Freaks off the Leash

"Freaks off the Leash" is a documentary in which we follow a Canadian Niagara-based sideshow "Monsters of Schlock" on a tour in the upper States area at the end of February 2011. During the tour we meet more sideshow performers, oddities collectors and other intriguing people in unique and offbeat settings. The idea is to explore the culture of freak shows and learn about the people behind this industry. The film will discuss the history of freak show and sideshow, the dangers and difficulty of such performances, prejudice, comedy, live shows, and being a starving artist.

The main characters of the film, The Great Orbax and Sweet Pepper Klopek, have been featured in MuchMusic, Discovery, Ripley's Believe It or Not and many other outlets. In 2008 they were also banned from performing in licensed venues in the province of Alberta due to "the potential to be considered bizarre, grotesque or offensive"!

The documentary will be shot partially on Red One, super 16mm film and partially with Panasonic's digital video cameras.

What We Need & What You Get

For the trip we are taking 2 cars and our journey goes from Welland to New York-Philadelphia-Baltimore-Washington DC-Pittsburgh and back to Welland. We are also making separate interview trips to Guelph, Toronto and Syracuse. Our estimate is that our gas expenses are around 500$ in total which we are hoping to gather through this site.

By contributing, not only are you getting our deepest gratitude, but also unique items such as nails that The Great Orbax uses to hammer up his nose or signed mouse traps that are used to snap on Sweet Pepper Klopek's tongue.

Other Ways You Can Help

Tell people about our project and spread the word. Feel free to also visit the Monsters of Schlock website: http://www.monstersofschlock.com/