VERSE ONE: The Shearer's Gospel

When Jesus Actually Shows Up

A 13-minute animated short redefining faith storytelling
Raising $205,000 • Investment starts at $1,000

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"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..."

— Matthew 28:18-19

VERSE ONE exists to fulfill this calling through the power of story.

Why Animation?

Animation transcends cultural barriers. It speaks Aramaic in Syria, English in Manchester, Igbo in Nigeria—all in 13 minutes. While traditional missions face borders and restrictions, digital storytelling goes everywhere the internet reaches.

The greatest return? Souls reached. Hearts changed. And the gospel known.

The Story That Started It All

The Lost Sheep
The Shearer's Tool
The Shepherd's Garment

A cynical 17-year-old British-Nigerian podcaster posts an ad inviting Jesus to an interview. When Jesus actually shows up in a leather jacket, Ebun is yanked through time and space—from war-torn Syria to the South African veldt to an otherworldly shearing barn—where he's forced to confront the spiritual captivity he didn't know he was in.

This is the gospel—unfiltered, multicultural, and impossible to ignore.

Distribution Pathway & Return Expectations

Here's the specific, step-by-step plan to get VERSE ONE distributed and generate returns.

Phase 1: Production (Months 1-9)

Complete 13-minute animated film with festival-ready quality. Deliverables: DCP, streaming formats, press kit, 5-language captions.

Phase 2: Festival Circuit (Months 10-18)

Primary targets: Annecy, Sundance, SXSW, International Christian Film Festival. Goal: Win $5K-$50K in prizes + attract distributor attention.

Phase 3: Distribution Deals (Months 12-24)

Path A: Angel Studios (our #1 target) - 50/50 revenue split, $50K-$200K potential.

Path B: Major streaming (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu) - $15K-$100K licensing fees.

Path C: Faith networks (Pure Flix, TBN+) - $10K-$60K over 2-3 years.

Path D: International sales (Africa, Europe, Asia) - $10K-$80K over 3-4 years.

Path E: YouTube (Freemium) Free viewing + ad revenue, donations | $5K-$25K over 3-5 years.

📊 Realistic Return Expectations

  • Conservative (70% probability): 0.5x - 1.2x return over 5 years. Most investors see partial return + Kingdom impact.
  • Moderate (20% probability): 1.2x - 2x return over 4-6 years. Festival wins + strong streaming performance.
  • Best Case (10% probability): 2x cap reached in 3-4 years. Multiple platforms + series pickup.

Return cap: Maximum 2x your investment, even if film generates more. Timeline: Most faith films take 4-6 years to fully monetize. Primary ROI: Gospel impact, not financial gain.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This Is High-Risk

There are NO GUARANTEES of financial return. Film production is inherently uncertain. Many faith films underperform or fail to recoup costs. Your primary motivation should be supporting the Great Commission, not profit expectations.

Only invest what you can afford to lose. This is a high-risk opportunity. The biggest ROI is Kingdom impact—souls reached, hearts changed, the Gospel spreading globally.

Where We Are Now

$2,000 of $205,000 RAISED

1% Funded

1%

What We've Achieved:

  • Original screenplay completed
  • Character designs in development
  • 1 investor committed
  • Production team assembling
  • Investment structure (SPV) established
⏰ Investment Period Closes: April 30, 2026 • 5 spots remaining at Executive Producer tier

Express Your Interest (No Commitment Yet)

Tell us about your interest level. We'll follow up with full details, schedule a conversation, and answer all your questions before any commitment.

Helps us schedule a call faster

🔒 No payment required. We'll contact you to discuss next steps and answer all questions before any commitment.

Ready To Invest?

If you're ready, don't wait. Make your pledge now and secure your place in bringing this story to life.

💵

Revenue Participation

Proportional returns on festivals, streaming, licensing, merchandise, and international distribution.

🎬

Producer Credits

Your name in the credits of films positioned for Sundance, Annecy, and global streaming platforms.

🎯

Creative Voice

First-look rights on future VERSE anthology installments—help shape what stories we tell next.

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Capped Returns

Maximum return: 2x your investment over 4-6 years. Kingdom ROI is the primary goal. Financial returns are uncertain but structured to reward patient investors who believe in the mission first.

💛
BELIEVER PATRON
$1,000 - $2,499
  • Revenue share
  • End credits
  • Digital screener
  • Virtual premiere
Invest $1,000+ →
💚
COMMUNITY SUPPORTER
$2,500 - $4,999
  • All Believer Patron benefits
  • Premiere invitation
  • Quarterly updates
Invest $2,500+ →
💙
SUPPORTING INVESTOR
$5,000 - $9,999
  • All Community benefits
  • Early screener (2 weeks)
  • Behind-the-scenes portal
Invest $5,000+ →
💜
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
$10,000 - $19,999
  • All Supporting benefits
  • IMDb producer credit
  • WIP animation reels
  • Priority premiere seating
Invest $10,000+ →
⭐ MOST IMPACTFUL
🧡
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
$20,000+
  • All Associate benefits
  • Opening credits placement
  • First-look rights on sequels
  • Studio visit access
  • VIP premiere + after-party
Invest $20,000+ →

Claim Your Producer Role

Express Interest Now →