I don't want to come across like I'm hitting up people for money or anything (I have no involvement with this project), but I think it would be nice to see this documentary have some support from Aspies Central members (if you make a donation of $25 or more, you can get your name in the end credits of the movie):
Spectrum: A Documentary about Autism and Sensory Perception | Indiegogo
Spectrum: A Documentary about Autism and Sensory Perception | Indiegogo
Why I am making "Spectrum"
Thank you so much for visiting the "Spectrum" campaign page. My name is Jill Jones, and I grew up learning about autism from my cousin Grant. At Christmas time when everyone was opening presents, Grant would leave the house to ride in the truck with his Dad. As a kid, I couldn't understand why any child would turn down the chance to open presents. My Aunt explained that Grant could be overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of my entire extended family in one room. She said he finds the car rides soothing. It made sense to me, but it was hard to imagine what it felt like for Grant. Ever since, I have been working to understand the world of autism.
How I Met Dr. Temple Grandin
A couple of years ago, I was working for Villa Esperanza Services, a non-profit for people with disabilities. The company sent me to a conference where Dr. Temple Grandin was speaking. Temple Grandin can be considered the most famous autistic person in the world who has shared her experiences. The HBO film about her life, Temple Grandin, won seven Emmys. I was a little star struck and had no idea what her speech would be like. Her description of autistic sensory perception blew my mind. Autism is most commonly understood as a social disorder with repetitive behaviors. Most people don't think about how sensory issues (sensory oversensitivity, sensory undersensitivity, and sensory jumbling) can cause behavior that we call autism. Six months later, I got to film an interview with Dr. Temple Grandin and ask her all of the questions I'd had for so long. When I asked what we should be focusing on for autism research, she told me that sensory issues are on "the top of her research agenda."
More Interviews
My interview with Temple Grandin was amazing, and she peaked my interest to expand my effort and interview more people about their autistic sensory perception. Since then, I have traveled to Austin to film Tito Mukhopadhyay, an autistic author and poet who has been featured on the BBC and National Geographic. For my next interview, I plan to speak with Nick Walker, an instructor of aikido, a form of martial arts. Nick utilizes aikido to help regulate his autistic sensory perception. I still have much to learn about autism and sensory perception, and I hope you will join me for the ride!
Creating Visual Footage and Sound Design to Represent Autistic Sensory Perception
In addition to interviews, I will be working to create visual footage and sound design that represents altered sensory processing. We plan on using experimental visual techniques including the following: high speed photography, timelapse photography, and animation. Cinematographer and Visual Effects Supervisor Brent Yontz will be shooting all of the footage. Check out his website here: Brent Yontz Visuals.
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We owe a huge thank you to Abelcine, a camera company that has donated the use of a high speed camera, the Phantom Miro, for us to use for one week! High speed cameras are quite expensive to rent, and we would not be able to shoot high speed footage without Abelcine!
Goals
My goal is to create a 15-minute documentary. This length is ideal for viewing at film festivals, schools, non-profit organizations, and on the web. Ultimately, I aspire to extend the documentary to a half hour to air on PBS television. I will be looking to partner with educational institutions to create related curriciulum and an interactive website. The sky is the limit!
Why You Should Consider Donating
Autism is a hot topic. Just this past month, Congress held a major hearing about the status of autism in our country today. The hearing was tense. Everyone seemed alarmed and focused almost entirely on what causes autism. Most autism organizations are largely focused on researching autism causation. Research is important, but understanding and accomodating the autistic population is equally, if not more important. My goal is to spread the word about sensory issues so we can create sensory-friendly environments. If we can start to understand autistic perception, we will also begin to give value to this different perspective. I think people who see the world differently have a lot to offer! "Spectrum" comes from a pro-neurodiversity perspective.
Your donation will fund the following:
Camera and sound rentals, Equipment insurance, Music, and Sound Design.
How to Donate
Scroll to the bottom of this page and click the pink button that says "Contribute Now." This will lead you to a page where you can select an amount to donate along with some great perks! Contributions are made via credit card.
If you are more comfortable sending a check, you can mail your contribution to the non profit:
Los Angeles Filmforum
143 N. Commonwealth Ave. #3
Los Angeles CA 90004
Make all checks out to Los Angeles Filmforum. Make sure to indicate in the memo area that your donation is for "Spectrum."
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!
Our fiscal sponsor is Filmforum, and after donating you will receive a receipt that indicates the tax-deductible status of your donation.
Past Work
Prior to "Spectrum," I directed a live action and stop motion short film called "Nanuq." You can watch the complete film here: https://vimeo.com/35707446. "Nanuq" screened at 25 film festivals and won Best Family Film at the Big Bear International Film Festival.
Other Ways You Can Help
Share on Facebook, Twitter, email the share link, and tell your friends! This campaign is not just about raising money to finish the documentary; it is an effort towards spreading awareness about sensory issues and starting a discussion about the value of different perspectives.
Perks: Thank you, Etsy artists!
We have some awesome perks available for your donations. Check out the "perk" sidebar for more information. I would like to thank the following Etsy artists for donating work to this fundraising campaign. Check out their available perks for a donation of $125 on the "gallery" tab at the top of this page. Here are links to the artists' Etsy Shops:
Donated framed art prints and communication buttons and pins: Buttons for communication support humor and by unspokenVisuals
Donated art prints and magnets with autism-related quotes: Whimsical Art That Speaks to Your Heart by allisonstrine on Etsy
Donated autism advocacy magnets:Expressions Influenced by Asperger's Syndrome by insanitywithstyle
Donated "Different, Not Less" magnet: Unique Handmade Jewelry by BrightTigerDesigns on Etsy
Thank you so much!
-Jill Jones
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