Following a real-life expedition that's documenting never-before-seen Aztec, Roman, Chinese, & Mayan treasures right here in America.
Dear Backers
$200,000 is the absolute minimum we need to finish LOST SECRETS of ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA - the more we get - the better the film will be. Also it is important to know if we don't reach the full amount of $200,000 within the 30 days, Kickstarter will return all pledged money to the backers and NOTHING will go to LOST SECRETS of ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA. So please send what you can, help us reach the $200,000 target within the 11 days and play a part in this amazing project.
Narrative
Lost history. Lost civilizations. Learn the answers. See the proof. And lets discover together the lost history of Pre-Columbian America...
Under strict conditions, one of the world's leader in Unconventional Exploration has agreed to take us on this expedition from the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Spain to never-before-seen Pre-Columbian locations on private and tribal lands. With your Pledge, this Kickstarter funded Project will produce a 5-part Documentary Film Series covering three parallel story lines:
- The continents of North and South America were 'discovered' by the European civilizations in the late 15th century AD, but their civilizations were vast and thriving long before the first European landed. From ancient artifacts to modern archaeological discoveries, we'll go behind the scenes of history and experience a never-before-seen look at America's past by filming an expedition to a newly discovered location in the Rocky Mountains that doesn't fit our traditional understanding of history.
- With unprecedented access, our documentary film crew will go deep into the secret world of Trek Ops and tell the story of this highly skilled, elite group of explorers and adventurers from the inside out. With roots traceable to the special operations and academic communities, the Trek Ops unit has evolved to serve an integral role in the exploration, documentation and preservation of Ancient North America.
- We will follow these men and women as they make their way from research in the Spanish and Mexican archives to the field exploring some of Ancient North America's lost secrets that include Aztec, Roman, Chinese, and Mayan treasure.
Key Players
Steve Shaffer is an archaeologist and Trek Ops Expert of Spanish Mining, Treasure Signs and Symbols. With over 40 yrs of research and discovery, Steve is an acclaimed author on the subjects of ancient civilizations in the West and Spanish miners in early Utah. His books include La Mina del Yutas (out of print), Of Men and Gold, Nachi, Treasures of the Ancients, Out of the Dust and his newest title Voices of the Ancients.
Steve is featured in several documentary films, including Tops of the Mountains, The Golden Rhoades, and National Geographic's Secret History of Gold.
Forrest S. Cuch is a member of the Ute Indian Tribe. For the last 14 years, Forrest has been the executive director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. While serving under 3 Utah Governors (Michael O. Leavitt, Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and Gary R. Herbert), Forrest promoted a positive relationship with all Utah Indian Tribes; actualized a Government to Government protocol between the state, the federal government, and the Utah Indian Tribes; advocated on Indian issues and concerns; and was a proponent of educating non-Indians about the history of Utah's earliest inhabitants and of keeping Native traditions alive.
As a trustee, Forrest represented American Indians on the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. He was also a pivotal player in the We Shall Remain Project, a PBS and KUED documentary film series that examined the Native American contribution to the United States over three centuries.
Forrest was integral to the publication of the Ute tribe’s history book, A History of the Northern Ute People, University of Utah Press. In addition, Forrest was editor to the publication of A History of Utah’s American Indians, Utah State University Press.
James Detjen is a Trek Ops Explorer, playing a pivotal role with providing access to the Joint Task Force and The Expeditionary Group for this film. He is an outspoken advocate for the preservation of historical sites and artifacts pertaining to the ancient history of North America, and to guard and protect our past histories for future and present generations. Since 2007, he has been a member of the Board of Advisors for Rising Indian American Nation (RAIN), a powerful and dynamic organization serving both American Indians and the Utah community by providing unprecedented access to American Indian education, information, training, entertainment, speakers, and resources.
Named as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Utah Business Magazine, his day job involves working on high-end branding assignments as a Brand Architect and Counsel. Such savoir faire informs this project's unmatched power of strategic design and subject matter prowess to transform the viewing experience. Although not the James Bond, our James is a decorated US Army veteran, where he served almost a decade as an airborne infantryman and elite member of The 3rd Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”), the Army’s premiere ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States.
Justin Spencer is the Senior Principal of Katapult Design and a partner with BennettGroup, a full service Washington, D.C. based business consulting and government relations firm, chaired by former United States Senator Robert F. Bennett. Throughout his 20-year career, Justin has worked with several media industry heavyweights including Hurst Group, Simmons Media Group, Keystone Media International and Venture Media.
Our production, art, camera, sound and post-production will be managed by Bryce Walker and Reed Sherman. Together, they have more than 35 years experience shooting outdoor video for local and national media around the globe including the Amazon, China, Russia, Europe, Alaska & the Chilean Patagonia mountains. Expertise includes concept, writing, budgeting, storyboarding, line producing, casting, videography, sound, lighting, directing, music scoring, sound design, editing, mastering, motion graphic design and distribution contracts.
FAQ
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The primary purpose of this film is to answer questions like these for all of us.
Trek Ops is an organization not known to many, for good reason. It involves academia, local and federal law enforcement, private and public organizations, tribal authorities, and a handful of government agencies throughout North America. Due to the sensitive nature of its mission, their operations and experiences usually remain in the shadows known only to those within “the community” to protect their methods as well as the expedition sites found both on private and public lands.
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Kickstarter operates on an all-or-nothing funding model where projects must be fully funded or no money changes hands. Projects must set a funding goal and a length of time to reach it.
40
Backers
$11,972
pledged of $200,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on June 9, 2012.
Funding period
May 10, 2012 -
Jun 9, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 9 backed
- Jim Detjen 989 friends
- Website: katapultdesign.com
Pledge $10 or more
7 backers
You'll get a high-definition digital download of "INSIDE TREK OPS" when the film is released on video in late 2013/early 2014. And our sincere thanks!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $25 or more
12 backers
You'll get a high-definition digital download of "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" when the film is released on video in late 2013/early 2014. You'll also receive the coveted, Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal. And our sincere thanks!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $35 or more
4 backers
You'll get a copy of the DVD edition of "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" when the film is released on video in late 2013/early 2014. You'll also receive the coveted, Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal and a series of limited-edition "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" postcards. Includes shipping worldwide.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $50 or more
3 backers
You'll get an official "TREK OPS" Under Armour® Tactical Shortsleeve T-Shirt in guys and gals sizes. Includes shipping worldwide, your shirt will ship in October. Then you'll also get a digital download of the film when it's released and the Official Issue "TREK OPS" vehicle decal.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $50 or more
3 backers
You'll get a copy of the Blu-ray HD edition of "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" when the film is released on video in late 2013/early 2014. You'll also receive a series of limited-edition "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" postcards and the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal. Includes shipping worldwide.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $65 or more
2 backers Limited (98 of 100 left)
NEW! For our first 100 Backers who Pledge $65 or more to the project, we will send you a personally signed copy of Voices of the Ancients, the latest book authored by Steve Shaffer ($20 value). This is in addition to everything else you will receive from your Pledge amount! Perfect for the historian or Indiana Jones in anyone. DELIVERY BY JULY 15, 2012
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $100 or more
4 backers Limited (396 of 400 left)
You'll get "INSIDE TREK OPS" DVD/Blu-ray limited-edition box set in a specially designed slipcover package, with a hardbound art book featuring photos and notes on the making of the film, guest contributors, and more. Each copy signed by the Trek Ops Commanding Officer. The box set be released in late 2013/early 2014. Only 1,000 copies of this deluxe edition will be produced, so this Kickstarter campaign may be the only opportunity to get one. Includes shipping worldwide.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (399 of 400 left)
You'll get the official "Trek Ops" Under Armour® Tactical Shortsleeve T-shirt in October and The DVD/Blu-ray limited-edition box set when it's released in late 2013/early 2014. Includes shipping worldwide. You'll also receive the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $400 or more
1 backer Limited (24 of 25 left)
You'll get a set of four limited-edition "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" silkscreen prints designed by renowned artist Raymond C. Morales of Katapult. A2 size (16 1/2" x 23") and screened on super-bright Colorplan stocks in a numbered edition of 100. Includes shipping worldwide, your prints will ship in November. You'll also receive the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal. Plus you or your company will get a "special thanks" in the film's credits. Get your name on the big screen!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)
You'll get the set of limited silkscreen prints in November, and the DVD/Blu-ray box set when it's released in late 2013/early 2014. Plus a "thank you" in the film's credits. The signed box set Includes a hardbound art book featuring photos and notes on the making of the film, guest contributors, and more. Each copy signed by the Commanding Officer of Trek Ops. You'll also receive the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal. Included shipping worldwide.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
You'll get two VIP tickets to the Premiere of the film at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort (your travel and accommodations not included) plus dinner that evening with the Commanding Officer of Trek Ops and members of the film's cast and crew. You or your company will get a "special thanks" in the film's credits, 10 DVDs, 2 box sets, 2 T-shirts, and a set of the limited-edition prints. You'll also receive the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
You'll get a private screening of "EXPLORING ANCIENT NORTH AMERICA" for your group or company, anywhere in the world, hosted by the C/O of Trek Ops and expert Steve Shaffer. You'll get a special thanks in the film's credits, plus 10 posters, 10 t-shirts, and a set of the limited silkscreen prints (these all make good giveaways at the event). Steve and C/O transportation and lodging are additional, unless you're in Salt Lake City. Timing: 2013, exact date TBD depending on schedule. You'll also receive the Official Issue "Trek Ops" vehicle decal.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
