Kyla Pratt stars in ‘The Memo’: A powerful tale of resilience and ambition
A new cinematic journey
Kyla Pratt takes center stage in the upcoming film adaptation of the psychological thriller, “The Memo”, a story that delves deep into the challenges faced by women in the corporate world. This film, enriched with music from the iconic rapper and musician MC Lyte, promises to be a compelling narrative of ambition, struggle, and triumph.
The story behind ‘The Memo’
“The Memo” is a first-hand account of a woman’s tumultuous journey as she navigates the corporate ladder. Pratt, known for her roles in Eddie Murphy’s “Dr. Dolittle” films and various television series, brings her talent and depth to this role. The film is not just a visual treat but also an auditory experience, with MC Lyte scoring the film and acting as the music supervisor.
Seed Media’s inaugural project
This short film marks the debut project from Seed Media, a multimedia company and storytelling platform founded by Valeisha Butterfield. Butterfield, a former top executive with Google and the Recording Academy, and previously the national youth vote director for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, brings her extensive experience to this venture.
Addressing a critical issue
The inspiration behind “The Memo” is rooted in a pressing issue: the alarming rate at which women leaders are leaving their jobs. This phenomenon is highlighted by various studies, including those by Forbes and the Women in the Workplace study. The film aims to address this widening gap through powerful storytelling and music.
The creative minds behind the film
Directed by Vanna James and written/produced by Nakia Stephens, “The Memo” is currently in post-production. The executive producers include Butterfield, Harts, Pratt, Modupé R. Congleton, and Miatta Johnson. This team of talented individuals is dedicated to bringing this important story to life.
A personal reflection from Minda Harts
Minda Harts, whose experiences inspired the film, shares, “The Memo is a first-hand account of my experience in corporate America, but I’m not alone. Our stories are often overlooked, leaving many women feeling isolated with nowhere to turn for support while climbing the proverbial corporate ladder to success. Success is not a solo sport, and partnering with Valeisha Butterfield and SEED Media will set a new audience and generation free.”
Kyla Pratt’s connection to the story
Pratt expresses her deep connection to the story, saying, “The Memo’s book and script resonated deeply with me from beginning to end. Coming from a lineage of resilient Black women and now raising daughters myself, the chance to portray the lead Minda Harts presented by Seed, was an unequivocal yes! As storytellers, it’s our responsibility to truthfully depict narratives and characters that empower others to feel acknowledged, understood, and liberated. I am honored to be the vessel that brings this amazing story to life.”
The power of storytelling and music
Butterfield emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and music, stating, “Storytelling and music are the most powerful tools on the planet to drive transformation and positive social change. Seed’s vision is to illuminate the most iconic, untold stories of our generation, and ‘The Memo’ is one of the most riveting books ever published for women in the workplace. This project comes at the perfect time as we approach one of the most consequential presidential elections in history with a woman at the top of the ticket.”
MC Lyte’s contribution
Music legend MC Lyte shares her excitement about the project, “Music and music creators are at the bedrock of every great story and movement in history. I’m honored to partner with Seed to score ‘The Memo’ during such a pivotal time with women at the highest levels taking center stage. This project is a powerful message about resilience, and I can’t wait for audiences to feel the impact of this story.”
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “The Memo,” you can watch the trailer here and explore more about the film. This project is not just a film but a movement, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of women in the workplace.
“The Memo” is set to be a groundbreaking film that combines powerful storytelling with evocative music, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts and anyone interested in the dynamics of the corporate world.