Actress Amber Benson Helps Afflicted Writer Fulfill his Dream

Actresses Amber Benson, Whoopi Goldberg, noted writer/producer Neil Gaiman and a number of entertainment industry veterans are rallying to make ailing filmmaker Michael Reaves' final film "Blood Kiss," a reality.

Watch Amber talking about the project here!

"Michael has been a great supporter of not just his friends, but many, many others in the industry, with his encouragement, advice and his hands-on help," said Benson who is known for her work on the series "Buffy the Vampire Slaver" "Supernatural," and others.

"But now is our turn to give back and make Michael's dream of making his final film a reality." Benson, who would play Ruby the jazz singer in "Blood Kiss," says she is pleased with fans' support so far, but more is needed to ensure the film is made.

Reaves is known for his prolific writing and producing which included scripts for such shows as "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Sliders," "The Flash," "Father Dowling Mysteries," and many others. He has also received an Emmy Award, the Howie Award as well as the prestigious Hampton's Prize, along with nominations for various other awards. But in recent years, Reaves' health has been impacted by Parkinson's Disease, forcing the once vibrant and active writer/producer into a wheelchair and unable speak other than through an electronic voice box.

To date, Reaves' friends have collected $65,000 or more than the $50,000 goal in donations from fans through their campaign on Kickstarter.com, a fund-raising Web site used by many independent filmmakers. The campaign will finish on Friday, June 14. To access the site or to donate, visit www.PledgeBloodKiss.com.

"Blood Kiss" is set in 1940s Hollywood with a classic film noir tale of a sexy jazz singer in distress and a private investigator who gets a little more than he bargained for when he takes on a case involving mysterious vampires.

Award-winning writer/producer Neil Gaiman is among those rallying behind Reaves and is part of the producing team backing "Blood Kiss," said he's pleased to be a part of the funding effort as well as make an acting appearance in the film.

"I'm willing to pretend that the prospect of acting doesn't terrify me in order to help Michael Reaves make his film" said Gaiman, who is known for his work on such series as "Dr. Who," "Babylon 5," the film "Beowulf" as well as the popular comic book series, "The Sandman," "Coraline," "American Gods," and others.

Others who have come to is backing the effort is actress/TV host Whoopi Goldberg who says she can't wait for Michael's film to be a reality, as well as best-selling author David Brin, veteran composer/producer David Raiklen, famed comic book artist Tom Mandrake and others.

"Our fans rally behind Neil, Amber, and Michael. They love the concept! Now we shoot for our stretch goals to make an entirely fan funded film with major talent," said Raiklen, who is also producing "Blood Kiss."

Since the beginning, the fans have come out in full force, rallying for this project, giving it placement on Kickstarter's "Most Popular" page, as well as publishing dozens of fan-written blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and even a "Blood Kiss" inspired drink and a book-sale fundraiser. "When it's meant to be you don't have to try to sell it," said Producer Daniela Di Mase. "The fans know what they want to see and they know that Blood Kiss is a great film in the making."