“Life Itself,” a new documentary about the life of Roger Ebert, will launched a crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo seeking support for an innovative pre-release led strategy which the film’s producers hope will unite the global community of the late film critic’s fans.n nA key feature of the campaign is the ability for supporters to obtain a private streaming link to view the film in advance of its theatrical release, planned for early in 2014, thus making contributors the first audience to view the completed film. The campaign also includes theatrical screenings and other exclusive rewards, though it intends to maximize community and audience involvement by focusing on the opportunity to “pre-buy” early access to the film as a mode of celebrating Roger Ebert’s legacy and impact on cinema.nnn nThe film’s Indiegogo campaign page states: “we are offering a private pre-theatrical streaming experience of the film as the central reward for our partners in the campaign. Everyone, everywhere will have the ability to support the film and participate in its actual premiere. This is exactly what Roger stood for and exactly what Roger would have wanted: accessibility for all.”n nThe film began production in December 2012, four months before the death of the Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, film critic and screenwriter. It is based upon Ebert’s own memoir, Life Itself, and recounts the surprising and entertaining life of the world-renowned film critic and social commentator – a story that’s by turns personal, wistful, funny, painful, and transcendent.n nSteve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters) directs the film which is being produced by Zak Piper for Kartemquin Films with Martin Scorsese, Justine Nagan, Gordon Quinn, Kat White and Mark Mitten as executive producers. It will be theatrically released in 2014, with CNN Films presenting and CNN holding first-window broadcast rights to the film.n nEbert played a major role in both Scorsese and James’ careers. He was an early champion of Scorsese’s directorial debut Who’s that Knocking at My Door, and authored the eponymously titled book on the filmmaker. Along with Gene Siskel, Ebert also was the first to champion James’ Hoop Dreams which he eventually named one of the best films of the 1990s along with Scorsese’s Goodfellas.n nAfter the project was first announced – through Roger Ebert’s Twitter account – in September 2012, Ebert stated that “I believe Steve James’ Hoop Dreams is one of the greatest documentaries ever made, and my hopes for this [new documentary] are high.”n nThe producers are seeking a total of $150,000 through the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform, with the campaign ending at 11:59pm on December 20th 2013. n n”We also intend to contribute towards charitable causes that represent Roger; what he stood for as a critic, a progressive voice, and someone who bravely battled cancer and disabilities: The Ebert Foundation, and The Roger Ebert Film Studies Center at his alma mater, the University of Illinois,” says the film’s campaign page.n nLink to site: http://igg.me/at/ebertmovien nAbout Kartemquin FilmsnKartemquin Films is a collaborative center for documentary media makers who seek to foster a more engaged and empowered society. With a noted tradition of nurturing emerging talent and acting as a leading voice for independent media, Kartemquin is building on over 47 years of being Chicago’s documentary powerhouse.n nKartemquin sparks democracy through documentary. Their films, such as The Interrupters, Hoop Dreams, andThe New Americans, are among the most acclaimed documentaries of all
Brooke Blumberg Vice President Sunshine Sachs 323.822.9300 8409 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 Contact Brooke via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More