Joe Frazier film on DVD
April 2011
'There is a lot that goes into making a Champion and over the last 2 years Riverhorse Productions has captured many of the influences that led to my success. It really lets people see a true picture of what I am about and where I am coming from. It is a film that not only will interest boxing and sports fans in general it will also appeal to families where their children might have a dream - as I did." – Smokin’ Joe Frazier
Smokin' Joe at his Philadelphia gym with Quenell Jones (DOP) on camera
‘Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears’ is the story of the REAL Joe Frazier. The film gives viewers unparalleled access to the boxing legend and contains extensive and unique observational footage. It tells the story of Joe's life and career and of the sad demise of his iconic Philadelphia gym. It is more than just a boxing film, it is the story of a son's love and admiration for his father, it's about community and the Black experience in 20th and 21st Century America.
Despite the fact that Joe's fights with Ali are among the most watched sporting events in history and a part of a shared cultural history, the cost of including this footage makes it prohibitive for us, as independent filmmakers, to tell Joe’s story in a way that conveys the complete scale of his epic life. Our limited production budget has allowed us to clear 'festival rights' to raise investment but without additional finance this unique project will not be released on DVD.
However, we believe Joe’s story matters. And we believe the film we’ve made, with unique and unparalleled access to Joe and his gym, is an important contribution to the story of one of the world’s few truly global icons. That is why we have undertaken this final push to raise the money we need to allow it to reach a wider audience.
An appeal
At least $25,000 is needed to clear the rights for DVD and online sales so that people everywhere can watch or own ‘Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears’.
To achieve this, we have launched a fund-raising campaign with indiegogo.com. Any donation is welcomed, no matter how small, but there are a few perks for certain donations: from a "Brought to you on DVD" credit on our website, to signed DVDs and even a boxing lesson with the champ himself! To find out more and make a donation, visit: indiegogo.com/JoeFrazierFilm
Other Ways You Can Help
Become a fan of www.facebook.com/JoeFrazierFilm and help spread the word. Please re-post, re-tweet news (#JoeFrazierFilm) on our campaign and help us get this film out to as wide an audience as possible.
What Happens If We Don't Reach Our Target
All money received will be put towards purchasing the license rights for as much of the archive material as possible. This film will be completed and released on DVD to the best standard that the funds raised will allow - campaign pledges WILL be honored.