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"SAWDUST" is a riveting new episodic drama and the FIRST Original Series being produced specifically for 3D television.

MAJOR UPDATE!

We are thrilled to announce that show business Icon, MAMIE VAN DOREN, has signed on to play a lead role in "SAWDUST"!

Mamie Van Doren  Photo by Alan Mercer
Mamie Van Doren Photo by Alan Mercer

OVERVIEW

It was a time when there was magic. "SAWDUST" is a period, family drama set on the stage and behind the scenes of a Depression-era traveling circus.  Times were tough, but it was simpler time. When the circus rolled into town, a nickel bought a passport into a make-believe universe of the exotic and erotic.

Co-produced by internationally renowned photographer and award winning documentary film maker Wayne Schoenfeld and Hollywood screenwriter, producer and director, Anthony Coogan, this authentically staged, stunning production tells the story of family struggle in a time much like today; a challenging time filled with lowered expectations when dreams had to be put on the back burner.  What better way to showcase the visual spectacle of the circus and to involve the audience in the drama than 3D?

"SAWDUST"- THE VISION

For generations, the smell of sawdust has welcomed visitors into a magical world of elephants and tigers, jugglers and clowns, and daring young men on the flying trapeze. And now, "SAWDUST" is bringing the big top thrills of a bygone era into homes the world over.

An emotion-packed script, by Hollywood writer and producer Anthony Coogan, features a cast of real circus performers, with strong women in leading roles. Shot in 3D, this is a drama that will literally leap off the screen.

Photography by Wayne Schoenfeld
Photography by Wayne Schoenfeld

"SAWDUST"- THE STORY

It was the time of the Great Depression.  Everyone was having it rough, including the family owned Dunn Bros. Circus.  "Brownie", a tough as nails widow who runs the show, is getting tired and torn between the ongoing struggle to keep the circus together and being forced to sell to slick bankers.  The promise of a cash buyer persuades Brownie's estranged daughter, Laura, to come out from the East to assist in the details. 

But, the plot thickens.  The buyers are trying to sabotage the circus to drive down the price. And, Laura, back in the sawdust, can't help but be reminded of  the magic of her childhood traveling with the circus.  With a surprise ending, "SAWDUST" includes plot twists and a story arc that keeps the viewer glued to the screen.

OUR PARTNERS:

With production partner The LA Circus, the world's largest collector of authentic circus props, tents and memorabilia,"SAWDUST" will be a state of the art visual masterpiece, an authentic recreation of a depression-era extravaganza. Presented in Stereoscopic, Digital 3D, the viewer will be immersed in a nuanced drama set in a dazzling microcosm filled with passion, danger, sawdust, sweat and glory.

The producers will be attending the upcoming 5th Annual 3D Entertainment Summit in Hollywood, September 19 & 20. We will be holding a press conference at the summit and invite you to join us as we discuss the status of "SAWDUST" and our vision for original 3D programming.

Finally, In January, 2013,"SAWDUST" may have the opportunity to premiere at the 37th Festival International du Cirque in Monte Carlo, presided over by Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert of Monaco.  What better place to premiere this Pilot than an International event for circus lovers covered by the International Press!  BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THAT PREMIERE A REALITY!

THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

Wayne Schoenfeld is an internationally acclaimed photographer and award winning documentary director.  His tableau vivant photographs "Icons/Iconoclasts: The American Circus 1930-1940" of a staged depression era circus have been on a round the world tour attracting audiences of tens of thousands.

Executive Producer, Wayne Schoenfeld
Executive Producer, Wayne Schoenfeld

Schoenfeld is well known for his creative vision with his images in the permanent collections of The National Museum of Contemporary Art (Seoul), the National Gallery (Rome) and Cirque du Soleil.

Anthony Coogan has been involved in virtually every facet of the motion picture and television industry for more than forty years.  Mr. Coogan has been involved with stereo imaging directly for more than thirty years.

Executive Producer, Anthony Coogan
Executive Producer, Anthony Coogan

He has served as Stereo3D consultant on a variety of projects including NASA's Lunar Expeditionary Team at Rockwell International Space Center. He is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable stereoscopic video & film experts in the industry.

For over twenty years he has served as Stereomedia's Executive Producer and Stereoscopic Director on more than seventy 3D projects.  Clients have included AT&T, Volkswagen, IMAX 3D, Disney, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, KODAK and Warner Bros.

OUR KICKSTARTER GOAL

The goal of this Kickstarter project is to fund the production of  "SAWDUST".  While this “backdoor pilot” stands on its own, viewers are going to want to know more about Brownie, Laura and the whole host of loveable and talented special people that make up the circus. We value our independence as producers and Kickstarter is the perfect way to fund this exciting project, free from the strings and limitations so often attached to investor money. 

We want, you, our supporters, to be part of this film. That's why we've designed our rewards to be as inclusive as possible including offering behind-the-scenes footage,  inviting you onto the set, even invitations to the premiere.

WHY 3D?

3D Television has arrived and is here to stay (read article here).  There are more than 7 million 3D TV sets in the United States alone, in addition to a growing number of 3D monitors and portable devices. Twenty-four hour television stations in North America, Europe and Asia have already launched 3D service.

Today, 3D television content is limited to reality shows, sports and animated features.  "SAWDUST" will be THE FIRST of its kind, offering quality 3D dramatic content to this new and rapidly growing market (read article here).  One of the benefits of shooting 3D is that a 2D version is created simultaneously, making the program available to non-3D outlets as well. Whether seen in 3D or conventional 2D, "SAWDUST"will be a stunning feast for the senses.

GET INVOLVED!

BELIEVE IN MAGIC. Help us bring this world of wonder and awe to life.

Please contribute to the "SAWDUST" project and prepare to be AMAZED!

THANK YOU!

Wayne Schoenfeld & Anthony Coogan
SAWDUST PRODUCTIONS TEAM

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.

IF WE EXCEED OUR GOAL

We have beautifully scripted a thirty to forty minute drama that elegantly and sensitively portrays the era and the characters. To keep expenses lean, we've limited the number of scenes and set changes.

If we exceed our goal we will be able to enhance the movie in subtle ways that will make it an even better viewer experience. Either way, we will keep our supporters informed at every step of the production as we embark on this epic journey together.

LINKS

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES/CONTACT

THE FILM MAKERS

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

RELEVANT ARTICLES ABOUT 3D

FAQ

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38
Backers
$3,360
pledged of $100,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on September 29, 2012.

Funding period
Jul 31, 2012 - Sep 29, 2012 (60 days)

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  • Pledge $5 or more

    3 backers

    FORTY MILER - Thank you on our Facebook page, affiliated websites and our undying gratitude!

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    15 backers

    CARPET CLOWN - Digital Download(2D) of the "SAWDUST" Pilot

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $25 or more

    3 backers

    FLYER - Digital Download(2D) of the Pilot PLUS access to "behind the scenes" footage.

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $50 or more

    5 backers

    CATCHER - The "SAWDUST" Pilot script, signed by the cast AND a hand written personal message from the Director!

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
  • Pledge $75 or more

    1 backer

    STAR ATTRACTION - Personalized 8X10 photo signed by MAMIE VAN DOREN!

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
  • Pledge $100 or more

    1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)

    AERIALIST - DVD(2D), Digital Download(2D) of the Pilot plus a special 8x10 PRINT from ICONS/ICONOCLASTS personalized and signed by Wayne Schoenfeld. See link at bottom of our Kickstarter page for ICONS/ICONOCLASTS information.

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $250 or more

    2 backers Limited (18 of 20 left)

    KINKER - Limited Edition, Signed Blu-ray DVD, Digital Download of the Pilot(2D) PLUS a signed 12x16 print from ICONS /ICONOCLASTS.

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $500 or more

    2 backers Limited (18 of 20 left)

    TROUPER - All of the above included in KINKER package PLUS a THANK YOU in the CREDITS!

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)

    TENT MASTER - "SAWDUST" EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER PACKAGE: Limited Edition, Signed Blu-ray DVD, Digital Download(2D), Behind the scenes footage, Signed NUMBERED print from ICONS/ICONOCLASTS, Script signed by the cast, Handwritten personal message from the Director AND a thank you in the credits!

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $2,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)

    MIDWAY - "SAWDUST" EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER PACKAGE (all of the above) PLUS a special invitation to visit the set and watch the filming of the Pilot. (Transportation to and from the set not included).

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $3,500 or more

    0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)

    CIRKY - "SAWDUST" EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER PACKAGE (all of the above) PLUS a special invitation to visit the set and watch the filming of "STEP RIGHT THIS WAY" PLUS a portrait of you in authentic 1930’s Circus wardrobe, shot on set! (Transportation to and from the set not included).

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $5,000 or more

    0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)

    CENTER RING - "SAWDUST" EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER PACKAGE PLUS a WALK-ON ROLE in the pilot! (Transportation to and from the set not provided).

    Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
  • Pledge $7,500 or more

    0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)

    BIG TOP - Special large SIGNED & NUMBERED Limited Edition ICONS/ICONOCLASTS print (estimated value $7,500 - $10,000+) with a personal message from Wayne Schoenfeld PLUS a Necklace or Keychain modled after jewelry designed for and presented to Princess Stephanie of Monaco in 2011!

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

    0 backers

    RINGMASTER - Personal invitation as a VIP to the Pilot screening & Premiere in Europe (airfare and lodging not included) PLUS your name in the credits, PLUS a unique "Tableaux Vivant" style photograph of you and the actors dressed in authentic 1930’s period wardrobe, on the set!

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013