We at IV Vision are so excited to announce that we have a full cast for Jewel IV’s Graduate Thesis, Exposed: The Series, and had a successful table read.

[L-R] Quentin Murrell (Kleem Davis), Shakeem Cota (Marcus Carter), Jewel Hamrick IV (Director), Aaron Michael Tyler (Brandon Foster), Sarah Elizabeth McVicker (Casting Director).

We already had some of our main cast but needed to cast Shazir, Alicia Hall, Von Williams, Brandon, and Kleem. 

We started our casting process in March searching for talent, reaching out, and scheduling auditions. Our focus was to use as many SCAD students as possible to help promote the talent that walks among the halls here. For the older talent, we used casting services.

Our methods were to start with the Casting Office at SCAD and Breakdown Express to find potential cast. We spent weeks reviewing self-tapes and hosting in-person auditions through the Casting Office. It was such an honor to meet everyone who came out to audition.

We delegated back and forth on our favorites for a little while until we settled on our cast. We reviewed self-tapes repeatedly to ensure we took our time to choose the best actors. So we made our decisions and we reached out to the prospective cast for them to confirm and accept the role.

On Saturday, we had a fun and successful table read. Everyone was able to meet each other and read through the script a few times. During the table read, Jewel was able to dissect the world and help the cast to understand each character’s motive. After this table read, we strongly believe that we have such a strong cast and can’t wait for everyone to see them on the big screen. 

So without further ado, we present to you the cast of Exposed: The Series…

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Introducing…

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To complete this project we are aiming to raise $32,000. 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 that you can 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. We thank you and appreciate your support in helping us create Exposed: The Series.

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Crew Call Round One

We are still looking for crew for Exposed: The Series and would love for you to be a part. If you would like to be considered as a crew member for this project please refer to the graphics below.

Take a look at how Exposed came to be. Exploring the world and the characters that live within it, as well as, the future of the series.

by Sarah Elizabeth McVicker on May 20

Back in November 2021, IV Vision released Exposure, after his secret lover reveals that the feelings between them aren’t mutual, Marcus releases a private collection of photos into a photography competition.

Written, directed, and produced by Jewel Hamrick IV as his thesis film, he knew there was more to the world of the story and its characters. 

Following Exposure is Zir, after spending the day with his estranged father, Z comes home and faces the harsh reality of his childhood. Set to be released in the summer of 2022, IV Vision’s plan is to show the bond between father and son highlighting and honoring black fathers.

Both of these films have inspired and set in motion the final piece to Exposure with Exposed: The Series, continuing from the world of Exposure, Marcus Carter must deal with the foreseeable consequences of potentially outing his lover Levi. Shazir and Levi meet with Von for a new business venture.

Camden Randall as Z in Zir

The world would not be complete without its characters. In this film, Marcus Carter, Levi Sutton, Chelsea McCoy, and Shazir Sutton reprise their roles with the addition of a few new characters.

Marcus Carter has a secret love with Levi Sutton who has a female love interest to cover up his down-low hookups. Shazir Sutton’s morals are conflicted when he wants to go into a more legit business venture. However, his uncle, Von Williams wants to push a new underground narcotic.

Kleem Davis is a positive community leader and funds an after-school program. Brandon Foster is an openly gay and supportive friend to Marcus and Chelsea. Lastly, Alicia Hill is a down-to-earth, neo-soul enthusiast who is romantically involved with Levi. 

To complete this project we are aiming to raise $32,000. 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 that you can 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. We thank you and appreciate your support in helping us create Exposed: The Series.

Donate

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Crew Call Round One

We are still looking for crew for Exposed: The Series and would love for you to be a part. If you would like to be considered as a crew member for this project please refer to the graphics below. 

Jewel IV releases his fifth film under IV Vision, Exposure, to the world via IV.tv!

Watch the film below!

KAMERON WHITE

(He/Him | Xe/Xem)

LGBTQ+

Transgender | Pansexual

Jewel IV x Kameron

Jewel IV: How was your “coming out” process?

Kameron: A bit rocky. I came out as Trans when I was 12, however, it was seen as a phase, same with me coming out as being attracted to all genders. I had an experience through church in middle school that was terribly homophobic and affected me. Through high school, I've started to find myself, and was happy and out as Pansexual. In college, I started back to my gender identity and came out as Trans. It was received with acceptance but some confusion at first. I don't blame my parents and family, no one prepares you for having a Trans child, but through the years, they've educated themselves and have supported me through my journey.

Jewel IV: Does your lifestyle influence your art or creative process?

Kameron: Growing up as a Black and Indigenous Trans man, I didn't see many characters/people like myself in terms of race, gender, sexuality, experience, or body type. In my body of work, I want to include as much diversity as I can. I also aim to document my own personal stories, by illustrating comics going through my personal journey as a Trans man of color. With my stories, I hope to inspire and help other people who might relate and know that there is someone who has been there too. I also place these characters in sceneries that are not common in history, especially Black and Brown LGBTQ+ bodies in mythological and religious settings.

Jewel IV: How will you continue to contribute to celebrating your pride and what it means to you?

Kameron: Continuing to live my life is my biggest celebration, but through my work again through all the pain we suffered, I love to highlight us in iconic imagery and specifically religious imagery. Religion has hurt us but I'm claiming it back to highlight us as higher beings. Pride means to me, taking care of each other and uplifting each other. Thanking our Queer Elders before us and continuing on their legacy by pushing to be ourselves without having to hide.

Jewel IV: Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ artist or creative, and why?

Kameron: Juno Birch is a big fav, Love how she as a Trans Woman uses her sculptures to "blur the lines between masculine and feminine attributes", J.C. Leyendecker and although he was not out at the time, I love his highlights of homoeroticism through his work, Ruben Guadalupe Marquez celebrates the LGBTQIA+ communitiy through iconic collage art that merges religious and Latinx imagery, Jean-Michel Basquiat with his political and frequently referenced social justice issues surrounding class and race, and James Baldwin being one of the biggest and most influential writers in history.

Jewel IV: What would you say to a creative who is struggling with identity, self-confidence, or assurance?

Kameron: It's okay if you're not sure of your identity at the moment. It doesn't have to be now and you have room and time to figure it out. Just keep exploring and living, it'll come to you.

SEMAJ TAYLOR

(He/Him)

IV Pride Artist

LGBTQ+

Gay

Jewel IV x Semaj

Jewel IV: How was your “coming out” process?

Semaj: My coming out was not easy. I am the son of a Deacon where perfection is not reality but almost an expectation. There were several conversations and I realized there was a lot of ignorance surrounding the queer community. I let it be a chance to inform and show people what it actually means to be a black queer man. We don’t really talk about it but I know I am a representation of the queer community.

Jewel IV: Does your lifestyle influence your art or creative process?

Semaj: My sexuality is a part of who I am. In my art I give all that I am. My life and the things that come out of it can’t help but to reflect that. If I am able to give a peek into what’s it’s like to be queer then I will show that.

Jewel IV: How will you continue to contribute to celebrating your pride and what it means to you?

Semaj: Going to the pride parades and contributing to all things queer to keep the movement and reassurance going. Also, spending it with people that celebrate me and my queerness everyday.

Jewel IV: Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ artist or creative, and why?

Semaj: Billy Porter for his longevity and tremendous talent. He has made music, done television, and Broadway. He speaks his truth with his life and always gives it to you in the red carpet. He is who I would love to be in 30/40 years.

Jewel IV: What would you say to a creative who is struggling with identity, self-confidence, or assurance?

Semaj: I would say find yourself through the art you create, the things that make you smile, and the people that support you. It is all right there. Get out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to do things you want to do. Fear is meant to hinder the greatness that is awaiting you on the other side. Everything that you want to be is already inside of you waiting for you to tap in to yourself.

JORDAN PAULDIN

(She/Her)

IV Development Assistant

LGBTQ+

Bisexual

Jewel IV x Jordan

Jewel IV: How was your “coming out” process?

Jordan: My coming out process was actually pretty smooth. For a good part of my life, I’d always questioned my sexuality and what I truly liked, but I was also afraid about what my parents would think. After coming out to them, I realized that family was important and they had my back and supported me always.

Jewel IV: Does your lifestyle influence your art or creative process?

Jordan: I like to share my story and others because I like representation, and my characters don’t let their sexuality define them, but it’s still a part of their lifestyle, and that’s how I like to write them.

Jewel IV: How will you continue to contribute to celebrating your pride and what it means to you?

Jordan: I celebrate pride everyday by being authentic to myself, no matter what, and by supporting my fellow LGBTQIA+ members

Jewel IV: Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ artist or creative, and why?

Jordan: My favorite is Kehlani, because over the years, she has never let anyone define her sexuality based on her romantic life, and she changes it based on she sees fit. She is an inspiration for me to live my life and not give a fuck about other people.

Jewel IV: What would you say to a creative who is struggling with identity, self-confidence, or assurance?

Jordan: Always remember that there’s no one out there like you, and don’t be afraid to truly be yourself. At the end of the day, it’s all about making yourself happy.

GABE WEST

(He/Him or They/Them)

IV Staff Writer

LGBTQ+

Queer

Jewel IV x Gabe West

Jewel IV: How was your “coming out” process?

Gabe: I would say the coming out process was and still is a work in progress. I became really obsessed with the idea of "coming out" to my family and friends, but now I'm indifferent to who knows and what they know. It really won't change who I am at this point.

Jewel IV: Does your lifestyle influence your art or creative process?

Gabe: I guess you can say I'm always going to have someone from the LGBTQ community in my stories. It doesn't feel authentic when I don't have at least one character that I personally identify with, and it makes the story seem flat because nothing that I'm writing represents me or a portion of the population in any way.

Jewel IV: How will you continue to contribute to celebrating your pride and what it means to you?

Gabe: The best thing I can do for my pride is to continue to write what I know, what I've experienced, and what I believe helps show the world that members of the LGBTQ community are no different than anyone else. We're all human beings, and that's something even I had to come to terms with within my own journey. I'm no different than my straight friend. I love the same, feel the same, and hurt the same, so when I think of pride, I think it's a matter of self-awareness and acceptance. I've accepted myself, and after the hurt and pain I went through to get to this point, I believe I deserve a chance to express myself in a healthy way. That's what pride is to me.

Jewel IV: Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ artist or creative, and why?

Gabe: I've been a fan of Kehlani for years now, and honestly, I don't know. It started off with just liking their music, then it became like how they used social media to uplift their friends or organizations that help the less fortunate, and then it grew into a little bit of everything. Mistakes and all, I have always respected the way Kehlani navigated the industry. I think they're one of the authentic ones, and that's something I latched onto early on.

Jewel IV: What would you say to a creative who is struggling with identity, self-confidence, or assurance?

Gabe: Embrace the struggle. Be okay with making mistakes, getting it wrong, and having to start over. There is no timeline, no countdown, and no one screaming at you to get it right by a certain age. You are allowed to be fluid and change your mind. The best part about this journey is that while it comes with hurt and confusion, it also comes with joy and growth and finding friends who will love you unconditionally for who you are or will be. Don't rush it. Even if you stumble or fall, trust in yourself to get back on your feet and keep going.

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IV Vision would like to wish our Atlanta sponsors and vendors a special thank you for their contribution to #TheExposureTour

Much love!

Jewel IV + Shakeem Cota

Thank you so much, Atlanta for coming out and showing love on our first stop on #TheExposureTour.

Houston, you’re next! ✨🤘🏾