What We're About
Hey! Bethany here, I'm the writer, cinematographer, and co-producer for The Girls of Summer. I'm going into my final semester of film school at Arizona State University this fall and this film is my last hurrah. My experience comes mainly from the gaffing and camera departments, having worked on some 30+ films in the last year and a half working as gaffer, key grip, cinematographer/director of photography, and assistant camera.
This campaign is extremely important to me, not only because graduating depends upon it getting completed, but because it's about a subject that is near and dear to me: fastpitch softball. There are little to no films about softball, let alone fastpitch, and the few that there are make a mockery of the sport. So this short film is about breaking those walls down and showing that "like a girl" isn't as demeaning as it's become.
By contributing to this project you're not only helping me and my collaborators but you are helping the sport of fastpitch softball. By working together we can achieve more than working alone and elevate the young women and girls that play this sport to a spotlight that seems to be diminished in the light of men's sports and poor stereotypes. Oh, and did I mention the perks?
What We Need & What You Get
Our budget is pretty massive for such a small film, but most of the costs come from the costuming department. For anyone who has ever had to order uniforms for a sport, you know it's not cheap. We are going for authentic, to make the film look as close to real as possible. So here's our breakdown:
- Jerseys and Pants for 9 softball players: $549.90 + $449.90 = $999.80
- Jerseys and Pants for 9 baseball players: $549.90 + $349.90 = $899.80
- Socks: $164.80
- Belts: $119.80
- Hats: $69.90
- Helmets: $271.88
- Bats: $739.96
- Gloves: $583.64
- Cleats: $799.80
- Batting Gloves: $127.92
- Gear Bags: $469.79
- Catcher's Gear: $194.97
- Speedos: $71.82
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Location Fees: $1,380
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Food: $1,500
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Additional Camera Equipment (not rented from ASU): $900
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Insurance : $100
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Additional Wiggle Room Costs: $606.12
TOTAL: $10,000
We're doing the flexible funding so the campaign will continue past our allotted 60 days if we do not reach our goal, but hopefully that will not be the case.
The Impact
As a backer, you may be asking yourself "why should I give my money to this film?" And that is a very good question. Here's probably the best answer:
Donating to this project has several overall accomplishments.
First, by lending us a few dollars that puts us one step closer to actually making The Girls of Summer.
Second, the story is an uplifting and inspiring story for not only the young girls and women that play softball, but for women in general. It's a story that we are proud to say encourages women to think, act, and play "like a girl."
Third is that this is a great opportunity to help bring fastpitch softball to the big screen, which has never happened in a way in which to showcase the sport.
Fourth is to help a few college seniors on their last endeavor in order to get their diplomas.
So honestly can you think of a better way to help inspire, encourage, and lift up young girls that are pushed down by society than through a film that deals with a topic close to their hearts?
Risks & Challenges
Making a film is hard work; it takes time, patience, dedication, and money. As college filmmakers we have have all except the latter. We are willing to risk our time to turn out a great project and we ask you to risk your money to help make our combined dream come true.