MANTIMACY

Hello!

Fresh off a year-long film festival tour followed by an epic 2 year long cancer journey, we are back with all new projects!

Our first short film, "Welcome to Where You've Always Been" toured 21 festivals, won 5 awards, and received distribution on the international cable network Shorts TV. (airdates/channel listing: www.shorts.tv) It is also now live on Amazon Prime! Direct link: www.amazon.com/Welcome-Where-Youve-Always-Been/dp/B07C29BYGT

"MANtimacy" is very much inspired by our journey. We have partnered with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor called From the Heart Productions and together we are seeking grants, corporate sponsorships, and donations of any size from companies or individuals. This is a slightly different type of fundraiser than you may be used to as it is not for "perks." ALL donations are 100% tax deductible.

We are grateful for a contribution of any size.

We are also seeking Executive and Associate Producers as follows:

• $10,000 donor = Executive Producer with solo screen credit and IMDB credit

• $5,000 donor = Co-Executive Producer with shared screen credit and IMDB credit

• $1,000 donor = Associate Producer with shared screen credit and IMDB credit

Our proposal is below. Please check out our vision for bringing this film to life.

If you are a potential investor/sponsor and would like to view the full pitch deck pdf, please send a request here and we will gladly email it to you.

All donors will be thanked in as many ways and places as we can. If you are able to share this campaign with potential sponsors or donors, we would be greatly appreciative. Even a simple share on social media is worth so much. We are so very passionate about making this film in hopes of helping and supporting people all over the world. Thank you in advance for any and all support of this mission.

With love,

Justin and Mary Lou Sandler

 

 

LOG LINE

A new documentary film studying masculinity, intimacy, and male emotional expression in order to redefine what it means to be a "Real Man."

 

SYNOPSIS

Several generations of men with completely different upbringings coexist today. Many men share one common thread -- difficulty experiencing and sharing their emotions. They often repress emotions and reject vulnerability. Some close their hearts altogether.

"MANtimacy" will dive deep in order to uncover what it truly means to be "Real Man." It will explore the male emotional experience to see why some men are unable to show their emotions or even cry. It will seek to define what masculinity is and discover how different men relate to it.

 

 

The film takes a deeper look at 

what happens when a man's repressed emotions reaches a combustible point and sometimes causes him to harm others -- or harm himself -- manifesting in the form of illness. We will take a look back at what kind of programming and traumas have led men to this absence of feeling and redefine what it means to be a man. The goal is to cause a shift in consciousness from repression into love and compassion.

 

 

STORY SUMMARY

My name is Justin Sandler. I was diagnosed with cancer on May 4th, 2017. 

I attribute my cancer, in part, to the blocked emotions in my heart, which remained closed until I found a tumor literally growing into it.

Rather than treat the disease as the enemy, I made the decision early on that my cancer was my gift, my teacher, and my mentor. I embraced it with love and went on my journey knowing that this would be the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. I have since gone through intense chemotherapy treatments, a major open chest surgery and two additional heart surgeries. As of January 2018, I am cancer free.

I am now using my own life experiences to seek answers that will benefit all men. My journey is far from over. I plan to open myself up to learn and grow, embarking on a fact-finding mission to discover how to be truly free. I have already done pre-interviews with top neuropsychiatrist Dr. David Durham, celebrity actor Johnathon Schaech, national bodybuilding champion Donnie Whetstone, Qi Gong practitioner Edward Sullivan, and celebrity author and attorney Lisa Bloom.

I have compiled and listed below several confirmed and potential interviewees I believe will make powerful contributions to the narrative of this film. In addition, I will be interviewing a random sampling of men from different generations and backgrounds to see how their lives and perspectives compare.

 

CONFIRMED 

INTERVIEW LIST

JOHNATHON SCHAECH

Celebrity Actor, Writer, Producer, and Director

Among his 89 IMDB acting credits are a lead role in the film "That Thing You Do" and a 5 episode guest star on "Ray Donovan". He has starred opposite of Tom Hanks, Ed Harris, Jessica Lange, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Sean Penn. Schaech has been featured in major media outlets including People, Forbes, The Talk, Huff Post, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Andy Cohen show, Home and Family, The Talk, E!, Access Hollywood, Muscle and Fitness, Washington Post, Billboard, FOX, US Weekly, Variety, Deadline, The Advocate, Entertainment Weekly, Elle, TV Guide, LA Times.

 

DR. DAVID DURHAM

Neuropsychiatrist

Specializes in neuropsychiatric disorders including traumatic brain injury, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, as well as mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. His education includes: Ross Medical College (Doctor of Medicine), The University of Kansas Medical Center (Master of Science), The University of Virginia (Internship in Internal Medicine), The University of Virginia (Residency in Psychiatric Medicine), and Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship in Cognitive Neurophysiology).

 

DONNIE WHETSTONE

National Bodybuilding Champion, Author, Gym Owner, and Personal Trainer

Donnie has been a competitive bodybuilder since the mid 70s. For the last 25 years, he has been his own proven method as a professional trainer. Donnie is also a published author, releasing the book "Fit to Kill" in 2012 and is currently working on his newest novel. He has 13 years of military service in both the US Marines and US Army, serving as a platoon sergeant and acting first sergeant.

 

WOLFGANG BODISON 

Actor, Writer, and Director

Wolfgang is best known for playing Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson in the film "A Few Good Men." In addition to his many acting roles since, he is also a screenwriter and director and won the Storytelling Achievement Award at the 2014 Laughlin International Film Festival, won the Best Director Award at the Playhouse West Film Festival, and won two additional awards for Best Actor and Best Short Film at the 2014 Beaufort International Film Festival Bodison is currently the artistic director at the Los Angeles branch of the Playhouse West School and Repertory Theatre.

 

RON KOCHEVAR

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner, Former Professional Model

Ron has been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. He began as a bodyworker and personal trainer, has a doctorate in science and physical therapy, has been residency and fellowship trained, has board specialties in orthopedics and geriatrics, holds a certification in vestibular rehabilitation, and is a registered yoga teacher. As a Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner, Ron has been initiated in the healing traditions of the Andes. The Q'ero are the Earth Keepers, the Wisdom Keepers and their medicine teaches us how to rewrite the stories of our lives and how to dream our world into being. As a professional model, Ron is best known for his work as an underwear model for Polo Ralph Lauren. He was also shot by Bruce Weber for L'uomo Vogue.

 

EDWARD SULLIVAN

Qi Gong Practicioner, Lecturer, and Author

Edward has been in the Healing Arts for over 30 years. He was introduced to the Principles of Harmony and Balance through Tai Qi and Qi Gong Movement Classes and became a student of the Ni family tradition and a Certified Qi Gong and Tai Qi instructor. Edward studied Taoism and became a mentor in The Integral Way Society (an organization dedicated to balance and harmony) as well as a spiritual coach. He is a Senior Instructor and Certified InfiniChi Teacher at Yo San University of Acupuncture and also practices InfiniChi at the "weSpark" cancer support center.

 

 

POTENTIAL 

INTERVIEW LIST

• Lisa Bloom - Attorney and Celebrity Author of "Swagger"

• Paul Elam - Founder of A Voice for Men

• Dr. Warren Farrell - Author of "The Myth of Male Power"

• Fred Hayward - Founder of Men's Rights Inc.

• Bob Schwenkler - Men's Coach

• John Wineland - Men's Group Facilitator, Speaker and Teacher

• Chaim Dunbar - Filmmaker "Where Are the Men" (short film)

• Neil Strauss - Author and Transformational Journalist

• Raul Lopez Jr - Author, Motivational Speaker, Coach

• Jennifer Siebel Newsom - Filmmaker "The Mask You Live In"

• Mark Greene - Author/Speaker "Remaking Manhood" & "The Good Men Project"

• Robert Kandell - Life Coach

• Ryan Reynolds - Celebrity Actor/Producer

• Eddie George - Former NFL Football Player

• Billy Gardell - Celebrity Actor and Comedian

• Mike Dooley - Author, Speaker, Creator of "Notes from the Universe"

• Jason Wilson - Founder/Head Instructor of the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy

• Lewis Howes - Author of "The Mask of Masculinity," Lifestyle Entrepreneur, Business Coach, Speaker, and Former Professional Football Player

 

TOPIC SUMMARY

Could the closing of one's own heart lead to suffering? If a man can keep his heart open and allow the full experience of emotions, would he have more compassion, be better at communication and live a more fulfilled life?

If he bottles his emotions, will they sit and stir, continuing to grow the more they are repressed? Could that one day Lead to an illness? Or could a man could just snap and take his anger out on innocent victims or himself? 

How do men relate to one another? What's healthy? What's toxic? What does masculinity even mean?

This topic is both timely and relevant as we have seen way too much bullying, illness, misogyny, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and mass shootings in recent years. Could it be that men are more repressed than ever?

If men would simply address their feelings and emotions, would we see a significant decrease in heart attacks and cancer as well as a much lower rate of all the violence that plagues our world?

I shut down my emotions as a child and didn't cry for over 20 years. From being bullied, to having sports coaches call me out and tell me I was acting like a "girl," to watching my father shut down emotionally when his mother became ill with ALS... I didn't want to feel sadness or appear "weak" in any way, so I shut down my heart. I was trying to protect myself, but ended up closing off my emotions, even the happy ones. Everything became more emotionally "safe." This has affected my life and relationships, as well as my career.

Interestingly enough, three years prior to my cancer diagnosis, I started making a shift. I began to incorporate various spiritualities and daily practices into my life. I participated in many emotional healing retreats and a Shamanic energy retreat, and worked with hypnotherapists and life coaches. I started to understand the importance of our emotional connections through doing the work to break down my own walls.

Yet despite how much I had learned and how far I had come, my heart still wasn't really open. And then cancer happened. But all of the work I had done prepared me for it.

I was able to face it head on and turn it into something special. Now I understand and see the bigger picture. I see my mission. I can help a lot of people through this journey and I am prepared to devote all of the energy in my "heart" to do it.

I'm going to set out on an expedition of emotional discovery. I will seek answers as to why emotions are necessary in our lives and uncover the negative or even violent responses that happen as a result of repressing them. I plan to open myself up to learn through the people I interview and will share my experiences and growth throughout the film.

I will explore the importance of acceptance without assigning harmful labels.

 

Those labels come from fear and pain. They are used as protection. When we allow ourselves to feel rather than judge an emotional experience -- whether it is the emotional experience of another person or ourselves -- that is when we grow the most and truly experience life.

My hope is that this film will spark deep, meaningful conversations as well as self-reflection in order for men to seek out new ways to express their emotions, understand themselves, and support each other.

I plan to help men all over the world to open their hearts and live more emotionally rich, fulfilling lives.

 

ARTISTIC APPROACH

"MANtimacy" is not just a film. It's a movement. 

This project is unique because a husband and wife filmmaking team is creating it. The film will include myself, Justin Sandler, as an on-camera host and narrator to share in my own experiences as well as interact with the subjects. The interviews will include celebrity actors, authors, and athletes as well as a top neuropsychiatrist and other doctors, instructors, and life coaches. 

It will also include a random sampling of men, of different ages, races, and backgrounds to share what their lives were like growing up and how emotions were viewed by them, their families, and their peers.

The interviews will be shot in a very artistic style, using multiple cameras while utilizing depth of field and unique background to create interesting and powerful imagery while cinematically capturing captivating stories. The moving soundtrack will set the tone as well as capture the wide range of emotions that will be highlighted.

Animation will help deliver facts, statistics, and educational information. The negative results of the repression of male emotions will be illustrated through fair use footage from fictional film and television as well as news stories.

Above all else, this film will be inspirational, thought-provoking and eye-opening.

 

PROJECT STAGE

We are currently in the development / pre-production stage: raising funds, applying for grants, seeking sponsors, and contacting potential subjects. We will be shooting in Los Angeles beginning in November 2019.

We will also make select trips throughout 2018 to other U.S. cities in order to interview additional experts, caregivers and cancer support centers. We plan to have the film completed by late 2020.

 

AUDIENCE AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES

DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We feel very strongly about the subject matter of this film and plan on distributing and marketing it to a worldwide audience. We recently finished a successful festival tour with our first film "Welcome to Where You've Always Been" and received a distribution deal from the international cable network Shorts TV. We also released the film on Amazon Prime.

We made incredible contacts from our experiences both in the festival circuit and with distribution whom we believe will be instrumental in helping us get our new films world-wide distribution.

We intend to release "MANtimacy" theatrically, as well as enter it into targeted film festivals that include both the more prestigious festivals as well as smaller festivals that promote social change and awareness. We will pitch the film to streaming and cable platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, and IFC/Sundance. We also have our own Amazon Prime studio account and can distribute there as well.

We have already secured the website and social media handles for the film and plan to build a strong social media following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will be using our established internet presence, in combination with outreach marketing and press releases, to acquire media coverage and grow our social media following. We will also launch an interactive website with important information and resources for men.

 

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The film is truly intended for all men, from teenagers on up. Most women will find this film very beneficial as well. So it is really a film for everyone since this issue has been affecting both men and women for many years.

 

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT

This film will benefit society by helping men to understand why emotions are so important to experience. It will help men move on from the pain of their past: the things that have hurt them, that they've been holding on to, that made them close their heart and shut down their emotions. This film will help break down the social norms that perpetuate this trend and help men open their hearts to live a more fulfilling life for themselves and their loved ones.

After seeing this film, it is our hope that the audience takes some time to reflect on their own lives to uncover what may be blocking them. We hope to spark meaningful dialogue and even group discussions. We hope that men will seek guidance from professionals, organizations, books and online support. We plan to uncover as many resources as possible to help men open up and experience their emotions while reducing the stigma that comes with it.

We will support teachers, coaches, and healers who plan on using this film as a springboard to teach men acceptance and how to experience their emotions. We are planning on a multi-platform approach through both social media as well as our relationships with select organizations to spread this message far and wide. We hope to create valuable partnerships with those individuals and organizations who can help take what we are doing here and continue to develop social change campaigns that will improve the lives of men.

 

FINANCIAL INFO

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY

We are in the development and pre-production stage on this film and have recently begun our fundraising. We intend to apply for every grant that is in alignment with our cause and seek help from those who, in turn, want to help filmmakers deliver very important and inspirational messages to benefit mankind.

We are also reaching out to companies to obtain sponsors in the way of donations or products. We have already secured our first three sponsors, Tofurkey, Mighty-O Donuts and Authenticity 50! We also have past working relationships with VitaCoco, Perfect Bar, and Veggie Grill and we will be contacting several more companies aligned with our vegan lifestyle and missions.

Lastly, we are crowdfunding through Network for Good and our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions. Our last film raised nearly $10,000 through crowdfunding alone and an additional $10,000+ for post production through executive producers. Several of our executive producers and donors from that film are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to support our newest projects.

 

GRANT IMPACT

We are running a crowdfunding campaign through our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions, as well as submitting to every grant that aligns with our philosophy. After the success of our first short film, we realized just how much community support we had and what we could do with those resources.

However, stepping up to a feature-length documentary requires some very important additional elements. A grant or donation would be greatly appreciated to help with our production and travel as well as post-production needs, including animation, soundtrack, deliverables, marketing, film festivals, and distribution.

While we have a desired budget for expenses and crew, we do own a small production studio and equipment and are dedicated to making this film with whatever resources we have, if need be. This film will be made no matter what. The funds we raise will help improve the overall production value in many areas, as well as allow us to successfully bring this film to the largest audience possible.

 

VISUAL SAMPLES

 

 

ABOUT US

Justin Sandler is a director, actor, drummer, writer, speaker, and cancer survivor. He and wife Mary Lou Sandler own 3 cubed studios, LLC and have 5 rescue cats.

A graduate of Indiana University, he has directed and produced cable TV in Chicago; wrote, directed, and produced commercials for ABC & FOX in Palm Springs; and has been in Los Angeles working as a professional TV, film, and commercial actor, as well as a recording and touring musician.

His film, "Welcome to Where You've Always Been" (writer, director, actor, editor, producer) appeared in 21 festivals, won 5 awards (including his award for Best Actor in a Leading Role), and is now available on Shorts TV and Amazon Prime.

Justin is the producer, co-director, co-writer, and editor for the upcoming documentary, "Caregiving Cancer: The Silent Heroes" as well as the director, producer, writer, editor, and host for the upcoming documentary, "MANtimacy." He is currently performing his one-man show "Embrace Love Free" in Los Angeles as well as inspirationally speaking about his cancer journey, including an upcoming TEDx appearance.

 

Mary Lou Sandler is a photographer, cinematographer, producer, director and owner of 3 cubed studios LLC with husband Justin Sandler. Their award winning film, "Welcome to Where You've Always Been" (cinematographer/co-director/producer) appeared in 21 festivals, won 5 awards (including Best Short), and is now available on Shorts TV and Amazon Prime.

Once a working actress, video game stuntwoman, and fitness cover model, her focus now is to inspire and empower women to heal through the arts.

Her commitment to empowering women inspired her to establish FemaleFilmmakers.org (a female filmmaker group to "Empower and Employ Each Other"), and her empathy and infertility moved her to the documentary film "The Empty Womb," as cinematographer/co-producer. She has also published a photography book called, "The Beard Book," with proceeds benefiting breast and testicular cancer charities.

Mary Lou is the director, producer, cinematographer, writer, and host for the upcoming documentary, "Caregiving Cancer: The Silent Heroes" as well as the producer, co-director, co-writer, and cinematographer for the upcoming documentary, "MANtimacy."

 

ABOUT 3 CUBED STUDIOS LLC

Established in 2011 by award-winning filmmakers Mary Lou Sandler and Justin Sandler, 3 cubed studios, LLC is a full service film and photography studio. Their films have toured several festivals around the world and can be seen on cable and Amazon Prime. Their photography has appeared in magazines, books, on television, and in Times Square.

3 cubed studios creates original, heart-felt, and inspiring content while delivering passionate and powerful results for their clients. Their philanthropic mission is to develop, advocate and give to charity projects that activate, elevate, and heal through the arts.

 

TESTIMONIALS

LAURA FUDULI / MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, ANSWER FINANCIAL

We can always count on Justin and Mary Lou Sandler for our corporate headshots, whether in their studio or here in our Encino office. 3 cubed studios is flexible, easy to work with and are able to make any subject feel comfortable and relaxed during a photoshoot. We will continue to use 3 cubed studios for all of our corporate headshots and any other photoshoots that come up along the way.

 

DIANA DUENAS / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ENCINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Mary Lou and Justin have been the official photographers of the Encino Chamber of Commerce for the past few years now. Their professionalism, easy going spirit and beautiful photographs have made them a favorite among our members. From headshots to event photography we have no hesitation recommending 3 cubed studios – Mary Lou and Justin for any photography needs.

 

DIANA SANCHEZ / PUBLIC & COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR VAN NUYS AIRPORT

Mary Lou and Justin Sandler at 3 cubed studios have worked with Van Nuys Airport on a number of community events and have always provided exceptional service. 3 cubed studios combines technical expertise and skill with an enthusiasm for their craft that has made them a pleasure to work with. They approached our photography needs with positive energy and an attention to detail that is reflected in the quality of their product. 3 cubed studios were able and prepared to photograph in an array of our environments, whether indoors at a ceremony or out near our busy airfield. We would happily recommend 3 cubed studios, and would hire them again for our future photography needs!

 

JENNIFER GAYNOR-YAKER / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CONSCIOUS LIFE COACHING

I have done a few different projects with 3 cubed studios - videos, head shots, etc. Not only are they super professional, they are very fun to work with. I immediately felt I could be myself around them. Mary Lou is very skilled at bringing out the best in you and capturing it on film; she also has a true artist's eye. I felt very comfortable from the get go working with them, and the results were also excellent; I've gotten a great response from my potential clients and on social media etc; in fact I got new consultations coming in the very same day my husband and I posted some new pics on Facebook! Overall, the experience has been very positive, from the "who" to the "what". I would not hesitate to recommend 3 cubed studios for your next project.