Support for film to help eliminate prison recidivism
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Introduction
Hello, I'm Henry V. Lyons Jr., the founder and CEO of Lyons Gold Standard Multimedia LLC (LGM), a small black-owned business dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering at-risk youth through multimedia services. We regularly train and employ neighborhood youth in various STEM-related fields. But now we are thrilled to launch our latest project, a documentary titled "Beaten but Not Down." This film will not only showcase the inspiring stories of ex-convicted felons who have turned their lives around but also serve as a powerful tool for positively impacting today’s youth and advocating for much-needed prison reform.
Our Mission
At LGM, our mission is to provide quality and affordable multimedia services while empowering the community, especially at-risk youth. With over 20 years of experience in technology and education, I have dedicated my career to creating opportunities and fostering positive change. As a former Special Education teacher for the New York City’s Department of Education, I have worked with at-risk, court-mandated youth, guiding them toward better futures. Our documentary, "Beaten but Not Down," is a direct extension of this mission, aiming to inspire hope, resilience, and transformation.
Project Overview: "Beaten but Not Down"
"Beaten but Not Down" will focus on the positive contributions of ex-convicted felons who have successfully reintegrated into society. These individuals have become beacons of hope and mentors for youth, actively working to prevent them from following a similar path. By showcasing their stories, we aim to break the cycle of recidivism and provide a powerful message to young people about the possibilities of redemption and transformation.
Impact on Today’s Youth
Today's youth face numerous challenges, including exposure to crime, violence, and systemic inequities. "Beaten but Not Down" will serve as an inspiring resource, demonstrating that no matter what past mistakes they’ve made, it is possible to change and make a positive impact. The documentary will feature real-life examples of individuals who have overcome their criminal pasts to become mentors, leaders, and advocates for change. By highlighting these stories, we aim to:
- Inspire Hope: Show young people that it is never too late to turn their lives around.
- Provide Role Models: Offer relatable and powerful role models who have faced adversity and emerged stronger.
- Educate and Empower: Equip youth with the knowledge and motivation to make better life choices and pursue positive paths.
Call for Prison Reform
"Beaten but Not Down" will also serve as a clarion call for prison reform. The stories of transformation we capture will underscore the urgent need for a more humane and rehabilitative approach to incarceration. By humanizing those who have been incarcerated, the documentary will:
- Advocate for Change: Highlight the importance of support systems, education, and rehabilitation in reducing recidivism.
- Promote Understanding: Foster greater empathy and understanding among the general public about the challenges faced by ex-convicted felons.
- Influence Policy: Encourage policymakers to adopt reforms that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.
Why We Need Your Support
To bring this impactful documentary to life, we need your help. Your contributions will go towards:
- Film Equipment ($10,000): High-quality cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, sound recording devices, and editing software to ensure professional production standards.
- Travel Expenses ($7,000): Transportation, accommodation, and meals for our team as we capture stories from various locations.
- Staff Compensation ($8,000): Fair wages for our dedicated team of professionals, including directors, filmmakers, editors, and sound designers.
Here is the cost breakdown:
Film Equipment ($10,000):
- Cameras: $4,000 for high-quality digital cameras
- Lenses: $2,000 for a variety of lenses suitable for different shooting conditions
- Lighting Equipment: $1,500 for professional lighting kits
- Sound Recording Devices: $1,000 for high-fidelity microphones and audio equipment
- Editing Software: $1,500 for industry-standard editing software licenses
Travel Expenses ($7,000):
- Transportation: $3,500 for flights, car rentals, and fuel costs to reach various locations
- Accommodation: $2,000 for lodging for the crew during shoots
- Meals: $1,000 for daily sustenance for the team
- Incidentals: $500 for unexpected expenses during travel
Staff Compensation ($8,000):
- Director: $2,000 for overseeing the project and creative direction
- Film Crew: $3,000 for camera operators, lighting technicians, and production assistants
- Editor: $2,000 for post-production editing and finalizing the documentary
- Sound Designer: $1,000 for sound mixing and audio enhancement
Total Funding Goal: $25,000
Your support will not only cover these essential expenses but also amplify the voices of those who have successfully reintegrated into society, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Join Us in Making a Difference
By contributing to our GoFundMe campaign, you will play a crucial role in bringing this documentary to fruition. Together, we can inspire, educate, and create a lasting impact within our community. Your generosity will help us highlight the power of transformation, advocate for prison reform, and provide hope to at-risk youth, showing them that a better future is possible.
Organizer
Henry Lyons
Organizer
Amityville, NY