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AMIRA & SAM

An unlikely, cross-cultural romance between an army veteran and an Iraqi immigrant.

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AMIRA & SAM

AMIRA & SAM

AMIRA & SAM

AMIRA & SAM

AMIRA & SAM

An unlikely, cross-cultural romance between an army veteran and an Iraqi immigrant.

An unlikely, cross-cultural romance between an army veteran and an Iraqi immigrant.

An unlikely, cross-cultural romance between an army veteran and an Iraqi immigrant.

An unlikely, cross-cultural romance between an army veteran and an Iraqi immigrant.

Sean Mullin
Sean Mullin
Sean Mullin
Sean Mullin
1 Campaign |
Los Angeles, United States
$15,499 USD 168 backers
169% of $9,150 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!

Our campaign was more successful than we could've ever imagined!

Please continue to spread the word about SAM & AMIRA. 

Here are our social media links...

https://www.facebook.com/SamAndAmira

https://twitter.com/SamAmiraMovie

We will keep you posted as our official release date nears!

Thanks!

Sean Mullin

************************************************************************

Hey Everyone!

Our campaign ends tomorrow (June 15th) at Midnight!

Please help us spread the word and finish up strong. 

The reviews have been incredible.  Here are a few of our favorites:

"Authentic and satisfying. The chemistry is just right." 

-- The Hollywood Reporter

"Thoughtful and perceptive. It certainly charmed me."

-- Filmmaker Magazine

"Ambitious and spirited. Under writer-director Sean Mullin, everything clicks."

-- The Seattle Times

"Super funny and heartwarming. Definitely a must see!"

-- Seattle Film

"THIS is how you make a romantic comedy! It navigates familiar waters with a welcome touch of organic ease, smarts and unforced wit. Color me surprised and utterly charmed." 

-- The SunBreak

Thank you everyone for your continued support!

My Best,

Sean Mullin

************************************************************************

Hey Everyone! 

Our world premiere in Seattle was incredible. The film was received so well that it exceeded even our wildest expectations -- and the reviews have been amazing. Here's what the industry's top trade magazine -- The Hollywood Reporter -- had to say about our film:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/sam-amira-siff-review-708175

Also, we put out a teaser/trailer, which we'd love to share with you:

Our campaign is still going strong -- but we're down to our final 10 days. Please continue to share our film with your family and friends. Our goal is to bring our film to as many people as possible!

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT!

My Best,

Sean

************************************************************************

THANK YOU!!  WE REACHED OUR INITIAL GOAL!  IN LESS THAN A WEEK!

Thank you all SO MUCH for your incredible support.  It's truly humbling.

We're excited to announce that -- since we still have plenty of time remaining -- we are introducing our new "stretch" goal of $17,500.

These additional funds will be spent on the following:

1. DELIVERY COSTS. When a distributor buys our film, there is a long list of materials that we need to "deliver" to them, such as multiple copies of our DCP (Digital Cinema Package), master tapes, master sound files, behind-the-scenes video, additional "E&O" insurance, etc.).

2. FESTIVAL COSTS. In order to bring our film to the widest possible audience, we need to play in as many film festivals as possible. The costs associated with applying to -- and attending -- these festivals adds up quickly.

3. LEGAL FEES. Every time we enter into another distribution agreement, we need to pay our amazing legal team to negotiate on our behalf. Needless to say, these fees add up very quickly.

As always, email me directly with any questions: sean@fivebyeight.com

Thanks once again for your incredible support!

My Best,

Sean

************************************************************************

We are thrilled to announce that SAM & AMIRA will have its world premiere at the 40th annual Seattle Int'l Film Festival on May 30th!

Written and Directed by SEAN MULLIN, our film stars MARTIN STARR (Silicon Valley; Knocked Up) as an army veteran whose unlikely love affair with an Iraqi immigrant, DINA SHIHABI, is put to the test when she is faced with the prospect of deportation. 

PAUL WESLEY (Vampire Diaries) and LAITH NAKLI (The Visitor) give incredible performances in supporting roles -- and the rest of our amazing cast includes DAVID RASCHEROSS MARQUAND, TAYLOR WILCOX and CHRISTIAN PALUCK.


DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

While most "soldier-coming-home-from-war" films deal with veterans battling PTSD, my goal was to flip that well-worn premise on its head and ask: what if the soldier who returns from war is fine, but it's his country that's lost its mind? America was built on the backs of immigrants and protected by the courage of veterans -- yet both of these groups have grown increasingly marginalized in today's society.  I felt like the best way to explore such complex issues in the context of an independent film was to create an intimate love story with universal implications.


CAMPAIGN GOALS

We're collaborating with IndieGoGo because we NEED YOUR HELP.  Our film is finished, but we need additional financing to launch our film into the world. 

Your support will allow our film to reach a much wider audience.

Here's how our $9,150 will be spent:

Festival Publicist

Social Media Director

Trailer Editor

Festival Poster (Design & Printing)

Ongoing Festival Costs (Promotions, Travel & Accommodations)

In order to reach our goal, we are offering tons of great perks -- from a copy of the film ($20), to an invite to a premiere & after party ($150), to a speaking role in Sean's next film ($2,500)! 


TEAM

I've personally supported crowdfunding campaigns before -- and, to me, the most important thing is feeling good about the team you're supporting.  Our team is made up of an incredible group of accomplished filmmakers:


SEAN MULLIN (Writer/Director)

Prior to becoming a filmmaker, Sean earned his B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his MFA from Columbia University.  He's an army veteran who was a first responder on September 11th, 2001, where he spent his days working as the Captain in Charge of the soldiers stationed at Ground Zero -- and his nights performing stand-up comedy.  His short films have won numerous awards, including SADIQ (MTV Movie Award Nominee for "Best Student Film").  He recently produced ALLEGIANCE, which was released in 2012.  Sean is a writer/producer on 15 BROTHERS, a coming-of-age story set within the world of West Point rugby, which is being directed by Oscar-Nominated Director Henry-Alex Rubin, produced by Jules Daley and Executive Produced by Ridley Scott.


MATT MILLER, ERICH LOCHNER & TERRY LEONARD (Producers)

Matt, Erich and Terry have produced dozens of feature films -- and they have several more in either post-production or development. Their two companies -- Vanishing Angle and Strongman -- are not only prolific, but extremely well-respected within the independent film industry. Some of their credits include BEFORE I DISAPPEAR, IN THE FAMILY, and THE DRAMATICS.


JAMES PONSOLDT (Executive Producer)

James is an award-winning filmmaker, whose most recent film as a director -- THE SPECTACULAR NOW -- was a breakout indie hit in 2013. His other credits as a director include SMASHED (Aaron Paul & Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and the forthcoming END OF THE TOUR (Jason Segel & Jesse Eisenberg). He has multiple projects in various stages of development.


MEG MONTAGNINO-JARRETT & PETER SOBILOFF (Executive Producers)

Meg & Peter run Hole in One Productions which is currently developing multiple film projects, including the forthcoming GOLFING WITH GOD -- to be written by NEED FOR SPEED writer, George Gatins.  SAM & AMIRA is their first feature film as Executive Producers, but definitely not their last.


MARTIN STARR (Sam)

Martin can currently be seen on HBO's hit show, SILICON VALLEY.  He became well known for his roles in cult classic TV shows, such as FREAKS AND GEEKS, PARTY DOWN and VERONICA MARS. His films include ADVENTURELAND, KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD and SAVE THE DATE.


DINA SHIHABI (Amira)

Prior to SAM & AMIRA, Dina played a supporting role in the independent feature film CIGARETTE SOUP.  Her background is in theater, where she has performed countless hours on stage in NYC.  A native of Dubai, she is a recent graduate of NYU's prestigious MFA Graduate Acting Program.  Dina is the first Arab woman to ever be accepted to both NYU and Juilliard.  


PAUL WESLEY (Charlie)

In addition to starring in the hit TV show, VAMPIRE DIARIES, Paul recently produced and co-starred in the SXSW award-winner BEFORE I DISAPPEAR. His other film credits include PEACEFUL WARRIOR, opposite Nick Nolte and THE BAYTOWN DISCO, opposite Billy Bob Thornton.


LAITH NAKLI (Bassam)

A veteran of the NYC stage, Laith's film credits include THE VISTOR and ALLEGIANCE.  In addition to acting, he is spreading his talents into both screenwriting and producing -- with various projects in development.


BEC SMITH (UTA) & KEVIN IWASHINA (Preferred Content)

In order to secure the widest possible distribution for our film, we've partnered with  two of the most prominent film sales representatives in the independent film industry: Bec Smith of the United Talent Agency and Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content.


QUESTIONS?  COMMENTS?  RANDOM THOUGHTS?

Feel free to drop Sean Mullin an email directly at sean@fivebyeight.com.

More information is available on our website: www.SamAndAmira.com

We're excited for you to join our team!

(P.S. Since we are using PayPal as a form of payment, they are requiring us to post a statement that states that "the delivery of our perks are subject to the best efforts and are therefore not guaranteed." Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you are concerned about your perks being delivered. Our top priority is making sure everyone is taken care of properly.)

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Choose your Perk

OFFICIAL BACKER

$5 USD
As an OFFICIAL BACKER, your name will appear on a designated page on our SAM & AMIRA website and you'll be included on our official newsletter. You'll also get a big fat high-five from writer/director, Sean Mullin (assuming you run into him sometime before he dies).
1 claimed

SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT OUT

$10 USD
In addition to being listed as an OFFICIAL BACKER on our website (and the newsletter and whole high five thing), we will give you a "THANK YOU!" shout out via Facebook or Twitter.
5 claimed

THE FILM

$20 USD
You will receive a digital download of SAM & AMIRA before it is released to the public. Pretty damn cool. (All perks from here onwards include being listed as an OFFICIAL BACKER on our website.)
15 claimed

SPONSOR A VETERAN

$25 USD
Since our film revolves around an army veteran -- and our writer/director is a veteran -- we would like to offer you the opportunity to sponsor a veteran to attend our World Premiere in Seattle (on either May 30th or 31st). Your $25 will cover their ticket cost (no travel or lodging) -- and both you and the veteran will receive a digital download of the film.
29 out of 40 of claimed

COLLECTOR'S DVD (SIGNED)

$30 USD
You will receive a DVD of the film, signed by SAM & AMIRA themselves: Martin Starr & Dina Shihabi.
15 out of 100 of claimed

COLLECTOR'S BLU-RAY (SIGNED)

$40 USD
You will receive a Blu-Ray copy of the film, signed by SAM & AMIRA themselves: Martin Starr & Dina Shihabi.
8 out of 100 of claimed

IMDB "SPECIAL THANKS"

$50 USD
Looking for a credit on IMDB? In addition to a digital download of the film, we'll give you a "Special Thanks" credit on IMDB under SAM & AMIRA's official listing.
10 out of 40 of claimed

LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT

$50 USD
Yep, you read that correctly: you'll receive an official, limited edition, super-comfortable and disturbingly cool, limited edition SAM & AMIRA T-SHIRT. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
15 out of 100 of claimed

TWEET FROM PAUL WESLEY

$75 USD
Paul Wesley will personally send out a "Thank You" tweet with your name in it. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
10 out of 25 of claimed

LIMITED EDITION SIGNED POSTER

$100 USD
Your limited edition festival poster of SAM & AMIRA will be signed by Martin Starr, Dina Shihabi and Sean Mullin. Sure to be a collector's item! (This perk includes a digital download of the film.)
12 out of 100 of claimed

SEATTLE PREMIERE & PARTY

$150 USD
Join our cast & crew for our world premiere in Seattle on Friday, May 30th -- followed by an exclusive, VIP invite to our after party! Come celebrate with our cast (Martin Starr, Dina Shihabi, Laith Nakli, Ross Marquand and Taylor Wilcox), as well as Sean, his producing team, and other key crew members. It's going to be a blast. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
1 out of 20 of claimed

NYC PREMIERE & PARTY

$150 USD
Our NYC premiere date hasn't been set yet, but you will be invited as a VIP guest to the NYC premiere and after party -- alongside our participating cast & crew. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
10 out of 25 of claimed

LOS ANGELES PREMIERE & PARTY

$150 USD
Our LA premiere date hasn't been set yet, but you will be invited as a VIP guest to the LA premiere and after party -- alongside our participating cast & crew. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
0 out of 25 of claimed

SCRIPT CONSULTATION

$250 USD
Are you an aspiring filmmaker? Sean Mullin will read your feature screenplay and give you his feedback -- both creatively and from a more pragmatic standpoint of how to actually get the film made. If you're in LA (or are willing to travel to LA) you will meet with Sean in person; otherwise, the meeting will take place via Skype. (This perk also includes a digital download of the film.)
2 out of 5 of claimed

HOMETOWN SCREENING W/SEAN

$1,000 USD
We will organize a screening of SAM & AMIRA at a theater in (or near) your hometown (via TUGG or GATHR). Sean will travel to the screening and take part in a Q&A afterwards -- along with dinner/drinks (time permitting). (All attendees will receive a digital download of the film.)
2 out of 5 of claimed

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

$2,000 USD
Is your business looking for some added exposure? Your company will be listed as an Official Sponsor of our SAM & AMIRA world premiere after party in Seattle on the night of Friday, May 30th. We'll print up a big banner with your company's name on it and we'll all raise a glass in your honor at our party. We'll also be sure to blast out photos on whatever social media sites you wish. (This perk also includes 5 digital downloads of our film.)
0 out of 3 of claimed

ACTOR IN SEAN'S NEXT FILM

$2,500 USD
Ever dreamed of acting on the big screen? Now's your chance to speak a line in Sean Mullin's next feature film as a director. There's no way to know what the line will be (he has to write it specifically for you), but it's going to be a ton of fun. Also, by acting in the film, you will become SAG eligible -- which means you can join the actors' union if you'd like to become a working actor. (Lodging/Transportation not included. This perk includes a digital download of the film.)
0 out of 2 of claimed

VIRAL COMMERCIAL

$10,000 USD
Our producing team at Vanishing Angle will create a comedic 30-second commercial for your company to blast out via social media. Directed by Sean Mullin and starring SAM & AMIRA'S own Ross Marquand doing one of his famous impressions (google "Ross Marquand Impressions"). Our last collaboration -- AT&True Detective (google that as well) -- has over half-a-million views. (NOTE: This perk is subject to our approval.)
0 out of 1 of claimed
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