Our Story

America is at war with itself.  More and more Americans see themselves as right or left, and the effects of this are becoming problematic.  The political climate has always been heated in America, but the current tone has gone too far.

The endless cycle of twenty-four hour news pundits that yell opinions catered to the niche audiences that watch them are reinforcing viewers own opinions rather than creating discussion.

The effects of this polarization are spilling into local elections, races happening in your own back yard.  These state and city elections are microcosms of what is happening at the national level and in most cases, will have a greater impact on your day to day life than any decision made at a federal level.

Our film examines specifically how the political climate is effecting the Texas State Board of Education District 5 race.  The Texas SBOE is an organization marred in controversy as of late.  The fifteen elected members of the board have sparked a national outcry as a result of controversial decisions regarding text books in Texas.

As Texas is the number one purchaser of textbooks in the nation, what the board says gets printing across the country.

Our film provides an in-depth look at the board, the candidates running for District 5, and the record breaking political battle that ensues.    

The goal of our film is to bring to light the serious consequences of the national name calling in politics today.  We want the audience to see first hand how organizations such as the Texas SBOE are directly effected by the political tug of war, and how that effects Americans in a deeper way they may not be aware of.  

What We Need & What You Get

We have been working on this production for the past year, and after an incredible amount of blood, sweat, and tears, we are almost through with production.  We are graciously asking for your donations to help our post production costs.  All funds raised will go to post, specifically an editor, sound mixer, and colorist.  We are so close to having this project completed, but we need your help!

We have invested so much of our selves (heart, soul, and money) into this film because we are passionate about highlighting what we see is a problem for all us.  No matter if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we are all in this together.

We decided when we started this film that we wanted to incorporate an educational element as well so we are developing a way to incorporate the film in student courses and will use film screenings to work with the students on how to become more active in the political process.  No matter what your personal politics are, get active!

We are offering some cool perks as well.

For a generous $20 donation Pat and Derek will send you a hand written letter to thank you for your support. Every little bit helps!

If you are so inclined to donate $50 of your hard earned money, you will get a hand written thank you letter from Pat and Derek as well as a signed DVD of the film.

If you find it in your heart to donate at the $100 level you get a hand written thank you letter from Pat and Derek as well as a signed DVD of the film and a special 'Thank You' credit at the end of the film.

If you are generous enough to donate at the $250 level you will receive a hand written thank you letter from Pat and Derek as well as a signed DVD of the film, the special 'Thank You' credit at the end of the film, as well as a phone call from Derek and Pat so they can say thank you as well as discuss the project and and let you know how awesome you really are !

If you donate at the $500 level you receive all the special 'Thank You' credit, signed DVD, as well as an invitation to come to  Austin so Derek and Pat can graciously take you out for coffee to say thank you personally and discuss the project or whatever else you want to discuss!

If you donate at the $1,000 level, thank you and Congratulations!  You are now an Executive producer of this film!  You get all the gifts at the earlier levels as well as a 'Executive Producer' credit in the film, a private screening of the finished film before anyone else, and a invitation to come to Austin so Derek and Pat can take you to their favorite mexican restaurant to buy you delicious food, margaritas, and discuss the project and celebrate your greatness!

Other Ways You Can Help

Most importantly, please help us get the word out for our project!  Even if you can't donate, you can still help us by using the share tools on this page and sending this to all your family and friends that might be willing to donate or spread the word as well.  If you want to see films like this get made please help spread the word and help us get this film finished!  Thank you!