FAQs

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about the Street Dreams project and film. We’ll add more here over time…

Question #1 – Where is Street Dreams going to play? Will it be on television?
Answer – The film went on an Australia-wide tour mid-August to mid-Sept 2012. During that time, we submitted the film to overseas film festivals and seeking out broadcasters in Australia and abroad who may be interested in televising the film. If we can get the film distributed on DVD/Blu-Ray, then that will also be a great option. We are currently trying to get the film some initial exposure and have people talking about the issue as our number one priority. We have begun some self-distribution as of Dec 2012.

Question #2 – Who are FOCUS and Destiny Rescue?
Answer – FOCUS is a small independent organisation based in Quezon City, Manila in the Philippines. Like many other social concern organisations, FOCUS is so small and busy with their work that they rarely have the time and resources to raise the important money they need to operate. Destiny Rescue is a larger, international group but whose work is still very intimate and ground-level and who also struggle to maintain a smooth flow of funds due to the overwhelming size of the industry and issue they are tackling. They are based in Australia, Thailand and the US.

Question #3 – What did the crowdfunded donations go towards?
Answer – Most of that money enabled Mike and Jason to shoot the film in SE Asia including a small living allowance. Some money will be set aside to assist FOCUS while the Pozible crowdfunding website requires a percentage for its use.

Question #4 – The issue of the sex trade is pretty ugly; how are you going to show it tastefully?
Answer – This is an issue that Mike and Jason discussed more than any other. We were determined that the story would explore issue of the flesh trade through the eyes of the girls without degrading them or depressing the audience. We wanted to focus on those who are helping the girls get out, (eg. FOCUS and Destiny Rescue) as well as bringing an Australian perspective to the film by exposing those who travel to the Philippines to exploit the girls there.

Question #5 – Does the funding money raised cover the making of the entire documentary?
Answer – Not by a long shot. The money raised only really covered shooting and pre-production. Post-production finance was very difficult to come by and we have largely relied on the trickle of money that rolled in and family to help pay the bills. While not asking for sympathy, we hope people will acknowledge how difficult and costly it is to spend collectively over a thousand hours of unpaid work to make this film. Our hope is that now that it is finished, we will be able to recoup some funds back through touring the film, distribution and broadcasting…or at least the credibility within the industry that our next film will be much easier to make! Thanks to everyone who has given us a hand to date though…without the generous friends and donators, this film wouldn’t exist.

Question #6 – Who is doing what on this film?
Answer – The film is a Red Earth film production whereby Jason Bray is the writer/ director and a producer on the film. Mike Crowhurst is the other producer as well as cinematographer and sound/techie on the shoot. As with most Red Earth Films, Jason and Mike will co-edit the film with Jason providing story direction and Mike giving the film its cinematic presentation.

Question #7 – What happened to the Tax-Deductability status?
Answer – Street Dreams is still Tax Deductable – go to documentaryaustralia.com.au (direct link). From the homepage, you can also click on “Approved List” on the left margin and search for our project on the linked page. Since Street Dreams is listed on this website, donors are able to deduct all that they donate from their tax.