Cliff Robertson Documentary

Over lunch in the Hamptons aviation journalist Robert Sirdey asked Cliff Robertson how he decided which roles to accept.  Without hesitation Cliff answered "I wouldn't do anything that my granddaughter couldn't see."

That's what I figure is the logline for our documentary project: "What Cliff's granddaughter should see."

Cliff Robertson was a talented actor, a skilled and accomplished aviator, and an astoundingly kind man.  He helped many, many people without hesitation.  He gave two time Academy Award Winner William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men) his start in the film business.

Cliff's minister said "I only had dinner with him once, but he made me feel like we were lifelong friends."

He stood up to studio chief David Begelman, sacrificing his career, rather than his integrity.

He deserves a tribute to his life and accomplishments, and that's what I am going to produce.

 

Director / producer Brian Gillogly (Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story) has agreed to direct the film, and my own attorney Jackie Borock has agreed to assist us throughout the project.  Please view the promo video for Brian's Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story in the Gallery section or click here, and you will see why Brian was my first choice to direct our project.

Developing the project will take a substantial amount of time on our parts, so I am raising $9500 to cover the development costs.

Development activities include:

 

Determination of the best Legal Entity for the project. 

 

Creating a basic initial script outline. 

 

Decisions regarding which films to include, who to contact from each film, who to contact in aviation, and who to contact regarding Cliff's humanitarian work, and of course the development of a more detailed, accurate production budget.

Once the Development funds are raised, I would estimate that it will take us between four to six weeks to develop the actual production plans.

Maybe you knew Cliff too, maybe you admired his performances on stage and screen, maybe you experienced his enthusiasm for aviation, or appreciated his humanitarian work. I got to work with him for ten years, so I was fortunate enough to see his effect on the people around him.

Now you have the opportunity to help us produce a documentary that will honor him, creating a lasting record of his achievements.

Please help us make this happen, help us financially or pass the word on about our campaign.


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This is not a studio project, so there are no big investors involved who are looking for financial return.  My intention is to produce this project as a gift to his family, recognizing his contributions to all of us, so I will not be asking his family to help us financially.  I will be keeping them informed of our progress though.

The minimum donation is $1, and if that is all you can afford, then please count out the change from your dresser top and make your donation today. You will make a difference.  You can either be recognized for your donation, or you can make it anonymously if you choose.  Since I am managing the campaign, so I will learn of your donation, but I guarantee that I will never pass your information on to anyone else.

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May 14, 2013 Update