So, I'm trying to raise money for this short film on HIV/AIDS I want to shoot this spring/summer. I know I'm probably annoying people with my many emails, posts and pleas for funds. But I gotta do what I gotta do. I think I can be a pest in a nice way (if that's possible). I'm a freelance producer trying to make things happen and this particular film can make a difference in a lot of ways. Putting together a film of any size is a lot of work, especially when you've got a job. I figure it can help me in a lot ways to share my experiences here. I'm sure at the very least it'll be fun to look back on when everything is done.
Basically, "Who Do You Know?" is a short film that focuses specifically on the African American community, the community most affected by HIV in the United States. It explores HIV/AIDS through the eyes of teenagers and emphasizes the importance of getting tested. I checked out the CDC's website and learned that Black Americans account for about 46% of HIV cases in the United States, while only making up about 13% of the country’s population. That's something that definitely got my attention; it should get everyone's attention.
Just because it's not in the news every day doesn't mean it's no longer a problem. Support I get for this film will help to keep the message going. I hope to use this film to provoke a dialogue, in the African American community in particular, to promote safe sex practices, emphasize getting tested and eliminate the stigma that still surrounds this disease.
But I do need help raising money to get it made. I don't have a rich uncle somewhere (still looking for one) to loan me some money, so I'm just doing it the old fashioned way - begging for cash. I'm trying to perfect my begging techniques.....But seriously, things are set up so people aren't just giving money to support a film -- some of the money benefits Women Alive Coalition, a great AIDS organization in Los Angeles that specifically focuses on women living with HIV. So what folks give is tax-deductible. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Anyway, I hope this fundraising campaign works out, this film gets made, looks awesome and has an impact on those who see it.
Anyone who'd like to learn more of contribute:
-The Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Who-Do-You-Know/144341982274695
-To make a contribution, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/whodoyouknow?a=54364&i=addr
More to come....
