About me

My name is Alex Hall, I'm a neurodivergent independent filmmaker who's currently developing a science fiction web series called Raptordogs. Set in The 2080s, it's about a team of 8 rescue dogs who fly around the world using jet packs to rescue anyone in immediate danger. Primarily inspired by Paw Patrol, Thunderbirds and 1980s retro-futuristic science fiction films. The series will make extensive use of puppetry, miniatures and a wide variety of practical effects, very akin to Gerry Anderson and other Science Fiction Films and TV Shows of The Mid to Late 20th Century. It's aimed at a very broad audience; Children, adults, puppetry and practical effects fans, science fiction fans and anyone keen to support neurodivergent creatives.

About this project

In the thick of the nuclear destruction of World War 3, The United States Military initiated a top secret genetic engineering program; To grant dogs human speech, human-level intellect and proficiency, enabling them to fight on the front lines in place of humans. When the war finally ended, these genetically enhanced dogs were allowed to go off and live normal lives, and over the following decades, mated with each other and spawned an entire race of their kind living and working seamlessly alongside humans. It’s now The Mid-2080s, and a team of these genetically enhanced dogs have set up a rescue organisation. Using their jet packs and arsenal of highly advanced rescue equipment, they dedicate their lives to flying to the rescue of anyone in danger anywhere on Earth or in The Solar System. They call themselves Canine International Rescue and Protection, AKA; The Raptordogs!

In the pilot episode, hundreds of vehicles are trapped on the bridge in extremely high winds violently swinging it back and forth, The Raptordogs must save the lives of everyone on the bridge before it gives way and collapses.

We are in need of £25,000 to enable the pilot to enter production. Supporting this project here and now means you'll be supporting neurodivergent creatives, who frequently find it extra challenging to land jobs in the entertainment industry through traditional means. You'll also be contributing to the arts of puppetry and miniature effects, both of which deserve a place to flourish more than ever in today's world of CGI and AI. If you can't contribute financially, you can still help by telling your friends, family and social media followers about Raptordogs. Share this campaign with them and get as many of them to contribute as possible. This I feel is our best chance of making Raptordogs reality. Monthly donations would also be heavily appreciated.

Budget breakdown

£1400- Paying the storyboard artists.

£1200- Paying the Voice Actors.

£2700- Studio hire for 5 days' shooting.

£1000- Covering production insurance.

£8200- Paying the Puppet Builders/Puppeteers for 40 working days' worth of pre-production work and the materials they'll need to build the puppets.

£5500- Paying the model builder I'll need and for the materials needed.

£600- Paying for the puppet and model transport to and from the studio.

£1600- Paying the Puppeteers for the 5 days of on-set shooting.

£1300- Paying the Pyrotechnician and for their Pyrotechnics.

£1500- Paying the Composer for 10 minutes' worth of original music.

If and when the target is reached, upon completion of the pilot, this will form a strong foundation to pitch to film producers and financers to raise funds for further episodes.

The team

I will be doing most of the work myself, but other cast and crew members will be involved where necessary. A team of 5 voice actors (myself included) will be involved in the project. (Cast to be confirmed.) 2 storyboard artists will also be required. 3 puppeteers and 1 additional model maker will also be required. (Again, I too will also be involved with the puppetry and miniature set and model building.) A pyrotechnician will also be required for the pilot's special effects, as well as a composer, to give the pilot a 1980s synthpop/synthwave soundtrack. All cinematography and editing will be done by myself.

Risks and challenges

Accidents could happen on set, but to mitigate this possibility, risk assessments will be carried out for both the studio itself and the pyrotechnics shots, with fire extinguishers on set which will be used immediately after said pyrotechnics shots are filmed. At least 1 first aider and a fully stocked first aid kit will also be on set at all times.

Other sources of funding besides this campaign will be required to enable the project to happen, if this can't be obtained, your money will be refunded (if you request it). If the project goes over budget, my YouTube ad revenue, channel membership, live stream, and Patreon and KoFi donations will help cover the extra costs.

Rewards on offer

There are 9 reward tiers available: 

Donate £10- Get your name in the end credits.

Donate £20- Get your name in the end credits plus access to the exclusive Raptordogs Production Discord Server.

Donate £30- Get your name in the end credits, access to the Discord Server and a free Raptordogs T-Shirt.

Donate £40- All of the above plus a free Raptordogs fridge magnet.

Donate £60- All of the above plus a free copy of the pilot on DVD with exclusive bonus features.

Donate £80- All of the above plus free plushies of Freddie and Xavier, the twin co-founders and leaders of The Raptordogs.

Donate £85- All of the above plus all physical items on offer personally signed by me.

Donate £100- All of the above plus a personal 30 minute video call with me via any video call service that works best for you. (Discord, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.) (Email address required for me to set up and invite you to call.)

Donate £200- All of the above plus an all-day invite to the studio on one of the shooting days of the pilot.

Please donate, or if you can't, share this project with someone who can now. The more backers we get, the more money we raise and the sooner we raise it, the sooner production can start. Thank you for considering supporting Raptordogs, let's get this series airborne, and soon!