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John Richards

Ketchum, ID

J.R. Richards is a freelance documentary filmmaker and television producer specializing in media focused on beer, wine, food, and travel. J.R. worked with Michael Jackson from 2003-2006, producing video tastings and short documentaries for Michael's ... view more

  1. on April 28
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    John Richards
    Posted project update #7

    Video News

    Hello everyone!

    We have been hard at work getting new material, converting all the various formats, and starting our edit. We are out the door in a few minutes for the Craft Brewers Conference in San Diego, where we'll be interviewing brewers from all over the world about Michael and craft beer. If any of you will be at the conference, send me a message and we'll set up an interview in person.

    Here's a quick preview of some footage we shot recently at Dogfish Head, mixed with some old footage from Michael's birthday from our visit there seven years ago.

    Also, t-shirts are almost ready. We have two designs to choose from, plus a couple of style of hats if you want to add those to your Beer Hunter movie accessories. We'll be in touch with more video updates and a link to the shirts. Cheers, and hope you are all doing well!

    JR and Ali

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        Mark Horchler on April 28

        Making me thirsty for more!

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        Bas van Eijk on April 28

        Would like a t-shirt also (backed for just 30 dollar, so if I could buy it afterwards it would be nice!)

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        Andy Hershberger on April 30

        Can't wait. I'm not so much a T-shirt guy but if you have a tulip glass or snifter with the movie logo I can always find room for more glassware.


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  2. on April 21
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    John Richards
    commented on a project

    Movie's going to be a few more months Dave. Expected fall release as we stated in our campaign. Thanks for tuning in.
  3. on February 6
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    John Richards
    Posted project update #6

    Rewards update

    Hello to all our backers,

    Our t-shirt and poster art is being developed and I will be in touch soon regarding sizes and maybe a design choice. I've contracted my old friend Sandy Garnett to put together a couple of cool, original designs. In addition to a huge range of artwork and sculpture, Sandy has done album covers, posters, t-shirts, and assorted artwork for bands like Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, B.B. King, Little Feat, The Ramones, Leftover Salmon, the H.O.R.D.E. tour, Bill Graham Presents, and The Fox Theater to name but a very few. So expect at least one design to have some rock'n'roll style with craft beer sensibility. We'll probably also do something more classic and straightforward as well for a bit different look if that's your bag.

    Also, send photos, pictures, memories, interview contacts, anything you have personally that will help tell Michael's story. This is a creative community of backers, and you are all encouraged to get involved directly with the film if you have something to add.

    Hope everyone is well and enjoying the New Year.

    Cheers,

    JR

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        Bob Schneider on February 6

        Mystic Mumbler, his words. An inspiration to people who take the time to taste and enjoy. I could listen to your ramblings on any topic: food, love, family, beer, wine, port and whisky. One of your digressions from the topic (one of about 5) at one AHA conference, about enjoying pints in the pubs with your then newly legal age daughter made me all misty-eyed as I yet wait for the chance to share that time with mine.
        I have one beer book with your autograph that I will go find and read again. I will make my next beer in your honor.
        Cheers! and Thanks
        Bob Schneider
        Brewers On The Lake

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        Ian Garrett on February 8

        have you been in contact with Owen Barstow? Michaels PA.

        Ian Garrett
        Bieres Sans Frontieres


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  4. on January 30
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    John Richards
    commented on a project

    Thanks Debbie, I just checked it out. If we can find a couple co-sponsors, I'd love to make the trip down to Austin and film some of the beer scene and some interviews. It definitely figures large on Michael's U.S. beer trail, and it'd be great to get a bit of it in the movie and into the DVD extras as its own little episode. Stay in touch and maybe we'll be heading your way this spring. Cheers, JR
  5. on January 29
    Funded!

    Beer Hunter: The Movie by John Richards

    An intimate portrait of the other Michael Jackson, how he saved beer, started a revolution, and his secret struggle with Parkinson's.

    • 149% funded $44,758 pledged
    • 577 backers
    • Funded Jan 29, 2012
  6. on January 29
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    John Richards
    Posted project update #5

    The Beginning

    So, here we are at the end of our successful campaign. And the beginning of a new chapter.

    Last night we held a fundraiser for Parkinson's and toast to Michael at the local brewery I work at. We played video clips from the original Beer Hunter series, and the Beer Hunter movie. We placed a large photo of Michael on top of the taps. "Who is that?" we were asked continuously. "That's Michael Jackson" we would respond. "The other Michael Jackson." 

    And then we would tell his story, and put his books out on the bar. And the people started to understand that this was not just about beer. 

    Thanks to everyone who has taken the leap of faith in this project. We are all in this together now. Keep sending your stories, photos, videos, and thoughts. We look forward to gathering together with you in celebration of Michael's life and work.

    Cheers to you all.

    JR

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  7. on January 21
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    John Richards
    commented on a project

    Thanks Tony - every bit will be used towards making this a better film. We are still not quite there in terms of licensing original Beer Hunter footage, but we might be able to snag a bit. Cheers to you out there, thanks, and happy brewing. JR
  8. on January 15
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    John Richards
    backed a project

    AMERICAN BEER BLOGGER pilot episode by Rudy Vegliante

    AMERICAN BEER BLOGGER is a half hour television series dedicated to all facets of the ever growing craft beer market.

    • 105% funded $6,357 pledged
    • 74 backers
    • Funded Jan 29, 2012
  9. on January 13
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    John Richards
    Posted project update #4

    We have reached our goal!

    So, in case you haven't heard, I'm very pleased to announce that we have reached our goal and this project will be funded! Just an incredible turnout from the community, and with big help from some breweries yesterday we have surpassed our target with 15 days to go still! Keep spreading the word, however, since we set the goal at the minimum needed to get the film and series finalized and distributed properly. With more funding comes more of Michael's story from the people who knew him best, and more archival material.

    So tell your friends, and let's keep the momentum going to the end. Thanks to everyone who has participated to make this happen.

    JR

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        Maurizio Maestrelli on January 13

        Great job John! Very well done!

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        Brian Richardson on January 13

        Very nice!

        From HBT

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        Adam Keele on January 18

        Nice work! Can't wait to see the finished product....


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  10. on January 13
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    John Richards
    commented on a project

    It's an honor to be part of such a supportive community. Cheers to everyone. YOU made it happen! Now the real work begins!