* Important Update! Gene Shay loves Folkumentary! *
The iconic founder of Fest, Philly radio legend Gene Shay, has agreed to appear in Folkumentary! He watched the short from last year and liked it so much, he wants to help. You can too!
* Special Offer Ends Wednesday! *
Get the awesome Folkumentary t-shirt in time for the film's release! Donate just $50 before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and you'll get the all-new t-shirt. (Tell the people you love, too, before this special offer ends Wednesday!)
After Wednesday, this perk will only be available at the $100 level and above, so click "Contribute Now"...now!
Our Story
Hi! We're a team of professional filmmakers who love the Philadelphia Folk Festival. We've all been going to Fest for years, so here's the story.
We're sharing the love.
Last year, one of us created an impromptu, zero-budget, mini-documentary about Fest that met with great & positive response.
This year, we've formed a team who mark the 50th annual Fest happening this month with a full-length film. And we need your help.
What is Fest? Well, that's the hardest part to explain, and a big reason for the Folkumentary.
Fest is part music festival, part camp-out & craft fair, and all love.
About 40,000 people attend Fest, one of the oldest in the country.
Some might consider it a family-friendly Burning Man, but that doesn't really capture the full spirit of Fest.
The crazy thing? It's all run by volunteers.
Music: At Fest, you'll hear folk, jazz, blues, celtic rock, country, and a whole variety of bands and music--over 60 performers at six venues on the grounds. And there's always music being played by professional and amateur musicians at the campgrounds, too.
Camping & Crafts: Thousands of people camp at fest, creating a mini-community for 4-7 days. Over 3,000 volunteers put in their time up to months in advance to make Fest happen. And the craft area includes amazing artists and artisans from all over the world.
Love: What Fest is really about is love and community. People come back year after year for a slew of reasons: the laid-back, friendly attitude; the random acts of creativity; campfire performances by 20 roving guitarists--it's almost impossible to fully explain the love for, and love at, Fest.
Which is why we're doing a feature-length Folkumentary.
What's the plot?
Folkumentary will follow the stories of four people: an aspiring folk performer making it big, an established folk band, a couple in love, and a long-time Fest volunteer.
How do you know the plot?
We know Fest, and we've been planning for months. First, the Fest organizers (who are cooperating with us) are putting on a first-ever contest for campground performers. This is the Anti-American Idol. The winners will perform a set on the Fest's Main Stage in front of thousands. This is about genuineness, not hype.
Last year, we captured a moment after a wedding proposal, and we think we'll capture a moment like that this year. We already have a long-time volunteer willing to have us follow their struggles and victories. And we have relationships with a couple of well-regarded folk bands who will round out the the film.
Who would want to watch Folkumentary?
To that we say, who would have thought a documentary about penguins would blow everyone away?
Anyone who enjoys engaging stories and good music will want to see this film.
We will deliver fun, amazing footage, compelling storytelling, a little drama (with an event this big, tempers sometimes flare in the summer heat!), and surprises galore. In the end, viewers be a part of something magical.
We can promise that because we've been going to Fest for years. And it's time to share the love.
What We Need & What You Get
Ideally we'd like to equip four crews with rented HD cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. Because IndieGoGo fundraising is all-or-nothing, plus 3% to 9%, we'll start with the minimum budget, and encourage people to continue donating after the initial goal is reached.
At minimum, we'd like to get four ruggedized, mini-HD cameras (like the Kodak Playsport Zx3), plus back-up batteries and lighting. Total cost: $1,100
We'll also need to cover tickets ($170) and food (~$100) for each crew member (eight people). Total cost: $2,160
With another $800, we can get four 3-CCD HD cameras instead of the mini-cameras. With another $400, we can get four audio kits. For post-production, we'll need another $3,000 for editing & titles. Finally, for prints & distribution, we're looking at $5,000--but that's only if enough awesome people like you see the vision!
So, to make the math simple, we set the initial goal of $3,300 (which includes IndieGoGo's fee). The ideal amount is $15,000.
Fest is more about giving than anything, so everyone who contributes will get something! (See the perks!)
Other Ways You Can Help
Please contribute whatever you can to help us bring Fest love to everyone. Every dollar helps. Perks start at $20, and we the more you give, the better the documentary will be. If you dream of a world where people actually get along, share in the spirit of community, and leave judgement at the door, we promise you will not be disappointed.
Share the possibilities. Happy Fest! Please contribute now!
(For you data-lovers, successful documentaries have been made about everything from a tightrope walker to a Scrabble competition. Music documentaries are particularly popular, but usually involve stars like Madonna, U2, or--wait for it--Justin Bieber. The good news is, we've got something better. Our unsung heroes have something special that you'll have to see for yourself. Thanks for helping us share these special people with you in Folkumentary!)
