About the Film

Set against the gritty urban backdrop of Los Angeles, "Life on Earth" is a coming of age story about Lea, an 18 year old girl aging out of the foster care system. With no family or financial support, Lea and the other girls in her group home are instructed to get menial service jobs by their social worker Tamika Jones. But when Lea finds inspiration in an unexpected place, she turns her new perspective into a rebellion that will bring hope to the other girls.

Filmmaker's Statement

Months of reading, research, development, pre-production, production, reshoots, and post production for our American Film Institute Thesis Film "Life on Earth" have left a mountainous accumulation of intellectual and emotional debts. Although there are credits at the end of our film, a scrolling short list of names does not do justice to all of the work and support we have received.

Here I can acknowledge only a few of those who helped. From day one, I had a remarkable corps of supporters. I could depend on my family for their reassurance, inspiration, and absolute love. They were always there to pick me up when criticism got the better of me. A special thanks to my gracious peers in the 2nd Year Producing Class at AFI. The countless encounters in the production office and the mutual burden of producing a thesis can only be understood by those who endured the yearlong process. They were always around to sympathize with the problems, listen to frustrations, and give support when needed. I must thank a few other essential people, our donors. Without their financial support, this film would never have come to fruition. Not only did they finance the production of the film, but their moral support and faith in our efforts kept us on track. Another group of underappreciated folks are all of the employees of AFI.

Although there were roadblocks along the way, bureaucratic red tape, chained off driveways, and an endless amount of paperwork, their patience, wisdom, and compassion enabled the completion of this thesis. The advice and the help of all 1st and 2nd year production services were vital. Specifically, I want to give a special thanks to Betsy Pollock and Susan Dretzka who fielded phone calls on weekends and in the middle of the night. Finally, on a more personal note, I have to thank all of my thesis team Jeff, Benji, Shin, Yoni, and Courtney. They are artists and fast becoming masters of their respective trades. Through fights, arguments, frustrations, irresponsibility, and late nights, there were always laughs, progress, and inspiration. I learned a tremendous amount about filmmaking, storytelling, and myself. I have grown leaps and bounds because of this film, and I am excited to share it with the world.

About the Producer

R. Kiplin Pastor graduated Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with an honors BA in diplomatic history. Since his graduation in 2004, Kip has worked at a law firm in Washington, DC, the Wildlife Conservation Society in Vientiane, Laos, as an international trade consultant in Mexico City, and as a production assistant in Maryland doing development and post-production work for the TV show Digging for the Truth. While at AFI, Kip has received three scholarships and serves as the student representative to the AFI Conservatory Board Advisory Committee. Above all, Kip wants to create films that inspire change and increase understanding. He believes that filmmaking is the avenue to disseminate great ideas and issues that can affect our lives.