Too Cute for Words: The Esther Lee Jones Story Investment Opportunity – CLOSED

Investment Opportunity: “Too Cute for Words: The Esther Jones Story”

Genre: Historical Drama / Musical / Mystery/Live Action/ Feature Film
Tone: Uplifting yet poignant, with a blend of jazz-infused exuberance and bittersweet revelation
Target Audience: Teens and adults (13+), fans of musicals, animation history, and stories of cultural reclamation, thriller fans, jazz enthusiasts
Runtime: 120minutes
Setting: 1920s Harlem and Paris, with flashbacks to early 20th-century America; present-day interludes London 2025.

Budget: $40M Minimum Investment: $1.1M

Marketing Budget: $3M
Release Date: Q4 2026
Rating: PG-13

Logline

In the glittering 1920s, child prodigy Little Esther Lee Jones ignites the world with her enchanting Divine Feminine grace, sultry scat-singing, and timeless Charleston flair until a shadowy conspiracy silences her brilliance forever. Decades later, the very architects of her erasure unwittingly breathe life into her legacy as the iconic Betty Boop, whose spectral presence now haunts a relentless modern historian-singer. Racing against a chilling past, she unravels the dark 1920s plot, where every clue teeters on the edge of revelation and ruin.

Executive Summary

In the sultry haze of 1920s Harlem, 6-year-old Little Esther Jones emerges as a jazz prodigy, her Divine Feminine grace igniting the Cotton Club with sultry scat-singing and timeless Charleston moves. Her golden sequined dress shimmers under golden spotlights, but a sinister shadow looms talent scout Victor Langston, his smile masking a chilling plot. As Esther’s fame spreads to 1920s Paris, where her “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” captivates cabaret crowds, Langston forges contracts, silencing witnesses, and orchestrating her mysterious disappearance. The conspiracy buries her brilliance, unwittingly birthing the iconic Betty Boop in 1930, a spectral echo of Esther’s stolen legacy.

Decades later, in 2025 London, historian-singer Mary Mountview/Sylvie Morau, haunted by the animated Betty Boop visible only to her unravels this dark past. At age 6, Mary first met Betty in her attic, a glitchy TV summoning the cartoon muse with a cryptic, “Hiya, sweetie, got a mystery!” Now, Betty’s spectral whispers guide Mary from her jazz paradise mansion a 1920s-inspired haven of art deco salons and hidden vaults into an uncanny investigation. Transforming from meticulous scholar to wild investigator, Mary decodes a 1928 reel proving Esther’s erasure, but masked figures and cryptic warnings escalate the danger.

As flashbacks unveil Esther’s betrayal Langston’s deal with Helen Kane, a staged accident, and Clara’s futile cries Mary’s obsession consumes her, her singing turning frantic in London’s jazz clubs. Cornered by the conspiracy’s modern heirs, she teeters on the edge of ruin until Betty’s faint

“Boop-Oop-a-Doop” sparks a redemptive performance. At the 2025 Harlem festival, Sylvie’s haunting scat tribute, joined by the crowd, exposes the truth, trending on X as #EstherUnveiled. With Betty’s final wink, Mary heals through jazz, mentoring a new generation to honor Esther’s reclaimed legacy across time.

Opening Scene: Mary’s First Encounter with Betty Boop (1995)

The film opens in 1995 London, where 6-year-old Mary Mountview huddles in her mother’s attic, a flickering black-and-white TV casting shadows. Dizzy Dishes (1930) plays, and as Betty Boop winks with a “Boop-Oop-a-Doop,” the screen crackles. Betty steps out animated, eerie her red dress glowing. “Hiya, sweetie, got a mystery for you!” she whispers, pointing to a jazz record. The attic trembles, golden light pulsing, as Mary’s mother’s shout breaks the trance. Betty vanishes, leaving a cryptic hum, igniting Mary’s lifelong obsession with a truth she can’t yet grasp.

Investment Opportunity

Total Budget: $40 million
Investment Sought: $40 million (100% equity stake)
Minimum Investment: $1.1M
Equity Stake Offered: 100% of net profits, with potential bonuses tied to box office milestones
Projected ROI: $160-200 million (400-500% return) based on conservative estimates
Timeline: Production (12 months), release (Q3 2026), peak revenue (2026-2028)

Visual Style

Aesthetic: Charcoal sketches blend 1920s animation with 2025 tension, black-and-white rotoscope for Betty, fading to color in climactic scenes.
Sets: 1920 Harlem jazz club (smoky, ominous), 1920 Paris cabaret (elegant yet dark), 2025 London/Harlem (modern, shadowed).
Costumes: Mary/Sylvie in jazz blazers and sequined gowns; Betty in her red dress; Esther in gold satin.
1920s Sequences: Live Action blending Rich charcoal sketches with jazz club ambiance golden lights, art deco patterns, and smoky hues. Costumes feature sequins and fringe, with dynamic dance choreography.
Modern Day: Vibrant digital-art overlays, blending Harlem’s skyline with purple and gold tones, symbolizing progress and remembrance.
Transitions: Seamless shifts between eras using musical motifs (e.g., Esther’s scat morphing into Betty Boop’s theme).

Mary Mountview/Sylvie Morau’s journey, fueled by jazz passion, Esther’s truth, and Betty Boop’s guidance, transforms her into a Divine Feminine hero. Her arc enhances the film’s cultural depth, supporting its $40M investment’s vision.

Soundtrack

Original Tracks: Esther’s scat, Sylvie’s 1930s swing, a 2025 suspenseful remix with Betty’s voice.
Original Score: A jazz-infused soundtrack with scat solos, Charleston beats, and a modern remix for the finale.
Collaborations: Jazz artists for authenticity.
Key Songs: “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” (Esther’s signature, reprised by Sylvie). “Harlem Nights” (a lively ensemble number). “Echoes of Truth” (a poignant modern tribute).

Approve budget and timeline by August 5, 2025.
Initiate X teaser campaign and TikTok challenge by August 15, 2025.
Secure partnerships (Smithsonian, Paramount) by September 1, 2025.

Marketing Strategy

Social Media: #EstherUnveiled, #BoopMystery TikTok clues, Betty teaser on X (August 15, 2025).
Events: Suspenseful Harlem premiere, TIFF (September 2026).
Merchandise: Betty-Esther mystery boxes ($50M+ ancillary goal).

Budget Breakdown

Production: $32M (sets, costumes, CGI for Betty).
Marketing: $3M (social, events).
Contingency: $5M.

Projected Performance

Box Office: $150-200M globally.
Ancillary Revenue: $75-90M by 2029.
Cultural Impact: Revives Esther’s legacy, sparking social media debates.

Market Appeal

This film taps into the growing demand for diverse historical narratives (e.g., Hidden Figures, Harriet) and musical biopics (Bohemian Rhapsody). Its tie to Betty Boop offers merchandising potential, while the conspiracy angle adds a thriller edge. The dual-timeline structure appeals to younger audiences via Mary’s journey and older viewers through 1920s nostalgia.

Budget Considerations

Mid-Range ($30-50M): Combines practical sets (jazz clubs) with CGI for Betty Boop animations and modern sequences.
Locations: Studio-built Harlem sets, Paris, London, exteriors, and contemporary New York.

Market Analysis

Growing Demand for Diverse Narratives:

Films like Hidden Figures ($236M global box office) and Harriet ($43M) tap a $2.5B annual market for underrepresented stories, with a 15% audience interest surge in 2024-2025 (Nielsen data).

2. Musical Film Resurgence:

Bohemian Rhapsody ($903M) and In the Heights ($45M) reflect a $3B market for music-driven films. Original jazz tracks and a modern remix target Gen Z and Millennials.

3. Animation and IP Leverage:

Betty Boop, a $1B+ brand, generates $10M annually in merchandise. Full licensing control could yield $50M+, with the global animation market projected at $270B by 2027 (Statista).

4. Streaming and Ancillary Potential:

Without pre-sales, all streaming (Netflix, Disney+) and home video rights ($20-30M) remain with investors, maximizing long-tail revenue.

Detailed Financial Projections

Box Office:
Domestic: $60-80M
International: $90-120M
Total: $150-200M (aligned with The King’s Speech [$427M] adjusted for scale)
Ancillary Revenue:
Merchandise (Betty Boop apparel, Esther dolls): $50M
Soundtrack sales/streaming: $5-10M
Home video/streaming rights: $20-30M
Total Gross Revenue: $225-290M
Net Profit (after budget and marketing): $160-200M
Investor Return: $160-200M on a $40M investment (400-500% ROI)

Production Plan

Budget Breakdown:
Pre-production (script, casting): $5M
Production (shooting, sets): $25M
Post-production (CGI, music): $7M
Marketing/distribution: $3M
Timeline:
Q4 2025: Pre-production
Q2-Q3 2026: Filming
Q4 2026: Release (targeting awards season and holiday box office)
Key Partners:
Co-producer: Paramount Animation (Betty Boop rights)
Music: Universal Music Group (jazz soundtrack)
Distribution: Warner Bros. (global reach, negotiated post-investment)

Risk Mitigation

Full Control: 100% funding ensures no profit dilution from pre-sales, retaining all revenue streams.
Insurance: $5M policy against production delays or cast issues.
Market Testing: Launch a teaser trailer on X, leveraging Esther’s trending #EstherJones (10K+ posts, 5% engagement rate as of July 29, 2025).
Diversified Revenue: Heavy reliance on merchandise and IP licensing reduces box office risk.
Contingency Fund: $2M reserve within the budget for unforeseen costs.

Unique Selling Points

Cultural Impact: Revives a forgotten Black icon, aligning with DEI trends and earning Oscar potential (Best Original Song/Score).
IP Synergy: Full ownership of Betty Boop tie-ins, a $1B+ brand, for $50M+ merchandise revenue.
Viral Potential: The conspiracy and scat-singing hook are primed for X and TikTok buzz.
Star Power: Attracts A-list talent (e.g., Viola Davis, Teyonah Parris) and young stars, amplifying marketing.

Exit Strategy

Short-Term (1-2 years): Box office and streaming revenue peak post-release.
Mid-Term (3-5 years): Merchandise and licensing royalties from Betty Boop expansions.
Long-Term (5-10 years): Spin-offs (TV series, animated specials) and international remakes.
Buyout Option: Major studios (e.g., Disney) may acquire full rights for $150-200M, offering a premium exit.

Call to Action

Invest between $1.1 and $40M for 100% equity in a project poised to redefine cultural storytelling and deliver a $160-200M return. Seize full control of this high-potential venture, backed by a proven market and a timeless narrative. Contact Sylvie DeCristo by August 15, 2025, to secure your investment and receive a detailed Treatment.

Supporting Data

X Sentiment (July 29, 2025, 10:53 PM BST): 10K+ posts on #EstherJones, with 5% engagement, signaling strong organic interest.
Comparable ROI: The Greatest Showman ($435M box office, $75M budget) yielded 450% ROI with merchandise, supporting our projections.

Why Invest Now?

The absence of pre-sales amplifies your upside, offering 100% profit retention in a $45B market. With pre-production starting Q4 2025, early investment locks in maximum equity before market hype peaks. This is a rare opportunity to own a cultural phenomenon with a $200M+ payout.

Investor Perks for To Cute for Words: The Esther Jones Story”

Tier 1: Bronze Level (£1.1M – £2M)

Executive Producer Credit: Listed in the film’s opening credits and on official marketing materials.
Private Screening Invite: Invitation for you and 5 guests to an exclusive pre-release screening in London, 2026.
Signed Memorabilia: Autographed poster by the director and lead actress, featuring Esther Jones/Betty Boop artwork.

Tier 2: Silver Level (£2.1M – £5M)

Co-Producer Credit: Elevated credit in opening credits, plus a mention in the film’s press kit.
Set Visit: One-day visit to the London or Harlem set (travel not included), with a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.
Limited Edition Vinyl: Custom-pressed soundtrack featuring original jazz compositions, numbered and signed by the composer.
Digital Shoutout: Personal thank-you video from the lead actress (Mary Mountview/Sylvie Morau) shared on the film’s social media.

Tier 3: Gold Level (£5.1M – £10M)

Producer Credit: Prominent credit in opening titles and all promotional campaigns, including posters and trailers.
Red Carpet Experience: VIP access for you and 10 guests to the world premiere in London, 2026, including photo ops and after-party entry.
Behind-the-Scenes Documentary: Exclusive access to a 30-minute making-of feature, including your interview segment.
Naming Rights: Opportunity to name a minor character or set piece (subject to approval).

Tier 4: Platinum Level (£10.1M+)

Executive Producer Credit (Top Billing): Highest-tier credit, listed first in all credits and marketing.
Creative Input: Consultation with the director on a creative aspect (e.g., costume design or a jazz scene), subject to final approval.
Private Concert: Exclusive jazz performance by the film’s composer and cast at your venue of choice (travel and logistics extra).
Legacy Recognition: Permanent acknowledgment on the film’s official website and a plaque at the Harlem festival site post-release.

Notes

Scalability: Perks increase in exclusivity and value with investment size, aligning with the £1.1M minimum and the $40M budget.
Marketing Tie-In: Perks like red carpet access and social media shoutouts leverage the $3M marketing push, enhancing investor visibility.
Legal Disclaimer: All perks are subject to contract terms, with final approvals reserved for the production team.
Cultural Fit: Jazz-themed rewards (vinyl, concert) reflect the film’s narrative, appealing to investors passionate about its heritage.

Jazz-Themed Perks Explained

Limited Edition Vinyl (£2.1M – £5M Tier)

Description: A custom-pressed vinyl soundtrack featuring original jazz compositions inspired by Esther’s scat-singing and Charleston flair, numbered and signed by the film’s composer.
Purpose: This perk immerses investors in the film’s musical soul, offering a collectible tied to the 1920s jazz aesthetic. The limited run and signature add exclusivity, appealing to music enthusiasts and collectors.
Appeal: Vinyl’s resurgence as a premium format ties into the nostalgic Harlem vibe, while the composer’s involvement ensures authenticity, boosting the film’s cultural cachet.

Private Concert (£10.1M+ Tier)

Description: An exclusive jazz performance by the film’s composer and cast at the investor’s chosen venue (travel and logistics extra), featuring original songs and tributes to Esther’s style.
Purpose: This offers a personalized, high-value experience that celebrates the film’s jazz heritage, allowing investors to host a unique event for friends, clients, or business associates.
Appeal: The live performance connects investors directly to the creative process, doubling as a networking opportunity. It leverages the film’s marketing by showcasing its music, potentially trending on X with #EstherJazz.

Rationale and Integration

Cultural Resonance: These perks honor Esther Jones’ scat-singing and the Divine Feminine energy of jazz, central to the film’s 50/50 narrative (1920s Harlem/Paris and 2025 London/Harlem). They reinforce the story’s redemption arc through music.
Budget Alignment: The vinyl production fits within the $3M marketing budget for promotional materials, while the concert’s cost (capped by travel exclusions) scales with the investor’s tier, ensuring feasibility within the $40M total.
Investor Engagement: Jazz perks cater to diverse interests—collectors (vinyl), entertainers (concert)—enhancing the proposal’s attractiveness across investment levels (£1.1M to £10.1M+).

Film Marketing Strategies for Too Cute for Words: The Esther Jones Story”

1. Social Media Campaign (X, TikTok, Instagram)

Objective: Build organic hype and engage Gen Z/Millennials (50% of target audience).
Tactics:
Teaser Trailer Drop: Release a 30-second trailer on X by August 15, 2026, featuring Esther’s “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” scat and Betty Boop animation. Leverage #EstherJones (10K+ posts, 5% engagement) and #BettyBoop for viral reach.
TikTok Challenge: Launch a “Boop-Oop-a-Doop Dance Challenge” with the Charleston, using the film’s original track. Partner with influencers like Charli D’Amelio (50M+ followers) for $500K, aiming for 77M views.
Instagram Reels: Share behind-the-scenes clips of jazz rehearsals and cast with #EstherLegacy, targeting 13M impressions.
Budget: $1M (influencer fees, ad spend).
Timeline: February – May 2026.
Expected ROI: 80M+ social impressions, driving pre-release ticket sales.

2. Cultural and Historical Tie-Ins

Objective: Appeal to older audiences and secure critical acclaim.
Tactics:
Partnerships: Collaborate with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History ($100K sponsorship) for a pre-release exhibit on Esther Jones, cross-promoting the film.
Educational Outreach: Distribute study guides to schools and universities, highlighting jazz history and cultural appropriation, for $200K.
Awards Campaign: Submit for Oscars (Best Original Song, Score) with a $500K push, targeting nominations by January 2027.
Budget: $800K.
Timeline: September 2025-January 2027.
Expected ROI: Enhanced credibility, 10-15% box office boost from awards buzz.

3. Merchandising and IP Activation

Objective: Maximize $50M+ merchandise revenue via Betty Boop branding.
Tactics:
Limited-Edition Line: Launch Betty Boop x Esther Jones apparel (t-shirts, dresses) and dolls with Paramount Animation, retailing at $20-50. Invest $500K in production, projecting $10M initial sales.
Pop-Up Shops: Open 11 pop-up stores in major cities (NY, LA, London) for $300K, tied to the Q4 2026 release.
Digital Collectibles: Offer NFTs of Esther’s performances on OpenSea, targeting $1M revenue with a $200K development cost.
Budget: $1M.
Timeline: Q3-Q4 2026.
Expected ROI: $15-20M from merchandise, reinforcing brand longevity.

4. Traditional Media and Events

Objective: Reach broader demographics and build pre-release anticipation.
Tactics:
Red Carpet Premiere: Host in Harlem, NYC, with live jazz performances ($400K), streaming on X for global access.
TV Spots: Air 30-second ads on BET and BBC during peak hours ($500K).
Film Festival Circuit: Debut at TIFF (September 2026) to secure reviews and distribution deals.
Budget: $1M.
Timeline: Q3-Q4 2026.
Expected ROI: 5-10% ticket sales uplift, plus distribution interest.

5. Grassroots and Community Engagement

Objective: Build authentic support in Black communities and jazz circles.
Tactics:
Harlem Block Party: Host a free event with live music and screenings ($200K), amplifying local pride.
Jazz Collaboration: Partner with artists like Big Freedia (post-2021 Esther tribute) for a remix ($100K), boosting soundtrack appeal.
X AMAs: Run a “Most Inspiring Legacy” poll with #EstherJones, engaging 50K+ users for $50K ad spend.
Budget: $350K.
Timeline: August-December 2025.
Expected ROI: Strong word-of-mouth, 5-7% box office increase.

6. Post-Release Digital Push

Objective: Extend revenue through streaming and home video.
Tactics:
Streaming Teasers: Offer exclusive clips on Netflix/Disney+ post-theatrical release (Q1 2027) for $200K, targeting 10M streams.
YouTube Content: Release “Making Of” videos and Esther’s story ($100K), aiming for 5M views.
Email Campaign: Use a 500K-strong database for direct sales of merchandise and DVDs ($50K).
Budget: $350K.
Timeline: Q1-Q2 2027.
Expected ROI: $20-30M from ancillary revenue.

Budget Allocation

Total Marketing Budget: $3M
Social Media: $1M
Cultural Tie-Ins: $800K
Merchandising: $1M
Traditional Media/Events: $1M
Grassroots: $350K
Post-Release: $350K

Key Metrics and Goals

Pre-Release: 80M social impressions, 40% ticket pre-sales by Q3 2026.
Opening Weekend: $15-20M domestic box office.
Total Reach: 100M global viewers across all platforms by 2028.
Ancillary Revenue: $75-90M by 2029, driven by merchandise and streaming.

Risk Management

Budget Overrun: Allocate a $500K contingency within the $3M.
Audience Resistance: Conduct focus groups ($50K) to refine messaging.
Viral Missteps: Monitor social sentiment daily, adjusting campaigns to avoid backlash.

Why These Strategies Work

Cost-Effective: The $3M budget leverages organic social media and partnerships, minimizing ad spend.
Audience Alignment: Targets diverse demographics (teens to adults) with tailored channels.
Timing: Aligns with awards season (Q4 2026) and holiday box office peaks.
IP Synergy: Betty Boop’s global recognition amplifies reach without additional licensing costs.

Next Steps

These strategies position “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” for a $150-200M box office and $75-90M ancillary revenue, ensuring a strong ROI for the $40M investment.