View Deck - HG Range – Creative Agency

MEN WHO BELIEVED THEY WERE GOD...
Finally, the Untold Story of Life as a Member of the Supreme Team.
Short Pitch
The Supreme Team is an hour-long crime drama that is a first-hand account, told by
leader James “Bimmy” Antney, of the infamous 1980’s New York City crack cocaine
organization who modeled the structure of their operations after Fortune 500 companies
and rose to dominate drug trade and other organized crime through means of violence
and murder while simultaneously entering into the entertainment industry and
producing music and movies for the pioneers of hip-hop and popular urban culture as we
know it.
#SupremeTeam
Background
Southeast Queens became a black conclave during the Harlem Renaissance era as many African-Americans migrated to the developing suburbia in search of a paradise to call their
own. Queens became the new home for black creatives when legendary jazz musician, Fats Waller, became the first person, white or black, to purchase plots of land in the
uncharted community. Jazz legends such as big band leaders James “Count” Basie and Duke Ellington, trumpeter Louis “Sachmo” Armstrong, singer known as the First Lady of
Song Ella Fitzgerald, and many others also migrated to the suburb, effectively making the neighborhood a Black Hollywood. This migration set the stage for influential people of
color to improve their quality of life and create the subculture that would later influence commerce and entertainment to produce some of today’s biggest stars and most
successful businessmen.
Creative types were not the only influences in Queens, the culture of the neighborhood was also shaped by people like John “Pop” Freeman. The infamous drug dealer was a
lieutenant for the Genovese crime family and was allegedly gifted the territory for keeping the code of Omertà while serving time in prison for crimes associated with the mob.
Freeman became known as “The Black Godfather” as his distribution of heroine and establishment of the South Jamaica Cartel ruled the streets and created an underground
economy that earned billions of dollars. In this black Mecca of entertainment an underworld was created and produced some of New York City’s most infamous drug kingpins.
Freeman’s lineage of drug lords includes Ronnie Bump, Lorenzo “Fat Cat” Nichols, The Feurtado Brothers, Howard “Pappy” Mason, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, and James
“Bimmy” Antney. These men developed the drug trade into a business that was structured like a Fortune 500 company. The subcultures of music and drug trade often crossed
paths with leaders of both industries socializing and working together. This resulted in these kingpins influencing some of rap music’s biggest stars and businessmen, from Russell
Simmons to rap music royalty, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and 50 Cent. Queens is the home of a legendary legacy of street folklore, business, and the struggle for success while chasing
the American Dream.
The Supreme Team
The infamous New York City crack cocaine gang of the 1980’s, The Supreme Team, ruled streets with dirty hands. Drug
trafficking, murder, armed robbery, and money laundering… these are all crimes associated with the group. Organized by
teens and headquartered out of the South Jamaica Queens housing project known as the Baisley Park Houses, leaders Kenneth
“Supreme” McGriff and Gerald “Prince” Miller rose to power through ruthless violence and murder.
As members of the Five Percent Nation, the two applied the religion’s theology of language and numerical systems to develop a
code used to govern the gang and thwart law enforcement. Dozens of employees, corrupt police, and concise, sophisticated
operations kept leaders of the gang from street-level activities. At its peak of success, the Supreme Team exceeded receipts of
$500,000 per day.
With operations emulating the structure and income of a Fortune 500 company, the Supreme Team used its millions to live
lavishly and take care of their loved ones. The impact of the gang’s complexities and fierce order of deadly business was so
widespread that it led to changes in the way the New York City Police Department enforced the fight against drug trafficking
and gang violence. Even McGriff ’s conviction and imprisonment could not stop the reign of the Supreme Team.
Their story, chronicled by Supreme team lieutenant turned music industry boss, James “Bimmy” Antney, will give audiences a
first-hand account of the drugs, violence, money, sex, corruption, and power that was the Supreme Team.
Character Descriptions
Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff – The Ruler
Gerald “Prince” Miller – The Untouchable One
Founder and leader of the team, Supreme is a strong leader
who rules with an iron first. He is intuitive, aware of details,
and emotionless. A member of the Five Percent Nation, he
applies the belief to his dealings as a drug lord and
professional criminal. Supreme also ventures into legitimate
business dealings in music and entertainment.
Second in command, member of Five Percent Nation and
nephew to Supreme, Prince is a murderous leader who
maintains his stronghold through brute force and tight
control. When Supreme becomes incarcerated, Prince steps
up as leader of the team and increases security and force. He
uses that muscle against rivals and those suspected of
disloyalty.
James “Bimmy” Antney – The Visionary
A Supreme Team boss, Bimmy joins the gang in his teens
forsaking his potential to become a professional basketball
player. Despite his athletic abilities, the allure of gang life and
despair of meager living compelled him to begin selling
drugs. After a fateful meeting with Supreme the fast-money,
high-risk lifestyle he aspires to live quickly becomes a reality
although much of the organization’s structure conflicts with
his devout Christianity. He is also heavily involved in music
and entertainment, even becoming an A&R.
Colbert “Black Justice” Johnson – The Lieutenant
Fiercely loyal to the Supreme Team, Black Justice
(commonly referred to as Black Just or Blackie) is the flashy
controller of the gang’s drug spots in and around the Baisley
Projects. Always on the party scene and club circuit, Black
Just is heavily involved in the emerging hip-hop culture of
rap superstars. Aside from crime and parties, Black Just also
runs a boxing club.
Howard “Pappy” Mason – The Ally
Ernesto ”Puerto Rican Righteous” Piniella – The Turncoat
Known as vicious, crazy, and loyal to partner Lorenzo “Fat Cat”
Nichols, Pappy runs the drug smuggling gang known as the Bebos.
His gang supplies the Supreme Team with some of the resources
needed to maintain their trade. Pappy, often referred to as a crazed
warlord, is most notorious for the murder of a police officer in
retaliation for being incarcerated for a parole violation.
As head of security and one of the team’s top enforcers, Puerto
Rican Righteous is feared and respected. He makes sure everyone
stays in line by any means necessary. As part of direct negotiations
with the Columbian wholesalers, his Spanish familiarity enables the
team to get higher quality cocaine at reduced prices. Puerto Rican is
a loose cannon that perpetrates some of the Supreme Team’s most
heinous crimes, after which his personal guilt often leads him to
point the finger at his bosses.
Character Descriptions
Russell “Russ” Simmons — The Co-Founder of Def Jam
A natural entrepreneur, Russ is co-founder of record label Def
Jam and brother to Rev Run of hip-hop group Run-DMC. With
artists like the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and RunDMC signed to the label, his relationship with leaders of the
Supreme team creates opportunities for these artists and
members of the organization to forge relationships that would
later determine Bimmy’s life path.
Cory Rooney — The Songwriter
A child of musicians, Cory is made for the music industry.
With a natural talent for songwriting and producing music he
sees his star beginning to rise through work with artists such
as Father MC, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Prince Markie
Dee. After becoming friends with Supreme team leaders,
Cory and Bimmy forge a friendship that is mutually
beneficial.
Corey Pegues — The NYPD
An impressionable teenager growing up in New York city,
Corey is employed by Bimmy to work at the street level.
He feeds into a life of crime and the glory of street cred,
but experiences a change of heart when his first child is
born. Corey is faced with the decision to remain loyal to
the Supreme team or try to start a new life.
Mark Jackson — The New York Knick
A friend of the Supreme team, Mark Jackson is a young
basketball player who is nationally regarded as an elite point
guard. While attending St. John’s University, Jackson
develops the reputation of a college basketball star and
street-baller. The Supreme team leaders often bet on
Jackson’s tournaments before he is drafted to the National
Basketball Association to play for the New York Knicks.
Lloyd “Swee’Pea” Daniels — The San Antonio Spur
Another rising basketball star, Lloyd Daniels is also a friend to
the Supreme team. Considered one of New York’s most
talented players, Swee’Pea finds his past and addiction to
crack cocaine diminish the potential to become as great as
his talents can make him.
Pilot Episode Story
Part One: Prince
Part Two: Bimmy
Prince walks up to three members of his team and hovers over a man, Paul, who has
been severely beaten. As the pulp of a human pleads for mercy, Prince pours
gasoline over him, and with anger smoldering in his voice explains to him and those
listening that the victim’s fate was self-determined due to poor decisions. His anger
rises as Paul continues to beg for mercy, Prince tells him to shut up, calls him a
coward, and taunts him. When Paul realizes Prince will not change his mind he
curses Prince, to which Prince responds by tossing lit matches onto the man’s body
and walking away.
Bimmy is walking to school with his friend, BJ, discussing basketball and the desire
for fast money. When they arrive at campus, Bimmy decides that the education he is
seeking cannot be found in the books at school – he needs real life experience.
Bimmy wants to be a gangster, and what better place to learn about their crimes
than court? Over the next two days Bimmy follows the case of a gangster named
K.O. Smith. He studies the gangster’s mannerisms, case, and even clothing.
The Paul’s brother, Benji, learns of the murder and threatens vengeance against the
Supreme Team’s key members. Black Justice, a lieutenant of the Supreme Team,
spots Benji in the streets and alerts Prince. Never one to take a threat lightly, Prince
rounds up a few members of the team and everyone is heavily armed automatic
weapons. As if planning to kill Benji in broad daylight wasn’t enough, Prince places a
siren on top of his car and races through the streets to get to the corner where
Benji and his cohorts are unknowingly sitting ducks. With Black Justice on watch on
one side of the block, Prince screeches in nearly running over pedestrians and
drawing everyone’s attention with his siren – including Benji.
Black Justice and his guys hop out and cover one side of the street, Prince and his
guys cover the other and chaos ensues. Benji and his men are running for cover as
bullets rain all over the block. Bystanders are scrambling to get to safety and Benji’s
people begin to fire back. Prince kills one of the enemy associates as a car pulls up
to drive Benji away. Benji is shot as he jumps into the getaway car and police sirens
are heard in the distance. Everyone runs into their cars and drives away.
Benji is never seen or heard from again.
K.O. was seeking an appeal that was flatly denied by the judge. This sends K.O. into
a rage and Bimmy into admiration of the prisoner’s raw emotion and disregard for
respect of authority. Noticed by K.O.’s legal aid, Bimmy and the man briefly speak
about Bimmy’s aspirations. In that interaction, Bimmy reiterates his desire to
become a gangster and asks to be put in contact with K.O. The legal aid agrees, a call
is coordinated, and K.O. reaches out to Bimmy at his home.
That phone call solidified Bimmy’s desire to become a hustler and he soon began
dealing crack cocaine. After being discovered by his mother and refusing to stop
selling drugs, Bimmy is kicked out and moves in with his girlfriend. This relationship
would prove fateful as it was the connecting dot between him and the fast-money,
grand hustle lifestyle he wanted. His girlfriend’s sister dated Prince, and Prince was
the nephew of the neighborhood’s biggest drug lord – Supreme.
After an interaction with Prince in which Bimmy witnessed him murder a man
whose girlfriend did not respond to cat-calling, the door opened to meet Supreme.
Bimmy made it clear to Supreme that he wanted to join the team. He was money
motivated and needed to move quickly. Supreme liked Bimmy and quickly charged
him with the entrance fee – murder of an innocent civilian. An elderly woman was
selected as the victim and Bimmy shot her on command.
He was in. He was a part of the Supreme team.
Future Episodes
The Code, Loyalty, & Hip-Hop
Roundtable of Death
It has been discovered that Bimmy is sleeping with the wife
of another team member who is higher up the totem pole.
The bosses all come together for a roundtable, they discuss
whether or not he should be killed for the betrayal while he
sits and listens to them debate over his fate.
Introduction of Prominent Female & Supporting
Characters
Bonita – Plant Manager
Just like the meaning of her name, Bonita is very attractive.
But she is much more than just a pretty face, she runs
things! A fierce mixture of beauty and brains, Bonita uses her
charm and authority to manage the teams operations. Much
like a madam, Bonita keeps the other women on the team in
line. She is the Queen Bee and everyone takes orders from
her wherever she is in charge.
Never Get High On Your Own Supply
One of the Supreme Team’s members forgets one of the
game’s golden rules and has to answer to Supreme. The
numbers are not adding up and supplies are coming up
short. Prince hears the news first and sends Puerto Rican
Righteous to shake down and beat out the truth.
Rich & Infamous
Bimmy notices the potential to make “legit” money in music.
Becoming involved in the A&R and production of the city’s
hottest hip-hop artists such as Run DMC and LL Cool J, he
branches out. Things get blurry when life as a drug dealer
and crime boss threatens the success of his career in music.
Milsky – Bagger
Future episodes can introduce the strong and sexy character
of Milsky. She is a bagger for the operation and presents a
character who is loyal, useful to an end, and sexy. Viewers
will meet a character who is around for the perks of the
lifestyle, but also someone whose poor upbringing make it
easy to understand why someone so beautiful, with the
world seemingly within grasp, would fall prey to the gaudy
glamour of drug trafficking.
Dogg – Enforcer
Much like his nickname, Dogg is a ruthless associate of the
Supreme Team. He is a malicious enforcer and everyone’s
worst nightmare. When the Supreme team leaders sic Dogg
on someone there is no telling what will happen. Feared for
his reputation of kidnapping, rape, robbery, and torture,
Dogg is an unpredictable drug addict.
Future Seasons
The Vision
Everything Changes
Preme Out, Prince In
A Grey Area
Supreme’s been convicted and sentenced to 10 years in
prison. As second in command, Prince steps up to lead the
Supreme Team but the streets are hot right now and he does
not know who he can trust. It’s not a new boss in town, just
one who has been granted greater power – and he is ready
to shoot anyone and everyone suspected of taking part in
Supreme’s incarceration.
Bimmy sees the potential in adding music to the team’s
streams of income. He becomes immersed in the music and
entertainment industry and finds himself in an unexpected
A&R and production role. While figuring out living with one
foot in the drug game and the other in music, he finds that
the street cred rappers need for authenticity ultimately puts
longevity (and the money) in jeopardy.
Streets Raised Me, But They Won’t Raise You
Throughout the show the audience is introduced to
different members of the team. One of these is Corey, a
fatherless teen who, like many other members, joined the
Supreme Team for the allure of financial success. At the notquite-ripe age of 18, Corey becomes a father and is faced
with the decision to continue living for the streets, or
escaping the game and starting over to provide a different
life for his son.
La Rata
The life has finally caught up to him, Puerto Rican Righteous
is going down, but not without taking his enemies with him.
It’s “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”, right?
Right. So, when you sleep with a man’s wife that makes you
his enemy, even if you’re on the same team. Puerto Rican
Righteous offers up a testimony in exchange for a deal and
touches the Untouchable.
Possible Cast
John David Washington as “Supreme”
Kily Johnston as “Black Just”
Jareem Antney as “Bimmy”
Waka Flocka Flame as “Pappy”
Adam Rodriguez as “Puerto Rican Righteous”
Mark Taylor as “Russell Simmons”
Terrence J as “Cory Rooney”
Derek Luke as Corey Pegues
Noel Clarke as “Mark Jackson”
Lamon Archey as “Lloyd Daniels”
Jamie Hector as “Prince”
Thank You
Contact Us.
James “Bimmy” Antney
(718) 810-7647
Jazz Young, MBA
(201) 926-2912