Short Summary

Hi, I’m Justin Atkinson – an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker with a passion for preserving the stories that impact our culture. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to telling meaningful stories that connect people, and my latest documentary, “Let’s All Go to the Lobby,” is no different.

This film dives into the fascinating history of Filmack Studios, the company behind the iconic concession stand ad that’s been welcoming moviegoers for generations. It’s more than just a catchy jingle – it’s a piece of cinematic history that’s never been fully explored… until now.

Why does this matter? Because movie theaters aren’t just places to watch films – they’re where we share experiences, create memories, and feel a sense of community. With your support, we can bring this untold story to life, capturing the magic behind the scenes and preserving it for future generations.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us cover essential production costs like shooting interviews, and post-production – and brings us one step closer to sharing this incredible story with the world.

Join us in making “Let’s All Go to the Lobby” a reality – and become a part of preserving a beloved piece of movie history.

What We Need & What You Get

Where Your Contributions Go:

We’re aiming to raise $10,000 to bring “Let’s All Go to the Lobby” to life. Every dollar goes directly toward capturing this untold piece of movie history. Here’s how your support will help:

Production Costs – This covers filming key interviews with industry experts, historians, and the creative minds behind the iconic concession stand animation.

Post-Production – Editing, sound design, and color correction to deliver a polished, professional film worthy of the big screen.

Archival Research & Licensing – Access to rare footage, original artwork, and archival materials that bring the story to life.

Travel & Equipment  – Visiting historic theaters and the people who keep the magic alive while ensuring we capture their stories with high-quality visuals and sound.

Donate $100 or more, and we’ll give you a Special Thanks credit in the film! Your name will appear on the big screen as a valued supporter of this project.

For a contribution of $1,000 or more, you’ll receive an Executive Producer credit! You’ll be listed as an Executive Producer in the film credits and get all the recognition for your significant role in bringing this documentary to life.

Every contribution pushes us closer to the finish line. If we fall short of our full goal, here’s how we’ll use the funds:

Prioritize Production – We’ll focus on completing core interviews and securing key archival materials to ensure the heart of the story is told.

Stretch Every Dollar – We’ll streamline post-production and seek in-kind support from fellow creatives to deliver the best film possible.

The Impact

“Let’s All Go to the Lobby” is more than just a documentary—it’s a love letter to the magic of cinema and the important role movie theaters play in bringing communities together. In a time when digital streaming has made watching films at home more popular than ever, we want to remind people of the irreplaceable experience of watching a film on the big screen, with an audience that shares the same passion and excitement.

Your contribution will help bring this vision to life, and here’s why it’s valuable:

1. Preserving a Cultural Icon: Movie theaters have been a staple of American culture for nearly a century. By supporting this documentary, you’re helping preserve the legacy of this tradition and sharing its story with future generations.

2. Supporting an Experienced Filmmaker: I have a proven track record with projects like Bobby’s Intermission, my first film that celebrates drive-in theaters. It was a successful venture that allowed me to hone my craft as a writer, producer, and director. Your support helps me continue this journey and create even more impactful, meaningful films.

3. Building a Shared Experience: This project isn’t just for film lovers. It’s for everyone who has ever stepped into a theater to experience a story, to feel part of something larger, and to witness moments that resonate deeply. Your contribution will help make sure that this story reaches the right audience and gets the recognition it deserves.

4. Your Support Makes a Real Difference: Every dollar helps bring us closer to completing this documentary and getting it into the world. Whether you’re donating $10 or $1,000, your contribution is an investment in an important project that will have a lasting impact on how we view the history and culture of cinema.

Risks & Challenges

Creating a documentary of this scale and importance comes with its own set of challenges, and I want to be transparent about them so that you, as a potential contributor, know exactly what to expect.

Challenges We May Face:

1. Funding Delays: Documentary filmmaking can be expensive, and while we have a solid budget in place, the cost of distribution, marketing, and unexpected production needs can add up. There may be times when we need to adjust our timeline or fundraising goals to accommodate these costs.

2. Access to Key Interviews: Some of the most important figures we want to feature in the film may have limited availability, and scheduling interviews with them can sometimes be tricky. We’re working hard to reach out to everyone early to secure their participation.

3. Post-Production Time: A project like this involves a significant amount of editing, sound design, and color grading to ensure the final product is polished and impactful. Post-production is where a lot of time and effort goes into shaping the story, and there could be delays if unforeseen technical challenges arise.

How We Plan to Overcome These Hurdles:

1. Proven Experience and Resilience: Having directed and produced my first film, Bobby’s Intermission, I’ve already navigated the ups and downs of filmmaking. From securing interviews to dealing with tight deadlines, I’ve learned how to remain flexible and adapt to any curveballs that come my way. I’m committed to overcoming whatever challenges arise because I believe deeply in this project.

2. Strong Partnerships and Team: I have built a team of trusted collaborators, from cinematographers to animators, who share my passion for the project and understand the importance of delivering quality work on time. We are all committed to staying on track and will push through any obstacles that arise to bring this documentary to life.

3. Flexible Approach: If we encounter any delays or setbacks, we will adjust our timeline and priorities to ensure that the final product is something everyone can be proud of. I’m committed to keeping you, our supporters, updated and engaged every step of the way, ensuring complete transparency in our process.

By supporting this project, you’re not just helping fund a documentary—you’re helping us navigate these hurdles with a strong plan and an unwavering commitment to completing the film. We’ll keep you informed and involved every step of the way, and I’m confident we’ll overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you’re unable to contribute financially to our campaign, no worries! You can still make a huge impact by helping spread the word about Let’s All Go to the Lobby. The more people we reach, the more support we’ll get, and every share counts!

Please consider sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Use the Indiegogo share tools to easily post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even through email. Every shout-out helps us get one step closer to our goal.

Whether it’s through a quick post or simply telling someone about the project, your support means the world. Together, we can make some noise and ensure this film gets the attention it deserves!

Thank you for your continued support—every bit counts!