The Apprentice Filmmakers Launch Kickstarter Campaign to Ensure Wide Release

The filmmakers of The Apprentice have launched a Kickstarter campaign to ensure that Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump film reaches its widest audience when it opens less than one month before the US presidential election.

Crowdfunding Campaign “Release The Apprentice”

The crowdfunding campaign, “Release The Apprentice,” comes days after it was confirmed that Briarcliff Entertainment has set an October 11 US release for the dramatised account of Trump’s formative relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. Trump contests the election with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on November 5.

Marketing Costs

Donations will mostly be funnelled into marketing costs to support the feature, which reportedly cost in the region of $16m to make.

Reward Levels

The campaign features tiered reward levels based on donation amounts, including a $25 sum which earns a stream of the film after it opens theatrically, and a $100 donation which can get an end credit. Higher level pledges include one of three toupees worn by Sebastian Stan on screen, and VIP tickets to attend the film’s premiere in New York.

Backer Badge Kit

Donors will receive an official “Backer Badge Kit” design to promote the film and the campaign.

Background

“The Apprentice is first and foremost humanist, which makes it radically different from all the political noise,” said executive producer Amy Baer. “Despite the integrity of the film and without even seeing it, Trump’s campaign sought to suppress it,” added Dan Bekerman, a producer on the film. “The idea that artists can no longer freely criticise the powerful should concern us all. We need your help to resoundingly reject this dangerous precedent.”

Previous Issues

Trump’s attorneys tried to block a US deal on Abbasi’s Cannes world premiere yet Briarcliff came on board and a release appears to be going ahead after executive producer James Shani, whose company Rich Spirit is among the film’s backers, solved another problem. It bought out Kinematics’ stake in the film. Dan Snyder, the billionaire Trump donor and former owner of the Washington Commanders American Football team, owns a piece of Kinematics and was said to have been angered by the tone of the film and reportedly tried to block its release.

Conclusion

The “Release The Apprentice” campaign aims to ensure that the film reaches its widest audience and makes a significant impact in the lead-up to the US presidential election.

FAQs

Q: Why is the film’s release important?
A: The film’s release is important because it sheds light on the formative relationship between Donald Trump and Roy Cohn, and its impact on Trump’s political career.

Q: How can I support the film’s release?
A: You can support the film’s release by donating to the Kickstarter campaign, which will be used to fund marketing costs.

Q: What rewards are available for donors?
A: Donors will receive a range of rewards, including a stream of the film after it opens theatrically, an end credit, and VIP tickets to attend the film’s premiere in New York.

Q: Why is the film’s release being crowdfunded?
A: The film’s release is being crowdfunded because the filmmakers want to ensure that the film reaches its widest audience and makes a significant impact in the lead-up to the US presidential election.