“Line of Sight” is Expressed Entertainment's upcoming feature film that delves into the emotional journey of a mother seeking to reunite with her long-lost son after he was kidnapped in broad daylight. Based on the short film by the same name, filmed for the Buffalo 48-hour film festival, the feature will allow for a deeper dive into the characters and a couple of extra twists.

The Film: A young mother has her son kidnapped in broad daylight. His kidnapping was overshadowed by a larger kidnapping case and he was never found. The case is closed. But ten years later, after trying to make a fresh start, this mother is confronted with the hope of once again holding her long-lost son when she spots a young man who could be him. Tensions rise with his could-be kidnapper and it all comes to a head. Who is guilty, will depend on your line of sight.

The Writers: Lead by Johnette "JA" Warren-Askew as the main writer, was an eclectic team of writers which gave the film so much depth. Joining JA in the writing effort is Benhamin Brindise, Dacia Dunnigan, Craig Douglass, Carine Merritt, and Jonathan Douglass. Having such a diverse team of writers with different backgrounds, who provided pushback on one another's idea's in a positive way, created an atmosphere that could cultivate such a multi-layered piece of work.

The Director: Johnette “JA” Warren-Askew is an entrepreneur, writer, independent film director, spoken word artist, podcaster, wife, mother, Lupus Warrior, Kidney Patient, and most importantly, a child of God. She recently became one of the newest Kidney Patient Advocates for The National Kidney Foundation. Her motto is “Does a thought even matter if it is never expressed to be reckoned with?” In 2006, Johnette was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and End Stage Renal Failure. Her diagnosis would change the trajectory of her life but not deter her from following her dreams and trying to be a positive influence on the next generation with her multimedia arts summer program.
Despite the seven years spent on dialysis before finally receiving a kidney transplant in 2018, JA and her husband Marvin Askew II built up Expressed Entertainment, a multimedia production company. Of which she is co-owner and CEO.
Together they do indie films, music and spoken word videos, photography, commercials, websites, podcasts, and more.
She has also focused on writing, directing, and turning her pain into purpose. Hoping to encourage and uplift those living with chronic illnesses and those who love them. While also telling stories that matter.
JA is also Founder and Executive Director of The EXE Jr. Youth Program. Its mission is to “Help disadvantaged youth discover, develop and display their talents” through a cooperative multi-media program. JA, also has released two Spoken Word CD’s called “Innermosity Poetics” and the second was entitled “Simple Complexity: Spoken Word to Music”, which can be purchased on iTunes or wherever you get your music.
She has co-written a fairytale story with her, then, 4th grade daughter Joy Matteos entitled “Princess Joy”. She also wrote and directed a film, “The Glass Floor”. It received The Audience and Most Promising New Filmmaker at The Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival. Other films include De Javu, The Temp, @Firstborn, and Ember's Rise.
Currently, her team is working on the feature-length version of "Line of Sight. She is also working on a new book and Spoken Word album. Both based on her testimony. Positive creative self-expression is very important to JA. So, she continues to promote this concept to both students and adults alike. Watch her site www.jaexpressed.com for updates on new films, tracks, books, podcasts, videos, performances, speaking engagements, and National Kidney Foundation advocacy work from JA.

The Director of Photography: Marvin R. Askew II has a BS of Science for Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University. He is co-owner of Expressed Entertainment and owner of Slightly Askew'd Films. He has worked with JA on every film as both director of photography and co-producer. He also wrote and directed The Temp in addition to his work on the films mentioned above. He takes great pride in every aspect of the film from filming, to editing, special effects to coloring.

Line of Sight Feature Film

By Line of Sight Film

Line of Sight Feature Film

Elevating Buffalo's Independent Film Productions.

Team Members