Empower Autism: Michael's Story

Hi, I’m Canadian filmmaker Tyrone Greenidge, and I would like to introduce you to Michael and Karen Whitell's story. I had met Michael around the age of 4, and at that time Karen, her mother, and father, Michael’s grandparents, were giving him support and much-needed help. Michael had received a diagnosis of Autism at the early age of 2. Being told he may never talk, or amount to much, and with Karen being a single mother, things were beyond difficult. I do remember the journey with him, and Karen embracing it with unconditional love, never giving up on her son. She continued to let him try different things, giving him full support, and an opportunity to live his best life.

Today, Michael has his full driver’s license, works part time at Terra Greenhouse, and has graduated from his first-year course in college. This inspirational story of never giving up is something we can all relate to, and is a testament to the human spirit. I am so proud of him and the young man he grown up to be, and his mother Karen who raised him, she has the heart of an angel and the will of a warrior. That is why I am creating this film project about autism that revolves around their real-life story and struggles. I truly believe it will inspire others like him, to never give up, and to fight to live the best version of their life.

Who Are We

Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael, is a heartfelt short film project dedicated to raising further acceptance and awareness about autism. At the helm of this project stands a young man named Michael Whitell, whose journey of living with autism serves as the cornerstone of our narrative, as he recalls and writes a letter to his deceased Grandfather detailing the full life he has enjoyed, his memories with him, and how he is excited about his future. Alongside the producing team from My Three Angels Pictures Inc., Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael, aims to illustrate the triumphs and resilience of Michael’s journey as he steers through the complexities of his life with autism.

Produced with care and dedication by My Three Angels Pictures Inc., this film delves into Michael's life as he pens a letter to you, recounting the joys, challenges, and aspirations that shape his existence. It's a testament to the unwavering support of his mother, Karen, whose steadfast love knows no bounds. Together, they defy expectations and embrace every hurdle with determination and grace.

Why Now?

ENGAGE! EMPOWER! EMPLOY!

86% of the adult autistic community is unemployed, our goal is to hire 30% to 40% of the cast and crew on the spectrum, on each project. We aim to be a leader in inclusion, through mentorship and teaching, to expand our community.

SHOW THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AUTISM SUPPORT & SERVICES

In our home province of Ontario, Canada, there is an ongoing situation in the autism community. For over 7 years, there has been a huge waitlist for the Ontario Autism Program where numerous people are waiting for autism support and services from the program that is supposed to be provided to them by the Ontario Provincial Government.

As a result of the inaction to help everyone on the waitlist, the number of people waiting for services has grown to over 60,000. There are numerous autistic families suffering every day because of it as their children fall behind and fail to acquire the skills needed for them to live a full and independent life.

This issue speaks volumes to us because our own Karen Whitell had to wait over 2 years to acquire IBI therapy for her son Michael when he was diagnosed at nearly 2 years old. Michael is living proof that children if given the right support, we are capable of extraordinary skills and living a full life. We hope that by further expanding our film project and creating Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael we also show why providing services to children with autism is important, why children like Michael deserve to have that support, and the benefits it can provide to everyone, both emotionally and socially.

This educational series is about getting an Autism diagnosis and what comes afterward for the family. Upon completion, we will begin development making this into a movie.

THE GOAL:

After completing Chapter 1, and Michael's Promo, we need to raise 4000 dollars to fund the next chapter of our 4-PART SHORT FILM series. The Director, some of the crew, and the lead cast are all on the spectrum.

Our Budget:

We have begun pre-production, and with donations have raised $ 2000 for our upcoming film shoot in June. Also, we are fortunate to work with great sponsors and established relationships that have helped us to cut down our costs.

With your support, we are hoping to reach our goal of $4000 to complete our budget and help bring our vision to reality. Through your generosity, we can fund our camera department& crew, production costs, set design, and location permit. Then, of course, our wonderful cast, catering, (need to feed everybody:), marketing, branding, and entry into film festivals.

If we overachieve in our goal, the funds will go directly to improving the quality of the production, postproduction, applying to film festivals & marketing costs, and toward the next chapter of filming scheduled for November 2024.

For more information, follow us on our Website and Social Media links:

Website: deargrandpaitsmichael.com

Instagram: instagram.com/deargrandpaitsmichael

Facebook: facebook.com/deargrandpaitsmichael

X: x.com/DearGrandpaItsM

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/deargrandpaitsmichaelfilm

TikTok: tiktok.com/@manyfacesofautism

MailChimp: mailchmp/84d2f00b27e9/dear-grandpa-its-michael

Thank You

With all this being said, we extend our sincerest gratitude to each and every individual, group, or organization that has shown any kindness and generosity towards our donating efforts in making our short film. Your support and interest in our project is a testament to the passion and strength that is equal to the unique strength of Michael's character. Together, with your help, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals like Michael and foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Warm Regards,

Tyrone Greenidge

My Three Angels Pictures Inc.

69 Albion Falls Blvd.

Hamilton Ontario L8W 1R4

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