before he was king (v4.0)
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Project proposal for documentaryTRANSCRIPT
Before He Was KingM y s t e r y o f t h e E l a h F o r t r e s s
Prepared for: Before He Was King - Marketing Phase
Prepared by: david willner (foundation stone USA), producer
April 19, 2010
Proposal number: B4HWK01-2010
foundation stone VoIP 310 909-8497 T 972-2 930-9026 F 972-2 930-9027 [email protected] www.foundationstone.org
Dr. Bruce Markowitz
Mr. Eli Stone
Date 4/19/10
Dear Dr. Markowitz and Mr. Stone,
Thank you for taking an interest in our upcoming video production - Before He Was King -
Mystery of the Elah Fortress. The dramatic excavation of the Elah Fortress is changing the
world’s understanding of the biblical period in Israel. The story is focussed at the end of the
11th - beginning of the 10th centuries before the Common Era - precisely the period that is so
hotly contested in the halls of academia and in the devout world of religion.
The significant finds, including a fortified (walled) city with two gates, an ostracon with proto-
Canaanite writing, massive casemate fortifications, and a unique setting on the Judaean-
Philistine border, overlooking the battlefield where David faced Goliath is fast becoming a
cultural “earthquake” bringing the tectonic plates of science and bible closer together.
We believe that this story speaks directly to both believers and skeptics, the devout and the
academic, and will prove to be a new chapter in the presentation of the core stories that inform
the development of Judaism, Christianity, and ultimately western civilization.
Shot in high-definition video, the production is an engaging journey of discovery as we unravel
the identity of this historical treasure that managed to elude the archaeologists and scholars for
so long.
As the first product in our upcoming series of video productions (From the Ground Up), the
interest in this story continues to make headlines in the world media, and makes an
exceptionally strong case for being profitable and of wide interest in the global media
marketplace, with interest from National Geographic, Biblical Archaeology Review, and other
major media players.
Sincerely yours,
david willner
foundation stone
Foundation Stone
c/o David Willner
POB 1473
Efrat, Gush Etzion 90435
T 972-2 930-9026
T 310 909-8497 (VoIP)
C 972-52 868-2510
F 972-2 930-9027
www.foundationstone.org
Executive Summary 1
Objective 1
Goals 1
Implementation 1
Marketability 1
A Unique Contribution 1
Production Team: Biographical Information 2
Jim Long 2
Daniel Remer 2
David Willner, MA Ed 3
About Foundation Stone 3
Supporting “Cast” 4
Consultants and Strategic Partners 4
Talking Heads* 4
Budget 5
Base Budget 5
Investment Formula 6
Contributions 6
Trailer Notes: (status) In Production 7
Enclosed DVD 7
From the Ground Up: The Series 8
Marketing Brief 8
Before He Was King
Non-Disclosure Agreement: Foundation Stone and Bruce Markowitz, Eli StoneEffective Date: March 1, 2010Participants: Bruce Markowitz, Eli Stone
In order to protect certain confidential information that may be disclosed by Discloser (“DISCLOSER”) to the “Participant” above, they agree that:
1. The confidential information disclosed under this Agreement is described as: All information, materials, ideas, both written and oral which are not generally available or ascertainable, disclosed to the Participant and related to the production of the documentary video “Before He Was King.”
2. The Participant shall use the confidential information received under this Agreement for the purpose of: se-curing funding for the production of the documentary video “Before He Was King."
3. The Participant shall protect the disclosed confidential information by using the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, to prevent the unauthorized use, dissemination, or publication of the confidential information as the Participant uses to protect its own confidential information of a like nature.
4. The Participant shall have a duty to protect only that confidential information which is (a) disclosed by DIS-CLOSER in writing and marked as confidential at the time of disclosure, or which is (b) disclosed by DISCLOSER in any other manner and is identified as confidential at the time of the disclosure and is also summarized and designated as confidential in a written memorandum delivered to the Participant within 30 days of the disclo-sure.
5. This Agreement imposes no obligation upon the Participant with respect to confidential information that be-comes a matter of public knowledge through no fault of the Participant.
6. If Participant becomes legally compelled to disclose the Confidential Information, Participant will provide DISCLOSER prompt written notice so that DISCLOSER may seek a protective order, seek another appropriate remedy, or waive the Participant’s compliance with this Agreement. If DISCLOSER waives Participant’s compli-ance with the Agreement or fails to obtain a protective order or other appropriate remedy, Participant will fur-nish only that portion of the confidential information that is legally required to be disclosed and will use its best efforts to obtain confidential treatment for such confidential information.
7. The Participant does not acquire intellectual property rights under this Agreement.
8. Upon DISCLOSER’s written request, the Participant shall return to DISCLOSER or destroy all written material or electronic media and the Participant shall deliver to DISCLOSER a written statement signed by the Partici-pant certifying same within 5 days.
9. The parties do not intend that any agency or partnership relationship be created between them by this Agreement, except as specifically set out in paragraph 2, above.
10. All additions or modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and must be signed by both par-ties.
11. This Agreement is made under and shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Israel.
DISCLOSERAuthorized Signature
Name: David WillnerTitle:Foundation Stone,co-Director
PARTICIPANT Authorized Signature
Name: Bruce Markowitz39 HaGeffen StreetEfrat, Israel 9043502 [email protected]
PARTICIPANT Authorized Signature
Name: Eli [email protected]
Before He Was King
Executive Summary
ObjectiveThe objective is to produce a 2-hour, “NatGeo”-quality documentary regarding the recently discovered 10th Century (BCE)
Elah Fortress (Khirbet Qeiyafa).
GoalsOur goal is to share the story of the discovery of this important site, and to showcase the unprecedented finds - primarily a
fortified city from the 11/10th century, the earliest Hebrew writing, found on the border between the Philistines and the Tribe
of Judah. The unfolding mystery of the identification of the site is a key dramatic component in the telling of the story. The
documentary is being produced in high-definition video, will feature the key experts surrounding the project, and with
supporting appearances by scholars from Israel and abroad. The result will be an unbiased, academically sound, historically
accurate production respectful of both the science and the biblical points-of-view, supplemented by the rich legacy of
exegetical, talmudic, midrashic, and classical scholarship.
ImplementationHigh-definition video shot during the 2008 and 2009 excavation seasons, includes interviews with the prime project
principals. Additionally, Foundation Stone produced exclusive aerial high-definition video and stills. Foundation Stone is in
possession of a signed media agreement with the parties to produce non-academic media for the general public.
MarketabilityAnyone tuning in to a variety of cable outlets today will be surprised by the number of stations broadcasting documentaries
related to the Bible and the Land of Israel. National Geographic, Discovery, The History Channel, and a host of others
broadcast and rebroadcast a consistent flow of content that speaks directly to the large portion of western audiences that
eagerly anticipate all material in this genre.
A Unique ContributionFoundation Stone is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this market and to provide far more than the usual “Talking Heads.”
Our experience in the worlds of academia, geophysics, history, and millennial Jewish scholarship provides us with a
perspective and depth simply unavailable to the more commercial outlets. Foundation Stone’s field experience in
archaeology and geophysics, media experience - particularly the LandMinds Radio Show, and on-going dialogue with
experts in all the relevant fields, makes us the ideal agency for the production of both this particular project and the series in
general. Couple that with state-of-the-art video and production capabilities, leading-edge graphics, and a team of gifted
writers. We believe that when it comes to story-telling in a visual medium, Foundation Stone is at the forefront of this in-
demand genre.
Before He Was King 1
Production Team: Biographical Information
Jim Long
In 1996 Jim (with his wife Carol) formed Lightcatcher Productions in Dallas, Texas,
allowing them to pursue their love of filmmaking, in consonance with their interests in
history and archaeology. Their resume includes commercial, industrial, documentary
and feature film experience.
Jim served as one of the producers for the Fox-Lorber series Quest: Search for the
Ark of the Covenant shot on location in Israel. Under the Lightcatcher Productions banner, Jim and Carol have
produced:
• Treasures of the Copper Scroll
• Riddle of the Exodus
• The Ezekiel Airship
Jim spent over 25 years in broadcasting, serving as producer for the highly rated Mark Davis Show on WBAP
radio and a wide variety of other media experience. Today he is a frequent guest on radio talk-shows, and lec-
tures around the world. Carol is a professional photographer and graphic artist and is currently the driving force
behind Lightcatcher Books.
Daniel Remer
...trained as a film maker at the London International Film School. He was one of its
youngest students to graduate, gaining a Distinction in Film Making and Produc-
tion. During his time at the Film School, Daniel wrote, produced and directed a
number of short films, three of which were screened at The London Film Festival,
The Munich Film Festival, and the Chicago Film Festival where he won an award.
On completion of his studies, he worked in the hub of the film and television industry, becoming Project Man-
ager for Jim Henson at The Creature Shop. Subsequently Daniel joined the production teams on a raft of high-
profile movies including:
• The Box Office Hit - The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Roald Dahl’s - The Witches
• HBO (USA) and ITV (UK) broadcast - The Story Teller
• HBO (USA) and ITV (UK) broadcast - The Greek Myths
Before He Was King 2
David Willner, MA Ed...cofounder and codirector of Foundation Stone - an educational development organization based in Jerusalem
Israel. He earned a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University and has spent the past 30
years working in informal and formal education. During that time he founded Mountain High Productions - a
graphic design and media consulting agency in Israel. He also cohosts Israel National Radio’s live broadcast of
the LandMinds weekly radio show dealing with the archaeology, history, geography, and educational views of
the Land of Israel.
Foundation Stone has been at the forefront in forging a connections between the history of Israel and its ancient
sites to the local educational and tourist tracks. Their innovative excavation at Yavne blends high-tech geophys-
ics with classical archaeology and involving the local municipality in digging their own past.
About Foundation StoneFoundation Stone was established by David Willner and Barnea Levi Selavan in 1996 to create a synthesis
between the world of academia and classical Jewish scholarship as relates to the land of Israel. FS now serves
as a bridge to educational programs both in Israel and abroad and has developed a unique standing for making
the history of Israel come to life for students and tourists. In 2002 Foundation Stone was invited by the Israel
Antiquities Authority to develop Tel Yavne as an archaeological and tourist site based on our educational model.
Now with invitations from over 30 archaeological sites throughout the country, FS strategically placed to
produce video media relevant to every historical period.
• Tel Yavne Prototype Excavation - www.telyavne.com
• Elah Fortress Excavation - www.elahfortress.com
• Foundation Stone website - www.foundationstone.org
Before He Was King 3
Supporting “Cast”
Consultants and Strategic Partners1. Rabbi Barnea Levi Selavan, Foundation Stone
2. Nigel Hetherington, Past Preservers
3. Barbara Lynn Cooper, Documentary film maker
4. Carol Long, Writer and producer
Talking Heads*1. Professor Yosef Garfinkel, Hebrew University - Excavation Director
2. Saar Ganor, Israel Antiquities Authority - Excavation Co-Director
3. Professor Aren Maier, Bar Ilan University - Excavation Director, Tel es Safi/Gat
4. Professor Hagai Misgav, Hebrew University - Epigrapher
5. Professor Aharon Demsky, Bar Ilan University - Epigrapher
6. Professor Israel Finkelstein, Tel Aviv University - Archaeologist
7. Professor Guy Stiebel, Hebrew University - Archaeologist
8. Rabbi Matis Weinberg - scholar
9. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau - former Chief Rabbi of Israel
10. Rabbi Shlomo Riskin - Chancellor of Ohr Torah Institutions
(* partial potential list, subject to change and availability, bold is confirmed)
Before He Was King 4
Budget
Base BudgetThe budget provided below represents the base budget for producing a documentary of this scope and
dimension. With additional funds battle scenes could be staged, computer generated simulations would be
designed, and the world of the 10th century BCE more richly portrayed.
Production Budget Quantity Unit Cost Subtotal
StaffProducer / Director (David Willner) compensation 15,000 $15,000.00
Co-Writer compensation 15,000 $15,000.00
Associate-Producer (Jim Long) 6 week 1,500 $9,000.00
Associate Producer (location) 20 day 300 $6,000.00
Production Assistant 20 day 200 $4,000.00
Consultants 1 person 10,000 $10,000.00
Personnel Fringe 7 month 1,835 $12,845.00
SUBTOTAL $71,845.00
Field ShootsDP (Daniel Remer) 20 day 1,000.00 $20,000.00
HD Camera Rental 20 day 1,200.00 $24,000.00
Lighting Package 10 day 300.00 $3,000
SUBTOTAL $47,000
Travel/Israel ShootHotel 30 nights 100 $3,000
Aerial Shoot 1 day 7500 $7,500
Air Fare (2 x three flights) 6 flights 600.00 $3,600
Per Diem (2 x 12 days) 24 day 50.00 $1,200
SUBTOTAL $15,300
Travel / Marketing & SalesAir Fare (2 x three flights) 6 flights 1,000.00 $6,000
Hotel (2 x Seven Nights) 14 nights 200.00 $2,800
Vehicle rental 7 day 125.00 $875.00
Per Diem (4 crew x 7 days) 28 day 50.00 $1,400.00
SUBTOTAL $11,075
Before He Was King 5
Post Production
Editor w/ On-Line Suite 5 weeks 2,250.00 $11,250.00
CGI Work 4 weeks 4,000 $25,000.00
HD Deck Rental for Ingest 4 days 800.00 $3,200.00
Archival / Stock Footage - Allow 10 minutes 450.00 $4,500.00
Screening Room w/Digital Projection 2 days 1,000.00 $2,000.00
Voice Over Recording / Studio compensation 8,000.00 $8,000.00
Original Score compensation 10,000.00 $10,000.00
Closed Captioning compensation 1,000.00 $1,000.00
Narrator (Name talent) compensation 15,000.00 $15,000.00
SUBTOTAL $79,950.00
Other
Legal compensation 8,000.00 $8,000.00
Bookkeeping 5 days 250.00 $1,250.00
E&O Insurance compensation 8,000.00 $8,000.00
Mail & messenger 5 weeks 100.00 $500.00
Misc. 6 weeks 200.00 $1,200.00
HD Tape Stock 60 tapes 75.00 $4,500.00
Office Supplies 6 weeks 100.00 $600.00
Phones 6 weeks 100.00 $600.00
SUBTOTAL $24,650.00
Production Design, Development & ResearchProduction Design $5,000
Photography and Printing (Promotional) $5,000
Consulting and Research 5 consultants 5,000.00 $25,000
Miscellaneous 5% 50.00 $15,000
SUBTOTAL $50,000
Project Total $299,820.88
Investment Formula
As is common in projects of this type, Foundation Stone is looking for a $300,000 investment partner(s) towards the production. In exchange, Foundation Stone will provide the investor with their principal plus an 18% return on investment upon sale of the finished product ($54,000) or prorated portion. Moreover, we will pay a
commission/finder’s fee for investment dollars - also based on successful sale of the final product (10% of the investment amount, plus 2% of the gross sale amount estimated for a 2-hour production (86 mins runtime) at
$720,000, or $14,400).
ContributionsAs a 501c3 recognized US charitable foundation, Foundation Stone can offer donors the ability to contribute to this project as a tax credit - which in some cases may be more valuable than an investment, depending on one’s
current tax status/situation. Foundation Stone is looking for a $300,000 contribution towards production. Foundation Stone will pay a commission/finder’s fee for contribution dollars of 7-10% of the contribution amount, or 7-10% of the sale based on successful sale of the final product (10% of the investment amount, plus
2% of the gross sale amount estimated for a 2-hour production (86 mins runtime) at $720,000, or $14,400).
Before He Was King 6
Trailer Notes: (status) In Production
Black screen. A growing cacophony of different voices attacking the Bible, religion, existence of King David, the Exodus. Quotes appear on screen with their attributions. The voices run into each other... drown each other, becoming more and more strident before they become a cacophony, while the text dissolves or be-comes a hopelessly jumbled mess. (20 secs?) (Should sound like Orson Welles or James Earl Jones)
Narrator: The attacks have been coming for over a century. From the architects of communism a century ago proclaiming that G-d is dead, to the ivory tower scientists of today claiming that unearthed antiquity is proof of whatever they feel to be within their politically correct purview - an artificial construct has been cre-ated that seeks to deny western civilization's link to its past.
Image of the earth surrounded by space, zooming in on the Nile delta the narrator continues...
Narrator: They tell the story year after year on Passover... the Children of Israel escaped their bondage in Egypt, accepting the Torah at Mt. Sinai, and then wandering in the desert for 40 years before crossing the Jordan into Canaan. For the next 350+? hundred years the 12 Tribes of Israel would consolidate their pres-ence, build cities, wage wars - with the Philistines, the Amorites, and the Hittites. Their grip on the country given to them by their G-d, their hold on their own destiny, would be fleeting and sporadic. And they yearned for a King that would unite them, a king that would forge an indelible bond and turn them into the nation they believed it was their manifest destiny to achieve.
Images of the desert, crossing of the Jordan, Jericho...
Narrator: For believers in the Bible it is an article of faith. But what does modern science have to say about a story that seems more legend than truth? Is there a shred of evidence, some outside source, an inscrip-tion, a testimonial, an archive that gives credence to these stories?
Montage of Image(s) of the Elah Valley.
Narrator: And as the 11 century before began to wind down, evidence - hiding in plain sight for three thou-sand years - came to light. In this valley - on the border between the tribe of Judah and the coastal plain that was home to the Philistines, a site was recently discovered that has brought the world of science a gi-ant step closer to the Biblical narrative. Join with us as we explore and examine the mystery of the Elah Fortress and discover for ourselves that our cultural heritage is far richer than we dared dream possible. And the glorious achievements of some of the most prominent characters of the bible, Samuel and Saul, David and Goliath - all from the time Before He Was King.
Enclosed DVD
• Production Trailer• 2008 Promo: Produced by Remervision (3.5mins)• Ostracon Rough Cut: Produced by Foundation Stone (unfinished 22mins)• Showreel
Before He Was King 7
From the Ground Up: The Series
Marketing BriefInterest in this production has already been communicated by both National Geographic and Discovery. Other media agencies and their representatives (ie History Channel, commercial/terrestrial stations and their affiliates such as ABC, CBS, NBC etc.) have informally expressed interest as well. There are some major trade shows that are important exposure for a product of this type and are extremely valuable venues for showcasing a new product or series. It is SOP for the principals to appear and to close the sale(s) at such forums.
Before He Was King 8
Running Time Projected Cost Projected Cost Amortized
Projected In-come - Sale
TitleThe PhilistinesKingdom of SolomonSlavery to FreedomThe Temples of Solomon and HerodCivil War: Israel & JudahJerusalem - Part I (BCE)Jerusalem - Part II (CE)Before He Was King(The Land) Where Man Found G-d From Eden to Abraham(The Land) Where Man Found G-d From Abraham to IsraelBetween the Lines - The Birth of WritingFrom the Ashes - Yavne and the Rebirth of the Jewish NationExile and Redemption: The Cycle
TOTAL
90 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $540,000.0060 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $360,000.00
120 minutes $350,000 $250,000.00 $720,000.00120 minutes $300,000 $210,000.00 $720,000.00
90 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $540,000.0090 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $540,000.0090 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $540,000.00
120 minutes $300,000 $250,000.00 $720,000.0090 minutes $350,000 $250,000.00 $540,000.00
90 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $540,000.00
120 minutes $300,000 $210,000.00 $720,000.00
120 minutes $250,000 $180,000.00 $720,000.00
120 minutes $300,000 $210,000.00 $720,000.00
$3,650,000 $2,640,000.00 $7,920,000.00
June 8, 2009Professor Yosef GarfinkelMr. Saar Ganor
Care of Hebrew UniversityMount ScopusJerusalem
Dear Professor Garfinkel and Mr. Ganor:
The purpose of this letter is to clarify the role of Foundation Stone, Inc. ("Foundation Stone") in handling media relations for the project you are managing under license from the Israeli Antiquities Authority for the excavation of the archaeological site known as the "Elah Fortress at Khirbet Qeiyafa" (the "Project").
Media Relations. As between you and Foundation Stone, Foundation Stone will be exclusively responsible for all aspects of media and public relations relating to the Site and the Project, including working with the print and electronic media (including the Internet), journalists and public relations personnel; developing a publicity program and policy for the Project; preparation of brochures and other publicity materials for the Project, etc. To remove any potential misunderstandings, Foundation Stone will be responsible for conducting the negotiations with the National Geographic Society ("NGS") concerning media rights of NGS in relation to the Project. Foundation Stone will coordinate closely with you regarding any NGS grant and other similar financial support for the Project. The university website will continue to be made available for the purpose of recruiting student volunteers in accordance with the other issues outlined in this agreement.
Scientific Publications. Notwithstanding anything in this letter to the contrary, you will have sole and exclusive authority regarding the content, timing and manner of delivery for the publication and presentation of all scientific and academic findings resulting from your work at the Project. You agree to keep Foundation Stone fully informed regarding all aspects of the Project and any data or findings obtained as a result of your work on the Project. You will keep Foundation Stone fully informed about all your intended scientific and academic publications and presentations so that Foundation Stone can handle all media relations in connection with such publications and presentations.
NGS and other Third Party Funds. All NGS grant monies or other funds remitted in connection with the Project will belong to the Project and will be used solely for the purposes of advancing the Project. You will be primarily responsible, in consultation with Foundation Stone, for determining the use of grant monies received from NGS or other similar source for the Project. Funds will be submitted to the Israel Exploration Society unless otherwise agreed to by both parties.
Intellectual Property. Foundation Stone shall be the sole owners of any copyright or other intellectual property rights in materials it creates in relation to the Project. You will be the sole owner of any
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Bonei HaChoma 1/4Old City, Jerusalem 97500
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copyright or other intellectual property rights in any scientific and academic works you create in respect of the Project or which you create in collaboration with any third party.
Credit. You and Foundation Stone will give the other appropriate credit in connection with the other's respective work in connection with the Project.
Release. Each of you will cooperate with Foundation Stone in publicizing the Project and in all media relations matters. Both Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority's roles will continue to be reflected and addressed in all appropriate PR releases and venues.Without affecting the generality of the foregoing, you agree and authorize Foundation Stone to make use of your images, personality, names, and biographical information in connection with its media and public relations responsibilities for the Project. This letter will operate as a release of any and all rights of privacy, publication or otherwise in respect of the foregoing.
Attorney. Advocate Marc Zell and the firm of Zell & Co. will serve as legal counsel for the Project’s non-academic/scientific media relations only. Foundation Stone will be solely responsible for all attorney's fees and legal costs.
Term and Termination. This Letter Agreement will remain in effect indefinitely unless sooner terminated by you or Foundation Stone upon twelve (12) months advance written notice to the other Party.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Letter Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Israel and any controversy or dispute arising under or in relation to this Letter that cannot be resolved amicably between, will be resolved exclusively by the competent courts located in Jerusalem, Israel.
If the foregoing is acceptable to you, please indicate your acceptance by signing on the lines provided below. We are truly honored to collaborate with you on this historic project.
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PHONE
972-2 930-9026310 909-8497 (VoIP)
FAX
972-2 930-9027
WEB
www.foundationstone.org