THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. OUR FILM HAS RELEASED. PLEASE FIND US HERE AND WATCH THE FILM!
http://theheartofthemattermovie.com
We know we are so not close to our goal, but everything you donate will still be used to keep Shamed moving forward!! So please contribute!
Here’s the Scoop
Every second $3,075.64 is spent on porn. At that rate it would take 36 seconds to raise the money Shamed needs to finish filming. Every year billions of dollars goes to this dangerous and powerful industry, but how much money goes toward the work needed to oppose their influence?
Shamed is about removing shame and secrecy around pornography/sex addiction, which will inevitably increase healing and prevention. This film fights pornography by giving hope to struggling addicts and their families, and give them the education and tools to find what they need most – a way out. But none of that is possible without you.
The video above lasts 10 minutes. If you want to help, if you believe that pornography is a problem, if you or someone you love struggles with pornography, start making a difference right now by giving 10 minutes of your day to watch this video. It’s the best way for you to understand what Shamed is all about. The video shows you our tone, our artistic approach, and most importantly the overall message of our film.
Other than the snazzy intro by the filmmakers, you are seeing actual footage from Phase 1 of production shot in April/May of this year. We raised $40K on Kickstarter in Jan/Feb to accomplish this first phase of production. We are VERY GRATEFUL to all who have donated.We never could have come this far without your help, and to take this project further, we need help again, from all of you.
The problem of pornography is so big, so pervasive, that it can’t be fought unless we work together, and that starts today by coming together as a community to make this film. It’s been a battle to see this project to fruition, a battle the “other side” is fighting hard against. The opposition makes us feel strongly that this work is a good one.
Please join us! We need your help to win this battle! We feel impressed that if we complete this film, it will be via the financial support of people like you, people who care enough about the health of our relationships and safety of our children that they will give $50, $100, $500 or more. This is really a film by the people, for the people!
If you know the pain of pornography addiction, if you have children or grandchildren you wish to protect, if you minister to congregations because of this addiction, if you worry about the effects of pornography on the larger culture, then PLEASE contribute. Now is your chance to act!
If you are ready now, please donate! If you’d like more information, you’ll find it below. If you don’t have money but still want to help, keep reading to find out what you can do. Blessings to you all!
What Have We Been Working On Since Kickstarter Ended In February?
1) We produced and shot Phase 1 of our production, filming 24 interviews.
We had some wonderful interviews! After this shoot, we cut together 11 short clips, the 8 min teaser you watched above, a 30 min rough cut, and a “Behind the Scenes” video. For a glimpse at some of these moving videos, browse our Vimeo Channel.
2) We’ve been looking for large donations via film or organizational grants.
Thus far, we have found little funding this way, which is why we are back to ask for your support. Unsurprisingly, our topic is not overly appealing to the indie film community. Film grants are hard to obtain in the first place, but more so when the subject isn’t “hip” per say.
BUT, we have found very wonderful allies with so many of the relevant organizations dealing with pornography addiction or with the large Christian orgs supporting family values. We value all that they are willing to do for Shamed in helping us network, posting in social media, blogging about us, sending email blasts, etc. However large funding is not likely to come from these orgs. We realize they have to adhere to their non-profit mission statements and complete projects of their own.
3) Building up our social media presence.
At the end of our Kickstarter campaign in February, we had 125 fans on FaceBook. We are now up to 380 fans on FB, tripling that group. If you aren’t a fan yet, please show your support by joining us there!
We created a Twitter account this summer and now have about 325 followers there.
We created a Vimeo Channel of all of the clips we have put together from our current footage, 13 thus far. We know through the grapevine that many people have already been inspired by these clips to make real changes in their lives. That’s what we are all about!
We are also working on updates to our Shamed website, which will include a blog where some wonderful folks agreed to guest blog.
4) Looking for Distribution.
I am pleased to tell you that we have just secured a letter of intent to distribute from one distributor! They agree that the message of this film is very valuable and that it will change lives for the better.
We will continue to search for other distribution partners to make sure we hit the broadest market possible.
We have also made good connections with several very large Christian organizations that have said they look forward to helping us market the final product on their websites.
What We Need (& What You Get)
Here is a brief summary of why we need this money. (For a glimpse at our Budget snapshot, check out our "Updates" section.)
Phase 2 - $50K
This will allow us to film the final interviews. We still need to capture more expert testimony and round out the diversity in our personal stories. The expenses on this 3-day, 3-camera shoot are for the full cost of studio location, equipment, crew costs, travel and lodging for interviewees, expert fees, etc.
Phase 3 - $60K
Once all the interviews are captured, we will create a rough cut of the final film. Then we need to artistically enhance the stories shared in our film. The costs involved here are for multiple locations, set dressing/props/costumes, actor fees, crew fees, equipment, meals, travel expenses, etc. This will be a 6-day, 1-camera shoot. (Do not fear that our film will display anything pornographic or sexually triggering. We will be respectful to our audience.)
We still need to raise funds to do post-production (Phase 4) down the road, but we feel if we get everything shot and "in the can" the battle for completing this film will be won.
Perks/Rewards
To the right side of your screen we have the breakdown of “Perks” for donating. We offer simple rewards - one because we want to put the money into the project itself and not on Shamed paraphernalia, and two because we hope the biggest reward for our donors is feeling good about donating to a cause that fights a rising social pandemic.
Now, these are essentially the same Perks/Rewards we offered last January on Kickstarter. If you donated then and want to donate again, we will combine your donations on our records so that you are upgraded to the next level of perks. But be sure to use your same name/email as before.
What If We Don't Reach At Least $50K At This Time?
Please don’t let this happen! We are ready to move forward on this project so we can get this important film completed and available to people who need it!
We have chosen Indiegogo's FLEXIBLE FUNDING option. This means everything donated we keep for Shamed even if we don’t reach our goal. Now a few things to know about this...
There is a certain amount of risk in having our goal so high, but it’s a risk we are willing to take so that it’s clear to our donors how much money we need in order to accomplish Phase 2 and Phase 3 of production.
If we aren't able to reach $50K on Indiegogo this October, then all funds raised here will sit in the bank and keep warm until we can round-out the funds to $50k and go into Phase 2 of production. A minimal amount of funds will be used to help us keep the project fresh and alive - website updates, small costs with any future fundraising, etc. We are dedicated to seeing this project completed and your money will absolutely NOT be wasted. But You Can Help Us Reach At Least $50K (Or Better $110K Or More) By Donating Now!
The Impact
We aim to create a movement, a movement to remove shame and secrecy in religious communities around pornography use, which will inevitably increase healing and prevention. The first steps in this movement are understanding the issues, removing toxic shame, and bringing hope for healing – which is what Shamed will give to audiences.
We know this film has the potential to help hundreds of thousands of people to find the much needed hope, tools, and motivation to remove pornography/lust from their lives in healthy, realistic ways.
We intend for this film to be made available to people in DVD form at churches, at community events, in religious bookstores, in SA groups, by therapists, by word of mouth, etc.
We will keep our Shamed site alive with information and support. The producers are dedicated to the cause and movement. Already, both Jordan and Jessica have seen people’s lives changed in wonderful ways from the effects of this project. They will continue to speak out and educate whenever possible – via the tool of media or at event presentations.
Other Ways You Can Help
Hey, if money is simply too tight to make a financial donation, we understand. BUT you can still help us!
- Follow us on FaceBook or Twitter or both
- Re-post or re-tweet for us
- Tell your friends and family about our project
- Tell your church groups and pastors
- Send out emails to anyone you think might take a real interest in this project
- Educate yourself on this issue and make a difference in the lives of your loved ones
About the Filmmakers
Jessica Mockett – Director/Producer
Jessica was raised in the south, went to school out west, and worked in the Pacific Northwest. She received a BFA from BYU in ’02 and has been producing and directing video content for 7 years. You can see other work samples here. She is very passionate about this project and helping not only those currently struggling in silence, but also in protecting the rising generation through education. She hopes this is the first of many feature length films to come. She has two cats, Gigi and Prim.
Jordan Harker – Producer
Jordan received his Bachelors from BYU in Media Arts studies in ‘10. He has enjoyed creating documentary and promotional content for organizations that foster positive change, including SA Lifeline, Valley Mental Health, and Idaho Drug Free Youth. Jordan feels that deeper levels of conversation in regards to pornography are long overdue. He is overwhelmed by the number of individuals and families who have spent years of anguish in the shadows of shame surrounding sex and pornography addiction, but he is increasingly optimistic that this kind of open dialogue is ready to take place, and will change lives for the better. Jordan has a beautiful wife and daughter.
That’s a Wrap
If you have read all of this, bless you! Thank you! We hope you join us in the fight for a healthier future.
If you have questions, need help, or want to share your story, please email us!
