UPDATES
UPDATES
PRODUCTION UPDATES
Update 10 - The film is completed!
June 17, 2023
Aloha!
In the last Keeper of the Bay update, we mentioned that there were still several layers remaining in the post-production phase, including audio mixing, color correcting, graphics, music, and a standards & legal review. We are thrilled that the film is now completed and ready to distribute!
Stay tuned as our team continues to work diligently seeking distribution outlets including film festivals and other avenues designed to bring awareness to Aunty Cindi, her work, the bay, and the one ocean we all share!
Mahalo for everything you’ve done to help make this film a reality,
The Keeper of the Bay production team
Update 9 - We have a film!
December 7, 2022
Aloha!
The holiday season is upon us and we hope it finds you well! This is a time of year often filled with reflection and gratitude and we could not be more grateful for the support you have lent the Keeper of the Bay production. It has been one of the most humbling opportunities of our lives -- to share a story that will undoubtedly impact and inspire audiences worldwide.
Where does the production currently stand? Our editor, Glenn, worked tirelessly over the summer and into the fall on the film diligently responding to constructive criticism and thoughtful feedback. With input from a small group of trusted industry professionals, Glenn has crafted together a 55-minute documentary that's both informative and heartfelt. It's been a truly wonderful process to watch it all unfold!
While it sounds like it's done and ready, the truth is that there are still several layers remaining of the post-production phase including audio mixing, color correcting, graphics, music and a standards & legal review. Our last update found us hoping for a 2022 year-end release date, but we are just not there yet. We can see the finish line, though, and we are getting creative with how we get to our goal. While we do continue to apply for grants for post-production funding, we have also had the opportunity to pitch this story to television networks who have expressed interest in partnering with us to bring this story to life. It is too early to confirm whether or not we have reached a deal, but our fingers are crossed for the opportunity, which would not only help us finish the project, but lend us a platform to debut the film.
As always, we promise to keep you posted and hope to bring you a big update really soon!
Mahalo,
The Keeper of the Bay production team
Update 8 - Summer update: Editing underway!
August 9, 2022
Aloha!
What a busy few months it has been for our production team! After completing the script, we jumped right into editing with the very talented Glenn Garthwaite who has made significant progress in bringing the film to life! We can not wait to share with you all!
Earlier this summer, Kahalu'u Bay was recognized as an official Hope Spot by Mission Blue, an ocean conservation group championed by the legendary Dr. Sylvia Earle. The team worked with our production to create a video announcing the Hope Spot designation using the footage we filmed for our documentary. See the video here.
As you know, we had an initial goal to release the film this summer. While we continue to make huge strides in the post-production phase, we want to give this film the care it needs to correctly and creatively tell the story. With that being said, we'd like to extend our deadline to later this year (and promise to update when a specific date is locked in!).
In the meantime, we are still raising funds (est: $39K) for this post-production process, which will cover the costs for final edits, audio mixing, music, graphics, color grading, additional filming, legal fees and distribution. Now that we have a rough edit, we can shop the film around to potential partners who may want to sponsor us and apply to more grants. We also encourage those who wish to make private donations to do so through this link.
Lastly, if you'd like to be a part of this project in a more creative role, we are currently seeking to hire the roles of: post-production audio/foley, graphic artist, and color grading specialist. Send us a message, if interested!
We look forward to sharing more with you over the coming months!
Mahalo,
The Keeper of the Bay production team
Emmy award winning film editor Glenn Garthwaite working on video production.
Update 7 - Spring update: Script is ready!
April 19, 2022
Aloha!
We are pleased to announce that we have completed our script for the Keeper of the Bay film thanks to our very talented screenwriter, Seán Arena, and our assistant writer / transcriber, AJ Harrison. These two gentlemen sifted through hours of captivating interviews to string together a storyline we are SO proud of! If you haven't seen the trailer yet, please check it out below!
Opposite of a fictional film, the narrative of a documentary movie is really put together after the film has been shot. Now that we have a script, we can properly organize what remains of the post-production process. Fortunately, we are still on target with the initial goals we set out with! Our post-production budget is $59K ($8K of which has been raised so far). This budget covers film editing, audio mixing, music, graphics, color grading, additional filming, social media, legal fees and distribution.
We plan to continue raising these funds through grants, sponsorships and private donations, but also encourage unique and creative contributions, such as donating points/miles to be used for the additional travel needed, or volunteering services related to any of the post-production tasks listed above. We also welcome those who have photographed Kahalu'u Bay, Aunty Cindi or the Kona coast to share any photos or videos you may have (past or present). Please visit this link to learn more about making a monetary donation to the film and visit this link if you'd like to work with us toward an alternative contribution! All the support is greatly appreciated!
Through our Keeper of the Bay documentary, we aim to illustrate the importance of “taking care of place” as borders and travel open back up. This is a real-time, urgent story to tell that is backed by your unbelievable support. We look forward to shedding light on Aunty Cindi and her efforts to blend Hawaiian cultural practices with scientific data to foster the healthiest possible environment for her beloved bay. If we can succeed here, there is hope for bays all around the world.
We look forward to updating you with our progress again really soon! Mahalo!
- The Keeper of the Bay production team
Screenwriter Seán Arena hard at work on the script!
Update 6 - Winter update: On our way!
February 13, 2022
Aloha everyone!
We wanted to send along a winter update as production is well underway. First, we have launched an official website for the film, which can be found here. On the website, you will find general information about the movie, our trailer, crew bios and a new donation link.
Second, we are pleased to announce that we have already raised $8,000 of the $59,000 we are seeking for post-production and are currently finalists for a potential grant award. The money we have raised so far has enabled us to hire an assistant writer and a screenwriter for the film! Their work has already begun. If you wish to make another donation to support our post-production efforts, please find the link here.
Lastly, we are currently hiring for the roles of film editor, post-production audio, composer, graphic artist, color grading specialist and a social media manager. If you are (or you know someone who might be) interested in any of these positions, please reach out to us!
Mahalo,
- The Keeper of the Bay production team
Update 5 - Keeper of the Bay | Official Trailer
December 13, 2021
Aloha! Our team could not be more excited to share the premiere of our Keeper of the Bay trailer! Thanks to generous donations through this Kickstarter campaign, our production crew was able to complete 90% of filming and has moved into the post-production phase of moviemaking.
We are hoping this trailer will bring in additional funds needed to complete the film through private donations, grant awards, sponsorships and more. The post-production budget of $59K aims to cover the cost for: the remaining 10% of filming, a screenwriter, an editor, an audio mixer, original music composer, color correction artist, graphic artist, legal fees and marketing/distribution costs.
It is often said that post-production is where the movies are really made. We are seeking your continued support to carry us through this and look forward to one day sharing a screening with you. As mentioned in our original Kickstarter campaign, 80% of the profits made from the film's distribution will be donated to organizations on the ground committed to making a difference in our ocean environments.
Should you wish to make another donation or know someone who would like to contribute, please message us here on Kickstarter or reach out to the team on Instagram @keeperofthebay. Mahalo!
If you would like to share the trailer with friends and family, feel free to share this link: Keeper of the Bay | Official Trailer
-The Keeper of the Bay production team
Film Crew in Kona
Update 4
Aloha from Hawaii Island!
September 4, 2021
The whole crew has arrived on the Big Island and we are gearing up for an exciting 10 days of filming! This entire project could not have been possible without your support. Mahalo! Please follow us over on Instagram (@keeperofthebay) to see daily updates throughout the production and beyond. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Waves breaking along the Kona Coast.
Update 3
Funded and ready to begin filming!
June 17, 2021
Aloha! On behalf of the team creating Keeper of the Bay, we want to sincerely thank each and every person who contributed to this Kickstarter campaign! Because of your overwhelming generosity, we reached our goal (and then some)! We can officially say that production is underway!
Looking forward, our team will keep you posted on various project milestones from filming to post-production and distribution. We can't wait for you to see what we've created and look forward to sharing Aunti Cindi's message with the world!
Should you wish to make a donation to this project outside of Kickstarter (now that the campaign has ended), we would certainly welcome it, as those contributions would go toward the post-production and distribution process. Please contact Ashley LoFaso to learn how to donate -- we would still honor the pledge rewards featured on Kickstarter!
Again, a sincere "mahalo" to every person who helped bring this project to life. It is inspiring and we are ready to tell this story!
- Keeper of the Bay documentary team
Aerial photo of the bay.
Update 2
Mahalo! We’ve reached Level 1!
May 30, 2021
Hello! Thank you all for your contributions to the Keeper of the Bay Kickstarter campaign. As of this weekend, we have officially reached our initial funding goal! What does this mean? Well, thanks to your support, this film is really happening! We are excited to begin booking the September shoot with Cindi in Hawaii.
Furthermore, we have 17 days remaining of the campaign! This time will allow us to continue spreading the word and raising funds for additional local crew hires, including a drone photographer and underwater photographer. It will also provide us with a bit more flexibility regarding equipment rentals, lending itself to a more visually engaging and cinematic documentary.
Words cannot express our gratitude for your support. We are excited to keep you all posted throughout the production process over the next year and look forward to sharing the final film with you and the world!
Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo! - Keeper of the Bay production team
Palm trees on the beach at Makalawena.
Update 1
What an incredible start!
May 21, 2021
On behalf of everyone involved in the making of this documentary, we want to sincerely thank you all for your contributions thus far! There are truly no words to express our gratitude, but we are super excited to be inching closer and closer to telling this impactful and important story. Please share this Kickstarter page with those passionate about marine conservation and taking better care of our planet. Mahalo!
Sun rising at Makalawena.