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UPDATE: March 5, 2013
Thanks everyone for your continued support with our Indiegogo campaign for our film Seven Deadly Words! We are amazed at the kindness and generosity that we have seen. Today, we are happy and proud to announce that we have made and surpassed our goal!
But, that doesn't mean we have to stop there.
Every dollar raised over our goal will go towards sharing this film with more people in more places. Now, we'll be able to enter more film festivals and work towards marketing and distributing the film in bigger and better ways!
Please continue to pray for our film and share our Indiegogo campaign and Facebook page with your friends and family.
Again, we are so grateful for everyone's contributions. Without your support, this film wouldn't be possible.
Sincerely,
Doc Benson
SunJae and Mie Smith
In the News:
Examiner.com - Feb 25 2013
The Christian Post - Feb 27 2013
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Eric “Doc” Benson, a pastor-turned-faith-filmmaker, is so serious about bringing his film to the big screen that he’s putting his life on the line. For two years, he has been working on a new faith-based feature, Seven Deadly Words, only to run out of money due to unforseen circumstances right at the end of post production.
Rather than fold so close to the finish line, Benson is doubling down: he is launching a group-funding campaign on IndieGoGo, while committing to fast until the funds needed are raised.
Called “Fasting to Finish – Seven Deadly Words,” the campaign is to reach a goal of $12,200, to cover the remaining post-production expenses. Once finished, the movie will begin making rounds in festivals and some theatrical showings.
Although the campaign could last for up to 40 days, from the launch date of February 25, Benson will stop his fast whenever the financial goal is met. Check back regulary for updates on the campaign.
“I poured every hour, every dollar I could spare into making this movie happen. My family and I have emptied out our savings and invested our time and talents, because we feel God wants this film to be a blessing to people. Now, the only thing I have left to give is...myself.”
Who is Eric "Doc" Benson?
Before moving into the world of faith-based filmmaking, Benson has served as a pastor and church planter, and also as a consultant, even becoming a television news reporter. The storyline for Seven Deadly Words came out of his own pastoral experiences. “When you hear those seven words, ‘We’ve never done it that way before,’” said Benson. “you realize how much that crushes the spirit of a church.”
To add realism, the film is shot as a docu-drama of a new pastor’s family coming to Egypt Valley Church. The church is out of funds and out of touch with the community, and pastor Evan Bennett sets out to change things for the better. But there's a problem. One family doesn't like change, and is willing to do anything to stop him.
“People are hungry for hope--for truth—for love and encouragement as they face tears and sorrow. These are the things we hope to bring into people’s lives with this film. To do without food, in order that the Lord can bring spiritual nourishment to many is something I am willing to do. Especially if it can give the hope of Christ to so many who have been hurt by those “seven deadly words.”
About Seven Deadly Words
Seven Deadly Words is a faith-based feature film told from the perspective of two student filmmakers, who come from Egypt Valley Community Church to complete a documentary. What they don't realize is that they will soon be caught in the middle of a power struggle that will test the faith and push the limits of all parties involved.
Pastor Evan Bennett arrives to a church that is out of funds and out of touch with the community. As Evan and others struggle to rebuild relationships, repair the broken down facility, and refill the church bank account, he encounters resistance.
When a major spending issue threatens the church’s very survival, Evan steps in with a controversial budget proposal. However, one family is none too pleased, and Evan’s cuts threaten their control. What starts as a debate over "faith giving" turns into a holy war, with Evan as the target.
...and the Seven Deadly Words? "We've never done it that way before."
Threats, intimidation, mystery, and politics swirl around the church and community, and no one is quite sure how it will end.
Inspired by actual events, this tale of faith, betrayal, victory, and survival will amaze you, shock you, and leave you on the edge of your seat. All footage has been shot, music gathered, and the edit started.
What can you do to help?
- Donate, every $1 helps!
- Tell your friends and family!
- Share this campaign on Twitter and Facebook
- Share this with local churches and businesses interested in faith-based
filmmaking
- Check back regularly on the Seven Deadly Words Indiegogo, Facebook and Twitter for updates!
FAQ
Where's the money going?
Post-production is the final stage before a film is ready to be shown. This in includes editing the film together, color correction, audio mastering, adding the music sound track, sound effects... basically making sure that everything looks and sounds really good.
In fact, post-production is where 90% of the work is done to complete a film project like this.
Can I contribute by check?
Yes! But your donations made by checks will not be counted towards the online indiegogo goal.
Please make checks payable to "Highland Faith Fellowship" and send to:
P.O. Box 5
Cairo, WV 26337
Can I get a receipt for my donation?
Yes, a receipt for your donation is available upon request for tax purposes. Thanks to our partnership with Highland Faith Fellowship, all contributions via this campaign are Tax Deductible.
If I contribute, when can I redeem my perks?
After our deadline we will start to manufacture and ship all physical merchandise directly to you. The screenings, parties and DVDs etc. can only happen after the film is completed so this will take a bit of time. Bear with us! Any perks associated with cast/crew will be arranged following our campaign’s end date.
What if I don’t want a perk, I just want to contribute?
No problem, there is a button that you can select if you don’t want a perk.
Can I increase my pledge once it’s been made?
YES! Once you donate to our campaign, you may want to change your incentive perk to a different one, or increase your pledge amount. Go for it!
Can I gift an incentive?
YES! That’s very awesome of you. If you would like to donate to the film but give the perk to someone as a gift, go through the normal process of making a donation in your name. For billing purposes, this action must be in your name. After our deadline, we will send a message to you through IndieGoGo to the email address you provided. We will request your address from you at that time. Please reply with the information of the person who should receive the perk, and we will make sure it gets to them.
