Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Despite the difficulties in finding financing for female filmmakers, CARRIE PILBY, an exciting new feature film spearheaded by three veteran storytellers and based on a best-selling novel, has navigated funding challenges by launching a successful campaign to bring the film to production.

Experienced filmmakers Suzanne Farwell, Susan Cartsonis and Susan Johnson have sought initial funding via Kickstarter, the most popular crowdfunding platform, in order to create their novel-to-film adaptation of Caren Lissner’s “Carrie Pilby.” By successfully achieving their goal, these women also hope to show other women filmmakers that they need not be constrained by traditional fundraising methods for independent films. They've proven that tapping into the existing artistic community on Kickstarter is a great way to connect with their audience and supporters, many of whom have created inspiring fan videos to spread the word about the film.

Susan Johnson of Braveart Films will make her feature directorial debut with the film, backed by veteran producers Suzanne Farwell and Susan Cartsonis. This crowdfunding campaign isn’t Johnson’s first; back in 2011, the Humanitas and Independent Spirit Award winning producer completed a successful Kickstarter campaign which partially funded the movie EYE OF THE HURRICANE, starring Melanie Lynskey, Campbell Scott and Nicola Peltz. Johnson has produced eight feature films, and produced and directed over 30 music videos for which she received nominations and/or awards from Billboard Magazine, VH-1, MTV, CMT, CMA and NARAS.

In 2003, Farwell co-produced Nancy Meyers’ critically acclaimed SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE, starring Oscar winners Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. Farwell then went on to Executive Produce THE HOLIDAY, starring Cameron Diaz, Oscar winner Kate Winslet, Oscar nominee Jude Law and Jack Black. Farwell most recently served as Executive Producer on IT’S COMPLICATED, which was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards.

The Hollywood Reporter named Susan Cartsonis one of the top five grossing producers of the year for WHAT WOMEN WANT — the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time at the time of its release, which is still in the number two slot to this day. Cartsonis also produced WHERE THE HEART IS, BEASTLY, AQUAMARINE and executive-produced NO RESERVATIONS.

One of the story’s biggest fans and campaign advocates has taken to Vimeo in order to rally supporters around the campaign. “There is an opportunity that Carrie Pilby can be on the big screen. Yes, Carrie Pilby on the big screen,” says the supporter. “Here’s some news that’s even better; it was written by a woman, it’s going to be directed by a woman and its’ going to be produced by women!”

To date, the team behind CARRIE PILBY has raised over $42,000 of its $51,650 goal, and has just five days remaining in the campaign. The team is on track to reach its fundraising goal with the help of its dedicated fans and supporters.

To learn more about CARRIE PILBY’s crowdfunding campaign, visit http://bit.ly/CarriePilbyKS, Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter @CarriePilby.

About Braveart Films

Launched in 2007 by Producer/Director Susan Johnson, Braveart Films is dedicated to helping emerging filmmakers find their voices, and established filmmakers complete their passion projects. Braveart Films’ catalogue includes independent and studio films, all of which have enjoyed significant distribution. Braveart Films is currently developing two additional book-to-film adaptations, A HALFWAY DECENT GIRL based on the novel by Rhonda Talbot, which Johnson will direct; and TETRASOMY TWO, based on the Oscar Rossiter novel to be directed by Guido Verweyen. To learn more about Braveart Films, visit http://www.braveartfilms.com, Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter @braveartfilms.

Resources:

www.braveartfilms.com