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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Irish Film Critic: When Today Ends review
MOVIE REVIEW: “WHEN TODAY ENDS” IS A HYPER-REAL AND MODERN DEPICTION OF TEENAGE SUICIDE
“The film has a hyper-realistic style of filming that tends to let you forget you’re watching something fictional.”
Four teenagers post their personal stories online using the hashtag, #WhenTodayEnds. With no filter and complete abandon, Jenna, Nick, Megan, and James all share their deepest, darkest secrets only to fall eerily down the same path.
“When Today Ends,” tells the story of four teens who are each suffering within their own lives. Each of these young people records their deepest, most personal secrets on social media. The only thing linking these four stories to one another is that they posted these heartbreaking videos, all with the same hashtag, #WhenTodayEnds.
Michael Leoni continues his run of emotionally impactful stories with this latest film. This time he takes his storytelling from the stage to the silver screen, telling the story of depression and desperation regarding teen suicide. The film has a hyper-realistic style of filming that tends to let you forget you’re watching something fictional. It’s also compounded by the incredible performances from the leads Derick Breezee, Jacqi Vene, and Gavin Leatherwood. Each of whom brings depth and complexity to their characters. A difficult feat as each actor had to deal with long monologues and deeply traumatic portrayals that will hit hard with audiences all whilst filming themselves.
What really stood out to me was the decision to shoot the film in a vlog-like style. It really allows us to develop a relationship with each of these characters as we voyeuristically follow them and witness, first hand, their experiences. The closeness the audience feels as we watch what’s happening or how they react to the circumstances they are presented really pulls you in. At times you are lulled into this space of pseudo-reality as you watch these intimate confessionals as if you had found them scrolling on your phone. Especially, considering the intense emotions portrayed by the actors. Despite the challenges of playing their own camera operators, they each give justice to their character’s specific story.
“When Today Ends” expertly depicts what is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to teen suicide and forces us to confront what so many ignore. Given our obsession with technology and social media, this film knows just how to maintain the audience’s attention using that obsession as a storytelling device.