From Educator to Executive Producer

DALLAS - Jan. 14, 2019 - PRLog -- Author, speaker and long-time educator, Dr. Shelia Samone Brown, has begun principal photography on her debut feature film Beneath the Scar based on her best-selling book Beneath the Scar: Rise to Healing.

The film tells the story of Samantha Nicole Allen, a beautiful Mississippi debutante and daughter of one of the town's most notable preachers. Samantha finds herself entangled in a trap that has the potential to cause her to lose her confidence, beauty and possibly her life. In the midst of her own trials, she is awakened by the despair, tragedies, and strength of others who have also endured abuse. Beneath the Scar takes a candid look at the effects domestic violence and human trafficking have on both women and men. Dr. Brown, who has spent more than twenty years as an educator and currently serves as a principal in the Dallas Independent School District, says penning the book and the film was part of her own process of healing, "I had to break my own personal silence to heal," explains Dr. Brown. "Beyond that, my sincere hope is that I can save someone's life. If I could alter or save at least one person's life, my goal will have been accomplished."

As an educator, Dr. Brown noticed that domestic violence touched nearly everyone's life in some form, albeit the individual as a victim or survivor, one's relative, friend, neighbor or coworker. Over the years, she has seen the impact that domestic violence has on families; especially the children. She says that making the transition to filmmaker came as a natural evolution and extension of herself in assisting the group for which she is most passionate, "I have an innate part of me that wants to protect others from danger; specifically, young people. Making the transition into authorship and filmmaker seems natural because my purpose remains the same; I empower others to change their lives for the better." Dr. Brown's goal with the production and distribution of this film is to extend the conversation about domestic violence beyond its designated month of awareness and make it an ongoing conversation and top of mind issue for men and women. She concludes, "I hope that Beneath the Scar will serve as a catalyst to educate others to stop blaming the victims and support the provision of counseling and mental health support for both survivors and abusers."

Beneath the Scar is currently filming in Dallas, Texas and wraps production in late January 2019. The film stars Nykol Harris, Timylle Adams and Rocco Hill.

ABOUT FILMMAKER DR. SHELIA SAMONE BROWN

Dr. Shelia Samone Brown, founder of Samone Publishing, LLC serves as a catalyst in supporting authors in publishing their stories. She is noted for her workshop series, Pen, Publish & Profit providing proven steps for new and aspiring authors. As a speaker, Dr. Samone has educated and entertained audiences with her contagious personality, knowledge base and delivery skills. Her signature, Dr. Samone Breakfast Club Series™, Conversations with Dr. Samone Series™, Dr. Samone Dinner and Dialogue Series™ with and the SpeakHer™ Speaking Series engages participants in in-depth and engaging conversations centered around her topics of expertise (domestic violence, teen-dating violence, dating after divorce, empty nesting).  Her heart for publishing and education encompasses working to protect individuals from devastating life outcomes; especially women, teens and young adults.

Dr. Samone has served as an exceptional leader in the field of education by being honored as one of the Top 100 Education Leaders in the State of Texas. This honor earned her the opportunity to serve as a fellow in the Harvard University Urban Schools Institute.  She serves as an administrator in one of the Nation's Best High Schools, according to U. S. News and World Report, the Washington Post, News Week the Daily Beast and Niche. In 2016, Dr. Samone was named as the Magnet/Choice Principal of the Year within the second largest district in the State of Texas. Dr. Samone possesses a Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University. She received her master degree from the University of Texas at Austin, principal's certification was obtained at Texas Christian University and she completed her doctoral studies and superintendent certification at the University of North Texas. She currently serves as a university adjunct faculty member for graduate studies at the University of North Texas. A mother of two and a recent empty nester, Dr. Samone reside in Dallas/Fort Work and serves within her church and various state, national, and international organizations.