The Denver Film Community is coming together to raise awareness about bullying through the upcoming feature film, “Bully Girls.” To effectively raise awareness, the cast and crew of Dark Star Productions and Jazzy K Productions aim to have the film adopted into school district curriculums nationwide. The film looks at both sides of the bullying phenomenon and explores possible environments that may foster bullying.
“Because 'Bully Girls' is more realistic than most videos shown in schools, we feel this film will make a difference.” explains Kasha Fauscett, Associate Producer. “Bully Girls” began production in April 2011, and is an adaptation from the book “Bully Boys”, both written by Thomas Lee Howell. Howell will be making his directorial debut next to Ketrick “Jazz” Copeland, founder of Jazzy K Productions. Copeland says that his participation in this film has made an impact on his life. “You really don't understand how serious an issue is until you become involved to help,” he explains.
Off the film set, the teen cast is inspiring communities with their involvement. Cassie Perkins, who plays Jackie Douglas, personally experienced bullying while in school. At the age of 13, she is turning a negative experience into a positive: hosting two talk shows that approach subjects like bullying, suicide and others from a teen's perspective. Playing the bully Lisa Taylor, Christine Mascolo has traveled the world and interacted with many cultures and people; she always finds the beauty in everyone. She would like people to consider that “when given a chance, people can actually learn to get along and maybe even like each other.” Haley Smith plays Lisa's sister Cindy Taylor. She beleives the film will “get the point across to the public about the tragedy of bullying these days.” Haidyn Harvey, who plays Jackie's ally Dawn Banner, holds fundraisers to help kids in Africa. She believes kids will respond positively to “Bully Girls” and become part of the solution.
"Bully Girls" is currently going out to film festivals. For more information about the film, visit website or e-mail tomlazer@yahoo.com.
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