SAVALA: A Puncher's Chance

Savala:  A Puncher's Chance

Savala:  A Puncher's Chance is a documentary based on the life story of Richard Savala Jr.  Richard was a top ranked boxer, fighting out of Sacramento, California.  His reputation was well known and his name struck fear into opponents.  Boasting an undefeated record, Richard had just as many knockouts as he did wins, earning him the nickname Mr. K.O..  His new found fame brought him many friends, introducing drugs and a lifestyle which would end up being his greatest downfall.  With an uphill battle before him, success seemed all but possible.  Yet, that is what makes Richard Savala's story, a story of redemption, for it was in his darkest times, he still had, "A Puncher's Chance".

In 2017, ChismNation began production on Savala.  It was understood prior to filming that it would take time to capture everything needed to finish production, for Richard's story of redemption was still unfolding.  Over the past three years ChismNation has capitalized in capturing as much of this breath-taking story as possible.  From Richard training prospect amateur boxer's, working as a youth advocate in Yolo County and being inducted into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame only scratches the surface for how Mr. Savala not only gives back, but represents his community.


Why We Need Your Help

We need to raise upward of $150,000 to continue the production on Savala: A Puncher's Chance.  The money will be used to film principle scenes which will capture moments of Mr. Savala's past, portraying the journey from his troubled childhood, too city boxing legend and desperate addict.  The road Richard took to redeem his families name and community, is a road less traveled and by capturing these turning point moments in his life will only add to his story of redemption.  There is a message everyone can take away from this documentary.  Communities influenced by culture and societies norms, addicts suffering to overcome substance abuse, or individuals in fear to get out of a gang;  A Puncher's Chance applies to anyone still willing to fight.  We have developed a great message, so here we are fighting to make sure the message can be delivered and consumed by those in need of help.  Furthermore, detour anyone in advance of making the decisions already made by Mr. Savala.

The journey to compose a great documentary has been priceless, however, difficult.  Alonzo Chism has facilitated almost every role within this production, and it has taken a toll.  The capability to hire help will assist dramatically!  A professional director of photography and an on-set sound mixer will be needed during production.  In post-production, we will need a professional editor and composer to score the film.  The additional help will allow a smoother, more efficient production and we can push forward without any further delays.


How You Can Help

By contributing to our campaign you are funding the completion of this project and potentially saving a life.  In addition to donating, or if you are unable to donate, help can also come in the form of following our social media accounts and reposting any post promoting our campaign to your friends and family.  Outreaching too as many potential contributors is important, for the more money we raise the faster we can expedite the completion process.


Our Plan After The Campaign (Five Stages)

Pre-production, which consist of planning, contracting key crew members, location scouting, paying for insurance and permits, and casting.  Production, filming our planned principle scenes with assistance of our contracted crew members.  Being able to pay key crew members is just as important as anything else.  the help and experience provided is critical to the workflow of a production day, which allows work to be done in a timely manner.  Other production cost consist of:


-  Equipment
-  Food & Beverages
-  Wardrobe
-  Make-up
-  Locations
-  Props
-  Gas
-  Room & Board


Post-production, consist of editing the documentary, color grading and composing the score.  Every film which is taken serious must go through this delicate process, which is best performed in the hands of professionals.  In addition, post-production is time which you begin planning to submit your project into qualifying film festivals.  Film Festivals provide a great opportunity for indie filmmakers to display their art, moreover, receive accolades for competing against other films.  Film Festivals are important because you can build your audience and reach more people with the message provided in the film.


Finances: The Cost of Production




Hood Damnation

Hood Damnation is the fictional tale of a young man who chooses to follow a path in the shadow of his father, which leads down a road of love, betrayal and death. Granted the opportunity of a lifetime, a second chance at life. The path he chooses now will lead to his ultimate salvation or damnation.  H.D. is a bold movie socially, taking you for a ride through the murky side of the hood, filled with drugs, pimps and revenge. This will be a movie with memorable moments we all can relate to and laugh at.

“To truly rise above the hood, the ghetto, better choices begin with you.”
-Alonzo Chism

Hood Damnation is the first independent feature film of ChismNation productions.  We began filming in 2014 and despite adversities we finished production.  123 talented artist and crew members donated their time, sweat and tears.  The film was made on a shoe-string budget of $1,300, which was used toward pre-production and equipment.  Alonzo Chism and his fiancé invested the rest.  Unable to invest any further, the post-production process was delayed.  Over the next two years Alonzo continued to edit, completing the first official draft.

With the money raised from this campaign, ChismNation will allocate 10% of the funds donated, using it toward the post-production process and festival entries for the independent feature film, Hood Damnation.  It is important that ChismNation keeps the promise made to every Actress, Actor, Crew Member and Original Investor involved with the project.  We over came so much and to fully see it through would be a story within itself!  Moreover, the opportunity to provide another message to a community dying to be encouraged and redirected from the narrow path presented to them each and everyday.

“To truly rise above the hood, the ghetto, better choices begin with you.”
-Alonzo Chism