Rise Like Lions

A little about me and what I've done

My name is Sharon Wright, and I am an award winning filmmaker from Los Angeles, CA.  My passion is to do projects that have a positive, uplifting story.  I truly do believe that we can make a change through the power of film.

My last film, CHANGE FOR A DOLLAR received two Regional EMMY Awards, two Telly Awards, a Communicator Award, the M3 Award and was a Webby Award Honoree.  The film also received numerous awards and nominations at festivals around the country.  After its Youtube premire the film went viral and currently has over 2.1 million views worldwide.  CHANGE FOR A DOLLAR is used in churches and schools all over the world to teach about giving, paying it forward and respect.  

Roger Ebert shared the film, saying: "It touched me.  Sharon Wright.  Remember that name."

You can view the film here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXL9vIUbWg&feature=g-upl

I'm also an award winning actress and do a lot of commercial and theatrical work.  I'm happily engaged to the most amazing man in the world who is also my best friend and am blessed to have some of the greatest friends ever!  When I'm not making films, I paint, sew or play with our pet pig, Snortin' Norton.  

Our next film RISE LIKE LIONS - the play by play

My newest film, Rise Like Lions, is a beautiful story about Marty, a young man with Down Syndrome whose greatest joy is keeping stats for his local baseball team, the Lions.  After a string of events, which could only be caused by fate, Marty has the chance to step in and play the game he loves.  What follows shows the magic of the human spirit and proves why baseball truly is Americas favorite pastime.

If you like films like RUDY or RADIO...you'll absolutely love RISE LIKE LIONS!

While this heartwarming short film deals with bullying, ultimately it is about sacrificing what you want for the good of someone else.

We will be filming in Paola, KS, a small town just south of Kansas City.

I really want the film to show that just because someone is different, they are not "less than".  Sometimes they are more than we can ever dream to be!  

Donations - the stategy to win!

Making a film takes a whole lot of people, equipment, time and sacrifice.  

That being said - with a crew of about 20 people, a cast of about 40 and a whole lot of extras to fill the baseball stands, we can't do it for free.

Our production crew is a group of incredibly talented professionals in the industry, and they have to be paid.

Equipment rental includes cameras, generators, a ton of lighting gear, cranes, dollys, and so much more.

Then there is production insurance, location fees, travel expenses, composer fees for the score, and we can't forget that we have to feed everyone - A LOT!  And for a group that large it adds up fast!

Our bare production costs will total well over $20,000, not including our festival fees, marketing materials and other expenses once the film is completed.

You see - it all adds up to a whole lotta money.....that's where you come in.

I realize that in todays economy, that is a large amount of money - BUT if everyone just chipped in ONE DOLLAR, it would add up very quickly or even just 1000 people each chipped in $10, we'd make our goal!  That's not much really - a couple of Starbucks coffees or a cheap lunch out.  TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!  Every single dollar counts - and they add up quick!  

I also want to add that even if we don't reach our funding goal - WE WILL STILL MAKE THIS FILM!  We may have to use less expensive cameras, get people involved who have less experience or feed our cast/crew PBJ sandwiches - whatever it takes, we WILL get it done.  My hope, however, is that we can make the best possible film with the best possible people.

If we believe - we can achieve!  

Todays media is full of negative, self defeating messages.  We need to build people up instead of tearing them down.  We need films that visually stimulate the mind and heart to a greater purpose - that's what we are about!

The film touches on social acceptance and bullying through a young man with Down Syndrome.  Marty is so genuinely full of life and love that it becomes infectious.  We should all be like Marty every single day of our lives, truly grateful for everything we receive and experience.

I don't claim that the film will change the world - but CHANGE FOR A DOLLAR inspired millions around the world to take action, to donate to charity, to pay good deeds forward.  I can only hope that RISE LIKE LIONS will have the same positive effect on someone somewhere that will make them stop and look at people in a better light...to possibly sacrifice a small piece of themselves for the greater good of someone else.

Even if you can't donate - you can still be on the team!

I realize not everyone has a dollar to spare, times are incredibly tough - but that doesn't mean you can't help out!

Most of us today are on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, various blogs and whatnot.  Consider spreading the word about the film - make some noise and get people excited about it!  I'm not the best social media person - so I seriously need all the help I can get to get the word out!!!!

This won't advertise itself and without people sharing the link and talking about it - well, we just won't be successful at all.  WE NEED YOU!!!

Indiegogo makes it so easy to share - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - Share the link wherever you can!

Last, but not least...Here's a shot of our pig for no good reason at all: