The Mark
by Joseph Lavender
Joseph Lavender
Follow
The Mark
by Joseph Lavender
Joseph Lavender
Follow
Action! Adventure! Spandex! The Mark tells a unique, unpredictable story filled with a cast of whimsical, outlandish, and unconventional characters pulled from the weirdest place in the world, a rural small town. You've seen wrestling. You've seen movies. You haven't seen anything like this.
Action! Adventure! Spandex! The Mark tells a unique, unpredictable story filled with a cast of whimsical, outlandish, and unconventional characters pulled from the weirdest place in the world, a rural small town. You've seen wrestling. You've seen movies. You haven't seen anything like this.
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Story
Inclusion Statement
Hollywood has a tendency to only portray people who have perfect good looks and seemingly perfect lives in films that only take place in the big city. The Mark showcases imperfect people, living in the 90's in the rural South, including a kick ass female lead who is empowered to succeed on her own.About The Project
The Mark takes us back to a simple, but familiar time. Dial-up was the portal to cyberspace, Pro-wrestling was everyone's favorite reality show, and Laserdisc was the superior home entertainment format.
In this alternate time line of 1997, Mark Valentine, a 30 something down on his luck I.T. guy, just doesn't have anything going for him. After renting a mysterious videocassette tape at the local VHS rental emporium, he gets sucked into an underground wrestling promotion. There he meets "Maggie Lightning" and a band of extravagant misfits who live to perform in the bizarre, secret backyard wrestling promotion: Mosh Pitt Wrestling Association, where they battle one another in a makeshift wrestling ring wearing homemade costumes comprised of spandex, sequins and a whole lot of love, in front of an audience of profane old ladies, shirtless rednecks, and small children hopped up on energy drinks.Is this the wake up call Mark needs to get a firm grip on his life?
Or
will he decide to join these lunatics and live out his dreams of being a pro-wrestler?
It's the second one. It's WAY more interesting.
M.P.W.A. Is run by aspiring professional wrestler, "Maggie Lightning". She's the founder, head coach, and most importantly THE CHAMPION. She'll lay the smack down on anyone who'll step in the ring with her. If Mark wants to be champ, he'll have to go through her.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "They're just going to fall in love..."
NO! You are wrong and you should be ashamed!
Maggie Lightning isn't some lame plot device. She's a world class athlete with technical skills unparalleled by anyone in the underground world of backyard wrestling. It's in her blood, and in her soul.
The Mark is a story of acceptance, friendship, and dealing with life growing up in a small town.
With your support we can make an incredibly funny and colorful film to prove that independent cinema with interesting characters and a unique story is alive and well and it's time for Hollywood to take notice and allow a new generation to fill it's ranks. We're not afraid to take risks and try new things (or old!) In a time where we're just waiting for whatever piece of our childhood is going to be ruined next, we're here to offer a breath of fresh air with this film.
The Mark features a light hearted look at life in the rural South, with a smorgasbord of colorful characters like you've never seen before.
Laurie Catherine Winkel as "Maggie Lightning" in "The Mark."
The Mark features a diverse and interesting cast of actors, some of whom you may have seen in other films and television shows including: Stranger Things, American Horror Story, Black Lightning, Eastbound and Down, Ozark and more!
Incentives
$5
Big Thumbs Up
We'll give you a shout out on social media. The internet is so cool!
$10
It's a Draw!
The Director himself, will draw you as a wrestler and share it on social media! It probably won't be very good, but it'll be funny.
*Your name will also appear in the end credits of the film!
$10
MPWA The Music Volume 3
Jonathan 4 Realz (and any of his friends he can muster up) is doing a brand new original album of songs for The Mark Official Motion Picture Soundtrack. Sweet (chin) music of all sorts. You won't want to miss this album! To top it all off "The 17th Greatest Parody Band of All Time" (According to some random internet list) Seth and Willie Fred will be contributing songs to the album.
You'll recieve a link and code for a digital download once the album is finished.$15
The Future is coming!
Don't want to wait for the VHS? Enjoy "The Mark" in stunning 4:3 aspect ratio (just kidding, it's in HD) with a digital copy of the film once it's been completed. You'll be able to play The Mark from all of your favorite devices that haven't been invented yet!
*Your name will also appear in the end credits!
$20
Mid Carder
Ever had dreams of professional wrestling Stardom, but thought to yourself... man, I bet that hurts? Well, you're in luck! At this level we'll create your very own retro style pro-wrestling trading card starring YOU (or a friend.) It will include stats and a short bio about you that you can share with all of your friends on social media so they can be super jealous of how rad you are!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will also appear in the end credits!
$25
Everyone's a Critic
Jonathan will review your favorite movie. He'll tell you why it's the best movie ever or maybe why it doesn't hold up to his incredibly vast knowledge of films made before June 1997. We'll post an official video from The Mark social media pages so everyone will know why your opinions are right (or possibly wrong.)
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Please email themarkmovierules@gmail.com with the movie you'd like Jonathan to review after making your contribution! Movies 1997 or older are preferred, but any are accepted! Have fun with it!$40
Unexpected Face Turn
- Limited Edition "Sports Dog" Print
- Digital Dowload of the Official Soundtrack
- "Movie Knight" T-shirt as seen in the movie.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
Claimed: 4 of 20
$50
The Highest Honor
In the 90s the highest honor bestowed on a person was to be on the cover of a VHS tape. Now you can have that honor bestowed upon you! We will photoshop you onto a mock video cassette box and create a VHS featuring YOU (or someone else.) You'll receive a physical VHS in the mail along with a digital copy of the artwork so you can post it everywhere so your friends will be jealous of you and your glamorous lifestyle.
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 3 of 50
$75
RAD!
Like hanging things from your wall? Like unique art? You're in luck, because now you can own, "The Mark" Official Movie Poster with artwork by talented female artist, Emily Kay Holloway!
*Includes digital copy of the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$100
Be Kind, Rewind!
Still own a VCR? So do we! Own The Mark in stunning Standard definition quality on VHS cassette tape! We'll also toss in a digital download just in case you have tracking issues, as well as a digital download of the official soundtrack featuring sweet chin music by Jonathan Realz and more!
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
$150
King of the Yard
Join the cast and crew of The Mark at our official WRAP party that will be held during a LIVE! Pro-Wrestling event in Atlanta Georgia featuring some of Georgia's biggest names in professional wrestling!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 100
$200
Your Face In The Movie (On a T-Shirt)
Have your picture on a novelty t-shirt worn by one of our characters. Your face will be immortaized for generations to come as a random clothing option from a previous decade.
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 4
$250
You As A Pillow Buddy!
We will design a custom pillow buddy of you (or a friend) as a wrestler, have it custom printed, stuffed, and delivered to you. You'll be delivering a career ending back breaker to yourself in no time!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Mark Out
Come spend a day in the M.P.W.A. arena. You'll be there as we film the matches (as a movie extra!) Give the heat to heels and faces alike. The backyard is the wild west. Anything goes! You'll sit near profane old ladies, shirtless rednecks, and small children hopped up on off brand, royalty free, green canned energy drinks.
- Your name in the credits
- Pictures with the cast
- "Movie Knight" T-Shirt
- Digital Download of the film and Official Soundtrack
- Post on social media about you joining us on set
- 2 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event
- MPWA Trading Card
- Custom VHS Cover
- Jonathan's movie review!
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$500
Brendan Fraser Fan Club!
Love Brendan Fraser? So do we, and now you can own a ONE OF A KIND, SCREEN USED piece of Brendan Fraser pop art created by our Set Decorator, Allie O'Neill. Want to wake up to Brendan Fraser's face every day? Now you can!
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$800
The Heckler
Not content sitting in the audience without being the center of attention? Are you the guy or gal who feels the need to trash talk the wrestlers you hate, and cheer on the ones you love while being very, very, vocal about it? If so, at this level you (or someone you nominate) is invited to set for a WALK ON, SPEAKING ROLE! Yes, that's right. No audition required! You'll be on set with our crew until we're ready for your close up! You'll be listed in the credits, and you'll be on IMDB like all of the other cool kids.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Ring our bell!
Join the cast and crew of The Mark at our official WRAP party that will be held during a LIVE! Pro-Wrestling event in Atlanta Georgia featuring some of Georgia's biggest names in professional wrestling! You'll be the official bell ringer, sitting ringside for the best seat in the house!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits as an "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER."
Sold Out!
$2,000
House Show Promoter
- OPENING CREDIT as an "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER"
- Autographed Screen used Prop
- "Movie Knight" T-Shirt
- Digital Download of the film AND Official Soundtrack
- Social Media Post about you and your Producer status
- 4 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party.
- VHS copy of the film, autographed.
- Jonathan's movie review
- MPWA Trading Card (digital AND Physical versions)
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Falls Count Anywhere!
- OPENING CREDIT as an "EXECUTIVE PRODUCER"
- Autographed screen used prop.
- "Movie Knight" T-shirt
- Digital Download of the film AND Official Soundtrack
- Social media post about you and your Producer status
- 8 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party
- Autographed VHS of the film
- Jonathan's movie review
- MPWA Trading Card (digital and physical versions)
- Custom Wrestling Pillow Buddy
- The Mark Official Movie Poster
Travel/accomodations not included.Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
The Grandest Stage of Them All
Your yard will become the unofficial home of M.P.W.A. as we join you to watch a special screening of the movie when it's finished!
We'll bring the screen, the food, and members of the cast to your house.
(You must live within 2 hrs of Atlanta, GA)
- Interview with you on the Special Features
- Spend a day on set watching M.P.W.A. matches in all of their glory.
- On-Screen Cameo
- EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OPENING CREDIT
- Movie Knight T-Shirt
- Autographed VHS of The Mark
- Pictures with the cast.
- Custom Pillow Buddy (presented in person)
- Social Media Posts telling the internet how cool you are, and why the world should be jealous of you.
- 8 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party
- MPWA Trading Card (digital and physical versions)
- Autographed The Mark OFFICIAL Movie Poster
- 1 DAY WRESTLING TRAINING CAMP! Learn how to take bumps like a pro!
- Custom Pro Wrestling Championship belt with YOUR NAME on the plate.
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 1
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Big Thumbs Up
We'll give you a shout out on social media. The internet is so cool!
$10
It's a Draw!
The Director himself, will draw you as a wrestler and share it on social media! It probably won't be very good, but it'll be funny.
*Your name will also appear in the end credits of the film!
$10
MPWA The Music Volume 3
Jonathan 4 Realz (and any of his friends he can muster up) is doing a brand new original album of songs for The Mark Official Motion Picture Soundtrack. Sweet (chin) music of all sorts. You won't want to miss this album! To top it all off "The 17th Greatest Parody Band of All Time" (According to some random internet list) Seth and Willie Fred will be contributing songs to the album.
You'll recieve a link and code for a digital download once the album is finished.$15
The Future is coming!
Don't want to wait for the VHS? Enjoy "The Mark" in stunning 4:3 aspect ratio (just kidding, it's in HD) with a digital copy of the film once it's been completed. You'll be able to play The Mark from all of your favorite devices that haven't been invented yet!
*Your name will also appear in the end credits!
$20
Mid Carder
Ever had dreams of professional wrestling Stardom, but thought to yourself... man, I bet that hurts? Well, you're in luck! At this level we'll create your very own retro style pro-wrestling trading card starring YOU (or a friend.) It will include stats and a short bio about you that you can share with all of your friends on social media so they can be super jealous of how rad you are!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will also appear in the end credits!
$25
Everyone's a Critic
Jonathan will review your favorite movie. He'll tell you why it's the best movie ever or maybe why it doesn't hold up to his incredibly vast knowledge of films made before June 1997. We'll post an official video from The Mark social media pages so everyone will know why your opinions are right (or possibly wrong.)
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Please email themarkmovierules@gmail.com with the movie you'd like Jonathan to review after making your contribution! Movies 1997 or older are preferred, but any are accepted! Have fun with it!$40
Unexpected Face Turn
- Limited Edition "Sports Dog" Print
- Digital Dowload of the Official Soundtrack
- "Movie Knight" T-shirt as seen in the movie.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
Claimed: 4 of 20
$50
The Highest Honor
In the 90s the highest honor bestowed on a person was to be on the cover of a VHS tape. Now you can have that honor bestowed upon you! We will photoshop you onto a mock video cassette box and create a VHS featuring YOU (or someone else.) You'll receive a physical VHS in the mail along with a digital copy of the artwork so you can post it everywhere so your friends will be jealous of you and your glamorous lifestyle.
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 3 of 50
$75
RAD!
Like hanging things from your wall? Like unique art? You're in luck, because now you can own, "The Mark" Official Movie Poster with artwork by talented female artist, Emily Kay Holloway!
*Includes digital copy of the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$100
Be Kind, Rewind!
Still own a VCR? So do we! Own The Mark in stunning Standard definition quality on VHS cassette tape! We'll also toss in a digital download just in case you have tracking issues, as well as a digital download of the official soundtrack featuring sweet chin music by Jonathan Realz and more!
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
$150
King of the Yard
Join the cast and crew of The Mark at our official WRAP party that will be held during a LIVE! Pro-Wrestling event in Atlanta Georgia featuring some of Georgia's biggest names in professional wrestling!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 100
$200
Your Face In The Movie (On a T-Shirt)
Have your picture on a novelty t-shirt worn by one of our characters. Your face will be immortaized for generations to come as a random clothing option from a previous decade.
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 4
$250
You As A Pillow Buddy!
We will design a custom pillow buddy of you (or a friend) as a wrestler, have it custom printed, stuffed, and delivered to you. You'll be delivering a career ending back breaker to yourself in no time!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 1 of 5
$500
Mark Out
Come spend a day in the M.P.W.A. arena. You'll be there as we film the matches (as a movie extra!) Give the heat to heels and faces alike. The backyard is the wild west. Anything goes! You'll sit near profane old ladies, shirtless rednecks, and small children hopped up on off brand, royalty free, green canned energy drinks.
- Your name in the credits
- Pictures with the cast
- "Movie Knight" T-Shirt
- Digital Download of the film and Official Soundtrack
- Post on social media about you joining us on set
- 2 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event
- MPWA Trading Card
- Custom VHS Cover
- Jonathan's movie review!
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 4
$500
Brendan Fraser Fan Club!
Love Brendan Fraser? So do we, and now you can own a ONE OF A KIND, SCREEN USED piece of Brendan Fraser pop art created by our Set Decorator, Allie O'Neill. Want to wake up to Brendan Fraser's face every day? Now you can!
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$800
The Heckler
Not content sitting in the audience without being the center of attention? Are you the guy or gal who feels the need to trash talk the wrestlers you hate, and cheer on the ones you love while being very, very, vocal about it? If so, at this level you (or someone you nominate) is invited to set for a WALK ON, SPEAKING ROLE! Yes, that's right. No audition required! You'll be on set with our crew until we're ready for your close up! You'll be listed in the credits, and you'll be on IMDB like all of the other cool kids.
*Your name will appear in the end credits!
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Ring our bell!
Join the cast and crew of The Mark at our official WRAP party that will be held during a LIVE! Pro-Wrestling event in Atlanta Georgia featuring some of Georgia's biggest names in professional wrestling! You'll be the official bell ringer, sitting ringside for the best seat in the house!
*includes digital link to the film when completed.
*Your name will appear in the end credits as an "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER."
Sold Out!
$2,000
House Show Promoter
- OPENING CREDIT as an "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER"
- Autographed Screen used Prop
- "Movie Knight" T-Shirt
- Digital Download of the film AND Official Soundtrack
- Social Media Post about you and your Producer status
- 4 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party.
- VHS copy of the film, autographed.
- Jonathan's movie review
- MPWA Trading Card (digital AND Physical versions)
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Falls Count Anywhere!
- OPENING CREDIT as an "EXECUTIVE PRODUCER"
- Autographed screen used prop.
- "Movie Knight" T-shirt
- Digital Download of the film AND Official Soundtrack
- Social media post about you and your Producer status
- 8 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party
- Autographed VHS of the film
- Jonathan's movie review
- MPWA Trading Card (digital and physical versions)
- Custom Wrestling Pillow Buddy
- The Mark Official Movie Poster
Travel/accomodations not included.Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
The Grandest Stage of Them All
Your yard will become the unofficial home of M.P.W.A. as we join you to watch a special screening of the movie when it's finished!
We'll bring the screen, the food, and members of the cast to your house.
(You must live within 2 hrs of Atlanta, GA)
- Interview with you on the Special Features
- Spend a day on set watching M.P.W.A. matches in all of their glory.
- On-Screen Cameo
- EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OPENING CREDIT
- Movie Knight T-Shirt
- Autographed VHS of The Mark
- Pictures with the cast.
- Custom Pillow Buddy (presented in person)
- Social Media Posts telling the internet how cool you are, and why the world should be jealous of you.
- 8 VIP Tickets to Premiere Event/Wrap Party
- MPWA Trading Card (digital and physical versions)
- Autographed The Mark OFFICIAL Movie Poster
- 1 DAY WRESTLING TRAINING CAMP! Learn how to take bumps like a pro!
- Custom Pro Wrestling Championship belt with YOUR NAME on the plate.
Travel/accomodations not included.
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Our team is comprised of a group of hungry filmmakers from Atlanta Georgia passionate about film. Most of us have been working in the Atlanta film industry in some capacity over the last 5-10 years after the rise of the film incentives in our state. Some of our crew members are well established in specific fields and work on major Hollywood level sets while others are hard working students of film who are working their way up the ladder. We have a diverse set of people with an equally diverse and unique set of skills.
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Community
Supporters
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