[FRC Blog] Slingshot Documentary: Start-of-School Discount

[Hallry]

Posted on the FRC Blog (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog), 5/27/15: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-Slingshot-Documentary-Start-of-School-Discount

Slingshot Documentary: Start-of-School Discount

Blog Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - 09:25

Today we have a guest blog from Paul Lazarus, FIRST Executive Advisory Board member and Director/Producer of the film SlingShot.

http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/slingshot.jpg
Image links to: http://www.slingshotdoc.com/

Congratulations to all FIRST teams for completing another successful competition season.

We are excited to announce a beginning of school year discounted fee to screen SlingShot as a fundraiser. This offer is available exclusively to all FIRST teams (FRC, FTC, FLL and Jr.FLL). Through October 31st, 2015 the license fee to show the movie will be reduced to $250. As of November 1st, the movie will be available on Netflix.

Our feature length documentary is about FIRST founder Dean Kamen and his work to solve the world’s water crisis. SlingShot not only spreads the word about FIRST but promotes STEAM/STEM education.

Watch the trailer here (https://vimeo.com/114286950).

Teams across the country have hosted successful SlingShot fundraisers. Here’s a quote from Dylan Gatlin, student and Denver FRC Team 1410’s General Manager:

"Overall, we made $2,100 in profit from the event. It was a lot more than we expected, and we all had a great time."

If you would like to have your own screening, please contact SlingShot’s impact producer, Chloe Simmons at (323)-227-9691 or by email (chloe@whitedwarfprods.com). You can also visit our website (http://www.slingshotdoc.com/) and click “Host a Screening.”

We look forward to helping you plan your event.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

We had our screening last night with more than 100 people in attendance. It is a great story caught right at the beginning of what I hope will prove to be a world changing series of events. Paul did a great job story telling and the film shows quite a bit of Dean, his family and the history leading to this invention. What was touching for me was seeing Dean's dad and brother Bart one more time. It was always great to meet and talk with Dean's parents. Bart and I somehow always managed to find each other and spend a few minutes at Champs just talking. Both were very special people.

[Libby K]

What was touching for me was seeing Dean's dad and brother Bart one more time. It was always great to meet and talk with Dean's parents. Bart and I somehow always managed to find each other and spend a few minutes at Champs just talking. Both were very special people.

That's my favorite part too :)

I've been to quite a few Slingshot screenings over the last year or so with Paul present, and one of the first Q&A questions (or comments) is almost always about FIRST. Paul and I spoke after his most recent NYC screening, and getting Slingshot connected with FIRST teams for the fundraiser, and to give the film some momentum in communities they wouldn't ordinarily reach, is a big goal of theirs. If you're thinking about doing a fundraiser with Slingshot, I'd say go for it. 1923 will be planning one for this fall.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Libby,
We did a Skype with Paul after the film. Kelli V was there and helped set up things. She also got to see some of her video in the final cut. That was also special for me.
We started the screening with our Chairman's video that Paul put together with us in 2006.

[KelliV]

Last night's turn out for Slingshot was simply AMAZING. I was so happy so many people in my hometown were able to see such a great film. Huge thanks to Paul for giving teams the opportunity to screen it for such a low rate locally.

Every time I see it (I think this is at least time 6) it gets better and better. I strongly encourage all teams to arrange for a viewing in their community.

My favorite part is always seeing Dean's brother and Libby's dad Bart. He really helped me a lot in college and (along with Ruth) gave me some really good advice I keep near and dear. Followed closely by the montage of kids in Ghana using potable running water for the first time.

For those who have seen the film how did it impact you and your team? Who else will be hosting a screening?