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Extra funding would help to: Use more popular music to elevate the soundtrack. Creat...
My Only Antidote (Documentary Film)
Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
Sam's on a mission to raise 'completion funding' for his debut feature length documentary 'My Only Antidote'. Check it out and get involved!
‘My Only Antidote’ is a 90 minute cycling and skydiving adventure documentary about embracing fear and accepting vulnerability.
Sam is told his kidneys will fail within 12 months - a timebomb that will bring his passion for adventure to a halt. Despite the risks, he attempts a 10,000km solo-cycling challenge. Throughout this epic journey, Sam develops a sense of healing by embracing his fears and accepting vulnerability.
Sam set off on his epic adventure in May 2019, with the aim to cycle 10,000km (6000 miles) around Europe, skydive in each country he passed through, raise £20,000 for charity and create a documentary to raise awareness of his condition.
Now he's inviting YOU to be part of the process...
So he can complete this special film that will get you thinking about your perspective on 'vulnerability'. It'll leave you energised, motivated and inspired to go out and make the most of life!
(Read the 'first cut' audience feedback below)
Story Covered By...
Sam was born with Alport syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disease that causes hearing loss, eye abnormalities and kidney failure.
In this film, he battles through denial, self-doubt and anxiety while trying to live life to the full. The effects of Sam's declining health, coupled with endurance cycling, throws him onto a rollercoaster of challenges during his travels.
"Is courage the absence of fear, or would that just be reckless?"
'Escaping' through sports, sheer determination and resilience can only get Sam so far... but he encounters a handful of insightful people with unique philosophies throughout his journey, who one-by-one lead him towards confronting himself and letting go of control. A huge pivotal moment takes place, as Sam releases the negative energy that's been pent up and tormenting him throughout his life.
Supporting Characters
'My Only Antidote' features prevalent themes such as deafness, mental health / well-being and self-awareness.
Most adventure films tend to focus on the subject matter and practicalities of physical endurance. While 'My Only Antidote' presents action sports and adventure on the surface... there are mindful and thought-provoking themes that flow through the overall narrative.
Why Now?
We all have our own individual battles to contend with and it takes going beyond our comfort zone to grow and evolve. Uncertainty and self-reflection became a huge part of many people's lives during the pandemic and is something we can all relate to.
‘My Only Antidote’ encourages an empowering outlook towards vulnerability.
Now with the world back in action, it's the perfect time to utilise our new-found perspectives and provoke the desire for adventure.
'First Cut' Audience Feedback
- “It could have felt like a vanity project in a lesser-skilled directors hands, but this feels genuine, heartfelt and raw with honesty.”
- “Excellent pacing. It's funny and charming. It's inspiring. I left the theatre feeling uplifted and hopeful.”
- “Your vulnerability, acceptance, courage, zest for life, real and natural strength and being your true self. It was incredible. You are a hero.”
- “The honesty and good humour. Love your enthusiasm, positivity and vulnerability. You are an inspiration. I laughed and I cried.”
- “I love how the overall theme actually changed from focus on the disease to focus on self-esteem and actualisation. It wouldn’t have been so personal to members of the audience otherwise.”
(Sam is using a list of critical feedback to make amendments / improvements.)
Cinematography
How much does it cost?
The total target for 'completion funding' of the film is still £42,000, but the decision has been made to change the budget strategy and online fundraising target to something more achievable. This way, the money can be utilised efficiently.
The cost of music and film festival entries have been removed from the crowdfunding campaign target. This means the 'online' contributions will help pay for the sound design and colour grading of the film.
Future funding for the film will be sourced in other ways, once the fine cut is complete. The plan is to send a screener of the fine cut and pitch for 'completion funding' to executive producers working in the film industry and various other potential connections, to secure 'offline' contributions towards the completion of the film.
Future plans will still be the same... to use three commercial tracks and submit the film into as many film festivals as possible.
Colour Grading: £8,000
Sound Mix: £4,000
Crowdfunder Fees: 5% + 2.4% Transaction Fee (of total raised)
Current Progress
It's been a long journey so far and Sam's been editing the film himself in-between self-employed work and balancing his health. He's currently working on the 'fine cut' (second version) of the film, which is very nearly finished. (See below for timeline)
Freelancers working in the industry will be hired to complete the final touches, adding their own professional spark to the finished product. The quotes given by post-production studios were out of reach, so this will be the most cost-efficient plan of action.
Keep pedalling... What's Next?
Future plans are as follows:
- Complete 'fine cut' by 31st October 2023
- 'Fine Cut' Feedback Screening around 14 December 2023 (TBC)
- Work on 'fine cut' screening audience feedback
- Complete 'Final Cut' by 31st January 2023
- Submit to film festivals in 2024
- Approach sales agents & distributors throughout 2024/25
This project successfully funded on 20th November 2023