Short Summary
Project Synopsis
Genre: Documentary
Running time: 73 minutes
Logline: An unusual group came together in the most unlikely location to relaunch the career of The GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
The year is 1970. It has been three and a half years since Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title. Convicted of draft evasion. Threatened with imprisonment. Banned In all 50 states, he is unable to work in the field for which he had no equal. The wide door on his illustrious career seemed to be dwindling to a quiet close. But in Atlanta, Georgia, an astute white businessman, a visionary black senator, and a progressive Jewish mayor, came together to make it possible for Ali to resume his amazing boxing career.
What We Need & What You Get
Ali's Comeback, the film, is done, complete, finished. But before we can take it to market, it has to be legal. Being legal means that all the stills and film clips taken from sources other than Dream Factory's has to be cleared and the film has to be graded. The cost for clearances and grading, to fully finish the film is $50,000.00
Your generous contribution to Ali's Comeback will greatly assist us in covering the cost to pay for archival images and film clips from several sports related network and cable broadcasters. If we can obtain the funds needed within the next 30 days, we will be able to sign with our distributor and present the film for distribution at the American Film Market beginning on November 1, 2018.
Our unique perks range from a hearty thank you for a little as a $5.00 contribution, to include a special credit in the film, high gloss, full size (24X36) poster, hand printed T-shirts, Team signed DVDs, VIP invitation to the Atlanta premiere of Ali's Comeback and its after party, producer credit, insider previews of the final cut as a team member, Everlast boxing gloves (The that made gloves for Muhammad Ali) and a key role as executive producer.
Regardless as to the outcome at the end of this campaign, all proceeds will go directly into covering the clearances, first, the grading, second, and preparing the film for distribution,
So if the name Muhammad Ali has ever meant anything to you, his feats inside the ring excited you, his bold words and actions outside the ring inspired you, and if if you'd like to learn about the amazing almost cosmic chain of events that led to his return to the ring in 1970, please give generously, and often and make Ali's Comeback a reality.
On behalf of myself and every member of our team, we offer our humble thanks for your support.
Appreciatively,
Art Jones, Director
The Impact
In 1967, Muhammad Ali took a relentless stance against an “immoral” and “unjust” war. For this he lost his title and millions of dollars in potential earnings, was convicted of draft evasion, fined 10,000 dollars, sentenced to 5 years in prison, and had his passport taken so that he could not box in America or abroad.
We live in a time where, when it comes to seeking justice, we more often run to the darkened halls of the cinema relying on comic book heroes to deliver some semblance of strength and power to fight the good fight, if only vicariously. Muhammad Ali was a real, flesh and blood human being whose physical presence was larger than life, and whose fight against injustice inflamed the hearts and minds of an entire generation.
Your support in helping us to tell the story about Ali's Comeback will rekindle in the old and showcase for the youth that real super heroes, real champions are not brought to us by fictitious Hollywood characters. Muhammad Ali was a real super hero. He was a giant who walked among us, who forever changed the lives of those he touched. And, more importantly, he demonstrated through his convictions the importance of believing in something... even if it meant sacrificing everything.
Won't you help us to bring this awe inspiring story to the American public, and the world!
Risks & Challenges
The greatest risk to Ali's Comeback moving forward are the completion of payment for the estimated cost for clearances. We are confident that we have close to the exact estimates for all the still and footage to be cleared.
In the event that the actual costs run over our estimates, we shall have to forego attendance at this year's American Film Market beginning on November 1st. But will be more than ready for the Cannes Film Market in May of 2019.The greatest risk to Ali's Comeback moving forward are the completion of payment for the estimated cost for clearances. We are confident that we have close to exact estimates for all the still and footage to be cleared.
In the event that the actual costs run over our estimates, we shall have to forego attendance at this year's American Film Market beginning on November 1st. But will be more than ready for the Cannes Film Market in May of 2019.
Other Ways You Can Help
Venturing towards the finish line we could also use the help of:
Researchers
As we close in on completing the clearances for archival material, we could dearly use the help of a few sharp and focused researchers to join.our team.
Colorist
Color grading is the next big step in taking our "cake" and placing the “icing” to create a pristine look. Such a skilled person is needed.
Marketing & Promotion
Marketing and promotion is never ending creative function. Those with skills in traditional and social media marketing are welcome.
Make Some Noise
Send out repeated emails, stop strangers on the street, send shout outs through social media to spread word about our campaign to complete Ali's Comeback.
Thank you
P. S. Indiegogo has multiple tools available to assist in getting the word out.