Ex-JW filmmakers and musicians have come together to capture the unique exit experiences of former members from around the world. Their stories focus on present life philosophies, personal growth and strength on the outside as they reflect on their past.
Ex-JW filmmakers and musicians have come together to capture the unique exit experiences of former members from around the world. Their stories focus on present life philosophies, personal growth and strength on the outside as they reflect on their past.
Participating In
100 Days of Optimism
-
Story
Mission Statement
Our production team and music composers are all ex-Jehovah's Witness creatives who've come together to tell the stories of people from around the world who share an unlikely connection. Culturally, sexually, and racially diverse, they reveal their experiences leaving the religion and moving forward.About The Project
Our stretch goal: For every $1000 beyond our original goal of $9,000 we will add another national or cultural perspective to our project. Thank you so much for the support!
Click MEDIA to watch our latest short introductions of some of our interviewees to get an idea of what we are creating. There are now three new short videos!
The Jehovah’s Witness (JW) religion prints in 800 languages. Members exist in every country on Earth and number over 8 million. Over 100,000 men and women are forced out or choose to leave the religion every year. There are millions of ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses (exJW's) globally today; theirs are the stories of loss and redemption.
We are traveling around the world to capture the stories of a representative cross-section of this diverse group. The documentary series will delve into themes such as: why people leave the religion, how their lives have changed, their new personal philosophies and what now inspires them. We follow their transformations as they grow and find new, deeper meaning in their lives.
For some context here, the Jehovah’s Witness religion teaches that Armageddon is “Imminent,” that it could happen tomorrow and that if you’re not a member of the, “only true religion,” you will be destroyed forever, murdered by Jesus. Here's some iconic Jehovah's Witness imagery with their captions:
"Jesus Christ, God's chosen King,will destroy this world at Armageddon"
"Jehovah will destroy the bad ones
who do not change"
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that if they interact with non-believers, especially ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, they risk being expelled from the church and denied entrance into paradise after they die. JW's isolate themselves from the rest of the world for this very reason, only interacting with non-believers with the agenda of making new converts.
Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses are completely isolated from communication with those they love. Jehovah’s Witness culture functions as a high-control group that requires absolute submission. Any person who disagrees with what is taught, or fails to follow the rules, is seen as dangerous and is immediately cut off by friends and family.
So, why should you support us in covering this topic? We have the dedication and the connections to capture and share these stories in a powerful and accessible way. Because of our personal backgrounds as former Jehovah's Witnesses, we also share a unique bond with our interviewees which helps them feel safe and understood. We know what questions to ask to get straight to the heart of the stories and explore the deeper themes of their experiences.
The creators:
Our storytellers are excited to finally be given a voice. We continue to be inspired by the strength of character and lifestyles of the exJW’s we meet along the way. Their stories need to be told.
We need your support to create this documentary series.
Some of our participants:
2,509 exJW’s (out of millions) have self-reported their locations on this map on Reddit:
We are dedicated to transcending sexual, racial, national and cultural boundaries in order to tell these stories in a dynamic and inclusive way. This involves networking abroad and going out into the world to do so.Let’s make this together!
What you can do:Follow | Share | Contribute
Free and easy things you can do
that will unlock amazing perks for us.
Follow us here on this page on Seed & Spark. 250 followers unlocks incredible perks, 500 followers unlocks even more perks and 1000 followers gets over $1000 of quality equipment. See details here:
seedandspark.com/rewards (valued at $9k)
Share this campaign page on social media and in your groups everywhere.
All of that costs you $0!
As part of the 100 Days of Optimism campaign we become eligible for $50,000 in grants and hundreds of thousands worth of marketing support from WeTransfer and $25,000 in investment from Bow and Arrow Entertainment for up to 3 winning documentary projects.
This requires GreenLight (80% funded) and at least 1000 followers.
Follow | Share | Contribute
Contribute in exchange for some creative incentives. We created a hilarious card game, a kick-ass soundtrack, a fun project credit page and more! Get in on the action with a small contribution starting at $10.
We want to get to know you.Join us online for updates about this project and more at www.xjwdoc.com, on www.facebook.com/groups/xjwdoc, www.instagram.com/xjwdoc and www.twitter.com/xjwdoc.
Follow
Share
Contribute to create the first episode of this documentary series!
STRETCH GOALS
For every $1000 beyond our goal we get we will add another nation to this documentary project to capture even more global diversity told through more human lenses.
_______________________________END_______________________________Incentives
$5
THANK YOU!
For the cost of a fancy coffee you can be a part of the creation of XJW | Coming Out
$10
Entrance into "The Book of Life," a digital credit blog.
We'll credit you in the film but we'll also do it now! Your name, an image and a bit of writing entered into the online credit blog called: "The Book of Life," an XJWdoc.com blog page. We want you to express yourself and be credited in our exclusive blog.Email your image/logo/URL and written message you want there to [email protected]
http://www.xjwdoc.com/blog/the-book-of-life
$15
The complete “Blasphemy for Beginners” card game
“Blasphemy for Beginners” is 140 play cards plus 50 situation cards.Get a downloadable, printable version of “Blasphemy for Beginners,” the card game we’ve created in the style of Cards Against Humanity (these are compatible games!).
We'll send the download within 24 hours after your contribution.
Printing at home and cutting with scissors will be just as funny to play, however, we recommend printing and cutting them at a professional print shop on heavy cardstock in gloss.
$20
XJW 6 song Soundtrack Digital
/\ LISTEN HERE /\
This is a digital download of our XJW sountrack. We will send you a download code for this BandCamp Soundtrack (many high quality formats available) within 24 hours.
The ex-Jehovah's Witness artists, HighTV, who composed all of the songs own all of the rights and have generously offered their tracks to this project for free. All of your contribution will go directly to the filming of this documentary. Please check out all of their work. HighTV are amazing musicians!
The XJW soundtrack includes 6 tracks:
Rick Brown
Time is Telling
Retribution
Traveler's Song
Wave (previously un-released track)
A Prayer To No One
$25
High quality download of XJW | COMING OUT
If we hit the Green Light (80% funded) for this project we will set out to create the first episode. Once it's finished we will make an exclusive high quality digital download link available to you. $40
Invitation to documentary release party in Denver!
Meet the team, discuss future endeavors and most importantly, have a fantastic time indulging! Exact location and date(s) to be declared. We will keep you all updated on progress as our feature and series are edited.
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 26 of 30
$150
Subliminal message - image or text
Subliminal messaging is a quick image cut into a film. It has a negative connotation, however, we can use it for something positive. This is simply a fun way to be a part of our creative team.
You must provide either written text or an image you create.
Be creative! Think of something funny, impactful and on topic. We will brainstorm with you to hone your idea into something great. We will edit your idea into the documentary.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$300
Sponsor this documentary series
We'll include your logo in the documentary to help spread the word about your organization.
$1,500
1 day, 1 camera person, full film/audio kit - no editing
Watch our short glimpse of a local ex-JW ballet dancer.
For 1 day one of our team members (the makers of this documentary series) will come with professional gear (1 filmmaker) to film and/or record audio for a reasonable day of shooting (8-10 hours). They will deliver the raw video and audio to you at the end of the day. We are Denver based so any transport, room and board required will need to be covered by you.
We have experience in documentary, interviews, capturing actual real events, corporate promo videos with a story-board/plan, music videos with a clear story-board/plan.
Message us with your idea if it doesn't fit those specifically. Weddings are best covered by a dedicated wedding videographer (that's not us).
We will transfer all files to your hard drive in an organized file structure for your editor at the end of the day.
Technical: 1080p (4K possible at no extra charge) footage recorded using quality Rokinon cine-lenses or Canon L lenses on a Sony A7s2 camera (2nd camera body possible for small fee) using a gimbal, tripod, slider or smooth motion hand-held techinques. The audio will be recorded using a Sennheiser lapel and/or Rode shotgun quality wireless micorophones on a Zoom H5N recorder.
Travel expenses NOT included.
$3,000
1 day - 2 filmmakers - Video and Audio capture - No Editing
Watch our music video shot in Vietnam. This is an example of our work.
For one day we will come with all of our professional gear (2 person team) and film and record audio for a reasonable day of shooting. We will deliver the raw video and audio to you at the end of the day. We are Denver based so any transport, room and board required will need to be covered by you.
We have experience in documentary, interviews, capturing actual real events, corporate promo videos with story-board/plan, music videos with a clear story-board/plan. Message us with your idea if it doesn't fit those specifically.
We will transfer all files to your hard drive in an organized file structure for your editor, end of day.
Technical: 1080p (4K possible at no extra charge) footage recorded using quality Rokinon cine-lenses or Canon L lenses on a Sony A7s2 camera (2nd camera body possible for small fee) using a gimbal, tripod, slider or smooth motion hand-held techinques. The audio will be recorded using a Sennheiser lapel and/or Rode shotgun quality wireless micorophones on a Zoom H5N recorder. (boom pole also available)
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
For helping us create this episode at a high level financially we'll give you the important prominent credit of Executive Producer.Claimed: 0 of 1
$9,500
Our production team works for you. Video - Audio - Editing
Watch our short promo about the lastest small satellite launch vehicles. We created this for Virgin Orbit and Barber Nichols a few months ago.
Hire our full creative production team including pre-production, shooting and a complete edited deliverable.
We will plan this out with you in extreme detail and provide a tight edit (1-5 minutes). We can arrange a time in 2018 to work for you or your company.
Marketing ideas, Promo video, Commercial, We can cover an event for you in the coming year. We could be your living, breathing, selfie stick for your first family trip to Disneyland!
What do you need? Write us with any questions.
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
THANK YOU!
For the cost of a fancy coffee you can be a part of the creation of XJW | Coming Out
$10
Entrance into "The Book of Life," a digital credit blog.
We'll credit you in the film but we'll also do it now! Your name, an image and a bit of writing entered into the online credit blog called: "The Book of Life," an XJWdoc.com blog page. We want you to express yourself and be credited in our exclusive blog.Email your image/logo/URL and written message you want there to [email protected]
http://www.xjwdoc.com/blog/the-book-of-life
$15
The complete “Blasphemy for Beginners” card game
“Blasphemy for Beginners” is 140 play cards plus 50 situation cards.Get a downloadable, printable version of “Blasphemy for Beginners,” the card game we’ve created in the style of Cards Against Humanity (these are compatible games!).
We'll send the download within 24 hours after your contribution.
Printing at home and cutting with scissors will be just as funny to play, however, we recommend printing and cutting them at a professional print shop on heavy cardstock in gloss.
$20
XJW 6 song Soundtrack Digital
/\ LISTEN HERE /\
This is a digital download of our XJW sountrack. We will send you a download code for this BandCamp Soundtrack (many high quality formats available) within 24 hours.
The ex-Jehovah's Witness artists, HighTV, who composed all of the songs own all of the rights and have generously offered their tracks to this project for free. All of your contribution will go directly to the filming of this documentary. Please check out all of their work. HighTV are amazing musicians!
The XJW soundtrack includes 6 tracks:
Rick Brown
Time is Telling
Retribution
Traveler's Song
Wave (previously un-released track)
A Prayer To No One
$25
High quality download of XJW | COMING OUT
If we hit the Green Light (80% funded) for this project we will set out to create the first episode. Once it's finished we will make an exclusive high quality digital download link available to you. $40
Invitation to documentary release party in Denver!
Meet the team, discuss future endeavors and most importantly, have a fantastic time indulging! Exact location and date(s) to be declared. We will keep you all updated on progress as our feature and series are edited.
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 26 of 30
$150
Subliminal message - image or text
Subliminal messaging is a quick image cut into a film. It has a negative connotation, however, we can use it for something positive. This is simply a fun way to be a part of our creative team.
You must provide either written text or an image you create.
Be creative! Think of something funny, impactful and on topic. We will brainstorm with you to hone your idea into something great. We will edit your idea into the documentary.
Claimed: 1 of 5
$300
Sponsor this documentary series
We'll include your logo in the documentary to help spread the word about your organization.
$1,500
1 day, 1 camera person, full film/audio kit - no editing
Watch our short glimpse of a local ex-JW ballet dancer.
For 1 day one of our team members (the makers of this documentary series) will come with professional gear (1 filmmaker) to film and/or record audio for a reasonable day of shooting (8-10 hours). They will deliver the raw video and audio to you at the end of the day. We are Denver based so any transport, room and board required will need to be covered by you.
We have experience in documentary, interviews, capturing actual real events, corporate promo videos with a story-board/plan, music videos with a clear story-board/plan.
Message us with your idea if it doesn't fit those specifically. Weddings are best covered by a dedicated wedding videographer (that's not us).
We will transfer all files to your hard drive in an organized file structure for your editor at the end of the day.
Technical: 1080p (4K possible at no extra charge) footage recorded using quality Rokinon cine-lenses or Canon L lenses on a Sony A7s2 camera (2nd camera body possible for small fee) using a gimbal, tripod, slider or smooth motion hand-held techinques. The audio will be recorded using a Sennheiser lapel and/or Rode shotgun quality wireless micorophones on a Zoom H5N recorder.
Travel expenses NOT included.
$3,000
1 day - 2 filmmakers - Video and Audio capture - No Editing
Watch our music video shot in Vietnam. This is an example of our work.
For one day we will come with all of our professional gear (2 person team) and film and record audio for a reasonable day of shooting. We will deliver the raw video and audio to you at the end of the day. We are Denver based so any transport, room and board required will need to be covered by you.
We have experience in documentary, interviews, capturing actual real events, corporate promo videos with story-board/plan, music videos with a clear story-board/plan. Message us with your idea if it doesn't fit those specifically.
We will transfer all files to your hard drive in an organized file structure for your editor, end of day.
Technical: 1080p (4K possible at no extra charge) footage recorded using quality Rokinon cine-lenses or Canon L lenses on a Sony A7s2 camera (2nd camera body possible for small fee) using a gimbal, tripod, slider or smooth motion hand-held techinques. The audio will be recorded using a Sennheiser lapel and/or Rode shotgun quality wireless micorophones on a Zoom H5N recorder. (boom pole also available)
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
For helping us create this episode at a high level financially we'll give you the important prominent credit of Executive Producer.Claimed: 0 of 1
$9,500
Our production team works for you. Video - Audio - Editing
Watch our short promo about the lastest small satellite launch vehicles. We created this for Virgin Orbit and Barber Nichols a few months ago.
Hire our full creative production team including pre-production, shooting and a complete edited deliverable.
We will plan this out with you in extreme detail and provide a tight edit (1-5 minutes). We can arrange a time in 2018 to work for you or your company.
Marketing ideas, Promo video, Commercial, We can cover an event for you in the coming year. We could be your living, breathing, selfie stick for your first family trip to Disneyland!
What do you need? Write us with any questions.
Travel expenses NOT included.
Claimed: 0 of 5
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Team XJW
Cassie:
Dialog Editor
I was born into the religion and baptized young. An abusive marriage and near death experience precipitated my exit from the organization. In the decade since, I’ve traveled extensively, learned eagerly and forged new relationships. When Scott reached out to me last year I was inspired by the concept of the project and am excited to be part of the team!
Scott:
Director
Concept - Cameras - CutI've spent the last 5 years in Vietnam with a focus on creating short films, music videos and documentaries.
I was raised on the fringes of "Witness Land" and was coerced into baptism as a teenager like so many. My parents were not very good at the religion so I had it pretty easy compared to most ex-Jehovah's Witnesses who I meet. I gave the religion a proper try for a couple years of my early 20's, auxiliary pioneering, and in general doing all the, "right things," before and during university and then went off to Ecuador to see first hand how they operated internationally as a, "Need Greater." I wish I had a camera then because that's a whole other story! It was in Ecuador as a Witness that I really started to question the intentions of this religion. They really don't hide their cultural imperialist approach to generating converts and controlling their lives and relationships.After Ecuador I permanently left the religion. I had made some close friends in it that culture, many of whom have since come out as well. For the past two years a number of us ex-Jehovah's Witnesses have been working together to capture our own stories and those of other ex-JW's who we've sought and found. This project is personal, engaging and pushes me creatively. I can't get enough!
Eric & Cindy:
Music Composers - Post-Production
Band: HighTV
Cindy and I both come from Jehovah's Witness families. We served as full time ministers for the religion. I was a ministerial servant in my congregation. About ten years ago, when we were in our mid twenties, we both decided to leave the religion. We have both experienced the good and the bad that is the Jehovah's Witness life.
When Scott asked if we wanted to help with this film, we were very happy to do so. We have lent our music. It is necessarily the product of the story of our lives and the Jehovah's Witness religion is a major character in that play. Though it is not always a happy story, in our view it is an incredibly important one that demands attention. This religion has left us with echoes of experiences with depression, suicide, shame, and many lives left unlived. We are proud to have our music attached to the telling of this incredible story.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers
