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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 1, 2012.

The First Month

Update #6 · May 14, 2012 · 5 comments

The First 70 has now been complete for about a month. After kicking off with a premiere at the Sonoma International Film Festival, we've had some really great screenings around the state and there are a lot more to come. Our executive producer the California State Parks Foundation is now using the film as another tool in their toolbox to help keep parks open. They have lined up over 25 screenings throughout California at venues large and small.

Meanwhile, we have been working to put together the photography book, website, and DVD and are lining up screenings of our own. PBS will be airing The First 70 from June through September throughout California and possibly throughout Oregon and Washington as well. The response so far has been incredible. It has been a wonderful experience to see people gather together to learn about and discuss California's plan to close parks, and what they can do to help. We've also submitted to over 50 film festivals throughout the state and the country. We even got to experience our composer Dmitri Gaskin along with some talented friends perform the score live along with the film at the Crowden Music Center in Berkeley. As always you can keep track of screenings at thefirst70.com.

There is good news for the parks as well. So far 16 parks have received temporary reprieves from the closure list through various arrangements involving nonprofits, donors, and citizens groups. While local nonprofits lending their assistance through this trying time is crucial, it is certainly not a long term solution. Assemblymember Jared Huffman and other government officials are working tirelessly to come up with and implement plans to make up for the park's chronic underfunding through official government channels like new parking systems and fee structures, a California state parks license plate, state parks annual passes, and new bills to protect parks.

For those in the $15 and up tiers, we'll be sending the digital version of the film out shortly along with some special features that our wonderful editors at Plus M Productions have put together.

Thanks to Mimi Cave for the photo!

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Comments

    1. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Kory Westerhold on October 10, 2012

      Hello,

      I never received my link to download the full film. I've searched my inbox and everything and can't seem to find anything. I saw you mention that a link went out. Is there any way for me have the link resent to me?

      Thanks in advance!

      Kory

    2. Heath_hen.small

      Creator Heath Hen Films on August 10, 2012

      Mat,

      Sure, just send us a message with your email address and I can resend you the link that went out to backers a few months ago.

      Lauren

    3. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Mat Munro on August 10, 2012

      Hi guys,

      I backed to $15 I didn't get the digital version of the film?

      Any chance of getting the link again?

      Cheers,

      Mat

    4. Lizandhelen3.small

      Creator Liz Snyder on May 15, 2012

      We watched the movie last night - thank you!!! It was beautifully filmed, thoughtful, and ultimately - so much more hopeful than I had imagined. We are calling our representatives to tell them to support the new bill to keep the parks open!

    5. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Pam Stout Rieser on May 14, 2012

      Just watched the movie! It was amazing! Good Luck.

1,192
Backers
$57,304
pledged of $35,500 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Nov 22, 2011 - Jan 1, 2012

  • Pledge $5 or more

    92 backers

    You'll get a sneak peak of the first 5 minutes of the film before it premieres in theaters. You'll also get a digital download of three desktop wallpaper photographs from The First 70.

    Estimated delivery: Mar 2012
  • Pledge $15 or more

    480 backers

    Receive above rewards plus a digital download of the entire film BEFORE the online release and get access to behind the scenes special features online.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $35 or more

    295 backers

    Receive above rewards plus a copy of the DVD. Your name will be listed on a thank you section of the film's website.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    108 backers

    Receive above rewards, and your copy of the DVD will be signed by the creators. You will also get a Heath Hen Films tote bag.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    114 backers

    Receive above rewards and a professional quality 8x12 print of an image of your choice from our gallery. Your name goes in the special thanks on the website and in the film's credits. See a few of the photos at facebook.com/caparktrip

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    10 backers

    At this level you receive The First 70 premium quality hardcover book of all the beautiful stills we took along the way. Your name will appear on the website and in the credits under Major Contributors and you'll receive all of the above rewards.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    3 backers

    You are officially an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER on the film at this level and the credits will show it. You'll get one of each of the merchandise items we create including signed DVD, tote bag, T-shirt, poster, and photography book. Also receive a professional quality 8x12 print of your favorite image from our gallery.

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2012
  • Pledge $2,500 or more

    0 backers

    This is the CO-PRODUCER level. Join the filmmakers at a California screening of The First 70 (not including travel and stay), and a nice big name in the end credits. You'll get one of each of the merchandise items we create including tote bag, T-shirt, poster, and photography book. Also receive a professional quality 8x12 print of your favorite image from our gallery. You'll also get 5 signed DVDs.

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2012
  • Pledge $5,000 or more

    2 backers Limited (1 of 3 left)

    Welcome to the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER club. Only three lucky individuals or organizations can get their name here. This is the highest level of affiliation with The First 70. Join the filmmakers at a California screening of The First 70 (not including travel and stay). You'll get your own title card at the beginning of the film, and your name goes up on IMDb. You'll also get one of each of the merchandise items we create including tote bag, T-shirt, poster, and photography book. At this level you receive 10 signed dvds and get your choice of 3 8x12 professional quality photography prints of your choice from our gallery. We'd love to talk and work with you if you have any other ideas (and THANK YOU SO MUCH!)

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2012

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