Friday Feature: JUSTICE
- 58 minutes ago
- 8 min read
Born in Jackson, Tennessee, JUSTICE is a rising film director, screenwriter, and producer. After attending film school at Belmont University, JUSTICE began her career in film and television by crewing on various local productions. While gaining insight into the inner workings of the industry, she simultaneously tends to the hunger of telling her own stories.
JUSTICE believes the world lacks perspectives in Black stories rooted in societal abnormality, social commentary, and speculative fiction. Now, on a warpath to introduce planet Earth to the worlds of her imagination, JUSTICE is steadily showcasing her unique and evolving vision, one project at a time. Currently, JUSTICE is in the pre-production phase of her latest film project, The Infomercial — a biting satire that dismantles the "urban renewal" industrial complex. Through this project, she explores the predatory nature of corporate redevelopment and the radical resistance of those who refuse to be erased. Whether it’s through her nonprofit work of supporting Black filmmakers or her immersive film and media campaigns that blur the line between fiction and reality, JUSTICE’s work serves as a cinematic bulwark against cultural erasure. JUSTICE continues to live and work in Nashville, TN, where she is actively building a legacy that ensures Black stories remain—like the communities they depict—unapologetic and "Not For Sale."
THE INFOMERCIAL
FADE IN
INT. DYLAN’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
DYLAN (25, Black Male) sits in his living room, monotonously flipping through TV channels like a magazine.
TELEVISION
Oh Johnny, I love you more than you will ever know…
He clicks.
TELEVISION (CONT’D)
(Male) Survey says!! (bing sound, then audience says:) Aw!
He clicks.
TELEVISION (CONT’D)
(sirens and gunshot blare)
They’re gaining on us! Floor it!
He clicks.
TELEVISION (CONT’D)
Is your home in desperate need of renovations?
Suddenly, a piece of drywall falls from the ceiling at his bare feet. His eyes wander up to the ceiling, then back to the television.
He stays.
TELEVISION (CONT’D)
Or maybe times are just tough, and the cost of
housing is just too much for you to handle?
An EVICTION NOTICE sits on a small coffee table nearby.
We now see the small TELEVISION that’s displaying an infomercial. As camera dollies into the TV, we leave Dylan and enter the world of “The Infomercial”... the aspect ratio slowly shifts from 16:9 to 4:3.
PHILL LEE (50s, White Male) takes the lead from here:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Phill smiles boldly front of a small, older house.
PHILL LEE
Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help you…
Hi, I’m Phill Lee, and I’m here to tell you about my
company, ProjEX, where we take homes like this...
The house behind him is nostalgic: a couple flower planters hang by the porch chairs. The window is barred with an A/C unit, and a small bike lies in the slightly overgrown grass.
Black people live here...
PHILL LEE (CONT’D)
And turn them into this...
Suddenly, the house and all its surroundings collapse to the ground... it was a backdrop. Phill now stands in front of NEW, MODERN HOME with big, open windows and at least three stories. You know the type...
CUT TO:
INT. POLITICIAN’S OFFICE - DAY
We’re back in 16:9 aspect ratio. A POLITICIAN is sitting at a desk. Phill stands close behind.
PHILL LEE (V.O)
ProjEX is a state-funded initiative to clean up the
unkept neighborhoods of our blossoming city.
The politician STAMPS “APPROVED” on a paper and passes it to Phill with a smile. Phill grins back.
BACK TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
(4:3 Aspect Ratio) Phill walks from in front of the new house and down the street. As he continues, the houses behind him look more like the first house in the backdrop.
BLACK KIDS and NEIGHBORS are barbecuing, playing ball & cards -- enjoying life’s simplicity in the background.
PHILL LEE
Let’s face it... you work hard for your home,
you deserve to enjoy living in it.
CUT TO:
INT. DYLAN’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
(16:9 Aspect Ratio) Dylan listens intently to Phill.
PHILL LEE (V.O) (CONT’D)
Plus, the city is growing! You don’t wanna be left behind!
Through the window, we see Phill and a CAMERA CREW walk past.
BACK TO:
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - CONTINUOUS
(4:3 Aspect Ratio) Phill walks into frame and sits on the porch stairs of MIKE INGLEMAN (40s) house. Another UN-GENTRIFIED house. Mike is confused on who Phill is.
PHILL LEE
We understand... So, here’s what we’ll do:
We’ll come in, evaluate the cost of renovation,
and we pay for it, full price!
Mike’s head snapped to Phill in shock.
PHILL LEE (CONT’D)
You heard me! Full Price! We bring so much good
to the community that the government funds us to serve you!
Mike nods, pretty impressed.
PHILL LEE (CONT’D)
(smiling to camera)
Take it away Karen!
INT. MIKE’S KITCHEN - DAY
KAREN is the voice of the infomercial. We never see her.
Mike stands in the kitchen, arguing on the phone.
KAREN (V.O)
You could call someone to fix it, but that’s expensive!
And your landlord may not be prioritizing your needs.
Defeated, Mike hangs up his house phone and hangs his head.
EXT. MIKE’S ROOF - DAY
Mike stands on a ladder, trying to repair his roof. The ladder is wobbling.
KAREN (V.O)
And although those social media videos are cute,
you can’t really “do-it-yourself”, can you?
PHILL enters. He looks at the ladder’s placement with a judgmental squint. He "tsks" and straightens the base to be perfectly level—pulling the legs out just enough for Mike to lose his balance.
Mike screams as he FALLS off the ladder.
Mike lies injured on the ground, slightly rolling amidst the pain. A beat later, A pair of pristine, chocolate-brown loafers waltz in right next to Mike’s head. Phill squats down and lays a piece of paper and a pen on the ground.
It’s a CONTRACT.
Slowly and still in the grass, Mike rolls over onto his stomach, grabs the pen, and signs the contract. Phill takes the paper and stands to his feet.
KAREN (V.O) (CONT’D)
So let us do it. The right way. The ProjEX way.
With the pen still wedged between his fingers, Mike extends his hand to Phill like a fallen soldier seeking a rescue.
Phill reaches back, a savior’s hand descending toward Mike’s palm.
But at the last millisecond, Phill’s hand PIVOTS -- not for Mike’s hand, but for the pen.
With a practiced flick, Phill nabs the pen, turns, and walks away in one smooth motion. Mike, already leaning his full weight into the anticipated hoist, finds only empty air.
Mike face-plants back into the dirt with a muffled THUD. As he hits the ground, we hear his voice:
MIKE INGLEMAN (V.O)
I’m not gon lie... I was a little scared at first.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - MIKE’S TESTIMONIAL - DAY
Mike talks to camera, looking off at what is assuming to be the camera crew. He gives the viewers at home a personal testimonial. He’s definitely that overexcited “Unc”.
MIKE INGLEMAN
I was like, “What’s the catch? What’s the catch?”
But... I ain’t found one yet, so sounds like an offer
I can’t refuse to me!
As he excitedly smiles at camera, two PROJEX WORKERS on the porch THROW Mike’s belongings into the lawn, using no care at all.
They’re dressed in full blue or red jumpsuits decorated with spray-painted white stars or stripes. They also have safety glasses and construction masks on.
KAREN (PRE-LAP)
You betcha it is!
EXT. STREET - DAY
RAY CEST (70s), Mike’s landlord, also gives his testimonial. He stands in front of what used to be Mike’s house, but is now a construction site. ProjEX Workers are building on-site.
Karen continues:
KAREN (V.O)
Not a homeowner? Not a problem!
Landlords love working with us.
RAY CEST
I love ProjEX! They just take the problem
right off of my hands. He grins.
KAREN (PRE-LAP)
And neighbors love us too!
EXT. STREET - DAY
JEN TRAFIER gives her testimonial standing in front of her gentrified house.
JEN TRAFIER
I actually used ProjEX for my home. I loved it. It’s very easy and I’d recommend it for anyone.
KAREN (PRE-LAP)
But wait, there’s more!
A bright blue (PowerPoint) slide takes over the screen with the company’s phone number and information. The infomercial video continues in the top left corner.
KAREN (V.O) (CONT’D)
If you call right now, we’ll include a free
include in-ground pool installation!
The video shows a series of shots constructing the house, and placing new belongings and decorations, like Hobby Lobby canvases and pictures of a white family.
KAREN (V.O) (CONT’D)
That’s right. Call right now at 1-800-615-6455 to
schedule your renovation today! That’s 1-800-615-6455.
(16:9 Aspect Ratio) As a ProjEX Worker is walking by outside, the kids’ ball rolls over to his feet. He looks over to the kids, who are already running from his glance.
A neighbor also pulls out and opens mail from her mailbox…it’s an eviction letter. She sighs and looks to a fellow neighbor at his mailbox, who shakes their head and holds up the same thing.
EXT. MIKE’S DRIVEWAY - DAY
(4:3 Aspect Ratio) Mike’s house is done -- big, open windows and three stories high just like the one earl. Mike and Phill address the camera together.
MIKE INGLEMAN
My home looks great. Thanks, ProjEX!
Couldn’t have done it without you!
He runs away from the camera to the front door of his new home. Phill keeps addressing us at home:
PHILL LEE
Stop sitting in your old living room and get you a new one.
When Mike makes it to the porch, he turns the doorknob, but the door does not open. He jiggles the knob. Nothing. He jiggles it more.
MIKE INGLEMAN
(still jiggling in the background)
Hey... Hey, y’all locked the door.
Mike jiggles the knob again.
PHILL LEE
It’s a renovation so nice, you’ll practically be breaking
down your new door. (to Mike) Am I right? (winks to camera)
MIKE INGLEMAN
(in the background)
Aye, man. Y’all ain’t give me no key either.
Suddenly, the door to Mike’s house swings open. He turns to find a white family standing in the door frame.
MIKE INGLEMAN (CONT’D)
(in the background)
Mane, who the hell are y’all?!
Phill does his best to talk over the quarrel behind him. Phill smiles at camera once more.
PHILL LEE
Call us today and start living right. We guarantee
you’ll love it or you’ll give our money back! Karen?
The tension at the door increases. The family is getting scared as Mike yells more. Phill still smiles to camera. The words Karen says roll up the screen.
KAREN (V.O)
(talking super fast)
ProjEX is a registered trademark. For promotional
offers, eligibility requirements, terms and conditions,
age restrictions, and offer expiration dates, visit
our website at www.projEX.com or see store for details.
Restrictions may apply. Offer subject to change without notice.
Availability varies by location. Not valid with any other offer.
Call now for more information.
MIKE INGLEMAN
(in the background)
Whatchu mean this yo’ house. This MY house. I pay
the water, utility bill, insurance bill... all the bills
for 106 Willington Drive! Proof?! I don’t need no damn
proof for my own house. Listen, y’all got 5 seconds to
get out my damn door… 1.. 2... 3... 4...
Sirens sing in the background. Mike looks back.
MIKE INGLEMAN (CONT’D)
(running of the porch)
Oh shit!
PHILL LEE
ProjEX, turning hoods into homes.
(16:9 Aspect Ratio) The camera crew is still rolling until...
CAMERAMAN
Annnd cut!
Phill taps the cameraman on his shoulder.
PHILL LEE
Got it? Alright, let’s go.
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Dylan - still in the same spot - now sits with a lost and overwhelmed look, trying to process what he just watched.
Someone knocks aggressively at the front door.
Dylan gets up, not in a hurry.
INT. FOYER - CONTINUOUS
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
DYLAN
Hollon!
Dylan quickly pulls a shirt over his head and he goes to open the door. When he does, it’s...
PHILL LEE
Hi, I’m Phill Lee and I’m here to tell you
about my company, ProjEX. Now, I see that
your home here could use a little reno-
Dylan slams the door in his face.
PHILL LEE (CONT’D)
(through the door)
I’ll just stick the pamphlet in the door
in case you change your mind.
The pamphlet pokes through the door frame. Footsteps fade from the porch. Dylan turns to put his back against the door, revealing his “Hood is Home” Tee Shirt, which reads “F***Gentrification”. He walks out of frame releasing a deep breath.
FADE OUT
###
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, writing workshops, and retreats.