Hockey Movie Launches Innovative Crowdfunding Campaign on Indiegogo

MINNEAPOLIS - Oct. 2, 2018 - PRLog -- Today, WAY OF THE WARRIORS feature film launched on crowd-funding site Indiegogo. Starting with an initial goal to raise $700,000 to supplement other sources of funding and cover the balance of a $1.5 million production budget, the campaign also has a "stretch goal" of $3.0 million which will provide the finances necessary to hire a prominent actor that has expressed a passionate interest in the project. If the stretch goal is reached, then the production budget will be increased to approximately $8.2 million.

The team producing WAY OF THE WARRIORS is a talented group of filmmakers, musicians, marketers, hockey coaches and dads from 'The State of Hockey' that are passionately dedicated to make a film that tells the inspirational story of high school hockey in Minnesota just as HOOSIERS told the story of high school basketball in Indiana and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS chronicled high school football in Texas.

"There's a definite void in the marketplace for inspirational family-friendly hockey movies. Most hockey enthusiasts have watched MIRACLE dozens of times but that's where the list ends," said Screenwriter John Montague. "WAY OF THE WARRIORS will fill the void but it's going to be much more than just a great hockey movie. The story has universal themes including coming-of-age, teen romance, family drama, sports action and cultural elements that will entertain and inspire a wide audience."

After completing the screenplay about nine months ago, Montague collaborated with friend and fellow hockey dad, Todd Geisler, to write and record original music that was inspired by and tailored for specific scenes. Geisler enlisted the help of his brother, Graham Geisler, and after creating nearly a dozen songs for the film's soundtrack, the brothers expanded their roles to become producers of the film itself.

"When we started reading the screenplay, neither one of us could put it down," said Producer Todd Geisler. "We grew up on the Iron Range in Northern Minnesota and this is the story of our lives. It's the story of hockey families, everywhere. This movie needs to be made. It will mean so much to so many people, especially everyone here in the 'State of Hockey' and up north on the Iron Range."

With the 'Brothers Geisler' on-board and interest growing in Hollywood circles, Montague soon reached out to Director Tyler Eichorst and Producer Danny Kruger of Minneapolis-based Acowsay Cinema, who had recently won an Emmy for their television series about Minnesota high school hockey, DREAM STATE. Montague had been watching the series as a source of inspiration and he was impressed by Acowsay's ability to tell compelling visual stories with limited resources.

"I had the same reaction to this script as everyone else that reads it. I couldn't put it down," said Director Tyler Eichorst. "Upon reaching the end, I knew that we had to make this movie. It's one of those projects that everyone involved will be very proud of."

With an all-star team of filmmakers, musicians and creatives assembled, it was time to bring in the third Geisler brother, Jamison, who has worked closely with Montague on designing, developing and deploying an innovative marketing strategy. Montague is the President of ELEVATION, a Minneapolis-based sports, lifestyle and cause marketing agency. Geisler is the President of 90 Degree Media, a Minneapolis-based digital marketing agency. Together, they have built what they call a "marketing machine" that enables them to effectively target and connect with hockey enthusiasts to drive awareness and engagement for the project.

"Hockey is more than just a game. Many people still regard it as a small, niche sport but the local and national hockey communities are very passionate and closely-knit," said Jamison Geisler. "The crowdfunding campaign with its fun list of experiential perks will enable members of the hockey community to get involved. We can't wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Indiegogo to allow others to join us on our journey from script to screen."

Perks available to contributors on Indiegogo include:

·       Packages with advance movie tickets, digital downloads and gear

·       Credited speaking actor roles

·       Credited actor roles as hockey players and coaches

·       Exclusive passes to the film's premiere, reception and after-party

·       Autographed movie posters

·       Autographed hockey sticks and equipment used in filming

·       Credited actor roles as the team's "friends and family"

·       Credited actor roles as "hockey legends" in memorable scenes

The team was recently joined by Los Angeles-based (but Minnesota born and raised) Producer Alexander Randazzo after the script was forwarded to him by his father, Rick Randazzo, a well-known hockey coach that founded NorthStar Christian Academy in Alexandria.

Montague's previous screenplay, A GUY CALLED MICHAEL EGAN (http://www.originentertainment.com/projects/michaelegan/), was optioned by Sir Ben Kingsley and is currently in-development at Origin Entertainment.

You can back the WAY OF THE WARRIORS independent feature film on their Indiegogo page (https://igg.me/at/wayofthewarriors) now with contributions ranging from $10 to $20,000. The crowdfunding campaign ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

Editor's notes:

The film's conceptual trailer and other videos can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwya5urhVZg3VIDkby-9Zw

For more information, please visit the WAY OF THE WARRIORS Website: https://wayofthewarriorsfilm.com/

Indiegogo page: https://igg.me/at/wayofthewarriors

Music soundtrack demo songs: https://wayofthewarriorsfilm.com/music/


Contact:

John Montague

(612) 743-4760

John@WayoftheWarriorsFilm.com