THE BACKGROUND
Thank you for looking at my project. This is a very personal film for me. What is worse than hearing that your beloved animal friend has cancer and will most likely be dead in 3 months? That's what happened to me and my beloved cat, Persephone. The hollow shock in my chest felt terrible, sapping my energy completely, but when it started to return, I decided that I wouldn't accept that. My girlfriend and I began trawling the internet finding out everything we could about the most cutting edge treatments available and contacting, and in some cases befriending, some of the worlds leading veterinary oncologists and research scientists. Nearly a year later, Persephone is still going strong and we're still obsessively keeping abreast of all the new treatments and research.
THE FILM
I wanted to make this film to help anyone who finds themselves hit with the same terrible news, the same hollow feeling, to find the best centers in the world, the best veterinary specialists and to inform them of the latest research and developments so that if your beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer, you don't have to lose precious time searching for what options are currently or imminently available in order to help you focus your conversations with your specialist on what's best for your pet.
THE FILMMAKER
I have been involved with film and storytelling for many years and have written screenplays for feature films as well as working in Film PR. For the last 5+ years, I worked for The Sunday Times newspaper in London. I worked on the multimedia desk, filming and editing features, documentaries and undercover reports. I am trained and certified as an editor, a cameraman, producer, director and colour grader. I love animals and science and this project lets me pull that all together and allows me to help others who find themselves in this awful position.
What We Need & What You Get
The funds will pay for equipment, travel to meet some of the leading experts and graphics, plus the time for editing and shooting.
If we don't reach our goal, we will still make the documentary, but the scale will have to be reduced, perhaps with some Skype interviews.
To thank you for your contributions, we have a range of perks, ranging from the finished products through to your name appearing on the titles and your giving input into the film.
WHAT IF YOU GET MORE THAN 100% OF YOUR FUNDING GOAL?
I've tried to budget reasonably in terms of scope and equipment. If I'm fortunate enough, and all of you are kind enough that I end up with more than 100% of my funding goal, that will allow me to travel to interviews with more experts and to include more animations and effects illustrating the concepts and methods at hand. It will also allow us to do follow-ups as new technology becomes available and to update the film.
The Impact
When our little cat was diagnosed with cancer, we were heartbroken and shocked. Even when we were referred to a leading medical centre, the news wasn't good as veterinary oncology is a very young field. Trying to look for little known cutting edge treatments when all you want to do is spend what time you have left with your furry friend is difficult. I hope that we can spare other people from having to do that by giving them all of the information in one place so that they can easily discuss all the available options with their veterinary oncologist, even options not yet known by many experts. And maybe, just maybe, we can save some pets' lives
Other Ways You Can Help
As well as contributing, for which we are so grateful, all we ask is to spread the word. Send your friends, families and colleagues here. If they all give a little then together we can do some good work.
Thanks so much
Andrew
