The Gist

Hi. We really like to make stuff - and cool stuff at that.  Both of us (Michelle and Trevor Campbell) work in television and independent film and enjoy seeing cool projects come to life.  However, when someone else is cutting the checks, there's a certain responsibility to adhere to their ideas/focus group testing/corporately mandated aesthetic sensibilities.  Which brings us here.  We want to make something cool, but not something beholden to a profit motive and all that entails.

We've been working on a script for the past couple years for a film called "Spray Paint Atlas" - the story of a kid on break from law school who goes off the deep end and starts stealing cars in an attempt to find his missing fiancee.  It's a comedy.  Well.  It's funny.  And a road movie.  Sort of.  For our intents and purposes here, we'll just call it a road comedy.  There's an ex-girlfriend, some abandoned suburbs, and a check-cashing store that all get involved, too.  But you should probably just wait to see the movie to see how those fit in.

We're shooting this summer in Boise, Idaho with stops in Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.  And that is why we are here, hat in hand, asking for your help.  We are primarily self-funding this project.  We've got cameras, lights, tape stock and all that taken care of.  But since it's a road movie, there are pretty hefty traveling costs and a couple other things we need to take care of like locations fees.

We're asking for any help you give.  If it's a dollar or two, we're stoked for that - every little bit helps.  We've got a great cast and crew already and we're committed to making this happen.  Even if the funding goal isn't met, well, we guess there's selling plasma and robbing banks.  But we hate needles and don't have a ski mask, so please help us out if you can.  So if you want to see something different with an off-beat sense of humor and style, please consider pitching in to the film.  We'll try to make it worth your entertainment while.

What Goes Around Comes Around

We're looking for $8750.  It looks like gas prices are going up this summer and hauling people all across the western US isn't cheap.  We've also got some flights we need to catch to make this happen.  And there's a location or two we're going to have to pay for.  That is where you come in.  Otherwise, this whole thing may take place in our living room.  If you can help with some money, here's how we'd like to say thank you:

$1 or more - Our thanks. On the film's website.  And in our hearts. 

$8 or more - Digital Download of the film upon completion.  We will send you a link to download the movie to keep forever and ever.  And while we're at it, we'll even add a version optimized to fit your phone.  The future is here!

$20 or more - A DVD.  Seems a little predictable for a movie, doesn't it?  Well just wait until you get it with your own personalized note expressing our gratitude.  Oh, and you still get the digital download.

$40 or more - Blu-Ray. With a thank you note.  And the digital download.  Talk about value.

$75 or more - You get the Blu-Ray.  And the digital download. Plus customized, personalized postcards from the road during shooting and post-production.  And you better believe there's a sticker pack.

$125 or more - Be our guest (along with a +1) to a sneak preview in Los Angeles where we will deliver your choice of Blu-Ray or DVD.  Can't make it to the screening?  We'll send you a party pack to make the screening an event in your own living room.

$250 - This is where things start to get interesting.  As this is a road movie, we will be staying in various hotels.  The crew of the film will acquire through means (maybe legitimate) a gift basket of hotel goodies signed by the cast and delivered with your DVD or Blu-Ray.  And we won't stop at Gideon Bibles.  Don't think we'll do it?  Try us.  Also, the first two people to redeem this reward will get actual props of the Spray Paint Atlas referenced in the title.

$500 - Let us fight your battles for you. There are four characters in this film that don't come off that well.  In exchange for your donation of $500, we will gladly name one of these characters after a person of your choosing, friend or foe. You can smite your enemies. On film. Forever.  And you'll still get the Blu-Ray or DVD.

$1500 - Well hello, Daddy Warbucks.  You're going to get a special treat.  We're going to give you one of camera bodies used on this film.  There will only be two available and we can't guarantee they'll be in working order.  But we'll load the memory cards up with something special just for you.  And something special will be waiting for you in the movie's credits.  And you'll get the Blu-Ray or DVD.  Or both.  I mean, you're throwing down some serious cash after all.

Were having a little competition during fund raising, too. The state that has the most individual donors wins a screening. NOT, repeat, NOT the highest dollar amount. Example. If Maine has 1000 people who all donate $1 each and California has 999 people who donate $1000 each, Maine gets a screening, dollar amount aside. So, if you want a screening in your state, get a bunch of people willing to chip in a dollar or two each. Or more, thats cool.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you can't help out financially, if you can post a link to this page on your Facebook wall or your twitter feed or email it to anyone who might be interested, that would make you awesome.  Just really awesome.  And feel free to check out the film's website for updates and info:

www.spraypaintatlas.com

Or if you're in Boise or one of the other cities listed above and want to try to help in some other way, email us and we'll get back to you.  Thank you.

Geography Contest Scoreboard!

(Updated 6/1/11 at 7:43am PDT)

California - 29
Utah - 8
Texas - 2
Oregon - 2
Illinois - 1