Let’s talk about depression…
Suicide LOL is a new documentary film series that follows Brad Bonar and his revolutionary comedy show, 1 Degree of Separation. The primary mission of Suicide LOL is to start important conversations about mental health and to end the stigmas around depression and suicide. Brad and the “1 Degree” team help people start difficult conversations in a way that is non-threatening and fun. The show is continuously on tour and is changing lives all over America. The filmmakers behind Suicide LOL want to take the message and profound impact of the “1 Degree” shows and magnify it to a global audience. Suicide LOL will make audiences laugh and cry, but mostly it will make people talk, and THAT is exactly the point!
The Team
Kenny Ballentine (they/them) has worked as a documentary filmmaker since 2008. Their feature length “Nature Kids” was featured in National Park visitor centers across the country and their 2016 short film “Estamos Aqui” premiered at The (Obama) Whitehouse. Kenny’s films have screened on every continent and in 27 countries. They also directed the recently released Healing Us (featuring Oscar winner Susan Sarandon as narrator). Kenny is also an award-winning screenwriter and poet. They currently reside in Northern California where Kenny is raising four children with thier loving partner Amber.
Kenny Ballentine, Director
Abby Moneyhun (she/her) is a mother, visionary, entrepreneur and co-founder of MESSCO and the Moneyhun Companies, 12th House Media, and the app HighvibeTV. She has successfully launched and managed diverse ventures such as, Trahidri, Syzygy, and Epiphany. Abby's passion for personal growth and innovation led her to actively participate in renowned networks such as Genius Network, Mavericks, and Strategic Coach. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to sustainability efforts through her collaboration with Richard Branson's Carbon Warroom.
Abby Moneyhun, Producer
Brad Bonar (he/him) is a comedian, magician, and founder of 1 Degree of Separation. Brad and his team of fellow comedians have now put on more than 80 suicide prevention shows for middle-schools, high-schools, colleges, first responders, and military bases. When it comes to comedy, Brad is a double threat. One of the most talented magicians in the country, he is also a very gifted and funny stand-up comedian. His DryBar comedy special has over 13 million views and has made Brad a favorite at Clubs and Corporate events across the country.
Brad Bonar, Producer
Maddy Purves (she/her) received her BA of Media Studies in 2018, focusing on nonfiction and documentary film. Since then she has edited and produced three award-winning feature films “Same-Sex Attracted” (2020), Anchor Point (2021), and Healing US (2023). Maddy believes in the healing power of honest storytelling and is in search of projects that inspire love, compassion, and empathy.
Maddy Purvis, Editor
A Global Mental Health Epedemic
Currently in Production
Suicide LOL has been in production for over a year. To date we have shot more than 100 hours of footage. The team has followed Brad and the 1 Degree Comics all over America and has captured the stories of real people who finally found the strength to open up about their mental health. In the next phase of production we will continue to follow 1 Degree as they expand to larger and even international audiences. The film will also include interviews with several celebrity comedians who have struggles with their own mental health challenges. Additionally, we will be meeting with and interviewing the top minds and researchers in mental health and suicide prevention.
We will also be going back to schools a year after a 1 Degree show to document the lasting impact an honest and open dialogue about depression and suicide can have on a campus. There are so many more stories to tell. Over the next year we will capture those stories and begin to assemble what will surely be a powerful, important and one-of-a-kind film.
Phase One:
Phase one of our project is well under way and will culminate with a YouTube series that we will publish by the Summer of 2024. Our first episode will introduce Brad and the One Degree show. The following three episodes will focus on depression at home, depression at schools, and depression in the military. More episodes are in development that will focus on police and other first responders, teachers, faith groups, LGBT+ communities and survivors of sexual assault.
We will be publishing these episodes for two reasons. First and foremost, we already have a huge collection of footage that could be out there and doing good in the world right now. Producing a feature length documentary and getting it distributed can be a very long process. These stories save lives so we don’t want to sit on this while it could be having an impact now. Secondly, we want a viable proof of concept out in the public space that will excite the public, build an audience, and attract potential funding and distribution partners.
Phase Two:
Phase two of the project will be to aggressively seek production and distribution partners who can help us elevate the film / series to a massive global audience. The team behind Suicide LOL already has experience with distributing films on major international streaming services such as Amazon and Apple TV. In addition to worldwide streaming, we are also planning a nation-wide educational tour. We will be collaborating with mental health professionals to create educational programming for youth and college students as well as programming for first responders and the military. Our goal is to get this film in-front of as much of the world as possible.
We Need Your Help
Making a documentary series like this takes a lot of money and an entire army of wonderful people who have stories to tell, connections to make, and talents to offer. If you would like to help us finish Suicide LOL please do not hesitate to contact Kenny Ballentine (director). We are especially interested in finding an enthusiastic funder for the project to cover the high costs of production, post-production, distribution and marketing. Thank you!