Why do we need your help? Because Sid and Nancy deserve a documentary that tells the story like it was...
"Sad Vacation" is the latest documentary film by Danny Garcia (The Rise and Fall of The Clash/Looking for Johnny), which explores Sid and Nancy's fateful trip to New York in 1978. It is a film that is dedicated to presenting the real facts; told as it happened by their friends and those who witnessed it. A film about the dynamics of Sid and Nancy's tumultuous relationship, and how it all ended in Room 100 of the Chelsea Hotel.
Sid at the hotel on the morning of Nancy's death
Thanks to your help in our previous campaign, we have managed to assemble a great cast for "Sad Vacation". We have conducted many interviews with those who encountered punk rock's Romeo and Juliet, including Roberta Bayley, Steve "Roadent" Conolly, Donna Destri, Kenny "Stinker" Gordon, Bob Gruen, John Holmstrom, Frank Infante, Hellin Killer, Walter Lure, Honest John Plain, Howie Pyro, Cynthia Ross, Andy Shernoff, Gaye Black, Casino Steel, Phyllis Stein, Sylvain Sylvain; in addition to the late Leee Black Childers.
We are especially pleased to have interviewed three key residents of the Chelsea Hotel, Victor Colicchio, "Neon" Leon Matthews, and Ned Van Zandt, who had a lot to tell us about that morning. Drawing upon their reflections and a batch of newly-released Grand Jury documents, we have been able to piece together a solid timeline of events for the very first time.
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Victor Colicchio is interviewed inside the Chelsea Hotel for Sad Vacation
Having completed the final round of interviews in London last month, we are already making good time with the editing. Whether crowdfunding targets are met or not, the movie will be out of our hands and into yours by October 2016, but we do need your help again. You see, licensing photos for use in a movie costs a whole lot of money. The costs for licensing footage are much higher. While the message in "Sad Vacation" will survive intact, we feel it is special enough to deserve that all-important touch of visual authenticity.
"Neon" Leon Matthews is interviewed in Barcelona for Sad Vacation
We think fifty grand will do it, but we're settling for fifteen. That amount will be enough to get Sid and Nancy's faces in there with some regularity. If you wish to donate financially, there are some great perks, such as DVD's, t-shirts, Skype calls, and tickets to the premiere in New York. For those who donate higher, you can get your name on the film as producers or even executive producer!
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You can also help us without having to donate money. Please share this fundraising page to anywhere on the internet that might be interested in being part of the team. We have an official Facebook page where you can stay up to date on all the latest information. Feel free to contact us if you have an idea or suggestion that might help our cause.
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Screen shot from the documentary, D.O.A.: A Rite of Passage
Is there anything else that we can share? Well, the documentary will feature all-new interviews, which will be lovingly sprinkled in with reenactments, location footage, and (hopefully) licensed media. There is a cool soundtrack in the works, and we can confirm that there will be music from The Boys, Corazones Muertos, The Heartbreakers, The Members, Neon Leon, Pure Hell, Sami Yaffa, Skafish, Supla, and even Sid Vicious himself!
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NYPD mug shot of Sid after the Todd Smith assault
We have faith that we will raise enough funds to make "Sad Vacation" the best and most honest documentary on Sid and Nancy out there. A great big thank you to everyone in advance for taking interest in our campaign, and to those who donate for making this film what it is; raw, impartial, and informed. No falsehoods. No bollocks.
C'mon everybody, let's get this done!
