"Hong Kong or Bust" is a fundraising initiative by me -- filmmaker Angelo Bell -- to raise money to attend the Hong Kong International Film and Television Market (FILMART) and the Hong Kong Asian Film Financing Forum (HAF).  The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has generously offered me an all-access pass to the FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market) through its Special Hotel Sponsorship Program. That means I get free admission to FILMART and a FREE 3-night hotel accommodation at 4-star hotel. All I need to do is get there. 

For three years I've been refining the script and developing the film project for "Legend of Black Lotus," an epic martial arts fantasy that tells the story of Daiyu, a black girl born to Chinese parents, who must rise above her station as a servant to find true love and restore unity to a divided kingdom. As a result of my participation in the American Film Market (AFM), I developed relationships with several production companies in China and Honk Kong that are interested in co-production partnerships. (You can read my blog about my three days at AFM here: AFM Roundup). Now, in 2011, the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place and it's time to make my movie.

Going to Hong Kong means meeting my potential partners face-to-face, not through email and Skype. If my trip is funded I will be able to secure partnerships and financing for a film that is an empowering, visceral exploration of the bonds of unconditional love between mother and daughter. The trip will put the finishing touches on a film project that brings together two communities underserved by Hollywood studios: the African American and Asian American audience. If my campaign isn't funded I won't be able to take advantage of a huge opportunity that was the culmination of months of hard work. Imagine how difficult it is to interact with financiers, production companies and studios in the same state! Now, multiply that by 100 and you get a glimpse of how hard it is to nail down deals with a company halfway around the world. I need to be in Hong Kong.

For my trip to Hong Kong I need $1550 (US). That's bare bones. $1100 for the flight. $200 ($50/day for 4 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner), $50 to attend the HAF, which isn't included in the freebie offering, and $200 for incidentals and a cushion -- you never know what can happen and I will be halfway around the world!  

If I don't reach my entire goal but I receive enough money to buy the airline ticket I'm still going! I'll just live off "secret ingredient noodle soup" while I'm in Hong Kong. Hopefully I'll get to team up with my new Facebook buddy Andrew Ng, an actor who lives in HK. Obviously the airline ticket is the most important piece, so if I don't receive enough contributions for at least the airline ticket it's a moot point so I'll refund your money if your contribution was $25 and over. If it was less I'll send you a DVD of my films or something cool like that.

Independent films are born out of the passion of their filmmakers. In the indie world a finished film is often a result of the support of family and friends, peers, colleagues and hopefully... fans.  I appreciate your interest in helping me get to Hong Kong so I can put the finishing touches on a film project that is three years in the making.  I am an indie filmmaker not because I say so, or because I Tweet it. I am an indie filmmaker because it's all I do. My next film, "Legend of Black Lotus" will be the culmination of everything I've learned and done in the past decade, kicked up a notch. It's a once in a lifetime film for a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

They say good luck is when opportunity meets preparation. Help me prepare for lots of opportunities to come through "Legend of Black Lotus."

MY FILMOGRAPHY

RESURRECTION OF SERIOUS ROGERS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYh1Q_3fYw

BROKEN HEARTS CLUB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv1o_LE19ew

THE FIRST TIME - (IFC-TV) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gEUys6lJ2E

UNTIL NEXT TIME   Consulting producer, *Best in Fest; *Silver Medal of Excellence

BROKEN HEARTS CLUB (short) 

VALERIE & SID

RENOUNCED -- *Best in Fest, *Best Director - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVVeITuUWoI

LOVE IS FOR DEMOCRATS (48-hour film project) - IFC TV

I KNOW WHO SHOT YOU 

EL RIDE   *Best in Fest

NANNY & THE PROFESSIONAL

PICTURE PERFECT: REDUX 

SEX, SHOES & UNICORNS

PICTURE PERFECT

GET SPIELBERG