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Update #15: Making Good Progress!
Hello to our 'Good Ol' Freda' Backers,
We wanted to give you a quick update about how the documentary is progressing. We just finished sending out the last of our Phase 1 Kickstarter rewards so you should have your initial rewards by now. If you haven't received your reward package, please email us on fredakellymovie@gmail.com.
Our goal is to complete the film by early 2013 so Phase 2 of the rewards, over 650 copies of the DVD, should be shipped to you in Spring 2013.
Once again we'd like to express our gratitude to all of you for your donations. We'd also like to thank the authors and artists who gave their artwork and books so generously as Kickstarter rewards: Larry Kane, Eric Cash, Judith Kristen, David Bedford, Kevin Roach, Jude Southerland Kessler, Pete Dicks, and even Freda Kelly herself who donated photographs and an original Beatles poster from her own collection.
We are very pleased with our progress on the film and editing is going well. Our crew heads back to Liverpool in May to finish filming and interviews for 'Good Ol' Freda.' We've been in touch with many people from that era who have agreed to be interviewed. We'll also be meeting with our researchers with the goal of licensing Beatles songs, historical documents and stock footage for the documentary.
Thank you so much for your continued support. With 'a little help from our friends,' the dream of 'Good Ol' Freda' is coming true!
Kathy McCabe, Producer
'Good Ol' Freda'
Update #14: Happy Holidays - Preparing Your Rewards
Happy holidays from the ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ team!
In their 1963 Christmas record, The Beatles shouted out a big Thank You to Freda Kelly in Liverpool. Freda at that time was secretary to Brian Epstein and The Beatles AND the National Secretary of the Official Beatles Fan Club. Almost 50 years later, now Christmas 2011, Freda and the team shout out a big Thank You to all of our backers for your partnership in our Kickstarter campaign.
From Liverpool to California, Alabama, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Illinois, Washington and Connecticut, our team continues to assemble our Kickstarter rewards and prepare to mail them to you by late February 2012. Freda has signed the reward photos in Liverpool and many of the authors are sending their books to our base here in Atlanta, Georgia---Command Central!
Soon after the first of the year, we will send out a survey through Kickstarter and request your mailing addresses - and for the first time will learn how many countries we need to ship the incentives to! We know for sure there are backers from Denmark, Turkey, Switzerland, USA, Australia, Ireland, Argentina, Malaysia, Germany and of course England. We will be filling out a lot of custom slips! We'll send out most of the rewards in February 2012 including autographed photos, Eric Cash’s artwork, and books.
The ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ documentary is underway and should be completed most likely in early 2013 since it will take about a year to make – and you all will be the first to receive it. So if you move any time in the next year after filling out the survey, be sure to notify us of your new address so your DVD will arrive safely.
So again, watch for the survey in early January 2012, and in the meantime, Happy Crimble and Happy Holidays to everyone! We wish you an abundant and amazing 2012.
Kathy McCabe, Producer, and the entire 'Good Ol' Freda' Team
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Rebecca Rogers on December 24
What in the world does "Happy Crimble" mean???
So thrilled this was a success!
Love to you, Mac and Freda
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Nora on January 11
You know I love you Freda...from near 50 years too....Kathy and Team...all the best to 2012!!!!Nora Official Argentine Beatles FanClub Secretary...obviously from Argentina.
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Update #13: The final numbers and a note from Freda
Thank you so much to our 660 backers who helped us
raise $58,000 , 116% of our initial goal! We're in awe of the support we've
received over the last month (but are not surprised considering the
solidarity of the Beatles world!) Your generous contributions ensure that we can now make a finished film and
preserve Freda's stories forever, creating a document of music and cultural
history.
To show her extreme gratitude, Freda wanted to include a note herself in this
final update:
Dear Beatle People and Supporters,
I am so thankful for your amazing show of support over the last month. I have
been reading your notes and watching the campaign rise, and it's touching to
see your devotion to the band that changed all our lives in so many ways. I
have been putting off doing something like this for some time now, but the time
is finally right and I really hope you enjoy the finished product. My main goal
is to present something that is honest and true. In doing that, I hope it
entertains you and gives a peek into what it was like to spend a decade with
the lads, their families, Brian Epstein, and everyone else in that circle.
Newspapers in the 1960's called me "The Luckiest Girl in the World"
because of my job, and 50 years later I realize in many ways how that was true.
I'm still as big a Beatles fan today as I was in 1961 as a teenager in the
Cavern Club. So a final thank you from me to you, and I hope you love the film!
Sincerely,
Freda Kelly
The film will undoubtedly cost much more more than $50,000, so please
continue to spread the word that donations by check, credit card, or paypal can be made here: http://southerndocumentaryfund.org/projects/good-ol-freda/ Since the Southern Documentary Fund is a non-profit organization, all of these donations will
be tax deductible (they will not include Kickstarter rewards.) Email us at fredakellymovie@gmail.com if you
have any questions.
Soon we'll be getting in touch to get your contact information about where to
ship rewards when they are ready. For now, it's nose to the grindstone for the
next year to produce a film that repays you in quality for what you've
given us in support and contributions. Thank you!
Sincerely,
The Good Ol' Freda team
fredakellymovie@gmail.com
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MissLisa1970 on January 6
So happy to be a part of getting your story out, Freda! I'm so excited to see the finished product! and yes..YOU ARE THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD! All the best to you and yours, Freda!
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Update #12: Last 12 Hours For Backers to Get a Reward With Their Donation
A huge thank you once again to our 630+ backers who helped us exceed our goal! There are only 12 HOURS LEFT in the campaign and we're working hard to raise every dollar we can in the time we have left. These are also the last 12 hours to get a reward for making a donation so if you have friends who have expressed interest, now is the time to remind them to donate. Please spread the word for us!
We were able to add two last-minute rewards of additional copies of Eric Cash's extraordinary signed artwork 'On Top of the World' and 'Love Is All You Need.' Get 'em while you can because they will only be available for the next 12 hours.
And remember: The 'Good Ol' Freda' Kickstarter campaign closes tonite....last chance to make a donation for a reward is 11:59 pm PST.
With much gratitude from your very excited 'Good Ol' Freda' Team!
Update #11: You did it!
A huge THANK YOU to the 572 backers who helped us raise our $50,000 goal - with 2 days to spare! We are truly grateful for all the support our team has gotten from friends, families, colleagues, and (most of all!) Beatles fans worldwide who helped us reach that goal. We now have 48 hours left to raise as much money as possible before our time runs out! The film will undoubtedly cost more than $50,000 to make in the end, so every penny raised will go directly into making Good Ol' Freda an even better film and pay for additional costs such as licensing footage, still photos, and music. Continue to check in for new rewards over the next two days. There are still a few pieces of Eric Cash's artwork available, and Pete Dicks has added a spot on his radio program 'Beatles and Beyond' as a reward (during which you can request every song he plays!) And please encourage other fans to pre-buy the DVD for $25 - we'd prefer to use the money on the front end to make a better film than receive it as profit later on! We'll send an update with final figures this weekend.
With gratitude,
The Good Ol' Freda Team
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Shelagh Clegg on November 10, 2011
Congrats on reaching the goal. In answer to your email Nov 1st..yes it is a small world that my husband Brendan should bump into Peggy, I think her name was, at the car wash. Talk about "six degrees of separation".!!!
I first became connected to the Kickstart campaign as a result of my neighbor , who is a friend of Peggy, she phoned me to askmif it was ok if she emailed me this project. She, my neighbor, new I had grown up in Liverpool during the '60's..and had a connection to The Cavern as a teenager. She had seen the pictures of me, as a sixteen year old, taken with the Beatles, which I had no idea had been taken at the time...but 40 years later, these pics turn up in two coffee table books of the Beatles..one was called "The Beatles..A Celebraton - 30th Anniversay" by Geoffrey Giuliano. The seond book was the Beatles own "Anthology "
Both sets of pictures were taken the same night...I think around November. 1961 at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton. I was there with a boy who played drums for one of the other bands that night, Trevor Morais with Faron's Flamingoes..he was a good friend and had asked me to go that night. The pics were taken backstage at the Tower Ballroom when all the bands were getting their acts ts together. In fact, I swear I remember Brian Epstein coming in that night, he stood out like a sore thumb as he was smartly dressed in business suit,and had similar colleagues in tow! Anyway, that's my connection to the project. Really looking forward to going down memory lane with Freda !..what great times they were, looking back. Have great memories of all sessions at the Cavern...lunchtime, nighttime. Probably went pretty much most weekends from about 1961 through to maybe around late '62...then 'graduated' to a place called Hope Hall. Actually worked as a bar maid at Hope Hall for about 6 months or so...every bit helped.! Was still in school at the time, though turned 18 years, legalndrinking age in UK!
Back to the Cavern days...I was writing to someone a while ago who had asked me about the Cavern in those days. Well, looking back, I told them...the place was actually a Fire Trap!...as far as I remember ther was only one way in and out!...it was always jam-packed...hotter than hell ...in fact so hot, the condensation drippedmoff the walls...you always came out dripping!...but, we didn't care, we were having such a great time. My memories are quite vivid ...Big Paddy at the top of the steps, checking membership cards, down the steps, Bob Wooller was often at the table where you checked in again. Cloakroom down the right alley, ladies room to the left at the back, next to the snack bar...no booze of course...but you sometimes see a bottle of "plonk" (cheapnwine) around. By today's standards..it all seemed so innocent ...but boy did we have a good time. Anyway, I've prattled on a bit here...but, again, congrats on achieving your goal. Look forward to the documentary....will keep in touch and check on progress.
All the best,
Shelagh Clegg
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660
Backers
$58,000
pledged of $50,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 12, 2011.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
Get your name on the 50th Anniversary Beatles Fan Donor Wall on our website: www.fredakelly.com
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A special thank you email video from Freda Kelly
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A 4x6 color photo of Freda, Ringo, and George during the filming of Magical Mystery Tour
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Finished copy of the DVD - you will be the first to receive it!
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
DVD + two 4x6 photos (Freda, George and Ringo on Magical Mystery Tour + Paul and Freda in The Cavern dressing room in 1962)
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DVD + 8x10 photo of Freda and Paul (photo signed by Freda Kelly!)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Congratulations! Your name goes in the movie credits on the big screen under special thanks! You’ll also receive three signed rewards: the DVD + 4x6 photo of Freda with Ringo and George taken during the filming of Magical Mystery Tour + 4x6 photo of Freda and Paul in The Cavern dressing room in 1962. All of these items will be signed by Freda Kelly!
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An original Beatles Monthly magazine signed by Freda + the entire $100 package (name in credits, signed copy of DVD, and two signed photos)
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A signed copy of Larry Kane's epic book 'Lennon Revealed,' a DVD of the last interview John and Paul did together + the entire $100 package (name in credits, signed copy of DVD, and two signed photos). Most of this reward will be delivered by March 2012 but the DVD will be sent around March 2013.
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One lucky backer can choose their favorite Beatle songs to be played on Europe's longest-running Beatles themed radio program: Pete Dicks' 'Beatles and Beyond' heard on 20 radio/internet stations in the UK-USA-Spain-Dubai! Backer will have up to 2 hrs, can request every track on the show, & Pete will read the reasons you selected each song! First time offered in 12 yr history of the show!
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How about a 30-minute Skype conversation with Freda during which you can ask all your questions! Pitch in with your friends for this reward and share the Skype call! Our team will coordinate a time between you & Freda + the $100 reward package. The Skype call portion of this reward could begin as early as February 2012.
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'On Top of The World!" Here's your chance to own an incredible piece of art by Eric Cash, the most famous Beatle artist in the US! Remember seeing The Beatles perform live on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964? Eric has preserved this magical moment in a beautiful 30x25" SIGNED giclee on canvas and it's guaranteed to bring back that great memory every time you see it on your wall. You'll get this plus an extra bonus: a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle' with Eric's great artwork on the cover!! Plus the entire $100 reward! Don't miss out on this limited reward.
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'Love Is All You Need!' Here's a second artwork choice for you from The Eric Cash Collection. It's an electrifying painting of John in his dazzling psychedelic clothes singing during The Beatles 'All You Need is Love' show which was broadcast around the world. You'll get a 30x30" SIGNED giclee on canvas! An extra bonus: you'll get a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle' .... with Eric's artwork on the cover! Plus the entire $100 reward! Don't miss out on this limited reward.
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Last 15 hours sale: Because of popular demand (they sold out!) we asked (begged!) Eric Cash for additional copies of 'On Top of The World!" Here's one more chance to own an incredible piece of art by Eric, the most famous Beatle artist in the US! Remember seeing The Beatles perform live on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964? Eric has preserved this magical moment in a beautiful 30x25" SIGNED giclee on canvas and it's guaranteed to bring back that great memory every time you see it on your wall. You'll get this plus an extra bonus: a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle' with Eric's great artwork on the cover!! Plus the entire $100 reward!
Pledge $400 or more Pledge $400 or more
Last 15 hours sale: Because of popular demand (they sold out!) we asked (begged!) Eric Cash for additional copies of 'Love Is All You Need!' Here's a second artwork choice for you from The Eric Cash Collection. It's an electrifying painting of John in his dazzling psychedelic clothes singing during The Beatles 'All You Need is Love' show which was broadcast around the world. You'll get a 30x30" SIGNED giclee on canvas! An extra bonus: you'll get a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle' .... with Eric's artwork on the cover! Plus the entire $100 reward!
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You can have your own private lunch date with Freda at the Hard Day's Night Hotel in Liverpool and ask her all your questions! We pick up the tab and will work with you to set up the date. Plus entire $100 package and a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle.' (Transportation and lodging not included.)
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Lunch in Chicago with Freda! $500 per seat and only 5 seats at the table. We pick up the tab! Plus the $100 reward package + a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle.' (Lunch will take place sometime around the Fest for Beatle Fans August 9th-13th, 2012. Transportation and lodging not included.)
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The first 'Lunch in Chicago with Freda' has sold out!!! But not to worry...Freda has agreed to do a second lunch date! $500 per seat and only 5 seats at the table with her. We pick up the tab! Plus the $100 reward package + a signed copy of Judith Kristen's charming book 'A Date With A Beatle.' (Lunch will take place sometime around the Fest for Beatle Fans August 9th-13th, 2012. Transportation and lodging not included.)
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The Liverpool Reward: Original 1964 Cavern membership card (only one available and Freda will sign card if you choose!) + copy of David Bedford's book 'Liddypool' + Kevin Roach's books 'The Beatles: Living in the Eye of the Hurricane' and 'McCartneys: In The Town Where They Were Born' (all books signed by authors) + entire $100 package
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The Greatest Beatles Fan Package Ever! 15 signed copies of the DVD + a 30-minute Skype call with Freda + a high-quality signed and numbered print of Freda's original 1972 letter closing The Beatles Fan Club signed by Freda to you + an original Beatles Monthly magazine signed by Freda + 8 x 10 photo of Freda and Paul signed by Freda + entire $100 reward package.
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Famed Beatle author Jude Southerland Kessler has donated SIGNED AND NUMBERED COPIES of her two amazing books about John Lennon titled 'Shoulda Been There' and 'Shivering Inside.' Ms. Kessler will also give the #99 signed and numbered first edition copies of all 7 upcoming books - 'She Loves You' (Vol. 3) through 'Shine On' (Vol. 9) --- 9 first editions in all. And would you believe 'Shoulda Been There' is a very very valuable FIRST EDITION! She's also included a signed and numbered poster of the 'Shivering Inside' cover....the very last copy left of this poster ...... PLUS a signed and numbered copy of the famous 'Doors of Liverpool' poster! + the $100 package to boot! THIS IS A GREAT REWARD FOR ONE 'GOOD OL' FREDA' BACKER ONLY AND GOES TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO DONATES $1,500!
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Associate Producer credit (only 5 available). That’s right, get one of the main credits in the film, including getting listed on IMDb as an AP! + entire $100 package (This is an honorary title and does not give any creative rights or ownership of the film)
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“Magical Mystery Tour” with Freda! Limited Reward – 2 tours available. 5 people on each tour. Imagine a private customized 4-hour tour of all of the special Beatle places in Liverpool with Freda Kelly and a professional tour guide. Lunch is on us! You and 4 of your friends could pitch in together for this reward! Each of you will receive the $100 reward package too. You choose the date. (Transportation to Liverpool and lodging not included so maybe do during International Beatles Week when you're already in Liverpool?)
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RARE POSTER from Freda's private collection with letter of authentication from Freda for Serious Beatles Collectors...only one available.This poster, just taken out of Freda's personal scrapbook after nearly 50 years, is in very good condition (has cellotape markings on three sides.) A very rare ORIGINAL poster from The Beatles performance: The Heswall Jazz Club on Saturday, March 24, 1962 at Barnston Women's Institute 7/6 Admission. Orange color and 5.5 x 10". EXTRA! EXTRA! Freda will throw in a couple surprise treats for you from her personal photo collection if you buy this reward + the $100 reward package.
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Co-Producer credit (only 4 available). Be the Co-Producer of Good Ol’ Freda! Get an IMDb entry and see yourself in the film's credits + $100 package. (This is an honorary title and does not give any creative rights or ownership of the film)
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"An Evening With Freda Kelly” - A private three-hour session with your guests where Freda will share her stories of eleven years working with The Beatles. You invite your guests and host the event in the city of your choice. In addition you will receive 25 signed DVDs + $100 reward package. Limited to the US and Europe, as we will be covering Freda’s lodging and transportation. (Contact us if you are outside of the US or Europe and still interested in this incentive, and we will work something out!)
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Executive Producer credit...only 4 available. The highest producer credit you can get! Get the head honcho credit in the film itself, and also on websites like IMDb and all listings for the film. + $100 package (This is an honorary title and does not give any creative rights or ownership of the film.)
Project By
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Ryan White (Director) - White is the producer/director of Pelada, an award-winning documentary about a trip around the world to 25 countries told through the lens of pick-up soccer. The film premiered at SXSW in 2010 and has played in over 20 film festivals worldwide and been broadcast in as many countries, receiving rave reviews from Variety, the New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. Prior to Pelada, White had a longstanding collaboration with eight-time Emmy winner Sherry Jones. His screen credits include: Capitol Crimes (Bill Moyers, PBS); Dead Wrong: Inside an Intelligence Meltdown (CNN); 9/11: For the Record (Bill Moyers, PBS); and Country Boys (Frontline, PBS). White is a graduate of Duke University's programs in Documentary Studies, Film & Video, and Literature.
I'd like to be a bystander of the filming and interview in May if possible?
Pete