Funding Phase Breakdown

PHASE 1:

 Proof of Concept & Pre-Production Budget: Timeline: 6 weeks -Deliverables ($40,000-$60,000K):

  • Budget accommodates Director, 2 cams, audio, PA, participating soldier talent, and gear

  • Also includes editing and post production 

Objective:

  • 8-10-minute documentary short showcasing Sydko's unprecedented frontline access

  • Features key English-speaking soldiers from the pitch (Commander, Sky Hunter, Swan, etc.)

  • Demonstrates 4K production quality with ALEXA Mini cameras

  • Proves military permissions and clearance protocols are functional

  • Creates powerful fundraising tool showing the human stories behind the war for either a feature film or episodic series

Why we need to fund now:

  • Volodymyr Sydko is deployed NOW

  • Full Ukrainian military permission already secured

  • English-speaking subjects eliminate language barriers for US audiences- Casting NOW, footage of cast available for review

  • Senior Information Officer status ensures rapid clearance

Phase 2:

Production & Post Budget: Timeline: 4-6 months- cost TBA

Pre-Production:

  • Script finalization

  • Full casting (additional soldiers/participants)

  • Location scouting and permits

  • Insurance and legal clearances

Production:

  • Multiple filming rotations with Sydko's 5-person military crew

  • Satellite communication for daily footage uploads

  • Kyiv/home front filming with Ukrainian/American crews

  • Drone POV footage from active operations

  • Safety protocols and equipment for conflict zone

Post-Production:

  • Los Angeles-based editing 

  • Color grading, sound design, original score

  • Archive footage integration

  • Multiple format deliverables

Phase 3: 

Marketing, Distribution & Impact Campaign Budget: Cost TBA

Festival & Awards Strategy:

  • Sundance, IDFA, Toronto premieres

  • Academy Award qualifying run

  • Congressional/Pentagon screenings

Distribution & Marketing:

  • Streaming platform negotiations (Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon have shown strong interest in Ukraine content)

  • Theatrical release in select markets

  • Social media campaign featuring footage from soldiers

Impact Campaign:

  • Partnership with veteran organizations (IAVA, Team Rubicon)

  • Revenue sharing structure with featured soldiers/families