LIVE THE
STREAM is a documentary about fly
fishing legend Joe Humphreys and his lifelong journey to share the sport he
loves while inspiring a greater respect for our local waters.
This documentary tries to keep up with Joe “Hump” for one year both on
and off the stream as he inspires first-timers and professionals alike to
better their fly fishing techniques in the splendor of nature. It’s a relatable
and moving story of youthfulness in the heart of life’s progression, a film
that explores the significance of family and community foundations and the idea
that water can be a healing resource for anyone that steps in the stream. Even
if you know nothing about fly fishing there’s something for everyone in this
endearing documentary because for Joe, fly fishing is a lifeline. It’s not
about the size of the fish that he catches. Whether big or small, each one
holds a varied beauty. This is “Hump’s” guide to fly fishing and it’s proof
that if you follow a dream for an entire lifetime it can come true. What drives
Joe? Why does he love fly fishing? How does he continue to master the sport,
and what importance does he see in passing it on? This is the Joe Humphreys’
story of Live The Stream.
WHO IS JOE HUMPHREYS?
If you hang out with Joe for breakfast, you’ll be laughing, charmed, and highly caffeinated by the time you start your day. Anyone who knows Joe understands his humbleness. Although there are plenty of accolades that we could write for this section we’ll try to keep it short.
Joe Humphreys is a multi-lettered collegiate athlete who had his pick of careers but chose to follow his calling and devote his life to fly fishing. Joe is a mentor in the fly fishing world. He has represented the United States in domestic and international fly fishing competitions and has guided presidents and celebrities. He held a Pennsylvania record, hosted an ESPN show, and was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. Yet Joe’s focus has always been on teaching, coaching, and passing on the joys of fly fishing to anyone who wants to learn. His books have helped many students better their skills and his classroom work as a 19-year instructor of the renowned Penn State Angling program is equally esteemed. If you’re familiar with fly fishing you’ll recognize “Hump” on the street or in the stream but if you know nothing about angling, you’d think he was an average Joe. He’s an icon happily living a humble life in a local community but his impact on fly fisherman all over the world is profound. There’s no way to know how many people Joe has inspired with his books, videos, and teachings and on a more local level, his relentless conservation efforts are helping to improve the State College area streams. This man never slows down–even at 86 years old and that’s impressive.
WHY IS HIS STORY IMPORTANT?
We believe Joe’s story can have an immeasurable impact on anyone who watches Live The Stream because, quite frankly, Joe Humphreys is a genuinely remarkable person and icon. Joe is one of the last fly fishing greats alive today and he’s made a valiant effort to help others and leave a stamp on this world through his teachings. Because of Joe, this isn’t your typical “how-to” fly fishing film with a story that builds to the “epic catch.” Instead, Live The Stream is the heart and soul of fly fishing, a charming perspective on why people fish. It's also a reflection on life and aging, considering nature as a possible
fountain of youth. Live The Stream is relatable, honest, soulful, entertaining, and humorous but above all else, it’s essential for the future life of streams. If this documentary can excite a new crowd to pick up a fly rod and experience fly fishing, if it contributes to an increase in water quality awareness, or if it encourages people to simply get outside and experience nature then the film has done its job. We’re dreaming big, just like Joe Humphreys.
WHY SHOULD YOU HELP?
Joe Humphreys has dedicated over 70 years of his life to fly fishing and has spent most of that time teaching absolutely anyone who wants to learn the sport. Age, gender, ethnicity, income, or experience–it makes no difference to Joe. Any teacher will attest to the significance and selfless adversities in that career. If you can contribute to this documentary, you are helping us repay Joe with not only a film that intends to spread his message within the community that already supports him but also a film that aspires to share his philosophies and purpose with new viewers and hopefully a fresh group of “students” who wouldn’t usually know the name Joe Humphreys.
We want to produce the best film we can for Joe and reach the audiences we know this film can impact. Although we’ve already shot a wealth of content for the documentary, Joe's schedule keeps evolving. He's invited to attend significant events around the world this year and we want to be right there with him.
If you choose to donate, we’re offering a variety of awesome perks including downloads, Blu-rays, DVDs, limited edition apparel, fly fishing gear, and more. We’re even offering special autographed items from Joe himself. (Select one on the right) Please know that your support goes beyond the cool perks we offer. By supporting this film, we’re not just creating a movie together, we are preserving a legacy and inspiring others to appreciate nature. Join us in this campaign and you will also be supporting the most critical phase of this film: taking it to completion so that it can be seen by the world.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Filming began in May 2015 and every shoot we have produced has been 100 percent self-funded (with the exception of one portion of lodging covered by a friend of the film). We estimate that we’re about half way through the actual filming process before we shift focus to edit and post-production.
Our crew has been mostly wading the beautiful streams of Pennsylvania with Joe but the second half of our production could entail more domestic travel and shoots across the pond. This requires flights, boats, guide services, and lodging for both Joe and the crew and, as a boutique production company, that’s one reason why we’re reaching out to you for help.
We’re also close to moving into post-production and with that comes another level of production costs that carry a heavy percentage of the overall film budget. This is where editing, archival footage licensing fees, color correction, music licensing, and audio mix and mastering come into play among many other costly expenses required to produce a well-finished film. Beyond that are costs for production insurance, film festival entries, and hopefully travel to those debuts. The numbers quickly add up, and again, that’s why we’re turning to the power of crowdfunding to help finish the film.
Joe’s PA State Record Brown Trout - 1977
OUR GOALS
We love goals and we’re going for new records in 2016:
GOAL #1: The Hatch
This is only possible with your help. If we raise $50,000 through the strength of the crowdfunding community our production capabilities will have new energy and life.
GOAL #2: Catch and Release
Joe loves making videos almost as much as he loves teaching. Live The Stream is the perfect medium for Joe to intrigue and educate as many viewers as possible with hopes that they’ll share their new appreciation with others for a greater community of vigilance on the stream. Film festivals and local viewings? Yes. Netflix? We would be elated. Let’s see how far this film will go.
HOW WILL $50,000 MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
All donations will immediately be used to continue production
on Live The Stream. They will also be circulated to cover costs for post-production, licensing, and film festival entries. Here is our projected cost breakdown:
HOW TO DONATE
You can donate to Live The Stream through our website.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
We need to get Joe’s message downstream so if you can donate to the film, THANK YOU! If you can’t afford to make a financial contribution, there are other important ways you can help. Here's how you can help build awareness about our film, Live The Stream:
Go to: www.livethestreamfilm.com
Sign up for our mailing list on our website and receive periodic updates
Like our Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter & Instagram — retweet, repost, share..a lot!
Talk about the project to everyone you know and share all the above.
Blog about the film
THANK YOU!
If you can share this cause and help others learn about Joe’s documentary, thank you! Joe believes in the power of community and we’re confident that the online community will be just as strong for Joe.
Thank you and Fish On! –The LTS Team
MEET THE LTS TEAM
Meigan, Lucas, Chris, and Alex
Meigan Bell: Director/Producer/Writer/Editor
Meigan
is the Executive Producer of Nomadic, (@NomadicStudio)and oversees all
live-action and creative content for the DC-based boutique studio. She has
spent the past ten years as a director, producer, and writer,
creating and capturing nonfiction, sports, and reality programming for major
broadcast networks such as National Geographic Channel, Discovery Networks,
A&E, ESPN, History, Food Network, and more. An outdoor enthusiast, production and
personal treks have taken her from seas to summits all over the world and it's
in these cinematic and adventurous environments that she finds inspiration and
balance. A former musician and performer, her life has always been about
storytelling and she’s delighted to add documentary film to her stage and
broadcast career. Meigan has an M.M.C from ASU's Walter Cronkite School of
Journalism & Mass Communication. Favorite Fly Fishing Spot: Kenai River, Alaska
Lucas Bell: Director/Editor/
Designer/ Camera Op
Lucas is
the Owner and Creative Director of Nomadic, (@NomadicStudio) a
boutique design-driven production company specializing in motion design,
live-action, and branded content for film, television, marketing, entertainment, and museums. He has a BFA in film and video
from Penn State University and has
designed, animated, and composited spots for brands such as Nike, Volkswagen,
Verizon, US Bank, Clear Channel and Nokia. He has also created content for a
variety of broadcast networks including Discovery Networks, National Geographic Channel, A&E, TLC,
Destination America, ID, ESPN and more. If you ask Lucas, some of his greatest
accomplishments have been on rivers and streams. A fly fisherman since
childhood, Lucas believes in the importance of being outside and is honored to
create a project for the fly fishing great, Joe Humphreys. Favorite Fly Fishing Spot: Clinton River, South Island New Zealand
Chris Sellers: Director of Photography
Chris Sellers is the Director of Photography for Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys. Born in Ohio, Chris Sellers brings the midwestern sensibility of attentiveness and honesty to her work and her life. She has been seeing the world in images since childhood, always seeking to create beauty in any situation. Chris has been a director of photography since 2004, working in both film and television (CNBC, A&E, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, HGTV, Travel Channel, History Channel, TLC). Her true passion is visually dissecting a story, and it is storytelling that drives her, both in work and in life. Favorite Fly Fishing Spot: Fishing Creek, PA
Alexander Gasowski: Producer
As an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman, Alexander started early developing his love for the wild. A West Virginia University graduate with a B.F.A. in Electronic Media, Alexander currently works in the media industry in the New York City area. While pursuing his career as a television and film animator, he has worked on various projects for the National World War II Museum and several major television networks. But even with all the creative outlets of his career, Alexander returns to the roots of his childhood through the classical arts and love of nature and the outdoors. Favorite Fly Fishing Spot: Florida Keys
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