Why I Fight is a documentary following the lives of 3 professional MMA fighters as they work towards achieving their dreams. Read more
Why I Fight is a documentary following the lives of 3 professional MMA fighters as they work towards achieving their dreams.
About this project
In 2011 I followed some of the guys of Hollywood MMA around for 5 months, making photographs and getting to know them as people, and not just fighters. Over that time I became good friends with many of them, and decided in late 2011 that I wanted to make my senior thesis project for my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, a project bringing to light what mixed martial arts truly is, and not a convoluted idea of what the sport is about.
I started filming Why I Fight in March of 2012, and wrapped filming in January of 2013, traveling all over Indiana to film them training, interview them, and catch a few of their fights. With the exception of one day of filming, every second of footage that was shot, was shot by me. Originally my plan was to do the entire documentary 100% independently, but after trying to balance jobs, personal life and the documentary, it quickly became too much for just one person to handle.
The funds I'm hoping to raise in this Kickstarter will go towards DVD production, backer rewards, and the hiring of a professional editor to help me craft and shape this story into the story it needs to be. I've been handling all the expenses out of pocket for this project for over a year now, and for this final leg I can't get it done without you.
There's some really neat rewards to the right, from as simple as a sticker and a copy of the finished DVD, to custom made MMA board shorts with the Why I Fight logos pressed on (using the same process that is used on fight shorts that will see time in the cage), signed gloves and more.
I can't thank everyone enough for the continued support of this project.
Just a quick note, I'll be getting in touch with backers that purchased signed DVDs/Prints about which fighter they would like to sign their rewards before shipment. Please note that all signed DVD's will be removed from their shrinkwrap packaging to be signed.
Risks and challenges
The largest question mark about this is ultimately when the final DVD can be sent off for production. My goal is to have this piece fully edited and ready to go by summer, but everyone working on this project isn't able to work on this like a full time job. We all have other outside commitments, but promise you, this is important to everyone involved. I can't wait to see this project through, and get it out for people to see it.
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Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
Rewards
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Pledge $1 or more
1 backer
Every little bit helps! You'll be kept in the loop with the updates of the documentary!
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $5 or more
2 backers
You will receive a high quality vinyl sticker and updates as the documentary goes towards completion!
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $15 or more
21 backers
You will receive the completed documentary on DVD! Shipping is included.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $30 or more
5 backers
Signed DVD! You'll receive a sticker and a signed copy of the DVD by one fighter of your choice!
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $50 or more
6 backers
Signed DVD and Print Pack! You'll receive a sticker, as well as a signed copy of the DVD by one fighter of your choice, as well as a signed 11x14 photographic print of that same fighter! You will also be listed as a special thank you in the liner notes of the DVD.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $50 or more
1 backer Limited (9 left of 10)
SEE THEM LIVE! For 50 dollars you will receive a sticker, a copy of the DVD and a general admission ticket to Kombat Zone 39 featuring the documentary's own James Porter (taking on undefeated 125lb Josh Killion for the KZ Featherweight Title) and Brady Hovermale (taking on Johnny Davis for the KZ Lightweight Title) at Piere's in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Get your tickets here before they're even available from Ticketmaster! This event could VERY EASILY sell out! Tickets will be delivered in time for the fights.
**Note: if the Kickstarter is not successful, your card will not be charged and you will have to acquire your tickets for KZ39 elsewhere.
**Must be 21+ to attend this event. **
Must provide own travel to this event.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $75 or more
1 backer
DVD Complete Autograph Pack! You will receive a high quality vinyl sticker, as well as a copy of the DVD signed by Lucas Carter, Evan DeLong, Brady Hovermale and James Porter. You will also be listed as a special thank you in the liner notes of the DVD.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
SEE THEM LIVE, WITH A FRIEND! For 75 dollars you will receive a sticker, a copy of the DVD and A PAIR of general admission tickets to Kombat Zone 39 featuring the documentary's own James Porter (taking on undefeated 125lb Josh Killion for the KZ Featherweight Title) and Brady Hovermale (taking on Johnny Davis for the KZ Lightweight Title) at Piere's in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Get your tickets here before they're even available from Ticketmaster! This event could VERY EASILY sell out! Tickets will be delivered in time for the fights.
**Note: if the Kickstarter is not successful, your card will not be charged and you will have to acquire your tickets for KZ39 elsewhere.
**Must be 21+ to attend this event. **
Must provide own travel to this event.Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $100 or more
1 backer
Fight Shorts Pack! You'll receive a sticker, copy of the DVD and a custom pair of Why I Fight MMA Boardshorts.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $125 or more
0 backers
Gloves Pack! You will receive a high quality vinyl sticker, a copy of the DVD, and a pair of authentic Everlast MMA Gloves signed by the fighter of your choice. You will also be listed as a special thank you in the liner notes of the DVD.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $175 or more
0 backers
Ultimate Gloves Pack! You will receive a high quality vinyl sticker, a signed copy of the DVD by the fighters and director, and a pair of authentic Everlast MMA Gloves signed by Evan DeLong, Brady Hovermale and James Porter. You will also be listed as a special thank you in the liner notes of the DVD.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (3 left of 3)
Ready to Fight! You will receive a sticker, signed copy of the DVD by the fighters and director, signed pair of gloves and custom fight shorts by all fighters, a signed limited edition (1 of 1) photographic portrait of a fighter of your choice (from my exhibition) and listing in the credits of the movie as well as the liner notes. You will also be a V.I.P. at the opening night premiere of the documentary.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 left of 1)
Executive Producer Pack! You're the best, and I can't thank you enough. You will be listed in the credits as an executive producer and will received a signed DVD by director and fighters, custom fight shorts, gloves signed by everyone involved, the movie poster signed by everyone involved and you will also be a V.I.P. at the opening night premiere of the documentary.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world
Funding period
- (31 days)
