Independent filmmakers are all a little crazy by default, but I don't know if this has been heard of yet. According to a press release out of Cairo, WVa, a filmmaker is fasting until the fundraising goal of his faith-based independent film is met.
Crowd-sourcing has become an incredibly successful tool for filmmakers, and is more often used than you think: 10% of the Sundance Film Festival slate was from films that were crowd-sourced through sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter.
The full press release is below, and the fundraising video is in the below left column. Best of luck to you, "Doc" Benson.
PRODUCER WILL NOT EAT UNTIL FAITH-BASED GOAL IS MET
Eric “Doc” Benson, a former pastor-turned-filmmaker, is so serious about bringing his film to the big screen that he’s putting his life on the line. For two years, he has been working on a new faith-based feature, Seven Deadly Words, only to run out of money due to unforeseen circumstances right at the end of post production.
Rather than fold so close to the finish line, Benson is doubling down: he is launching a group-funding campaign on Indiegogo, while committing to fast until the funds needed are raised
Called “Fasting to Finish – Seven Deadly Words,” the campaign is to reach a goal of $12,200, to cover the remaining post-production expenses. Once finished, the movie will begin making rounds in festivals and some theatrical showings.
“I poured every hour, every dollar I could spare into making this movie happen,” Benson explains his reasons for the unorthodox commitment. “My wife, Annette, my boys, and I have emptied out our savings and invested our time and talents, because we feel God wants this film to be a blessing to people. Now, the only thing I have left to give is...myself.”
Before moving into the world of faith-based filmmaking, Benson has served as a pastor and church planter, and also as a consultant, even becoming a television news reporter. The storyline for Seven Deadly Words came out of his own pastoral experiences. “When you hear those seven words, ‘We’ve never done it that way before,’” said Benson. “You realize how much that crushes the spirit of a church.”
To add realism, the film is shot as a docu-drama of a new pastor’s family coming to Egypt Valley Church. The church is out of funds and out of touch with the community, and pastor Evan Bennett sets out to change things for the better. But there's a problem. One family doesn't like change, and is willing to do anything to stop him.
“People are hungry for hope--for truth—for love and encouragement as they face tears and sorrow. These are the things we hope to bring into people’s lives with this film,” Benson said. “To do without food, in order that the Lord can bring spiritual nourishment to many is something I am willing to do. Especially if it can give the hope of Christ to so many who have been hurt by those “seven deadly words.”
Although the campaign could last for up to 40 days, from the launch date of February 25, 2013, Benson will stop his fast whenever the financial goal is met. To see the progress of the campaign — or if you would like to add your own contribution to the effort, visit online: www.igg.me/at/fastingtofinish.
If you would like to meet with Eric Benson, or arrange an interview about “Seven Deadly Words,” check the film’s website: www.SevenDeadlyWords.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/sevendeadlywords .
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