About this project
The Backstory
For well over the last decade I've heard both fans and industry insiders arguing about what is wrong with the current mainstream pro wrestling product. But I never heard a clear, concise and definitive idea for a new one.
In discussing the business with friends over that same time period, however, I started to envision just that. And over the last six months, using what I've learned in pro wrestling and making a documentary; studying today’s entertainment landscape; and learning the fundamentals of legitimate fighting, that is exactly what I've done.
I have the complete concept. I've done the groundwork, evolved the in-ring style, written the full script, built an experienced production team and created a detailed budget.
All I need now are the funds to make this a reality.
The Logline
"A diverse group of amateur fighters and their morally ambivalent promoter struggle to coexist in their upstart fight league."
Why now?
With the popularity of high-concept shows like Breaking Bad, the ability of mockumentary style shows like Modern Family to connect to an audience, and the realism of MMA firmly established within our culture, there is a huge window in the market right now for an innovative, scripted fight product influenced by them.
This is the perfect time and I am in the perfect place to do this. The window of opportunity is now.
Why support this?
Because you believe in me, believe in the concept or just want to see the finished show.
For a $30 contribution you get the links to see it before anyone else, for $50 you get the commemorative DVD too. There are also T shirts, scripts, sponsorships, walk-on parts, all manner of cool rewards.
But for me, one of the coolest, for all $20 plus contributions, is access to the regular video blogs I’ll make chronicling the entire process from funding to completion. You’ll see every step from pre-production and casting, to shooting, editing and finally delivering the show for the world to see. It’s an insight into the process that is rarely seen, but I want to show my backers are just as much a part of the team.
I’m open to other reward suggestions too.
I've spent the last six months of my life working extensively on this because I believe in it that much. I’m not doing it to get rich, I’m doing it because I know this is a winning concept, I know what is possible within the genre and I want to be able to show the world what we, as fans, have believed all along.
I understand how frustrating it can be sometimes as a wrestling fan. Now you have a genuine opportunity to do something about it. Because ultimately, if you want to see a totally new product that can be held in the same esteem as the very best entertainment products in the world today, this is your chance, and quite likely only chance, to make it a reality.
Here is a shorter pitch video to share on social media:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW--u0CUP7U
Or if you wanna see the whole pitch in one go:
Where the money will go
Here is the budget condensed:
- 1. Ten days prep ($25K) - Preparing the location, rehearsals, ring rental, cast accommodation, catering, travel, legal.
- 2. Eighteen days principal photography ($210K) - Cast (thirty-eight,) direction, production crew, camera, lighting, sound, hair and make-up, catering, location costs, background, accommodation, travel, production insurance, payroll.
- 3. Six to eight weeks post production ($75K) - Editing, music/licensing, sound and color correction, legal clearances, finishing.
- 4. Kickstarter Considerations ($60K) - Kickstarter cut (5%,) amazon payments (5%,) reward fulfilment – costs and postage.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what goes into this. This may seem like a lot, but look at the credits on any TV show and see how many people work on it.
This is the bare minimum to make sure we get people who know what they’re doing, will be committed to finishing it, and we get a finished product that looks good.
There is no point asking for less money if then the show can’t be finished.
What other people are saying about LA Fights
Former WWE and current ROH superstar Evan Bourne:
Professional Actor, HBO's Hung, Charlie Saxton:
Fighting Spirit Magazine Editor Brian Elliott:
Risks and challenges
1. A big challenge of any production is going over budget. That is why I have had it professionally budgeted to cover everything possible. If I am committing to this project I need to know I will have to funds to see it to completion, and have even padded the budget for unforeseen complications..
2. Given the nature of the product the risk of injury is there, but the in-ring style limits this, and the writing style takes that into account also. There is production insurance in case of unforeseeable disasters, and I have other contingency plans like stand-in cast and alternative story arcs.
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Funding period
- (51 days)