TAKAHOA

Takahoa is a coming-of-age YouTube mini-series that follows five childhood friends navigating love, family drama, and self-discovery as they transition into adulthood in Auckland, New Zealand. Through authentic and representative storytelling, our series showcases the voices, experiences, and perspectives of young Māori, Pasifika, Pan-Asian, Rangatahi, Women and Queers individuals creating a community that understands and supports one another.

We're crowdfunding to bring this vibrant and transformative story to life, with plans for future seasons that explore each character's unique journey. Your support will help us produce high-quality content that resonates with 18-35 year old females and queers worldwide.

OUR CAST AND CHARACTERS
Manaia Judd is Hana,  a kind-hearted people pleaser, struggling to connect with and accept her Māori identity.

Georgia Benton is Marley, self absorbed, wild and funny. She wants to break free from her family's toxic influence.

Amy Workman is Alice, she is a loud, funny and entitled individual who loves a party.

Nabeelah Khan is Sam, a quiet but opinionated intellect. She has learned to be fiercely independent from a young age.

Michael Stewart is Eli, he exudes style and calmness, with a passion for fashion. His lack of interest in his cultural heritage begins to transform into an inspired curiosity after watching Hana’s journey from the sidelines.

OUR CREW
Monet Bailey-Ngatai is our Co-Creator, Showrunner and Co-Writer. She's all about telling real Aotearoa stories that cover culture, queer stories, identity, friendships and growing up.

Jess Sewell is our Co-Creator, Showrunner and Script Editor. She is dedicated to crafting authentic Aotearoa stories that reflect the country's diverse voices and experiences.

Rachel Fawcett is our experienced Executive Producer.

Jewels King is our outstanding Producer, dedicated to amplifying indigenous voices.

Meggy Laguda is our talented Director and Co-Writer, who is passionate about empathetic storytelling.

Jeri Oporto is our skilled Director of Photography, with expertise in camera, lighting and audio.

Moeata Tararo is our dedicated Production Coordinator, striving to uplift Pasifika communities.

Alex Cormack is our creative Media Manager, driven to tell real stories.

At Overwhelmed Productions, our creative practice is centered around authenticity, empathy, and community. We're committed to telling diverse Aotearoa stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. 

Through Takahoa, we're creating a platform for emerging creatives to collaborate and share their voices, experiences, and perspectives. We're passionate about representation, inclusivity, and fostering a sense of connection through our stories.

We're raising funds to support the production of Takahoa, and here's a breakdown of how the money will be used:

• Production Costs: Funding will go towards equipment, location fees, and crew costs to ensure high-quality visuals and sound.
• Cast and Crew Fees: We want to compensate our talented cast and crew for their time, expertise, and hard work.
• Location Scouting and Management: We'll use funds to scout and secure locations that reflect the story's setting and aesthetic.
• Marketing and Promotion: A portion of the funds will go towards promoting Takahoa through social media, trailers, and other marketing materials to reach our target audience.
• Post-Production: Funding will support editing, visual effects, sound design, and music composition to bring the story to life.
• Contingency Fund: A small portion will be set aside for unexpected expenses, ensuring we can adapt to any challenges that arise during production.

By being transparent about our budget, we aim to build trust with our supporters and demonstrate our commitment to responsible stewardship of funds. Your contribution will directly support the creation of Takahoa, and we're grateful for your trust in our project.

Takahoa is a 5-part YouTube mini-series that follows the lives of five childhood friends navigating love, family drama, and self-discovery as they transition into adulthood in Auckland, New Zealand. At its core, Takahoa is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging, showcasing the complexities and triumphs of young people finding their way in the world.

We're creating Takahoa because we believe that authentic representation matters. By showcasing diverse characters, experiences, and perspectives, we aim to create a sense of connection and understanding among our audience.

Our project is driven by a passion for storytelling that reflects the realities of our communities. We want to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and inspire empathy through our characters' journeys. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive and representative media landscape that celebrates the richness of Aotearoa's diverse cultures.

Through Takahoa, we're also committed to providing opportunities for emerging creatives to develop their skills and showcase their talents. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to bringing this story to life with authenticity and heart. By sharing our stories and experiences, we hope to inspire, educate, and entertain our audience, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

Why should our community back Takahoa? 

Because we're not just creating a story – we're reflecting our own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. We're amplifying diverse voices, promoting empathy, and celebrating the richness of Aotearoa's cultures. 

By supporting us, you'll be part of a movement that's dedicated to authentic representation, inclusivity, and creativity. Your backing will help us bring our vision to life, inspiring, educating, and entertaining audiences, and leaving a lasting impact.

Join us in shaping the narrative of our community, and let's tell our stories together.