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.
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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!