Stills from the 2 A.M.

DONATING TO THIS FILM

To make this film possible we need donations from people like you who want to support art that matters. This film will shine a light on the economic disparity between the south side of Chicago and the north side. Plus it’s a dope ass film that’s entertaining. Support us by clicking the button below and give what you can.

Brandon is a gifted teen living in poverty who dreams of more. But he falls into a life of crime and his big ambitions could be crushed after he goes too far.

Brandon has undeniable music gifts and a mind to match. But his hunger to rise above the impoverished streets he’s from push him to become the worst that those streets can produce. His world grows darker as Brandon comes face to face with the other side of the law—and someone he loves comes face to face with what he’s become.

THE culture

This film is inspired by the hip-hop of 1988. The spirit— from those black-and-red Jordan 3s to the parental advisory stickers on cassette tapes—and the dark realities that gave a foundation to so much of it. 2 AM uses that spirit as a backdrop for a young creative man’s present-day moral struggle. You can learn a lot about someone if you listen to their playlists. Below are the mixtapes of each character in the film. Check out their music. What kind of person do you hear?

DIRECTOR’S VISION

This film is heavily influenced by classic hip-hop—specifically the sounds and styles of 1988. With the essence of contemporary Chicago as a backdrop and character unto itself; 2 A.M. is also inspired by a vast array of classic films: from DOPE to MEAN STREETS to JUICE to THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. To learn more about the look of the film download the Director’s Lookbook below.

the 2AM team

Producer: Laura Avey

Producer, Laura Avey is a Chicago native with over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She moved to LA when she was 18 and spent 8 years as an actress - best known for I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant, Raising Hope (recurring) and Love or War.  

After spending more than the first half of her life in front of the camera, she decided to hang up the Actress hat, move back to Chicago and switch roles to Producer. Simultaneously, she has taken on a part-time job as a Project Manager at a renowned Creative Agency. Laura has been freelancing as a Film Producer for 2 years and has had the opportunity to work with outstanding teams of people and familiar talents such as Glyn Milburn (NFL Bears) and A.C. Green (Lakers). 

From Modeling to Acting to Casting to Producing and Project Management, Laura is well rounded in the entertainment business and loves nothing more than creating beautiful, meaningful art for others to enjoy!

Casting Director: Kat Blade

Kat Blade is thrilled to be working with 2 A.M. She has been featured in many Chicago independent films. Credits include: No Soliciting (30before30productions),Wishing (Shooter Productions), Alleyway (Fire Escape Films), and Headlines (D.A.S.H.Entertainment). In 2013, Kat received the Best Actress award for The Created (D.A.S.H.Entertainment) at the Life Fest Film Festival in Hollywood, CA.  She is a member of the Newton and Einstein Ensemble at Theatre Momentum. Kat served as casting director for the indie film Division and local commercials. Kat has trained at Green Shirt Studio (Meisner), Ted Sarantos Studio (Improv and Scene Study) and Vagabond School of the Arts (Intense Scene Study). She was also the creator and host of the internet radio show called The P.H.A.T. Girls Show on Intellectual Radio. In 2013, the show traveled to West Africa to explore how body image is viewed among women in Africa. Kat is an avid reader and volunteers in area homeless shelters.

Producer/Writer/Director: Soweto Bosia

Director, Soweto Bosia is a visionary that has written and directed three short films and countless sketch comedies. Since moving to Chicago he's been working on multiple video projects for Sears, Kmart, PBS, and non-profits. His background in graphic design aids in his filmmaking craft.

Producer: Todd “Stereo” Williams

Todd "Stereo" Williams is a screenwriter, director and producer. Williams directed the 2014 documentary BEAUTIFUL SKIN and has produced video content for outlets such as Rolling Out and The BoomBox. A 2018 L.A. Press Award winner, Williams has 20 years of experience as a hip-hop journalist, writing for Billboard, The Daily Beast, The Boombox and rollingout.com. He is also a featured columnist for ESPN’s The Undefeated.

Director of photography: Natalie reinholtz

Natalie Reinholtz is a Chicago based cinematographer. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with BA in Cinema Arts and Science in 2017. Since then, Natalie has been actively working in the film industry in Chicago, shooting everything from music videos to narrative pieces. She finds inspiration in art of all forms and often turns to photography or music when in need of a creative boost. Natalie looks up to other women in film such as Reed Morano, Rachel Morrison, and Ellen Kuras. When she's not on set, you can find Natalie trying to teach her two cats how to be dogs.