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'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

Help us finish and release a multi-year doc about a community's efforts to save a rare native salmon

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'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

'Spawning Grounds' Documentary Release

Help us finish and release a multi-year doc about a community's efforts to save a rare native salmon

Help us finish and release a multi-year doc about a community's efforts to save a rare native salmon

Help us finish and release a multi-year doc about a community's efforts to save a rare native salmon

Help us finish and release a multi-year doc about a community's efforts to save a rare native salmon

Nils Cowan
Nils Cowan
Nils Cowan
Nils Cowan
1 Campaign |
Seattle, United States
$4,220 USD 24 backers
16% of $25,900 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Overview
Help save a critical native Salmon and support an Indigenous-led educational campaign! 3 years ago, we began a short documentary about the resurgence of a rare, land-locked salmon known as the Lake Sammamish kokanee or 'Little Red Fish', once a critical year-round food source for area Tribes. We ended up capturing its near extinction; and with it, a moving story about a rapidly urbanizing community working together to help the kokanee survive. Now we need your help to bring this story to life.

Short Summary

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

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.

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

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.

Thank you!

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

Backer

Backer

$10 USD $15 USD (33% off)
Backers get their name displayed in the official film credits, wherever the film is screened, and receive a Digital Download of the film upon its release.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • Special Thanks Credit
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
2 claimed
Catalyst

Catalyst

$25 USD $35 USD (28% off)
Generous Donors contributing at this level get their name memorialized in the Special Thanks credits and receive a Digital Download of 'Spawning Grounds' upon its release.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
3 claimed
Supporter

Supporter

$50 USD $65 USD (23% off)
Contributors at this level can look forward to custom-designed kokanee themed merchandise, a digital download of the film and your name in the Special Thanks credits in the film. Well Done!
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
5 claimed
Believer

Believer

$100 USD $150 USD (33% off)
Donors at this level receive a customized Lake Sammamish kokanee gift pack, including a collection of kokanee-themed souvenirs, a digital download of the film upon its full release and a Sponsor Credit in the film. That's in addition to the knowledge that you helped the urgent effort to save these majestic native salmon.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • Special Thanks Credit
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
5 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Changemaker

Changemaker

$200 USD $250 USD (20% off)
Make your voice heard! Donors who take advantage of this perk will receive a professionally printed official Spawning Grounds poster, a digital download of the final film, and their name in the Sponsors section of the credits.
Included Items
  • Official Poster
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • Sponsor Credit
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
3 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Restorer

Restorer

$500 USD $750 USD (33% off)
Donors who choose to back us at this level receive a Guided Fishing Excursion on Lake Sammamish, 4 Tickets to the Premiere (date and location TBA) a signed poster, an Associate Producer credit in the film, a limited edition kokanee T-shirt, a selection of custom kokanee souvenirs and a digital download of the film upon its release.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Guided Tour of Kokanee Habitat (2)
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Associate Producer Credit
  • 4 Tickets to the Premiere
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Protector

Protector

$500 USD $750 USD (33% off)
Believers are recognized with an exclusive Expert-led Interpretive Tour of key Native Sites in the Lake Sammamish Basin, an official signed poster, 4 Tickets to the Premiere (date and location TBA), an Associate Producer Credit, a limited edition kokanee T-Shirt, a Digital Download of the film, and a selection of custom-designed kokanee souvenirs,
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Native Lands Interpretive Tour (2)
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • Associate Producer Credit
  • 4 Tickets to the Premiere
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
1 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Storyteller

Storyteller

$500 USD $750 USD (33% off)
Be a gamechanger. Donate at this level and be recognized with an exclusive Expert-led Nature Cinematography Course, 4 tickets to the Film's Premiere (date and location TBA), a signed poster, an Associate Producer Credit, a T-Shirt, a selection of kokanee-themed treats and memorabilia, and a Digital Download of the film.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Nature Cinematography Course (2)
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • 4 Tickets to the Premiere
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Guardian

Guardian

$500 USD $750 USD (33% off)
Guardians are rewarded with 2 spots on a Guided Fishing Trip on Lake Sammamish, 4 Tickets to the Premiere (date and location TBA), a signed Poster, a custom kokanee T-Shirt, an Associate Producer Credit, a selection of one-of-a-kind kokanee memorabilia, and a Digital Download of the Film.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Guided Fishing Trip (2)
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • Associate Producer Credit
  • 4 Tickets to the Premiere
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Gamechanger

Gamechanger

$1,000 USD $1,600 USD (37% off)
Thanks for being a project gamechanger. Donors at this level receive 2 spots at 2 of their choice of exclusive Expert-led activities, 10 Tickets to the Premiere, an Associate Producer Credit, a Signed Poster, 2 custom T-Shirts, a selection of unique kokanee treats and memorabilia, and a Digital Download of the film.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • 'Save the Kokanee' Bracelet
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • Name/Logo Display @Screenings
  • Associate Producer Credit
  • 10 Tickets to the Premiere
  • 2 Spots on any 2 Activities
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
1 out of 4 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Earthshaker

Earthshaker

$2,500 USD $4,000 USD (37% off)
This level of donation can change the entire film, and so rewards include; Executive Producer Credit, an Invitation to the Sneak Preview Screening (date and location TBA), 10 Tickets to the Premiere, 2 spots on any 2 Expert-led activities, a signed poster, a T-shirt, a selection of kokanee themed material, and a Digital Download of the film.
Included Items
  • Digital Download of the Film
  • Executive Producer Credit
  • Signed Official Poster
  • Kokanee T-Shirt
  • Custom-designed Bookmark
  • Handmade Kokanee Cookie Batch
  • Name/Logo Display @Screenings
  • 10 Tickets to the Premiere
  • 2 Spots on any 2 Activities
Estimated Shipping
October 2019
0 out of 3 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
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