Daruma
by Kelli McNeil
Kelli McNeil
Follow
Daruma
by Kelli McNeil
Kelli McNeil
Follow
Daruma is inspired by a true story about two unlikely friends: a paraplegic & a double amputee. We're authentically casting our amazing actors, Tobias Forrest & John Lawson. Disability inclusion is the last bastion of inequality in Hollywood: it's time for change. Video is closed captioned.
Daruma is inspired by a true story about two unlikely friends: a paraplegic & a double amputee. We're authentically casting our amazing actors, Tobias Forrest & John Lawson. Disability inclusion is the last bastion of inequality in Hollywood: it's time for change. Video is closed captioned.
in partnership with
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Story
Inclusion Statement
We're authentically casting the roles of Patrick & Robert to have the physical representations of the characters in the script but the film is NOT about disability, the leads just happen to be disabled. We're encouraging PWD to apply for crew & post positions. Apply at www.DarumaMovie.comAbout The Project
We are LIVE! Remember all contributions to Daruma are TAX DEDUCTIBLE via our fiscal sponsorship by From The Heart Productions
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Daruma follows PATRICK (30s, bitter paraplegic) who discovers he has a four-year-old daughter from a one-night stand years ago. He agrees to take her and becomes the beneficiary of her mother’s life insurance policy, but soon discovers that she would do better living with her maternal grandparents on the East Coast. Patrick enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (60s, double-arm amputee) to drive them across America and to her grandparents. Along the way, the trio discovers the meaning of self-sacrifice, forgiveness and what it truly means to be a family.
We are conducting our fundraising efforts in stages: this stage of fundraising is to generate funds to pay our cast and crew.
All contributions to Daruma are tax deductible as we are fiscally sponsored via From the Heart Productions.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DARUMA
“Daruma is exactly the kind of project RespectAbility advocates for. It embodies the values we’re pushing for in this industry— inclusiveness both in front of and behind the camera with a narrative that promotes a positive, accurate representation of disability.”
Lauren Appelbaum,
RespectAbility
“There are 61 million Americans with disabilities yet only a scant 2% of characters on TV are disabled. This is an historic disgrace. But change is coming and projects like Daruma are leading the way.”
Allen Rucker,
Chair of the Writers with
Disabilities Committee of the WGA
and co-chair of the Media Access Awards"We built Seed&Spark to be a place where people can connect through stories that matter, stories that give rise to voices that have been too long unheard, that not just entertain their viewers but help them see the world in a new way. Daruma is a family drama, but the way the team has chosen to craft and, more importantly, cast the story shows how the storytellers are trying to make an impact with their work. It's the sort of impact a creator really only gets to consider when they have profound creative independence, which is why crowdfunding is such a powerful tool for change."
Seed&Spark founder Emily Best
A WORD ABOUT DISABILITY INCLUSION
Though great strides have been made to bridge the gap for women and minorities in Hollywood, there's still much to do when it comes to creating roles and projects for disabled actors and filmmakers. We are also working to ensure our crew can also offer opportunities to those living with disabilities. The script also does not focus on the characters' disabilities as a central plot point -- this is a story about two people who happen to have disabilities, not a story about becoming disabled or what it's like to live with a disability.
WHAT IS A DARUMA?
NANAKOROBI YAOKI: 七転び八起き JAPANESE PROVERB
(Fall down seven times, get up eight.)
Though the characters in Daruma are fictional, screenwriter Kelli McNeil wrote the script as a way to help process her own grief after a member of her family suffered a spinal cord injury. She came up with the idea for DARUMA when she remembered a painting from her art history classes: Zen Master Painter Sesshu Toyo’s masterpiece, Eka Showing his Severed Arm to Daruma. The legend goes that the Daruma (the founder of Buddhism) meditated in a cave for so long that his limbs fell off, as he had no need for them anymore. A would-be pupil, Eka, eager to show his commitment, severed his own arm and presented it as a gift to Daruma, but the Daruma turned him away, as young Eka had missed the point of the Daruma's lessons. She started to research the Daruma and came across something called a Daruma doll, a Japanese symbol of determination, endurance and hope. The legend states that you are to color in one eye of the Daruma doll and make a wish. When the wish comes true, you are to color in the other eye. The story of the Daruma doll compelled her to write about it and thus, the foundation for Daruma, was born.
What are we fundrasing for?
We're fundraising October 15 until November 30, 2019 for a portion of our total goal of $215,000. Round One funding is to raise $65,000 for our cast and crew so we can pay them to be part of this film. We'll have several stretch goals to see if we can't get to our total goal of $215,000 but for this round, we're aiming for $65,000.
FAQ
How Else Can You Help?
Get involved! Below is a list of resources from Respectability, The Ford Foundation & more. Download them & see what you can put into practice in your daily life to see disability differently!
Respectability's Hollywood Inclusion Tool Kit
The Ford Foundation's Roadmap for Inclusion
Behind the Scenes Stills from Our Trailer
All images are credited to John Lawson who plays Robert in the movie.
Incentives
$5
Our Eternal Thanks
Thank you! Danka! Gracias! Merci! Grazie! Arigato!
You will receive our hearfelt thanks for helping us to make this project happen!
$10
Your Wish on a Daruma Doll + Our Eternal Thanks
Daruma dolls are a Japanese symbol of determination, endurance and hope. The legend states that you are to color in one eye of the Daruma doll and make a wish. When the wish comes true, you are to color in the other eye.
You tell us what you or someone else's wish is and we'll color in the eye of our Daruma Doll graphic and share it on our social media feeds with the rest of our audience. When the wish comes true, you tell us and we'll color in the other eye.This is a fairly labor-intensive perk and will only be offered the first week of the campaign, or until they are sold out.
Claimed: 7 of 200
$15
Playlist of songs plus bonus download track + Our Eternal Thanks
We'll send you a playlist of all the tracks used in the film, as well as a special downlod of our film's original song. This plus our eternal thanks.
$25
Digital Download of the Movie
Get a digital download of the movie after it's released for less than the price of two tickets to the movie theater!
$25
Dad Jokes with John Lawson
We're offering Dad Jokes with John Lawson for one week only!
This is a link to preview of all the comedic nuggets you can expect to enjoy. Buy one for yourself, for a loved one or for your worst enemy! You won't regret it! This is a limited-time offering and will be gone on 10/27.$50
First iTunes download of movie (beat the crowd)
Can't wait to see the finished movie? Neither can we! Pledge $50 and get a copy of the movie to download and watch before everyone else.
Claimed: 24 of 250
$80
An Actual Daruma Doll
Your very own Daruma doll! Get your own Daruma doll to color in the eyes and make a wish.
*Doll shown will not be the one sent.
Claimed: 1 of 5000
$100
An Actual Daruma Doll + A Digital Download of the Movie
Get it all! Get an actual Daruma Doll plus a digital copy of the movie with this perk.
Claimed: 31 of 5000
$200
Your Name in the Credits
Get your name in the credits or dedicate this credit to someone's honor or memory in the credits of Daruma. This perk is a wonderful way to show your support for #disabilityinclusion or honor a loved one.
$250
Attend a Virtual Table Read
From the comfort of your own home, attend a virtual table read with the cast and crew of Daruma directed by Alexander Yellen. Watch a table read via a secure link and observe the artistic process and subtle nuances that go into developing a feature film of this magnitude.
Claimed: 0 of 50
$500
Final Draft - Daruma Writer's Kit
We are so thrilled to announce to everyone that we crossed the $10,000 milestone! Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. Crossing this milestone has opened up another reward level for us: Final Draft is sponsoring five Daruma Writer's Kits! Included in the kit is the latest copy of Final Draft and some other awesome swag. Only FIVE of these are available.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Attend a Private Screening + Red Carpet of the film in LA
Roll out the red carpet! For the lucky few of those who get this perk, you'll get to join us for a star-studded red carpet screening of the movie in Los Angeles and a chance to rub elbows with the cast and crew. Travel and accommodations not included.
$500
Feedback on your cinematography reel
For Directors of Photography only! Get feedback on your reel from veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Alexander Yellen. Alex has lensed over 40 episodes of television and almost 60 feature films. Learn what rookie mistakes to avoid and apply his decades worth of expertise to help put yourself in the best possible light! (Pun intended)
Note: This perk is for the serious filmmaker only. Feedback will be honest and is inteded to strenghthen the quality of your work. Due to the intense amount of time that must be devoted to each reel, only 10 of these perks will be offered.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$500
Script Feedback from Kelli McNeil
Are you an aspiring writer looking to break into Hollywood? Get your script read and receive feedback from award-winning writer and Scholastic author Kelli McNeil. Kelli has placed in numerous writing competitions and launched her career by winning one of the most prestigious screenwriting contests in the industy. Get this perk to obtain her expertise and apply it to your own project. This perk is limited to 10 due to the depth of labor and time that must be devoted to each script.
Note: this perk is for serious writers only. Feedback will be honest and is intended to strengthen your project.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$500
Come to Set for a Visit!
For this awesome perk, you'll be invited to set for a special treat (and secret perk!) and see a key scene being filmed: you'll be treated like a star. Though we'd love to offer travel and accommodations for those of you traveling from out of town, we unfortunately can't.
Claimed: 0 of 25
$600
BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1200 Character Named After You or a Loved One
Another way to immortalize a loved one (or yourself!), you can name a character in the movie after yourself or a loved one. An extremely limited number of this perk is available.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$750
BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1500 Shadow The Director + DP of Daruma for a Day
If you're serious about being on set and learning the ropes of filmmaking, this perk is for you. Shadow director and cinematographer Alexander Yellen for a day on the actual set of Daruma. Travel and accommodations to set is not included. This perk is intended for serious filmmakers who want to learn more about the craft of filmmaking.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Final Girl Wines Reward
This is our last big promotion before our campaign to raise funds for Daruma is over on 11/30 and we can't thank the team at Final Girl Wines enough for putting together this special promotional package for us.
Yes, we recognize that it's on the pricier side of things but LOOK at what you get!
- Service for 12 Guests at a location of your choosing
Charcuterie & Sampling
Sommelier & Winemaker On Site
Screening of Daruma trailer ~ AND ~
Your choice of a film shown on a 200 inch outdoor screen
This promo is ONLY available to supporters in the Southern California region, but wow! You not only get all of the above, you also get a tax deduction AND a party for 12 of your closest friends AND a chance to help make film history!Only 10 available -- get yours now!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
A Night With the Cast + Crew
Party on Wayne! Party on Garth! This awesome perk allows you to hang out with the cast and crew at a private event in Los Angeles. More intimate than a red carpet event, this perk is limited to 10 so as to retain its exclusive vibe. Location and time is TBD, travel and accommodations to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 1 of 10
$1,000
Your dog in the movie BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1500
We're dog lovers! We've got a small role for one lucky pooch in Daruma - be the one to nab this one and only perk for your #instadoggo!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,500
Autographed Slate from Set BLACK FRIDAY SALE - WAS $2000
Get the one and only slate used on set when filming Daruma, autographed by the cast and crew. This will be a keepsake to treasure for a lifetime.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$5,000
Cast + Crew will speak to your organization about disability inclusion
Calling all corporate sponsors! For the TAX DEDUCTIBLE expense of this perk, you can have the cast and crew speak with your company or organization about disability and diversity inclusion. We'll answer questions from your team and share best practices and findings from our own experiences and our partners' resource guides. Diversity makes the world a better place and your contribution can impact not only the people associated with this project but your own organization as well!
Claimed: 0 of 20
$6,800
Associate Producer Credit BLACK FRIDAY SALE! (WAS $25000)
Get Daruma up and running and get the credit for it! For the TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution of $25,000 you can obtain this perk and Associate Producer credit for the project. Your contribution will make a difference to not only the lives of everyone involved in this project but for generations of PWD to come by promoting disability inclusion and paving the way for real, serious change in Hollywood and how the world views PWD.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$50,000
Executive Producer Credit
Want to be an executive producer? Then nab this perk! Only four are available. If you think about it, it's a steal: be credited as an executive producer AND receive a tax deduction by supporting Daruma and disability inclusion!
You'll be everyone's hero and will make a difference in not only the lives of everyone involved in this project but for PWD for generations to come. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Claimed: 0 of 4
- Service for 12 Guests at a location of your choosing
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Our Eternal Thanks
Thank you! Danka! Gracias! Merci! Grazie! Arigato!
You will receive our hearfelt thanks for helping us to make this project happen!
$10
Your Wish on a Daruma Doll + Our Eternal Thanks
Daruma dolls are a Japanese symbol of determination, endurance and hope. The legend states that you are to color in one eye of the Daruma doll and make a wish. When the wish comes true, you are to color in the other eye.
You tell us what you or someone else's wish is and we'll color in the eye of our Daruma Doll graphic and share it on our social media feeds with the rest of our audience. When the wish comes true, you tell us and we'll color in the other eye.This is a fairly labor-intensive perk and will only be offered the first week of the campaign, or until they are sold out.
Claimed: 7 of 200
$15
Playlist of songs plus bonus download track + Our Eternal Thanks
We'll send you a playlist of all the tracks used in the film, as well as a special downlod of our film's original song. This plus our eternal thanks.
$25
Digital Download of the Movie
Get a digital download of the movie after it's released for less than the price of two tickets to the movie theater!
$25
Dad Jokes with John Lawson
We're offering Dad Jokes with John Lawson for one week only!
This is a link to preview of all the comedic nuggets you can expect to enjoy. Buy one for yourself, for a loved one or for your worst enemy! You won't regret it! This is a limited-time offering and will be gone on 10/27.$50
First iTunes download of movie (beat the crowd)
Can't wait to see the finished movie? Neither can we! Pledge $50 and get a copy of the movie to download and watch before everyone else.
Claimed: 24 of 250
$80
An Actual Daruma Doll
Your very own Daruma doll! Get your own Daruma doll to color in the eyes and make a wish.
*Doll shown will not be the one sent.
Claimed: 1 of 5000
$100
An Actual Daruma Doll + A Digital Download of the Movie
Get it all! Get an actual Daruma Doll plus a digital copy of the movie with this perk.
Claimed: 31 of 5000
$200
Your Name in the Credits
Get your name in the credits or dedicate this credit to someone's honor or memory in the credits of Daruma. This perk is a wonderful way to show your support for #disabilityinclusion or honor a loved one.
$250
Attend a Virtual Table Read
From the comfort of your own home, attend a virtual table read with the cast and crew of Daruma directed by Alexander Yellen. Watch a table read via a secure link and observe the artistic process and subtle nuances that go into developing a feature film of this magnitude.
Claimed: 0 of 50
$500
Final Draft - Daruma Writer's Kit
We are so thrilled to announce to everyone that we crossed the $10,000 milestone! Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. Crossing this milestone has opened up another reward level for us: Final Draft is sponsoring five Daruma Writer's Kits! Included in the kit is the latest copy of Final Draft and some other awesome swag. Only FIVE of these are available.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Attend a Private Screening + Red Carpet of the film in LA
Roll out the red carpet! For the lucky few of those who get this perk, you'll get to join us for a star-studded red carpet screening of the movie in Los Angeles and a chance to rub elbows with the cast and crew. Travel and accommodations not included.
$500
Feedback on your cinematography reel
For Directors of Photography only! Get feedback on your reel from veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Alexander Yellen. Alex has lensed over 40 episodes of television and almost 60 feature films. Learn what rookie mistakes to avoid and apply his decades worth of expertise to help put yourself in the best possible light! (Pun intended)
Note: This perk is for the serious filmmaker only. Feedback will be honest and is inteded to strenghthen the quality of your work. Due to the intense amount of time that must be devoted to each reel, only 10 of these perks will be offered.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$500
Script Feedback from Kelli McNeil
Are you an aspiring writer looking to break into Hollywood? Get your script read and receive feedback from award-winning writer and Scholastic author Kelli McNeil. Kelli has placed in numerous writing competitions and launched her career by winning one of the most prestigious screenwriting contests in the industy. Get this perk to obtain her expertise and apply it to your own project. This perk is limited to 10 due to the depth of labor and time that must be devoted to each script.
Note: this perk is for serious writers only. Feedback will be honest and is intended to strengthen your project.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$500
Come to Set for a Visit!
For this awesome perk, you'll be invited to set for a special treat (and secret perk!) and see a key scene being filmed: you'll be treated like a star. Though we'd love to offer travel and accommodations for those of you traveling from out of town, we unfortunately can't.
Claimed: 0 of 25
$600
BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1200 Character Named After You or a Loved One
Another way to immortalize a loved one (or yourself!), you can name a character in the movie after yourself or a loved one. An extremely limited number of this perk is available.
Claimed: 0 of 5
$750
BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1500 Shadow The Director + DP of Daruma for a Day
If you're serious about being on set and learning the ropes of filmmaking, this perk is for you. Shadow director and cinematographer Alexander Yellen for a day on the actual set of Daruma. Travel and accommodations to set is not included. This perk is intended for serious filmmakers who want to learn more about the craft of filmmaking.
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Final Girl Wines Reward
This is our last big promotion before our campaign to raise funds for Daruma is over on 11/30 and we can't thank the team at Final Girl Wines enough for putting together this special promotional package for us.
Yes, we recognize that it's on the pricier side of things but LOOK at what you get!
- Service for 12 Guests at a location of your choosing
Charcuterie & Sampling
Sommelier & Winemaker On Site
Screening of Daruma trailer ~ AND ~
Your choice of a film shown on a 200 inch outdoor screen
This promo is ONLY available to supporters in the Southern California region, but wow! You not only get all of the above, you also get a tax deduction AND a party for 12 of your closest friends AND a chance to help make film history!Only 10 available -- get yours now!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
A Night With the Cast + Crew
Party on Wayne! Party on Garth! This awesome perk allows you to hang out with the cast and crew at a private event in Los Angeles. More intimate than a red carpet event, this perk is limited to 10 so as to retain its exclusive vibe. Location and time is TBD, travel and accommodations to Los Angeles not included.
Claimed: 1 of 10
$1,000
Your dog in the movie BLACK FRIDAY SALE WAS $1500
We're dog lovers! We've got a small role for one lucky pooch in Daruma - be the one to nab this one and only perk for your #instadoggo!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,500
Autographed Slate from Set BLACK FRIDAY SALE - WAS $2000
Get the one and only slate used on set when filming Daruma, autographed by the cast and crew. This will be a keepsake to treasure for a lifetime.
Claimed: 0 of 1
$5,000
Cast + Crew will speak to your organization about disability inclusion
Calling all corporate sponsors! For the TAX DEDUCTIBLE expense of this perk, you can have the cast and crew speak with your company or organization about disability and diversity inclusion. We'll answer questions from your team and share best practices and findings from our own experiences and our partners' resource guides. Diversity makes the world a better place and your contribution can impact not only the people associated with this project but your own organization as well!
Claimed: 0 of 20
$6,800
Associate Producer Credit BLACK FRIDAY SALE! (WAS $25000)
Get Daruma up and running and get the credit for it! For the TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution of $25,000 you can obtain this perk and Associate Producer credit for the project. Your contribution will make a difference to not only the lives of everyone involved in this project but for generations of PWD to come by promoting disability inclusion and paving the way for real, serious change in Hollywood and how the world views PWD.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$50,000
Executive Producer Credit
Want to be an executive producer? Then nab this perk! Only four are available. If you think about it, it's a steal: be credited as an executive producer AND receive a tax deduction by supporting Daruma and disability inclusion!
You'll be everyone's hero and will make a difference in not only the lives of everyone involved in this project but for PWD for generations to come. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Claimed: 0 of 4
- Service for 12 Guests at a location of your choosing
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
MEET THE FILMMAKERS & THEIR SUPPORTERS
Writer/Producer - Kelli McNeil
Kelli McNeil is an award-winning Los Angeles based writer, actor, and producer. As a graduate of the USC’s School of Drama, McNeil has performed in multiple film, TV and stage productions and wrapped production on three features in 2017.
Kelli’s script The Baltimore School of Charm, won 1st place in the UCLA Extension’s screenwriting competition in 2017 as well as 1st place at the inaugural Bechdel Film Festival in Texas. It was a semi-finalist in the Screencraft Fellowship program in 2016 and a top 15% finisher in the Academy's Nichol’s Fellowship in 2017 before the script’s current rewrite.
DARUMA was a finalist in the Writers for Writers Fellowship, We Screenplay Diverse Voices and Cinequest 2018. In 2017, her original two-act play about Mexican-American immigrants, Borderline, was a finalist at Austin Film Festival’s playwriting competition and will be staged at THE TANK theatre in Manhattan in 2020.
Kelli is also a published children’s book author: her first book, Sleepy Toes, was released in the spring of 2017 by Scholastic. She is currently developing additional materials for a wide-range of age groups. 2017 had her giving multiple book readings and signings around the country. A native of Texas, McNeil has called Los Angeles home for most of her life. McNeil is currently obtaining her private pilot’s license.
She is repped by The Gersh Agency.
Interview with Kelli McNeil on Voyage LA
Director/Cinematographer - Alexander Yellen
Alexander Yellen is an experienced director and cinematographer, a veteran of 45 feature films and 60 episodes of television. He has won two Telly Awards for his photography and been a festival finalist for his short film "miles to go." Traveling extensively with his scientist parents, Alexander was exposed from an early age to a wide-range of people and environments. He developed a passion for visual storytelling and has always sought to make those stories accessible through meaningful and unique perspectives. Alexander was born in Washington DC, earned a degree in film studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and has lived in Los Angeles for the last 15 years.
Interview with Alexander Yellen on Thrive Global
Tobias Forrest - Patrick
After a spinal cord injury, Tobias Forrest bounced back with a positive attitude and passion to perform. He recently co-starred on “Good Trouble” and can currently be seen playing ”Mac" in the action/comedy “Special Unit”. He has starred onstage in the Pulitzer Prize winning play "Cost of Living” as well as “Colossal”, “Pyretown” and others. Tobias also had a recurring role on CBS’s “Wisdom of the Crowd” and his other credits include ”Queen Sugar", “The Sessions”, “Weeds” and more. In addition, he sings for the band Cityzen and also does audio description for shows including “Modern Family”, “The Rookie”, “The Real O’Neals” and “Bless This Mess”. As an entertainer, Tobias hopes to encourage others to pursue their dreams despite any differences, difficulties or disabilities they may have.
Interview with Tobias Forrest on AbleThrive
John Lawson - Robert
At age 30, John was injured in an electrical accident working a ‘real job’ in between acting and singing jobs painting an above ground water storage tank. He had studied piano for 17 years and left the Burn Center with hooks in the place of his hands. After leaving the hospital, John became the First double hand amputee to be trained and certified as a private pilot in the US and the First and only double hand amputee to be a certified SCUBA Instructor in the world. John has continued working as a director and actor with over 42 credits in Film and television, including past roles in Law and Order: SVU, MTV-Awkward, HBO West World and American Horror Story: FREAK SHOW. John recently did a TED Talk on disability in the media and currently serves on the SAG-AFTRA Performers with Disabilities National Committee. He is an advocate for accurate and authentic representation of disability in the media and speaks on numerous industry panels on disability in Film and media across the US.
Interview with John on Thrive Global
From the Heart Productions (Fiscal Sponsor)
Our mission at From the Heart Productions Inc, a 501(c) non-profit, is help indie filmmakers get film funding. We do that through our Roy W. Dean Grant, our Fiscal Sponsorship Program, and the Intentional Filmmaking Class. Since 1993, we’ve assisted hundreds of documentary, feature, short films, and web series in getting funded.
We believe that independent filmmakers, who devote most of their time to the creative process, need help when it comes to raising money. Our mission has been to help filmmakers get the film funding they need to get their film in front of the cameras and an audience. We’re proud to have been awarded this Badge by GreatNonProfits.org for being a 2019 Top-Rated Non-Profit!
Our personal attention and experience can make the difference for you when you need film funding. We can give you advice on creating trailers, fine tuning your pitch, and creating a community around your film.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DARUMA
“Daruma is exactly the kind of project RespectAbility advocates for. It embodies the values we’re pushing for in this industry— inclusiveness both in front of and behind the camera with a narrative that promotes a positive, accurate representation of disability.”
Lauren Appelbaum,
RespectAbility
“There are 61 million Americans with disabilities yet only a scant 2% of characters on TV are disabled. This is an historic disgrace. But change is coming and projects like Daruma are leading the way.”
Allen Rucker,
Chair of the Writers with
Disabilities Committee of the WGA
and co-chair of the Media Access Awards"We built Seed&Spark to be a place where people can connect through stories that matter, stories that give rise to voices that have been too long unheard, that not just entertain their viewers but help them see the world in a new way. Daruma is a family drama, but the way the team has chosen to craft and, more importantly, cast the story shows how the storytellers are trying to make an impact with their work. It's the sort of impact a creator really only gets to consider when they have profound creative independence, which is why crowdfunding is such a powerful tool for change."
Seed&Spark founder Emily Best
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Videos
Images
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Community
Supporters
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