Assalammu' Alakum,

I just wanted to keep you in the loop with the latest update with Baba Ali Kids.  As you know, we were able to raise around $10k.  Although it was a fraction of what we needed, I am trying my best to find ways to stretch the funds so we can get as many episodes done as possible.   Instead of hiring an editor, I have been doing the editing myself and all the sound syncing.  There is quite bit of learning curve with these tasks, which is one of the reasons why things have been taking so long.  Nevertheless, we continue to have progress which is very inspiring.  

As you can imagine, the biggest part of our budget is animation.  I have been working with the animation guy on ways we can recycle animation actions for the MooMoo character.  Also, I have also been negotiating with both him and our sound engineer.  All and all, we are on the right track.  My goal is to get 4 episodes made...maybe 5 (but don't hold your breathe).  Unfortunately,  our sound engineer will not be available to do his part until late April so until then, we'll focus on getting everything else done.  

The goal is to have these episodes done before Ramadan inshAllah.  I think we can do that it.  Once again, I just wanted to say jazakAllah khair for helping support his project.  

Ali

Assalammu' Alakum,

I just wanted to keep you in the loop with the latest update with Baba Ali Kids.  As you know, we were able to raise around $10k.  Although it was a fraction of what we needed, I am trying my best to find way to stretch the funds so we can get as many episodes as possible.   Instead of hiring an editor, I have editing everything myself.  I also have done all the sound syncing.  There is a learning curve to these tasks so that is one of the reasons why things have been taking so long.  Nevertheless, we continue to have progress which is very inspiring.  

As you you, the biggest part of our budget is animation.  I have been working with the animation guy on way we can recycle animation actions of MooMoo character.  I have also been negotiating with him and our sound engineer.  All and all, we are on the right track.  My goal is to get 4 episodes made...maybe 5 (but don't hold your breathe).  Our sound engineer will not be available to do his part until late April so until then, we'll focus on the animation.

The goal is to have the 4 (maybe 5) episodes done before Ramadan.  I think we can do that inshAllah.  Once again, I just wanted to say jazakAllah khair for helping support his project.  

Ali

Assalammu' Alaikum everyone,

I wasn't a fan of doing crowdfunding.  Actually, the whole process made me feel uncomfortable.  Sometimes, when you want to get things done,  you have to do things outside your comfort zone.  Even though I asked for help, I made sure I put in my own funds as well.  Most of you don't know but I actually spent about $15k out of my own pocket to make the first episode.  Here is breakdown of the costs: 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g_bkj5PzkOf_Z6rZpficCFQmKBCUAV2SBuRjKd9R6DU/edit#gid=0

The first episode cost much more than all the future episodes that follow because of the one time costs involved.  Nevertheless, I am NOT paying myself back your donations.  Instead, I focusing the $10k that was funded to try to make as many episodes as possible.  Even though no one has asked, I just wanted to make sure that was transparent.  The money that each of you gave towards this project is a huge amana and I really do feel the pressure.    

As far as the production of the series, we are trying to stretch every dollar so we can make as many episodes as possible.  I am currently in talks with our sound engineer and our animator to see how flexible they are with their billing rate.  One of them mentioned that he can not start working until April.  I hoping if we are flexible on time, they will be more flexible with their price.   As much as I want things done asap, it is better to be patient so we can get more done with the same funds inshAllah.  My goal is to try to make 3 or possible 4 episodes.  I wish I could make more but we only raised a fraction of our goal.  

For all those who donated at the video credit level, I am will be personally emailing each of you to ask if it's ok to put your name in the credits.  Out of respect for those who want to be anonymous, I will make sure to check with each of you before your name is put in the credits.  Thus, it would be a HUGE help if you take 1 min to respond to my email once you receive it.  For those who donated at the level where you get Baba Ali Kids shirts, I will be asking for your size as well.

JazakAllah Khair

Ali

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Assalammu' Alaikum, 

Today is our last day for the Baba Ali Kids campaign and I'm just wanted to personally thank you and say JazakAllah Khair for your generous contribution.  May Allah (swt) reward you, return your donations 70 fold and remove any burden in your life.  May He give you success in this life and more importantly in the hereafter. 

The Hurray for Baba Ali series has been watched millions of times from kids all around the world. I have been very fortunately to meet many of these kids and their parents in different cities when I have attended events.   Imagine receiving one reward for each time a child watches our new series.  I use the word "our" because in our combined money and efforts that is helping this project come together.

I really wanted to make the entire season of Baba Ali Kids but due to limited funding, we are not able to.  Although we only received a fraction of what we were aiming for, I am going to try to make as many episodes possible.  The biggest part of our budget is the 3D animation (MooMoo) and I am working on trying to find the most affordable way to get that done.  As far as video editing, I would love to have a professional editor but for budget reasons, I'm going to try to do the editing myself.   Again, I'm trying to find alternative solutions with the hopes that it will allow us to make at least a few episodes.

On that same subject, I just wanted to be transparent the funding of the project.  I have not paid myself for my time or effort.  All my time time for this project has been as a volunteer and I have personally contributed money out of my own pocket for the same reason you have....to help make a positive difference in children's lives.  Again, if I can get one reward resulting from each view, it will all be worth.  

My goal from Day 1 has to put all the videos free on YouTube which no strings attached.  In other words, I am not opting in for YouTube ads because I don't want this to be a medium for companies to sell products to our kids.  Instead, I want them to watch without the worry about what type of products are being advertised to children.

JazakAllah Khair once again, 

Ali