Another Civil War Crowdfunding Debacle

Crowdfunding campaigns have not been kind to Civil War movie productions. The producers for the Civil War mini-series “To Appomattox” attempted a Kickstarter campaign, but was met with little interest and even Ron Maxwell failed in his attempt to fund a project that would bring famous works of historical fiction to life. Smaller productions have met with a similar fate.

The latest is an attempt to turn one of Lochlainn Seabrook’s books about Nathan Bedford Forrest into a feature film. Seabrook runs Sea Raven Press, which publishes Civil War books from a “Southern point of view.”

He is also an expert on UFOs and aliens. Here is a link to their crowdfunding site and a promotional video.

It’s just a bit disappointing. If you have any doubts just check out this example of the director’s work. I’ve heard plenty of people suggest that their Confederate heritage is under assault, but apparently it isn’t under enough of a threat to support this film. Now we are only a few days into a campaign that hopes to reach $48,300 so there is still plenty of time. Sea Raven Press gets a good deal of free publicity on various Confederate heritage websites so it should be interesting to see just how many people follow through and offer some level of support. With a $5,000 donation you get “a substantial supporting role with dialogue if you desire.” At the rate they are going you can probably donate $500 and play the starring role.

I don’t mind admitting that part of me really wants to see this film made. It looks that bad.

If it doesn’t work out they can always check out “The Free State of Jones” which is slated for a 2016 release. Heads will explode.

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6 comments… add one
  • David Oct 1, 2015 @ 9:42

    UPDATE……UPDATE……UPDATE!

    I just Had to go to the site……with 23 days left, they have $270 USD’s raised from 6 donations. Thanks for the laugh Kevin.
    I wonder if they’ll take Pesos? .

  • Eric A. Jacobson Sep 28, 2015 @ 18:28

    Let’s just say that Mr. Seabrook is quite a respected author right here in Middle Tennessee. Ok, not so much. 🙂

    I might note that his books ARE NOT sold at the Carter House or Carnton so I suspect I won’t be receiving any requests to be part of what looks to be a theatrical adventure. 🙂

    • Kevin Levin Sep 29, 2015 @ 1:34

      You would be perfect as one of Forrest’s riders. Please reconsider, Eric. 🙂

  • christinemsmith67 Sep 27, 2015 @ 13:21

    I’m laughing. Why am I laughing? I don’t know, but I am. Perhaps it’s the “from a Southern perspective” which seems to be important. How about an historical perspective. I’d settle for that. It is probably better that it will not be made.

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