Our entrance restoration campaign seeks to raise $250,000 for the restoration of the Essanay Studios iconic terra cotta entrance. This represents the first phase of the $3 million for restoration and rebirth of the Essanay Film Studio Complex as the Essanay Centers for Early Film and Cultural Performance. This work will include much needed repair and restoration to the building’s exterior and rebirth of Studio A, the original working studio, as an education center for learning about Essanay and the early film industry, a working production studio, and performing arts space.
The rise of the film industry and Chicago’s leading role is an important story for people in Chicago and beyond. This revitalized Chicago landmark will celebrate the birth and rise of the film era using the latest in talent and technology. It will attract people from across the nation and world who share an interest in the development of film and a great city. And it will expand and extend the studio’s legacy by providing space for educational, performance and other cultural events in cooperation with community groups.
We’re working hard to raise funds through other initiatives, but we need your help to bring Essanay back into the limelight.
If you missed the opportunity to contribute to our Indiegogo restoration campaign, you still have a chance to help us and get some great perks. We will be offering the same perks at the same donation level for any donations contributed through the site. Simply use the donate widget to the right of your screen and select one of the levels below.
$1 - Extra level
Contribute at this level and your name will be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$15 - Bit Player level
For this contribution, you’ll receive a magnet featuring the Essanay Studios poster design. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site
$25 - Supporting Player level
For this contribution, you’ll receive an 11×17 version of the beautiful Essanay Studios poster. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$50 - Lead Player level
Pledge at this level and you’ll receive a 24×36 version of our beautiful Essanay Studios poster. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$100 - Star Player level
Pledge at this level and you will receive both sizes of the Essanay Studios poster, the Essanay magnet, and a set of 10 postcards featuring the Essanay logo. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$250 - Producer level
At this level, you’ll receive both sizes of the poster, the Essanay magnet, the set of 10 postcards and 1 ticket to the 2014 Essanay Gala. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$500 - Director level
At this level, you’ll receive all of the Essanay perks listed at the Star level, plus 2 tickets to the 2014 Essanay Gala. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
$1,000 - Mogul level
Wow! Pledge at this level and you’ll receive all of the Essanay goodies listed at the Star level, plus 2 tickets to the 2014 Essanay Gala AND a private invitation to all VIP receptions for Essanay Centers events for 1 year. Your name will also be highlighted as a contributor on the Indiegogo page on the official Essanay site.
You can learn more about the Essanay restoration project here, or learn more about the Essanay Centers for Early Film and Cultural Performance here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at essanaystudios@staugustine.edu or via phone at 773-878-4593.
