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Feature-length documentary chronicles the lives of post H.S. football players who follow their dream in a unique "second chance" way.

"A Second Chance" is an independently funded documentary film about overcoming incredible circumstances to achieve one's dreams. It is about determination, character, hardships, triumphs, friendships, and beliefs centered on the aspirations of post high school football players in America. The young men in this film, such as, the talented and gritty,Ty Landrum, from the streets of New York City to professional stardom in Poland, before the age of 20. Armond Smith, from small college obscurity in Kentucky, to NFL running back in Cleveland. Steven Rockwell, a big Texas talent, derailed by mother nature to death's door, who came all the way back. These are a few of the incredible stories that now serve as the inspiration for this film. Their stories represent a microcosm of the " human will to succeed", in the realm of the American football dream.

This documentary film will chronicle how football is a thread in the social fabric of our society and how it can create opportunity for young players to advance in a positive social environment. Developing the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL) opportunity for 18-24 year old players has been a long and challenging process. Presently we are excited to be on the verge of a worldwide opportunity for our players. We wish to reveal the raw human emotions and  triumphant self sacrifices of the players by telling their extraordinary stories through this documentary film. 

This is destiny fulfilled!

The Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL) players experiences have been enhanced over the years by former NFL players and coaches such as; Gus Ornstein, Barry Chait and Rich Cody, all of whom overcame tough odds to reach the NFL. They are reflective of the player's dedication, perseverance, and the unrelenting belief in a dream. We have been self-funding our project for over four years. It has expanded from a local dream into a worldwide reality. Presently, we have over 90 hours of raw footage, and the time has come to share this incredible journey with all who want to be part of it.

We are in the opening stages of filming and production for the CDFL's Team USA participation in the inaugural Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl taking place September 2, 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. This game will culminate the documentary film and serve as the backdrop for the long road our players have taken to get on this worldwide stage. They all will compete for a chance at a professional contract and we will document it.  Now, we need your help to tell the story !!!!  Presently, we are raising funds for our production costs, marketing expenses, licensing rights, and legal fees. We are offering rewards, with active participation in this film for any who wish to join us. We greatly appreciate any help you can give, whether it’s monetary or just spreading the word about this unique film endeavor.

MORE ABOUT THE FILM......

"A Second Chance" will leave us wanting more, to wonder and hope for the future success of the players both in football and in life.  Everyone involved will be inspired, not by the game of football, but by the in-depth look at the human spirit and the power of never giving up on your dreams.

A Second Chance" is being filmed in the United States and Europe. It features interviews from players, coaches, fans and family members from all levels of American football, including present and former members of the NFL, UFL, CFL, CDFL, FCS, D2, D3, and NAIA levels of college football.

Former, present, and future NFL players who have been part of the CDFL experience, will add commentary, chronicling the league's four-year journey from its gritty start on the inner city streets of New York City to its international status of today.  From concept to reality, this film will be both raw and provocative, as well as harrowing and inspiring. Background insights from friends, family, mentors, and influences along the way will detail the struggles and ultimate triumphs of these ”second chance players”.  The film will include past CDFL game footage including  the 2012 Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl, thus bringing the viewers an inside look at the inspiring stories of Team USA members.

GOAL FOR THE FILM

The goal for this film is to tell a true life  story of  great young men who came from humble beginnings and never quit on themselves or their loved ones. It is also a film to inspire young people to work hard, never quit and keep your dreams alive. It is a film with a universal message of hope, and the power of a "second chance."  It is a film about the strength of the human will, self belief and the utilization of football as a vehicle for success. We believe it is a story that will inspire all those who see it. We passionately believe that this story needs to be told for the PLAYERS...... and by the PLAYERS !

We will release "A Second Chance" prior to the close of 2012 and hope to air it on a major cable network. This will occur following reviews from our VIP private screening to be held in New York. The film category for distribution will be  an independent documentary film. Active promotion and distribution will be done by the filmmakers, who will explore all distribution options with presentations and submissions through both conventional and non-conventional media platforms. 

ABOUT KICKSTARTER

Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, art, film, technology, design, food, and other creative fields. Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REACH MY GOAL

If we don't raise our goal, we don't get anything.  Donors pledge the amounts, but don't actually pay until the goal is reached and the funding deadline has passed.  We all want to avoid this, so please spread the word and tell your friends.  Everything helps!  When we meet our goal will  license the film rights and complete the editing so we can send you the DVD's and reward merchandise. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This film is only going to be possible with the help of you (football fans, independent film fans, philanthropists and all who wish to participate). We want this to be a community film with people spreading the word. "COME WITH US" is our rally cry l!!!

Please spread the word about our film project via email to all your friends and contacts. Utilize Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to get our KickStarter link to all who you think may be of interest.

Email playCDFL@gmail.com to get more information and to inquire about how to "COME WITH US."

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT FUNDS

At a minimum, we need to meet our goal. But an over-funded project would be a spectacular thing for this documentary, and it would allow us to take things beyond the finish line. There are many aspects to consider in budgeting for a quality film of this length. The following is a general budget outline for the standard needs a documentary film. Quality has not compromised relating to the following expenses:

  • Filming costs on location in the United States and Poland at all 2012 events. Also player, coaches, and family on-site interviews which will provide this documentary with the most current content possible. - $18,000 minimum up to $24,000
  • License rights for additional college and professional football archive footage, as well as footage from the inaugural 2012 Euro-American Challenge game in Warsaw, Poland on 9/2/12. Also Music licensing - $6,000 minimum up to $9,000
  • Film trailer production - $2,250. (fixed contract rate)
  • Marketing and roll out costs to insure that the film can be seen via mass media outlets, both conventional and exploratory - $8,000 (minimum)
  • A team of professional editors, editing to final production, 155 hours of footage.- $24,000 (fixed contract rate)

YOUR HELP MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Please be part of the story and the human spirit that it represents. Our hope is to have you "COME WITH US" to be an active component of the film and the lives it will change. The good news is that over the last 4 years much of the gritty groundwork for this film has been accomplished, we have been able to fund the costs of filming and production on our own up to this point.

As we transition into the final filming stages and editing phases, we need your help to get us from the dream to the finished product!  You can help in a number of ways. First and foremost — by donating to this Kickstarter campaign you will make the film's completion possible. As a 'Thank You"  for your generosity, we will provide you with awesome rewards and unique personal experiences.

In closing, we are driven by the following belief,

 “What man can conceive, he can bring into being”.  Be part of the dream !!!!

                                             "COME WITH US" !!!!

LEARN MORE

If you have any questions or want to check out more footage, feel free to contact us at: playCDFL@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/play.cdfl

CHECK US OUT AT- www.playcdfl.com

PLEASE: EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS, POST A LINK ON FACEBOOK, OR TWEET ABOUT US!  Anything you can do to help spread the word will be of tremendous help, and greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all of your generous support!

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For those of you who are interested, you can obtain additional information and stuff directly from the CDFL. Kickstarter does not allow pledges with Paypal so we are adding our website here if you wish to use it:www.playcdfl.com

Please note that any pledges will not be added to the kickstarter totals, but  rewards will be treated the same by us. Thanks!

FAQ

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9
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$1,880
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Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 9, 2012.

Funding period
Jun 9, 2012 - Jul 9, 2012 (30 days)

  • Pledge $5 or more

    2 backers

    You will get a CDFL logo “Thank You" card mailed to you, signed by the film producers and the CDFL founders. Your name listed on our CDFL website film page as a contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    2 backers

    You will get a CDFL logo window display decal, a CDFL logo “Thank You” card mailed to you and signed by the film originators George and Peter St. Lawrence, and a website "thank you" with your name listed on the CDFL website film page as a contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Jul 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    1 backer

    An authentic CDFL player tee-shirt as seen in the film trailer being worn by the players. Also, a CDFL logo, “thank you” card and your name listed on the CDFL website film page as a contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    1 backer

    An authentic CDFL film/ game hat, authentic CDFL tee-shirt and an autographed film poster. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as a Bronze level contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    0 backers

    Screened DVD copy of the film and an authentic CDFL player tee-shirt, hat, and an autographed film poster. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as a Silver level contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $96 or more

    0 backers

    An authentic logo collegiate All-Star football game jersey of your choice, as seen in the film, from one of the following film featured games: FCS Senior Scout Bowl, the D3 Senior Classic, the D2 vs NAz,IA Senior Bowl or Team USA Jersey from the 2012 EAC International Scout Bowl.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    0 backers

    Screened DVD copy of the film and authentic wear CDFL logo apparel package- 1 logo tee shirt, 1 logo pair of shorts, 1 logo game hat,and an autographed film poster. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as a Gold level contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $150 or more

    0 backers

    Authentic CDFL college football all-star game Jersey, Screened DVD copy of the film. A CDFL logo tee shirt. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as a Platinum level contributor.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    0 backers

    Value Added package - Full page sponsorship ad for you, or your business, in the 2012 game programs for all 3 CDFL Senior Classic all-star games. Authentic logo CDFL football game jersey, 1 logo tee shirt, and an autographed film poster. 1 screened DVD copy of the film. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as an Associate Producer.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    1 backer

    Directly sponsor a player in our, "Adopt a Player Package"- you get an Authentic Team USA game jersey of the player you support. This will be autographed by the player on Team USA for the 9/2/12 Euro-American game in Poland. Also, a video copy of the players story and bio, and a personal thank you from the player for your direct support. 1 screened DVD copy of the film. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as an Associate Producer. Full page sponsorship ad for you, or your business, in the 2012 game programs for all 3 CDFL Senior Classic college all-star games.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2014
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    1 backer

    An appearance in the film as a backer and honorary sideline coach at any one of the 2012 CDFL Senior Classic college All-Star games. Also, 4 complimentary pre-game banquet tickets. Your name will be listed in the film credits as a Producer. Four (4) complimentary tickets to all three CDFL sponsored college senior scout bowls in December of 2012. An Authentic logo CDFL football game Jersey or an Authentic Team USA game jersey (your choice). A screened DVD copy of the film and sneak peak updates on the film’s progress. VIP invite for one, to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut in New York.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
  • Pledge $2,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)

    A football training session with CDFL Staff and players for you (or your child) and up to 9 teammates! (Training session at CDFL facilities in Hillburn, New York only). An appearance in the film as a backer and a VIP invite for 4 to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut in New York. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as an Executive Producer. One (1) authentic logo Team USA game jersey, 10 CDFL logo tee shirts, 10 film posters, 10 Screened DVD copies of the film. Four (4) complimentary tickets to all three CDFL sponsored college senior scout bowls in December of 2012.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
  • Pledge $3,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)

    Join the film crew as a videographer at the USA team practices in New York, August 28-31, 2012. Listed in the film credits as a contributing editor. VIP invite for 6 to the exclusive private screening party of 1the film debut. One (1) authentic logo Team USA game jersey as seen in the film. One Full page film sponsorship ad for you, or your business, in the 2012 game programs for all 3 CDFL Senior Classic college all-star games and their websites.1 screened DVD copy of the film. Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as an Executive Producer.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $6,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)

    Film Travel package - An appearance in the film as a backer and a 4-day expense paid trip for one, as an honorary sideline coach of Team USA, in the September 2, 2012 inaugural Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl, in Warsaw, Poland. Producer credit for the film listed in the film credits . VIP invite for 6 to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut. 1 screened DVD copy of the film and sneak peak updates on the film’s progress.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $8,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)

    Direct in-film sponsorship; your name or business logo imprinted on team USA uniform to be worn in the Inaugural Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl, in Warsaw, Poland on 9/2/12. Note: EAC game will be televised in Europe and internet broadcast in USA. Also, Executive Producer credit for the film and an appearance in the film as a backer. VIP invite for 4 to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut. OR Pledge $8,000 and you get a private or public appearance by George St Lawrence, and/or Peter St. Lawrence, co-founders of the CDFL and Chief Executive Officers of the film, to do a visitation, discussion, presentation, lecture , interview, motivational speech, etc. on the topic of your choice relating to the film or the CDFL. This will be done anywhere in the United States after September 15, 2012. VIP invite for 4 to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $10,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)

    EAC Game Team USA roster Spot- Opportunity to play in the game, be in the film and on the field. (Note: Must be medically cleared by a physician physical to participate), Sneak peak updates on the film’s progress and your name listed in the film credits as an Executive Producer. VIP invite for 4 to the exclusive private screening party of the film debut.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012