About this project

IMMINENT THREAT is a documentary about one SWAT team as their skills, knowledge, and abilities are challenged – both physically and emotionally – during Urban Shield, a one of a kind full-scale training exercise funded by Homeland Security. The SWAT competition is designed to evaluate and hone law enforcement’s ability to effectively respond to large scale, man-made or natural disasters.  The film follows one SWAT team as they compete against 25 other teams (from across the nation and around the world) for 48 consecutive hours at 30 locations across the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Only one team walks away the winner.  But the film is about more than just a competition.  Through interviews with each SWAT member we learn their stories of the personal sacrifices inherent when joining elite forces such as SWAT.  I first experienced Urban Shield as part of my day job, IT Manager for the Sheriff’s Office.  Hiring Doug Glover, the Director of Photography on the show Dirty Jobs and DP of my student film, was the first step toward making my vision of a documentary a reality.  

The entire film has already been shot.  The next step is hiring a talented editor who will work with me to shape the 70+ hours of footage into the story I envision.  But that takes money.  I’ve already used up my savings producing the film thus far.  That’s where Kickstarter comes in. 

With your contributions I’ll be able to hire the post-production professionals vital to the film’s success.  Your money will go directly toward the expenses of editing, special effects, color timing, and sound mixing.  Any additional funding beyond our goal would be amazing – and would go toward marketing, entering the film in festivals, and creating every opportunity for the public to see why our civil servants take on this important and selfless work in the name of public safety. 

This past January I showed the one minute trailer I’ve completed of IMMINENT THREAT to several producers at Sundance.  They quickly confirmed that I have a commercially viable project.  I am on the right track.  I just need a little help. 

Many years ago my student film “Dance for Two” was shown at the Director’s Guild of America, which earned me interviews with Disney, Paramount and Miramax.  I abruptly learned that first time directors are not handed scripts to direct.  They must show up with their own.  

Next time, I’ll show up with a documentary.  (And two screenplays.  Turns out, I married a writer.)  

With deepest gratitude for your consideration,

Phil Bissada