Feature Film
Gate to Freedom
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Details
Union:
Union or Non union
Area of media:
Feature Film
Network:
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
TBD
Deadline:
Jan 31, 2023
Cities for response:
Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Charlottetown, St. John's, Sudbury, Kelowna
Storyline
A Tiananmen Square massacre survivor takes on the mighty Great Firewall of China from his Silicon Valley garage. Based on a true story.
Roles
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadBrian YangMale 35 - 35 Years old
Description
Brian Yang is a brilliant electrical engineer, holding a PhD from Stanford University. He was once an optimist. However, the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre left him disillusioned and questioning the truth. He saw firsthand the way the Chinese government manipulates information and controls its people through propaganda, leaving him with a deep sense of cynicism and hopelessness.

As the internet age dawns, Brian sees the potential for technology to be used for both good and evil. He is horrified by the way the Chinese government has perfected the art of internet censorship, using it as a tool to control and manipulate its citizens. He is determined to bring down the Great Firewall of China, which he sees as the ultimate symbol of oppression.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadAaron LiMale 30 - 30 Years old
Description
Aaron Li is a prodigiously talented computer programmer, who immigrated to America when he was young. He is a classmate of Brian Yang at Stanford, and majored in Computer Science. Despite his Chinese heritage, he considers himself more American than Chinese and cherishes his American life. He is content with his life and doesn't want to be dragged into a war with the Chinese government, believing it to be none of his business.

However, the sheer technical challenge of taking on the world's most powerful firewall intrigues him. As he reconnects with his roots and works with Brian to bring freedom of information to his homeland, he begins to realize the importance of his actions and the impact they can have on the people of China.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
LeadClaire SongFemale 33 - 33 Years old
Description
Claire Song wounded during the Tiananmen Square massacre and struggled to find peace in the aftermath. She eventually discovered solace through meditation and spirituality, but her newfound sense of calm was short-lived. The Chinese regime suddenly labeled her faith as an enemy of the state and she was arrested, tortured, and forced to give up her beliefs.

After being rescued by her husband Brian Yang and brought to America, she seizes the opportunity to expose the crimes of the Chinese government, even if it means jeopardizing Brian's business and personal safety. She has neglected her family in her pursuit of justice, and must find a balance in her approach. Her strength and determination inspire Brian and she is a driving force behind his mission to bring down the Great Firewall of China.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
SupportingMengFemale 40 - 45 Years old
Description
Meng Zhaolu is a top executive of China's telecom giant Huaway. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its business in North America exponentially. She is a shrewd and calculated individual who knows that the same power that puts her on top of the world may very well be the reason of her downfall. She is aware of the potential dangers of holding such power and treads carefully, displaying intelligence, ambition, caution and wariness as she navigates the business world and political landscape with skill and precision.