Archive for the ‘Fundraising’ Category

Greenlighting #PositiveRevolution Projects

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

In honor of Sierra Leone’s 50th Anniversary, WeOwnTV in partnership with the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars launched a campaign “Picturing Independence: A Positive Revolution” for the development of new projects. We believe that by supporting individuals’ freedom to create independent work we are supporting a new generation in finding and amplifying their voice.

Thanks to the overwhelming support we received as a result of our Kickstarter campaign this past spring, we developed a proposal submission process to administer funds for projects. During the summer, the WeOwnTV team was tasked with conceptualizing and developing plans—including production schedules, initial scripts and budget proposals—in order to submit their proposed projects for consideration. This gave all of the team the opportunity to learn the workflows filmmakers undergo to get their work funded and supported.

All smiles behind the camera.

All smiles behind the camera.

With each step along the way we try to find opportunities for the entire to team to develop new skills and we are really proud of the result of our collective collaboration and learning. We decided to fund projects in phases to assist with their progress and focus each of the phases on educating the collective group.

The projects below have been green lighted and will receive initial funding for research or development:

African Ninja | narrative feature: comedy
Director: Arthur Pratt
African Ninja is Africa’s first Kung fu comedy.

Bingo is Dead | fiction short: comedy
Director: Lansana Mansaray
This hilarious film looks at mistrust and rash decision making in desperate situations.

Cry in the Dark | fiction and documentary
Director: Michaella Sallu
This creative work includes two complimentary shorts–one narrative and one documentary–that explore rape and gender based violence and its link to modern day traditional religion and superstition.

Disability is Not Inability | documentary short
Director: Allusaine Soumah
This short documentary profiles three courageous Sierra Leoneans who professionally excel at what they do despite living with physical disabilities.

My Motivation | fiction short: drama
Director: Mustapha Brima
A complicated story that explores corruption with Sierra Leone’s free health care program.

Seaside Stories | documentary shorts
Directors: Fatmata Mansaray and Mohamed Ali Kanu
Short documentaries coming from the uniquely positioned seaside neighborhood.

Each of these projects is at a different stage and will progress as appropriate for the project and individual’s creative process. In the coming months, we will highlight the project milestones so you, our supporters, can be part of each filmmaker’s process.

We share with you our momentum and plans with gratitude in our hearts. Please know that with your support and encouragement talented individuals are able to create and develop as filmmakers. You have given each of them an amazing gift.

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Posted in From Sierra Leone, Fundraising, News, Updates, WeOwnTV Productions |

HELO Magazine features WeOwnTV

Sunday, June 5th, 2011

This week the team at HELO magazine featured WeOwnTV and our Kickstarter campaign.

From HELO: Dear HELO fans! We are pleased once again to have the work of Banker White, Black Nature, Arthur Pratt and so many others of WeOwnTV.org and the associated Refugee All Stars featured here on HELO. They have four days left as of writing to reach their fundraising goal on Kickstarter, so please help out!

To read the complete story, visit HELO Magazine.

kickstarter.weowntv.org

As of right now we have 60 hours more to go to reach our goal of $15,000. With 122 backers the current pledges amount to $12,691…we are so close; however, we still need everyone’s help getting the word out.

How you can help: Share it on facebook –  tweet all about it — or pass campaign along to your friends and family.

Together, we can do this.

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Posted in Fundraising, News, Updates |

Today is the day, let’s learn Krio

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Padis Kushe-o; Hello Friends.

It has been more than two weeks since Sierra Leone’s 50th anniversary of independence, and the celebration is still going on. The band, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, just came through San Francisco and the band’s resident martial artist and wise man JahSon Gbesse Bull reminded me “When you enter your 50th year it’s not just that day that you’re 50, so we should expect a party throughout the year.” I like your style Sierra Leone and the team at WeOwnTV will do our part to participate.

In celebration and collaboration with the band, we launched the Kickstarter campaign, Picturing Independence: A Positive Revolution. There are 25 days left in the campaign.

Currently we have 60 backers—tenki padis; thank you friends—and are more than half way to our goal of $15,000. Together, we have made great progress…but, we still need your help spreading the word; and if you haven’t donated please consider donating today: http://kickstarter.weowntv.org, (no amount is too small and it all helps us reach our goal).

NOTE: If we don’t make our goal of $15,000 by Wednesday June 8, Kickstarter will not disburse any of the funds (and that would be no good); so tell all your friends, their friends, and their friends, friends.

Of course we know that a good party needs refreshments so we are not going to ask for continued support without giving you all something to celebrate. And in the spirit of Sierra Leone culture, we thought, what better way to have a good time than to help the world learn to speak Krio. That is why we are launching our new online Krio classroom: Le Wi Lan Krio.

LE Wi Lan Krio

Today is the Day. Le wi Lan Krio; Let's learn Krio.

Le Wi Lan Krio is a series of short, upbeat Krio-language lessons produced by the WeOwnTV team. Aimed at an English speaking international audience and Sierra Leonean Diaspora living abroad, the lessons are entertaining and instructional. Each lesson is about the Krio language and culture, often taught through the use of Sierra Leonean proverbs and stories. Perhaps one day we will be the Sierra Leone’s Sesame Street (good times).

If you want to read up on the origins of Krio, check out the wiki page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krio_language; AND if you want to start speaking come check out our new on line lessons: http://www.weowntv.org/authors/143/le-wi-lan-krio/. And better yet, if you want to talk Krio with new friends: join us on Facebook and upload your own Krio lessons or chat with others to perfect your Krio.

Proverbs are meant to be discussed and Krio is more fun when learning together, so comment and send us Krio lessons, proverbs and stories of your own.

OO, Wi de si bak; O.K. so long/we shall see you again.

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Posted in From Sierra Leone, Fundraising, Updates, WeOwnTV Productions |

In seven days a celebration will begin; be a part of it!

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

In just ONE week’s time, on April 27, 2011, Sierra Leone will honor its 50th anniversary of independence, and there is a lot to celebrate.

Barmmy Boy behind the camera shooting 'They Resisted.'

Barmmy Boy behind the camera shooting 'They Resisted.'

We are officially launching our new production initiative, ‘Picturing Independence: A Positive Revolution.’ And, to top it off we are celebrating it all by jumping into the social funding arena, by launching WeOwnTV’s first Kickstarter campaign. And, of course, when we get social, we think of you. So, here we are reaching out to all of you—our loyal supporters and fans—to make sure it’s a wild success, worthy of celebration.

Here’s what you need to know about our Kickstarter campaign, ‘Picturing Independence: A Positive Revolution:’

* Our campaign is officially launched and all the details can be founded by heading over to our page on Kickstarter.
* The campaign was created to support of our year-long production initiative of the same title, ‘Picturing Independence: A Positive Revolution.’  The goal of the initiative is to create a group of short films that celebrate the Sierra Leone of yesterday and today. These works explore the idea of independence and rebuilding a positive national and cultural identity. WeOwnTV filmmakers are writing and producing both narrative and documentary films for this initiative.
* Our goal for the 50-day campaign is $15,000. Together, we can do it.
* We are collaborating with Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars on the campaign. Their tour is called ‘The Positive Revolution Tour’ and the band is excited to bring the spirit of Sierra Leone’s celebration to their audience and to this effort. We produced a video together before the band left Freetown and we look forward to sharing it with you next week before the 50th celebration.

Ways you can support campaign:

* Be one of the first 50 people to donate. We will do something special for you, in addition to the donation awards you will already receive as a thank you for your donation (Kickstarter is cool like that).
* Spread the word – we definitely want everyone to know, so tell a friend (or two, or three).
* Help us socialize the campaign: like it, share it; digg it and tweet all about it.
* Tell your friends that they can “Produce an Episode” with a donation of $2000 (USD) they can be the executive producer of an episode of “Picturing Independence.” How cool is that?…their name, a part of history!
* And, of course, remember that no amount is too small and all donations help us progress to the goal.

2011 is going to be a year we look back on as a turning point for our organization. It’s truly incredible what is being accomplished. Your continued support and encouragement has made it all possible.

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Posted in Fundraising, News, Updates |

Banker is Smiling: Spreading the Good Word of WeOwnTV

Friday, December 17th, 2010

It’s Friday, December 17 and I just hung-up a Skype call to the Media Center in Freetown with Arthur Pratt. I am smiling.

Smiling as I acknowledge it has been only four months since we opened the Media Center but so much has happened…smiling, because Arthur just gave me a rundown of what they are up to and the group’s excitement is contagious…smiling, because November and December have also been exciting outside of Sierra Leone with WeOwnTV short films being featured at film festivals here in the US and abroad.

Here’s a little recap:

* In November, Zach Niles attended the Camden International film festival. Representing WeOwnTV, he screened a short film before Rebecca Richman Cohen’s fascinating feature documentary about the Sierra Leone International War Crimes Tribunal, War Don Don.

Film still from HUSLTER which screened at Cine Experimental de Madrid.

Film still from HUSLTER which screened at Cine Experimental de Madrid.

* The Experimental Film of Madrid event (Cine Experimental de Madrid) dedicated an entire program to WeOwnTV short films, and I spent an amazing week in Madrid as a festival juror while representing WeOwnTV — Hablás Español?

* The team in Sierra Leone is gaining recognition as a significant contributor to local arts and media. Our program ‘Meet Sweet Salone’–Celebrating and Documenting Sierra Leone’s 50 Years of Independence has been honored by the 50th Anniversary Committee in Sierra Leone. They have pledged to support the development of WeOwnTV film and video projects to share stories of the Sierra Leone of today with national and global audiences as the country celebrates its Golden Anniversary in 2011. We are currently in the funding phase of this milestone programming; please consider supporting ‘Meet Sweet Salone’ with a donation.

* We are developing a weekly TV show that has drawn interest from SLBC, Sierra Leone’s national television station. The program would highlight current issues impacting the country from the youth perspective and also feature content from ‘Meet Sweet Salone’ initiative; in-depth human interest stories, in-studio interviews, audience submissions, narrative short films and historical reflections.

* The group continues to produce and develop new projects. In December, they began production on ‘They Resisted,’ a short-narrative film about a slave-era revolution. In parallel, they are researching a complimentary documentary piece about Bounce Island, an area with strong historical significance tied to the slave-trade.

* Last but not least I think it’s worth mentioning we reached our social-media goal for getting the word out, by reaching 500 fans on our Facebook page. Thanks for honoring us with your “Like.”

We plan to ride the momentum of the last several months into 2011 and are looking forward to achieving many great milestones with the group in Sierra Leone in the coming year. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement…may you be smiling with us.

Posted in From Banker White, From Sierra Leone, Fundraising, News, Updates |

Young Filmmakers Reunite for Media Center Orientation and Opening Day

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

The larger group reunites in Freetown to prepare for Media Center Orientation and the official public opening of the center on Saturday, August 7. During the early part of the week we check in with the carpenter, welder and internet provider to review and confirm next steps with the various projects in progress to support the opening of the Media Center. All seems to be progressing well and we receive a decent lead to executives at Comium (potential Internet provider) where we might be able to negotiate a partnership or media trade to decrease the cost of providing Internet at the media center. Providing Internet with decent speed at the center is by far one of our biggest ticket items. The best price for 256 kps—before sponsorship—comes in at about $4000 USD for the set up/year. Wish us luck in charming the executives at Comium; and if you feel blessed with your fast connection, consider donating to help us get the team Internet access in Freetown (www.weowntv.org/fundraising).

Media Center Orientation begins on Wednesday with a group of 21 (Barmmy Boy is traveling and will join us next week). On Sunday, Alex Reiser from North American team arrived to assist with orientation training and to set up the sound room connected to the editing suite. With everyone milling around the Media Center there is lots of energy and everyone is looking forward to working on their projects in the new space.

Reunion and Day 1: After arrivals, Banker gathers everyone into the parlor at the front of the building to welcome them and to outline the schedule for the coming days. Arthur adds his comments and leads everyone in prayers and blessings for the orientation and our opening on Saturday. The majority of the day is spent screening work resulting from last year’s workshop and all the new videos recently published to the website. Seeing the result of all the hard work definitely gets the group fired up and there is much discussion about different projects that they can pursue going forward. This is a great segue way to introducing their homework for the following day. Each young filmmaker is to develop a three-minute pitch for a project they would like to complete within the next year. They are to be prepared to present their concept the following morning.

Day 2: Today, each person presents their idea to the group for consideration. When all presentations are complete, four groups are created for discussions regarding each of the ideas. Individual participants, with the help of Alex, Banker and Arthur, lead the group discussion about their idea to further refine their concepts and complete the task of developing a 3-sentence pitch to summarize their film or media project.

In parallel to the group discussion, the participants begin small breakout sessions to learn more about their email and website accounts. They review how to login; how to read messages and comments; and how to personally reply. For many, this is their first email account.

Abu Zed directs the camera as Kanku observes.

Abu Zed directs the camera as Kanku observes.

Day 3: Banker and Alex begin the morning by working with the group to set up a production studio for the shooting of everyone’s 3-sentence pitch. They review the importance of lighting, sound, staging and camera position. As each choice is made in developing a make-shift studio it’s explained and the young filmmakers are engaged in making the final choices with them.

Michaella pitching for the camera.

Michaella pitching for the camera.

Once the studio is set, each person is tapped while they give their pitch. In parallel, we continue with the Internet introductions and hit the town to distribute invitations to the following day’s festivities. The day concludes with everyone working together to get the Media Center ready for its official Opening.

Opening Day: The center looks great as we set it up to show off how each room will be purposed for the film and media work to be done by the team in Sierra Leone. We get creative with some of our “staging” because in fact the carpenter is still busy out back building our furniture and there are still a few remaining deliveries to receive. The place shines and it is soon filled with guests (even though they have to greet the rain to make their way to us).

As people make their way in and our seated, Banker introduces a music video to the crowd. As everyone is settled in, Arthur welcomes the men and woman in attendance—representing family, friends, local filmmaking groups, broadcast stations and other community leaders. He introduces Alex, Paula and then Banker who continues with the program describing the WeOwnTV history.

Arthur then introduces, Alluspa who shares the impact of the program on his life and the lives of his peers. Following Alluspa, Banker distributes to the mentors their certificates of completion for their specific training and then we invite two guests to assist in the presentation to all the young filmmakers of completion certificates for Media Center Orientation. Michaella, one of the female students, is invited up to relay the appreciation of WeOwnTV to our guests in attendance. Banker concludes the program by screening films for the audience. The films are greeted with great enthusiasm from the audience members. Finally guests are invited to tour the space.

Celebrate: Opening Day

WeOwnTV: Sierra Leone celebrates Opening Day of the Media Center in Freetown.

As the event concludes, the WeOwnTV crew is invited to the house for a celebration party—the highlight a special goat dinner. The gathering is full of smiles, laughter and great food (we will definitely miss the cook next week—smile).

Posted in From Sierra Leone, Fundraising, Updates |

Launch Day is Here – Five Ways to Celebrate

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Welcome to the new website: www.weowntv.org. Partnering with Zaudhaus, our fearless design team, we wanted to create a site that individually introduces the filmmakers in Sierra Leone while bringing forward the film and video work being done by each. In addition, the site highlights the collaborative work being done with the young filmmakers together with the staff of WeOwnTV.

In celebration of this day we propose five ways you can help us celebrate (try one – try them all):

  1. Watch & Comment: The young filmmakers in Sierra Leone want to hear what you think. Please register today, watch a couple of videos and comment—let them know you’ve virtually met them and our looking forward to their future works. Your voice matters too.
  2. Donate to Opening the Media Center in Freetown: To establish and operate the WeOwnTV: Sierra Leone Media Center for one-year, the budget is $40,000. Thanks to a generous individual donation of $15,000, we are more than half way to our goal. You can help get us there with a donation—no amount is too small, it all counts toward our goal. To join us in the launch of the Media Center in Freetown, make a tax-deductible donation TODAY (with support of our fiscal sponsor BAVC).
  3. Follow Us, Like Us, Share Us: Take a moment if you haven’t already and “Like” us on Facebook; “Follow” us on Twitter and share us with family, friends, colleagues, Digg – we love it all.
  4. Give Equipment: We are looking to setup the Media Center with Mac laptops; cameras; tripods; boom poles; mics and other filmmaking equipment. If you have leads on equipment, please contact Banker White: banker@weowntv.org to discuss.
  5. Sponsor a Young Filmmaker: Participation in this summer’s media center orientation cost approximately $500 per student. This includes transportation to and from Freetown, one week of food and lodging, an official WeOwnTV press pass photo ID and the further development of skills focusing on new website functionality, leveraging social media and script development.

Posted in Fundraising, News, Updates |

New look, new site, new Media Center in Freetown

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Notice anything different? Of course you do…WeOwnTV has a new look and that’s only the beginning. With the success of last fall’s workshop, the WeOwnTV team has been busy planning for the next phase of our work in Sierra Leone and we are excited to share this news with you.

New Website to Go with Our the New Logo
In July, we are re-launching www.weowntv.org (as of this “updated” post – we are launched). One of the main goals of WeOwnTV is to develop a digital platform to exhibit the work completed by the young filmmakers in Sierra Leone and the new site is built with this focus. Once launched fans of WeOwnTV will converse with the young filmmakers, view new work and learn more about how the project is growing thanks to your contributions and support.

Big News: WeOwnTV to Establish a Media Center in Freetown
In two weeks, the team is headed to Sierra Leone to open the doors of a Media Center for its faculty and young collaborators in Freetown.

The WeOwnTV Media Center will offer classes in film and television production, computer skills, social networking, journalism and scriptwriting. Once course work is completed, qualifying students and graduates gain access to production and post-production equipment and studio space. WeOwnTV graduates will have a place to continue producing their own documentaries, fiction films, music videos and public service announcements—having a positive impact on themselves, their community and the world audience.

We Need Your Help: The WeOwnTV Media Center will serve as an important educational and creative hub in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone. However, we need your help to make this a reality. To establish and operate the center for one-year, the budget is $40,000. We are thrilled to have recently been awarded the prestigious “Freedom to Create Grant” and $10,000 has been allocated towards our goal; which means WeOwnTV is now hard at work to raise the additional $30,000 this summer.

We have truly appreciated your continued support and encouragement to date and ask that if you are able, that you consider a donation to the establishment of the Media Center—every donation counts toward raising our goal of $30,000 this summer. To join us in the launch of the Media Center in Freetown,  make a tax-deductible donation TODAY (with support of our fiscal sponsor BAVC).

Got equipment? We are looking to setup the Media Center with Mac laptops; cameras; tripods; boom poles; mics and other filmmaking equipment. If you have leads on equipment, please contact Banker White: banker@weowntv.org to discuss.

The team looks forward to sharing with you news of the Media Center’s opening and the launch of the new website www.weowntv.org very soon.

Posted in Fundraising, News, Updates |