An 11:11 EXPERIENCE (Production Company), run by partners Michael Leoni, Michelle Kaufer, and Erica Katzin, is a Los Angeles based production company dedicated to creating projects that promote social change. 11:11 was conceived from the idea that film and theatre have the capacity to create connection, encourage compassion and engage and inspire audiences. Founded in 2004, 11:11 focuses on developing powerful stories and compelling characters that encourage people to see the world from a new point of view.
From powerful documentaries to inspiring narratives and innovative theatre, 11:11 is committed to producing work that’s brave, provocative and significant.
Current projects include: American Street Kid, a powerful, award-winning, feature-length documentary, that takes us onto the streets and into the real lives of America’s homeless youth, currently available on Amazon Prime, iTunes, GooglePlay; When Today Ends, a narrative feature that confronts the tragic reality of teen suicide, scheduled for release in May 2021; and Famous, an innovative melding of live theatre and narrative filmmaking that delves deep into the behind-closed-doors side of sexual abuse in 90’s Hollywood.
"Michael Leoni continues his run of emotionally impactful stories."
- Irish Film Critic
AMERICAN STREET KID (2020)
In American Street Kid, filmmaker Michael Leoni takes you on a journey into a world that most people don't know exists. A world where in order to survive, kids are forced to sell drugs, beg for money or sell their bodies. Their powerful stories are heartbreaking and their unrelenting hope and determination to create a better life shines through, in this true tale of love, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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Deadline: Theater-Film Hybrid ‘Famous’ Getting U.S. Release In Kandoo Films Deal
EXCLUSIVE: Kandoo Films has acquired worldwide rights to Famous, a drama from writer-director Michael Leoni that melds elements of live theater and film to shine a light on the impact of abuse in the entertainment industry. The indie distributor will release the pic in 10 U.S. theaters to start December 10 day-and-date with digital platforms.
Chris Kattan, Brooke Butler, CJ Valleroy and Josh Pafchek lead the ensemble cast of the film, which centers on A-list celebrity Jason Mast (Pafchek), who driven by a devastating need to expose the truth pushes the boundaries of friendship to reveal the true cost of fame. What appears to be a night of celebration turns out to be an intricate plan to confront his past in a story about Young Hollywood in the 1990s that confronts abuse, and the abuse of power, in the industry.
Check out the trailer below.
“I have a deep love and respect for independent films when they’re done right,” said Kandoo Films’ Howard Barish, who was Oscar-nominated as a producer of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th. “Famous is definitely one of those films and it’s also so timely both in style and content. Michael Leoni has done it once again and I’m extremely proud to be working with him.”
Leoni’s previous credits include American Street Kid about the epidemic of homelessness and youth and the teen suicide drama When Today Ends. He produced Famous with his 11:11 Experience partners Erica R. Katzin and Mchelle Kaufer, with Martine Melloul, Barish, Dawn Dunning and Inbal B. Lessner (Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult) serving as executive producers.
Dunning, a onetime aspiring actress, was one of the women who testified against Harvey Weinstein in his New York sexual assault trial.
“I am honored to be a part of the Famous team and to help get this film the exposure it deserves,” she said. “Speaking out about the abuse of power in the entertainment industry is something that I strongly believe in. We don’t often talk about the abuse of young men, but it’s time that we do.”