As we quickly approach the end of this campaign we have very exciting news to share. KPBS, the amazing home to our series, is doubling contributions completed by 8 am on April 2nd (up to $5000) in an effort to help us reach our goal by the deadline. That means whatever you or your friend gives will actually DOUBLE!

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“Kings of the Craft” is a six-part documentary television series that is part of the Explore San Diego project on KPBS, premiering in late May 2015. This series explores the brewing scene that has erupted in San Diego county. As home to over one hundred breweries and brewpubs, and more arriving each month, San Diego is a mecca for craft beer.

Each episode, lasting thirty minutes, will cover a different aspect of brewing. We are on a mission to learn the history of this industry, uncover the passion behind the brew, discover diverse stories, and unravel the future of these “Kings”.

We have interviewed a wide variety of breweries for this series from larger, well-known breweries such as Stone, Ballast Point, Coronado, and Karl Strauss, to newer and upcoming breweries such as Toolbox, Hillcrest Brewing Co, and Acoustic Ales.

For a full list of the breweries, restaurants, and events we have visited see complete list below.

Like us on Facebook, follow our Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and receive updates about the project and great craft beer news happening around San Diego through our Twitter.

The brewing community in San Diego deserves to have their story told. With your support we can make that happen.

Why do we need the money?

We need your help to complete the series. Right now we’ve finished filming most of our interviews and are working on capturing high quality B-roll (aerial footage, time lapses, slow motion footage) around San Diego to help better convey the stories we are trying to tell. Time and finance permitting, we are hoping to get some animation work done as well. Both our Director and Editor are hard at work crafting each episode to perfection. Yes, our Editor is an editing wizard, but each wizard needs a few wizard apprentices! A large part of the funds that we raise will be utilized to hire other talented folks to help us bring this project to completion and ensure it is the best it can be.

Whether you give $25, $100 or $500, your contribution could mean the difference between this story being told and this story continuing to be ignored. Please, back this project now!

Our main production team consists of four individuals, each extremely talented. As young professionals we are proud and honored to create this series especially at such a defining moment for the craft beer industry in San Diego. Our lives are wrapped around this project, but the unfortunate part is that we do not have the funds to fully finance this project and pay everyone involved. At the end of the day we do not want to compromise the project and its quality. Your donations will make sure we do right by our work and are able to complete “Kings of the Craft” the way it should be finished, no cutting corners.

This campaign could be what determines if "Kings of the Craft" will have a second season! Help us reach our funding goal and you could be the deciding factor.

Our brilliant plan on how we are going to raise our funding goal?

Our “Final Push” fundraiser is set for the Wednesday March 25th. Click the picture below to go to our Facebook page and join. Come out to the event or donate right here and support Kings of the Craft.

Our hope is that we are providing rewards that will entice our backers (you) to not only give us a hand but also make you feel as though you are taking home a piece of the production. Be a part of this amazing production and help Kings of the Craft cross the finish line to our $30,000 funding goal.

We like to think the quality of our work and our commitment to the project will be the factor that sets us apart, however, it is through this community that we will be able to reach our goal. With such a passionate craft community we hope that if every person who reads this page and donates will then tell another person, who tells another person, who tells another person… well you get the idea… the word will get out there and launch our campaign to new heights.

But time is running out. If we don't hit our goal by April 2nd, we won't receive any of the money that has been pledged. So don't wait. Make your contribution now.

About the Filmmakers

Four young filmmakers came together so that they could produce a dream project. All being lovers of craft beer and of the San Diego community they composed the idea last summer and pitched it to KPBS. They loved it and Kings of the Craft was born! A few weeks later and we were contracted to join their Explore San Diego program and accompany other series such as Savor San Diego and A Growing Passion.

Heads are turning over this series because who doesn’t love a good craft beer. KPBS Press Release

Time Lapse Cinematographer: Tyler Fairbank of Light Owl Productions

We are so excited about the opportunity to share the stories of the San Diego brewing community, but we want to make sure that we tell EVERYONE's story, so we are turning to you. Please, make this project a reality. Contribute $50 right now!

Our Partners

Kings of the Craft is partnering up with some outstanding companies to help us provide some quality rewards to our backers.

BrewerShirts: We are thrilled with the idea of releasing our beer bear out into the world but we needed the perfect partnership to achieve that. Brewershirts describes itself as a family business and a labor of love, something we identify with, thus making them the perfect company to handle our wearable merch. Check out our t-shirt, a fantastic opportunity to help the production, but also take home an item you will want to take out of the house and show around.

GIVE $50 AND RECEIVE OUR BEER BEAR T-SHIRT.

Bullets2Bandages: bullets2bandages is the explosive result of an impressive mix of ingredients... combining utility with social consciousness, by offering remarkable products while honoring those who have served this country. This is a partnership offering both a great opportunity and a tremendous honor for us to be working together. Explore our bullets2bandages reward and take the opportunity to go home with a unique bottle opener while helping this project!

DONATE $40 AND RECEIVE THIS .50 CALIBER BOTTLE OPENER.

Uber: We promote the exploration of craft beer, the adoption of a lifestyle that gives to a special something to San Diego, but we are also very serious about being responsible driving. If you drink don’t drive… but that doesn’t mean you can’t take an Uber! The ride-sharing company is partnering up with Kings of the Craft and offering an unique code that will reward new users with $20 towards their first ride! Be responsible, enjoy your night and you get to help Kings of the Craft along the drive…

WANT $20 TOWARDS YOUR FIRST RIDE WITH UBER?

USE CODE: KINGSOFTHECRAFT

The Craft Masterminds who have inspired Kings of the Craft

Abnormal Beer Co

Acoustic Ales Brewing Experiment

AleSmith Brewing Company

Ballast Point Brewing Company

Belching Beaver Brewery

Best Damn Beer Shop

Blind Lady Ale House

Cork & Craft

Coronado Brewing Co.

Dos Desperados Brewery

Gordon Biersch Brewing Company

Green Flash Brewing Company

Hillcrest Brewing Company

Home Brew Mart in Linda Vista

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Mike Hess Brewing

Modern Times Beer

North Park Beer Company

Pink Boots Society

Pizza Port Solana Beach

Stone Brewing Co.

Toolbox Brewing Company

URGE American Gastropub

White Labs

Special thanks to Andy Trimlett for his kickin' Kickstarter advice.

LIKE OUR PINT GLASSES? CHECK OUT OUR $100 REWARD CATEGORY- COMES WITH COASTERS AND OUR AWESOME BEER BEAR T-SHIRT (see above).