THE FILM

Who was Sophie Blanchard?  To answer this question, I embarked on a decade-long personal journey to restore the tale of a brave pioneer who has been forgotten by history for nearly two centuries.  Traveling throughout France, Italy, and the United States, I conducted independent research at archives, libraries, and museums. 

Production on the film began two years ago with seven international interviews including Tom Crouch, Senior Curator of the Division of Aeronautics at the National Air and Space Museum and Audouin Dollfus, a record-breaking French balloonist, astronomer, and author.

I am currently in production on the animated sequences that bring Sophie's story out of the hidden pages of history books and breathe life into her exciting adventures.

AN UNCONVENTIONAL TALE

This self-funded production has received grants from the Wolf Aviation Fund and the Puffin Foundation, and fellowships from the CAMAC Center of Art in France, Yaddo in New York, and the Bogliasco Foundation in Italy.

As an animated documentary, unique in both form and content, it is a hard sell with traditional funding sources.  I've been told numerous times that it has three strikes against it: it's historical; it's about a woman; it's animated. 

I firmly believe that the things that make this documentary different also make it worth watching.  Prove me right. Help Sophie Take Flight!

On location in Montebruno, Italy, site of Sophie Blanchard's August 1811 landing

THE GOAL

For years, it has been my dream to share Sophie's incredible and inspirational story with the world.  My goal is to finish the production by the end of 2012.

The animation is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive part of the process, but it is these animated reenactments that really bring the magic and wonder of Sophie's adventures to life.  For years, I have been been a one-woman production team.  In order to finish the film and meet my goal, I need help.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

The funds you contribute to this campaign will allow me to bring additional animators onto the project.  These artists will work alongside me to create animated scenes based on the established style and storyboards. 

Your contribution to the production will be rewarded with various perks, but no amount is too small.  All support is appreciated!  If you'd prefer to make a fully tax-deductible donation, please contact info@fantasticflightsmovie.com

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

SPREAD THE WORD about this film and its campaign via Facebook, Twitter, email, and word-of-mouth. Please tell friends, colleagues, anyone who loves animation, aviation, history or just a good story!

Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @flightsofsophie

For more detailed information on the production and the director, please visit the film's official website  www.fantasticflightsmovie.com

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

Once completed, we will pursue theatrical, television, home video, and educational distribution, as well as screenings at international film festivals and museums.  If you're part of a group that would like to host a screening, please let us know.  We will help to organize events once the film is done.

CONTACT US