Be part of the show!!!

We are now in the 4th quarter with only 12 days to go. Yes, we can accomplish our goal and win. In order to win we need your help today by making a generous pledge! 

Be part of the show!

Purchase a VIP Celebrty Party Tickets, 1 or 2 unbelievable nights as a perk. At the Abaco Beach Resort, Bahamas.

Be one of the many boats rafting up and partying right out side!

Want to get the Island and luxury fishing yacht atmosphere?

Here is Alan Jackson’s YouTube video on his Merritt luxury fishing yacht.

We have some new excited players on board to make this a win. Yes! They will be fishing for the “big blue” in the Celebrity Marlin Invitational!

Kimberly Caldwell

www.kimberly-caldwell.com

Christopher Atkins

www.christopheratkins.com

Kandra King 

www.kandra.com/home1

Marissa Everhart

Brandi Chastain

Larysa Switlyk

www.larysaunleashed.com

The other 6 players are coming on board real soon to push us over the line!  See us soon on GMA and other morning shows promoting the Inaugural Celebrity Marlin Invitational.

Now, your participation will help millions of people experience the adrenaline and pure passion that goes into landing one of the oceans apex predator, a giant marlin.  It’s nothing short of awe inspiring.  As one of our primary goals is to bring awareness to not only the glory of the tournament fishing but also the ever growing environmental pressures on our fisheries, we will always strive to have the teams we are filming tag and release each and every fish unharmed. 

There’s never been a project quite like this….it’s a fishing tournament, with celebrities and we’re giving to charity.  Plus, don’t forget that we will be filming the whole thing for television series.  (And, just between you and me….there’s even talk of a feature film.)

Disclaimer: Alan Jackson is presently not part of this production, his video is simply to show island and yacht atmosphere.

Campaign Note: Once we hit the 1.5 million to fund the production, then 100% of the funds will go to the charities during 6 one hour TV airing episodes and 30% from DVD sales and this campaign so pledge generously.  

The charity breakdown will be: 50% to the Red Cross for the victims of the deadly hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.  25% to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and 25% to IGFA.  We here at CMI ask that you reach out to your family, friends, coworkers and social media to help spread the word for this most worthy cause.  We thank you! 

Get Hooked and Get On Board with the Celebrity Marlin Invitational.

(See above CMI video)

About me:

I was bitten by the big blue fish bug early in life. In 1955 my father caught a huge blue marlin while we were stationed in Hawaii. He told me a saying you may be familiar with…. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime," ever since then I have had an unwavering passion for deep-sea fishing and helping others less fortunate.  It’s those two passions that led me to where I am today.  A producer with an award winning to team that is passionate to produce the impossible. We call it a project with a purpose.

Now the journey has begun, and I have assembled an award-winning team that is passionate to go where no one has gone before.  With their help, the story has evolved.  The journey has grown and we are poised to break new ground utilizing amazing new technologies and techniques that will make our production more than just a television show or movie….it will be the real live evolution of a completely new genre of entertainment. 

Amazing production values coupled with celebrity and a charity tie is just the tip of the iceberg.

Our production and our people differ.  We truly care about the people involved in the fishing, boating industry, we’re involved and intertwined with the locals where tournaments are held, and we care about you. 

By helping fund this project, you will help achieve something that’s never been done before and that will give you an amazing sense of accomplishment and pride.

You will bring amazing help and hope to charitable organizations, you will be a part of bringing the passion of big game fishing to the masses AND you will be part of the groundbreaking footage we will capture using above and below the water cameras. 

Never has a passion project had such powerful opportunity to entertain, enlighten, educate and motivate. I have put my blood sweat, tears and personal finances into this project.  I believe in the power of people with a purpose. 

Please review the outstanding perks available to you. With your pledge not only comes the outlined perks, you also now have the pride in knowing you were part of the production with a purpose that started it all.

I sincerely thank you in advance,

Bob Tomlinson

Special thanks goes to Dennis Friel and JJ Slater

Dennis Friel Art Studios for the "Inaugural Celebrity Marlin Invitational" Logo

JJ Slater the for Celebrity Marlin video Logo

The Front Line Team

of

Celebrity Marlin Invitational

ROBERT “BOB ” TOMLINSON

Bob is President and Captain of Virtual Vision Fishing Productions. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualvisionfishing/

His passion for production and love of billfish and nature have led him to begin production on the first ever, full length, ultra HD film starring the magnificent marlin. This film will expose viewers to the rarely seen billfish competitions that take place in exotic locations aboard multi-million-dollar fishing luxury yachts. Bob directed a full-length documentary about the Pulse Tragedy titled “Orlando Bands Together.” The content of the film chronicles The Pulse Nightclub tragedy which was the largest mass shooting in United States History. Bob also produced and directed the short documentary “Why People are gravitating to the Town of Montverde.” 

CAPTAIN FRANK “SKIP” SMITH

Captain Skip is the Tournament Director at Virtual Vision Fishing. 

Captain Smith has over 40 years in the fishing industry and has traveled to over 25 countries on a quest to break billfish records. He currently holds 49 IFGA world records and has built his career working with some of the best fisherman and fishing companies anywhere in the world. He is one of the most recognized and sought-after boat captains and tournament directors around. He serves on several industry boards, including the IGFA chairman of the Tommy Gifford Award. Smith’s decades of experience have afforded him tight connections to custom-built sport boat industry as well as multimillion-dollar fishing and sporting goods businesses. In 2002, he helped create the Custom Shootout, a fishing tournament that gave the fishing industry an opportunity to give back and benefit many charitable organizations. 15 years later, Captain Skip and Skip’s Tournaments have blossomed into a brand that both fisherman and industry leaders respect and follow. He has written a book about fishing the world that tops all fishing stories named the Tales of a Hooker and Her Madam. 

J.J. SLATER

JJ is the Director and First Mate at Virtual Vision Fishing. 

His name in the sport fishing and extreme water sports industry has become synonymous with visual storytelling and creative recognition. With over a decade of experience, he's consistently credited by experts for his keen eye, sense of creativity, and the ability to see art when no one else can. Slater has won multiple awards as a producer/cinematographer and has worked on projects with worldwide acclaim. Within the fishing industry, he has branded a name for himself.  

He will bring to the table his award winning production team of 19 to capture the epic footage!

KENT VANDERBERG

Kent is the Producer at Virtual Vision Fishing. 

Kent Vanderberg is an Emmy-Award winning video production professional and documentary filmmaker with over 25 years of experience. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1984, majoring in Communication Arts with a Film and Television focus and participated in a film intensive program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. As a seasoned storyteller and documentary video maker his easy-going style combined with a sense of humor and a love of his craft, enables him to elicit the essence and authenticity in each moment. He has produced a great variety of projects including; award-winning corporate videos and commercials, image films, numerous Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund documentaries, as well as cruise ship inaugurations and show opens and multi-screen content for live events. In the realm of sports, Kent has directed video boards at the Olympics, the Arab Games and the in-stadium video boards at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NCAA Big Ten Championships. Various productions have taken Kent around the world, from Panama to Pakistan, from Moscow to Beijing and beyond.

Alexandra Courson

Alex is the Director of Social Media at Virtual Vision Fishing.

A leading expert in Brand Strategy and Digital Marketing, Alexandra Courson guides businesses to identify scalable and precise messaging and strategies while eliminating the stress, anxiety and overwhelm of external noise. Alex is a multiple million-dollar start-up strategist, Sales and Marketing coach and managing partner of KELEKTIVE, a branding and production company that helps businesses show up in a manner that portrays professionalism and ingenuity and originality.   As traveling CMO of multiple 7 figure and beyond businesses, she has helped hundreds of organizations and professionals master the strategies necessary to grow beyond expectations.  Earning her Undergraduate degree in International Marketing and Humanities at University Of Central Florida, She attended Webster University for her MBA and acquired her Certificate in Journalism from Harvard University.  Alexandra has made a name for herself blending classic sales and marketing techniques and practices with early adoptive strategies over the last 15 years.

D. B. Wienke

D.B. is the Director of LinkedIn at Virtual Vision Fishing. 

Ms. D. B. Wienke’s career spans twenty-five years as a classically-trained marketing professional with mega corporate and small startup work experience.  She is now a subject matter expert about LinkedIn.  D. B. has helped hundreds of LinkedIn professionals in many industries achieve real, measurable results when it comes to leveraging LinkedIn to land new clients, generate sales leads and increase revenue.  A former marketing officer and sales executive at Fortune 500 firms, D. B. Wienke is a keynote LinkedIn speaker, LinkedIn coach, LinkedIn workshop presenter, LinkedIn profile optimizer and LinkedIn content creator.  She earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a dual concentration in Management Strategy and Marketing.   Her Bachelor of Arts in Economics was obtained at Denison University.   

How The Funds Will Be Used

There has been a huge amount of planning and research implemented for this project, but we need your help to make it fly off the charts and with your help it will...  The funds from Indiegogo will be used for: Virtual Vision Fishing, Star Teams,  2 Stars will equal one team, there will be 6 teams totaling 12 Stars!  Wow, the bigger the Star power the more competitive and exciting this production will be!  We are casting talent from across the country through Celeb Brokers based in LA, expect to see super stars! Then comes the production equipment and crew, travel and lodging for everyone etc.  

Obviously, the more money we raise the better the production but more importantly the more we will be able to give back to help benefit the unfortunate folks who have suffered great losses during this year’s Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico deadly storms. Plus help other approved 501(C)3 charities.  Once we hit the 1.5 million to fund the production, then 100% of the funds will go to the charities during 6 one hour TV airing episodes and 30% from DVD sales and this campaign.  The charity breakdowns will be 50% to the American Red Cross for the victims of the deadly hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.  25% to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and 25% to IGFA.  We here at CMI ask that you reach out to your family, friends, coworkers and social media to help spread the word for this must worthy cause. We thank you!

The Celebrity Marlin Invitational Budget:

Possible Trust Issues?

What do you know about Crowdfunding? First this is an all or nothing campaign.  Meaning if we don't hit our goal in the allotted time we get nothing and you get 100% of your money back. Indiegogo will not charge your card until the goal is reached.

Second, if we can't hit our goal then it is meant to say, there was not enough interest in having a Celebrity Marlin Invitational.  This is a huge risk for me, my heart tells me wow, what a huge win-win campaign and the production will give back to everyone.  Then, on the other hand, my mind tells me that some of the people may have a trust issue with Crowdfunding.  

Let me clear the air on the second issue.  My dad taught me another thing of importance, he said, "Son I'm here to tell you that you own nothing in this life of yours, not the car you drive or the house you live in or anything because all can be taken away from you in a split second.  However, there is one thing you do own and it is your character! Keep it polished, never let it get tarnished." I have lived by those words all my life and I assure you that myself and my whole team will spit-shine this production for you!  I have an awesome award winning team that really wants this dream to come true. Also, it is going to be a great ride and you'll be on the ride with us...

Indiegogo's Trust & Safety

 https://www.indiegogo.com/trust

We made sure your Perks were handled by the right Company!

J. M. Fields Marketing

Fulfillment and Marketing Services

https://www.jmfieldmarketing.com

As a full-service fulfillment and marketing firm, we provide clients peace of mind by offering a seamless integration of marketing solutions that focus on the same goal: Your Success.

Our dedicated team works together to combine top e-commerce solutions, warehouse fulfillment, inventory management, web design, graphic design, social media management and more to develop your online presence, maintain your website and manage product distribution. We strive to bring you closer to your target audience by embracing the technologies that have redefined the way that the world communicates and shops online.

Time Line

Perks/Rewards Pictures

Post Card

I Wish I was There T-Shirt

T-shirt you can wear to show others how you helped make history. We're going to use top quality cotton, so it'll be comfortable to wear! It will be a light yellow in color.

Coffee-to-go Tumbler 15 oz.

Start your day with this coffee-to-go tumbler. Special designed screw-on lid with push-button allows you to simply press and pop to sip. Including safe lock to ensure spill resistant feature. Double wall construction with durable stainless steel outer and plastic liner. Foam insulation. Tiny tapered body fits most standard car cup holders. 


Tote Bag

Captain Skip Smith's Book "Tales of a Hooker and Her Madam"

Quality Dry-Fit Fishing Performance Sun Protection Long Sleeve "Killer T-Shirt" 

Original Antique Poster

Questions and Answers

Q:  When will the film be made?

A:  Please look at the time line it breaks everything down for you.

Q: What TV Channels will the episodes be on?

A:  We are presently in negations with major networks for the largest coverage.

Q: What times will it be shown on TV?

A:  Our goal is to have it on one of these nights M-F or Sunday between 7-9PM .

Q:  What Stars are you going to have on the show?

A:  We are presently working with an LA Celeb Broker to acquire Super Stars and other Talent Agencies. A lot has to do with the funding of this campaign. Obviously the higher the funding the more Super Stars.  We will let you know when the stars come on board.

Q:  How will I get my Digital Download?

A:  You’ll be able to get your digital version through Flixster (and possibly other popular digital retailers—we’ll keep you posted)). We will send you an email with a code and redemption instructions for your choice when the digital version is ready.

Q:  When will the Perk Items be shipped/available.

A:  We have put together a good ball park idea on the timing of items already. The Series DVD and Downloads will be after the series has completed due to the networks wanting to show it first. We would love to send them out sooner but we have to follow their protocol. All other items you should receive on or before the date specified.

Q:  If I post a question to the site when will I get a response?

A:  We expect to have questions and our goal is to have quick turn around. Just be assure we will get to them all.

Q:  What will happen if I move before rewards are shipped? Can I update a delivery address?

A:  Yes. We'll follow up with backers when we are ready to deliver rewards. You will give us your address then. Fortunately we are working with one huge fulfillment company.

Q:  Can we ship to an address that isn't our billing address?

A:  Yes. We will send you a form asking where you'll want rewards shipped when they're ready to go.

Q:  Can Pledges accumulate? If I pledge $100 three times, am I eligible for a $300 reward?

A:  Donations do not add up this way. If you change your mind and want to get a more expensive reward, make sure there are still rewards available at that dollar amount, cancel your first order, then make the new higher-dollar choice.

Q:  Will there be more rewards offed?

A:  We expect to add new rewards right up until the final day of the campaign. Remember, if you see a new tier you like, you can always change your pledge to sign up for the new one. Be sure to change both the amount you are pledging AND select the new reward.

Q: What will be the breakdown for the monies going to the charities?

A:  The charity breakdowns will be: 50% to the Red Cross for the victims of the deadly hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.  25% to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and 25% to IGFA.  We here at CMI ask that you reach out to your family, friends, coworkers and social media to help spread the word for this must worthy cause.  We thank you!