. There is also an itemized list and graphics explaining the breakdown of what we are asking for. To complete this project we are aiming to raise $32,000. We thank you and appreciate your support in helping us create Exposed: The Series.