Kratom documentary (giving Kratom a fair shake)
Donation protected
Production budgets for other documentaries:
- Bowling for Columbine, production budget: $4 million
- Fahrenheit 9/11, production budget: $6 million
- Super Size Me: $65,000 (and they just sat in McDonalds)
(a huge portion of the funds must go towards marketing and distribution or you make a cool movie that nobody ends up seeing)
If only 200 people in each state contribute only $20 we'll have $200,000. Still, if for some reason I don't reach budget we'll have a filmed pannel discussion with experts or individual videos.
Kratom leaf is an herb from Asia that people have used for pain / anxiety relief for centuries. Many Americans have recently benefited from the herb and now suddenly there has been a lot of bad press (especially by the "Fox-hounds") about kratom leaf.
While many important topics are brought up in these news stories, the actual scientific backing behind these alleged points is not ever disclosed with solid scientific backing provided. It's about time that someone (who is not a news reporter interested in ratings / shock-value) conducted a thorough, OBJECTIVE investigation and shared the findings openly in video / film format.
It's important to acknowledge and thoroughly investigate all of the things said in the recent media because although many individuals who are particularly interested in this issue may be aware of some stories that have been exposed as actually false, the general public still remembers the original stories. If any negative effects of consuming this herb are discovered they will be shared honestly, without being embellished by the media. People deserve to be told what they are consuming in a straight forward fashion.
We will meet with scientists, doctors, kratom users, and critics. Speaking of critics, I'm sure a few, even so-called "kratom advocates" will criticise this effort. Just ask yourself what their true motivations may be. They won't come out and offer you that info but after a bit of critical thinking I'm sure it will become clear to you. ;-)
If you are in ANY of the following groups this film is for you:
1. A kratom leaf user who thinks that kratom deserves a "fair shake" in the media yet does want to know the truth about what they are consuming in a non-biased fashion. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
2. Against kratom being legal because you believe it is bad for people. This film is for you for the following reasons:
a. Because you will have a chance to provide your information / story to us for critical review and may even be invited to interview. You can demand responses to your questions. Your help is welcomed. email. [email redacted]
b. We are after the truth in this matter, and doctors, scientists, policy makers, and individuals who are invited to participate and be interviewed will have an un-tainted voice. Please support our effort.
3. If you are an illegal drug user and want to know if this alternative is really safe and effective or not, this film is for you. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
4. You have a medical issue or know someone who does and are very interested in an herbal alternative to replace pills, but want to see the pros and cons before actually trying it, this film is for you. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
Who am I?
I learned interviewing and truth-seeking investigation skills as a Marine Corps police officer, then strengthened critical thinking / analytic skills while earning a BA in org comm at Cal State LA. The Seattle Film Institutes's Master's of Fine Arts in Producing program showed me how to lead and organize a film production and then get it out there with a stratigic distribution plan. That means that in addition to making this film I can actually get it into theatres and on TV.
Here is one video interview I hosted / produced on the stubject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3SGc6pmahM&list=UUQ5NK1JAT1vT1npOgfZdVgw
I got my feet wet in the industry as the medical-media video producer at the Seattle VA hospital for 1.6 years and then turned to commercial work. I now live in the Dallas / Fort Worth area of Texas. I plan to hire veteran producers who have participated in the Star Spangled Producers Program for crew members in the production when possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhKugg19jVk&list=UUQ5NK1JAT1vT1npOgfZdVgw
What's my opinion of kratom leaf consumption in the USA?
I have used, suggested, even sold this herb to others. I have been outraged by the ways in which some news stories do not seem at all objective or fair. Press (after ratings / shock) suggest that this herb is "bad" without sharing any solid proof that is backed by evidence. I do want myself and the people to know if there really are negative effects of this herb, but don't agree with the way the press disregards the many positive benefits of it's use. If there are true negative effects, they should be revealed and backed by evidence, not just suggested. If I do not make this film, the only media-voice on this issue will be a negative, ratings-seeking voice. And that will NOT serve the people fairly. I believe that this issue diserves a fair-shake, so let's make it happen!
Why the large budget?
We feel it may be possible to make the fim for much less than the goal amount. However, any successful film needs a marketing and advertising budget to actually take off. We want the truth to ring out accross the country and this is how it can happen.
How you can help:
1. Please support our effort with a small or large donation.
2. E-mail your personal experience / story, be it for, or against Kratom leaf consumption! Indicate whether we can post your story on the site and if you are willing to be interviewed.
3. E-mail your ideas or any other information you have to us.
4. Ignore and discourage the critics that are bound to arise on either side of the issue. Encourage them to get off the couch and DO SOMETHING instead of being an arm-chair critic. That being said, we appreciate constructive criticism sent directly to us, but can not respect public criticism while claiming to "help".
5. There are other ways to help out besides financially. If you want to put posters up or share us on line or willing to help in other ways, please let me know!
ABOUT THE BUDGET
I can produce and direct, but we will need a solid, experienced assistant director, production manager (may not need to go on location / set), and even with a skeleton crew well need at LEAST two camera operators, who are willing to double as grips and also help set up and break down. Well need one assistant for the jib and dolly shots, and in some cases an AC (assistant camera) to pull focus. Dont leave out the audio tech, who will hold the mic on a boom. So thats 5 people, and dont forget our main talent, so that makes 6 people. Now think about hotels, travel, food for them at each location, potentially across the country. -Entertainment Lawyer (I have one) to set up and administrate the non-profit or trust the money goes into (costs a few grand) -Incorporation cost -Accountant -Locations -Permits -Rental car / cars -rentals of 3 cameras (mine Sony a-77 is good, but not good enough for this) -Microphones -Lights (I have some lights lights!) - Post production editing, but not just making the cuts, the beyond-editing part that makes films to day look oh so good. Most films pay thousands for this - Music And now the reason why its double what I originally thought itd be - Marketing (at least $40k) - If nobody knows about it the whole effort is pointless. - Publicity (at least $4k) - Distribution (I have a plan that can make this cost nothing!) And this low budget small crew is for a passion project, because not that many experienced crew would choose to be on a low budget film like this. I twill have to be non-union for sure. I believe that it can be done for less but should be done for much more. Any less would simply not allow for an effective marketing campaign once produced. We chose to put $180,000 as our goal to be realistic and as a bare-bones-minimum number. If we don't get enough money we may have to settle for just doing the interviews as it becomes financially possible. If 200 people in each state help with just $20 (the cost of two ounces of kratom), wed have 200k. It seems so simple, but I cant be the only passionate one that wants to share the truth here.
Thanks for reading this and becoming part of it by helping out!
We are working on the website so keep checking kratomdocumentary.com and email [email redacted] with your questions and comments / ideas.
- Bowling for Columbine, production budget: $4 million
- Fahrenheit 9/11, production budget: $6 million
- Super Size Me: $65,000 (and they just sat in McDonalds)
(a huge portion of the funds must go towards marketing and distribution or you make a cool movie that nobody ends up seeing)
If only 200 people in each state contribute only $20 we'll have $200,000. Still, if for some reason I don't reach budget we'll have a filmed pannel discussion with experts or individual videos.
Kratom leaf is an herb from Asia that people have used for pain / anxiety relief for centuries. Many Americans have recently benefited from the herb and now suddenly there has been a lot of bad press (especially by the "Fox-hounds") about kratom leaf.
While many important topics are brought up in these news stories, the actual scientific backing behind these alleged points is not ever disclosed with solid scientific backing provided. It's about time that someone (who is not a news reporter interested in ratings / shock-value) conducted a thorough, OBJECTIVE investigation and shared the findings openly in video / film format.
It's important to acknowledge and thoroughly investigate all of the things said in the recent media because although many individuals who are particularly interested in this issue may be aware of some stories that have been exposed as actually false, the general public still remembers the original stories. If any negative effects of consuming this herb are discovered they will be shared honestly, without being embellished by the media. People deserve to be told what they are consuming in a straight forward fashion.
We will meet with scientists, doctors, kratom users, and critics. Speaking of critics, I'm sure a few, even so-called "kratom advocates" will criticise this effort. Just ask yourself what their true motivations may be. They won't come out and offer you that info but after a bit of critical thinking I'm sure it will become clear to you. ;-)
If you are in ANY of the following groups this film is for you:
1. A kratom leaf user who thinks that kratom deserves a "fair shake" in the media yet does want to know the truth about what they are consuming in a non-biased fashion. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
2. Against kratom being legal because you believe it is bad for people. This film is for you for the following reasons:
a. Because you will have a chance to provide your information / story to us for critical review and may even be invited to interview. You can demand responses to your questions. Your help is welcomed. email. [email redacted]
b. We are after the truth in this matter, and doctors, scientists, policy makers, and individuals who are invited to participate and be interviewed will have an un-tainted voice. Please support our effort.
3. If you are an illegal drug user and want to know if this alternative is really safe and effective or not, this film is for you. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
4. You have a medical issue or know someone who does and are very interested in an herbal alternative to replace pills, but want to see the pros and cons before actually trying it, this film is for you. Please support our effort with a small donation and email your comments & ideas.
Who am I?
I learned interviewing and truth-seeking investigation skills as a Marine Corps police officer, then strengthened critical thinking / analytic skills while earning a BA in org comm at Cal State LA. The Seattle Film Institutes's Master's of Fine Arts in Producing program showed me how to lead and organize a film production and then get it out there with a stratigic distribution plan. That means that in addition to making this film I can actually get it into theatres and on TV.
Here is one video interview I hosted / produced on the stubject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3SGc6pmahM&list=UUQ5NK1JAT1vT1npOgfZdVgw
I got my feet wet in the industry as the medical-media video producer at the Seattle VA hospital for 1.6 years and then turned to commercial work. I now live in the Dallas / Fort Worth area of Texas. I plan to hire veteran producers who have participated in the Star Spangled Producers Program for crew members in the production when possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhKugg19jVk&list=UUQ5NK1JAT1vT1npOgfZdVgw
What's my opinion of kratom leaf consumption in the USA?
I have used, suggested, even sold this herb to others. I have been outraged by the ways in which some news stories do not seem at all objective or fair. Press (after ratings / shock) suggest that this herb is "bad" without sharing any solid proof that is backed by evidence. I do want myself and the people to know if there really are negative effects of this herb, but don't agree with the way the press disregards the many positive benefits of it's use. If there are true negative effects, they should be revealed and backed by evidence, not just suggested. If I do not make this film, the only media-voice on this issue will be a negative, ratings-seeking voice. And that will NOT serve the people fairly. I believe that this issue diserves a fair-shake, so let's make it happen!
Why the large budget?
We feel it may be possible to make the fim for much less than the goal amount. However, any successful film needs a marketing and advertising budget to actually take off. We want the truth to ring out accross the country and this is how it can happen.
How you can help:
1. Please support our effort with a small or large donation.
2. E-mail your personal experience / story, be it for, or against Kratom leaf consumption! Indicate whether we can post your story on the site and if you are willing to be interviewed.
3. E-mail your ideas or any other information you have to us.
4. Ignore and discourage the critics that are bound to arise on either side of the issue. Encourage them to get off the couch and DO SOMETHING instead of being an arm-chair critic. That being said, we appreciate constructive criticism sent directly to us, but can not respect public criticism while claiming to "help".
5. There are other ways to help out besides financially. If you want to put posters up or share us on line or willing to help in other ways, please let me know!
ABOUT THE BUDGET
I can produce and direct, but we will need a solid, experienced assistant director, production manager (may not need to go on location / set), and even with a skeleton crew well need at LEAST two camera operators, who are willing to double as grips and also help set up and break down. Well need one assistant for the jib and dolly shots, and in some cases an AC (assistant camera) to pull focus. Dont leave out the audio tech, who will hold the mic on a boom. So thats 5 people, and dont forget our main talent, so that makes 6 people. Now think about hotels, travel, food for them at each location, potentially across the country. -Entertainment Lawyer (I have one) to set up and administrate the non-profit or trust the money goes into (costs a few grand) -Incorporation cost -Accountant -Locations -Permits -Rental car / cars -rentals of 3 cameras (mine Sony a-77 is good, but not good enough for this) -Microphones -Lights (I have some lights lights!) - Post production editing, but not just making the cuts, the beyond-editing part that makes films to day look oh so good. Most films pay thousands for this - Music And now the reason why its double what I originally thought itd be - Marketing (at least $40k) - If nobody knows about it the whole effort is pointless. - Publicity (at least $4k) - Distribution (I have a plan that can make this cost nothing!) And this low budget small crew is for a passion project, because not that many experienced crew would choose to be on a low budget film like this. I twill have to be non-union for sure. I believe that it can be done for less but should be done for much more. Any less would simply not allow for an effective marketing campaign once produced. We chose to put $180,000 as our goal to be realistic and as a bare-bones-minimum number. If we don't get enough money we may have to settle for just doing the interviews as it becomes financially possible. If 200 people in each state help with just $20 (the cost of two ounces of kratom), wed have 200k. It seems so simple, but I cant be the only passionate one that wants to share the truth here.
Thanks for reading this and becoming part of it by helping out!
We are working on the website so keep checking kratomdocumentary.com and email [email redacted] with your questions and comments / ideas.
Organizer
Tony Larson
Organizer
Keller, TX
