Surf Music. These two words transformed popular music in the United States during the early 1960s, acting as an cultural bridge between Elvis Presley and The Beatles. It was a time when Fender guitars, more powerful amplifiers and weekend teen dances flourished. The beach became the perfect stage for combining California lifestyle, surfing and Rock n Roll. Instrumental songs with titles such as “Wipe Out,” “Misirlou,” and “Pipeline” became hit recordings and today are recognized world-wide by all age groups.

Yet the genre remains largely misunderstood by the general public.

In the evolution of Rock n’ Roll, Surf Music was the missing link. Elvis was in the Army, Little Richard found religion, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis had their legal issues and the top up-and-comers were killed in a tragic plane crash.

“Surf music was the most vital stuff at that time, it was the era of Bobby Rydell, Pat Boone and Frankie Avalon. the ones who ‘tamed’ rock and roll to where it was ‘safe’. The dangerous stuff was over and it was still a few years before the Beatles showed up.” –

guitarist Paul Johnson, the Belairs

“Sound of the Surf” is the historic documentary that chronicles the true story of Surf Music as California’s indigenous movement, before it became a distorted Hollywood exploitation of teen culture. Through intimate interviews, media archives, scrapbook photos and home movies, it presents the stories of the musicians who lived the phenomenon, looking through their eyes.

For a partial list and short bio of the cast members, visit this link See Cast Members
**”I wanted to make a film where the musicians could tell their stories in their own words.”**
*
– director Thomas Duncan*
“Sound of The Surf” began a few years ago when I realized that there had never been a documentary to fully tell the real story of surf music. I teamed up with surf music historian, John Blair (author of “The Illustrated Discography of Surf Music”), also an accomplished surf guitarist in his own right, and we began work.

We were fortunate to have captured interviews early on with many of the seminal characters of surf music, preserving their oral histories for future generations to appreciate. Many of the cast have now passed on, making this an even more important effort for the sake of preserving their role in music history.

After over 13 years of research, conducting interviews, accumulating archival footage, photos and memorabilia and pursuing the required licensing clearances, we have arrived at the final stretch. I waited until I’d secured the most critical elements needed before I would to turn to the fans for help. It will now take a community effort to bring it to full completion.

At the time this campaign began we have a “polished rough cut”, have tested it on multiple audiences, have secured all of the archival materials and have completed a full legal review with top-shelf entertainment attorneys. Outstanding tasks are color correction, final art design and sound mastering before I can share the film with the world.

In order to bring this important piece of music history to your screen, it should combine these essential elements of a great film with minimal cutting any corners.

* compelling story structure/editing
* comprehensive cast
* broadcast production values (HD)
* legal permissions and clearances
* supportive community / social media

Here is the breakdown of where the money will go:

* $12,500 – recurring license fees
* $15,000 – outstanding licensing
* $10,000 – final editing / polish (4 weeks)
* $5,000 – art, poster, motion graphics, trailer
* $5,000 – final legal review/E&O insurance
.

# What has changed since the Kickstarter?

* Costs not included in this campaign are marketing and manufacturing. These will be coordinated with the help of our distributor.
* Release date is anticipated to be Spring 2021, shortly after Cannes film market.
* 500 Limited Edition Bonus Feature discs will be available.
* Poster is not being offered but at this time.
* A Special Thanks section has been added to the film credit roll.
* International shipping has increased.

And because Indiegogo is a ‘flexible funding’ platform, it allows me to take a phased approach vs. the previous “all or nothing” Kickstarter. The funds are deposited into the LLC’s bank account by Indiegogo.


From the beginning my objective has always been to present the story of surf music to the largest audience possible and a world that largely misunderstands the genre. I would prefer to have 1 Million people see the film for free than 1,000 people watching in a theater.

Initially the film will be seen in festivals and special screenings through Spring 2021. We plan to shop the film at Cannes in May 2021 with a home video release in June. Pre sales of the disc will continue using Indiegogo’s “In-Demand” program and eventually on our website, but sales will primarily be handled by the distributor.

We expect the final film to be seen by millions of people through worldwide distribution through retail home video (disc), sVOD, tVOD and finally aVOD.

# In addition…

Everybody who participates at the Associate, Co Producer or Producer levels will be invited to participate in an online screening while the film is still a work in progress. You’ll be given the chance to offer your input before the film goes to the editor for final changes. I plan to do the screening shortly after the campaign ends in January 2021.

# Shipping and Customs for International orders

Be aware that customs fees may apply and the buyer is responsible for any local fees. All items are shipped via USPS and a customs form provided.

# Risks & Challenges

We have overcome a lot of obstacles during the last 13 years. Attorneys have reviewed all documents and conducted a line by line legal analysis of the film to clear it for insurance. Additional funding is available for marketing and contingencies.

Covid-19 pandemic has changed the movie industry and new distribution opportunities are being invented every day. Let’s take advantage of these and get the story of surf music out there.

Please contact me with any questions.

Thank you for your interest and support. – Thomas Duncan