WHY THIS FILM

One out of every three children in America live in father-absent homes.  And children who live in fatherless environments are, on average, two to three times more likely to be poor, use drugs, be victims of child abuse, and engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents.  FATHERLESS presents a story of hope and a future for young people who are searching for meaning in a fatherless world.

THE STORY

FATHERLESS is the story of a young boy named Jeremy who witnessed his father commit suicide.  Now Jeremy is hurting, and hurting others as he struggles to find meaning without a father.  Jeremy encounters a man who makes it his mission to see that Jeremy does not end up as a fatherless statistic.  The film is inspired by the true story of Ken Johnson, Chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts.  Born in Los Angeles and surrounded by drugs, alcohol and extreme poverty, football became Ken’s escape.

KEN JOHNSON - CHAPLAIN INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

PRINCIPAL ACTOR

Kim Estes recently finished work on a film by Roger Melvin called “Not 4 Sale” playing a supporting role as Sidney Poitier’s friend Canada Lee.   Estes also had a key role on the FX Network’s “The Bridge” where he played Captain Marcus Brewer of the US Border Patrol and Immigration team.  In 2012 Estes completed a starring role in the film “Crossroads” and has also worked on many TV series such as “NCIS”, “How I Met Your Mother” and “Private Practice”.  

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Mark Zavad has been selected to direct the film “Fatherless.”  He is an Emmy award-winning producer, director and cinematographer.  Zavad is also owner of Wizard Entertainment, Inc., a complete production company involved in the development of reality television and creative design and production of commercials.  For the past 40 years Mark has worked on productions for many of the studios and television networks; the likes of Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, Sony Studios, Disney and Warner Bros.  He has produced and directed commercials for ABC and NBC networks for sixteen years, and still works with ABC, directing commercials and the lead actors from their primetime shows.

FILMMAKERS

Randy Lintecum, founding producer of  Smart Dog Films, is a retired executive currently residing with his wife in California. He and his wife co-produced their first film, “The Crimson Door”, in 2011 using mostly volunteer cast and crew. The film was an official selection of the 2011 Maranatha Christian Film Festival in Rochester, NY.  Their second film, “To Love Again”, was an ultra-low budget film that's been accepted for distribution by several online video platforms and cable TV services. The premiere for “To Love Again” was held on May 1, 2012, at the Camelot Theaters in Palm Springs, CA. 

Paul “Billy” Sutton is founding producer of WEG-Entertainment, an entertainment company focused on making family-friendly movies. Sutton is part of the Palm Springs Film Alliance and has been a part of the 48 Hour Film Project the last four years. He has been in the theater, TV and film business since 2002 with experience in areas of both cast and crew. He is also an award winning producer and director with three short films to his credit. Sutton noted, "We are blessed to be working in association with Smart Dog Films for the movie FATHERLESS".

WE NEED YOUR HELP

With these funds we will put final touches on the script and begin pre-production, including casting and location scouting.  We will also initiate marketing efforts including a website, promotional events and social media outreach.  When you join our crew you will be involved with updates, promotional gear, exclusive interviews and the fun part of knowing you made this movie possible!

Check out this quick clip from Jeff Saturday formerly of the Indianapolis Colts regarding our upcoming movie "Fatherless."

PERKS

We are grateful for any amount donated to this project.  Many perks will be available including T-Shirts...

signed posters...

plus DVDs, tickets to the premiere, visits to on-location filming and a speaking part in the movie.  Our cast and crew will be available to sign posters, photos and other memorabilia as additional perks.  

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Besides donating to this film project, we are asking supporters to please SPREAD THE WORD through social media and to direct people to our website (www.FatherlessMovie.com) and to this Indiegogo project.  If you would like to hold a fundraising event for our film, please contact us at info@FatherlessMovie.com. In anticipation of casting for the film, we will have information on our website for actors and crew to submit resumes for consideration.  Please pray for us and that God would be glorified in all that we do!