WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT:
Hi, my name is Blake Babbitt and I'm a Brooklyn based director and producer. When I met Jenny Vanderlinden 4 years ago she asked me, “Have you ever seen the movie Yes Man? Cause that’s how I live my life.” And she wasn’t lying! Ever since that moment I realized this was a woman worth knowing, and I am better today for it.
Jenny, breast cancer survivor and mother of four, is now battling deadly stage 3 ovarian cancer. This film will document the ups and downs of her battle and the reality of a woman that, despite her adversity, continues to fill her days with adventure, infectious laughter, excitement, and joy. Trust me when I say, her story will inspire you to take that leap of faith in your own life, and start living life to its fullest. What happens when you let go and start saying yes? Where will it take you? There is beauty in spontaneity, and in truly living in the here and now.
THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A FILM. IT IS A MOVEMENT:
This film is not only meant as a tribute to Jenny but a way to create awareness for breast and ovarian cancer, and more specifically for the BRCA Genes. Jenny is BRCA1 positive. “Certain mutations of the BRCA1 gene leads to an increased risk for breast (and ovarian) cancer as part of a hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome. Researchers have indentified hundreds of mutations in the BRCA1 gene, many of which are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Woman with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have up to a 60% risk of developing breast cancer…(an) increased risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 55% for women with BRCA1 mutations.”1
Genetically, Jenny’s children are more at risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer. We cannot perpetuate this cancer cycle. It is time to fight back, and fighting back starts with awareness. Testing for these genes in conjunction with knowing family history gives individuals the opportunity to take preventative measures to protect themselves against these cancers, specifically ovarian cancer. Too often the diagnosis for ovarian cancer is too late to sucessfully treat.
I aim to make a film that it not only aesthetically beautiful and inspirational, but also informative and life saving.
WHY INDIEGOGO:
Crowdsourcing is a perfect way to get this film on it's feet. Right now I have some amazing footage, but I need much more. That is why I am here, humbly asking for your contributions.
This can be made on a shoestring budget, and still be effective. What your contributions will go towards:
General Production Costs: 20% of total contributions
- Day to day costs during shooting.
Travel Costs: 10% of contributions
- Jenny lives in Colorado and I live in New York. My team and I will be required to travel to and from Colorado extensively to shoot more footage.
- Jenny is traveling the world now, and living day to day. She often travels on a whim. I must follow her to document this journey.
Hiring a skeleton crew: 10% of contributions
Post Production Costs: 30% of total contributions
- Hiring a professional editor to collaborate with.
Distribution and marketing costs: 30% of total contributions
- An excellent marketing and distribution strategy is vital in being able to show the world this film.
NO MONEY? NO PROBLEM!
Even $1 helps! However, if you are unable to contribute monetarily you can still help by getting the word out there. Share this campaign on your facebook page, on twitter, email the link below to friends and family, and tell the world! Let’s get the word out. I love Jenny and the world will too. Together we can tell her story.
Also, and most importantly, please share your comments! I’d love to hear what you have to say.
Donate in whatever way you can now!
“The future is no place to place your better days.”
-DMB
1. “Genetics”. Breastcancer.org. 2012-09-17
