Oracle: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges

A feature documentary about the life and music of Michael Hedges

The eldest son of Midwestern musicians/educators, Michael Hedges was a young musical prodigy with an emerging talent that would take him from small-town Oklahoma to Grammy award-winning artist. He was a once-in-a-generation force would revolutionize the acoustic guitar and inspire a generation of musicians. Learn more at michaelhedges.com/documentary

The filmmakers are seeking $160,000 to edit a full rough cut, complete production and begin the final phase of post-production.

This funding will enable us to:

– Complete a 2nd major phase of editing and assemble a full rough cut of Oracle (cost: $90,000)
• Incorporate new interviews & footage into existing rough cut of ACT III "Michael's Legacy & The Next Generation"
• Edit all interviews & visual sequences for ACT I "The Early Days" & ACT II "Michael's Career"
• Edit & incorporate archive footage, home movies, concert video & bootleg audio
• Build visual concepts for illustration & animation sequences that bring Michael's journal entries, writings, drawings and key scenes to life
• Host a "work-in-progress" screening to receive feedback from producer-level sponsors & advisors

– Complete the final phase of production (cost: $70,000)
• Film additional interviews with Michael's road crew
• Film additional interviews with Michael's collaborators (like Leo Kottke & Bobby McFerrin)
• Film interviews with Michael's son Mischa, and biographer Jake White
• Film visual sequences in Baltimore, Maryland, Enid, Oklahoma and Mendocino, California that will bring key moments from Michael's story to life
– Begin raising completion funding for final phase of post-production
• Pitch the film to executive producers, distributors & investors
• Begin securing completion funding and/or a distribution partner

– IF NEEDED: Plan and run 2027 fundraising campaign to raise final $250,000 of budget to:
Complete a fine cut of the film (cost: $45,000)
Complete motion graphics and animation sequences (cost: $50,000)
License music, archive footage and photos (cost: $100,000)
Color Correction, Sound Mix & Final Mastering (cost: $50,000)
Submit the film to top-tier international film festivals (cost: $2,500)
Host a sneak preview screening for sponsors & supporters (cost: $2,500)

Will you help us fund this work by making a contribution?

You can make a contribution of ANY AMOUNT to help us reach this goal. If you contribute $1,000 or more, you’ll join our 2027 Sustaining Sponsor program, and be eligible for multiple sponsor benefits. If you're already an existing sponsor of the project, consider donating an amount that will raise you to the next sponsor level, unlocking new/more benefits.

We’re so grateful for your support!

Mischa Hedges & Brendan Hedges
Co-Directors, ORACLE: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges

BECOME A SUPPORTER ($100 - $999)

Join more than 1,000 supporters of this project. Make a one-time donation of any amount between $100-$999 and you'll receive:

• Behind-the-scenes updates via email
• Hi-Res Digital 11x17 Movie Poster signed by the filmmakers
• Hi-Res Digital postcard with Michael Hedges quote
• Spotify playlist of Michael’s favorite songs & artists

BECOME AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR ($1,000 - $100,000)

Join more than 100 official sponsors and receive a full sponsor benefits package, including posters, VIP tickets to the film premiere, free streaming of Michael Hedges concert films, DVD, exclusive quarterly sponsor updates via email and more.

Review sponsorship levels & benefits, then make a one-time or recurring monthly contribution.


TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
Oracle: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges is a sponsored project of the International Documentary Association (IDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. Contributions in support of Oracle: the Life & Music of Michael Hedges are payable to IDA. The value of sponsor rewards packages range from [$150-$1,000]. Any contribution above $1,000 is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.