{"data":{"type":"company_profile_ai","id":110779,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","attributes":{"canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom","retrieval_urls":{"canonical":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom","json":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom.json","markdown":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom.md","ai_json":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom.ai.json","ai_text":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom.ai.txt","changelog_json":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom.changelog.json","schema":"https://wefunder.com/.well-known/ai-profile-schema.json"},"updated_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","generated_at":"2026-06-06T14:02:39Z","profile_visibility":{"owner_published":true,"public_search_results":true,"site_search_listed":true,"privacy_mode":"promote","invite_only":false},"company":{"id":110779,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","slug":"elephantintheroom","name":"THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM film","tagline":"A romantic comedy that asks: Can a relationship work across the political divide?","location":"New York, NY","total_amount_raised":195941,"total_investors":141,"is_funded":true,"is_active":true},"key_claims":[{"claim_id":"claim-total-raised","text":"Total raised on Wefunder: 195941","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-total-raised","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","as_of":"2026-06-06T14:02:39Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-total-investors","text":"Total investors: 141","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-total-investors","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","as_of":"2026-06-06T14:02:39Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:31Z"}],"verified_facts":[{"claim_id":"claim-total-raised","text":"Total raised on Wefunder: 195941","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-total-raised","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","as_of":"2026-06-06T14:02:39Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-total-investors","text":"Total investors: 141","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-total-investors","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","as_of":"2026-06-06T14:02:39Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:31Z"}],"company_claims":{"tagline":"A romantic comedy that asks: Can a relationship work across the political divide?","story":"A lonely female progressive meets a guy she might want to date. The only problem is he voted for Trump for president. Twice. And it's December 2020.That's the premise of THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM a romantic comedy written and directed by Erik Bork (HBO's BAND OF BROTHERS).The film was shot in 2023 in Los Angeles and finished in September 2024, with the help of Wefunder investors and a variety of non-profit and individual donors ($120,000 donated to date). It stars Alyssa Limperis, Dominic Burgess, Sandra Ellis Lafferty and Sean Kleier. (See IMDB page for more info.)The film was released on Amazon and other pay-to-rent platforms 8/14/25 and on Tubi (free to stream with ads) 10/14/25.This campaign closed on April 18, 2025. No further investments can be accepted.INVESTMENT/DONATION LEVELS(NOTE: Higher investment levels include all non-credit benefits of lower levels. These same rewards are also available for HALF the listed dollar amounts if contributed here as a tax-deductible donation instead of an investment.)$100 Shout out on the film's social media. $500 Receive a digital copy of several drafts of the script to see its evolution.$1,000 Receive a digital download of Erik Bork's filmmaking video journal.$2,500 A one-hour zoom session with Erik Bork which can be used to get feedback on your project(s).$5,000 2 passes to the world premiere or other film festival chosen by investor. (Transportation/lodging not included.)$10,000 ASSOCIATE PRODUCER credit on IMDB. $25,000 EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit on IMDB. You and a guest also have the option to meet Erik Bork for dinner in NYC. (Transportation/lodging not included.)Watch the original pitch video and read more below (the film was original titled COMING TOGETHER)...“Tribalism... is the curse of our times right now. Tribalism hinges on us not seeing each other as full, multi-dimensional, fully fleshed human beings. It hinges on us seeing everybody as either pro or con, ally or enemy, friend or foe. People are more complicated than that. Life is more complicated than that.” - Frank Bruni, New York Times columnist - on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher - 3/12/22THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM is a light-hearted movie about a serious subject. What happens when a young single L.A. woman -- an avowed progressive -- discovers a new guy she meets in December 2020 happens to be a supporter of President Donald Trump? Is he someone she could actually date, regardless? And is she, for him?Helping her explore this question, reluctantly, is her new housemate, a gay man who is the opposite of the romcom “gay best friend” trope. He’s not fabulous, extroverted or interested in talking about her love life. At all. But she so wants them to be friends. And she can help him with something he wants -- to get in better shape while they quarantine together.So she sets about enthusiastically training him while getting his take on what’s going on with the new guy. She gets closer to both of them in the process. She realizes she can't change the guy’s politics. In fact, he decides to attend the January 6 “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington. Is all hope lost for them?Smart Comedy with HeartTake heart: this story does not unfold in scenes of strident political argument! While their different views are clear as the main stumbling point to a relationship, and she experiments with “dialoguing” about them, it’s really about three likable people trying to figure out their lives and relationships and move forward.Tonally it has similarities to some of these films from the past:Classic Hollywood romantic comediesWith a low-budget \"indie\" sensibilityAnd some of the flavors of recent streaming comedy series such as:The characters have flaws they need to look at, but this is not the kind of arty niche film that appeals only to critics and film festivals. It’s not aimless or ambiguous, and it doesn’t have a “messy” main character who’s hard to fully bond with or care about. It’s more of a traditional narrative with sympathetic characters and a central story problem that builds and complicates in clear, entertaining ways, as the characters grapple with it.Writer-Director Erik BorkErik Bork is best known for his Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning work as one of the producers and writers of the epic HBO miniseries BAND OF BROTHERS and FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, where he worked alongside executive producer Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg (on BAND OF BROTHERS).Erik’s lengthy professional screenwriting career also includes stints writing for two primetime drama series on NBC and the former CW, selling numerous pitches for series and movies to the likes of NBC, the Fox network, HBO and TNT, and writing scripts on assignment for both feature film and television projects that didn’t make it to the screen (par for the course for most pro screenwriters), such as:A World War II bomber movie starring and produced by Tom Hanks, with Steven Spielberg attached to direct, for Universal PicturesAn HBO film about the tragic story of acclaimed jockey Chris AntleyA comedy series about a divorced couple who continues to work together and co-parent a variety of kids, for ABC Studios and producer Warren LittlefieldAn original miniseries about the rise of Apple Computer Company for HBO and PlaytoneA legal comedy-drama about an “old boy’s club” law firm taken over by a female managing partner who turns the tables on which gender gets the fast track, for NBCHis work as a writer/producer includes projects with companies such as:Erik is also a well-known script consultant and blogger on screenwriting who has taught for UCLA Extension’s renowned Writers’ Program and National University’s MFA in Professional Screenwriting. His book THE IDEA: THE SEVEN ELEMENTS OF A VIABLE STORY FOR SCREEN, STAGE OR FICTION was published in 2018 and is a multi-category Amazon best-seller.Erik’s 22-minute short comedy Erik Bork wrote and directed I GOT THIS, which was released in 2018 and played at many film festivals, winning awards such as:Filmmakers’ Award: Outstanding Short Film - Sherman Oaks Film FestivalFilmmakers’ Award: Outstanding Director - Sherman Oaks Film FestivalGrand Jury Prize: Best Screenplay - Sherman Oaks Film FestivalBest Featurette: Comedy - Idyllwild International Festival of CinemaBest Screenplay: Featurette - Idyllwild International Festival of CinemaI GOT THIS is streaming on the renowned Omeleto short film channel on YouTube, where it’s been viewed almost 300,000 times with over 1,000 comments. See samples below:View the film on Omeleto here:THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM - Characters(Actors pictured are for character reference only - not the cast in the film.)Project Timeline*Forward-looking projections can't be guaranteed.Production - OCTOBER 4-27, 202318-day shoot over 4 weeks in Los Angeles areaPost-Production - NOVEMBER 2023 - DECEMBER 2024EditingMusic Composition and PlacementSound MixingColor CorrectionVFX \u0026amp; Title DesignPremiere/release planning - SEPTEMBER 2024 - FEBRUARY 2025Finalize North American and international distribution dealsCreate PR/deliverable assets as needed (trailer, poster, DCP's, etc.)Fundraise and plan for marketing campaign and event theatrical screeningsRelease - FEBRUARY 2025 AND BEYONDIn-person screenings plus digital (TVOD \u0026amp; AVOD).Ongoing marketing spend to promote release Revenue/recoupment beginsQuestions? Use the \"Ask a Question\" option above and others will benefit from seeing your question and its answer. Or for private questions, email us at ComingTogetherMovie@gmail.com.","quick_facts":["Film was released in 8/14/25 on Amazon and other pay-to-rent platforms, and on Tubi 10/14/25.","From a multiple Emmy-winning writer-producer of HBO's BAND OF BROTHERS (Hanks/Spielberg production).","The film is a feel-good exploration of a timely serious topic - in a light-hearted romcom package.","Distribution deals are in place for U.S. including theatrical \u0026amp; digital, and a non-U.S. sales agent.","Filmmakers will split revenue 50-50 with investors after investors recoup 120%.","Film has received over $120K in non-recoupable grants \u0026amp; tax-deductible donations, outside Wefunder."]},"computed_metrics":{"total_amount_raised":195941,"total_investors":141,"team_size":5,"featured_investor_count":1,"faq_count":5,"recent_post_count":0},"quick_facts":[{"claim_id":"claim-fact-1","value":"Film was released in 8/14/25 on Amazon and other pay-to-rent platforms, and on Tubi 10/14/25.","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-1","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-fact-2","value":"From a multiple Emmy-winning writer-producer of HBO's BAND OF BROTHERS (Hanks/Spielberg production).","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-2","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-fact-3","value":"The film is a feel-good exploration of a timely serious topic - in a light-hearted romcom package.","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-3","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-fact-4","value":"Distribution deals are in place for U.S. including theatrical \u0026amp; digital, and a non-U.S. sales agent.","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-4","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-fact-5","value":"Filmmakers will split revenue 50-50 with investors after investors recoup 120%.","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-5","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-fact-6","value":"Film has received over $120K in non-recoupable grants \u0026amp; tax-deductible donations, outside Wefunder.","citation":"https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom#claim-fact-6","observed_at":"2026-06-06T05:01:31Z","expires_at":"2026-06-13T05:01:31Z"}],"latest_fundraise":{"id":59718,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:59718","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","structure":"custom","testing_the_waters":false,"can_invest_now":false,"funding_started_at":"2023-02-24T00:00:33Z","funding_closed_at":"2025-04-19T04:00:52Z"},"investor_memos":[],"team":[{"id":2533980,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2533980","name":"Erik Bork","title":"Writer-Director-Producer","role":"founder","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/erikbork"},{"id":2623769,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2623769","name":"Ross McCall","title":"Co-Producer","role":"employee"},{"id":2623770,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2623770","name":"Hadley Hillel","title":"Co-Producer","role":"employee"},{"id":2683131,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2683131","name":"Cole Pisano","title":"Director of Photography","role":"employee"},{"id":2784784,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2784784","name":"Alexander Taylor","title":"Composer","role":"employee","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/alexander.taylor.4"}],"featured_investors":[{"id":6006,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_investor_profile:6006","name":"Alan Jacobson","bio":"Psychologist, executive coach, consultant, and former non-profit leader from the Boston area. Investing $1k-$10k in independent films, cutting-edge technology companies, and life sciences startups. Open to being an early investor and lead investor.","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/alanjacobson","endorsement_quote":"I was delighted and humbled when Erik asked me to become the Lead Investor. This film has everything that makes independent films ultimately successful. First, it has a compelling, timely, and marketable idea that can attract a wide audience: This film is perfectly timed; audiences with a wide variety of political beliefs may find this movie and the experience of watching it with friends, family, and strangers quite moving. Second, it has experienced, talented, and committed people behind the project: Erik is an Emmy-winning writer and producer who has already had wonderful success in big-budget productions, and he literally wrote the book on screenwriting. Third, there are solid casting, production, post-production, and marketing and distribution plans: Check out the timeline - attainable, thoughtful, and realistic. Fourth, it has a high chance to pay off: a solid return is quite realistic, and if it really is the perfect film at the perfect time, as I suspect, it has the potential to be one of the most successful crowdfunded films ever (no guarantees, of course). Please join me in investing in this exciting project."}],"relationships":[{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_team_member","target_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2439903","target_url":"https://wefunder.com/erikbork"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_team_member","target_entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2623769"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_team_member","target_entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2623770"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_team_member","target_entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2683131"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_team_member","target_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2624340","target_url":"https://wefunder.com/alexander.taylor.4"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_featured_investor","target_entity_id":"wefunder:user:46237","target_url":"https://wefunder.com/alanjacobson"},{"source_entity_id":"wefunder:company:110779","relation":"has_latest_fundraise","target_entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:59718"}],"faq":[{"question":"What type of investment is this? Debt? Convertible note? Interest in a partnership? Interest in an LLC? Equity in a corporation? Something else? If a partnership, LLC, or other pass-through interest, in what states/countries will this venture do business?","answer":"Hi Jonathan, Thanks for the question! This is a revenue share where investors recoup 120% (125% if \"Early Bird,\" meaning first $75,00 invested) of their investment from revenue before the production company receives anything, after which revenue is split 50-50 between investors and production company. The production company is an LLC in California (Cornteen, LLC). Please don't hesitate to ask any follow-ups and let me know if I didn't sufficiently answer your questions. All my best, Erik Bork"},{"question":"Thanks, Erik. I get the \"revenue share\" piece -- but what I'm trying to drive to is what type of tax documentation the investors will get. If the investment is a form of debt/convertible debt or stock, then it's a 1099, and that only implicates the investor's state of residenc...","answer":"Ah yes, thanks for that clarification Jonathan! I believe the answer is a K-1 as it's an interest in a pass-through entity. And that the LLC would only operate in California. I'm not 100% on that yet as there is final legal work that we do with Wefunder once the campaign hits $50K and there will be more specific documentation for investors to see and sign off on at that point. That's when they have the opportunity to turn their \"reservation to invest\" (all you can do for now) into an actual i..."},{"question":"That answers it. Thanks, Eric.","answer":"February 2023 update: We've finalized our legal set-up and I can answer more fully now. This is a revenue participation agreement in which we are NOT selling shares in our LLC but simply sharing revenue as it comes in with investors. As such, the current plan is that we will not be issuing K-1's every year, but only 1099's to investors who have received revenue in the prior year."},{"question":"What's the likelihood that you may need more capital for project cost overshoots","answer":"Thanks for the question Durganand! I think that is a definite possibility but it's hard to predict with certainty whether that will happen and how much more capital would be sought at that point. The current investment goal here is enough to finish the movie at a particular basic budget level and the intention is to go forward with that level once this goal is reached. But it's possible things could change before, during or after production, leading to a desire/need to raise additional capital."},{"question":"Erik, Thank you for your quick response. Can I ask you for any projections on revenue from this project. Also to help people who are not familiar with ongoing revenue generation, what could that look like, Any comparable would help us to understand.","answer":"Thanks for the great question and here is a (hopefully helpful) description of the process, including the challenges in making very definite projections. Every independent film’s journey toward revenue is a bit different, but they generally start the same, with the finished film being submitted to film festivals, including the most prestigious ones where the biggest distribution deals tend to happen, such as Sundance, Toronto, Cannes, SXSW and Tribeca. 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