Hi All,
Well, after months and months of trying to figure out how to fund this project we have found a great resource in //www.Kickstarter.com and everyone can be involved. We plan on raising $275,000 from small pledges on the site from $1.00 to $10,000 with some great benefits and goodies.
We have discussed this with both Paul D. and Jack P. and feel this might get the ball moved down the field. In 29 days we'll know so here is the link for the project on Kickstarted.com:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett
If this happens in less than a month we will begin production immediately to have the film ready to premiere in 2013.
Spread the word to everyone who loves JP and the Penton story or just a darn good American family success story. THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN THIS LINK GOES VIRAL TO THE MOTORCYCLE WORLD!
Also, go to the newly created Facebook page and spread that around too!
http://www.facebook.com/JohnPentonMovie
Thanks and lets make it happen!
Best,
Todd
congrats todd! i hope that it goes well.
good luck chi jer
i'm in! got my pledge taken care of. pretty easy..[8D]
Thanks Jerry!
Remember everyone, pledging now is sort of like pre-paying for a DVD that you'll all want to get anyway...plus more bennies!
We're on the scoreboard with a few pledges already but we really need to "Kickstart" this thing (how appropriate huh?).
I see 98 or so have viewed this link so please do what you and and sooner is better to show momentum...We only have 29 days...
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett
Thanks!
Todd
How ironic that I was listening to NPR on my way home yesterday and an interview with another artist speaking about the use of Kickstarter for funding her project. The first I'd heard of it. My pledge is in, very easy to do. Tom
I'm in [8D]
I'm in. Hope it all comes together. Looking forward to my DVD.
I'll assume it's ok to post the kickstarter site on my local Vintage forum.
Thanks guys!
Yeah, I wish we would've known about Kickstarter a while back...We wouldn't have wasted time chasing other avenues...oh well. We're rolling now!
Pushing the $1000 mark!
Have a good weekend all!
Todd
Quotequote:Originally posted by Gordon Brennan
I'm in. Hope it all comes together. Looking forward to my DVD.
I'll assume it's ok to post the kickstarter site on my local Vintage forum.
Yes Don Please! That's the whole idea on how Kickstarter and this project works. It needs EVERYONE to re-post and their people to re-post and so on and so on.
We're hoping to get a European/Austrian effort going real soon on this!
Thx for asking!
Todd
Just heard from Mike Rosso at KTM in Amherst (Thank you for reaching out Mike!). He's forwarding the project link to KTM Austria for their potential support! Yay!
I suggested if there was a way to get the project in front of KTM folks in Amherst and CA as well as the community of Amherst too.
This really will be Amherst's story somewhat.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thx,
Todd
Can I make a pledge using PayPal?
Mick
Quotequote:Originally posted by Mick Milakovic
Can I make a pledge using PayPal?
Mick
Hi Mick!
Since we're new to this too, I checked on the Kickstarter.com site and this is what it says:
Why can't I use Paypal? Why can't Kickstarter just take my credit card info?
Kickstarter uses Amazon's Flexible Payments Service, which enables our all-or-nothing funding method. No other credit card processor currently supports our requirements. We're always talking with other companies and exploring other services, so expect more options in the future.
So that's actually a good thing for everyone. Either we reach the goal or no one has to pay.
Thank you for considering!
Best,
Todd
Todd,
Thanks for all the work you have put into this, hopefully you will have a lot more work to do shortly...:)
I'm in, the process is very simple, and the entire concept is awesome.
Thanks again,
Paul
Todd,I pledged last night,hope it makes the dead line,you make some great movies. Bob
Thanks Paul and Bob!
And thanks to the POG members! Over half of the pledges so far have come from this forum! You guys' (and gals') passion will really help make this happen for the rest of the world to see and enjoy! Remember, small amounts from friends of friends go a long way in this social media world.
Looks like Motocross Action Magazine got wind of this and wants to do a piece for their web site! Wahoo! And, Ed Youngblood is doing a piece for his site as well!
We'll need to average about $10,000 a day toward the finishline but it wll gain momentum towards the end. (We hope...:)
Thank you all!
To Todd and all, I have been busy with getting the message out via various methods. The latest being a post on Mark's VMX site. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the rewind this weekend. If there is going to be representation has anyone thought about putting up/out some information and asking for donations? Ride a Penton(s) for $$? [:p]
I may try to dream something up for Road America although the attendance will be nothing compared to Unadilla [?]
Dale Fisher
POG Memberships
74 Berkshire 100
70 Six-Days 125
73 Jackpiner 175
I'm in.
After reading about what further filming is going to be done that includes going to Europe with Jack and John I knew that I had to help out. The POG has filmed interviews with John at the Penton homestead, The 40th anniversary event, Kalman Cseh presentation at our Penton Day at the AMA, and many others. This was done by volunteer POG members (mainly Ted Guthrie and his wife Reb). They have done an outstanding job of capturing the stories in detail that only us Penton enthusiasts can appreciate without getting bored. Most of this is "raw" footage that is a vital part of our documented archives.
The John Penton story is a wonderful success story that needs to be put together in video format in a way that will catch the attention of average person. This is a story that everyone needs to see. This can only be done by someone who has film making experience who has contacts with people in the industry to do it right. A piece of the story is Kalman Cseh with KTM in Austria, filming where and how John made his deals in Europe and Todd is providing the opportunity to accomplish all of this.
The recent passing of Al Born and Dane Leimbach (last year) is a warning message that time is growing short in putting something like this together. This is the time to "get 'er done".
Alan Buehner
Quotequote:Originally posted by Dale Fisher
To Todd and all, I have been busy with getting the message out via various methods. The latest being a post on Mark's VMX site. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the rewind this weekend. If there is going to be representation has anyone thought about putting up/out some information and asking for donations? Ride a Penton(s) for $$? [:p]
I may try to dream something up for Road America although the attendance will be nothing compared to Unadilla [?]
Dale Fisher
POG Memberships
74 Berkshire 100
70 Six-Days 125
73 Jackpiner 175
Dale,
I was suppose to go to Unadilla but had to back out at the last minute. Alex Moroz of the Legends and Heroes tour will be passing out flyers for movie project.
We have also reached out to KTM Austria, Alpinestars, Acerbis and the Trail Blazers... Need to keep pressure on.
Thanks!
Todd
Guys we need to all get on the phone or the internet and contact every KTM dealer and tell them about the movie and to get info on their intranet news websites. I am contacting Dirt Rider, Cycleworld, Motorcyclest, and Motorcycle consumer news today and encouraging them to place as a news flash on their web sites. I called the AMA and waiting for a call back from the web news department. If you are on any motorcycle web sites get the word out! If you belong to any off road groups, get the word out. We need to get a lot more folks involved.
I will also call KTM in Amherst and talk with Mike and encourage him to help.
Good News!
I have gotten Cycleworld and the AMA to agree to put a stroy on thier website about the movie fund drive. They said it will be on no later than Monday.
In addition I have calls into DirtRider, Motorcyclist, and Malcom Smith. I was trying to get a message to Billy Joel because he is a big bike fan and hope he could help spread the word.
Ken,
Great work...
Ed Youngblood did a piece about the movie fund raiser in his latest MotoHistory update.
If any of you feel that you would buy a copy of the video please consider making a pledge that includes a copy of the video and help to make this happen. Every pledge helps and please help to spread the word.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett
Thanks,
Paul
Did mine!
In case any of you haven't noticed, every time the number of backers increases by 10 they are added to the list.
7 more Randy and you will be listed ... :)
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett/backers
Thanks,
Paul
Count me in! Bill
Good morning all! well we passed the $10,000 mark on this in about 12 days. We have a long way to go. I do believe people are inherently lazy and busy so we're hoping we see a BIIGGG spike in this in another week or so. People will say "Oh s--t, I've got to do this".
Please get the word out if you can and have faith!
Best,
Todd
P.S And Dale, we did have some flyers that were passed out in Unadilla last week I am told-Thx!
I'm in. Hoping some large corporate sponsors follow all the rest of us!
KD
Kevin J. Donovan
Foster, Rhode Island
72 Jack Piner (My Ride)
72 Six Day (Wifes Ride)
71 Suzuki TS125 (Project)
The fund drive made some real progress today! We need each and every member of POG to make their pledges ASAP. If the corporate sponsors start to see good progress we all have a much greater opportunity to help this story be told. Get your riding buddies, your family, and your local dealer involved! Every pledge is so important to help the goal being achieved.
Has POG made a donation?
The board of directors voted last night to make a $1000 pledge, so we still need all of the members to make their own pledges soon!
Hi All!
Some good news! Looks like Lyle Lovett will be on Speed with Dave Despain Sunday on "Wind Tunnel". He will be talking about the movie project, his love of motorcycles and the Penton brand!
I will keep you posted with details!
Looks like we have 23 backers of 110 so far from this POG site. Total is 11.62% of total with POG site total of $4300.
Are there more of you out there that still need to pledge? Please do so sooner than later to keep momentum building...we have 10 days. PUSH others too! Send emails, make calls, facebook posts, etc.
Let's get there!
I'm in.A little procrastination on my part but it's done (it was super easy-took less than 5 minutes!).Let's make this happen guys and gals!
Ric
Look for Lyle Lovett to be on Wind Tunnel on Speed with Dave Despain Sunday night 9pm ET talking about the movie and his growing up around and racing Pentons!
Speed!
Let's get those pledges in I think there are more than (25) POG members (400+?).
If people are procrastinating on something they are going to do anyway, please do it now. We don't want to discourage would-be pledgers because of a low number currently.
We can't have "Oh, I was going to pledge but it doesn't look like they'll make it so why bother".
You guys lead the way!
Thanks!
Todd
The Penton Owners Group pledge has been made.....
There are still Six-Days left to reach the needed funding goal.
This Group surely needs no reminder as to what can be accomplished in Six-Days. The ISDT was run a mile at a time, this project can reach it's goal at a dollar at a time.....what is needed is for all who want to see this story told to get behind it with as much or little as they wish....every dollar moves this project closer to becoming a reality.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett
Thanks,
Paul
Quotequote:Originally posted by Paul Danik
The Penton Owners Group pledge has been made.....
There are still Six-Days left to reach the needed funding goal.
This Group surely needs no reminder as to what can be accomplished in Six-Days. The ISDT was run a mile at a time, this project can reach it's goal at a dollar at a time.....what is needed is for all who want to see this story told to get behind it with as much or little as they wish....every dollar moves this project closer to becoming a reality.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toddhuffman/the-john-penton-story-narrated-by-lyle-lovett
Thanks,
Paul
Thanks so much Paul!
I'm really surprised we are not further along at this point. Only 130+ total pledges so far.
Yeah, at this point even the masses pledging small amounts $5, $10, $25, $50 could get it done.
Facebook postings, emails, even phone calls to everyone's circles of influence will help.
Don't forget to watch Lyle Lovett on Speed tonight on 9:00pm EST!
Best,
Todd
Dave Despain's interview with Lyle Lovett on Wind Tunnel went really well and we sure owe all involved a dept of gratitude....
If you missed tonight's show it re-airs on Monday morning at 7am EST and also Monday night at 7pm EST on the Speed Channel. If someone could tape it possibly we could get permission to link the interview to this website.
Thanks,
Paul
Contribution made today - c'mon Poggers - you know you are going to buy the DVD eventually - let's all make a contribution of whatever we can afford!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, that we are now qualified to do almost anything, with nothing."
1972 Penton Berkshire 100
1983 Husqvarna 250 XC
2011 Jayco 31.5 RLDS
2009 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax
http://www.speedtv.com/video/wind-tunnel/interviews/wind-tunnel-lyle-lovett-1695522744001/1#_vtop
$66,000 and growing! Wahoo! KTM North America stepped up for $10,000!
C'mon poggers! Get the word out!
We can make it!
Thanks for everyone's support!
i am in.greg
Made our pledge tonight!
Toni[:X]
lets make it happen !!!
i'm in :-)))
Mike Gallagher, NJ.
[email protected]
Sad...Sad...Sad
i am very surprised at the lack of support for the movie. Word just did not get out to the off road bike community and most did not respond. KTM waited so late in the pledge drive to step up and so did many others I think a lot just felt it would fail so they did not help.
So what is the next step for Todd?
POG Members,
Good morning. I think what is easiest is to post our "Update" on the Kickstarter.com project site as well as my email back to some key supporters and "evangelists" to explain what I am thinking next and soon.
(Kickstarter.com Update #7)
To all the John Penton Story Backers,
Good morning. As you all know we didn't reach our goal financially but we exceeded it in awareness for the project to allow the project to regroup and come at it from several different angles which may include another campaign with Kickstarter.com. We believe KS is still a great way to get a lot of passionate people involved in producing the project for generations to come.
We had Lyle Lovett on with Dave Despain on Speed, we had myself, John and Jack Penton, Malcolm Smith and Danny LaPorte on DMXS radio (//www.DMXSradio.com for archive podcast), and myself on the Bike Week Radio Show out of San Diego with Broc Glover (//www.BikeWeekRadioShow.com for podcast). Plus, articles in Cycle News, Motocross Action, Dirt Rider, Cycle World and more. We also got the attention of companies inside and outside the motorcycle industry which we hope will be involved in getting the project to the finishline on schedule.
Thank you all for the support and passion of this project no matter how big or small you pledged and for spreading the word to others. This is not the end of the John Penton Story being completed...only one step after the beginning.
Please keep an eye or ear out for future information about the project here at Kickstarter and on our Facebook Page, The John Penton Story-Narrated by Lyle Lovett. Also keep a date open in 2013 for the premiere of this film about a real American and motorcycle pioneer. We will get it done.
Kindest regards,
Todd Huffman, Producer
(Email to key Evangelists and Supporters)
Good morning. I will herald what Jack Martin has said here. We unfortunately under-estimated the apathy of the motorcycle industry and people in general as well as people's busy lives mixed with a challenging economy. I appreciate everyone's passion and help pledging and "evangelizing" the project to their circles to get us to the $75K number.
I think we were well-represented with coverage of the project through traditional and new medias doing what we can with who we know and can connect with. I was just surprised a bit by who didn't pledge or the amounts of some pledges.
We will quickly regroup and to put the project back out there as a mix of Kickstarter and traditional sponsorship outreach now that awareness for the project is high.
To get the project "in the can so to speak (pre-produced and shot) is about $100K not counting fees for Kickstarter and fulfillment costs (another $20K-$40K). The rest is post-production, editing, music, effects, archival material processing, supervision, etc. It usually is a 50/50 ratio of production and post-production.
Please consider sources who may want to "sponsor" the project to get the funding complete. Benefits will include, branding in the film and marketing for the film as well as rights for screening to dealers, etc.
I'm sure I will be talking to each of you individually soon to discuss ideas.
Thanks again and have a great day and week.
Best,
Todd
Stay tuned POG members on next Phase.
Best,
Todd