SANTA MONICA, CALIF., July 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Friendship Day," a comedic story of a high school best friend contest with a cash prize hanging in the balance, is an independent comedy conceived, written and produced by industry veterans DJ Pooh and Marvin Watkins. The producers have announced the launch of a fundraising campaign via crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo.

At Thomas H. Drew High School, the annual Friendship Day election has students competing against one another for the Best Friend Award as well as the cash prize that goes with it. Among the students hoping to be crowned the winner at the school dance are the school's jock Xavier, sex-tease diva London, soft-spoken Camille, and CJ, the main character who feels pressured to both follow in his father's footsteps and breakaway to follow his own dreams.

"Through the cast of characters, our high-spirited comedy explores themes like popularity, beauty, aspirations, friendship, truth, and high school," said Watkins. "We believe in the universal story and message of Friendship Day, which is why we are turning to the public, via Indiegogo, to get this film made."

Having worked on indie films and television for several years, DJ Pooh and Watkins are familiar with going in search of funding for projects that are beyond the interest of mainstream studios. "Crowdfunding creates a new type of relationship between a film's creator and its fans," said DJ Pooh. "Supporters of our campaign will be more connected to the success of the film, which is very exciting."

The crowdfunding goal is expected to cover about half of the expense of making the film with its creators covering the other half. Those contributing to the campaign from $1 to $10,000 will enjoy several perks, from a digital download of four songs from the film's soundtrack produced by multi-platinum recording artist Mack 10, to being named executive producer. Other perks include a speaking role in the film, a workday lunch with the cast and crew, and two tickets to the Los Angeles screening.

About The Filmmakers

Director, screenwriter, and producer DJ Pooh has also worked as a West Coast record producer, collaborating with 2Pac, Ice Cube, LL Cool J, and Snoop Dogg. His film credits include 3 Strikes, The Wash, Friday, and Boyz n the Hood for which he produced the drive-by shooting sequence. Pooh is also the writer and producer of the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Marvin Watkins has more than 15 years of experience in the music and film industries. A former senior national director at Priority / Capitol Records, he is now a senior producer for Noble Vision Pictures, with film credits including Budz House, Back Stage at Budz House, and Sunchaser as well as the The Brian McKnight Talk Show.  

For more information, visit http://friendshipdaymov.wix.com/friendshipday-movie.  ; To contribute to the crowd-funding campaign, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/friendship-day/.

Marvin Watkins, DJ Pooh and Mack 10 are available for interviews and appearances.