Links to your Websites and Support Groups' Websites
http://www.indiegogo.com/lost-vegas
http://www.lostvegasfilm.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LOST-VEGAS-DOCUMENTARY/115577361796849?ref=ts
http://www.twitter.com/lostvegasdoc
Documentary Title and Basics:
LOST VEGAS
Our city. Your Vacation.
Lost Vegas will explore the restrictions placed upon the adolescents that reside in the city of Las Vegas and the dampening effects it has on their lives. The young people in this city struggle with positive entertainment outlets because of the lack of resources Vegas provides for them. The film's point of view will be seen through the children of Las Vegas, those who have resided here their entire lives or through grade school but have been deeply impacted by this ever growing problem.
More About the Documentary's Story And Issues:
Las Vegas is a city well known around the world as an “Adult’s Playground” for vacation getaway and fun. But yet, it is an interesting observation for what it’s like for those who live here and see it as anything but fun. They are enclosed in a beautiful place where its main focus is money, tourism and more money. Las Vegas resides in Clark County, which is the fifth largest and second worst school district in America with 309,051 students enrolled in K-12. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. In the 1980's there were 12 major high schools in Vegas but as of 2009, there are now 52. There are city municipal codes, which enforce a strict minor curfew of midnight for anyone under 18 years old. That includes movie theaters, bowling alleys and even arcades. 75% of the movie theaters in Vegas are built inside a casino and heavily upholds this law. Where are the entertainment outlets for teenagers? There are none.
With the grueling five-day week at school behind them, kids just want to have fun. As they are cut-off from any normal activities they instead find their own outlets. This is through drugs, liquor, parties and music. Teenagers gather at a park or house and plan the events for the night. They acquire where parties are through social networking sites or text messaging from friends and then they’re off. The most common form of escapism for Vegas teens is house parties. These are thrown at a teen’s house sometimes with no parental supervision, as a parent working a graveyard shift is common in this 24-hour city. Most often than not- the parties spin out of control. Violence occurs, gangs clash, gunshots go off and the party ends in an abrupt state of panic. Cops show up, sobriety tests are taken and $300 curfew fines are issued to anyone under 18. This sequence is just one of many that showcases what teenagers endure just to have fun because there isn’t much else.
Telling the story through their eyes will suggest a style that is most empathetic with viewers. Ultimately, I want the audience to feel and understand that this social problem may also exist elsewhere in the country. I want to focus on an issue of positive change in resources for ALL teenagers and explore different solutions to help better their lives overall.
This film would explore way beyond today’s cultural knowledge of this famous city and reveal the realism of what it’s like to grow up on a “playground” that isolates its children.
Lessons Learned
- I have garnered almost 500 supporters within one month's time span on the facebook fan page.
- Community support has been brewing from KNPR - Las Vegas, Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, Andre Agassi Foundation and many others
- I am steadily trying to fundraise to help support just enough funds for either a professional and legit 20 minute teaser and/or the entire film. The budget stands at $8,000 but is still possible for at least $5,000.
- I need YOUR support. Please visit the indiegogo page or the films website today to help donate and view an old 5 minute teaser!!
