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Set during World War II, SHEPHERD is a family feature film about a beloved and valiant German Shepherd. The story and script portray heroism during a crucial time in world history while celebrating the significance of our canine companions.
If you are a dog lover, a Holocaust education advocate, or simply a fan of family films then SHEPHERD is a movie you will love! This feature-length film is slated to begin filming in the spring of 2014. The purpose of this Indiegogo campaign is to raise the remaining production budget. SHEPHERD is currently funded with support from private investors and the Israel Film Fund.
Be our hero and help make SHEPHERD the movie a reality!
Campaign Update 12/2
We only have two days left in our campaign and we can't thank you enough for your support! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish you a happy Chanukah!
Perk Update 11/19
OUR THIRD LUCKY BONUS WINNER IS: MIKE RUBENSTONE
MIKE WILL HAVE HIS CHOICE OF ONE OF THREE BONUS PERKS. CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE AND WE ALL THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SHEPHERD!
Campaign Update 11/13
LISTEN TO A LIVE INTERVIEW THURSDAY MORNING NOVEMBER 14TH at 9AM PST ON www.healthylife.net (click "Listen Live") WHEN NINA BOSKI INTERVIEWS OUR WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, LYNN ROTH ABOUT SHEPHERD AND PUTTING TOGETHER PASSION PROJECTS IN HOLLYWOOD!
ALSO THERE WAS A WONDERFUL ARTICLE ON SHALOMLIFE.COM WITH LYNN ROTH SHARING THE STORY BEHIND SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FILM!
Campaign Update 11/12
Check out this video from Producer Todd Shotz sends a message from the Hollywood dog park!
Perk Update 11/11
WE HAVE OUR SECOND BONUS WINNER!!! JEFF WEINER MADE THE 111TH DONATION TO OUR CAMPAIGN AND HAS WON THE PERK OF HIS CHOICE.
THANK YOU JEFF, FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION, FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BONUS PERK!
Campaign Update 11/8
Check out this video from Producer Howard Rosenman and his own German Shepherd, Tom!
Perk Update 11/4
OUR FIRST BONUS WINNER!
FUNDER #101 JODI GROSSGOLD HAS WON THE ADDITIONAL PERK OF A CONSULTATION WITH A DOG WHISPERER FOR HER DONATION.
CONGRATULATIONS JODI. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Perk Update 10/30
We’re offering the opportunity for SPECIAL BONUS PERKS to all contributors!
We’ve pre-selected 3 different numbers. If your donor number matches one of those numbers, you will have your choice of an additional perk. No matter how much you contribute!
Choose from DINNER WITH THE FILMMAKERS, ON-SCREEN CREDIT or the DOG WHISPERER CONSULTATION!
We'll notify you immediately if you're one of our winners. Thank you for your support of SHEPHERD. We appreciate your contributions and hope you will tell others about us as well.
SHEPHERD is based on the award-winning and bestselling Israeli novel, The Jewish Dog, by Asher Kravitz. Kaleb, a beloved German Shepherd, is separated from his Jewish family when the Nuremberg Laws are enacted in 1930's Berlin. He is adopted by an SS Officer who trains him to attack and round up Jews at a concentration camp. Kaleb is well cared for and good at his job until one day when he is distracted by a familiar scent. His original master, a young boy named Joshua, has arrived as a prisoner of the camp. Kaleb has not lost his loyalty to Joshua who finds solace in secretly visiting his dog at night. Joshua’s life is at risk. Together they escape the camp and after months of near-death experiences, they are found by partisans who help Joshua make safe passage to Israel.
Many of the key elements for this film are already in place! The plan is to begin production in March 2014. SHEPHERD will be shot on location in Romania where we will take advantage of beautiful, authentic-looking scenery and vital production resources.
In order for this story to reach its full potential, we need your help. Funds will be used primarily for animal training. We are extremely conscious and protective of our animal actors, a minimum of three dogs will be trained for the role of Kaleb.
This campaign will also support production in the form of period set decoration and costuming. SHEPHERD’s producers are already in planning for film festivals all over the world, for theatrical distribution, VOD, cable, network TV, and DVD sales.
Lynn and the producers are committed to making a captivating, compelling family film. And we have not only a story, but a cause. We seek to both entertain and educate a new generation.
We are a group of highly accomplished filmmakers who have decided to make this film independently. By working outside of the studio system, with wonderful supporters like you, we can maintain the integrity of this important story.
With Indiegogo, we are able to seek alternative avenues for financing and partnerships. Unlike other funding platforms, Indiegogo supports non-profits and non-profit fundraising. The subject matter of SHEPHERD has garnered the interest of non-profit animal groups, supporters of Jewish and holocaust education, as well as film fans. It is important for us to have a dialogue with and to encourage participation of these non-profit groups, something we would be unable to do through other financing methods.
SHEPHERD is written and will be directed by the Emmy-nominated filmmaker Lynn Roth, who most recently directed the award-winning feature film A LITTLE TRAITOR based on another famed Israeli novel The Panther in the Basement by Amos Oz, which starred Alfred Molina. Executive Producer for THE PAPER CHASE, Lynn has the distinction of being the first female showrunner for a dramatic television series.
In addition to Lynn Roth, SHEPHERD will be produced by Zvi Howard Rosenman, the legendary producer of FATHER OF THE BRIDE, THE MAIN EVENT, A STRANGER AMONG US, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and the Oscar-winning COMMON THREADS. Among many other great films, Howard produced the award-winning documentary CELLULOID CLOSET, PARAGRAPH 175, SPARKLE (the original film and the 2012 remake starring Whitney Houston), JOHN FROM CINCINNATI for HBO, FAMILY MAN, and YOU KILL ME.
We are also working closely with Todd Shotz of Flying Monkeys Entertainment whose film, GHOST TEAM ONE, hits theaters in 20 U.S. cities October 2013.
SHEPHERD is also being produced with the generous support of Albert Dadon and The Israeli Film Fund.
In SHEPHERD, the dog experiences a remarkably similar plight to that of the Jews in the 1930’s - forbidden to enter most places, judged for pure-bred status, and bewildered as to why he is cast out of a loving home. SHEPHERD is subtly shown from the point-of-view of Kaleb, the dog. Yet, there are no gimmicks or animations of a talking dog. Rather, the movie captures an instinctual sensibility and reaction to what Kaleb witnesses.
The future needs this film. Soon, the story of the Holocaust will be without living survivors. It is our responsibility to keep this important part of our world history alive.
The way in which we educate our children about the unimaginable acts that human beings inflict on each other paves the future of our world. SHEPHERD is a movie created for the entire family. Parents and grandparents will be able to view this film together with their children to learn about a piece of our world history that must always be remembered, and most importantly - never repeated.
We appreciate your support and are excited to offer you some very creative perks -- of course, if you want to just give money to this important project and not claim one of these perks, we are happy to accept that too!
Highlights include: On-screen thank you in the End Credits of the Movie, Special Thanks on Our Website, Your very own "Jewish Dog" Bowl, Script Package, Behind-the Scenes package, Dog Whisperer Consultation, Singing lesson with Broadway & film star Lainie Kazan, Shabbat Dinner with Cantor Gole and a Featured Role in the film!
SHEPHERD has garnered the interest of non-profit animal groups, Jewish and Holocaust education advocates as well as film fans.
Because of this interest and our commitment to the subject matter of the film, as a part of our fundraising efforts, we will be donating to the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (the first Holocaust museum founded in the United States), The Shoah Foundation at USC and the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County.
Looking for more ways to help? Share the campaign with your friends and families. Every little bit counts and we need your help! Thank you for getting the word out about our campaign.
If you are unable to donate online or are more comfortable with a personal check made out to JDogFilms LLC, we can happily accept funds mailed to our office at:
Shepherd Indiegogo Campaign c/o Flying Monkeys Entertainment 9701 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1000 Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
In celebration of the eight nights of the Festival of LIghts. One lucky donor will win a Menorah!
6 claimed
In Honor of YOUR dog
$10 USD
Send us the name of your dog and we'll include it on our website. Photos accepted too. Please send to ajewishdog@gmail.com
11 claimed
To Life! Thanks on Our Site
$18 USD
Your name listed on the Special Thank You! page of our official website, as well as a tweet of thanks and updates from the SHEPHERD Twitter account.
26 claimed
Paw-sitivity - Shepherd Photo
$25 USD
Digital “paw-tographed” picture from the animal actor portraying Kaleb, the hero of SHEPHERD, as well as your name listed on the Special Thank You! page of our official website.
12 claimed
Behind-the-Scenes Package
$36 USD
Exclusive behind-the-scenes digital photo album, the digital “paw-tographed” picture from the animal actor portraying Kaleb and your name listed on the Special Thank You! page of our official website.
12 claimed
"MY JEWISH DOG" Bowl
$50 USD
A special dog bowl created just for the film and your canine companion with the inscription "My Jewish Dog" or "Shepherd." Plus you'll receive the Behind-the-Scenes package listed above.
Estimated Shipping
March 2014
21 out of 100 of claimed
On-Screen Credit
$100 USD
Your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
47 claimed
For Your Viewing Pleasure
$150 USD
SHEPHERD director Lynn Roth's signed DVD and the soundtrack of her award-winning film THE LITTLE TRAITOR starring Alfred Molina.
Plus your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
5 out of 25 of claimed
Dog Whisperer Consultation
$200 USD
Private 60-minute phone consultation with a professional dog whisperer. Discuss adopting a dog or housebreaking, behavioral training or just brag about your pet!
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
1 out of 5 of claimed
SPARKLE Collector's Item
$250 USD
Poster from the original 1976 film “Sparkle,” the first feature produced by Howard Rosenman. Collector's Item! Plus the download of the official SHEPHERD screenplay with a special thank you from the screenwriter Lynn Roth as well as the Behind-the-Scenes package.
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
1 out of 3 of claimed
Hebrew Helpers Online Classes
$275 USD
Three online private “Learn to Read Hebrew for Beginners” lessons with a professional teacher from Hebrew Helpers.
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
2 out of 5 of claimed
Shepherd Premiere Tickets
$300 USD
Two tickets to either the NYC or LA premiere of the film! (Travel to the event is not included.)
Plus a download of the official SHEPHERD screenplay with a special thank you from the screenwriter Lynn Roth as well as the Behind-the-Scenes package.
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
9 out of 25 of claimed
Dinner with the Filmmakers
$500 USD
One invitation to an exclusive dinner in Los Angeles with SHEPHERD producer Howard Rosenman and director Lynn Roth. (Dinner on us, but travel to the dinner in Los Angeles not included.)
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
0 out of 10 of claimed
Song-filled Shabbat Dinner
$700 USD
Cantor Joseph Gole, Cantor Emeritus of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, will come to your home and lead a Shabbat dinner (Your choice of location in Los Angeles or Palm Springs. No travel provided to the event.)
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
0 out of 3 of claimed
The Hollywood Sell Workshop
$750 USD
Private, exclusive master class with award-winning producer Zvi Howard Rosenman (Father of the Bride, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Celluloid Closet).
Pitch your idea, submit your script, learn the ropes of producing. Hear the secrets of the business and be mentored by one of the greats. Los Angeles and New York only. (10 available in each city.)
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package.
1 out of 20 of claimed
Lessons with Lainie Kazan
$2,000 USD
Private voice lesson with Broadway, film, and television star and singer, Lainie Kazan from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, MY FAVORITE YEAR. Private lesson will be in-person in Los Angeles, no travel provided.
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package. [One name or one family name per donation.]
0 out of 3 of claimed
Namesake - Paying Tribute
$5,000 USD
Name a Character and pay tribute to a relative or friend -- as many have paid tribute by naming buildings and museum walls -- here is a chance to include their memory in a living work of art that will impact families all over the world. [Only the name will be used, no likeness or characterization will be based on actual persons.]
And your name will appear in the Special Thanks section of the film's closing credits, plus the Behind-the-Scenes package.
1 out of 4 of claimed
Featured Role in the Film
$10,000 USD
Be featured in the film! Play a small part in the film (accommodations on location in Romania provided; travel not included).
0 out of 4 of claimed
Associate Producer
$25,000 USD
Credit as Associate Producer of SHEPHERD in the film's credits, on imdb.com, etc.
