Controversial "Pro-Fracking" Documentary Reaches Primary Fundraising Goal in Record Time on Crowdfunding Website

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In less than 30 days, controversial filmmakers Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer have raised $150,000 from more than 2,000 backers for their documentary, FrackNation.  Since the launch of the crowdfunding campaign on February 6, the outpouring of support for the film has earned it a top spot on Kickstarter's "most popular" list and helped FrackNation reach its $150,000 fundraising goal in half the estimated time.

"People have really put their money where their mouth is," McAleer said referencing the broad-based support for the film.  "The majority of backers have been from the U.S. and pledged between $20 and $35.  Instead of going to the movies, they're paying for one.  We are so grateful for their contributions, especially when budgets are tight for everyone."  

The feature-length film looks at the process of fracking for natural gas, demolishing much of the scaremongering surrounding the process and featuring the millions whose lives have been positively transformed by this emerging industry. The first clip from FrackNation, released last week, highlights the misinformation and biased opinions about fracking that are being represented in the media.

But the filmmakers emphasize that the campaign is not over.

"$150,000 is the absolute minimum we need to complete the film," said McAleer. "The more support we get for FrackNation, the better the film will be, allowing the film to combat the one-sided media coverage about fracking by reaching the broadest audience possible with this story of the truth."

See the progress McAleer and McElhinney are making toward funding FrackNation on Kickstarter.com. 

In a unique fundraising move, McAleer and McElhinney, a husband and wife filmmaking team, have announced that everyone who donates, even a dollar, to FrackNation will become an executive producer on the film. "This will be a documentary funded by the people for the people," said McAleer.

In order to maintain full transparency and keep the film free from special interests, McAleer and McElhinney have returned all donations from companies or senior executives in the gas industry.

FrackNation comes on the heels of a new anti-fracking film due to be released by activist filmmaker Josh Fox.  Fox made Gasland, an Oscar-nominated film, which propelled fears about fracking into the public arena.   Fox is now planning a HBO-funded Gasland sequel. Fox has received $750,000 to make the new documentary.

"The Hollywood/environmental establishment has wheeled out big bucks to tell its story," said McElhinney.  "We're just asking for small individual donations from people who are ready to see the truth represented.  Ours will be a grassroots film telling real stories about real people across America and the world. The new Gasland will be funded and speak to the environmental elite – the 1 percent.  FrackNation will be a film by the people for the people – it will give a voice to the 99 percent."

SOURCE Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer