DOC - Locked In

Documentary Feature

Title: Locked In

Project Status: In Postproduction

Logline 

Bound by brotherhood and the complex, paternal love of founder Ty Brown, the Brooklyn United marching band is at a pivotal point in their decade-long mission. Six senior members are on the cusp of fulfilling Brown’s aspirations for the Black youth of Crown Heights to explore new possibilities and instill generational change.

Synopsis

This fall will mark the columination of 11 years of Ty Brown’s work – a group of six seniors from Crown Heights, Brooklyn and the surrounding neighborhoods will graduate high school and go off to college. It’s the fulfillment of “The Mission” Ty set off to achieve, a dream he saw for the neighborhood since his childhood. Ty runs the high energy and engaging performance drumline who have performed on some of the world’s largest stages. These highly skilled musicians have performed everywhere from halftime for the Nets to Carnegie Hall to the Met Gala. However, their biggest success is through their youth development program that saves kids from the temptations of drugs and gangs through academic support, character development, skill building and performance opportunities. Ty has transformed this program from a group of seven innercity kids into the hundred plus disciplined musicians they are today. Our documentary will follow six kids as they transition from one brotherhood to another – trading their black and white Brooklyn United garb for the royal blue of Hampton University. While their leaving marks the end of a significant chapter for BU, Ty Brown’s work is far from done. We will follow as he continues in his endeavor to lead and mentor the remaining BU kids as they transition from the intermediate band (MBU) into the disciplined men that perform in the traveling band (EVO).

Additional Project Information

In 1960, 75% of Black children in the U.S. lived in two-parent households. Today, that figure is closer to 40%. These statistics are glaringly evident throughout Locked In with over half of the band members coming from a single-parent household. Their stories exemplify the degenerating effects of growing up with limited parental guidance in a marginalized environment that includes economic retraction, incarceration, and academic regression. Locked In shows the overwhelming obstacles these talented musicians face day to day in school, at home, and at practice. The culture of Crown Heights includes navigating poverty, gangs, violence, and drugs with few positive adult influences. There are moments when the film feels like a spiritual battle with the BU village clawing their way through trauma to reach the performance stage. Social and economic mobility is so fragile in this community, and everyone is hyper aware of the alternatives the young men face without the brotherhood of the band. In an interview, senior member Josh tells his mother that his friend from suspension school has been shot dead. The question lingers if Josh would have suffered the same fate if there hadn’t been an advocate like Brown in his life. Locked In highlights the opportunities that Brown and the BU village provides– emotional support, mentorship, brotherhood, skills that lead to scholarships, and travel opportunities– but the film also shows the scarcity of opportunities for the Black youth of Crown Heights.

Team

Directed By: Stephen Mucci

Produced By: Stephen Mucci, Rashad Isaac, Chelsea Sanders

Seeking

We are looking for co-productions, EPs, and financial partnerships that allow us to continue post-production and help us secure distribution.

Rights Available

All rights available

Project Website

https://www.lockedinmovie.com/

Contact

Stephen Mucci

stephenpmucci@gmail.com

954-661-1766