Director Seeks Funds for Johnny Barnes Film
American film director Matt Morris is operating an e-based campaign to raise funds to produce a documentary about Bermudian Johnny Barnes.
Mr. Barnes, well known as the morning greeter on Crow Lane, has spent over two decades waving to commuters in the morning.
Mr. Morris says the reason he wants to do the documentary is that “Johnny has a lot to share about what it takes to be optimistic and happy in life, and I believe everyone who can’t see him in person will benefit from a film about his life”
He is using Kickstarter.com, an online funding platform. Sponsors can receive items including as personalized video messages and notes from Johnny Barnes, as well as film credits.
As of this writing, Mr. Morris has raised over $4,000 from over forty sponsors, see the counter below which auto updates for the latest figures.
About the need for financing Mr. Morris says:
Normally, with this type of film, it is possible to call in favors and get it made relatively inexpensively. Unfortunately, the red tape involved with filming in Bermuda makes this impossible! Bermuda is beautiful, has no taxes, and the highest GDP per capita in the world.
This means a lot of people want to work there [and it is overpopulated as a result], but they want to make sure locals get the best of their economy. It also means that for any non-native, working there is a huge hassle. It will cost a thousand dollars just for me to get a work permit processed!
After that, as part of Bermuda law, I *have* to hire on-island crew to shoot the film with me, as well as pay rates that reflect the high cost of living in Bermuda. Fortunately, I’ve found a great production company with top notch equipment and experienced crew. My travel and stay in Bermuda has already been generously donated. The plan is to shoot for two days.
The North Carolina based director studied film at the Harvard University and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Mr. Morris’s previous documentary ‘Pickin and Trimmin’[watch preview], which won awards at the 2008 Woodstock Film Festival, 2009 Florida Film Festival, 2009 Marin County Short Film Festival and the 2009 Charlotte Film Festival.
His next documentary ‘Watermelon Man’ [watch preview] will premiere at the Florida Film Festival in April, 2010.
Click here to visit the fundraising page, or visit Mr. Morris’s website.
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