We’re at the final stretch of our campaign to crowdfund Episodes 4 – 6 of “They Live Among Us.” We have 5 days to go, and a little over $8,000 to meet goal.

Several people have asked me about crowdfunding. They want to know “What’s in it for me?”

“Well,” I tell them, “a lot!”

By crowdfunding a project like “They Live Among Us,” you are providing employment for cast and crew – around 30 people. You’re also investing into the local economy, for we must rent locations and equipment, as well as purchase props and wardrobe.

But beyond that, what you are also investing in are the artists themselves. You are investing in their dreams.

Filmmaking is an art form; the ultimate expression of this art is the indie film, for it is created from the heart and the soul, as opposed to being driven by commerce and profit.

Can you imagine a world without art? I cannot. What if there were no music, no dance. What would our world be like without expression? Dismal does not begin to describe it…

Art is an integral part of society. Film brings us together; it connects us through the shared human experience. It teaches us empathy. It reminds us that we are not alone.

Herman Melville once said: “We cannot live for ourselves alone.  Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.”

This quote beautifully illustrates the nature – and the impact – of crowdfunding. Strangers, coming together, connected by a common goal – to support the vision of artists. Making the world a better place, one project at a time.

“They Live Among Us” is more than a gothic film noir, a tale of fallen angels and the mortals they love, for it addresses social issues. It speaks about addiction, poverty, isolation and corporate greed, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. The supernaturals who populate it struggle with very human issues.

Filmmaking is the most collaborative art form around. It takes a village to make a film – and members of the tribe to fund it. Our pledges start as low as $15. One  week’s worth of lattes.

So please, take a look at the episode on our IndieGoGo page, and consider making a donation to TLAU.