Short Summary
In 1995, the visually stunning film "Waterworld"
was released. A post apocalyptic film on water, it featured a number
of great floating vehicles, action sequences, and stunts. Besides Kevin
Costner, the star of the film had to be the giant oil tanker turned
floating fortress, the Exxon Valdez or, as the Smokers called it, "The Deez".
For the film, a giant model of the ship was built in the Mojave
desert. It was used for various effects and explosions seen in the
film. After filming, the 100 foot long, 20 feet wide, 12 foot tall
carcass of the "model" was stored at Edwards
Air Force Base, where it sat for almost 20 years. In 2014, it was
purchased by Post Apocalyptic artist Ron Griffith for use as The Pirates
of the Arid Seas tribe camp at the yearly post apocalyptic celebration,
"Wasteland Weekend". Ron and I must get it off Edwards Air Force base in three months, or the entire thing will be sold for scrap, never to be seen again.
The plan is to cut the Exxon Valdez into pieces and create a grounded mini-Valdez post apocalyptic trawler that measures 40 feet long by 12 feet wide. This smaller Valdez will become the Pirates of the Arid Seas camp AND the new Wasteland Weekend Post Apocalyptic Swimsuit Contest venue! It will also save forever, the stern of the boat with the Exxon Valdez name on it, along with other notable details from the model.
To do the above, we need $4999.00 dollars in funds to make a 2 piece ship with a crack in the middle (like the one picture above). BUT, if we can raise $2500, we can make an impressive ship wreck with just the stern of the boat and a little bow part! So whether we are able to raise the full amount, or even half that, we can still save parts of the Valdez and make an impressive post apocalyptic display! THIS SMALLER SHIP WILL BE A YEARLY PRESENCE AT WASTELAND WEEKEND and other post apocalyptic events!
By donating to this IndieGoGo event, you will be saving a piece of filmic history, creating an amazing venue for an annual swimsuit contest, and giving yourself and friends an opportunity for VIP treatment with the Pirates of the Arid Seas during the 2015 Wasteland Weekend Event and beyond.
The Impact
This campaign is aimed at preserving pieces of 100' "model" of "The Deez" built for the compelling action film called "Waterworld". As a contributor, you will be assisting in creating a post-apocalyptic wonder of the world - a grounded trawler in a sea of sand; a new home to a gaggle of ocean-influenced, landlubber pirates aching to get back to the sea during the post apocalyptic festival "Wasteland Weekend". This is a chance to not only save history, but if you are a Wasteland Weekend participant, touch it and party on it.
The builders of this project all have much experience in building. Ron Griffith is a master fabricator of Post Apocalyptic Cars. I, Paul Miller, am a Prop Builder and Production Designer in films and TV, and many of our builders are members of Union 44, the film union for carpenters and artists!
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to save a part of history, and co-exist with it in a post-apocalyptic setting. Even if you can't attend Wasteland Weekend, there are many perks that cater to those just wanting to contribute and get a feel for the event! CHECK OUT THE REDUCED PRICED PERKS!!!!!!!!!
Risks & Challenges
There are some hurtles we have to overcome in the attempt to save pieces of the Valdez from salvage. First and foremost, the ship is HUGE! 100 feet long by 20 feet wide, by 12 feet high! It is our jobs as builders to tear this large beast apart. Luckily, many of the crew has had a lot of experience in tearing down film sets. It will be hard work, but it can be done!
The other challenge will be to make the ship smaller and transportable. If we do the 2 piece, 80' version, it will be done by mounting the two ship pieces onto two car trailers. Our goal is to keep key pieces of the Valdez and build it into a 2 piece trailerable trawler.
If are fund raising only brings in half of the needed amount, we'll be making a ship that is modular and built around a small travel trailer. Set up and take down will involve more work, but at least parts of the ship will be saved. Either way, my production design experience, along with the Union 44 builders will insure that this is done both safely and visually satisfying.
Other Ways You Can Help
Perhaps you can't contribute financially. Times are hard and we all have commitments. You can still help.
First off, you can share about Wasteland Weekend and The Pirates of the Arid Seas and our goal to save the Exxon Valdez. Meet someone raving about Mad Max Fury Road or the upcoming Mad Max game (which incidentally features grounded ships)? Share with them about how they can get involved with this campaign.
You can use Indiegogo to spread the world also. I know I, and my crew, would greatly appreciate it.
Finally, if you are in the LA area and would like to physically pitch in, either during the tearing apart of the ship (on July 25th and 26th), or the build (during August and September), give me a shout and let me know. "The Deez" is located at Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave and the ship will be built at Phoenix Auto in California City. It's a great road trip and a chance to meet great Wastelanders! Also, if you have lumber in the form of 2 x4, 2 x 6, 2 x 12, or plywood, please consider donating it to us for our build!
