Movie critic Roger Ebert photographs "The Darwin Awards" director Finn Taylor from the media line before the the screening of the film during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Photo: )
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Steve James and Oscar winner Martin Scorsese have hit the crowdfunding site Indiegogo to raise money for their documentary on Roger Ebert, "Life Itself." Directed by James, the film needs an additional $150,000 in funding before completion, money that will go toward post-production tasks like music licensing, graphics and hiring a composer.
James and Scorsese began work on the film before Ebert's death in in April of this year, and have the full support of Ebert's widow, Chaz.
"This movie is a love story really –– Roger's love for movies, for Chaz, and even in his own way, his love for Gene [Siskel]," James, who directed "Hoop Dreams," said in a statement on the page. "Ultimately, though, it’s a film about Roger's love for life itself." The documentary is based on Ebert's memoir of the same name. "Life Itself" features interviews with filmmakers like Scorsese, Werner Herzog, Errol Morris and more.
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Depending on the amount donated, Ebert fans will be in line for a host of perks, including an early screening of the finished film (due out in 2014), signed copies of the Blu-ray and more. Watch James' plea in the video below, and head to Indiegogo for more information. (The campaign ends on Dec. 20, but because of the site's "Flexible Funding" option, the "Life Itself" producers will keep whatever funds they raise, even if that total falls short of the stated goal.)
Film critic Roger Ebert attends the 2002 Independent Spirit Awards March 23, 2002 in Santa Monica, CA. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
In this Jan. 12, 2011 file photo, Pulitzer Prize-winning movie critic Roger Ebert works in his office at the WTTW-TV studios in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
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This undated file photo originally released by Disney-ABC Domestic Television, shows movie critics Roger Ebert, right, and Gene Siskel. (AP Photo/Disney-ABC Domestic Television)
This Jan. 2009 file photo shows film critic and author Roger Ebert, recipient of the Honorary Life Member Award, at the Directors Guild of America Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, file)
This May 17, 2004 file photo shows Pulitzer Prize winning film critc Roger Ebert at the 57th International Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, file)
This January, 2011, file photo provided by Roger Ebert shows the famous film critic wearing a silicone prosthesis over his lower face and neck. (AP Photo/Ebert Productions, David Rotter, file)
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Film critic Roger Ebert arrives at 'Damsels In Distress' Premiere at The Elgin during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Film critic Roger Ebert and Director Martin Scorsese attend the Roger Ebert Conference Center Announcement held at the American Pavillion during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2009 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Critic Roger Ebert and actress Virginia Madsen attend the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on January 31, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for DGA)
Critic Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert accept his Honorary Life Membership award onstage during the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on January 31, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for DGA)
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Film critic Roger Ebert poses at the book signing for his 'Great Movies II' at Barnes & Noble Booksellers on March 7, 2006 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
Movie Critic Roger Ebert gestures as he receives the 2,288th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame June 23, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Movie Critic Roger Ebert and actress Julie Delpy in the audience at the 20th IFP Independent Spirit Awards in a tent on the beach on February 26, 2005 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Film critic Roger Ebert attends the 32nd Annual AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Meryl Streep on June 10, 2004 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Movie critic, Roger Ebert and wife Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert attend the '32nd Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Meryl Streep' held at the Kodak Theatre, June 10, 2004 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Film critic Roger Ebert speak at the 'The American Directors' discussion panel during the 'Variety Cannes Conference Series 2004' on May 15, 2004 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
Film critic Roger Ebert talks with director/producer Campbell Scott at the American pavilion during 56th International Cannes Film Festival 2003 on May 16, 2003 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
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