MY STORY
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Hi everybody, Dee Freeman here! My initial Poison Gun campaign has closed and I am happy to report that I met half my goal during the first campaign! Thank you so much for your support!
With the recent fires in Los Angeles, it was very difficult to fundraise for my project while watching so many people lose everything. There were a couple of days when I thought it would be best if I postponed or cancelled the performances. But, I have heard from so many people that they need something to focus on other than the fires, the losses, and the devastation. They need what this town was built for, entertainment, diversion, and a couple of hours where people don't have to think about what's next.
So, I have decided to continue my crowdfunding and open a Phase 2 campaign to raise the rest of the funds needed to perform Poison Gun in April at the Hudson Guild Theatre, God willing and with your help.
Poison Gun is the story of an event in my childhood in Louisiana. It takes place at the height of the Civil Rights movement when white supremacy, cross burnings and lynching were a way of life for poor black people living in the South.
My granddaddy was a farmer and a bootlegger, a very successful bootlegger. He was so successful he branched out and became the local loan shark when someone needed money. Two things about my granddaddy everybody knew. He was legally blind and he didn't trust banks. So granddaddy hid all of his money in coffee cans and buried them around his farm. I know because I helped him. I was his eyes and his accountant. I knew where each coffee can was buried and exactly how much was inside.
When both my grandparents were murdered and their house was burned to the ground to cover it up, it set a series of events in motion that changed my life forever. For many, the answer to who killed my grandparents is still a mystery to this day.
Told through my naïve, young eyes, Poison Gun is the story of my grandparents' murder, the investigation, the cat and mouse game I had to play with a corrupt white police officer who was interested in finding my Granddaddy's hidden money, and the conviction that followed.
This Phase 2 campaign is a follow-up to my first campaign where I was able to raise half of the money needed to perform a full month run of my one-woman show. With the money I have raised in the first phase, I am taking care of part of the theater rental, insurance, campaign and Perk management, some of the publicity and graphics work needed, and IndieGoGo fees.
The Phase 2 campaign will help me raise the additional money needed to host the April performances at the Hudson Guild Theatre. This will include the technical support team and other staff members needed at the theater during the performances, graphic arts services, management, and additional IndieGoGo fees.
I thank all those that contributed to the Phase 1 Poison Gun campaign. Your generosity and support have been awesome! All Phase 1 Perks have been fulfilled except those tied to the theatrical run. Those outstanding Perks will be fulfilled at that time and shortly after the theatrical run.
Ultimately, this campaign is important to me because it's my family's history. It's a story that's important to tell because it demonstrates and illuminates the tensions and struggles that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and lingered long after its enactment.
I want to provide a glorious evening of entertainment to audiences that will keep them on the edge of their seats while they try to guess who's behind the double murder that changed my world.
I've carried this story around in my heart for most of my life. Your contribution to setting it free is immeasurable, and I thank you!
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BUDGET
My goal is to raise $3,750 with this campaign, half of what I still need to perform my theatrical run. I have put together a $22,000 budget that covers the cost of eight performances during a four-week theater run, and raised $7,550 during the first Poison Gun campaign. The funds have been allocated for the following line items:
1 Theater Rental - PARTIALLY COVERED BY PHASE 1 FUNDING
2 Insurance - COVERED BY PHASE 1 FUNDING
3 Technical Support - Tech director, Lighting, Sound, Q-lab designer
4 Publicity/Marketing - Publicist, Videographer, Still Photographer
5 Support Staff - House Manager, Box Office support
6 Campaign/Perk Management - PARTIALLY COVERED BY PHASE 1 FUNDING
7 Graphic Arts Services/Marketing Materials
8 Theater Marquee
9 Lobby Sundries/Refreshments
10 IndieGoGo Fees/Reserve Funds - COVERED BY PHASE 1 FUNDING
11 Contingency
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PERKS
The following Perks are offered as a token of my appreciation for your generosity and support.
Lt Scott's Chicken Coop - $25
That chicken coop was one smelly, oppressive space, but the chickens were nice! Anyone donating $25 will receive a personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages, and a humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file to thank you for your support.
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
Enoch's Cow Pasture - $50
Enoch’s cow pasture was a great place to play as long as you didn’t run into any cow pies! With a $50 donation you will receive a personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages, a humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file, and your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
Earl's Farm - $100
There were always chores to do on Earl's farm and lots of kids to do them! With a $100 donation receive all of the Enoch’s Cow Pasture Perks plus a Special Thanks credit in the performance video, a Thank You video from me, a May 2025 Zoom Q&A session, and a link to stream the performance video when available. Thank you for your generosity!
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
Aunt Berta's Sunday School - $250
No one dared mess around when they were in Aunt Berta's Sunday School. Anyone donating $250 will receive my unending gratitude and a stack of Perks including a prerecorded video by me to you, and Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill!
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
- Pre-recorded video message from me.
- Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill.
Uncle Willie's Pulpit - $500
Uncle Willie's pulpit was used for more than just Sunday sermons. For a $500 donation, the Perks just keep coming including a scripted video message I will record for you or someone you know with whatever (within reason!) message you like, and 2 comp tickets to Poison Gun opening night, my gratitude, plus all Aunt Berta's Sunday School Perks!
- Aunt Berta’s Sunday School Perks including:
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
- Pre-recorded video message from me.
- Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill.
- Scripted video message. I will record a video message to you or someone you know with whatever (within reason!) you would like the message to say.
- Two (2) complimentary tickets to the opening night performance of Poison Gun.
Katie Booker's Barn - $1,000
Katie Booker's barn was always the place to hang with a best friend. For a $1,000 donation, receive onstage recognition, 4 comp tickets to opening night, all the Perks from Aunt Berta's Sunday School Perks, and my eternal gratitude for your donation and your support.
- Aunt Berta’s Sunday School Perks including:
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
- Pre-recorded video message from me.
- Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill.
- Scripted video message. I will record a video message to you or someone you know with whatever (within reason!) you would like the message to say.
- Onstage special recognition after the performance
- Four (4) complimentary tickets to the opening night performance of Poison Gun.
Grandmama's House - $2,500
Grandmama's house always smelled like a feast was about to be served. A $2,500 donation will make a huge impact on bringing Poison Gun closer to reality. All the Madea's Kitchen Perks are included plus an Associate Producer credit on the Poison Gun video, and 4 comp tickets to any performance of Poison Gun. Add to that my undying thank you!
- Aunt Berta’s Sunday School Perks including:
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
- Pre-recorded video message from me.
- Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill.
- Scripted video message. I will record a video message to you or someone you know with whatever (within reason!) you would like the message to say.
- Onstage special recognition after the performance
- Four (4) complimentary tickets to the opening night performance of Poison Gun.
- Meet and greet Zoom session to introduce myself and discuss the Poison Gun project.
- Poison Gun gift bag including autographed Poison Gun Playbill.
- Invitation to the Poison Gun Wrap Party in Los Angeles, CA.
- Two (2) complimentary tickets to any performance of Poison Gun.
- Associate Producer credit on the Poison Gun video.
Granddaddy's Boxing Ring - $5,000
Granddaddy might have been old, but he sure could hold his own when he boxed! With a $5,000 donation you get more Perks than I can list! You will also receive four (4) comp tickets to any Poison Gun performance, and a Producer credit on the Poison Gun video.
- Aunt Berta’s Sunday School Perks including:
- Personal shoutout from me on my Facebook/Instagram social media pages.
- Humorous Poison Gun phone greeting digital audio file.
- Your name and photo included on the Poison Gun Wall of Fame.
- Mention in the "Special Thanks" section of the Poison Gun video credits.
- Video Thank You from me.
- May 2025 Q&A Zoom session with me to discuss the Poison Gun performance, storyline, and my thoughts on who killed my grandparents.
- Streaming link to the Poison Gun theatrical performance video when available.
- Pre-recorded video message from me.
- Special Thanks mention in the Poison Gun Playbill.
- Scripted video message. I will record a video message to you or someone you know with whatever (within reason!) you would like the message to say.
- Onstage special recognition after the performance
- Four (4) complimentary tickets to the opening night performance of Poison Gun.
- Meet and greet Zoom session to introduce myself and discuss the Poison Gun project.
- Poison Gun gift bag including autographed Poison Gun Playbill.
- Invitation to the Poison Gun Wrap Party in Los Angeles, CA.
- Four (4) complimentary tickets to any performance of Poison Gun.
- Producer credit on the Poison Gun video.
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The Team
Dee Freeman – Writer and Actor
Dee has worked for more than two decades acting in television and film. She has performed in over 40 stage productions beginning with “Shear Madness” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She has won numerous awards including a 2013 ISA award for Best Supporting Actress. Dee was nominated twice for the NAACP Image award, first for “Homegirl” at the Court Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and then for “The Last Street Play” at the Colsac Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Dee has performed portions of her solo show "Poison Gun" at the LA Women's Theater Festival to standing ovations.
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Juliette Jeffers - Director
Juliette Jeffers is an award winning Caribbean American actor, playwright, producer, solo show coach and director. On screen, she has appeared in 22 films, 42 television shows, and over 65 national commercials. You can currently see Juliette in a recurring role on “Tulsa King” starring Sylvester Stallone, and stay tuned for her upcoming recurring role in Shondaland’s “The Residence” on Netflix.
Juliette has produced several theatre productions in NY and LA. She has written five solo plays and has performed them throughout the US and the Caribbean. As a coach, she has helped develop and/or directed over 80 solo shows.
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Peter Hermes - Videographer/Editor
Peter Hermes has been a Producer, Director, and Cinematographer for over 20 years. He has worked on large-scale productions for companies such as Disney and Warner Bros as well as independently produced feature films and documentaries and advertising. Peter and Dee have worked together over the past 12 years on projects ranging from web series to narrative films to live theater.
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Deborah Gilels - Publicist
Deborah Gilels has run a successful PR/Media Consulting company for the past 24 years, assisting writers, filmmakers, producers, and actors promote stage plays, feature films, TV shows and documentaries, by way of public relations, marketing, distribution and project development.
She has successfully promoted films in festivals such as Dances With Films, Tribeca, LA Femme International Film Festival, HollyShorts, Starz, Toronto International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, New Filmmakers (LA and NY), St. Louis Int’l, UN Film Festival, Heartland, Cannes, and was the Publicist for the Oscar-Qualifying LA Shorts Fest in 2023. Deborah has been the lead publicist for major feature film releases as well as successful FYC campaigns. She is also on the PR Team for CLU (Center for Learning Unlimited) and the first ever Autism in Entertainment Conference in April 2024 at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. She has represented feature films and documentaries in markets such as AFM, Anime Expo, Berlin and MIP-TV. Along with being a Board Member of LA Femme International Film Festival, Deborah is a sponsor of HollyShorts.
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Hannah Willis and Associates – Campaign Management
Hannah Willis is a "special projects" Business Consultant who provides consulting, creation, development, launch, execution, delivery, and management of one-off business projects for her clients. Special projects span the range of business needs from website creation and management to script editing and proofreading; specialty workshop development; social media consulting; crowd funding campaign planning, creation, and management; branding; and designing and developing reusable collateral.
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