The West Side couple developing a Black vampire-based television series have completed the pilot and the script for the second episode.
They’ve also outlined all eight seasons and are preparing to host a private screening and industry mixer this month.
Well established in the Austin business community, Margaret and William Mojica, the husbandandwife team behind the series titled “Shadows, Chicago Underworld,” also run Kingdom Business Builders – the parent company of Mojica Media House, Artist Room Café at 5125 W. Madison St., and Picture Perfect Hair Studio – located next door.
Inspiration for the series comes from Margaret’s love of vampire films and her discovery that the Lincoln Park Zoo was built on top of the former Chicago City Cemetery — an eerie historical detail that plays a key role in the storyline. The vampire character Kofi is based on one of the people who still rests on the zoo grounds.
Featuring a cast of Black vampires, Shadows centers on actors Matthew Kenner as Aaron Nikan, Felecia Young as Zaria Waya, and Bola Osundairo as Kofi Waya.
Fusing history with myth, the Waya twins were turned into vampires during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The story places the trio at the heart of what the Mojicas describe as a modernday thriller driven by ancient vampires, political corruption, and a fragile supernatural treaty on the brink of collapse beneath the streets of Chicago, a concept that came together in 2025.
“I reconnected with my cinematographer, who loved the idea and agreed to help bring the proof of concept to life,” said Margaret, the project’s creator and director.
Osundairo, told Austin Weekly News previously, that he connected with Margaret through a previous film.
“I connected with Margaret through our first film that I did with her which I believe she was the producer of, ‘Friends, Family and Lovers,’ that’s on Amazon Prime,” Osundairo told the Austin Weekly. “I was the main character in that film. What attracted me to the role in Shadows was, when I look at the character Kofi, it reminds me of exactly who I am. The character is very strong and powerful and very observant.”
Filming which took place at various locations throughout the city, wrapped in September last year with post-production taking additional time as the team worked through editing, sound design, visual effects, and overall polishing the project.
“Like many independent productions, much of the work happened after filming wrapped,” Margaret said.
The team’s next goal is to build on the series’ momentum by connecting with producers, investors, networks, and distribution partners interested in moving the project into its next phase of development.
“We also want to continue growing our creative team so we can produce not only Shadows but other film and television projects currently in development through Mojica Creative Group and Mojica Media House.
Reaching this stage is a significant accomplishment for the Austin couple with so much already on their plates.
“It required a lot of dedication, teamwork, and time management,” Margaret said. “My husband William and I operate multiple businesses while balancing family responsibilities, so many days involved wearing several hats at once. We simply stayed committed to the vision and worked on the project whenever time allowed.”
The private screening and mixer is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m., June 13 at the Artist Room Cafe.
“We invited industry professionals, media representatives, and creative individuals from across the entertainment community,” Margaret said of the event. “Of course, we would love for executives to attend, but we’re equally excited about bringing together filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, and other creatives for networking opportunities. The goal is to create connections, build relationships, and introduce people to the project.”
Challenges along the way are expected.
“As an independent production with a small team, there were challenges throughout the process,” Margaret said. “Scheduling was probably one of the biggest hurdles because we had to coordinate multiple cast and crew members while balancing everyone’s personal and professional commitments.”
The screening is a way to showcase what they’ve already accomplished through the proof of concept.
Thanking her cast, crew, supporters and everyone who lent their talents to the project, Margaret added that the actors were remarkably understanding and flexible, which made the entire process far smoother.
“Their shared belief in the project kept everyone aligned and working together to bring it to life,” she said. “I also want to give special thanks to the locations that opened their doors to us and allowed us to film in their establishments, including Kennedy Rooftop, Dearly Beloved Chicago, Bad Axe Throwing, Jones Funeral Home, and Shooter Society Studios.”
The Mojicas encourage local creatives, filmmakers, actors, writers, and entrepreneurs to come out and connect.
“Projects like this are only possible when a community comes together to support one another,” Margaret said. “We’re proud to be creating independent films right here in Chicago, and we’re excited to see what opportunities come from this screening and the relationships built through it.”