The Third Period Exceeds Goal for First Round of Funding

GoFundMe development fund campaign raises more than $41,000 to help spearhead feature-length hockey film with support from key donors including LIVE! Technologies, Giant Eagle, and R Bar

COLUMBUS, OH (AUGUST 6, 2018) – Eleven One Productions today announced the development fundraising campaign for The Third Period film has raised $42,900 – exceeding its goal by more than $12,000.  Key corporate partners including LIVE! Technologies and Giant Eagle, provided significant support in addition to the dozens of corporate and individual donors.

The Third Period is a gritty, feature-length ice hockey drama, written, produced and directed by Steph (Greegor) West, former Fox Sports Ohio reporter and on-air Blue Jackets Live commentator. West’s short film “Olsky,” the short proof-of-concept for The Third Period was Emmy-nominated and festival-accepted. The Third Period is the first feature-length hockey film in U.S. history to be written, produced and directed by a woman.

“It’s a tremendous milestone to exceed our first fundraising benchmark,” West said. “Not only does it allow us to properly lay the foundation for this film, it shows the tremendous support this project is building from local businesses, hockey fans and the entire central Ohio community.  We have a lot of work to do before the first scene is shot, but we’re well on our way to bringing a little Hollywood to Columbus.”

To date, nine local businesses have signed on as film partners through a combination of monetary and in-kind donations. LIVE! Technologies is now the official live production partner and Platinum sponsor of the film; Giant Eagle is the official catering partner and Gold sponsor; and Michael Darr of RBar Arena and Three-Legged Mare is the official bar & restaurant partner. Other partners include CD102.5, Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, The Chiller Ice Rinks, Pendulum PR and Creative Strategies and The Reel Law Firm.

The production has also gleaned local support from the Greater Columbus Film Commission, Experience Columbus, GCAC, and others.

“As the sales and marketing organization for the Columbus Region, we appreciate how the film will shine a positive light on our city, including its sports, restaurants and shopping,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus, in a letter of support for the film. “The film could serve as ‘advertising’ for our thriving community and build awareness of Columbus as an attractive destination for visitors, conventions and sporting events. Also, the economic impact to Columbus and Franklin County during six weeks of filming in 2019 will be significant.”

Economic impact for Columbus would be approximately $3.5 million with the creation of close to 170 jobs locally and regionally.

The Third Period has also identified three charities for which the team will raise money throughout production. Charity partners include First Responder Faceoff Foundation, Columbus Ice Hockey Club and CD 102.5’s For the Kids.  The first official fundraiser event is happening now at RBar in the Arena District. Throughout the month of August, all purchases can be rounded up to the nearest dollar and 100 percent of those monies will be divided equally between the charities.

More information about this weekend visit will be posted on the film’s website in the coming weeks.

To learn more contact Steph West at stephaniewestinc@gmail.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Chris Herbert 614-448-8703  chrish@pendulumstrategygroup.com

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