Steven Goard, the head of SDG Quantum Productions, has tapped Alonge Hawes to assist in the development of a brand-new animated project, ‘The Uptown Chronicles’, with an eye for the first ‘phase’ of the project to be released sometime in 2024.
While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, ‘The Uptown Chronicles’ project is described as a science-fiction/fantasy epic, following an African American family as they grapple with the meanings of lineage, heritage, and destiny against the backdrop of Chicago in the year 2100. The project looks to infuse the irreverent humor of The Boondocks, the family dynamic of the Cosby Show, and the afro-futurism of Black Panther into an original, entertaining and topical offering that families the world over will enjoy.
‘The Uptown Chronicles’ is being developed as a franchise to encompass a wide range of mediums such as film, television, and gaming. Though in what form the initial offering the project will be presented hasn’t yet been made clear, the involvement of both Goard and Hawes suggests that a scripted series is in the works. Hawes is best known as the creator, writer, director and star of the critically acclaimed, award winning digital series ‘Blue Collar Hustle’ and ‘Black On Both Sides’. His most recent work, the heist ensemble Silver & Gold, which he also created, wrote, directed and co-starred in, was the recipient of the award for Best Web Series by the Oniros Film Awards in 2022. Hawes was also named Best Director of A Thriller by the New Jersey Webfest in 2023.
Steven Goard, a musician, producer, and 15 year veteran in professional voice acting, is best known for voicing Kang The Conqueror for Disney’s Australia Cruise line. He is also the official voice for Google Fiber Tech Support in addition to voicing and narrating nationally aired commercials and programs for Gatorade, ESPN, and ID Discovery. Goard created the production company SDG Quantum Productions in 2022 with the goal of creating and producing material that speaks to the stories of the wider African diaspora, further authenticating black voices in the ever-expanding circuit of fictional storytelling.
‘The Uptown Chronicles’ project is created and produced by Steven Goard, with Alonge Hawes serving as executive producer through his production company A Million Stories One Pen Productions. Jason Louder also serves as producer on the project.
