The “Oval of Life” -- How we’re all connected
When people find out that we made a movie about roller derby, we typically hear one of two things: “Oh, that’s still around? I used to watch it on TV in the 70s.” OR we hear, “My neighbor / sister-in-law / co-worker plays on a league and I just went to / am going to my first bout."
Those responses were our first clue as filmmakers that: (a) people needed to know that the sport of today is NOT your grandmother’s roller derby; and (2) if half of everybody KNOWS someone who plays roller derby, this isn’t just a fad. It’s a Thing, and it’s growing Exponentially. Now that we’ve put ourselves out there on Kickstarter, we’re hearing even more and more stories of the connection people everywhere have to derby. Wow, do we wish we could keep filming these stories!
Two days ago we heard from a skater on a military base in Washington who plays on a league. Sadly, she lost her husband in Afghanistan and derby has and IS helping her through some dark days. Our heart goes out to her, and our thanks goes to the gods of derby for just existing.
After I pondered the sadness that this skater mush have experienced at her loss, my next thought was this: Military Roller Derby Leagues?! Having grown up in a semi-Military household, the contrast I perceive between military dogma (for lack of a better word) and the creative, DIY qualities of derby could not be more stark. In fact it boggles my mind. After all, my OWN rebellion against the “normal” roles and duties that society thrusts upon us little girls and boys - my own inoffensive little “rage against the machine” - is probably why I ended up in a creative field, making films about topics like roller derby. How could roller derby be in the military now?
The next thing that happened - just yesterday - is that my mom got on Facebook and spread the news about this Kickstarter campaign (and her bra-burning daughter). Next thing I know, my beloved Uncle Bob in Charleston, SC, is sharing the link with his friend Annie in his sailing club who plays roller derby. Her response was that she already knew about “Derby, Baby!” and had already pledged! And no, she didn’t realize that it was Bob’s niece who worked on the film. And NOW - this gets even crazier if you can stand it - I REALLY have to question everything I thought I knew. Annie (Uncle Bob’s friend who skates - please keep up) is playing her next bout at the Citadel in Charleston.
Now, not to air too much of my own baggage, but the Citadel is the military college my dad went to. I am incredibly proud of my dad, he is one of THE coolest men out there, but the Citadel has always been an archetype of sexism in my mind. A relic of days gone by where men fear and ostracize strong women. Women’s roller derby now takes place on the Citadel campus?
So maybe I need to open MY mind a little? Just like derby opens the world for skaters and fans everywhere, I need to be open to the possibility that derby can happen in historically rigid, traditional environments. Moms who raised us to be smart, quiet, well-behaved little girls (hopefully we can attain 1 out of 3) will do what they can to support a cause that MAY have seemed weird to them at first.
We’re all connected, save for the current presidential race of course. And in that spirit, we will meet our goal! But it takes all of us working together.
Dr. Seuss said it best:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not."
So THANK you again for supporting this growing community and the growing sport of roller derby with your pledge. But your pledge was just the first step. I challenge each of you to convince 10-15 people you know to get on the boat. Whether they pledge $1 or $25. Or maybe they’ll want to host a screening of their own. If “Derby, Baby!” succeeds, we all succeed.
Imagine a world AFTER hundreds of “Derby, Baby!” screenings are held around the world. Imagine the fans that will fall in love with derby. Moms and dads and kids everywhere going to bouts on the weekends. Imagine the media finally getting it. Picture the sports writers covering roller derby Accurately and Respectfully.
This is an uphill battle we're fighting, and we're all in this together! Let’s help the blind to see! Let’s help individuals everywhere find their “Tribe.” Let’s spread derby’s magical powers of healing and community.
P.S. - Pledging was Step 1. Sharing this campaign with friends and family is Step 2. Step 3 could be an upgrade! If you’ve pledged to get the swag, then consider upgrading for the DVD. If you’ve pledged to get the DVD, pull your friends and colleagues together and think about hosting a screening. If you’ve pledged to do a screening, think of the exponential impact / success you can have by presenting “Derby, Baby!” for 2-4 nights movie nights in your town, instead of one! Good luck and let us know how it goes! Comment on Kickstarter and write us on Facebook!
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Funding period
Apr 22, 2012 -
May 22, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 1 backed
- Ron Patrick 576 friends
- Website: derbybabythefilm.com
Pledge $5 or more
18 backers
“INSTANT KARMA” - Instantaneous LOVE from the Directors, Producers and Crew of “Derby, Baby!”
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $10 or more
7 backers
“THE PIVOT LINE” - Instantaneous LOVE from the Directors, Producers and Crew of “Derby, Baby!” + Almost instantaneous acknowledgment on “Derby, Baby!” Facebook.
Estimated delivery: May 2012Pledge $25 or more
11 backers
“THE HIP CHECK” - All the above love + One 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster (personally signed by Directors Robin Bond & Dave Wruck) + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. (Add $5 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $25 or more
261 backers
“THE JAMMER STAR” - It's yours! The Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVD chock full of bonus features - nearly 45 minutes of deleted scenes, interviews and never-before-seen footage featuring the international derby community + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. (Add $5 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $35 or more
55 backers
“THE JAMMER STAR Blu-ray” - It's yours! The Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray Disc, chock full of bonus features - nearly 45 minutes of deleted scenes, interviews and never-before-seen footage featuring the international derby community + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. (Add $5 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $45 or more
28 backers
"THE WHIP" - One (1) Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVD chock full of bonus features + One 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster signed by Directors Robin Bond & Dave Wruck. (Add $5 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $50 or more
16 backers
"THE WHIP Blu-ray" - One bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray disc chock full of bonus features + One 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster signed by Directors Robin Bond & Dave Wruck. (Add $5 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $55 or more
80 backers
“THE BOUTFIT” - Get your hands on the uber-cool Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt! This one-of-a-kind design will only be available during this Kickstarter campaign + Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVD + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $65 or more
19 backers
“THE BOUTFIT Blu-ray” - Get your hands on the uber-cool Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt! This one-of-a-kind design will only be available during this Kickstarter campaign + Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray disc + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $75 or more
21 backers
“THE LEAD JAMMER” - The Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVD + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt! + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $85 or more
2 backers
“THE LEAD JAMMER Blu-ray” - The Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray disc + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt! + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $100 or more
27 backers
“THE TARGET ZONE” - Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVD + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster (signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck) + 2 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $110 or more
8 backers
“THE TARGET ZONE Blu-ray” - Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray disc + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster (signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck) + 2 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $7 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $150 or more
5 backers
“THE SCORING PASS” - 2 tickets to the “Derby, Baby!” screening of your choice + Bonus Edition “Derby,Baby!” DVD + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster (signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck) + Personalized hand-written "thank you" note from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + 2 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $10 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $160 or more
1 backer
“THE SCORING PASS Blu-ray” - 2 tickets to the “Derby, Baby!” screening of your choice + Bonus Edition “Derby,Baby!” Blur-ay disc + Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirt + 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie poster (signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck) + Personalized hand-written "thank you" note from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + 2 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter + We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $10 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $225 or more
1 backer
“THE DERBY WIFE” - Team up with a buddy and get cool swag for both of you! You get 2 Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVDs + 2 Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirts + 2 Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie posters signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + 2 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + 2 tickets to the “Derby, Baby!” screening of your choosing + Personalized hand-written thank you notes from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + A prominently placed "Thank you" on the film website + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $10 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $230 or more
2 backers
“THE DERBY WIFE Blu-ray” - Team up with a buddy and get cool swag for both of you! You get 2 Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” Blu-ray discs + 2 Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirts + 2 Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie posters signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + 2 “Derby,Baby!" stickers + 2 tickets to the “Derby, Baby!” screening of your choosing + Personalized hand-written thank you notes from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + A prominently placed "Thank you" on the film website + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice (keep it clean please) on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Add $10 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $333 or more
1 backer
“3X THE CHARM” - Triple up and get more! You get 3 times more LOVE from the cast and crew of “Derby, Baby!” + 3 Bonus Edition “Derby, Baby!” DVDs or Blu-ray (You'll need to specify) + 3 tickets to a “Derby, Baby!” film screening of your choosing. PLUS 3 tickets to a roller derby bout in or near your hometown OR 3 Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirts. PLUS 3 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" signed movie posters + 3 “Derby, Baby!" stickers + Hand-written thank-you note from Robin Bond, Dave Wruck & Ron Patrick (3 signatures... Yay!) + A prominently placed "Thank you" on the film website + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world + 3 hugs from each of us (that's 9 hugs!). Time & place to be determined by destiny. (Add $15 for international shipping.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $350 or more
125 backers
“THE BIG 5” - Screen "Derby, Baby!" in your home town! We’re unofficially calling it the “One-nighter.” For $350 you or your league can host a screening of "Derby, Baby!" in your hometown, at the venue of your choosing. PLUS, You get: 1 full size 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” movie poster signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + personalized hand-written "thank you" note from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screening can be held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $450 or more
18 backers
“THE POWER JAM” - Screen “Derby, Baby!” for two nights in your home town! This "two-fer" allows you or your league to host two public screenings of "Derby, Baby!" in your hometown, at the venue of your choosing. PLUS, you get: 1 full size 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” movie poster signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screenings. We will help you get the word out + personalized hand-written "thank you" note from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can be held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $550 or more
5 backers
“THE QUAD” - Screen “Derby, Baby!” for four nights in your home town! You or your league can host four public screenings of "Derby, Baby!" in your hometown at the venue of your choosing. PLUS, you get: 1 full size 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” movie poster signed by Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + personalized hand-written "thank you" note from Directors Robin Bond and Dave Wruck + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can be held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
"THE WORLD CUP" - Everything from "THE QUAD" level PLUS you receive (20) Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!” T-Shirts + (20) 11”x17” Limited Edition “Derby, Baby!" movie posters. (Note: Screenings can be held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (8 of 8 left)
“THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE” - Everything from "THE QUAD" level PLUS One of the Directors (Dave Wruck or Robin Bond) will attend a screening. You or your league can host four screenings of "Derby, Baby!" in your hometown at the venue of your choosing. Dave Wruck or Robin Bond will attend one of the screenings, introduce the film and host a Q&A after the screening + Your $2000 pledge makes you a BRONZE-level Distribution Partner. A very prominent “Thank you to our BRONZE Distribution Partner” will be posted on our film website as well as Twitter & Facebook. PLUS you get (2) 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” collectible movie posters, signed by the Director in attendance + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can be held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $3,500 or more
0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)
“DERBY ROCK STAR” - Dave OR Robin AND a "Derby Rock Star" from the film attends one screening. Provides you with 4 separate screenings in your hometown at the venue of your choice. PLUS Dave Wruck OR Robin Bond AND one of the “Derby Rock Stars” from the film will attend one screening, host a Q&A after the screening, and buy you and a friend dinner with the director and the Derby Rock Star in attendance. PLUS your $3500 pledge makes you a SILVER-level Distribution Partner. A very prominent “Thank you to our SILVER Distribution Partner” will be posted on our film website as well as Twitter & Facebook + (2) FULL-SIZE 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” collectible movie posters, signed by the Director in attendance AND the Derby Rock Star + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $6,500 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
“THE WORLD CHAMPS” (Dave, Robin, AND Derby Rock Star attend one screening.) Provides you with 4 separate screenings in your hometown. PLUS Dave Wruck, Robin Bond and one of the internationally known “Derby Rock Stars” from the film will attend one screening, host a Q&A, and buy you and a friend dinner with the directors and the Derby Rock Star in attendance PLUS your $5000 pledge makes you a GOLD-level Distribution Partner. A very prominent “Thank you to our GOLD Distribution Partner” will be posted on our film website as well as Twitter & Facebook + 4 FULL-SIZE 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” movie posters, signed by the Directors & Derby Rock Star + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
“MVP / ASSOCIATE PRODUCER” - You get an “Associate Producer” title on “Derby, Baby!” DVD packaging. That’s right. You are one of the producers of “Derby, Baby!,” featuring Juliette Lewis and Suzy Hotrod. The "MVP / Associate Producer" provides you with 4 screenings in your hometown. PLUS Dave Wruck, Robin Bond, Ron Patrick and one of the internationally known “Derby Rock Stars” from the film will attend one of your screenings, host a Q&A, and host a VIP reception for you and your homies right before or right after the attended screening. Let’s talk by phone, as fellow producers, and plan your kickass events! PLUS your $10,000 pledge makes you a PLATINUM-level Distribution Partner. A very prominent “Thank you to our Associate Producer and PLATINUM Distribution Partner” will be posted on Twitter, Facebook and the film website + 1 FRAMED 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” collectible movie poster, signed by the Directors and Derby Rock Star + 2- 24” x 36” official “Derby, Baby!” collectible movie posters, signed by the Directors and Derby Rock Star + Announcements on all “Derby, Baby!” social media platforms of your scheduled screening. We will help you get the word out + Acknowledgment on Facebook & Twitter. We will post a picture of your choice on our Facebook & Twitter immortalizing your generosity + News, updates and invitations to “Derby, Baby!” screenings & events around the world. (Note: Screenings can held as early as June 2012 and as late as March 31, 2013.)
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
Comments
Creator elaine allcut on April 29, 2012
Dad's head almost burst when I read what you said about the Citadel and the cool dad he is. It is amazing how these messages are getting around the United States. I have a facebook friend in England. Who knows where Derby, Baby will go.