The producers share their thoughts on Exposed and we will share the music that inspired Shazir Sutton’s character.
We are four days from principal photography and we thought it would be a good time to share our thoughts on the project including why this story is so important to us, how we feel about the character dynamics, as well as, share some fun facts.
What drew you to this story?
Tobi: If I am being completely honest it was the combination of black culture and LGBTQ characters. I was intrigued with how the characters were written; outside the Hollywood cookie-cutter norm. This played a huge factor in the driving force that drew me to the story. I am a writer before a producer so I really resonated with the story on a personal level.
Alex: I worked on Exposure as a Key MUA and had one of the most eye-opening experiences ever. It was my first set where the majority of the crew were black and the vibes were so immaculate that I reached out to Jewel during the tour to live to stream it for him. We talked and I told him that although I was an MUA I really wanted to establish myself in a different position and he took the chance with me and I helped executive produce the second part of this trilogy ZIR. It’s really crazy how things work out because what I didn’t know was how much Jewel and I needed each other for that project. We would spend hours in his apartment creating this world deeper than what we could have ever imagined. That whole development process just locked me in entirely to this series and I am so thankful for the personal relationship I have with Jewel and this story.
Sarah: My closest friends are a part of the LGBT community and I enjoy being able to support, grow, and learn along with them. So I wanted to support and stand in solidarity with them and help bring a different and unique perspective to life.
Did you put yourself in any of the characters or identify with them?
Tobi: Yes, I could definitely connect to Levi’s tenacity to hustle, because I too love cash, hahaha.
Alex: Definitely Alicia specifically because of her spirituality and earthy vibe. She’s a new character addition that I think speaks to a certain crowd of black women. She gives soulful vibes and I’m excited to see how the audience takes to her.
Sarah: I resonate with the women of the world. We have the earthy soulful vibes of Alicia who wears her heart on her sleeve with the bold and powerful ride-or-die, friend, Chelsea. The two of them balance the male dynamic of the episodic.
Where do you hope this story goes?
Tobi: I definitely hope we go on tour. Honestly if I am being super positive I would love this short to capture the attention of Harpo Production and get produced by them, Oprah please give me a job.
Alex: I see this story going to a lot of places, especially within the SCAD community. I would love to see this picked up on a streaming platform for viewing if the market allows it.
Sarah: In the simplest of terms everywhere, but if I had to be more specific I would say the World of Exposure including Zir and Exposed: The Series would fit nicely on HOORAE.
What do you hope ppl get from this story?
Tobi: My answer is going to be something outta pocket like sometimes: doing the wrong thing yields good results. I mean Marcus did his man so dirty by submitting those pictures …however he did win.
Alex: There’s always been this talk of what it means to be LGBTQ+ and black. I hope this enlightens people that identifying who you are is important but also respecting those who need time to get comfortable with their identity is equally as important.
Sarah: I want people to feel more open and honest after watching this proof and know that it is ok to speak and live your truth, whatever that means for them.
Which character would you say you are most like and why?
Tobi: I really want to say Alicia because I vibe with her playlist however she stays getting played and I’ve never been played in my life so I have to go with Chelsea
Alex: I feel I’m in close connection with Chelsea in the series especially when it comes to how she rides for her people. She’s the hype and fun friend and she’s funny. I would say I’m all of those things as well lol.
Sarah: I think I identify with Levi the most because he has a tough exterior but is softer on the inside, especially around those that he trusts.
What was the most challenging and most rewarding part of Exposed?
Tobi: Location scouting, that whole process is super tedious and can be such a headache but once a location is locked it feels like the story becomes more concrete. Shout out to Alexis Bloom for heading up locations, God bless that woman.
Alex: I think the most challenging part of all of this has just been the sacrifices we’ve all made to be a part of this project. We all have invested months of our time and have committed to meeting twice a week just to hold ourselves accountable for producing this project. The most rewarding part for me is seeing the pieces fall together and those loving moments the team shares in our meetings. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. Everyone has each other’s backs and that feeling is irreplaceable.
Sarah: I would say the most challenging part has been finding the right locations for each scene that will match the aesthetic of our vision. It’s important for us to show Savannah, Georgia as a character in this world and how the characters live and breathe within the space.
Favorite line or scene from the script?
Tobi: “What does he have on?” | Chelsea
Alex: “What you doing for the rest of the night?” | Alicia
Sarah: “Now what’s with the lack of enthusiasm?” | Von
The Juug Playlist
As we reach production, we want to provide more of a look into the characters that help create the World of Exposure. Shazir Sutton (played by Todras Sam) is a half-brother to Levi Sutton and is in the drug game with their Uncle Von. He does not like the idea of getting deeper into the drug game because of his mother’s overdose, but reluctantly agrees. He is a hustler who still cares deeply about his family and those closest to him.
“A soul survivor dealing with his own troubles.” ~Todras Sam
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
ZiR’s Juug Playlist
“Juug” was the dart word that Jewel gave for our first principal character playlist. The stand term which means the aggressive act of making a profit with finesse regardless of the consequences and obstacles captures the character arc that Shazir Sutton battles within Exposed: The Series. We first meet Shazir Sutton (previously played by Lorenzo Brown III, now by Todras Sam) in IV Vision’s second addition to the Exposure Trilogy, ZIR. In the film, we drop back in time to see the reconnection with his distant father, Zion, in a pivotal moment within Shazir’s childhood that molds his actions in his adulthood showcased in the series. Throughout the series, we will dive deeper into Shazir’s past, uncovering the reasoning for his choices and actions within the present day. Zir will ultimately learn that not all skinfolk are kinfolk. Formulated from the best hits of 2010’s Hip-Hop and Rap, this playlist features artists that bring new age grit and ruggedness to the Exposure world, such as MoneybaggYo, Lil Baby, Future, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil-Wayne, Kevin Gates, Migos, NBA YoungBoy, 21 Savage, Rod Wave and more.
Listen on Apple. Tidal. Spotify.
Check out our individual picks.
Jewel:
Started from the Bottom - Drake
N****s in Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye West
No Lie - 2 Chainz
Mask Off - Future
Bando - Migos
Sarah:
Been Broke - Tobe Nwigwe ft. Fat, 2 Chainz, Chamillionaire
No Commas - D Smoke
Family Ties - Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar
Broke in a Minute - Tory Lanez
New Level - A$AP Ferg ft. Future
Alex:
6 Foot 7 Foot - Lil Wayne
T-Shirt - Migos
Really Really - Kevin Gates
Pushin P - Gunna & Future
Money in the Grave - Drake
Tobi:
Cut It - O.T. Genesis
Errrbody - Yo Gotti
Ain’t I - Yung LA
Drank In My Cup - Kirko Bangs
Pop That - French Montana
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.
Donations List
In order for our production to run smoothly, we are asking for these items to be donated.
Paper Towels
Hand Sanitizer
Masks
Sea breeze
Towels
Water
Energy drinks (Powerade, Gatorade, etc.)
Vitamin B
Chairs
Extension cords
Mini toolbox
Tape measure
First aid Kits
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Ice (day of)
Trash Bags
Disinfecting Wipes
Pens
COVID Tests
Foldable Tables
Tape
Coolers
Medical gloves
Medical wipes
Tents
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.
Looking for Extras!
Crew Call for PAs
We are still looking for 3 PAs 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 apply on the crew page.
