Invest in Open Secret

What if you could invest in a film that actually drives change, empowers people to take action and hold corrupt individuals accountable? Now you can, with an investment of $500 and up.

Watch The Trailer Below:

This is just the tip of the iceberg....

1. Executive Summary

Invest in Open Secret, a powerful documentary revealing decades of corruption and cover-ups that allowed for child predators to permeate its school district. The film emphasizes the courage of a handful of local residents who decided to unite and challenge the broken system to seek justice and accountability for their community. Their results will inspire and shock you.

This is their story - Local residents uniting to challenge a decades old corrupt system.

Unlike most films raising funds, Open Secret is already 80% complete. We're seeking investors to help fund the last 20% of production costs, post-production costs, and the all-important funds needed to correctly market and release the film nationwide through existing relationships.

Open Secret doesn't stop with a theatrical release, but it just shows how 1 method alone can make the film successful and therefore generate a return for those who invest in the film.

This is just 1 starting point of multiple monetization methods I have been successful with for many past films. Most documentary directors/producers don't have time to spend 2 years doing a roadshow via a nationwide theater release, because they have to focus on their next documentary. I don't have that constraint at this point in my life so I'm committed to seeing this through.

The trailer has already attracted interest from Regal Cinemas who can take it out across the US. This is your chance to both drive change through an impactful feature documentary by a multiple award-winning filmmaker, AND participate in any profits after a full return of your capital via 10% of profits for the life of the film’s release.

2. Our Story - Coverups, Caused Children to be Preyed on for Decades

At the heart of Open Secret is the story of New Hanover County, North Carolina, where years of systemic failure allowed for child predators to permeate its school district and prey on students for decades. Despite the number of adults who knew of the many allegations, families who spoke up about their experiences were targeted, intimidated or threatened and the allegations were covered-up or denied.

Through exclusive interviews with survivors, parents, experts, faculty, school board members and journalists, the documentary lays bare how a culture of fear and silence, corruption, denial and complacency, enabled these horrific abuses to persist.

The film's theme explores courage. It shines a light on the few individuals who fought back, risking their reputations and safety to demand accountability and justice from those they believed to be responsible for the culture. Whistleblowers, journalists, news anchors, parents, school board members, a former sheriff deputy, a professor and a reverend take us on their journey. Despite hostile threats and actions, it is their stories and relationships which drive the emotional core of the film. Our documentary also exposes the broader, institutional failures: school administrators who ignored multiple allegations and reports of both systemic discrimination and sexual abuse, law enforcement and elected officials who seemingly turned a blind eye, within a crafted culture of complicity that shielded predators instead of protecting children.

The film's investigative work is relentless. We reveal what we uncovered, sharing documented evidence revealing the full extent of the massive cover-up and multiple conflicts of interest.

The emotional toll on the community is palpable, but so is the determination to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. By documenting one town’s struggle, Open Secret raises universal questions about how schools nationwide handle child safety, reports of abuse, accountability, and how it can, and needs, to be improved.

This is not just a local story; it is a national issue with far-reaching implications. The film calls for greater oversight, transparency, and reform to ensure that children everywhere are protected from such abuses because the sad truth is that its very easy to eradicate.

The Reverend Dante Murphy explains how and why his line of questioning the school board of education turned into a State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)

3. Our Mission - Become a Conversation Starter to End Child Abuse in ALL Schools.

This is not a North Carolinian problem. It was a problem that happened IN North Carolina and has become all too systemic around the nation.

Our overriding mission is for Open Secret the film, to become a conversation starter, with other organizations, to help end child abuse in ALL schools - while serving as a cautionary tale.

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand up for much" - Marian Wright Edelman.

CLIP FROM FILM: A COMMUNITY RISES UP

4. Progress To-Date - 80% Complete & Discussions with a National Theater Chain

Open Secret is well on its way to completion, with significant milestones already achieved. To date, over 300 hours of raw footage have been filmed, capturing the full breadth of the story from key figures, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author, survivors, experts, news anchors and investigative journalists. We’ve secured $270K in initial funding, which has allowed us to film 80% of the documentary, including some of the most critical interviews and investigative work to date.

The film has generated strong early interest, with our trailer garnering over 15,000 views online from word of mouth alone with no ad spend. The compelling nature of the story has already attracted attention from Regal Cinemas, a national theatre chain, considering distributing the documentary throughout the United States, signaling its potential to reach a wide audience for significant impact.

The support from the community and initial investors has been overwhelming, demonstrating the importance of bringing this story to the public. However, additional funding is essential to complete the final 20% of filming, crucial post-production process and release. This includes editing, scoring, legal and technical work needed to deliver a polished, powerful documentary.

Open Secret is not just another film; it's an urgent call to action. With most of the groundwork laid out already, your investment will ensure this story is told with the depth, nuance, and reach it deserves.

Special Forces, Bronze Medal of Courage Recipient, Tim Kennedy and TEDx Speaker, Disruptor and Educator, Matt Beaudreau, Co-Founders of Apogee also support Open Secret.

5. Examples of Successful Documentaries with a Wide Release

The bar chart below details some very successful documentaries as an example. While every film carries risk, we have a very specific release plan for Open Secret that, if successful, will not just mitigate that risk but ensure a healthy return for its investors.

Join us and be the change you want to see!

The estimated number of viewers was calculated by taking the theatrical revenue / $15 per ticket. Most ticket prices averaged $11 or less during this time period so the total audience is actually higher than shown above.

6. Next Steps - Finish this Raise, Start the Theatrical Release, and Invite Others to Become Part of the Movement Created

As we approach the final stages of Open Secret, the most critical task ahead is completing the last 20% of filming. This includes additional investigative work, final interviews with key figures and historians, and gathering the final pieces of evidence to complete the narrative. With the core of the story already captured, this final stretch ensures no stone is left unturned, allowing the film to present a comprehensive account of the events, leaving the audience to decide what transpired.

Once filming is complete, we will move into the post-production phase, which includes editing hundreds of hours of footage into a tight, impactful story. We’ll also focus on sound design, musical scoring, and color correction to give the film a professional finish that resonates with audiences.

Your investment will directly fund this post-production phase, ensuring the film reaches its full potential. Beyond that, we will engage in strategic marketing to build momentum ahead of the release. This includes creating a digital presence, outreach to national media, and organizing community screenings through a social impact partner to drive grassroots support.

With the groundwork in place, we're confident that Open Secret will spark vital conversations about child safety and institutional accountability. The next steps are crucial in ensuring the film reaches its intended audience and achieves the broad impact it is capable of.

CLIP FROM FILM: WE SPOKE TO HUNDREDS WHO WERE TOO TERRIFIED TO SPEAK UP

Journalist, Ben Schactman on the terror in the community to step forward and tell their stories.

Traction - the unreleased film is already driving change

Many of the predators revealed in Open Secret have already been arrested or are in prison. While the film focuses on the courage of those who challenged a decades-long culture of silence and fear - their ultimate success is in how the film reveals the product of their endeavors.

Additionally, for those who like to ruffle feathers, we know from multiple reports that there are many who truly fear the full release of Open Secret - those with knowledge of these crimes over the years, many of whom were court mandated reporters who did not report many of the allegations made, betraying the children, and denying them the help they requested. Fortunately, many of these enablers and active perpetrators were forced to remove themselves from places of power, or exit their positions during our film because of our brave heroes. This is how powerful advocacy manifest when we unite, lead with courage, and challenge the status quo.

7. Distribution Plan

The distribution strategy for Open Secret is ambitious, aiming for maximum impact through a combination of theatrical, digital, and community-based platforms.

After the US theatrical release, we plan to rollout to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu, ensuring accessibility to a broader, international audience.

We also plan to leverage grassroots distribution by hosting community screenings in key cities across the U.S., accompanied by panel discussions with survivors, advocates, and filmmakers. These screenings will serve as catalysts for local conversations about child safety in schools, encouraging communities to take action.

In addition to traditional and digital platforms, we aim to partner with non-profits and advocacy groups to further the reach of the film. By aligning with organizations dedicated to child safety, we can use the documentary as a tool for education and policy change, driving reform at both local and national levels.

The distribution plan is designed to ensure that Open Secret not only reaches a wide audience but also creates lasting change. The film’s message is urgent, and we are committed to ensuring that it sparks conversations and drives action across the country.

We feel very strongly that we have compiled enough evidence for you to consider whether or not they knowingly participated in the corruption and collusion that caused so much pain in New Hanover County. It's now time for you to decide.

Our Solution? Release Open Secret!

CLIP FROM FILM: THE PRESS CONFRONTS THE SCHOOL BOARD

School Board Chair, holds a press conference about the child predators in her school district and is questioned by a reporter: "Why hold a press conference if you're not going to answer these questions that everyone in this county wants to know?" From the film, Open Secret.

8. How Are Investor Returns Structured?

Investors in Open Secret will have the opportunity to not only support a socially impactful project but also earn financial returns. The investment structure offers full return of capital before profits are distributed. Once the film generates revenue, investors will receive 10% of the net profits from the film - for the life of the film, ensuring that they are rewarded for their early support.

The raised capital will primarily go toward completing the film, with funds allocated to final filming, post-production, and marketing. Once the film is released, revenues will be generated through theatrical distribution, streaming platforms, and DVD sales, as well as licensing deals with educational institutions and advocacy organizations.

In addition to financial returns, investors will receive exclusive perks based on their level of contribution. Perks may include producer credits on the film, VIP invitations to the premiere and screenings, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Larger investors may have opportunities for personal meetings with the filmmakers and key figures in the story.

This investment is not just a financial opportunity—it’s a chance to be part of a project that could make a real difference in how schools handle child safety. By investing in Open Secret, you’re contributing to a movement, while also benefiting from the film’s success.

9. What's Your Why?

MMA/UFC champ, Special Forces, Bronze Medal for Valour, Entrepreneur and Apogee Co-Founder, supports and contributes to our documentary, Open Secret - "What's Your Why?"

The driving force behind Open Secret is the need to protect children—our most vulnerable population—from the horrific abuse that has been allowed to persist in schools across the country. The story of New Hanover County is not an isolated incident; it’s a microcosm of a national issue, where the systems meant to protect children all too often fail them.

We believe 99.9999% of the world’s population thinks child abuse is wrong and that action should be taken to support victims and prevent future abuse. They just don't know how. THIS film provides the "how" — by investing in Open Secret, you're defending the future safety of children by placing your investment funds with a force for change.

That is also a primary reason why over $270k has already been invested in Open Secret by the producers & investors. They know getting the finished film in front of viewers will drive change beyond just potential investor returns.

This film is personal to us. WE have been inspired along the way by advocates daring to step up and challnge authority. Together with the courage of the survivors, who came forward despite fear and shame, is heroic. Their stories (now vindicated by the court system) deserve to be heard, and the institutions that failed them need to be held accountable.

Our goal with Open Secret is to spark conversations, inspire action, and drive policy changes that ensure children are safe in their schools. We want this film to be more than just a story—it needs to be a catalyst for real, lasting change.

By supporting Open Secret, you're not just investing in a film—you’re joining a movement to protect children and demand accountability. Together, we can make sure that stories like these are no longer kept hidden in the shadows. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, something that truly matters. Heralding the light.

CLIP FROM FILM: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY vs SCHOOL BOARD ACCOUNTABILITY

10. Funding to Date

The founders have already contributed $254k as owners in the film + $22k on a debt basis.

This funding supported the development, research and filming of the documentary to date.

When you think of films as an investment the allure is the potential of a viral hit that breaks all revenue records-we plan for this, but film investing also comes with risk. Arguably the two greatest risks are that the film does not get completed, or once complete, does not receive distribution. This is how we have mitigated those two risks and more...

1. We've shot and partially edited parts of the film, with only 20% left to finish strong.
2. We have traction with the #2, National theatre chain, Regal Cinemas. Based on the extended trailer alone (above), they expressed an interest in releasing the film across the US, holding Q&A's with select audiences at various screenings during the roll out. While this is not a 'done deal' just having such support so early in the process is unprecedented for our veteran filmmaker.
3. Our producing team’s deep network of contacts in distribution, podcasting, news media, and social impact partners puts us ahead of most documentaries at this stage. Our director/ producer's previous projects have released through many of the major outlets such as MGM, 20th Century Fox, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Hallmark, Lifetime, Roku, Tubi etc.
4. Interest in the film: We have 15k+ views and counting, of the trailer through word of mouth marketing only, no ad spend, and no PR announcement around its release. Word of mouth is already at work before we've even released the film.

11. Breaking Down the Ask

All that is needed for us to succeed in this investor raise is for 500 more investors to invest a minimum of $1,000. That’s it.

We believe we have a winning strategy to return your capital, plus 10% ROI - for the life of the film. We do not cap you once you've attained your 10%, that 10% continues as the profits (if any) continue.

SmartInvestors, who see both the societal value of releasing this film AND, who care deeply about child safety, enough to stand with us as we help to put an end to sexual abuse in ALL schools.

12. Do We Inadvertently Enable Predators Through Inaction?

Fact: How predators thrive. Predators rely on us to look away. To disbelieve they are capable of these acts. This is how we unwittingly play into their hands- and how they thrive for so long.

Most people have heard of "grooming" the child. Some have heard of 'grooming the parents," Too many have not heard of the systemic grooming in schools. This is where the predators first "groom the community". They know that one day, one of these allegations will stick and they'll be dragged out into the light. The groundwork they lay to be seen as a teacher who would NEVER do such an horrific act is exhaustive. We believe it's at the root cause of victim blaming and shaming. They MUST be lying, I would KNOW if this man/woman was a predator. Sadly, they rarely look or act like monsters and only the child sees this side of them.

We acknowledge sexual abuse and systemic discrimination are uncomfortable topics for most people. But what happens if we all continue to look away? Are we not then part of the problem? 2024 is the era of accountability, to confront those who have abused their power to seek justice.

It's time to speak up - and we're providing you the vehicle to do so by investing in Open Secret.

Will you be as courageous as those we follow in our film? They did their part, now let’s do ours …. help us share their story with the world. As a cautionary tale, and a road map for change.

We aim to get this film in front of millions of people across the world.

This is not a donation. We are offering you an opportunity to be an angel investor or even co-producer (for investors at higher levels), of this film. We want our impact to be as effective in ending sexual assault in schools, as "The Sound of Freedom" was in exposing human trafficking.

The more investors who come on board at this stage, the wider our network becomes for our release. This is why we are asking for a minimum investment of $1,000 - invite a friend or colleague to invest alongside you as we aim to improve safety for children in communities across the. US.

How are Investor Returns Structured?

We are raising up to $550k in this round. Here's how we've budgeted the Use of Funds.

There are $20k in loans & a max of $530k projected remaining expenses to be paid.

Here’s how you as an investor share in revenue and profits assuming the entire $550k is raised.

• Production Costs paid via the Budget from investor capital in this round
• + existing capital contributions from founders.

After the actual budget is paid, here’s how revenue and profits flow.

1st, Return Capital

As revenue comes in, we return capital to those who have put in equity capital, up to $784k ($234k + $550k)

For every $100,000 in revenue

• (~29.8%) $29,847 to founders’ equity capital in
• The majority (~70.2%), $70,153 to investors

Payouts occur quarterly & start once $1,000 in revenue is generated.

2nd, Split Profits

We split profits per ownership in the film.

This is based on the size of your investment. You share pro rata (in proportion with others) with the $550,000 in equity capital.

• $550k is worth 10%
• $275k is worth 5%
• and so on

Traditional Release Model and the Shift to Streaming:

Studio films traditionally relied on theatrical releases with costly P&A (prints and advertising) expenses, historically these costs are double the film's actual budget. The rise of streaming platforms has changed this, allowing films to be released both in theaters and online simultaneously, significantly reducing distribution costs through modern, digital assets

Our Unique Approach with "Open Secret":

"Open Secret" is breaking this mold. Our producer/director is committed to supporting the film’s release across 1,000 theaters nationwide, ranging from 99 to 1,000-seat venues. If the film screens in 1,000 theaters, with a theatre attendance of 200, at $15 per ticket, we gross $3 million—against a budget of <$800K, offering a solid return on investment within the first 24 months.



Additional Revenue Streams:

Will also include potential income from larger venues (theatres in excess of 200 seats), event screenings (partnering with like-minded orgs and fundraisers for child safety programs), digital streaming rights (Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Max etc), Broadcast (TV), DVD/BluRay sales and downloads, educational licensing, sponsorships, and such ancillary revenue streams as resorts, military bases, airlines and similar.

Additional profits beyond the movie

Any profits generated from the movie, after its release, are also shared with investors. The film itself, once complete, is considered an Intellectual Property (IP). Our IP could be licensed by a third party as the underlying rights to a separate project that wants to base it's storytelling or facts on footage or facts from our documentary. For instance, a feature film, a docuseries, a made-for-TV film.

Previously successful documentaries that have taken similar approaches to generate millions of dollars in revenue.

*The above amounts are from theatrical revenue. When a streamer such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or similar, licenses or purchases a title, that would be additional revenue streams. As would any ad-revenue from streamers we release through.

**Not all streamers/distributors reveal how much they pay to license or buy a title.

Most documentaries are not break out successes. Many fail.  While we can’t guarantee success, this is not our first rodeo. Projects our lead producer has completed, have generated in excess of $90m not including streaming numbers.  

While our initial conversations with Regal Cinemas are exciting, this is not a done deal. We bring it up to show that already, at such an early stage, a national theatre chain sees the value and need for Open Secret. We discussed possible scenarios where after select screenings across the country we would hold Q&A’s with audiences. We would participate in town-hall meetings across the country, encouraging community involvement to discuss the issues raised in our film and solutions for prevention and ultimately eradication of abuse in ALL schools.

We'll invite experts and individuals who appear in Open Secret to participate with local community leaders, educators, pastors, elected officials, podcasters, media, influencers and parents to come together to implement safe-guards for their children in each town and city we play.

On top of that, we will utilize distribution tactics that our producer has used successfully in her 20 year+ career in film and rolling in our entire producing teams’ influence. This includes major podcasts, reaching millions of people, to make sure those impacted by this film are heard and that victims’ perpetrators - and those who enable them - cannot hide, truth and justice will prevail.

Open Secret’s Film Style Fits Growing Content Trends

Open Secret is by definition, user generated content - it’s not a film influenced by any studio for any particular outcome. It's authentic and gritty, we lay out the facts as we uncover them for our viewers to determine the outcome. User generated content is the fastest growing, most widely consumed content by audiences under 50. As we mentioned earlier, documentaries are clearly having their moment. We plan to make the most of this information to attract the widest audience.

Why user generated content (UGC) is as popular as it is today is debatable. We believe it is a craving for open, honest and authentic content. In a time of questionable facts, a.i. and deep fakes, documentaries have the ability to cut through the noise. Our exclusive access to insiders gives this film a fair and balanced accounting of the events that were explored by those willing to share their experiences, as do those who declined to be interviewed.

We interview those directly involved and impacted by what transpired. First hand accounts, which are deeply impactful. Audiences are smart. They want the facts because they want to make their own minds up before they act! They respond well to authenticity and facts. We deliver.

Due to these trends, there are creators // influencers on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and others who have even larger followings than major news networks. They built their viewership in a shorter period of time than these news networks-we have influencers on our team and in our network, committed to exposing this film far and wide.

Our demographic is substantial this is not a niche film it’s a film to be seen by families, in churches, educators - all facets of educational institutions - students, faculty and administrators, elected officials and the general public who want to understand how these predators can be prevented from hurting more innocent lives.

Our the film is a road map to prevent child abuse in schools for all time.

Open Secret’s Release Drives Exponential Returns

Without doubt, New Hanover County is not the only school system in the country who has experienced or is experiencing similar issues. This is a global crisis demanding our attention - we answered the call.

Our film's Director, Kerry David ends by sharing her sentiments on staying on this film for almost five years...

"I gave this film five years of my life because I believe in the advocates who dared greatly against all the odds, challenging the toxic status-quo. I’m AGAINST corruption and collusion, and I'm FOR courage and community. It's simple really, their journey deserves to be witnessed."

What's your why?

---

Click here for Kerry's IMDB Page