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03.24.16 : Joe Rosario, one of our series director's lets us all know how he feels about this project!
03.18.16 : We are feel happy to say that this project is talks with more sponsorships to help counter out the budget in our favor! We are thankful for all the people involved and those willing to donate. More excitement to come!
03.12.16 : Director's meeting went very well this week and a lot of momentum is continuing to push us forward. We have received a huge sponsorship in the Tiffen Company.
Tiffen is a leading manufacturer of imaging accessories for the consumer/professional imaging and the motion picture and broadcast television industries, including: Tiffen optical photographic filters and lens accessories; Steadicam camera stabilizing systems; Lowel location lighting equipment; Domke camera bags and Zing camera covers; Dfx digital effects software; Listec teleprompters; Davis & Sanford tripods and support systems; and Stroboframe flash brackets. --> Check them out! Tiffen.
03.07.16 : This week we've been editing our next batch of videos to release! And it is getting more exciting each time our editor sends us stuff.
Also, there will be a special 7 day promotion of a special perk, which will be released this week as well!
03.04.16 : It's official, our campaign to see The Circle happen is here! Let's get addicted to The Circle! What lays beyond those walls... Pick Your Poison, who do you pick!?
This company has taken the fate of our careers into a more proactive approach. Since 2010, 'Team Rise Together' began growing its team, both actors & crew. First, we decided to be a completely transparent company. Second, the idea is simple: as we grow together, we work together, and we Rise Together. A well focused independent gathering with over 50 people in our little group, making things happen by making things happen.
Back in 2013 we filmed the first movie short 'The Super Hero Villain', a humorous look into the life of a Super Hero who fed of the energy of bullies. We then followed up with 2015's 'All In The Course' a dramatic film about two assassins hunting one another.
We knew we had something special as a team, so the company 'oh DEER! Productions' was formed to manage these ideas. Which brings us to now: content is important for audiences to embrace and we are that audience searching for something new. That's how 'The Circle' was born.
We wanted to visit the idea of people struggling with their own personal demons. Each character is forced to understand why they are doing what it is they cannot stop doing. All the while our main antagonist, Nathaniel, is pulling these individuals into The Circle. He is a man obsessed with hearing addicts struggling to stay sober. This is his addiction.
The purpose of 'Team Rise Together' is to bring life into the stories we believe in. Stories that need to be told that others were weary to give a chance. We are the strength of our own destiny in a group filled with like-minded people, a strong business model, and a full tank of creative fuel!
Our writing team has written three series since 2011. Out of those three, one was in negotiations with a major studio and the other is still in the development stage. Our third series is 'The Circle'. We have an interesting choice ahead of us.
All 12 episodes are written for the first season. So, after months of brainstorming, hiring on marketing and business consultants, we've come down to the truth; do it ourselves and build a Brand's awareness to create interest which will ultimately generate sales!
We have two companies in our sights once the product is finished: Netflix and Amazon. What we want to do is film all 12 Episodes, air it on our 'Youtube Channel' and be its own marketing team. Thomas J. Bellezza (creator / producer) on his own has over 150,000 followers throughout his total social media network. His social network, plus the other 50+ people in 'Team Rise Together', will spread this web-series across cyber worlds! Once the show is a hit on Youtube, then we can shop it to Netflix & Amazon.
If we're able to raise at least $40,000 in the next month we'll be able to work on a bare-bones version of the pilot episode. We do have a 12 episode budget worked out as well. But, for now, this is the fun news; we can start filming once we hit $40,000.
With your help we can meet the needs of a pilot and get these characters on the small screen. Even $25 dollars makes a difference. Once this pilot is filmed we can begin shopping it around to Netflix and Amazon! Let us work together, to grow together, and ultimately RISE TOGETHER!
What makes this story unique? How will it change the viewing experience? This show is designed to be an interactive experience. Each episode is set up as such; The Circle meetings form the core of each chapter. At the conclusion of this 10 minute video, the audience can then pick from one of the 6 other characters. This leads to another 5 - 10 minute vignette of that specific character living a life outside the circle.
HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE UTILIZED: As all Productions go, the money goes into a bank account. Our lovely Line Producer will then follow an allocated budget and place the money where it is needed so we can film the project. Every single dollar will go entirely to making these characters come to life. And pizza, because we are addicted to pizza. You have to feed your people. A portion of the funds also help to create and ship perks/gifts we're sending you, but the majority chunk goes to filming.
THE CIRCLE CHART: Two main items are not listed on this chart; What the perks will cost and the amount that goes to IndieGoGo/Credit Card Fees. The perks will change depending on how many people help fund this project (by picking a perk), and the credit card fees change depending on the provider. IndieGoGo takes a small percentage out of the total amount funded.
Our main goal is to break past our $40,000 goal and give you, the audience, the full 12 episodes. A full season would give you the best possible experience so you can see these characters live and fight through a life they can hardly hold on to. The more funding we raise, the more we'll be able to spend on production, and add additional episodes. The smallest possible budget of $40,000 an episode allows us to film another episode every $40K.
Here’s what this could mean for you:
• The ability to hire a camera operator with equipment lets you see the show. •
• A fuller cast outside the core Characters. •
• More episodes (Full Season). •
• A knowledgeable crew so the project looks great to watch! •
• An interactive marketing plan. (Will you be able to figure it out the message?) •
• Feed the cast and crew. A well fed Team brings a better performance! •
Things we want you to have for helping fund this project! Things you deserve! The Circle wants you to Get Addicted... to all the special perks and awards available!
• PERKS YOU CAN PICK FROM NOW:Digital Download of the show's sound track, including the songs with character ring tones (Full Song), and other original music written for the show. Mixture of Pop, Rock, Metal, and more. Other fun perks are Shirts, be a featured background talent (interact with the moment / scene), or become an Actor! Get an actual line in the show!
• CHARACTER PERKS : Specialty perks are available with a direct link to that specific character. Things like 'AUDEN'S MEDICINE' (A replica of his flask), 'ISADORA, FOR REAL' (Her traveling coffee mug), 'DEMETRIE VISION' (Netflix and chill with the core cast & writers), and more!
• STRETCH GOALS WILL OPEN UP MORE : When we reach our goal of $40K then more Perks will open up. 'CUSTOM VOICE MESSAGES', 'PERSONALIZE VIDEOS DONE IN CHARACTER', 'SET VISIT', 'PREMIERE SCREENING / PARTY', and even a 'MYSTERY PERK'. What could it be!?
And for our top contributors, we’re willing to go that extra mile.
• BECOME THE CHAIRPERSON : Want to hang out behind the camera and see what goes on and call action? Prefer to build up your IMDb page with an on-screen credit as one of our producers? Prefer to be in front of the camera? We’ve got a speaking line waiting for you. Want to party with the cast and crew at the after party?
• EARN YOUR SOBRIETY COIN! : We will consider you a 'PRODUCER', come hangout on set, check out the Premier, the party afterward, eat lunch with the crew, call action with the director, take home a script, and more...
Check out all of the perk packages you can grab and keep checking back until the campaign ends. We’ll add more surprise perks over the coarse of our campaign.
Auden: Alcoholic; lost his wife ten years ago. After having a verbal fight she left to clear her head and died in a car accident. He blames himself and is self abusing. He is bitter to people and hates himself. He goes to AA meetings and other places where people are struggling to have a normal life to find reasons to stay alive. Has tried killing himself once before. Still drinks; he is extremely blunt which makes him come off as an a$$hole because he doesn't care.
Carmina: Heroin Addict. Is always high, but says she is not. Lives with her mother still. Doesn’t trust men. Full blown junkie on other drugs, but is clean of Heroine for a year. Nervous, and sees things that are all in her head because she doesn't have a clear mind.
Delilah: Is a Pathological Liar. Loves Making up reasons to be at meetings. Most importantly, her lies are to see how far she can go to get people to believe her and commit to an emotional reaction. Be it that reaction positive or negative. She also has very questionable morals. Mother and Father died before her oldest brother London was 17 years old. Grew up with her two brothers; London and younger brother Eli. Had nothing, so now is taking it out on the world; Vindictive if pushed.
Demetrie: Sex Addict. Loves his wife but can't find the resolve to be intimate with her. Makes a living as a song writer / studio musician. Making love to his wife, over their 10 year marriage, has become increasingly more difficult to express himself physically with her. He has never cheated on her, but has a lot of vivid thoughts about other people.
Isadora : Loves her coffee. No one takes her seriously. She is trying to be a part of something more than her perfect life. Because of her perfect upbringing she's never had to deal with anything major; She lives a very empty existence because her life has had no conflict so she never really grew in life. She feels like a no body or that she'll never leave a mark on life.
Moses : With a massive build, Moses is scared of conflict both physically or verbial. As a coward, his method of working out is an illusion to trick his brain. He flees conflict. Struggling with body dysmorphia, Moses is in constant conflict with an inner child and frailer version of himself.
SHOW SYNOPSIS: Nathaniel is a man obsessed with hearing addicts, or people with a crippled life, struggling to stay sober or in line. Over three months of searching, he found his ideal candidates and created a place of solace. Each week Nathaniel sits and listens to his group speak about their everyday battles. With deep and unique cases of an alcoholic tumbling down depression for the death of his wife, to a sex addict scared to be intimate with his wife. Even the strange case of Moses; a man fighting his body dysmorphia and extreme fear of confrontation. Together they will find strength in their weaknesses to build a bond destined to change their lives forever. In a drama set in the psyche of darkness, will light find a way to free them of pain?
#PickYourPoison ... who do you pick?
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD: You may be our friends, family, or others who have worked with us in the past. You might even be people we've never met, but you love what you are reading and would like to get the word out there. Here are a few things you could do to help get 'The Circle' in circulation.
1) Start following & interacting with us on social media. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, and IMDb. LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE whatever we post, and you’ll be helping your friends discover how powerful teamwork can be when it comes to working together with a crowdfunding campaign.
2) Tell your Circle of people. The more people we reach about this campaign the better chance we'll have to bring our Circle to you. We know we can’t do it alone, no person is an island; let us build something wonderful together. Get others to follow us. Help us spread the word when and where you can. Re-post our stuff, or post your own. We’ll have plenty of stuff you can post on our social media sites, and if you make your own 'The Circle' material, we’ll share it too... let us know about it by using anyone of these hashtags #TheCircle / #PickYourPoison / #BeAddicted.
3) Let everyone watch our Youtube Videos. Become a part of the fun. Watch what we are doing behind the scenes, check out interviews, and of course, the Character Profile videos which will be release weekly! Let everyone know with a message, video you made, or word of mouth to donate, even if it's just $1.00, to the cause. We can do it together.
THERE'S A CHANCE WE'LL HIT OUR GOAL IN 30 DAYS! WHAT HAPPENS THEN? WE MOVE ON TO STRETCH GOALS!
What are STRETCH GOALS? They are goals that open up after our primary goal is reached. In this case, once we reach $40,000 we are allowed to continue raising money. For every $200K we raise, starting at $100K, we're able to give you new perks, upgrades and incentives for free.
Have a question?
You could ask Nathaniel, but there's a waiting list.
If you really need to ask a question, and it's not about an addiction... then maybe Nathaniel can help you. Look below.
If your question isn’t answered below, and Nathaniel doesn't have a clue on what you just asked... thenask us.
If you ask a question, please be patient. We’ll respond as fast as we can. We’ll get to your question. Unless it is about cooking, or why the weather has been weird in New York during the winter... we have no idea.
You want that script with insider notes on it? Things Thom Boody, and Thomas J. Bellezza wrote out on the pages? How about what the Core Circle actors wrote? She the process going on with them. Well, the whole first episode is yours Digitally! Also, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits.
0 claimed
YOUR NAME IN THE CREDITS
$7 USD
You want to see this project come to life, and would like a little something for it, thus we're happy to put your name in the credits! Thank you kindly!
4 claimed
Behind The Scenes Content
$10 USD
Thank you kindly for the $10! You've open up the BTS Content. Watch what happens behind the scenes, photos, videos, cast / crew interviews, and other shenanigans! Oh, and you get your name in the credits too!
4 claimed
Soundtrack : Digital Download
$25 USD
There's plenty of music in this show; intro music (full song), Cell phone ring tones from each character, songs which by Demetrie in the show, and more. Once the show is aired, you will be able to download all the songs for free! And, you get BTS Content, as well as your name in the credits!
2 claimed
Photo taken with cast mate
$30 USD
Who do you pick!? Well, choose a cast member you'd like to have your photo taken with and we'll make that happen. Also, the BTS Content, and a big thank you in the credits! Once filming begins, we'll set up a date to have you come out and get your photo taken with the cast member. (****Must live in the NY area / Travel and accommodations not included****)
2 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Shirts
$55 USD
Oh those lovely shirts! You can wear these out. They'll be comfortable a nice. Shirt will have our show logo on it and be pretty sexy to wear! I know Delilah approves! Also, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
2 out of 288 of claimed
Ships to European Union, United States of America, Canada
The Circle Tarot Cards
$75 USD
There are Tarot Cards in the show. Why? Who knows, well, we know, but you'll have to watch to see what that's all about. Okay, someone finds one and we never explain it ;) but it is there and so these are custom made tarot cards. Also, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
2 claimed
Ships to European Union, Canada, United States of America
Carmina's Search
$75 USD
Be one of the photos inserted into the show for Carmina's story-line. Carmina doesn't know who her dad is, but she wants to. Her character at times is obsessed with associating random people in real life, and in photos, with the possibility that they are her father, or a relative that could save her from her horrible life. Be a face in her search for sanity. Also, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits.
0 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Official Poster
$100 USD
That beautiful poster on your wall of The Circle! Share it proudly and enjoy looking closely at it... why!? Well, doesn't everything in life have a message deep inside? Also, Digital Script with notes, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
1 claimed
Ships to European Union, Canada, United States of America
Official Poster Signed
$200 USD
Okay, how about that official poster but with the full Core Circle Cast and Director / Writers signing it? This also comes with a special message on the back of the poster... but what does it say? It may be a clue. But to what!? Don't you like a little adventure!? Also, Digital Script with notes, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
0 out of 200 of claimed
Ships to European Union, Canada, United States of America
Crew Hoodie!
$250 USD
We'll be honest with you, the cast and crew are going to gobble these up, so we have to put a limit on them. But, enjoy the fun of a beautiful and sexy hoodie with The Circle Logo on it! Wear it proudly! Also, Digital Script with notes, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
0 claimed
Ships to European Union, Canada, United States of America
Director's Assistant
$500 USD
There are 6 directors filming this season! Would you like to follow them around, help them out, and be a part of the learning experience? This is a great student perk. Instead of paying to have a teacher, or pay for a class, jump right into the trenches with our very own directors. Check out our IMDb to see who they are. Some pretty sexy names! (Does not cover travel expenses) Be there for that director's full shoot!
0 out of 6 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Let us edit your script!
$500 USD
We have an extremely talented writing staff working on this 12 episode web series. If you have a script that needs a once over, let us have a look at it. We'll go over it and write down notes, edit the script, and then go over it with you. If you live in NYC we'll meet up face to face and go over our notes and why. If you don't live in NYC, we'll Skype, and you'll have our two top writers walk you through your script.
0 out of 4 of claimed
Table Tennis
$700 USD
How good are you at table tennis? Come play in a Table Tennis Tournaments against the core cast / crew. Also, Digital Script with notes, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. We'll play till there is a winner. If you get eliminated, then enjoy watching us play! (****Must live in the NY area / Travel and accommodations not included****)
0 out of 10 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Background Talent
$2,000 USD
Want to be a background talent? Not just any background, but a featured background person. You'll get to interact in a scene. It'll be fun. Also, Crew Hoodie, Official Poster, Digital Script with notes, Get your photo taken with us, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
(****Must live in the NY area / Travel and accommodations not included****)
0 out of 20 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Associate Producer
$3,000 USD
We want to put your name on this project. You'll be listed in the credits + IMDb as an INDIEGOGO PRODUCER. Also, Crew Hoodie, Official Poster, Digital Script with notes, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and a few other free things! All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded.
0 claimed
Be an actor
$5,000 USD
It could happen to you! Come on our set and get a speaking part. It'll be fun, you'll be seen on camera, and interacting with a scene in a very fun way! Also, Crew Hoodie, Official Poster, Digital Script with notes, Get your photo taken with us, receive Soundtrack Download, BTS Content, and Your name in the credits as an actor! All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded. (****Must live in the NY area / Travel and accommodations not included****)
0 out of 1 of claimed
The Producer Perk!
$10,000 USD
Your name will be placed on this project. A nice listing of your name in the credits + IMDb as an INDIEGOGO PRODUCER. Plus, so many perks that we literally can't list them all; Crew Hoodie, Official Poster, Digital Script with notes, Set Visit, Lunch with the cast, signed Script, 2 VIP Premiere tickets to our premier, and more. All physical perks are mailed out after Post Production is concluded. (****Must live in the NY area / Travel and accommodations not included****)