Director and Producer Notes

Notes from the Choreographer/Performer/Co-producer Jayde Margulis

As much as an individual’s art form brings happiness, inspiration and joy to their life, there is also a dark side to it. There are hardships, failures, disappointments and struggles that come with being an artist. The arts are filled with creative perfectionists who yearn to inspire others and have an impact on the world. Unfortunately, artists frequently face a variety of challenges and obstacles they must overcome in order to succeed. This film project showcases how artists persevere in the face of adversity, and let their passion for their craft prevail.

This project is very special to me. I want to create something meaningful and relatable to other artists like myself. I love what I do, but it isn’t always easy. But it’s necessary because the world needs art. Art makes the world a better place. We all benefit in unique ways from all that art allows us to enjoy and appreciate in our everyday lives. I want the World Needs You film to showcase the struggles artists go through, so society can appreciate the perseverance and temptation to give up that artists endure.

When I presented my ideas for World Needs You to Andres Ramirez, I learned that he shared my thoughts about the challenges faced by artists. To be an artist and stick with your art form takes a special kind of person. One who can accept criticism, and the fact that not everyone will feel the same about their work. Artists are often looked down on, as well. I remember a high school history teacher once telling me to “stop wasting my time at dance.” 

Artists are also frequently taken advantage of. I’ve been invited to dance in certain projects where everyone except the dancers were being paid. The list goes on. There is so much toxicity that occurs in the arts; my goal is to show through World Needs You that yes: there are many hardships that come with being an artist, yet we stay motivated and continue to perfect our craft. 

Notes from the Director/Writer Andres Ramirez 

I have always been a huge fan of musicals and horror movies. Ever since graduating from NYU, I have had the ambition of creating an original musical. When first invited to collaborate with the super-talented Jayde, I was beyond ecstatic to work on this project. It will combine multiple genres, such as classical elements from musicals, horror movies and psychological thrillers, with, of course, dance. Upon hearing Jayde’s idea of including a scene where she will be dancing while chained in a New York City alley, I was more than stoked to help create and bring her “nightmare” to life and structure it into a script format for the audience to follow a story about an artist finding themselves and the uncertainty that whole process requires. 

In this project, we will be exploring a variety of themes, such as “the weight of the world on the artist as they pursue their passion for creating”; and “why artists struggle through the creative process as they try to find themselves.” These thematic elements hit home as I sometimes find myself contemplating these very issues. Creative artists often become discouraged, and this presents a perfect opportunity to explore our personal challenges. We will also explore how New York City can be a challenging venue for artists and how we maneuver through the web of obstacles it presents.  

I am very excited to partner with Jayde on this film, in which we will present an introspective of the creative artist.  We will create a multi-genre production, shot on location while exploring New York City, which will combine a variety of thematic elements. 

This project will only be possible to be produced to the level of expectations that both Jayde and I have and desire for this project with the help of our already fundraised money and with the hope of the Unsolicited Scripts Short Film Grant. 

Therefore, I hope you consider our project as one of the recipients of the Unsolicited Scripts Short Film Grant, as the immediate funding will help us significantly to meet our estimated shooting dates in Spring 2023, as well as hiring key crew members and book rehearsal spaces. 

Thank you for your kind consideration and support and please let us know if you have any questions.

 Andres Ramirez (Director, Writer and Producer of World Needs You)