Short Summary
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We are a team of filmmakers and conservation educators with more than fifty years’ collective experience producing documentary films and educational media. We were drawn to the story of the kokanee through the diverse and passionate community that has taken shape around their plight.
The documentary, entitled ‘Spawning Grounds’ is the centerpiece of a multi-year educational effort, led by Tribal leaders and school officials, to leverage the story of the Lake Sammamish kokanee. It will be used to teach our communities about the full history of this area and the ways we can all help restore and preserve it for the future.
Your contribution will bring this story to life in the most compelling way possible.
What We Need & What You Get
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Since we started filming three years ago, this project has taken on an even more elevated significance due to the unexpected sharp decline in the kokanee population and the emergency actions being done to help them survive. As a result, the film is a larger and more involved endeavor than originally planned, with a much greater potential to reach viewers.
Our generous sponsors and partners have helped us fund more than 70% of the cost of the project. We are now in need of final funding to support additional editing and writing work; dynamic animation sequences that bring the world of the kokanee to life; professional music composition; and professional audio mixing and color correction to ensure it meets all technical requirements for the widest possible release.
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The following is a breakdown of the additional funding needed to complete the film and distribution plan.
Final Writing/Editing/Community Focus Group Screenings (3 weeks) - $6000.00
Animation (3 weeks) - $6900.00
High-End Audio Design & Mix (3 Days) - $4200.00
High-End Color Correction (2 Days) - $4800.00
Music Composition/Score - $4000.00
Total $25,900.00
All donations are tax-deductible.
As part of our appreciation for your generous support we are offering unique perks, including expert-led tours of ecological and cultural locations around the Lake Sammamish basin, outreach/branding opportunities at screenings and events, official Spawning Grounds posters, credits in the film and other perks.
100% of the donations received will go towards the release of the film and the educational impact of this project.
The Impact
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We are developing an educational impact program specifically geared at helping our growing communities learn about how they can help protect our shared watershed. The film will be screened at:
- regional festivals throughout the northwest
- outdoor movie events
- local independent theaters
- Tribal events
- community centers
- schools
- libraries
- and at private, citizen-hosted gatherings
We will also be submitting the film to festivals throughout North America and internationally to share this powerful story and raise awareness of community-based approaches to urban conservation. And we will be engaging our contacts at regional and national PBS broadcasters to ensure the film reaches as many households as possible.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest risks involved with a character-driven documentary like this have already been taken by the creative team and their partners, namely the development and field production. The creative team has all worked on fixed rates or on a volunteer basis, and all of our community partners have given their free time to support the project.
However, there are still risks involved with releasing a documentary product into an increasingly saturated media environment. While we have built the partnerships to ensure the local and regional impact of the film and educational efforts, there is no guarantee that the documentary will be accepted at the intended film festivals or acquired for national or international broadcast. But we know from deep experience that the best way to increase our chances is to create the most engaging, authentic film possible, and that takes time and resources. Which is why we’re reaching out to our communities for support.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand not all those who would like to contribute are able to. There are more ways to support this project besides funding. If you can’t give at this time, please consider helping in these other ways:
- Volunteer to host a screening at your home or community space.
- Join our mailing list at spawninggroundsfilm.org.
- Participate in a restoration event. Visit lakesammamishkokanee.com or your local community parks site to find opportunities.
- Use the share tools below to spread the word about the campaign!
- Send us your ideas/suggestions for increasing the project’s impact.