WGA Award winner and Eisner-nominated writer-producer Marc Bernardin (“Splinter”) is returning to directing with “Deepest, Darkest.” He will be joined by a cavalcade of geek-centric creators for this sci-fi horror anthology film, celebrating people of color.
“So many of my friends have shared the same experience that I have, being a person of color in love with the kinds of worlds and genres that don’t always make room for us,” Bernardin told THR. “So we decided to be punk-rock and form a band. Kinda. The experience I had on my directorial debut on Splinter was transformative. And I wanted to create a platform that could also transform the homies.”
The Cast of “Deepest, Darkest”
He isn’t kidding about the star power behind this film, with the legendary Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”) set to star. Alongside Phil LaMarr (“Futurama”), Yetide Badaki (“American Gods”), and “Quantum Leap” stars Raymond Lee and Caitlin Bassett.
The creative team behind the camera is just as impressive. Including the project’s co-creator Tiffany Smith (“Splinter”), LaToya Morgan (“The Walking Dead”), Deric A Hughes (“Quantum Leap”), and Benjamin Raab (“The Flash”). Along with Ubah Mohamed (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Lamont Magee (“Star Wars: The Young Jedi Adventure”), Sujata Day (“Insecure”), and Kevin Avery (“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”). Each one will be stepping behind the camera, some for the first time. Day and Avery are also taking on acting roles for their segments.
Akela Cooper (“M3GAN”) is executive producing, along with producers Rachel Walker, Carrie Finn, and Kyle Smithers.
The stories will range in tone from horror and suspense to dark comedy and edgy science fiction. Each tale will revolve around one of our most basic human needs, keeping secrets.
“The idea for Deepest, Darkest sprang from a lazy brunch one day, and it felt like a no-brainer,” said Smith. “Creating a genre project we’d want to see, with some of the most talented writers and creatives in the industry attached, who also happen to be great friends? That’s the dream!”
Crowdfunding
“Deepest, Darkest,” launched a Kickstarter campaign on August 27th to raise money for principal and post-production.
“Kickstarter is always a gamble,” explains Bernardin. “But I believe there’s an audience out there that might embrace a collection of cinematic short stories that aim to thrill and scare and provoke, while also celebrating voices who don’t often get to be at the center of narratives like this.”
You can donate to “Deepest, Darkest”’s campaign here. We will keep you posted on updates about this project as it develops.
