Our Story

Of Teaching Killer Whales Compassion began almost 5 years ago when the original draft was written by Michael Langman as an homage to a great person and friend, Mama D.  Mama D devoted her life to fighting the growing issue of homelessness and consistently acted in a truly selfless way in her devotion to this fight.  Her message was simple; through compassion towards every single person, especially those in need, we can change the world one person at a time.  It was with this spirit in mind that Of Teaching Killer Whales Compassion was born.

Directors Message

Being a filmmaker is not only a great joy, but also a great responsibility.  A responsibility to tell stories that can positively impact the world we live in and enrich our lives by connecting the common threads of compassion and human emotion in the way we tell these stories.  Of Teaching Killer Whales Compassion is that film.  It's message is universal and simple; love and compassion are the necessary ingredients to invoke the changes that we all seek in our own lives.  It is with great joy and pride that I am able to make this film to showcase such a beautiful and profound story.

It is also important, along with raising awareness of this issue, to also give in a more tangible way.  I am proud to be partnered with the Los Angeles Mission on this project to help raise funds for their good work by donating 5% of the funds raised for this project directly to them.  In addition I will be personally matching whatever we are able to raise.  The Los Angeles Mission is a nonprofit organization serving the homeless living on the streets of downtown's Skid Row.  Faithfully, for 75 years, they have saved many lives and have had a profound impact on thousands of others by providing compassionate, humanitarian services to those in desperate need.  For more information on the mission you may visit their website at www.losangelesmission.org. 

Why $20 dollar donations?

With this campaign I am trying something a little different than other indiegogo campaigns in that I am only asking for a $20 donation from each person, with the goal in mind to get 500 people to donate this amount.  I feel that this amount is something that is doable from just about anyone and will help us reach our goal.  More importantly, however, it is also based on an idea from Mama D, who gave the inspiration for this project by teaching those around her to be compassionate.  Her idea was simple, if you spent any small amount of money, time, or care on a charitable act that that energy of compassion would transfer to the recipient.  So, while I'd love to get 10 people to donate $1000 each and make our goal, it is more meaningful if 500 people get donate, with the same level of compassion, the overall effect of compassion to the recipients will be 500 times greater!

Now, you will notice however, that there are other levels of sponsorship on this page.  If you are so inclined, and have to extra money to spare, or just want a bigger tax deduction, I want you to be able to do that.  Your help is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten!

What We Need & What You Get

Despite being a short film there are many costs involved in the production process to get to the end of the road.  The funds that you will donate to this project will be put towards the various aspects of production listed below.

Equipment Costs:  You can't make a film without lights and camera of course, and yep, this costs money too.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of $3000.

Locations Costs:  This film has several locations, some of which will be at a reduced cost but still this will likely cost around $2000

Crew and Talent:  While I have an amazing group of friends who will likely be donating their time I still have to feed them on set everyday.  We will also be utilizing the talents of some great actors who will need to be reimbursed for their time and commitment to this project.  This will run in the neighborhood of $3500

We also have to consider the percentage fee that IndieGoGo charges.

And of course 5% of the total donations will be directly donated to the Los Angeles Mission.

While our goal is certainly high it is important for you to know that every little bit helps.  There are several levels of sponsorship available to you, so you can choose how much you can and are willing to give.

Also remember that because we are partnered with Fractured Atlas, so your donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Other Ways You Can Help

So what if you really can't help donate money?  That's okay.  I understand, we are after all in a recession.  But don't stop here.  You can still help!  Forward this project to any friends, family, and wealthy benefactors that might be looking to get involved and help make this project a reality.  No help is too small!

Please visit our website at www.killerwhalesfilm.blogspot.com