Wayne Shorter has an important message to our backers for the Weather Report Documentary.

There's nothing more to add than Wayne's message. - Tony Zawinul

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Or, if you're just visiting, sign Up For Free Music. #WinWin

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It's 8:30 Time!

Today we announce a very special bonus reward that's ready for fans. It's the 8:30 Clock and we're giving it away to ALL BACKERS ($10+) for only $8. (Plus Shipping).

Get the finely crafted 12" Weather Report 8:30 Wall Clock with fixed 8:30 time in green. The red hands keep the real time. The true Weather Report fans will get it! 

So, go ahead and buy the clock if you've already backed for $10 or more. If you haven't joined us on the fan team backing "Calm Before the Storm", simply donate for any reward you wish and then donate for the clock separately.

It's as simple as telling the time!!

1/18/14 - We're Going to Interview You!

Check out this new reward. We want to interview you!

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1/16/14 - We Hit The Goal & Got An Extension! Read The Story!

I want to thank all of our fans for helping us hit our goal. Today came up so fast that we hardly could believe it was ending. And that's where we started thinking.  There's a ton more support still coming, so what should we do?

First, many fans still wanted to upgrade and get some of our great rewards, we also had some upgrade ideas for existing backers that didn't get posted. 

Even better, next week we also have a bunch of radio features for the band airing so we wanted those to help us drive fans and backers!

Further, we had a reward that never made it on the page: The "You in the Documentary" reward to give a couple lucky fans a chance to be interviewed for the Weather Report documentary.  

And last, we had a special bonus reward idea that we've finally finished. It's the 8:30 Clock and we're giving it away to ALL BACKERS ($10+) for only $8. (Plus Shipping)

So we asked the good folks at Indiegogo if we could extend a few days and they we're kind enough to make it happen. We estimate the total cost of the project to be well over our $50K goal, so every dollar helps us make a great film. And, we are still planning on shipping the goods in Mid-March so everyone can have their great rewards!

Thank you to all of our fans and let's keep the party going.

Tony Zawinul and Danny Kastner
Pictured here with our fan and backer, Rusty Edwards, in the middle!

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1/16/14 - Counting Down. Almost There!

Fan generosity has gone through the roof and we're counting down to the end. Check out this killer crew T-shirt. We're still finalizing the design, but close.  $45 or more and it's yours!!

1/11/14 - Canvas Tour Bag and Bonus Collection. 8:30 Bag, Wayne CD, Jaco CD, Bag Tags... Awesome.
This is the Reward of the Year!

You can acquire this fine crafted 15” canvas laptop + shoulder bag, use it how you wish, with the “Calm Before the Storm” logo and signatures from each band member (Joe, Wayne, Jaco, Peter) from the 8:30 tour. On the flip there’s a beautiful 8:30 Japan tour clock. 

WAIT: If you would like the Superbonus SCROLL DOWN and add only US $15 for Wayne AND Jaco Weather Report Rare CD Editions and custom 8:30 Tour bag tags.

1/10/14 - An update and Thank You from Tony Zawinul. Let's keep rolling!

1/6/2014 - Get the Hat!
$30 or more donations will now get this killer, amazing hat: 

(PS: On this bonus shipping is extra. Give generously!)

1/4/2014 - Keep the support coming!

Hey everyone, with over 280 backers and 2/3rd's of the way to our goal, the campaign is going perfectly.  We should hit our goal and put some fire under this documentary!
We've heard a lot of great stories from fans who are pushing to help with the project. We appreciate everyone's involvement so keep promoting and let's hit our goal ASAP!

- Danny Kastner, Producer
"Calm Before the Storm" - Weather Report's Incredible Jazz Journey

==> Check out the newest reward: A drum lesson with Peter Erskine! Over here: >>>>

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Now Back to the Campaign:

Welcome to “Calm Before the Storm"
– A Documentary Film on Weather Report's Incredible Jazz Journey

Hey, it’s Tony Zawinul here, son of Joe Zawinul.  I’m making a feature documentary on the legendary jazz group Weather Report.

Few groups in the history of jazz have commanded the stage quite like Weather Report.  Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, first among equals, were not merely outstanding musicians, they were presences.  They had the appearance of masters, of "elders," leading the great groups of musicians they inspired for 16 years through 17 live and studio albums.

“The Calm before the Storm” is very much their story and the film will be filled with great interviews, rare footage, music & photos to serve as a wonderful tribute to a remarkable group.

The film’s amazing cast draws from the early days with Miroslav Vitous and then Alphonso Johnson to the addition of drummers like Chester Thompson and Alex Acuna and further evolving with Jaco Pastorius and Peter Erskine -- and then the final years with Omar Hakim and Victor Bailey.  Each incarnation of Weather Report was distinct, individually groundbreaking and electrified audiences around the world.

We’ll also hear from the music producers, record executives and managers, and from the generations of musicians who felt the impact of the band.

It’s a huge undertaking to unearth and record the 16 years of Weather Report’s storied history and your support and contributions will allow us to make this happen together.

You become the filmmaker, with me, through your crowdfunding donation!

I want to control the final product and share the whole filmmaking process, interviews and plans with our fans along the way. And I’m also convinced that fans have their own stories and mementos that will help this story come alive. We’ve seen hundreds of stories already in our community of enthusiastic fans awaiting this project. This fan partnership is extremely vital to telling the Weather Report story so your contribution, of any amount, gives us the freedom to bring the story to life our way!

What about the budget?  $50K? Ultimate?

A typical Hollywood or television documentary costs $400K or more to make. We set our initial goal for a mere $50K. However, we've heard from countless fans that want to join the project, and their support will surely help us exceed this expectation because we all want this film to reach its highest potential.

Up to this point, we've paid for pre-production costs out of pocket. But now, we’re nearing the point where we begin filming. We’ve assembled an incredible production team including a top notch Cinematographer, Sound, Production Researcher and Assistants and an Editor all working under my direction. We need funds to help pay for this talented crew and their travel costs so we can get to the needed locations for interviews and filming. 

Our award winning film will require great graphics and a complementary score. Naturally, the core of the soundtrack will be the phenomenal music of Weather Report. But we also have to license other music, archival video footage and photos that we would really like to include in the film.

Again, we’ve set our goal extremely low because we planned on starting to roll the film on a "shoestring budget." But the reality is that we know our fans, and they will help us rise above our goal so we can, together, invest more on this project. Along the way, we’ll come up with some special rewards and bonuses for our fans when we exceed our goals!  This project’s aim is to utilize ZERO external financing and use 100% fan funding!

So, what do you get for you donation to the project?

We have a huge array of fantastic rewards that we'll unveil during the crowdfunding campaign for a limited number of days. We're in our final week and it all ends Jan 24th!

You become the filmmaker, with me, through your crowdfunding donation so get involved today!

$10  Behind the Scenes and Eternal Thanks: Just so you know who’s presenting all these rewards, it’s me, Tony Zawinul, director of the film. I am committed to making a great film, and to rewarding you, my generous donors who I would prefer to refer to as my co-filmmakers, as you are helping me fund this project.

So let’s start with “eternal thanks.”  In this reward I will be thankful to you forever. Not only that, you will have access to my “Calm Before the Storm,” Backer-Exclusive, Behind-the-Scenes Production Website during the entire production process. I’ll upload tons of restricted content from the documentary production, including rare videos and photos, rare soundtrack recordings, my personal production notes, and even details on upcoming interviews - where YOU can help by suggesting topics and questions. 

$30  Film Credits Galore & Exclusive Online Advance Screening  / Filmmakers-Cut Digital Download: Let’s start with your film credit. You are helping me make a movie, so rather than some usual “thank you” email, you’ll be in the end credits of the documentary with a great big THANK YOU!  Your full name, on the movie screen, that you’ll be proud of for life. And, you’ll give your family and friends bragging rights for generations to come.  Your name will also be featured on the prestigious “Thank You Wall” on the “Calm Before the Storm” website that we’ll use to promote the film forever.

As my co-filmmakers, I want your feedback during the film-making process. You will a secure code to the online Backer-Only Advance Film Screening of the full documentary to get your reaction and suggestions. Only you will see this version, long before the press or public get to see it.  And because your feedback will help shape the final film, you’ll also get an advance “Filmmaker-Only” Digital Download of the final cut with a Backer-Exclusive introduction from me to you.  ----------  You’ll also get access to the Backer-Exclusive Production Website.

$45 – “Calm Before the Storm” Production Crew T-Shirt + DVD: You’ll be looking great with this backer-only, limited edition, Film Crew T-Shirt from  “Calm Before the Storm” (S to XXXL).  Then, you’ll get a copy of “Calm Before The Storm” ON DVD sent directly from me. The postal carrier might ask, “Why is Tony Zawinul sending you a package”?  You’ll wink and tell him you and I just made a film together!  -------------------------------------------------  You’ll also get Film Credits Galore, your name on the Thank You Wall, Online Screening/ Digital Download and the Backer-Exclusive Production Website.  (Shipping Extra: See FAQ)

$65 – Blu-ray & HD Supersite + Weather Report Japan Poster: Let’s go HD! This is the full HD Video Experience.  First, you’ll get the HD Blu-ray version of “Calm Before the Storm.” This is a huge deal because the Blu-ray, will be packed with extra footage, interviews, and commentary from me, Peter Erskine, Wayne Shorter and other luminaries. And have no fear - even if you don’t have a Blu-ray player, you’ll get the DVD and you’ll get access to Weather Report HD Planet: a password-protected site with hours of High Definition video content.  The HD Planet will have full interviews from dozens of great artists that couldn’t possibly fit on the Blu-ray disc! Now, you want your wall to look good, yes? So you're also going to get a 19"x27" Large Weather Report Japan Tour wall poster. 

----- You’ll also get Film Credits Galore, your name on the Thank You Wall, a T-shirt, Online Screening/ Digital Download and the Backer-Exclusive Production Website.

$95 – The Ultimate Weather Report  Peter Erskine Signature Series Box:

Weather Report had an unbelievable cast of drummers over the years, but Peter Erskine was part of the incredible era that produced the Grammy Award - winning “8:30” album. You're going to get a Peter Erskine autographed copy of his book “No Beethoven,” an autobiography and chronicle of his Weather Report years. Now imagine your joy as you open a collectible photo box filled with rare Weather Report pictures of Wayne, Joe, Jaco and others Peter Erskine selected from his personal collection. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You’ll also get Film Credits Galore, your name on the Thank You Wall, a T-shirt, Online Screening/ Digital Download, Blu-ray & HD Supersite and the Backer-Exclusive Production Website.

$110 – Joe Zawinul Private Tapes Collection, Photo, Knit Hat:  I really didn’t want to do this, but after my collaborators begged me and 87% of surveyed fans rated this as ‘Very Important,’ I decided to release the best of “Joe’s Private Music Collection.”  

Paul Ericksen who engineered “This is This!” and many projects for Joe, just finished reviewing and cataloging OVER 900 of Joe’s private tapes. We’ve picked 3 CD’s worth of VERY RARE music. (Of course, we’re going to make you pledge the code of honor to NEVER share these recordings with ANYONE. These recordings won’t be anywhere else – not Youtube nor Itunes – only on your private collection.) You’ll also get an easily-frameable, archive 8x10 photo of Joe. Joe is not here with us, but I’ll proudly sign the Zawinul name in his memory. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You’ll also get Film Credits Galore, name on the Thank You Wall, a T-shirt, Online Screening/ Digital Download, Blu-ray & HD Supersite and the Backer-Exclusive Production Website.

$500 – Limited Edition, Framed Museum-quality Wayne Shorter Digital Painting with Autograph: We’ve commissioned an incredible painting of Wayne Shorter.

Wayne will autograph this backer-exclusive, beautiful, limited-edition 19”x27” print on canvas. With its top-quality framing and artistic textured inks, delicately applied to real canvas, this digital painting will become the most prized artwork you own.

Don’t blame us if the family portrait ends up in the closet!

Peter Erskine Drum Lesson - $450 

In 1978 Peter became Weather Report’s drummer after a period of uncertainty in the drummer chair joining Jaco Pastorius along with Joe and Wayne. Within one day of an impromptu audition in the studio he was taking promotional photos for CBS and soon headed to Japan for the ‘78 World Tour!

After four years and five albums with Weather Report, Peter really set his mark. During this time in LA, he also worked with Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Farrell and George Cables. 

Peter is certainly a “heavy” in the jazz world and this is your chance to spend an hour with Peter for a drum lesson or just to hang out and ask questions! It’s up to you. You can do it in person in Los Angeles or via Skype.

We’ll also throw in the Peter Erskine Signature Series for good measure!

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We Want to Interview You!

You will be in the Weather Report Documentary

Do you think you should be interviewed for the Weather Report documentary?

I hear so many great stories from fans about their experiences. So, I want to hear from you by interviewing you for the documentary film! 

Your words will live on forever as your tell your favorite stories about the band and their importance to you. I’ll interview you in Los Angeles at your convenience. 

I want to hear from fans in this documentary so it's our hope that we'll use your interview, but we do have final cut!  We have to be mindful of the films integrity and the quality of your interview will weigh into the amount of your footage we place in the film. While we don't anticipate this will happen, we reserve the right to not use your interview footage if it doesn't meet our quality standards.  However if this is the case, we've come up with a great alternative: We will offer you an RIAA Official Heavy Weather Gold or Platinum Record (which value from $1400-$2000) and provide you the interview footage as if it were in the documentary with your name subtitled professionally.

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Official RIAA - Heavy Weather Gold Record!
Get it for $1400!

We hope you like the rewards.

Thank you!

Tony Zawinul and the Weather Report Legacy Project

Founder and Saxophonist - Wayne Shorter
Drummer / Original Band Member - Peter Erskine
Producer / Director - Tony Zawinul
Producer - Danny Kastner

FAQs

How much will shipping cost?

Shipping depends on the weight of the merchandise and the destination. Shipping costs can range from $7-$20 (or possibly more depending on all the items you order) in U.S. and International shipments costs can range between $10-$40  (or possibly more depending on all the items you order).

When do you ship the goodies?

We will ship everything in March after we know quantities and get everything made. The documentary will take a year or possibly more to make. We have a lot of interviews and ground to cover.

How do I pick my Production Crew t-shirt size?

We will send you a questionnaire once we're ready to ship asking you what size you desire. 

OPTIONAL REWARD WE'VE NOT LAUNCHED!

Who's in the Weather Report band for the Red Carpet Premiere?

The core of the tour will be anchored by the Zawinul Legacy Band, who will have just come off from their own acclaimed European tour in Oct./ Nov. 2013. However, at each Weather Report tour stop, past alumni of the band will also be part of the show. I can't say just yet who exactly will be in the band for each city, but everyone from Weather Report is excited about the tour. I guarantee we will put together the hottest jazz band and VIP experience.

When are the Red Carpet Premieres?

We plan on completing the film in early 2015 and we’ll set aside the venues in late 2014.  If you get impatient holding your tickets, you can always re-sell them in the community forum to people on the waiting list.

Where will the Red Carpet Premieres and Shows take place?

We're currently putting together great venues for the Red Carpet Premiere & Show and our key cities are as follows:
US: New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco
Europe/Asia: London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Berlin, Vienna and Tokyo.