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Doug Henning's Magical World

The very first feature-length documentary on the life, magic, and wonder of magician Doug Henning

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Doug Henning's Magical World

Doug Henning's Magical World

Doug Henning's Magical World

Doug Henning's Magical World

Doug Henning's Magical World

The very first feature-length documentary on the life, magic, and wonder of magician Doug Henning

The very first feature-length documentary on the life, magic, and wonder of magician Doug Henning

The very first feature-length documentary on the life, magic, and wonder of magician Doug Henning

The very first feature-length documentary on the life, magic, and wonder of magician Doug Henning

Neil McNally
Neil McNally
Neil McNally
Neil McNally
1 Campaign |
Los Angeles, United States
$7,287 USD 107 backers
14% of $50,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Overview
Doug Henning is a legend. He was the first modern superstar magician since Houdini. Over a brief thirteen years, he dusted off a centuries-old art form, modernized it and made magic fun again for the modern television age. Without a doubt, in magic history, all roads lead back to Doug. Having passed away on the cusp of the internet age in 2000, his massive contributions to the art of magic have never been fully acknowledged. “Doug Henning’s Magical World” intends to right this wrong.

For many audiences today, the art of magic is a pop culture establishment. It’s something that has always been there and always will. However, by the early 1970s magic was relegated to the musty world of birthday parties and stagnant top hat and tails.

Enter Doug Henning...

Traveling to the United States in 1971 with a $5,000 Canadian arts grant, Doug Henning had a simple dream of bringing magic back to its rightful place. With a successful Broadway show, never-ending enthusiasm and colorful attire, he would do just that. NBC soon offered him yearly television specials. The first of which, 1975’s “World of Magic,” had an unprecedented viewership of fifty-million people tuning in live to see Doug escape from Houdini’s feared “Water Torture Cell.”

By 1987, with two more Broadway shows and massive worldwide acclaim under his belt, Doug Henning would do the unimaginable. His devotion to the calming practice of Transcendental Meditation had grown to the point where the inherent magic and wonder in everyday life held his interest profoundly more than stage magic ever could. After much soul-searching, Doug would quietly leave behind the art form that had gripped him since childhood.

This feature-length documentary is made with the cooperation of the Henning family and features such magic luminaries as Penn and Teller, Lance Burton, Max Maven, Johnny Thompson, Milt Larsen, and many more. It follows Doug’s complete life starting as a youth in Canada, his first breakthrough on Broadway with “The Magic Show,” his eight television specials, his devotion to Transcendental Meditation, and his ultimate reasons for leaving it all behind. The framework of which is told by Doug himself through a comprehensive and unreleased 1999 video interview recorded six months before his passing from cancer in 2000.

Like the Beatles before him, Doug Henning was attuned to his time. It was a time of hippie sensibilities, positivity, rainbow spandex, and love. We could sure use a lot of that today.

As much as we would love to waive our own magic wand to make this film instantly appear, we have to go through more real life means to see it through to its completion. That's where you the fans come in! It is your tax-deductible donations that will allow us to travel to Canada and New York for more interviews with Doug's family, collaborators, and friends.

In addition, the rights to the bulk of Doug's television work are spread out over many television networks, individuals, and companies. These programs, especially the "World of Magic" specials, are expensive. Due to this, a sizable portion of our budget needs to be devoted to obtaining these supremely important clips that will bring Doug's work back to life in the way it properly deserves. 

If that weren't enough, extensive post-production will be needed when shooting is complete. This will involve, not only editing the film itself but preserving and remastering Doug's last interview conducted in 1999. The never before seen interview currently exists on 8mm video and antiquated mini-audio cassettes. The value of this interview is without question, and it's preservation is essential. 

Please consider donating to this important project so we can help see Doug Henning's legacy preserved.  

Thank you so much for visiting our IndieGoGo page. With this film, we are committed to bringing the story of Doug Henning's life to audiences around the world. Please feel free to donate what you can, and share this Indiegogo campaign ( https://igg.me/at/doughenningfilm) and website (www.doughenningfilm.com) with any friends you have on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. 

Doug's story is indeed a special one, and it's with your help that his unique magic and wonder will continue to be spread throughout the 21st century and beyond. 

Neil McNally: Director

Over the years, Neil has been involved in various aspects of film production, writing, and art. It was while attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn he majored in Film, and after graduating he had the pleasure of working for The Jim Henson Company for several years as a puppeteer.

After moving to Los Angeles in 2008, Neil wrote for various entertainment magazines and websites such as Famous Monsters of Filmland, Starburst, MI6 Confidential, Wild About Harry, Den of Geek, and The Muppet Mindset.  Some of his interview subjects have included director Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company) and famed movie poster artist Drew Struzan (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter).

However, it is his work on and the creation of the popular website The Doug Henning Project that he is most proud of. Started in May 2017, the website has quickly become the go-to resource for all things Doug Henning. In fact, it has been this outpouring of appreciation and love from Doug’s fans that has convinced Neil the time is now right for a comprehensive documentary on Doug’s life and art.

As a lover of magic history, Neil intends to bring new life and awareness to the legacy of Doug Henning. It’s a legacy that’s surprisingly unexplored and one that is waiting to be unlocked for the masses once again!

Michelle Opitz: Producer

Michelle has had the honor of studying under directors John Badham (Saturday Night Fever) and Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) as a Marion Knott Scholar. She studied directing at the American Film Institute where she directed her thesis film But, Seriously Folks.

Having also graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in film production, Michelle has directed dozens of short films and documentaries that have circulated film festivals. Additionally, she has produced four feature films. Michelle was the recipient of Chapman University’s Location Filmmaking grant, Eastman Kodak Women in Film scholarship, and Panavision’s Filmmaker’s Grant.

Born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, Michelle moved throughout her childhood. Her diverse background draws her toward unique projects. In addition to writing and directing her own films, Michelle teaches film and produces projects she passionately believes in.

 

Special Contributions to the making of this campaign video: 

Production Support:

David Charvet (www.charvetmagic.com)

Brian Lumley: Doug on Elephant Photo

Design Team:

Jeff Blum: Web Design/Build by SquareBreaker

Dave Dimeola (www.brigade.tv)

All were invaluable in the making of this video and campaign. Thank you, thank you!

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Choose your Perk

Updates

$5 USD
Get updates on the film and events! Stay tuned to learn more about the film and Doug Henning.
Included Items
  • Updates
Estimated Shipping
April 2019
3 claimed

Special Thanks

$15 USD
We will do a special shout-out on Facebook thanking you! We're so grateful for your support and look forward to sharing updates on the film.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
Estimated Shipping
April 2019
3 claimed

Digital Download

$25 USD
We will send you a digital download of the movie when it's officially released digitally. Be one of the first people to see this film!
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
36 claimed

Limited Edition Poster

$35 USD
Receive a Limited Edition 11x17 Doug Henning's Magical World Movie Poster! Be the first to get this poster once it's been designed and printed. Add $5 for international shipping.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
9 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Limited Edition Playing Cards

Limited Edition Playing Cards

$45 USD
Receive Limited Edition Doug Henning's Magical World playing cards. Next time you have your friends over for cards, pull out this cool collector set and reminisce​ about Doug Henning. Add $5 for international shipping.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
8 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Limited Edition Mug

Limited Edition Mug

$50 USD
Limited Edition Doug Henning's Magical World Mug, add $5 for international shipping.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
7 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Limited Edition T-Shirt

Limited Edition T-Shirt

$55 USD
Receive a Limited Edition Doug Henning T-shirt. Choose between grey or yellow. T-shirts come in Men's crewneck and Women's V-neck designs. Add $5 for international shipping.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
3 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Limited Edition Tote Bag

Limited Edition Tote Bag

$65 USD
Receive a Limited Edition Doug Henning's Magical World Large Tote Bag. 100% cotton canvas, 2-tone Deluxe 19" x 15" x 6" Add $5 for international shipping.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
1 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Bronze Package

$100 USD
The Doug Henning Bronze Package includes a Doug Henning T-shirt, mug and poster.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
14 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Silver Package

$125 USD
The Doug Henning Silver Fan Package includes the Doug Henning's Magical World 11x17 movie poster, playing cards, and T-shirt.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
1 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Gold Package: Screening Tix

$200 USD
The Doug Henning Gold Package includes two tickets to the cast & crew Los Angeles screening and afterparty (travel and accommodations​ not included). Be the first to see the film! At the screening, receive a signed 11x17 Doug Henning's Magical World movie poster.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
3 claimed
Ships worldwide.

Film Credit

$250 USD
Your name will be included in the 'Thank you' credits of the movie and on the website. Additionally, you will receive everything from the Bronze Fan perk which includes a Doug Henning's Magical Worl T-shirt and Tote bag.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
0 claimed

New Magic Castle Cabaret

$300 USD
Receive Tickets for you and three guests to the new Magic Castle Cabaret located in Santa Barabara! An evening at the Magic Castle Cabaret will feature a close-up magician of the Academy of Magical Arts from the Magic Castle in Hollywood or a variety arts entertainer. Travel, accommodations, and Magic Castle fees are not included.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
0 out of 1 of claimed

Private Screening with Q&A

$500 USD
Host your own private screening with a filmmaker Q&A. Filmmakers will show up to Los Angeles screenings. Filmmakers will Skype in for screenings hosted outside Los Angeles.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
2 out of 3 of claimed

Very Special Thanks Credits

$5,000 USD
Receive a Very Special Thanks in the credit, Two tickets to the cast & crew screening (travel/accommodations​ not included), and your own private screening.
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
0 out of 5 of claimed

Associate Producer Credit

$10,000 USD
Join our team! Receive an Associate Producer Credit, Two tickets to the cast & crew screening (travel/accommodations not included), and everything included in the Silver Fan Package
Included Items
  • Updates
  • Special Thanks
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
September 2019
0 out of 5 of claimed
Ships worldwide.

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