More Q’s and A’s
WHAT IS THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE FILM?
To inform and educate citizens and drivers alike with a platform for improved relations and subsequently a safer, friendlier workplace. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve relationships between truckers, their employers, shippers/receivers and the people who eventually consume the products they haul.
WHEN WILL FILMING TAKE PLACE AND WHERE?
Pre-production will take through Summer and Fall 2010. Principal shooting will be conducted over the course of the next ten to twelve months, with expectations to be working on final edits in the fall of 2011. Filming will consist of interviews and action shots while on the road. Our stage is the contiguous lower 48 states. High quality HD digital video and sound will be used to capture daily drama seldom seen or observed by the public. Preliminary editing will be progressive through the project and when we have captured the images we need, the completed film will come together quickly.
WHAT WILL IT COST TO MAKE THIS FILM?
This project has some versatility in regard to the fact there are only a few scenes that require sophisticated production. As with any creative project of this type the more money (within reason) we have to work with, the more we can do and the greater the production value (or look) of the finished product will be. The more financial assistance we receive from truckers and concerned citizens, the more we can do.
WHERE IS THE PRODUCTION MONEY COMING FROM?
We are raising revenue through two avenues; donations and memberships in Long-Haul Trucker, LLC. Donations are solicited through contact with truckers using a simple brochure and word-of-mouth to direct them to our web site. The web site has in-depth information and a donation page where folks can make contributions using credit cards or checks through Pay-Pal. Various levels of contributions are rewarded with free apparel bearing the LHT logo for advertising purposes. These advertising premiums range from hats and t-shirts to fleece vests. In addition, each contributor will receive an LHT decal along with their donation receipt and certificate of gratitude for any level of participation.
WHY NOT JUST GO TO SOME OF THE BIG BOX STORES OR TRUCKING COMPANIES FOR MONEY ?
We have chosen to avoid seeking funds from any large corporate entity that could expect editorial input or that may be perceived as having a bias. Some otherwise potential sources may also find themselves being shown in a less than favorable light. For the sake of the integrity of the film, we must keep our associations as isolated and transparent as possible, even if that means less funding. We firmly believe that public and trucker participation, motivated by previously unheard concerns, will help us fund and market this film.
HOW WILL MY DONATION BE USED?
A film production of this type requires lots of travel and a variety of services and expendable goods in addition to equipment rentals and purchases. Your contribution will pass through the country’s economic system at least 7 times during the course of the production. From the people making our advertising premiums (hats, t-shirts, vests etc.) to motel operators, waitresses, cooks, fuel stations, equipment rentals, production assistants, camera operators, sound operators, editors and distribution houses, hundreds of people will be employed at some level because we are making this film. Your contribution is just as important to the financial welfare of our common community as it is to the completion of this film.
Yes, our project is but a small part of a very large picture in this country’s economic revival, but as such, it is something. Together, with hundreds of other positive efforts, this country can be greater than it has been in recent times. We feel it is absolutely necessary to pro-actively pursue positive change through reliable, transparent education and information. Long-haul trucking is at the very root of our economic system. If the roots are healthy, so is the plant! This in mind, we respectfully urge you to be as generous as you are able with both money and spreading the message.
WHEN WILL THE FILM BE OUT AND WHERE?
Our original plan was to have a completed film in March of 2012. Economic factors have set us back at least 18 months, but we plan to keep moving forward. When we are able to begin our shooting schedule, you will be able to track our progress with out-takes posted to the Web site and "You Tube". Several distribution companies are available with various levels of expertise. Our plan is to approach them with a completed “trailer” midway through production. The goal is to secure a distributor who will promote the film from theatrical release to DVD and video sales and then finally to network and/or cable television release.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FILM IS RELEASED AND IT MAKES MONEY?
While there are no guarantees and no way to pin-point potential sales at this time, we anticipate having enough success that after all the production costs are met, an educational scholarship foundation and a matching health assistance foundation for children of trucking families will be funded to a level equal to 110% of the contributions received. Any after-tax profits will then be distributed as appropriate. We also hope to have a solid financial platform from which to launch our next project.