World premiere of Compared to What? to be broadcast on Showtime Networks October 23, 2015

We are proud to announce that Showtime Networks will broadcast the world premiere of Compared to What? this coming October 23. The premium cable channel selected the film along with documentaries on Marlon Brando, Jimi Hendrix, and Suge Knight. When Barney heard the news, he quipped, “I’m in very good company–though I appear to be the only subject who hasn’t spent 30 days in jail.” Home to such fictional hits as Ray Donovan, Homeland, and The Affair, Showtime began a major push into documentaries two years ago with its airing of RJ Cutler’s The World According to Dick Cheney. Showtime President David Nevins believes his network will have a real impact with documentaries, and he’s begun an initiative to air high-end, filmmaker-driven portraits of iconic figures. We think the story of Barney Frank has found a perfect home in Showtime, joining an impressive roster of provocative and compelling documentaries by award-winning filmmakers. And with the election cycle ramping up, the October air date is the perfect time to reach Showtime’s 23 million subscribers. Thanks to all of you for helping to make it possible! Sheila &...

1 Day to Go – Down to the Wire!

We are down to the wire! We had a banner week! 40 Hours to go! We need to raise $1,000 per hour. Please send out the word with this link: http://igg.me/at/barneyfrankfilm Why did we make this film? Because films make a difference. Because people need to know what public stewardship in a republic truly entails. Because Barney Frank is a glorious, cranky, flawed, majestic exemplar of a true public servant.  As one donor said yesterday, ·  I saw the value in Barney and I know the impact movies can have–so I gave. And as one critic said of the film: ·  I discovered a new Barney Frank here. He is not only an activist but also a man of optimism. He has helped lead this country in civil rights and managed to continue to fight for what he felt to be right at a time when the political system cannot get things together. Remember—this is not an all-or-nothing campaign—EVERY DOLLAR we raise will be used to complete the film. Let’s ring that $1,000 bell together every hour. Thank you. Sheila &...

We’re Swinging for the Fences Together!

We have a real treat for you today, prompted by a comment from a new donor (who was catching that day!): I will always remember Barney striding over from first base in a staff/media softball game on Boston Common to take the ball out of Kevin White’s hand and send him to right field because he was not pitching up to Barney’s high standards. Just because we were playing the Boston media elite, John Harrington was their pitcher, and Kevin was the mayor – and the boss – was not reason enough for Barney to let him lose the game. Barney never played to lose – then or now. Want to see just how serious Barney was about baseball? Watch him in the Gallery here. Just 3 days left! Barney always played to win–and so must we.  Let’s finish this film together. As one supporter wrote: Barney deserves our recognition and thanks for all he has done for both his constituents and America–protector of and fighter for the common (and exceptional) man & woman, our Constitution and Bill of Rights. So PLEASE take a brief moment to forward this email to friends, family, co-workers…anyone you think would be interested. The more the better! Here’s the link to send them.  And if you’ve been waiting to give again, please do so now. Thank you. -Sheila &...

Flag Day

As we enter the home stretch of our campaign, we wanted to thank you for your amazing support: You 272 backers have brought us to almost 40% of our goal!   And many of you have written personal notes telling us why: Barney was one of a kind. I miss him already. I think Barney is one of the best things that has happened to politics in this country. Wish we had more like him. I have lived in Newton for 45 years and Barney Frank was my Congressman for many of those years. I was very proud to have him represent me and I am looking forward to seeing your film about him when it is finished. The trailer nearly made me cry. As a New England gay man, I’ve been inspired by Barney Frank for years. Thank you so much for making this moving documentary, and if you get a chance, thank him for being an inspiration Now it’s time to urge others to help—without additional backers we cannot release this important film about a man who dedicated his life to making our lives better. As one supporter wrote: ·  This is a film that perfectly captures what it means to be a public servant.  So PLEASE take a brief moment to forward this email to friends, family, co-workers…anyone you think would be interested. The more the better! Here’s the link to send them.  And if you’ve been waiting to give again, please do so now. Barney Frank’s official portrait hangs on Capitol Hill in the Financial Services Committee Room as a tribute to his leadership during the financial crisis. ...

We’re over 25%!

Dear Barney Frank Film Friends: We’re over 25% of the way there with 20 days left, thanks to your generosity! And we were featured in Film Journal International and Film Courage: Barney Frank back on the campaign fundraising trail “A delightful documentary portrait” A Legacy Worth Preserving “Article of the Week” Let’s keep the momentum going and bring back Barney’s legacy! Please take a few seconds to share the campaign. We’ve made it easy.  Again, our sincere thanks for caring about this project and Barney Frank. All the Best, Sheila and Mike...

An Additional 30 Days!

Dear Barney Frank Film Friends: Thank you so much for backing our project! We are very grateful for your contribution. Barney has begun sharing our Facebook posts and tweeting for us—helping us bring this important film to the world. We’re at 20% of our goal and we now have an additional 30 days to reach it! In the meantime, if you have a moment to share with your Barney-loving friends via email, Facebook, Twitter or old-fashioned address book or calls, it would really help. Here’s a handy bit of sample text: VERSION 1 I gave to this worthy project: COMPARED TO WHAT? THE IMPROBABLE JOURNEY OF BARNEY FRANK. You should too! If you miss Barney Frank’s wit and wisdom, here’s a way to bring him back to the American people: http://igg.me/at/barneyfrankfilm VERSION 2 (short & sweet for Twitter):  Join me in bringing back Barney Frank’s wit and wisdom to the American people. http://igg.me/at/barneyfrankfilm @BarneyFrankFilm Your help in spreading the word is greatly appreciated! Here’ a little outtake treat to thank you in advance: Again, our sincere thanks for your support and for caring about this project and Barney Frank. All the Best, Sheila and...