# Frankie's Story, LLC

Pharma the Movie

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/frankies.story.llc
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:141484
- Last updated: 2026-06-24T05:01:19Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-24T18:03:41Z

## Quick facts
- Executive team with a combined 40+ years experience and Academy Award winning work.
- Over $1.4M raised in previous rounds!
- Investors have the potential to recoup 120% of their principal, + 50% pro-rata share of the backend.
- A true story about courageous women that will inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
- Pre P&A: Active and engaged fanbase of over 10,000+.
- Well-positioned for global theatrical release and a worldwide audience.
- We have the support of thalidomide survivors worldwide who are eager to have their stories told.

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:121101: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:114379: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:121100: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:114378: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:94840: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:94841: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
Over 1,700 people with investments totaling over $1,300,000 have paved the way for the production of the feature film, Pharma. After generating immense interest at the close of our last crowdfund, a waitlist soon formed of people who wanted to continue to invest. With several hundred people ready to become part of our production family, we've decided to issue another offering to invest in our project!The script is based on the incredible true story of Dr. Frances "Frankie" Kelsey and her fight to keep a dangerous drug from being approved for the US market. Risking her career and family along the way, Frankie wages war against big Pharma in 1960, resisting intense pressure and threats from inside the FDA to expose the biggest unmonitored drug trial in US history. Dr. Kelsey’s heroic efforts are an example of what one person can do to prevent disaster and change the course of history.Frankie’s story will inspire audiences for years to come and shine a light on the overlooked tragedy that has impacted tens of thousands of people around the world. Her battle was one of David and Goliath proportions: One woman taking on the billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry to expose corruption and prevent a national tragedy.The ramifications of this historical event still linger today. Though Dr. Kelsey’s efforts prevented a US disaster, many around the world suffered. To date, survivors of thalidomide have not received full restitution. Our goal is to highlight the courage of Dr. Kelsey and shine a light on one of history’s hidden stories. We hope to encourage survivors, by showing them that their story has not gone unnoticed, and impact audiences to take action in the face of injustice.Pharma is an important and critically relevant story for this moment in history. As we emerge from a global pandemic and new information comes to light each day, Frankie’s story highlights the risk of placing trust in huge corporations and government entities without proper oversight. In addition to an award winning feature length script, the proof of concept and short film, Pharma, completed the 2023 festival circuit with multiple official selections, nominations, and category wins. The caliber of the project produced on a micro-budget, exhibits the skill and indie grit that the team brings to the table.Producer, Ashley Bratcher, is an award winning actress and the star of the box office hit Unplanned. Unplanned premiered at number 4 its opening weekend in the box office among major Studio competition including Captain Marvel, Us, and Dumbo. According to Box Office Mojo, the film took in an estimated $6,110,000 at the end of the weekend, with a cumulative per-screen average of $5,770 on just 1,059. To date, it has grossed over $21 million dollars off of a modest $6 million dollar budget. Ashley’s heart for telling true stories that encourage positive change has been the driving force for bringing Pharma to the screen. In 2020, Ashley founded her own production company, Simple Jane Films, to focus on creating content about ordinary women with extraordinary stories. She is backed by an executive team with a combined 40+ years experience in filmmaking. Their areas of expertise include development, screenwriting, production, casting, distribution, public relations, and marketing.The team's resumes boast Academy Award winning titles including The Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour, Ray, The Patriot, The Blind Side and more... generating hundreds of millions of dollars in the box office.Our goal for Pharma is to raise $5 million dollars for the development and attachment of key talent through our crowdfund raise. Part of this budget will be allocated to ongoing development, with the remaining balance allocated towards production, post production, and distribution. Hitting milestones throughout the offering allow us to maintain momentum and move the project forward. If you decide to invest, you’ll be raising awareness that this story should be seen on screens around the world.Though investing in movies is incredibly risky, and a return on investment can never be guaranteed, we feel that the profitability of biopics has remained consistent over the years. Films such as Hidden Figures, Erin Brockovich, and The Imitation Game have realized enormous profits at the box office. These kinds of movies often become classics, proving the test of time, and creating more downstream revenue for years to come. *Success in other projects does not guarantee success in Pharma. There can be no assurance that the projected results will be obtained, and actual results may vary significantly from the projections.Pharma is a story of investigative action, emotional drama, high stakes, and courage. This is your chance to be a part of movie history and own a piece of our film.In addition to making a really amazing movie, we’ve always wanted to build a community where our fans and investors feel connected to our project beyond just a dollar amount. We want you to be able to share this journey with us and have an experience that makes you excited and proud to be a part of the Pharma investor family.$250: Access to INVESTOR ONLY live virtual roundtable discussions with the filmmakers to discuss behind the scenes, chat with special guests, and participate in Q&A.$5,000: BE IN THE MOVIE! You’ll receive a guaranteed spot to join us for a day of filming as an extra in the movie!* Plus all previous perks!$7,500: Receive a signed copy of the Pharma film poster. Plus all previous perks!$30,000: Invitation to the World Premiere! You’ll join us on the red carpet as we celebrate the opening of the film. Mingle with celebrities and be the first to watch the story come to life on the big screen!** Plus all previous perks!$75,000: Own a piece of movie memorabilia! This perk is for our movie buffs who love collector’s items! In addition to receiving an autographed movie still from the feature, you’ll be gifted a one of a kind prop following the release of the film. Plus all previous perks!$300,000: Receive 2 VIP passes for the world premiere that includes a private meet and greet with the stars and a trip down the red carpet.* Plus all previous perks!*Travel & lodging not included. **Signed NDA required.Ready to invest? Our offering involves preferred stock ownership, giving you a stake in the film alongside us. Investors are prioritized to recoup 120% of their principal investment before profit-sharing begins. Following this, investors receive a pro-rata share of 50% of the backend, along with exclusive perks outlined above.How does the film make money?There are a variety of ways for films to generate revenue: Box Office: The most traditional and significant revenue stream for films is box office earnings. When a film is shown in theaters, a portion of ticket sales goes to the film's distributor and production studio. The percentage varies depending on factors like the film's budget, distribution deals, and performance.Home Entertainment: Films generate revenue through home entertainment sales and rentals, including DVD and Blu-ray sales, digital downloads, and streaming rights. This revenue stream has become increasingly important with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.Television and Cable Rights: Films can also earn revenue through licensing agreements with television networks and cable channels for broadcast rights. These agreements may include both domestic and international distribution.Product Placement and Brand Deals: Some films generate revenue through product placement and brand deals, where companies pay to have their products featured prominently within the film. This can include everything from cars and electronics to food and beverages.Ancillary Markets: Films can generate revenue from ancillary markets such as airline and hotel screenings, educational distribution, and licensing agreements for theme park attractions or museum exhibitions.International Sales: Films can earn revenue from international distribution deals, including theatrical releases, home entertainment, and television rights in foreign markets.How are profits distributed?Recoupment of Costs (Expenses): The first step in the waterfall is often the recoupment of production costs and other expenses associated with the film. This includes expenditures such as production costs, marketing expenses, distribution fees, and overhead costs. These costs must be recouped before any revenue is distributed to investors or profit participants.Debt: The next step is to allocate revenue towards settling any outstanding debts or deferred payments that the production has incurred. This includes any loans or financial obligations the production may have, as well as any fees that have been deferred for producers or directors involved in the project. (Frankie's Story LLC is currently debt free!)Investors' Preferred Return of Capital: Once costs are recouped, the next step is the return of capital to investors. Investors receive their initial investment amount plus 20% before any additional profits are distributed.Distribution to Producers and Talent: After investors have received their preferred return, additional revenues may be allocated to producers, talent (such as actors, directors, and writers), and other key participants based on their contractual agreements. This could include profit participation or backend deals. (A key point here is that the people making the project don’t participate in profits until investors are paid back first.)Residuals and Guild Payments: If applicable, payments to guilds (such as the Writers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and Directors Guild of America) and residuals to talent for their ongoing participation in the film's success may be distributed at this stage.Profit Sharing: Once all prior obligations are fulfilled, any remaining profits are distributed to investors based on a pro-rata share of 50% of the backend.Contingent Compensation: In some cases, there may be additional layers of contingent compensation or bonuses based on the film's performance, such as achieving certain box office milestones or profitability targets.Have more questions? Let's schedule a call! Click here to reach out.

## FAQ
1. **What is the return investment percentage/how does the profit from investment work?**
   - Hi Samuel! Investors recoup their original investment amount plus a 20% return prior to profits distribution. The producers do not profit from the film until the investors are paid back first. Then profits (if any) are split 50/50 between producers and investors on a pro rata basis.
2. **hey, is it possible to donate with PayPal?**
   - Hi Hanoch! Yes, you can! Thanks for asking! We have a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor that you can donate through with paypal on our website: pharmathemovie.com We really appreciate your support!
3. **How is this linked to Angel.com investment?**
   - Hi Paula, all investments from the first round (with Angel funding) and this round (with Wefunder) will be applied to the budget of the film. You can track your investment through the account you invested with on either portal. We also track investments on our end and if you ever have a question about your total, you can email us at hello@pharmathemovie.com. We are so grateful for your support!
4. **In what class will this investment opportunity be designated (Debt, Convertibles, Stock ND, Stock div.)?**
   - Hi Matthew, this will be a preferred stock offering. Investors recoup their original investment amount plus a 20% return prior to waterfall profits distribution. The producers do not profit from the film until the investors are paid back first. Then profits (if any) are split 50/50 between producers and investors on a pro rata basis.
5. **What is your anticipated budget for this film? And are you going to do an Advertising and Print like Sound of Freedom did to get it into theaters also?**
   - Hi Terry, our anticipated budget to complete the film is ~$6M. We will begin filming once ~$2M has been raised. Our P&A budget will be determined (and potentially paid for) by our distributor at a later time. It is not currently our intention to crowdfund for the P&A of the film, though that could change in the future.

## Team
- Ashley Bratcher (Producer)
- Lisa Bruce (Producer)
- Mark Fincannon (Executive Producer/Casting Director)

## Recent posts
- That's a wrap! 🎬 Updates & Giveaway Winner Announced (2024-12-11T18:55:14Z)
- There will not be another opportunity like this! ⏰ (2024-12-10T23:00:58Z)
- 12 Hours Left: This is Your Last Chance❗ (2024-12-10T17:12:12Z)
- Be Part of PHARMA Before the Credits Roll! 📽️ (2024-12-04T20:23:50Z)
- Viva Las Vegas! 🎰 (2024-11-20T19:17:32Z)
- LIVESTREAM 📕 Meet the Author of the New Dr. Frances Kelsey Biography (2024-10-29T21:47:26Z)
- Look, we're gonna shake things up. ⚾ (2024-10-01T18:34:06Z)
- Extra! Extra! Read all about it! 📰 (2024-09-16T22:29:35Z)
- Woah, we're halfway there... 🎵 (2024-08-21T20:13:28Z)
- I get by with a little help from my friends 🎵 (2024-08-19T17:10:45Z)
- Six degrees of separation from being fully funded... 🤝 and six degrees from Kevin Bacon? (2024-08-14T20:46:32Z)
- Hurry and get to the train station! 🎫 6 HOURS TO GO! (2024-04-29T22:21:50Z)
- Ring ring... 📞 ring ring... 📞 (2024-04-29T16:34:26Z)
- 1 day left! ⏰ The countdown clock is ticking! (2024-04-29T01:32:40Z)
- A personal message 💌 from Ashley Bratcher (2024-04-27T20:31:18Z)

## Q&A
- Q: Another update would be appreciated.
  - A: Hi Cody, all investors received a Q3 update. Please check your email address and make sure that hello@pharmathemovie.com is whitelisted. Email me if you didn't receive it! Thank you!
- Q: For the $1,000 investment, can I pass off the movie extra opportunity to a family member? Thank you!
  - A: Yes, you sure can!
- Q: Tate Taylor (Director) from the "The Help" and some of the cast would fit perfectly for your movie
  - A: Absolutely! What a great name for a director to add to our list as well as potential cast! We're grateful for your input Terry!
- Q: If I invested under $1000 previously, but invest enough this round to bring my total investment to $1000, do I get the perk of being an extra, or do I have to invest $1000 in this round specifically?
  - A: Hey Jonathan! We keep record of your total investment. So, anything that you have previously invested will count towards your perks. Thank you so much for your support!
- Q: It looks as though the investment terms have changed with this new round. As this is a movie funding, how does the priced round payout work vs. the prior 120% + 50% repayment schedule? Thank you!
  - A: Hi Jason! The terms for profit participation have not changed with this new round. They are the same as the first: Investors recoup 120% of principal plus pro-rata share of 50% of the backend. The only difference this round is that there is an early bird benefit you can view on the terms page. The early bird terms are the same unit price as the fist round but are limited in this one. Thanks for your question!
- Q: Hi, I have a few questions 1. Will returns be paid in perpetuity and how often quarterly, annually etc? 2. Since this is a long-term investment that could possibly generate returns for quite a while indefinitely, are we able to include it in our wills like we would with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. so that after our passing, any future returns can be paid out to whoever is listed in our will? 3. How often will investors receive updates after the films release? 4. What sort of tax forms will be issued K-1s, 1099's, etc?
  - A: Hi Corinthius, great questions! 1. Returns, if any, will be paid annually in perpetuity. This would only change in the event that the project is sold to a distributor rather than licensed, in such an event, a lump sum payout would be sent to investors. 2. Yes, you can absolutely add a beneficiary to your investment! Wefunder provides more information on how to do that here: https://help.wefunder.com/legal/326875-can-i-add-a-spouse-or-beneficiary-to-my-investment 3. After the film's release, investors can expect annual updates at minimum. We love staying connected with our supporters though; so, you'll likely hear from us a bit more. 4. Investors will receive a form 1099-Dividend for any profits that are distributed to report on their individual taxes.
- Q: this is amazing! rather recently i invested in some production companies and movies, flying to meet with terrence howard and his partner in a few weeks! loved you ashley in unplanned! what i am wondering i see what you are trying to raise. let's say you don't reach the 2 million will you cancel this or take what you can get and get the rest from outside sources? wefunder takes the money out the account right away hate to invest just to get it back a few months later. i do believe once this gets to theatres it will create a nice roi! do i have permission to tell others, market to tell people about this opportunity etc. would be a big help, have lots of connects! thanks ashley for opportunity!
  - A: Hey John! Thank you so much for asking! Our escrow break is $50k, which you'll see we've already surpassed. So, the funds will be transferred to the Pharma business account. In the event that we don't hit our full goal, we will continue to raise funds both through this Reg CF (and private sources). The SEC also gives us a year to continue using a Regulation Crowdfund to raise up to 5M. We will also be able to use what we have raised to keep the momentum going. For example, we can begin making offers to talent, hire key personnel, location scout, etc. So, please DO SHARE! Share with everyone you know! We are grateful for your support!
- Q: What is your anticipated budget for this film? And are you going to do an Advertising and Print like Sound of Freedom did to get it into theaters also?
  - A: Hi Terry, our anticipated budget to complete the film is ~$6M. We will begin filming once ~$2M has been raised. Our P&A budget will be determined (and potentially paid for) by our distributor at a later time. It is not currently our intention to crowdfund for the P&A of the film, though that could change in the future.
- Q: Below you told someone: "all investors received a Q3 update. Please check your email address and make sure that hello@pharmathemovie.com is whitelisted." I just now added your email address to my email Contact List. I might have missed some updates, and have no idea how far along the moving is coming. Could I please have the latest update resent to me? Thank you!
- Q: The offering outlines a 120% return on principal plus a 50% pro-rata share of backend profits. I’m seeking clarity on how those profits are calculated—specifically, whether the production team has discretion to adjust expenses (such as salaries, bonuses, equipment rentals, or overhead) after the film is completed in ways that could reduce reported profits and affect investor payouts, or if those costs are fixed during pre-production.
- Q: Long ago in my innocence I invested $5000 in Pharma. Rayford K Brown,. What is the status of that investment and Pharma?
  - A: Hi Rayford, you should be receiving email updates. Please reach out to hello@pharmathemovie.com if you have not.
- Q: Why did you deduct another $257 from my bank account on 12/23 ? I did not agree to this. I just made an initial investment months ago.
  - A: Hi Carl, I do not see any record of an investment from you via Wefunder into Frankie’s Story LLC. Are you sure you intended to invest into Pharma or could this be related to a different project? You can email me directly if you’d like and I can try to connect you with the appropriate person to find you an answer. Email: Hello@pharmathemovie.com
- Q: Hello, I believe I saw just last night that there was a perk to be in the movie as an extra if we invest $1000. Did this recently change?
  - A: Hi Rodney, thank you for your question! The $1000 investment level was offered in previous rounds at a discounted rate for those who invested early. The spots are limited. So, we needed to raise the investment level for that perk to $5000. It looks like you may have decided to invest that amount to qualify based on what I'm seeing today. Thank you so much for your support! We are incredibly grateful and can't wait to welcome you to set!
- Q: I downloaded the Sub Doc and it referes to Offering Documents on page 1. Where can I get copies of these? PS Great pitch at AFM!
  - A: Thank you so much, George! There are links to all of the documents on the right side of this page under contracts: www.wefunder.com/frankiesstoryllc/invest The form c link will take you to the SEC page that has all of the documents in one place.
- Q: When is this movie releasing?
  - A: Hi Martin! It's our hope to release the film in the winter of 2025.