diff --git a/src/etl.py b/src/etl.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4be0508
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/etl.py
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+import os
+import pandas as pd
+import settings
+
+
+class Data(object):
+    """
+    A data object for loading, updating, cleaning, and holding data.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, data=None):
+        """
+        loads data on creation if no data is provided
+        """
+        if data == None:
+            self.load()
+
+    def __str__(self):
+
+        value = ''
+        for key in self.__dict__.keys():
+            if isinstance(self.__dict__[key], pd.DataFrame):
+                value = value + f'item: {key},\ntype:{type(self.__dict__[key])},\nhead: {self.__dict__[key].head(1).T}\n\n'
+            else:
+                value = value + f'item: {key},\ntype:{type(self.__dict__[key])},\nvalue: {self.__dict__[key]}\n\n'
+
+        return value
+
+    def load(self):
+        """
+        loads/reloads data.  Can be called to update data without redefining a 
+        new data object.
+        """
+
+        self.movie = pd.read_csv(os.path.join(settings.raw_data_dir, 'movie_metadata.csv'))