Invest in Riverboys: A Film of Traditional Values
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- Introducing Riverboys - A Journey of Friendship, Adventure, Love and Redemption.
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- Love manifests in various forms: love for country through military service, support for a friend battling PTSD, and the bond between lovers who conquer life's harsh realities.
- I'm thrilled to announce the pre-production of "Riverboys," a modern odyssey that melds the adventurous spirit of "Easy Rider" with the warmth of "It's a Wonderful Life." This project is deeply personal, inspired by my friend John, a former Army Ranger from the "Black Hawk Down" era, who tragically succumbed to a PTSD-related overdose.
- John traveled with me on an Ohio River scouting trip, and we flew sections of the river in a Cessna. This journey is where key elements the story of "Riverboys" took shape.
- "Riverboys" aims to paint a hopeful picture, imagining a better possible outcome for those like John. Filmmaking thrives on teamwork, and I invite you to join Team Riverboys with a modest donation of $5 or $10. Contributors will receive regular updates on our progress. Feel free to ask any questions.
- In these challenging times, "Riverboys" celebrates the power of positivity and community over loneliness and despair.
- See more details about funding below.
- If you have any questions, message me!
- The Story:
- Welcome to Riverboys, my Road Movie on a river about two friends.
- Join Jimmy and Free, high school pals, on a wild ride down the Ohio River in search of new beginnings. The tale kicks off with them leaping off Pittsburgh's Seventh Street Bridge, a leap into adulthood. Free enlists in the National Guard, facing the harsh realities of Afghanistan, while Jimmy sticks to his blue-collar roots.
- Free returns, haunted by war, and Jimmy tries to pull him back from the brink. But PTSD, addiction, and nightmares drag Free into a downward spiral. In a desperate move, Jimmy kills Free's drug dealer, sparking their escape on a houseboat all the way to Nashville.
- Their journey gets wilder with Darla, a feisty woman they save from her abusive boyfriend at a rowdy river party. Together, they navigate the river's course, encountering America's raw beauty and its darker shades. Darla shows her mettle by rescuing sex trafficked girls, with help from a friendly fisherman.
- As they travel, the river heals and bonds them. Free, with Jimmy and Darla's support, battles his demons. In Nashville, the trio faces urban dangers but also finds redemption. Free saves Jimmy, defeating his inner darkness. They celebrate by jumping into the Cumberland River from the John Siegenthaler Bridge, embracing new lives filled with love and purpose.
- Funding Appeal:
- We're seeking $25,000 to initiate this unique road movie, with filming set to begin in mid-Summer 2025 in West Virginia.
- Funding Tier Rewards:
- Any amount to up $10.00 – A Thank you and a copy of my Concept Art.
- $10-$25 – Concept Art and a Thank You in the end credits.
- $50: Concept Art + Free T shirt to the first 30 People.
- All donations of $100 or more will receive regular updates and more T shirts, etc. when available.
- For larger donations please email me.
- As we move along there will be open discussions on X- Spaces about the progress of the movie.
- Funding Objectives:
- * Branding and Pre-Selling: We aim to expand our branding campaign on X, having already garnered 900,000+ impressions to date with our Riverboys commercials. We are testing strongly with Men and Women ages 18-54, especially with Country Music fans.
- Our goal is to continue the Pre-selling and Branding of the Movie to reach five million impressions before filming starts, ensuring we connect with our audience and pre-sell the movie and help secure solid Distribution.
- * Budget Finalization: Use initial funds to complete a detailed budget, ensuring transparency and planning.
- * Casting: Secure four principal roles, including a notable country music artist for the role of the Boss, enhancing the film's appeal.
- * Location Scouting: Leverage West Virginia's 30% Tax Credit, focusing on the Huntington/Charleston area for its scenic Ohio River views and diverse land locations.
- * Nashville Finale: Allocate part of the budget for filming the movie's concluding scenes in Nashville, TN.
- Budget and Experience:
- * Estimated total filming budget: $2-3 million. This initial funding will help solidify the budget.
- * My background in the film industry can be reviewed at imdm.me/gahanhaskins, showcasing my commitment to crafting stories with depth and quality.
- Why Invest in Riverboys:
- * Traditional Values: "Riverboys" celebrates America's adventurous spirit and the traditional values that define our national identity. It's a return to the stories that resonate with our collective heritage, promoting themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life.
- By supporting "Riverboys," you're not just investing in a film; you're backing a vision to reconnect with the adventurous, hopeful spirit of America. Join us in this journey to bring a story of freedom, redemption, and love to the screen.
- In these challenging and unpredictable times, I am deeply conscious of the uncertainties we all face. Your support, no matter how small, is incredibly meaningful to me and vital for the success of "Riverboys." I'm aiming for numerous modest contributions, perhaps $5 or $10, to expand our campaign and cultivate a robust foundation of support. Will you support Riverboys and go #ALLTHEWAY?
Organizer
Gahan Haskins
Organizer
New York, NY