About this project
JOIN THE RADICAL CONVERGENCE OF DANCE, OCEAN CONSERVATION, & FILM
"The smallest stone sends its ripples to the edge." ~ Pierre Chardin
[ THE MISSION ]
As our Earth's CO2 levels have officially passed the 400 ppm mark, now, more than ever, we need innovative, creative tools and messages to catapult the environmental movement to the forefront of both the public and political arenas.
This underwater dance conservation image series was pioneered to empower and inspire people to make personal changes in their daily lives - new habits, that will grow and magnify to larger movements and dictate policy level changes.
By supporting this completely unique approach to communicating conservation issues, together we can create an ocean revolution.
It is time, now, for us to choose differently.
To shape a vision of an ocean with a future.
Please help me create the next images in my series.
Each image in the series pairs with an inspirational video that shines light on a different ocean conservation issue - coral bleaching, plastic pollution, mangrove deforestation, global warming - and ties in with a 30 day behavioral change challenge.
New habits take time to root, and require social support to truly sprout. Over a 30 day period, each series in the project asks that viewers take small daily actions to support the ocean. Past series campaigns have empowered people to vote with their wallets and buy only sustainable seafood (#JellyfIshSoup), as well as remove all plastic purchases from their lives (#BlindSpots).
Click here to see more of the short films.
[ THE NEED]
Covered recently by the SF Ocean Film Festival, Carl Safina Center and ScubaDiverLife, in order to continue adding content to this series, I need to raise enough funds to compensate the post-production artists for the image compositing and video editing.
Because there are so many uncontrollable variables with shooting underwater, countless hours go into finalizing the images - such as cleaning up backscatter, removing a stray fin or weight belt, correcting exposure, and in some cases, compositing multiple takes together to create the perfect final image that really drives the message home.
In addition, conceptualizing, then filming and editing each behind-the-scenes video, takes upwards of 60 hours. The videos are an integral part of telling the full story of each series shoot, and this is where I need YOUR help.
I'm now in post-production on my next images in the series....
HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN!
I am raising $6,000 to finish 'The Red Road,' a performance shot out on the open ocean in Phuket, Thailand, over a bleached coral reef.
To-date, this project has been completely self-funded. I've managed to leverage my personal resources and network to get this far, but to continue creating, I need your help to fund and share.
And if I can raise above the target amount of $6,000, all proceeds will go towards future concepts' development and implementation in the series.
[ THE RED ROAD ]
The Red Road was my first underwater performance in the open ocean, and the concept is built around Native American spirituality, roughly translated, in regards to "Walking the Red Road" - a path that means living a life of truth, respect, and harmony with nature, and with others.
After flying myself to Phuket, Thailand, I managed to convince a local underwater photographer, Adriano Trapani, and Sea Bees Diving, to donate their time, tanks, boat, and more... all for a shot at creating beautiful imagery that would raise awareness about coral bleaching.
[ THE ARTIST ]
With a Master’s in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), Christine is a documentary filmmaker and underwater performer with a dedication to advancing social and environmental causes and a penchant for writing.
With her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, advanced open-water scuba certification, experience running an ecommerce business and more than 20 years as a dancer, she’ll be the first to admit that her skillsets and work history are an eclectic mix. It is precisely this diverse background, however, that has equipped her to revolutionize the way we connect and empower for social change through cutting-edge media techniques.
Find me online at:
| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Vimeo | LinkedIn |
[ PRESS ]
My artwork for this campaign has been covered by a number of press oulets and marine science organizations, including:
- National Geographic via the Carl Safina Center
- Mission Blue
- FStoppers
- Scuba Diver Life
Also, Blind Spots has recently been selected to air at the Athens Clarke County Ripple Effect Film Festival.
[ HOW IT'S DONE ]
The process to create each image series is intense. Fabricating props and designing costumes from scratch is only the beginning. All the pre-production aspects take months to assemble, while the actual shoot typically lasts about 4-5 hours start to finish.
The shots for my released series, Jellyfish Soup and Blind Spots, were created in a dive shop pool. Brett Stanley Photography did all the technical setup, shooting each of the props, and my poses, separately in the pool then compositing them together artistically in post on a computer.
An incredible amount of strength and stamina is required to "dance" underwater. As the performer, I have to continuous dive 10 feet down, fix my hair, relax my face, emote, position my body in a completely disorienting medium, and try to hold a pose without the help of gravity - all while wearing various types of fabric that weigh me down.
Needless to say, it's tiring and challenging work, but it's the results achieved, and the cause it's all benefiting that makes everything worth it in the end.
[STRETCH GOALS ]
With $6,000 raised, I can finish post-production imagery and video edits for 'The Red Road.'
As stretch goals, if the campaign is overfunded, I can expand the underwater dance series to include:
- $8,000 - series shoot in Hawaii to combat ocean trawling
- $10,000 - series shoot in Malaysia to promote mangrove nursery grounds
- $15,000 - series shoot on location in Australia to help save the Great Barrier Reef
- $30,000- all 3 of the previously mentioned projects :)
To find out all about the amazzzinnggg perks I'm offering, please READ ON!
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[ REWARDS TALK]
$5 Tier: SPONSORSHIP CREDITS (Reward #1)
I'll list your name as a sponsor on my website, and you'll have my deepest THANKS!
$15 Tier: DIGITAL WALLPAPER (Reward #2)
Exclusive digital copies of the two final underwater images for the Red Road series; perfect for desktop wallpaper.
$25 Tier: 'MAKING OF' VIDEO PLUS DIGITAL WALLPAPER (Reward #3)
An exclusive 'making of' video will be specially created just for backers of this tier. In addition, you'll receive digital copies of the two final underwater images for the Red Road series; perfect for desktop wallpaper.
$35 Tier: TWO SIGNED POSTCARDS & DIGITAL WALLPAPER (Reward #4)
I'll mail you two signed postcards printed on 4x6 glossy, heavyweight of the two final Red Road images. Each postcard will be hand signed on the back by the artist. In addition, you'll receive digital copies of the two final underwater images for the Red Road series; perfect for desktop wallpaper.
$45 Tier: RED SILK, TWO POSTCARDS, & 'MAKING OF' VIDEO (Reward #5)
A 10 foot piece of stunning red silk was used as the underwater road in this series. Here's your chance to own a piece of the Red Road! An artful silk square of the road will be mailed to you along with two signed postcards printed on 4x6 glossy, heavyweight of the two final Red Road images. Each postcard will be hand signed on the back by the artist. In addition, you'll receive an exclusive 'making of' video - created specially for this tier.
$75 Tier: ONE 8X10 PRINT PLUS DIGITAL WALLPAPER (Reward #6)
One 8x10 image printed on 8.5x11 Fine Art Paper. (You'll be asked later to specify which image you want.) Image will be printed by artist using a genuine Canon Inks, and hand-signed on the back. You will also receive the digital wallpaper in Reward #2.
$100 Tier: Q&A SKYPE & RED ROAD FILM PARTICIPATION (Reward #7)
Have burning questions for the crew, and cast of the Red Road? An exclusive 30 minute Skype session is yours at this tier! IN ADDITION, you'll be the *FIRST* to view and provide feedback on the Red Road film about coral bleaching AND receive the digital image copies, 'making of' video, and sponsorship credits.
$150 Tier: TWO 8X10 PRINTS PLUS DIGITAL WALLPAPER (Reward #8)
TWO 8x10 images printed on 8.5x11 Fine Art Paper. Images will be printed by artist using a genuine Canon Inks, and hand-signed on the back. You will also receive the digital wallpaper in Reward #2.
$200 Tier: RED ROAD SILK PLUS 8X10 PRINT (Reward #9)
A 10 foot piece of stunning red silk was used as the underwater road in this series. Here's your chance to own a piece of the Red Road! An artful silk square of the road will be mailed to you along with one 8x10 image printed on 8.5x11 Fine Art Paper. (You'll be asked later to specify which image you want.) Hand-signed by the artist on the back. *ONLY 30 AVAILABLE*
$250 Tier: ART BOOK & RED ROAD FILM PARTICIPATION (Reward #10)
For your delight, I'll mail you an elegant, deluxe art book edition of all the underwater dance conservation images created to-date (including the Red Road images). Hand-signed by the artist. IN ADDITION, you'll be the *FIRST* to view and provide feedback on the Red Road film about coral bleaching AND receive the digital image copies, 'making of' video, and sponsorship credits.
$300 Tier: EXCLUSIVE PROP PACKAGE (Reward #11)
Receive a custom-made jellyfish prop from the Jellyfish Soup shoot. ADDITIONALLY, receive two signed postcards with actual pieces of the red silk fabric used as the underwater road in this shoot AND the digital wallpaper of the 2 final images. *ONLY THREE PROP PACKAGES AVAILABLE*
$350 Tier: EXCLUSIVE COSTUME PACKAGE (Reward #12)
Receive the custom-made bodysuit from Jellyfish Soup, as well as the red dress worn in the filming of the Red Road. Both are about a size 2. ADDITIONALLY, receive two signed postcards with actual pieces of the red silk fabric used as the underwater road in this series. *ONLY ONE COSTUME PACKAGE AVAILABLE*
$500 Tier: ULTRA SPECIAL EDITION GIFT PACKAGE (Reward #13)
You gift hog you... get ALL ZE PERKS at this tier :) TWO 8x10 prints, 2 digital wallpapers, making of video, art book, sponsorship credits, two signed postcards, a few pieces of red silk fabric from my underwater road, and Red Road film participation (you get to see the film first and give feedback!).
$750 Tier: 1-ON-1 WORKSHOP (Reward #14)
Curious to learn how I do what I do? I will create a personalized curriculum in dance/ movement, film techniques, and underwater performance tailored to your unique goals. We will work remotely together over the course of two weeks (through Skype and recorded videos) OR in-person, on location in a pool and dance studio, for 2 days in the SF Bay area. I will provide in this training, a custom combination of a dance/movement class and resources for training, an overview of film and editing basics, as well as underwater performance skills.
$1,000 Tier: WORKSHOP PLUS LIMITED EDITION ART BOOK (Reward #15)
Same workshop provided as reward #14 PLUS I'll mail you an elegant, deluxe art book edition of all the underwater dance conservation images created to-date (including the Red Road images). Hand-signed by the artist.
$1,500 Tier: UNDERWATER PHOTOS WITH BRETT STANLEY (Reward #16)
Amazing price for a completely custom underwater pool photo session with Brett Stanley, the talented photographer behind my Blind Spots and Jellyfish Soup films. Don't miss this one! (Please note: Shoot will take place in a pool in Los Angeles, and you will be responsible for your travel costs to get on site). *ONLY 10 AVAILABLE*
$2,500 Tier: UNDERWATER PHOTOS WITH BRETT STANLEY PLUS WORKSHOP (Reward #17)
Same photo session as reward tier #16 PLUS I will personally fly to LA to train you in-person, one-on-one in a day-long workshop format as outlined in reward tier #14. *ONLY 10 AVAILABLE*
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I can't wait to share this journey with you.
Thank you for your support!
Risks and challenges
The only risk for completing the film and photo editing is an inherent inability to precisely calculate the billable hours needed for the project ahead of time. However, I have the talented Brett Stanley Photography lined up to do the post-production photo on the Red Road series, and since Brett did all the previous series work to-date, the cost for his hours estimate has been discussed and agreed upon ahead of time.
If the stretch goals are reached, the greatest challenge will be creating new images in the face of uncertainty with respect to the collaborating photographers. A number of interested partnerships are lined up, but everyone has a different style and process, and there will be room for unexpected changes.
I have an entire network of talented artists and creators to fall back on though, and will always continue to push forward in the creative process when things don't unfold as planned. Furthermore, my directorial and performance styles are inclined to be unique and improv-based, which allows a lot of room for last minute changes.
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Funding period
- (22 days)