Production Funds...Out of the Ether

This week marks the launch of my internet fundraising push for Wings Across the Sahara. The goal is to replicate Robert Greenwald's spectacular success with his latest feature doc. According to RealScreen magazine, Greenwald's company Brave New Films needed $300,000 to produce Iraq For Sale, so he turned to the internet. After cutting a preview trailer, they started a site for online donation. Within 3 weeks, Iraq For Sale garnered more than $350,000 over the ether!

I'm curious. If Robert Greenwald did it, can anyone else? I doubt it, but I've gotta try. After five years of hearing "bring us a roughcut and then we'll talk funding", it's worth a shot. So the trailer is now up and viewable at www.jfsfilms.com/prodSahara.htm and donations can now be accepted on the website with the help of PayPal.

Some of you may have already received the e-mail blast announcing this fundraising effort. In fact, within a half hour of hitting the 'send' button, I received an in-kind offer for 1 day of services and equipment from a top-tier Frontline cameraman/DP. That offer alone is worth about $1,500!

That's a pretty good start in my book. I'll keep you posted over the next couple of weeks.

Stay tuned!