Short Summary
Hi. My name's Jackson. You've probably never heard of me... and that's OK. I'll tell you who I am: For about seven years, I've been creating videos. What started as recording whatever was interesting to me, to making stop-motion Lego videos, and making short films. A lot of short films.
And now, for almost two years, I've been trying to get a feature film made. It takes a lot, but it's finally happening. I've gotten a large portion of my team together, and a finished shooting script. Now we just need some money.
Wanna know why? Filmmaking costs money. Now, I'm not saying you can't make a film for free. That would be a lie. I've made films for free. But there is a level of professionalism that can't be reached without a little bit of money. It costs money to distribute films globally, to get awesome music, to work with a pro crew. And that's what we're doing. Because I want this to be the best it can be.
What We Need & What You Get
So... we need $65,000. That's a truckload of money (depending on what type of bills you use). What are we doing with it? Well, a big part is going to Distribution. We'll be going to a lot of Film Festivals, and try to win some awards. But mostly it's about more people seeing this film. Then we'll go to theaters (we'll try to be everywhere, but right now our primary is the USA). Following that, we'll go online, with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. Another big money sucker is locations. We'll be working with some really cool locations, with your help. And of course, taxes.
But, what if we don't reach our goal? We'll distribute a little differently. We probably won't go to theaters, or festivals. It'll basically just be Amazon. And, we'll work with lesser locations. It won't be the same, but we'll still be able to make a film.
What's in it for you?
A lot! We're starting with 5$, and going all the way to 50,000$. We'll be giving away a lot of signed stuff like things from set, scripts, and credits.
The Impact
The film means a lot to me, and a lot of other people. It isn't just another action/sci-fi movie. Trust me, I have no problem with those. But I think that if your story isn't good enough to be talked about, it doesn't matter.
I don't want people walking out of the movie theater thinking; Those explosions were so cool. Real professional looking.
I want them to be thinking this; I can't stop thinking about that. My mind is twisted in a knot. And I'm shivering. In August.
Regardless, I think that anyone would like it.
Risks & Challenges
There are a lot of risks. You're going to have to have trust in me. I mean, a lot of people are coming together, giving me their hard earned money, so that I can make a film. Is that scary? YES!
But I'm a filmmaker. Which makes me a problem solver. Nothing ever goes to plan. Nothing will happen like you think. That's life. You need to suck it up and push forward. To be honest, I'm not as worried as you might think.
There's a new, unbelievable problem with every shoot. I remember, last November, I was getting a shot of a car. It was parked, and I had a camera, two lights, and microphone set up right next to it. There was absolutely no wind. Until there was. A huge gust of wind blew by. Now, my stands were secure. But not the pop out green screen that I had taped to the car. It flew off, knocked down both my lights, and then it hit my mic, which swung around and smashed into my face. What'd I do? I picked up my stands, wiped off my lights, And re taped the green-screen to the car. I took off my shoes and put them on top of it, just in case. That's just one tiny problem that I had on a shoot.
So we'll figure things out. Like always.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some of you just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help:
Please share this. It means a lot to me, and taking a couple seconds to tell your friends means a lot. That's how we're gonna get funded. It means a lot. Thank you.
FAQ
- One of your rewards is a thank you credit, and another is a funded by credit. What are those?
Both of those are credited in the movie credits. The difference is that A thank you credit is also on IMDb, which is the standard way people in the industry get hired. If you don't have an account, we'll make one for you. And agents/managers/producers will see that you had a part in a feature film being made.
- When you say "exclusive backer T-shirt/hoodie", what is that?
It means that, unlike the average movie shirt, yours will say something along the lines of: I Helped make this/I backed this. That way people know you're a stud.
- For $200, I can be an extra? A little more info on that?
Well, you almost definitely won't have a line. You're probably just gonna get killed or something. But we'll make it memorable. Also, you have to get yourself here. We're be in Amman, Jordan, waiting for you. We'll let you keep your costume.
- You're giving away signed jumpsuits?
All our actresses are criminals. Just kidding. Because of where they work, that is their uniform. Carrie and Noelle are two big-deal, supporting actresses. And you'll have their costumes.
- $250 to Skype with you? Is it worth it?
I may be biased, but yes. I'm totally worth it.
- Dinner with Director and Producer?
Again, you have to get yourself here. But dinner's on us.
- What's the original feature script?
Very close to the final script, but different. See some deleted scenes, and what a breakdown looks like. It'll be signed by Jackson, and have a handwritten note along with it.
- We can be an associate/co-/executive producer?
Yes. Again, credited on IMDb, but this is an even bigger deal. Hollywood will want to work with you.
- We can stay on set, and be there for the premiere?
Fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money. But, if you want to be flown out, put in a hotel, flown back home, then brought back out a year later... it's worth it. Everything paid for by us, and you'll get to know us pretty well.