About this project
The Purpose of This Film
1. To explore the paradox in this country regarding dogs. We spend billions of dollars on them while at the same time, we euthanize millions of them each year.
2. To change the perception that many have of dogs as property that can be disposed of. Dogs, like all living beings, feel fear, loneliness, and heartbreak.
3. To highlight all of the amazing dogs that are euthanized every year in this country, and the misconception that rescue dogs are inferior to purebred dogs that are purchased.
4. To show that all dogs, regardless of age, looks, or health are still worthy of love, care and respect.
5. To show that dogs and specific breeds suffer at the hands of fads encouraged by popular culture.
6. To make the philosophical case that kindness towards dogs will evolve into kindness to all living beings.
7. To show that rescuing a dog is a great way to teach a child that all living beings have a spiritual value, regardless of physical appearance or age.
8. To show that that purebred dogs need rescuing too, and that 25% of dogs that are euthanized are purebred.
9. To change the percentage of people who rescue versus those who buy a dog. Right now, 75% of dogs that are acquired each year are purchased, while 25% come from rescue. We would like to reverse those percentages.
10.To show human's capability to be evil.
11.To show human's capability to be kind, and to use love and compassion to make amends to dogs that have suffered terribly.
12.To show that sometimes the dogs are rescued by humans, and sometimes, it is the humans that end up getting rescued by the dog.
Educational Element
We would like to provide a copy of the completed film, Guarding Dogs, to different schools, groups, and institutions free of charge. In addition, we are also developing bilingual lesson plans for different age groups. We want to change the way dogs are treated now, in today's world, but we recognize the most powerful legacy of this film comes from how we frame this issue to children.
Structure and Narrative of the Film
This documentary will make the philosophical case for why it is important to be kind and compassionate towards dogs. We will make the audience re-evaluate how they treat dogs and all animals. Although this will be an emotional journey for the audience, we will not resort to showing anything overly graphic. This is not a public service announcement for an animal rights group. Often times, graphic PSA's are preaching to the choir. It is our intention to reach a much wider audience. Guarding Dogs will have high production values, a thoughtful narrative arc, and will communicate the often tragic plight of dogs through strong writing, original music, and creative cinematography. We understand these challenges, and embrace them.
This film will be divided into 3 parts:
- The puppy mill system
- The rescue community and the never ending task of re-homing dogs
- Senior and special needs dogs
We will take a comprehensive look at each of these issues, and also the eccentric and selfless rescue people who sacrifice so much and save as many as they can.
What the Money is Going Toward
The euthanasia of healthy dogs is a national issue. We need the money to travel to every region in the United States and show that this is in fact a national problem.
Other major expenses:
- Professional crew
- Equipment
- Travel expenses
- Post production
- Web site development
Are overall budget is $350,000.00. It is important to fund this entire project with as many small donors as possible, in order to maintain complete editorial control of this project.
Time is of the essence with this. In order to avoid production delays and give us a voice in this issue, it is important give as much as you can, as soon as you can. Thank you!
FAQ
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Absolutely! If you have already donated, and are signed in to your account, then instead of a green “Back This Project” button on our page, there should be a blue “Manage Your Donation” button. Click that, and you can enter a new amount or choose a new incentive!
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Shipping is included!
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After our deadline, we will send you a Kickstarter message (which automatically forwards to the email address you gave Kickstarter) requesting all the necessary information.
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Gifting an incentive is a wonderful idea, especially if you know someone who is expecting! After the campaign, when we message you for details on your incentives, you can then give us the information for the person you wish to gift.
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If we don’t reach our goal, we don’t get any money – and if we can’t fund the marketing for these films, then our ability to spread the word about the the euthanasia of healthy dogs will be severely hampered. Let’s not let that happen!
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We would love it if you could help spread the word about Guarding Dogs! You can help us promote Guarding Dogs by:
* Telling your friends about us and our project
* "Liking", tweeting, and sharing our video at the top of the page
* Posting a link to our Kickstarter page on your Facebook and Twitter
* Liking us on Facebook and Following us on Twitter
* Submit a video short about you and your dog, or another inspirational dogs story
* Contribute a blog to our web site, www.guardingdogs.comIf you have any other ideas on raising awareness about dog rescue, please let us know!
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Feel free to send me e-mails at jr@guardingdogs.com. I would love hear from you!
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Yes! We are fiscally sponsored through Wonderdog Rescue, a registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit Animal Rescue Organization. Wonderdog's web site is www.wonderdogrescue.org
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Yes, when you donate for the limited reward items, you will get everything for the higher levels for the respective dollar amounts.
For example, if you donate $1,200 for the "Special Appearance of your Pooch" (min $500 level), you will get everything for that limited reward item as well as everything for the $1,000 or more level. -
Absolutely not. Since this 1st Kickstarter campaign is over, you can donate on our website www.guardingdogs.com by clicking "Donate" in the top right corner. We will match the Kickstarter reward for the amount donated. Also please note, that the funds we raised so far via Kickstarter is just the start and totals less than 10% of our total budget. We hope you can continue supporting the film either financially or simply spreading the word. That's the only way we can make this project happen. Thank you for your support!
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
488
Backers
$23,728
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 21, 2011.
Pledge $4 or more Pledge $4 or more
Have you always dreamed of becoming a credited producer for an important independent film that somehow makes a difference? Well, for the very low price of $4, you can become a Producer..... A Producer of Enthusiasm!!! For $4 you will be listed in the credits as a Producer of Enthusiasm in the final credits of the film. Also, you will also get a shout out on Facebook as we make the announcement to the world that you are now a motion picture player, and a Producer.... a Producer of Enthusiasm!!!! This is inclusive of all rewards for donations of $5 or above so if you give more, not only are you getting all of those perks, but you're also a producer. There is no limit to this reward, because you can never have enough Producers of Enthusiasm!!
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
+ Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
-Special Edition Guarding Dogs Thank You post card -Petfinder.com bumper sticker -Petfinder.com temporary tattoo -Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! -Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $15 or more Pledge $15 or more
- A 4oz Enjoy Yums - All Natural, Canine Snack pack (http://www.alittlepetvet.com/natural-dog-treats-enjoy-yums.html) + Special Thanks in the Credits of the film + Everything at the $10 level
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
+ Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
+ Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Digital download of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $85 or more Pledge $85 or more
+ A 12x12 Giclee print of The Boxer, a painting by Austin Texas Artist Stephanie Conrad. (http://www.petstudioart.com/) + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $85 or more Pledge $85 or more
+ A 12x12 Special Edition, Committed To Guarding Dogs, Giclee print (see the Special Edition Print at our web site, www.guardingdogs.com). + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! -Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $85 or more Pledge $85 or more
+ Committed to Guarding Dogs, T-shirt. Featuring the art from the Special Edition Print (see the Special Edition Print at our web site, www.guardingdogs.com). + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
+ Special Thanks in the credits + Special edition 12x12, Committed To Guarding Dogs, Giclee print + DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + Special Edition Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
+ 2 Tickets to a private screening of Guarding Dogs in San Francisco (or a city near you) + "In Memory Of" in film credits (dedicate this pledge to a dog you loved, or a person who loved dogs) or “Special Thanks to You” + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + SIgned Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! + Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
+ “Special Appearance of your Pooch” – 5 second cameo of your dog in the film, or in between the closing credits (you must supply the 30 second HD clip) + 2 Tickets to a private screening of Guarding Dogs in San Francisco (or a city near you) + Special thanks in the credits + A 12x12 Special Edition, Committed To Guarding Dogs, Giclee print (see the Special Edition Print at our web site, www.guardingdogs.com). + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! -Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
+ 2 Invites to Private “Funders Thank You” Party in conjunction with the private screening in San Francisco, meet the Director & the Crew + 2 Tickets to a private screening of Guarding Dogs in San Francisco (or a city near you) + Special thanks in the credits + A 12x12 Special Edition, Committed To Guarding Dogs, Giclee print (see the Special Edition Print at our web site, www.guardingdogs.com). + Signed DVD of the completed documentary + Paw Clean k9 foot bath system, www.pawclean.com + Digital download of the completed documentary + Signed Guarding Dogs Thank You post card + Petfinder.com bumper sticker + Petfinder.com temporary tattoo + Special Thanks from dogs, and kind and compassionate beings everywhere! -Monthly production updates via our Guarding Dogs Newsletter
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
+ Guarding Dog's Director, J.R. Fleming will come and speak to your group about what he has learned about dog rescue in the United States during the making of Guarding Dogs. He will show clips from the film, and share humorous as well as very moving anecdotes of dog rescue (inclusive of all of J.R. Fleming's expense). + Everything at the $1,000 level
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
+ Private screening of the film in your city with Director J.R. Fleming and one other member of the production team. J.R. and the production team member will introduce the film, and do a Q & A after the film (inclusive of all expenses). + Everything at the $1,000 level
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
+ Listed as “Honorary Guardian” in the credits as well as all promotional materials (option to include your company as well) + Private Dinner with the Director, Producers & Board of Advisors (only SF) prior to the Private Screening in San Francisco (or a city near you) + Everything at the $1,000 level
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
• Listed as “Executive Producer” in the credits as well as all promotional materials (option to include your company as well) + Private Dinner with the Director, Producers & Board of Advisors (only SF) prior to the Private Screening in San Francisco (or a city near you) + Private screening of the film in your city with Director J.R. Fleming and one other member of the production team. J.R. and the production team member will introduce the film, and do a Q & A after the film (inclusive of all expenses). + Everything at the $1,000 level
Project By
Connected as J.R. Fleming (1272 friends)
J.R. Fleming has been a full time filmmaker for 5 years. Before J.R. decided to pursue his life long dream of making movies, he wore many different hats. He was a bartender in Chicago, a kindergarten English teacher in South Korea, asmall business operator in San Francisco and New York City, and a wine salesman in Shanghai.
Guarding Dogs is J.R.'s second documentary project. His first film, 100 Paintings Ago, followed artist John Bukaty for 90 days in India as he pursued his quest to produce 100 paintings, while coming to terms with loss and the transitory nature of life. 100 Paintings Ago is currently in post production and should be ready for the film festival circuit in the fall.
