This campaign is closed

Bear Down

Support our initiative to fund a meaningful film about family relationships amongst Chicago Bears Superfans.

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Bear Down

Bear Down

Bear Down

Bear Down

Bear Down

Support our initiative to fund a meaningful film about family relationships amongst Chicago Bears Superfans.

Support our initiative to fund a meaningful film about family relationships amongst Chicago Bears Superfans.

Support our initiative to fund a meaningful film about family relationships amongst Chicago Bears Superfans.

Support our initiative to fund a meaningful film about family relationships amongst Chicago Bears Superfans.

Joseph Martinez
Joseph Martinez
Joseph Martinez
Joseph Martinez
1 Campaign |
Chicago, United States
$1,115 USD 31 backers
7% of $15,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

An Introduction by Joseph Ryan Martinez

My name is Joseph Ryan Martinez and I am a filmmaker from Chicago.  When I was a child, my father and I would listen to Chicago Bears games and the Super Bowl Shuffle on the radio inside his large 1984 G20 Chevrolet Van.  It was only after a few successful Chicago Bears seasons though that my father became absent for the remainder of his life. Though he passed away three years ago my commitment to the Chicago Bears has never wavered since my early memories listening intently in his car. 

This campaign is about supporting my quest to reconnect with my late and partially absent father.   I have been working on this project for five years, and each year, with the support of my production team, I have gotten closer to what the project really means to me.  This film is about connection and this campaign is about connecting others to this project.  

Short Summary

Bear Down is true account of Super Fans, their relationships and the ties that bind them. Chicago is one of the top NFL teams in the nation. People engage personally within the team spirit more than ever before.  

This film examines the real stories behind the game. Football is a social movement that is bringing people closer together.  From the Fantasy Football collaborations to tailgating to the games themselves; we seek out why these families and individuals connect within the game and indirectly, to each other. 

Bear Down emphasizes the misconception that fans are simply extreme partiers with a source to direct their energy at.  The game of football and the connection it provides is as nourishing as therapy itself.  Men's Health in November of 2013 reported that just by watching 22 minutes of a running activity like Football, actually stimulates physiological responses and motivates activity.  


What is a fan? The word fan originates from the Modern Latin fanaticus, meaning as much as “insanely but divinely inspired." Do they take the cradle to the grave? Tattoo their skin? Yes, some. Bear Down displays the real fan and why. We went beyond the stands, the tailgating and the rah-rah, and enjoyed dinners with these people.  The film gets a sight more intimate look at these people.


From the childhood of filmmaker, Joseph Ryan Martinez, he shares his deepest personal connection with his late father.  We see and experience the story from his background.  Supporters and viewers will be intrigued to see this film because of its authenticity of bonding and real-life experiences.  It will make them value time and the people in their lives so much more.


What We Need & What You Get

Bear Down is currently in production and will use your generous contributions in a few ways:

First, the raised funds will compensate the hard work of our production team.  Our staff of editors, shooters, producers, and marketing/pr support are all working pro bono to support the mission of the film.  Your funds will supplement their personal costs of labor, lodging, food, travel, and stadium tickets to games.  

Second, your contributions will help fund the serious costs of purchasing equipment, editing software, licensing of archival footage of football games and the legal fees that are associated with obtaining location releases.

Lastly, your funds will contribute to generating the massive impact we’re anticipating by paying for physical and digital distribution. This includes travel and submission costs to film festivals such as Sundance, Toronto, and SXSW.

The Impact

Your contributions will allow Joe's goal of searching for connection and relationships through sports, specifically through the Chicago Bears, come to fruition as he exposes his viewers to the reality of the Super Fan and how one sports team can have such an immense impact. 

Other Ways You Can Help

We understand that not everyone can contribute monetarily. We need support in other ways too. You can help by sharing this campaign with friends and family, following us on social media and use #beardownthefilm when talking about our project! 


Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

Thank You!

$5 USD
Look out for a personalized thank you note from the Bear Down team!
2 claimed

Gratitude on a Soap Box!

$10 USD
For supporting our project on the $10 level we will sing your name in our social media sphere! Look out for your shout out on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
1 claimed

8 x 10 Print

$20 USD
Thanks for your pledge! Check your mailbox for a personalized thank you note from the Bear Down team as well as a beautiful 8 x 10 print of one of the many moment captured on set.
5 out of 200 of claimed

Bear Down THE FILM

$35 USD
Pledging $35 will grant you your very own copy of the DVD, autographed by Joseph Martinez, as well as your name in the credits! Enjoy your moment in the spotlight!
8 out of 200 of claimed

Bear Down Swag

$50 USD
For supporting the project, you will receive a personalized thank you note from the Bear Down team, an autographed Bear Down DVD, a Bear Down tee-shirt, and a poster of the film’s cover design.
5 out of 200 of claimed

Da Bus

$100 USD
Are you the ultimate tailgater? Join one of the film’s Super Fans Tim “Da Bus” for a pre-game of grilling and celebration. With a $100 pledge you’ll receive an “All-You-Can-Eat-And-Drink” for one during a Chicago Bears home game.
1 out of 100 of claimed

15 Minutes of Fame

$250 USD
Share your Chicago Bears Super Fan story by uploading your story on youtube. We’ll share your story on our website and social media sites. You’ll also receive our DVD with your footage in the bonus features section.
0 out of 50 of claimed

Come One, Come All

$500 USD
Please join us for the official premiere screening. You’ll receive 2 VIP tickets to the premiere as well as after party tickets. Get ready to party with the Bear Down crew. Lucky you!
0 out of 50 of claimed

Game Time

$1,000 USD
That’s right, it’s game time. For your support we will provide you with two tickets to the Chicago Bears home game with a full tailgate experience. Enjoy grub, beer, and Bear Down swag for the two of you. Enjoy!
0 out of 50 of claimed

Private Screening

$3,500 USD
For your contribution, you’ll enjoy a private screening for you and your friends with our director, Joseph Ryan Martinez, at your home. We’ll provide the DVD, film posters, Bear Down tee shirts, food, drinks, etc. etc. etc. It will be a real party! Oh, and a co-producer credit will be yours.
0 out of 25 of claimed

Super Fandom

$5,000 USD
Think that you deserved to be in the film for your story? Well now is your chance to share it. Please enjoy a dinner with our filmmaker, Joseph Ryan Martinez, two of your friends, and some of our Bear Down’s Super Fans! You’ll also be credited as one of our co-producers for your generosity.
0 out of 10 of claimed

The Ultimate Super Fan

$10,000 USD
You are the Ultimate Super Fan, my friend. Lucky for you because you’re going to have an ultimate night. Enjoy a sit down dinner on us with a Chicago Bears Football player at Mike Ditka's restaurant. You’ll also be one of our co-producers and credited immensely for your contribution!
0 out of 2 of claimed
Tags for this project

You may also be interested in

Up Caret