Dear Friends,

What do gospel legend Mavis Staples, the L-5 Gibson guitar and the US Postal Service stamp approval process have to do with the Original Carter Family?  Check our new posts at www.thewindingstream.com and find out!

That’s right. We’re back with new posts and some exciting news about our film-in-progress The Winding Stream.

We’ve cleared yet another hurdle and are in the running again for some public television funding. From hundreds of applicants our film is now one of 30 projects being considered for one of 12 contracts.  We’ll know more in early 2011.  This is the third time we’ve made it to this point in the process.  It’s a real nailbiter.

They say third times the charm, no?

But if you’re inclined to be more pro-active (and we hope you are) we’ve just launched an exciting new initiative to raise some of the money on our own (because even with this contract it’s not the whole enchilada, as they say).

Our new effort is through Kickstarter, the online “crowdfunding” mechanism.  The goal is to raise $10,000 by December 30, 2010.  Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing proposition.  You make a pledge (it can be as small as $1 or as large as you’d like after that!) and no money is collected unless ALL of the money is raised.  And if our goal is met, besides the satisfaction of helping us, you’re eligible for great rewards. 

There’s also a great new clip you haven’t seen yet on the Kickstarter site – the opening to the film with soundbites from Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Hanna, Grey DeLisle and Murry Hammond.  We’d love to know what you think of it.

Check it out. 

http://kck.st/avZzBH

Thanks very much for your ongoing interest in the film.  Hope you’ll write us on the Winding Stream website and also friend us on Facebook!

And at the risk of sounding corny, at this time of year, I have to say quite plainly that I am thankful for your interest and support.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Beth Harrington