[Philip Lelyveld comment: this is an example of using crowd-funding to try to fund a low budget film.]
[KickStarter]
The Methuselah Generation: The Science of Living Forever
31
BACKERS
$1,760
PLEDGED OF $30,000 GOAL
53
DAYS TO GO
WHY DONATE
First of all, ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! Because of our association with a non-profit organization, the Moving Picture Institute, your donation can make much better use of what ‘ol Uncle Sam would have asked you to pay for. But even more than that, this film is an amazing opportunity for you to participate with a crazily ambitious project that has never been attempted before.
ABOUT THE FILM
The Methuselah Generation is a 3D documentary about the science, philosophy, and implications of the coming age of extremely long-lived humans. It profiles the lives and work of scientists who are attempting to create new technologies that can bring about a new age in humanity, and explores their motivations and personal beliefs. Our film will ask (and attempt to answer) profound questions about longevity as it pertains to humanity, the environment and economics. And even if you don’t believe that life extension is possible, the stories and the people involved in the science will fascinate you in this great cinematic treat.
This film is being Produced and Directed by Jason Sussberg and David Alvarado, two recent graduates from Stanford University’s Documentary MFA program. David and Jason both have a strong interest in science and a sharp inclination towards character-driven films.
ABOUT 3D
This is going to be one of the first ever independently produced 3D documentaries. This film is a journey rooted in science fiction and futurism, thus the content almost demands a 3D aesthetic. We can distribute 2D versions as well (as you can see in the trailer).
WHAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR
So far, we’ve filmed each of our four main characters and have more or less mastered the 3D technology to create a great film. We’ve conducted interviews with each scientist/economist that we wish to focus on, and have begun to develop a relationship so that we can follow them over the next year to create a moving and fascinating film. We built a team of experienced and talented filmmakers, cinematographers, writers, producers, music composers, editors and documentary mentors– all eager to make this film come alive! We have invested thousands of dollars of our own money in 3D technology and all the production expenses. Now we have come to the point where we need your help to continue.
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
Shooting. We need to keep shooting! Production is an expensive endeavor and we simply can’t continue putting everything on our credit cards like we’ve been doing. When we first started shooting, we had the hunch that this would make a great film. Now that we’ve found all our characters and started shooting, we know it will be a great film! And to be more specific, things we need include:
- Shooting and Travel expenses
- Two international shoots
- 3D stereoscopy
- 3D animation and graphical design
- Complete the edit of the film
- Audio mix
- Compose music
For these reasons, we need the support of passionate donors who not only care about the science of life extension, but are interested in supporting a bold film-making endeavor. With your help, this will become a stunning, technologically progressive documentary about radical new theories in philosophy, ethics, and biotechnology.
WHAT YOUR PLEDGE GETS YOU
Please look at the thank you gifts in the right hand column. We also are pleased to offer books by some of our main characters, autographed personally by the authors:
- “Ending Aging: The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs That Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime” by Dr. Aubrey de Grey
- “Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever” by Dr. Terry Grossman and Ray Kurzweil
- Special selections by science fiction writer and physicist Dr. Gregory Benford
See the full original post here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/structurefilms/the-methuselah-generation-the-science-of-living-fo