We have completed filming our own Firefly/Serenity fan film called “Browncoats: Redemption” with all the proceeds from the DVD’s of the film going to charity.

We’re doing this for two reasons. The first, which is obvious, there really isn’t anything going on in the ‘Verse ‘sides a few comic books that take place before Serenity and, let’s face it, we’re all jonesin’ for our next fix. We want a good story with characters we can connect with and root for. Hell we want the crew of Serenity, but let’s face it…it may be a cold day on Osiris before that actually happens. We do not want to have this look like Just Another Fan Film. We also don’t want to promise you a date yet and not have it done. We’re working very hard to maintain a schedule that seems right to have a trailer ready for March 2010 and to show the final film at the Shindig at Dragoncon that same year.

The second, and in our opinion far more noble, reason is to do what we Browncoats do best and raise money for charity. Our approach from a business stand point is a little “left of center”. To be clear, outside of covering the cost of production, this project will be 100% non-profit. Our goal is to have our proceeds go, as an equal donation, to:

• Equality Now
• Kids Need to Read
• Dyslexia Foundation
• the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center
• the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation

with each DVD selling for a donation of around $15.

To give you an idea of why we think this is completely viable, in September ‘07 release weekend sales figures for the Serenity Collector’s Edition DVD sold an estimated 32,396 copies. Now that’s just the Serenity Collector’s Edition. If we could accomplish that number in our total donations for the DVD we could raise $485,940. That would, roughly, be more than $80,000 for each charity.

Knowing that we Browncoats like to purchase multiple copies to save, loan and watch, and that the DVDs would also be available to each of the Browncoat groups to use at conventions, events, and so on; we could do great things for the collective charities.

So here’s how it is, we’ve reached out to FOX, Universal Studios, Joss’ agent at CAA, and even Mary Parent who is now at MGM. Everyone we’ve dealt with has been extremely helpful and completely blown away the stereotype of what the Hollywood experience is like. And much to our surprise, we even have the blessing of Joss Whedon himself. We’ve reached out to both Fox and Universal to get a greater understanding of the legal permissions we needed to make this a reality and we set out to complete it. And thanks to mighty fine Browncoats like yourself…we have.

We have also talked about our plan and intentions, and even gave a movie t-shirt, to Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass. We look to do the same with Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Nathan Fillion, and the rest of the Big Damn Heroes to get their support, input and whatever bits of shiny they care to share…that’s not money. To be clear, we don’t want their money. They’ve done a great job for us and we really want to give something back as a thank you to them through our charitable donations.

We need several things from you between now and when the film releases September 2010 at Dragon*Con. Help spread this through the Browncoat network about this project and the good we’re trying to do. Please email us at media@browncoatsmovie.com with any questions, comments or concerns.

Thanks,

The Browncoats: Redemption Crew