Actor-singer Kyla Pratt stars “The Memo,” a film adaptation of the psychological thriller by Minda Harts, which also features music from pioneering female rapper and musician MC Lyte.
According to the announcement, the film is a first-hand account of the tumultuous journey of a woman navigating the corporate ladder, starring Pratt, who starred in Eddie Murphy’s “Dr. Dolittle” films and multiple television series. MC Lyte has signed on to score the film and act as the music supervisor.
The short film is the first project from Seed Media, a multimedia company and storytelling platform founded by Valeisha Butterfield, a former top executive with Google and the Recording Academy and previously the national youth vote director for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
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The film’s inspiration is explained in the announcement: “Women leaders are leaving their jobs at the most alarming rate in history,” it states, citing Forbes and the Women in the Workplace study (LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company). “Entertainment pioneers in music, film and television banded together to produce an explosive short film to address this widening gap with storytelling and music at its core.”
The film, directed by Vanna James and written/produced by Nakia Stephens, is currently in post production. Executive producers include Butterfield, Harts, Pratt, Modupé R. Congleton and Miatta Johnson.
“The Memo is a first-hand account of my experience in corporate America, but I’m not alone,” says Harts. “Our stories are often overlooked, leaving many women feeling isolated with nowhere to turn for support, while climbing the proverbial corporate ladder to success. Success is not a solo sport and partnering with Valeisha Butterfield and SEED Media will set a new audience and generation free.”
“The Memo’s book and script resonated deeply with me from beginning to end,” says Pratt. “Coming from a lineage of resilient Black women and now raising daughters myself, the chance to portray the lead Minda Harts presented by Seed, was an unequivocal yes! As storytellers, it’s our responsibility to truthfully depict narratives and characters that empower others to feel acknowledged, understood, and liberated. I am honored to be the vessel that brings this amazing story to life.”
Butterfield says,“Storytelling and music are the most powerful tools on the planet to drive transformation and positive social change. Seed’s vision is to illuminate the most iconic, untold stories of our generation and ‘The Memo’ is one of the most riveting books ever published for women in the workplace. This project comes at the perfect time as we approach one of the most consequential presidential elections in history with a woman at the top of the ticket.”
“Music and music creators are at the bedrock of every great story and movement in history,” exclaimed music legend MC Lyte. “I’m honored to partner with Seed to score ‘The Memo’ during such a pivotal time with women at the highest levels taking center stage. This project is a powerful message about resilience and I can’t wait for audiences to feel the impact of this story.”
