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About this project

WHY DONATE

First of all, ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! Because of our association with a non-profit organization, the Moving Picture Institute, your donation can make much better use of what 'ol Uncle Sam would have asked you to pay for. But even more than that, this film is an amazing opportunity for you to participate with a crazily ambitious project that has never been attempted before.

ABOUT THE FILM

The Methuselah Generation is a 3D documentary about the science, philosophy, and implications of the coming age of extremely long-lived humans. It profiles the lives and work of scientists who are attempting to create new technologies that can bring about a new age in humanity, and explores their motivations and personal beliefs. Our film will ask (and attempt to answer) profound questions about longevity as it pertains to humanity, the environment and economics. And even if you don't believe that life extension is possible, the stories and the people involved in the science will fascinate you in this great cinematic treat. 

This film is being Produced and Directed by Jason Sussberg and David Alvarado, two recent graduates from Stanford University's Documentary MFA program. David and Jason both have a strong interest in science and a sharp inclination towards character-driven films. 

ABOUT 3D

This is going to be one of the first ever independently produced 3D documentaries. This film is a journey rooted in science fiction and futurism, thus the content almost demands a 3D aesthetic.  We can distribute 2D versions as well (as you can see in the trailer).

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR

So far, we've filmed each of our four main characters and have more or less mastered the 3D technology to create a great film. We've conducted interviews with each scientist/economist that we wish to focus on, and have begun to develop a relationship so that we can follow them over the next year to create a moving and fascinating film. We built a team of experienced and talented filmmakers, cinematographers, writers, producers, music composers, editors and documentary mentors-- all eager to make this film come alive! We have invested thousands of dollars of our own money in 3D technology and all the production expenses. Now we have come to the point where we need your help to continue. 

WHAT WE NEED TO DO

Shooting. We need to keep shooting! Production is an expensive endeavor and we simply can't continue putting everything on our credit cards like we've been doing. When we first started shooting, we had the hunch that this would make a great film. Now that we've found all our characters and started shooting, we know it will be a great film! And to be more specific, things we need include:

  • Shooting and Travel expenses
  • Two international shoots
  • 3D stereoscopy
  • 3D animation and graphical design
  • Complete the edit of the film
  • Audio mix
  • Compose music

For these reasons, we need the support of passionate donors who not only care about the science of life extension, but are interested in supporting a bold film-making endeavor. With your help, this will become a stunning, technologically progressive documentary about radical new theories in philosophy, ethics, and biotechnology. 

WHAT YOUR PLEDGE GETS YOU

Please look at the thank you gifts in the right hand column. We also are pleased to offer books by some of our main characters, autographed personally by the authors:

  • "Ending Aging: The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs That Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime" by Dr. Aubrey de Grey
  • "Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever" by Dr. Terry Grossman and Ray Kurzweil
  • Special selections by science fiction writer and physicist Dr. Gregory Benford

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Please consider giving a donation, this is key. But after you do so, please blog about us, or post the kickstarter page onto your facebook. By sending your friends links and making as much noise about as you can, then collectively we can raise this money and make this incredible film a reality. Remember, it's all or nothing with kickstarter. Either we earn 30,000 or we get nothing at all! 

Ask a question

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

143
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$31,632
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Funding Successful

This project successfully raised its funding goal on December 26.

Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more

6 Backers

You get the warm and fuzzy feeling of being a part of this massive enterprise!

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

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18 Backers

You'll get a sweet 3D post card from New York, and a sneak peek at the website and promo material for the project.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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27 Backers

Receive an exclusive sneak peek download of the final film and other materials, classic 3D glasses, plus the post card

Estimated Delivery: Oct 2012

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15 Backers

Everything above plus a DVD of the film upon release.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2012

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15 Backers

Everything above plus exclusive access to the full interviews and outtakes that won’t be seen in the film or DVD. This is a one-of-a-kind, candid look into these brilliant thinkers and the documentary process. You will also get your name on the film's website so the world can see that you participated!

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more

6 Backers

Everything above and your choice of one of the three books, autographed by their authors: (1) Aubrey de Grey’s “Ending Aging: The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs That Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime” (2) Terry Grossman and Ray Kurzweil’s “Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever” (3) Special selections of signed novels by Gregory Benford.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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12 Backers

Everything above PLUS a BluRay DVD of the film upon release!

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2012

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2 Backers

Everything above and TWO of the three autographed books

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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2 Backers

Everything above and ALL of the autographed books

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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7 Backers

Everything above plus an awesome poster for the movie, AND a place in the credits of the film, immortalizing your name onto the documentary forever.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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6 Backers

Everything plus a complementary and fun dinner with the filmmakers as well as a sneak peek of the film before anyone else on the planet sees the movie. You can even give us feedback and influence the outcome of the film! Visit us in either New York or San Francisco (your choice) to get this reward (or we will order you a delivery meal and skype with you).

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $475 or more Pledge $475 or more

1 Backer • Limited Reward (7 of 8 remaining)

This is perfect for a couch-surfing world traveler. You get everything above, plus you are invited to crash in either David’s apartment in New York or Jason’s in San Francisco (your choice) during the editing process, taking a look at the rough cuts and contributing your ideas to the edit of the film. Good for one weekend visit. (This offer is limited and not available with other gifts)

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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0 Backers

All above AND two reserved VIP tickets to the world premier in either San Francisco or New York. You can have dinner and drinks with the filmmakers for the opening night hoo-hah.

Estimated Delivery: Oct 2012

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5 Backers

Everything above and a Sponsor Credit in the film and on the transmedia website for you or your organization. This is a highly visible perk! You may also hold a private screening of the film in your area or ours.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

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1 Backer • Limited Reward (1 of 2 remaining)

You are an Associate Producer for “The Methuselah Generation”. This includes an IMDB credit, and all the bragging rights of an AP. You are invited to attend any film festival screening or public platform in which the movie is shown.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more

1 Backer • Limited Reward (1 of 2 remaining)

You are the Producer for “The Methuselah Generation”. This includes an IMDB credit, and all the bragging rights and privileges of a Producer. You are invited to sit with the filmmakers at any screening or public platform and have as much presence in these events.

Estimated Delivery: Feb 2012

Project By

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My name is David Alvarado and I am a filmmaker in New York. I've got a BA in Radio, Television and Film from the University of North Texas and a MFA in Documentary Production from Stanford University. I cut my teeth at the Dallas area PBS station KERA Ch 13 before moving to San Francisco and working on furthering my directing skills. After Stanford, I moved to New York to live the dream of any filmmaker. Please visit my website to see more of my work.

  1. davidalvarado.info
  2. structurefilms.com

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