My Latest IndieGoGo Campaign

Click on the picture to see video.
For several years I've been involved in a few crowd source fundraising campaigns to raise money for films I've been working on. More than half of the campaigns have been successful, but it has taken mounds of effort to raise money. My current Internet Marketing and crowd funding campaign is for an independent film documentary, "Nelly Queen: The Life and Times of Jose Sarria". We have two days left on IndieGoGo, having raised 45% of our $15,000 goal. 

 Here is an excerpt about the film:
Nelly Queen: the Life and Times of Jose Sarria is a feature documentary on the life of Jose Sarria, the first openly gay American to run for office in 1961. The drag cabaret performer was an early and leading champion for equality for the homosexuals in San Francisco 15 years before Stonewall. The 90-minute documentary revolves around personal footage taken by Sarria’s close friend and Executive Producer Joe Castel, spanning 23-years from 1992 to 2013.
When San Francisco city officials vowed to shut down all the gay bars in 1961, the 38 year-old female impersonator threw caution to the wind and campaigned for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. Sarria lost the election, but garnered nearly 6,000 votes, proving for the first time in American politics that the LGTBQ community had a voting bloc.
From 1951-1963, whenever the vice squad entered the café to entrap patrons, Sarria exposed them by forcing his closeted patrons to stand up and sing “God, Save Us Nelly Queens,” a takeoff on Britain’s national anthem as the vice marched out of the café.

41% Funded
44% Funded

Popular posts from this blog

When Tezuka Osamu met Walt Disney

Image
“I admire Walt Disney, I am charmed by Walt Disney, and I decided my career inspired by Walt Disney. And I met him in New York, or, I should say, I just walked past him. On the opening day of New York World’s Fair,  https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/entity/m01vl17?categoryId=artist I was lucky enough to get a chance to talk to him. I came across him leaving the stage just after delivering the speech.  I got nervous but somehow introduced myself to him.    ‘I am a head of a Japanese animation studio.’ ‘Nice to have you here.’ ‘I am the one who made Astro Boy.’ ‘Really? I know Astro Boy. I saw the work in Los Angeles. It’s a great work.” ‘Thank you very much. My staff would be honored. Well, may I have your comment about the work?’ ‘It’s a very interesting Sci-Fi story. Future children are looking toward the space. So I, myself, think about making Sci Fi, too.  If you have time, visit me in Burbank.’  (by Tezuka Osamu) Li
Read more

What is the average cost for a filmmaker to attend a film festival or community engagement screening program?

Image
The average cost for a filmmaker to attend a film festival or community engagement screening program by Mario J. Novoa Have you ever asked yourself, what is the average cost for a filmmaker to attend a film festival out of their state, including meals, lodging, and transportation? As a seasoned filmmaker, I seldom have found the answers online, which is why I decided to share my experience with you. Granted I am an independent filmmaker who often funds my own expenses through screening fees or stipends offered through the exhibition agreement. The average cost for a filmmaker to attend a film festival out of their state can vary depending on the festival, the location, and the filmmaker's budget. However, a rough estimate would be around $2,000 to $3,000. Here is a breakdown of the costs: Submission fee: Most film festivals charge a submission fee, which can range from $20 to $100. Travel: The cost of travel will vary depending on the distance between the filmmaker's home and t
Read more

Breaking Through - A Filmmaker's Journey to Sustained Success

Image
Breaking Through - A Filmmaker's Journey to Sustained Success Part 1: "Cultivating Creative Confidence in Filmmaking" Introduction: Embarking on a career in filmmaking is a journey filled with artistic highs and personal lows. As a filmmaker, I understand the importance of overcoming self-doubt and limiting beliefs. In this post, we'll explore key aspects of my own journey and share insights on sustaining a successful career in both fiction and documentary filmmaking. Segment 1: Embracing Failure Early in my career, I faced the paralyzing fear of not being "good enough." Each setback felt like a roadblock, hindering my creative process. However, embracing failure became a pivotal lesson. I learned that setbacks are not signs of inadequacy but stepping stones towards growth. In this segment, we'll delve into the transformative power of embracing failure and how it became a cornerstone of my creative confidence. Segment 2: Building a Supportive Network No
Read more