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Hollywood Takes A First Look At “Killing Of Innocence” - The Jillian Bullock Story
Added: (Tue Aug 19 2008)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, contact:
Cheryl L. Bunkley
(404) 684-6000
horizonmedia@msn.com
Killing Of Innocence is based upon a true story of the brutal saga of the day-to-day life in a tight-knit Mafia organization through the eyes of a young, black girl, Jillian Bullock.
Jillian’s story takes us through the journey of her early life beginning with, Jack Stein, a white man who fell in love with her mother, Janet, a black woman. Jake was a member of the Philadelphia Italian Mafia during the 60’s and 70’s. Jake knew he would never get made, not only because he wasn’t full Italian, but he was shacked up with a black woman and her two kids. Still, Jillian was Jake’s heart, and he loved her as if she was his flesh and blood.
Life lessons began early for Jillian. At age 9, when she witnesses her ‘dad’ gun down a man in cold blood, Jake teaches her about loyalty, respect, and most importantly, remaining silent above all else. At age 11, she is the victim of rape. After Jillian tells Jake about the incident, the rapist is found dead the next day.
At age 15, after her stepfather dies, Jillian finds herself homeless and alone. To survive she turns to drugs, prostitution and criminal activity. Six months later, Jillian becomes pregnant. At age 16, Jillian delivers a two-month premature baby due to the drugs she took while carrying him; he almost dies. It is then that Jillian kicks drugs cold-turkey and works for several years to reinvent her life. She returns to high school, and then moves on to college while working as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. Eventually, Jillian works toward her goal of becoming an award winning writer and filmmaker.
With its mark of authenticity from Jillian’s viewpoint, Killing Of Innocence is a brilliantly damning portrayal of the characters and lifestyle of mobsters. It is also an astonishingly violent, yet wonderfully alluring script, showcasing the dangerous, but loving relationship between a white Mobster, and his street-smart, beautiful African-American daughter.
Despite the script being entertaining, it has a deeper meaning. Killing Of Innocence reinforces the enduring spirit of humankind, and that despite harrowing incidents one can truly overcome the most appalling experiences to emerge a victor in life.
As this story is filled with so many facets, including rape, murder and the mafia, it is no wonder
that this Philadelphia native’s (Jillian) story has captured the attention of several film producers
including, FastLane Productions Vice President, Michelle Kuykendall.
“I was captivated by the script from the first time I read it. I see it as a cross between “The Professional” and “GoodFellas” …this is definitely a story that needs to be told”, says Kuykendall.
Bullock’s publicist, Cheryl Bunkley, strongly agrees. “Jillian’s story is amazing, she has gone from crack street, to wall street, to Hollywood -- she is an example of what sheer determination and perseverance will achieve.
In addition to “Killing of Innocence”, Bullock is in pre-production on another film entitled, The Champion Inside, a story based on a champion female boxer who is forced to retire after she
learns she has cancer. Bullock also recently completed development of a reality series entitled, Blood, Bruises & Broken Bones -- the show concept will focus on unusual, adventurous, dangerous or unique careers for females. As creator of this project, Bullock will also serve as
host of the one-hour weekly show.
Bullock readily admits that a lot of her filmmaking inspiration comes from two other Philadelphia natives, Will Smith and James Lassiter. Observing what this dynamic duo has accomplished with the creation of Overbrook Productions and how they have positioned it to become an entertainment powerhouse, inspires Bullock to continue pursing her filmmaking goals.
Simply put, if “Big Willy” (Will Smith) can do it, so can “Big Jilly” (Jillian), says Bunkley.
Now that’s a wrap.
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