Hi, my name is Mark Vidano. After losing my wife to cancer and having my last son graduated High School I decided to take a bold step, late in life to chase after my life long dream of acting. My risk was minimum, at least if anything I could model for my sons that you never give up on your dreams. After doing many college films and a few features, I asked my Director friend Marco Bazzi to help me produce a movie with a story that I thought needed to be told and would help me grow as an actor. The story of TOUCHED the Movie was born:

Watch the sizzle reel:

This heartfelt drama follows the journey of a teenage girl on the spectrum as she navigates a world that doesn’t always understand her, including her own grandfather. After her mom dies in an accident, her estranged grandfather, that has no clue how to take care of his granddaughter with special needs, is brought in to take care of her. But, life is messy. Angel and Martin will have to try struggle through creating a relationship and the system is against them. Family isn't given, it's earned, one painful step at a time. 

Where the title came from (watch it here):

We’ve poured everything into making this film, and now we need your help to finish it. By contributing to this film, you’ll help bring this beautiful story to life and join us in making a difference by bringing more attention to the challenges that families with children on the spectrum have. Together, we can complete this movie and share it with audiences worldwide.

The Ask

I funded the initial filming/production and we and are starting on the first edit. Due to some unforeseen life/career changes I've been humbled to ask for help. Our desire is to finish the film so that we can start showing it to potential distributors and film festivals. To bring this project to the finish line, we need $125,000 for post-production.

Here’s a breakdown of where your support will go:

Editing: Final editing to perfect the pacing and storytelling. Closed captions, titles, Q.C., etc.

Color Grading: Giving the film its final polished look.

Music Score & Sound Design: Creating an emotional, memorable soundtrack and leveling out the sound. 

Marketing and Distribution: Getting the film into festivals and in front of audiences. Marketing materials designed (poster, press cuts, etc.) Additionally the digital marketing and PR will be offset. 

Named Talent: We will be setting a stretch goal later in the process in order to try to attach "named talent" to the film. This helps with getting distribution. 

Fees: Crowdfunding fees and Festival entries.

We believe in transparency, and every dollar will directly support these critical steps.

Perks: We’ve put together some amazing perks to thank you for your support. From digital downloads, t-shirts, exclusive behind-the-scenes content to premiere tickets and producer credits, there’s something for everyone.

The Impact

This film isn’t just another movie; it’s a story that shines a light on the autism community and explores themes of understanding, resilience, family history and connection. By contributing, you’re not only helping us finish the film but also amplifying a message that needs to be heard. Together, we can create something that inspires change, fosters empathy, and celebrates love.

Risks & Challenges

Every film project comes with its own set of challenges. For us, the main hurdle is securing the funding needed to complete post-production. However, I've pulled together a team that is experienced and dedicated. With a detailed timeline and expert collaborators already in place, we’re confident we can overcome these obstacles. As an actor turned producer, I’ve learned to tackle challenges head-on, and I’m committed to seeing this project through to the end.

Other Ways You Can Help

Not everyone can contribute financially, but you can still make a huge impact by sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about this project, the closer we get to achieving our goal. Don’t forget to use Indiegogo’s share tools to spread the word.

We are also looking for a charity to contribute to. If you have a contact with someone at a charity in the neurodivergent space, please reach out Patriotfilming@gmail.com

Thank you for your support in bringing this story to life! A am truly grateful for anything that you can do to help.