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Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

The stories of Americans disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 due to enduring & systemic inequity.

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Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

Support the American Exceptionalism Docuseries

The stories of Americans disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 due to enduring & systemic inequity.

The stories of Americans disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 due to enduring & systemic inequity.

The stories of Americans disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 due to enduring & systemic inequity.

The stories of Americans disproportionately harmed by COVID-19 due to enduring & systemic inequity.

Kat Skiles
Kat Skiles
Kat Skiles
Kat Skiles
1 Campaign |
Annapolis, United States
$7,623 USD 77 backers
10% of $75,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

PROJECT VISION.

The pandemic before us has brought new meaning to the slogan, “We’re number one!” As the U.S. claims the world's highest COVID-19 death toll, America is top in all the wrong categories. This public health emergency has shined a harsh light on the longstanding systemic disparities that have made some individuals more vulnerable to the consequences of this virus than others. 

Believers in the myth of “American exceptionalism” embrace the virtues of liberty and justice for all — except for some. It’s a perspective that says it’s not me or anyone I know so I don’t care — a should-have-been moral imperative substituted with a shield of afflicted pride. Or, in other cases, complete unadulterated ignorance. But the disproportionate suffering of our fellow Americans is real no matter how tight we squeeze our eyes shut. 

This crisis compels each of us to use our talents and abilities to fight for good and that’s why I’m asking for your help to get this documentary series off the ground. American Exceptionalism will capture the stories of the pandemic that aren’t getting the attention they deserve and amplify the voices of those who have been hardest hit by COVID-19 due to enduring inequality.

The series will document sorrows and struggles — yes — but also the joys and perseverance of people who are really going through it right now. Stories have incredible power to cultivate empathy through acquired relatability. Contingent upon the resources made available by this campaign, here are a few episode issues I’d love to address:

  • Restricted access to health care for individuals who are transgender or non-binary;
  • Impacts of tribal casino closures on the livelihood of Native American communities;
  • Challenges of remote learning faced by students with disabilities and their families;
  • Exacerbation of the Black maternal health and mortality crisis; 
  • Plight of migrant farm workers sacrificing their lives for their livelihoods;
  • Struggles of domestic workers who are unemployed and underemployed, lacking health care, and vulnerable to exposure;
  • Racist aggression faced by Asian Americans;
  • Toll on gig economy workers with little access to unemployment benefits, health insurance, and paid sick leave.
  • As a documentary-style video producer, I’m granted the opportunity to learn first-hand from people who aren’t afforded the same privilege as I am and are generous enough to share their lived experience with not just me, but the world. I feel passionately about my craft because it enables me to honor the perspectives I seek to elevate in the most honest and clear manner possible. My ultimate intent is to raise awareness of the issues that are causing deep harm to many of our fellow Americans and to inspire real and meaningful change for those who’ve been hardest hit. 

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 

Production will adhere to a strict set of guidelines designed to ensure the safety of video producers, crew, and subjects:

  • Travel will be limited to sites that can be reached by car to avoid planes and other forms of transportation that increase exposure to a greater number of humans;
  • Production technique will make use of zoom lenses, boom mics, and gear that enables as much social distance as possible;
  • Masks and gloves will be utilized by producers and crew 100% — no exceptions;
  • Where subjects are being filmed without a mask, a plexiglass barrier will act as a physical shield between producer and subject;
  • Barbicide, which is EPA approved for efficacy against COVID-19 will be applied to all production tools before and after shooting. 

 

ABOUT THE PRODUCER.

Hi, Kat here. I’m a video producer who gives a damn about our country and making it a better place for all, for generations to come. I’ve spent the majority of my career in politics helping to amplify the work of leaders and organizations full of big brains and big hearts who sincerely care about people — Beto O'Rourke’s presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the Democratic Caucus among others. A few years ago I followed my love of storytelling and opened my own video shop. I’ve always hated those candidate commercials with scripted lines, cheesy backdrops, and fake actors … which is why I’ve worked to defy the traditional look and feel of campaign ads — utilizing documentary storytelling to capture the lives of real people where they live, work, and pray with the intent to inform, inspire empathy, and provoke a drive to fight for change. 

And now? With your help, I intend to tackle this new project with everything I’ve got. My ultimate intent is to raise awareness of the issues that are causing deep harm to many of our fellow Americans and to inspire real and meaningful change for those who’ve been hardest hit. 

So, please donate if you can and — this is important — share this IndieGoGo campaign with all of your friends and family on social media. I can’t do this without you and am beyond grateful for your support. 

 

Kat Skiles, CEO & Producer, Narrative Creative Agency:

  • Create & Cultivate's 7 Boss Female Hill Staffers
  • National Journal’s 20 Most Powerful Women Staffers on Capitol Hill 
  • Washington Blade’s Best LGBT Hill Staffer 
  • Washington City Paper’s Best Gay Activist
  • Washingtonian's 100 Most Powerful Women in DC
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Choose your Perk

OFFICIAL COVER PHOTO STICKER

$50 USD
Show your support for the American Exceptionalism project with a rad sticker featuring the official documentary cover photo.
Included Items
  • OFFICIAL COVER PHOTO STICKER
Estimated Shipping
October 2020
29 claimed
Ships worldwide.

END CREDIT

$200 USD
Special shout out under the "Special Thanks" section of every video in the documentary series.
Included Items
  • END CREDIT
Estimated Shipping
October 2020
0 claimed

SIGNED CANVAS PRINT

$500 USD
Looking for some sweet new decor that reps your values? Show support for the American Exceptionalism project with a one of a kind 16 x 20 canvas print signed by the producer, Kat Skiles.
Included Items
  • SIGNED CANVAS PRINT
Estimated Shipping
October 2020
4 claimed
Ships worldwide.

CUSTOM BEHIND THE SCENES CUT

$1,000 USD
There are always some unique challenges and good stuff that doesn’t make it to the final cut. This is a unique video of outtakes, behind the scenes, and special moments made just for you.
Included Items
  • CUSTOM BEHIND THE SCENES CUT
Estimated Shipping
October 2020
0 claimed

VIRTUAL SCREENING PARTY

$5,000 USD
A virtual screening party with the producer and any of the guests of your chosing. Drinks are on the producer (if your state allows delivery). You'll also get any and all of the perks of your choosing. Watch the documentary series virtually with Kat and Teddy. Share a drink and Q&A away!
Included Items
  • VIRTUAL SCREENING PARTY
Estimated Shipping
October 2020
0 claimed

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