Kickstarter Launch for John Muir Trail Project

A Los Angeles-based collective of multimedia artists and outdoor enthusiasts have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to complete "Mile . . . Mile & A Half," a feature-length documentary about their creative journey on the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. 

  

The Muir Project was born when an eclectic group of five artists stepped into the California wilderness to capture the images, sounds, and experiences along the trail. Not knowing what to expect, they departed from Yosemite Valley on July 10, 2011. 211 miles and 25 days later, the crew, joined by musicians, painters, teachers and other adventure-seekers they met along the way, stood upon the summit of Mount Whitney with the memory of a lifetime. Upon returning to civilization, they reflected on the alpine beauty, nature's endless obstacles, new friendships and all the creative discoveries made along the way. But there was one last discovery: enough footage to produce an 87-minute feature-length documentary. 

 

Over the past 12 months since coming home, The Muir Project has been earnestly working to cinematically craft a story that honours the sheer beauty of the JMT, and inspire adventure-seekers to tap the wild outdoors for creativity and camaraderie. 

 

"We've financed and done everything on our own, to date, from getting the film to a nearly finished cut, to producing promo pieces to build awareness," states Ric Serena, Co-Director/Director of Photography. "But major expenses are looming to complete the film professionally and get it ready for festivals and distribution in theatres, as well as in the homes of people who love art and outdoor adventures." 

 

Kickstarter funds will go towards generously discounted post-production services (editing, sound design, original music composition & licensing, motion graphics, and color correction) provided by the LA film community, as well as other bottom-line expenses, such as layback to tape, duplication costs, DVD & Blu-Ray publishing, print design expenses, festival entry fees, mailings, publicity and legal fees.  

 

"We're excited to launch this Kickstarter campaign because it will ultimately generate some buzz about the John Muir Trail itself; Americans don't have to travel far to experience one of the world's great natural treasures," concludes Jason Fitzpatrick, Co-Director/Director of Photography. "Not only will it help us realize our goal to share our amazing story, but we also hope it will kick-start others to live life to its fullest." 

 

To find out more go to http://themuirproject.com/