While on the run from hitmen, an IT guy becomes entangled with a femme fatale stripper and her gangster ex's border town gang.
Brief Synopsis
Mahogany Sunrise is a romantic, action drama about a downhearted IT guy named Jackson who longs to be a musician. After being sent to a border town for work Jackson stumbles upon a duffel bag full of money. Thinking he’s hit the jackpot he takes the money. He later meets and falls for a charismatic burlesque dancer named Mercedes. But Jackson quickly learns that this new found fortune comes with a price as he finds himself on the run from her ex and his gangbanger crew along with two hitmen who want the money back.
Mahogany Sunrise is a hip, lovers on the run story with themes of greed, arrogance, chance encounters, finding love, taking chances and following your heart to do what you're meant to in life. Jackson and Mercedes are two star-crossed strangers that happen to meet, inspire each other and fall in love. In the end their love must survive greed and the relentless pursuit of those that want to kill them.
Last August we shot promotional trailers as proof of concept. The crew was comprised of experienced filmmakers and actors from the Austin film scene many of which will be returning for the feature. We shot with the state of the art RED Epic digital camera. These trailers debuted last November at The American Film Market (AFM). Exhibited to foreign and domestic film executives and distributors the trailers were highly praised assuring us that the film we are trying to make will be a marketable commodity.
What would you do if you found a bag full of money?
I started writing Mahogany Sunrise 5 years ago based on the premise of the moral dilemma of someone finding a bag full of money. Take it or leave it? The chance to change your life in an instant or turn it in? Jack Kerouac once said “What’s in store for me in the direction I don’t take?" Pledge $50 or more and send us a 1 minute or less video answering these questions:
1) If you found a bag full of money, what you would do with the money?
2) Why did you donate to Mahogany Sunrise?
Email the video to mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com OR post it on Youtube and send us a downloadable link (video may have to be edited). We'll post the video in the updates on here as well as on our website, Facebook and Youtube channels.
Just Released Scenes:
Inspiration for writing the story
This is a project I’ve been writing for many years. They always say write what you know and I can really relate to the main character Jackson and his desire to be a musician but feeling that his creativity is being stifled by working in the IT field. A struggle many creative types find themselves in when trying to balance their passions with their necessary day jobs.
Another motivation for writing the story stems from my love of music and wondering what inspires an artist or musician. Also I’ve always been fascinated by fate and chance especially how lovers meet. Jackson and Mercedes are two people from very different lives that meet by chance, inspire each other and fall in love.
The story is loosely inspired by the Mexican Girl chapters of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road'. In these chapters of the book Sal Paradise meets a Mexican girl named Terry at a bus station in Los Angeles and for the next fifteen days they are "together for better or worse". For those of you that have read 'On the Road' what if Sal had stayed with Terry and they made a life together? Either way their lives were forever changed as their souls collided in this all too big world.
Mahogany Sunrise features lowriders, shoot-outs, burlesque, gangs, hitmen, chase scenes and a much sought after bag of loot. But there’s more to it, ultimately it’s about falling in love, taking chances, realizing your dreams and following your heart to do what you’re meant to in life.
What are we raising funds for?
With our previous campaign we had hoped to raise all the funds necessary to make an indie film from production to post production. Crowd funding is a difficult task and we just did not have the outreach exposure necessary to have a successful large crowd funding campaign despite having behind the scenes footage and promotional proof of concept trailers.
So we decided to regroup and plan a new strategy with a smaller more attainable funding goal affording us different options. One option is to continue looking for private investors to match funds raised on Kickstarter. Another option is applying for grants like the San Antonio Film Commission filmmaker’s grant which awards $25,000 matching grant to local filmmakers who have at least $25,000 in funding commitments in place. We will also be applying to the Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund (TFPF) grant program.
The money raised will go directly toward the production costs to make a full feature film to include insurance, permits, paying actors and crew, lodging, travel, craft services, props, costumes/wardrobe, editing, music rights, marketing materials and securing locations. We have set our funding goal at the minimal amount to meet the grant guidelines and get the project into production. Obviously any additional money raised would greatly enhance the quality of the final film.
Production would begin late this summer shooting either in the Austin and San Antonio area depending on whether we were awarded the San Antonio grant which requires films to be shot 50% in San Antonio. We will be shooting with the RED Epic and we have a fully loaded grip truck with all the required camera gear and lights at our disposal.
Below is some behind the scenes action from the promo shoot. This was day 7 a stunt heavy day. In this scene Jackson boldly confronts Chato at his hideout.
Promo Shoot Production Stills
The duffel bag and the Lowrider:
T-shirt Designs
Here are some of the ideas for t-shirt designs. These can be on white or colored t-shirts. Let us know what you think!
1. "Take the leap. Find the muse. And run."
2. "Mahogany Sunrise" - The Gun
3. "All you need for a movie is a gun and a girl." Girl/sun silohuette
4. "Take the leap. Find the muse. And run." Guitar silohuette
Original Music By
Austin musician Nano Whitman is featured in the film as the singing voice behind the lead character Jackson. His songs 'Wedding Prayer' and 'Arms By My Side' will be showcased in the film.
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD #supportindiefilm!
Other ways to help
Please share the link with your friends and family on Facebook, through emails and on Twitter. Simple acts of retweeting on Twitter or posting on Facebook can really make a difference and help us reach a wider audience.
FAQ
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We are offering you some great reward incentives based on the pledge amount you choose. After creating an account with basic information. To pledge to this project, just click the green “Back This Project” button on the project page. You will be asked to input your pledge amount and select a reward. From there, you will go through the Amazon checkout process. Note that you must finish the Amazon checkout process for your pledge to be recorded. You will ONLY be charged if the funding goal is met.
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Nope. We get to see that, but no one else does.
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Thank you! And YES, that is possible. There's a button you select when you donate if you don't want your reward.
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Absolutely! Since this is all or nothing, we have set our goal on the low end. As with any film, the more money raised the better it looks and the better it sounds. We already have the most important thing which is a great script. We also have a great creative team and talented cast. But exceeding our goal before the deadline would allow us to make a better movie. Kickstarter will allow as much money as is given before the deadline. Plus we want to offset the fees Kickstarter (5%) and Amazon Payments (3-5%) will apply to a successfully funded project.
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YES! Once you pledge to our campaign, you may want to change your incentive reward to a different one, or increase your pledge amount. To do so, go to Kickstarter and sign in. If you go to our campaign page, the green “Back This Project” button has been replaced with a blue “Manage Your Pledge” button. Click it and you can enter a new amount, or choose a new incentive.
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YES! If you would like to pledge to the film but give the reward to someone as a gift, go through all the normal process of making a pledge in your name. For billing purposes, this action must be in your name. After our deadline, we will send a message to you on Kickstarter. Please reply with all the person’s information that is to receive the reward. We will make sure they are the person who receives the reward.
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No money changes hands. Your credit card is not charged for anything. We get nothing and the film does not get made. :( We must not let this happen! PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD #supportindiefilm!
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YES! All you need is a credit card. You can pledge from anywhere in the world.
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- 5 created · 29 backed
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Every dollar counts! You will get our sincere gratitude and a thank you posted on the film's website and the Facebook fan page.
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You will get a very special thanks on our website, the Facebook fan page and a shout out on Twitter. PLUS you will get to be the first to see trailers, behind the scenes look at the production and post production process via our exclusive email list. We will share stills, behind-the-scenes pictures, and news exclusively for supporters.
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Your name will appear in the closing film credits under 'THANKS'. PLUS you will get the FIRST LOOK at the film with a digital download. You will also get access to a personalized video message from the cast and crew. A special thanks posted on film’s website, Facebook fan page and a Tweet that "YOU ROCK!"
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Your name will appear in the closing film credits as 'SPECIAL THANKS'. You will get a Kickstarter supporter edition DVD of the completed film with cover art and sleeve. You will also get access to a personalized video message from the cast and crew. A special thanks posted on film’s website, Facebook fan page and a Tweet that "YOU ROCK!" (Please add $5 for International shipping)
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Get a signed copy of Nano Whitman's CD 'I Leave On The Light'. www.nanowhitman.com Nano is the singing voice behind the character of Jackson in the film. His songs 'Wedding Prayer' and 'Arms By My Side' will be showcased in the film. PLUS your name in the closing film credits as 'SPECIAL THANKS' and a Kickstarter supporter edition DVD. (Please add $5 for International shipping).
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Pledge $50 or more
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You will receive a special edition two-disc DVD or Blu-ray with the trailer, behind the scenes footage, director commentary, bloopers, deleted scenes and cast interviews. DVD also includes Writer/Director Scott Leisk's short film Last Night I Fell Again. You will also get a 11x17 poster signed by the cast and principle crew. In addition you will get a one of a kind Mahogany Sunrise t-shirt. A PDF copy of the shooting script will also be emailed to you. 'SPECIAL THANKS' in the closing credits and on the film's IMDB webpage at www.imdb.com. PLUS starting with this pledge you will get access to a password protected LIVE BROADCAST from the set during production. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Script coverage by Mahogany Sunrise Writer/Director/Producer Scott Leisk. He will provide detailed analysis and feedback of your script, its marketability, character, story arc, plot points, structure, conflict, dialogue, as well as a general overview of any punctuation, spelling, or formatting errors. 1 or 2 pages of objective, thoughtful script analysis, logline suggestions and comments to give you an idea of what’s working and what needs improvement. PLUS the special edition DVD, a 11x17 signed poster, the t-shirt and the live broadcast access. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Pledge $100 or more
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Associate Producer credit. Your name will appear in the end credits and on film's www.imdb.com page as an 'ASSOCIATE PRODUCER'. You will also get the special edition DVD, a copy of the shooting script with director's notes, a 11x17 signed poster, the t-shirt and the live broadcast access. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Pledge $135 or more
You selected1 backer All gone!
2 guest passes to see Austin musician Nano Whitman live at the Saxon Pub show on June 8th, 2012 (travel not included). Also get a signed copy of Nano's CD 'I Leave On The Light'. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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A set of 5 limited edition 8 x 10 vintage lobby cards of stills from the film. This is a limited reward and once the film is locked we will choose 5 different stills to offer for these Exclusive Collectors items. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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You will get an early draft of the script along with a copy of the shooting script both signed and both bound. You will get to see the evolution of how scenes and characters have changed over the development of the film. We will even burn you a CD of songs that were inspirational in setting moods and tones when writing the script. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Be a Production Assistant for a day and visit the set (travel not included). See the goings on with the creative process first hand. No, we're not going to put you to work unless you want to. We will take photos and capture video of you for the behind the scenes while on set as a memento. You will also get a ‘GRIP’ credit as a member of the Camera and Electrical Department in the film's credits and on the IMDB website at www.imdb.com. As a member of the crew you and a guest can attend the wrap party, the screening premiere and the premiere after party (travel not included). PLUS the t-shirt, the special edition DVD, a copy of the script, a 11x17 poster and the live broadcast access. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Pledge $185 or more
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1 hour photo shoot by Austin, TX based Professional Photographer Bert McLendon who is the photographer for the film: www.bertmclendon.com. Bert McLendon Photography specializes in Premium Headshot Photography. If you're an Actor, Model, or business professional and need new or updated headshots this is a great deal. He also specializes in newborn/baby and pet sessions. Also get a DVD of your images from the session. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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Pledge $200 or more
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Walk the Red Carpet and come party with the cast and crew! You and a guest will get tickets to the Celebrity Premiere screening in Austin, Houston or San Antonio and the after party (travel not included). We will take your photo with the cast as a memento. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the end credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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This one is really cool. Test drive the lowrider car used in the film (travel not included). That’s right, cruise around town in the hoopty car from the film (you must show proof of valid driver’s license and insurance). We will ride with you as you test drive the low-rider car and even let you flip the hydraulics on for max effect. We will record some video of you driving and take your photo with the car for a memento as well. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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Pledge $250 or more
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Movie Memorabilia: Own the burlesque outfit worn by the lead character Mercedes. You will have to trust us on this one as it has not been designed yet, but rest assured it will be SEXY! PLUS you'll get everything in the $100 level Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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Get a 'Bit Part' & See yourself on the screen. Writer/Director Scott Leisk will write a line specifically for you and we will film it (travel not included). OR if you would rather just be a 'featured' extra in a scene without dialogue. We will do our best to keep this scene in the film but we can't guarantee what will happen when we edit. If the scene is cut your scene is guaranteed to appear in deleted scenes on the DVD release and we will send you the scene in advance. You will be credited as a 'NAMED' character (speaking role) or 'EXTRA' in the end credits and on the film's IMDB page at www.imdb.com. We will take photos of you on set as a memento. As a member of the cast you and a guest can attend the wrap party, the screening premiere and the premiere after party (travel not included). PLUS the t-shirt, the special edition DVD, a copy of the script, a 11x17 poster and the live broadcast access.
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Master of Ceremonies! Introduce the film at its Celebrity Premiere in Austin, Houston or San Antonio, TX AND also introduce the film at the film festival premiere. You and a guest are invited to the after party (travel not included). We will take your photo with the cast as a memento. PLUS you will get everything in the $100 level Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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A one hour meeting in Austin, San Antonio or Houston in person or via Skype from anywhere with Mahogany Sunrise Writer / Director Scott Leisk. Discuss screenwriting, directing, and lessons learned and tips on producing independent films and Crowd Funding strategies. This can be done anytime that is convenient for both parties. Includes all the benefits of the $100 level Associate Producer reward above including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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Call "Action" and "That's a Wrap!" Visit us on set and be there to shout "action" for the first shot of the film and "that's a wrap" for the last shot (transportation not included). We will capture the moment for the behind the scenes video. PLUS you will get a souvenir clapper board signed by the cast and crew! This reward includes all the benefits of the $100 level Associate Producer reward above including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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You selected1 backer All gone!
Movie Memorabilia: Own the duffel bag prop used in the film. That's right get your hands on the much sought after duffel bag of money along with the $250,000 in stage money. Vintage Billabong duffel bag made in 1973. It is made of soft PVC and is lined with red satin material see photo in the description or watch Kickstarter video. PLUS you will get everything in the $100 level Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page.
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Pledge $250 or more
You selected0 backers Limited (15 left of 15)
Screenwriter’s special. Get the script coverage and analysis listed above in the $75 level PLUS the early draft of the script and a copy of the shooting script both signed and both bound. Learn script insights based on lessons learned. You will get to see the evolution of how scenes and characters have changed over the development of the film. Also, the CD of songs that were inspirational in setting moods and tones when writing Mahogany Sunrise. PLUS you will get everything in the Associate Producer credit reward including the title ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page. (Please add $10 for International shipping).
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Pledge $500 or more
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Producer credit. You will see your name listed in the BEGINNING and END credits and it will be listed on the film's www.imdb.com page as a 'PRODUCER'. You will also get a limited edition 18x24 collectible, frame-worthy poster (signed if you wish). You and a guest can come visit the set, attend the wrap party, watch the editing and sound mix, attend the screening premiere and the premiere after party (travel not included). PLUS of course everything listed in the Associate Producer credit.
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Pledge $500 or more
You selected0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
3 hour session with a Blindside tattoo artist of your choice (with the exception of MrSiego Mendez). The famous Blindside Tattoo Austin, TX employs a diverse and extremely talented group of tattoo artists that will meet any of your artistic needs (travel not included). SEE for yourself their work is in high demand (www.blindsidetattoo.com). You will be PRIORITIZED on their wait list! PLUS a cool NEW Blindside t-shirt designed by MrSiego! This reward includes all the benefits of the $100 level Producer reward above including the title PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page. *This reward will be coordinated with the particular artist you choose and will be honored at a time that is convenient for both parties.
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Pledge $1,000 or more
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Have your car immortalized in the film! We're looking for a fancy convertible for the end scene of the film to be driven by our actors. Without giving too much away, we can tell you that the car will be heavily showcased and stylistically displayed cruising down 6th street in Austin, TX at night (travel not provided). * (Must provide proof of ownership & insurance.) Looking for a high-end luxury convertible (i.e. Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes) Although a SHELBY COBRA would be awesome! Please share a photo beforehand (email us mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com) PLUS you will also get everything listed in the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER'S level, including the title.
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Executive Producer credit. You will see your name listed in the BEGINNING and END credits and it will be listed on the IMDB website at www.imdb.com as an 'EXECUTIVE PRODUCER'. Visit us on set anytime during the production and anywhere during the post production process (travel not included). If you have a business we will promote it by word of mouth, Tweets, in the marketing materials and on screen credits. Writer/Director Scott Leisk will personally plug your business every time he is interviewed. PLUS of course everything listed in the Producer credit reward.
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Have your car immortalized in the film! We're looking for a 70's classic muscle car for two hitmen to drive. Without giving too much away, we can tell you that the car will be heavily showcased in many different scenes, driving and parked (travel not provided). * (Must provide proof of ownership & insurance.) We're looking for a 70's classic car like those featured in Robert Rodriguez's - Death Proof (i.e. Torino, Chevelle, Charger, GSX) Please share a photo beforehand (email us mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com) PLUS you will also get everything listed in the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER'S level, including the title.
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5 hour session with tattoo artist MrSiego Mendez owner of Blindside Tattoo Austin, TX himself! MrSiego's distinguished tattoo work is of the highest quality and is in great demand. (www.blindsidetattoo.com) You will be PRIORITIZED on his wait list! (travel not included). PLUS a cool NEW Blindside t-shirt designed by MrSiego! This reward includes all the benefits of the $1000 level Executive Producer reward above including the title EXECUTIVE PRODUCER in the credits and on the film's IMDB page. *Details of this reward will be coordinated with MrSiego and will be honored at a time that is convenient for both parties.
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Mahogany Sunrise is about an IT guy that longs to be a musician. So we are offering one lucky person Writer/Director/Producer Scott Leisk's prized Fender LONESTAR STRAT MET BLUE MADE IN MEXICO electric guitar. Plus a Fender Bullet 15 DSP AMP 15W power. 8" speaker. It features Dyna-Touch response plus DSP effects including reverb, delay, chorus, flange, tremolo, and more. Effects control is a 16-position select switch. And a Fender hard carrying case. PLUS everything listed in the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER'S credit! Domestic pledges only! (shipping is included in the pledge amount)
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Showbiz savvy business credit. THIS REWARD IS PERFECT FOR A BUSINESS! Limited reward and 5 savvy business owners will get an EXCLUSIVE professional video where we will interview you and showcase your business. For example if you own a food industry business we will make a 'Food Network' style, 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives-like' video. We will show off your signature dish, or specialty service, etc. We will also give you a DVD copy and the digital file. We will post it on our Youtube channel and Facebook page and here on Kickstarter during the campaign. Writer/Director Scott Leisk will personally plug your business every time he is interviewed. PLUS you will receive everything above.
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Pledge $2,000 or more
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You are now not only an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER but business smart! Get all the rewards offered and see your name in the beginning and end credits. Your name will be mentioned by me every chance I get during any future interviews! PLUS Pledging at $2000 or more qualifies backers for an additional perk opportunity outside of Kickstarter. Please email us for details (mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com).
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Pledge $5,000 or more
You selected0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
Indie Movie Mogul credit. Have a business? THIS REWARD IS PERFECT FOR A BUSINESS! We will create the professional video like in the Showbiz Savvy business credit level listed above. PLUS let's talk product placement or filming a scene at your place of business. Writer/Director Scott Leisk will personally plug your business every time he is interviewed. PLUS A private screening of the film for and your friends in your hometown. PLUS you will receive everything above. Pledging at $2000 or more qualifies backers for an additional perk opportunity outside of Kickstarter. Please email us for details (mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com).
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Pledge $10,000 or more
You selected1 backer Limited (4 left of 5)
Supreme Being credit. This spot is reserved for the Ultimate Film Enthusiasts! You will be revered as the Head Honcho, a Prima Donna, the Big Cheese, the Big Kahuna, Queen of the screen, Numero Uno, indie film champion, full filler of dreams, provocateur of the arts and all around awesome person! ANYTHING, you name it, we will do it! YOU ROCK!!! Pledging at $2000 or more qualifies backers for an additional perk opportunity outside of Kickstarter. Please email us for details (mahoganysunrisefilm@gmail.com
Estimated delivery:
Funding period
- (27 days)
