…defeat? No, I won’t call it that because we’re not giving up. But if you’ll permit me to vent a bit, filmmaking is an erratic career choice. A rollicking roller coaster ride.
Take this week, for instance. On some level I couldn’t be happier. I feel like new life has been breathed into The Winding Stream project. Since we started our Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign just a little over three weeks ago, we have felt the power of individual donations in our efforts. For the first time in a long time we have received a significant infusion of money which will allow us to move ahead with our production (which is to say, we can keep filming)!
Beyond the financial contributions, we have felt the enthusiasm of Carter and Cash fans of all ages, from all over the world. People have stepped forward to offer further help in many interesting ways, most notably in the hosting of an upcoming fundraising party on December 17 at Art Department, 1315 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon from 7 – 11! www.artdeptpdx.com
But then, things that you were secretly hoping for, that you keep trying for don’t come through. Today that took the form of a rejection letter from a major funder. This is a highly competitive process and we have been through it twice before and come to the same “close but no cigar” point. From hundreds of applicants to 30 and then trying to make it to the final 12 who get the funds. We were up for it again – our third time. For the third time we came SO close. But no go.
Still we carry on. We feel that there must be a way to get this film done. Certainly the Kickstarter campaign is one way.
But maybe you folks out there have ideas?
I, for one, think a corporate sponsor (I dunno, Levis? John Deere? Gibson Guitar?) would be great. A win-win.
Any thoughts? I’m all ears.
I’ve never had a project that had so much going for it, that people seemed to like so much and feel so strongly about, that was having so much trouble getting funded.
I won’t give up. We’ll get there. But I’d love it if someone would let me off the roller coaster!
The Winding Stream © 2023