THE WAY OF THE BEARS

Black Film Space is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the Feature Film, The Way of The Bears. 

The Way of The Bears has been chosen after careful evaluation from our board, and we believe it supports our mission to provide career advancing opportunities for Black filmmakers.

All donations are tax deductible and go 100% towards the making of this film. 7% of every contribution going directly to Black Film Space.

DONATE

ABOUT THE PROJECT


PROJECT TYPE: Feature Film
GENRE: Coming of Age Drama
PROJECT STATUS: Pre-Production
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER: Leon Pierce Jr.
LEAD ACTOR: Benjamin Tanner
LEAD ACTOR: Emiliana Jasper
LEAD ACTOR: Darren Lee Campbell
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Yancey Well

LOGLINE:  

In a quietly surreal corner of Los Angeles, a cynical pizza worker, an aspiring filmmaker, and a small circle of misfits navigate friendship, failure, and the messy beauty of trying to find meaning , or at least, a reason to laugh , in a world that never slows down.

SYNOPSIS:

Tommy, early-20s, is stuck, a pizza shop employee with a sharp wit and a soft heart he hides behind sarcasm. He says he “just wants to be rich,” but what he really wants is to feel like he matters. His friend Hazel, a film student, sees something in him, potential  that he refuses to claim. She’s chasing her dream, though her optimism that often collides with his cynicism. When she invites him to help with her short film, he hesitates at first, but eventually agrees.

Meanwhile, their friend Mac, a hotheaded pizza delivery driver with anger issues, begins to change after mandatory anger management, finding unexpected peace, and a new found connection with Cassie, another attendee. As the trio faces Marty’s decision to close the pizzeria, their lives unravel and intertwine through moments of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

The Way of the Bears is a love letter to the dreamers who didn’t make it big , but found something real in their struggles: each other and a reason to roar to be seen and heard.

Meet the Team

  • Leon Pierce Jr.

    DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER

    Filmmaker, Leon Pierce Jr., is a Los Angeles native and a natural born storyteller. He has written, produced and directed several short films, including the award winning romance dramedy, Without Her and the romance drama, Broke Lovers. Leon, also wrote, produced, directed and executive produced his first feature film, Welcome Matt, a dramedy about mental health, starring Tahj Mowry and Deon Cole. The film has been distributed by Gravitas Ventures, for a nationwide release on May 28th 2021. It's currently available on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

  • Benjamin Tanner

    LEAD ACTOR

    Benjamin Tanner is a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design with a stereotypical actors story of packing his car and moving across the country to Los Angeles. His interests outside of acting would include hiking, cooking, teaching himself the piano, and a deep love for his kitty cat. He is 24 years old and prefers acting in comedy or rom coms, but does enjoy diversifying into different roles.

  • Emiliana Jasper

    LEAD ACTOR

    Emiliana Jasper is an experienced actor with over 30+ Films under her belt and has lead three Feature Films. She earned national recognition and praise for her role as Emma in the Feature Film MIA (available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV).

  • Darren Lee Campbell

    LEAD ACTOR

    Mr. Campbell was nominated for three best actor awards as the lead actor for the hit short thriller film "Look Twice." Darren won best actor award for Look Twice at the New Renaissance Dreamers of Dreams Film Festival held in London. Darren booked his first Feature role film (Get Rich Free) as the role "Nice Guy" that can be seen on Amazon Prime Video. He was cast as one of the lead actors in an award winning short film called "On The Line' which earned the rights to be Oscar Qualified at the 2023 95Th Academy Awards.. Mr. Campbell is continuing his study and grow in the arts as he pursues his passion.

  • Yancey Wells

    DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    Yancey Wells, based in Los Angeles, California, is a freelance Director of Photography. From Tucson, Arizona, he got his start in film in front of the camera, acting in movies and tv series such as Whiplash and Them. This experience ignited his passion for filmmaking, leading him to pursue a role behind the camera. His work encompasses a diverse range of formats, including commercials, music videos, and narrative films.