(To visit the Kickstarter page, go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/972044069/valerie-the-valerie-perrine-documentary)

DALTON, Ga. —  Stacey Souther, a Dalton native who has called Hollywood home since 1999, has a new passion project and hopes that maybe a few people from his hometown would like to help out.

The project is a feature length documentary film titled “Valerie.” It aims to tell the story of actress Valerie Perrine, perhaps best known for her Academy Award-nominated performance as “Honey Bruce” in 1974’s “Lenny” or as “Eve Teschmacher” in the first two “Superman” movies.

Souther met Perrine while the two were walking their dogs — his was being a little too aggressive toward her’s — as they live in the same neighborhood. After a few more run-ins she invited Souther and his pooch to join her and her doggie on a secret trail she knew about.

“At the time I didn’t know who she was,” said Souther. “So, after that, I was like, ‘I’m sorry. I’m really bad with names.’ And she asked if I had seen ‘Lenny,’ and I said I hadn’t but I knew what it was. She (audibly sighs). So then she asked about ‘Superman’ and says she was Eve Teschmacher and I said, ‘Oh yeah. I totally know who you are.'”

After that the two became fast friends, and Souther was there for Perrine when she hurt her back, and then again when she began to experience other health problems.

“I’ve just been around for everything. I’m basically the son she never had. We just became really close,” he said.

After Perrine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s her doctor recommended brain surgery to give her control over her right hand that had begun shaking uncontrollably. Souther, who had been brewing up ways to share his friend’s story with the world, took the unfortunate turn in Perrine’s health as a sign that he needed to get to work.

“In my mind, I was thinking, ‘OK, I’ve got to shoot this,'” he said. “So I just started shooting Valerie. I started shooting this documentary three-and-a-half years ago.”

Souther’s goal is to finish the project before the end of year so that it will be ready in 2018, which will mark Perrine’s 75th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the original “Superman.”

It’s with that thought in mind that Souther has launched a 30-day, “all-or-nothing,” Kickstarter project that seeks to raise $75,000 by Aug. 29 at 4:12 p.m. Kickstarter is an internet-based operation where people can propose and describe projects and ask for donations in exchange for ongoing updates and different levels of swag based on the amount given.

Souther’s Kickstarter project, which features a video introduction from the man himself and clips of some of the many celebrities already interviewed, includes 45 pledge levels that range from $5 to $10,000. The increasing pledge levels come with an increasing level of rare, original film mementoes from Perrine’s past, such as posters, autographed photographs, artwork and more. Because it’s an “all-or-nothing” campaign, no money will be collected unless the $75,000 goal is reached in time.

“During the process I have been going through her collection from all the movies, reading things and looking at old photos,” Souther said. “I have scanned 1,500 documents. Hours and hours going through documents and seeing her life on display. How vibrant and bright, and then I go into the other room and it’s almost like she’s a different person. Valerie is so brave, sharing this with the world. There’s no vanity in this or anything.”

The Kickstarter page describes the film like this: “A story that is by turns personal, wistful, funny, painful and transcendent — the film will explore the legacy of Valerie’s life: from her beginnings as a Vegas showgirl, to winning the Cannes film festival ‘best actress’ award, to her inspiring battle with Parkinson’s and the resulting physical disabilities. Valerie remains one of the truly immortal stars of our time. She gave phenomenal performances opposite some of the decade’s most prominent leading men, including Dustin Hoffman, Jeff Bridges, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman and Robert Redford, as well as having worked with acclaimed directors like George Roy Hill, Bob Fosse, Sydney Pollack and Tony Richardson. She was ravishingly beautiful and her natural charisma and talent ultimately made her a superstar.”

Some of Perrine’s Hollywood co-workers who have already been interviewed for the documentary include Richard Donner, Jeff Bridges, Stacy Keach, George Hamilton, Angie Dickinson, Sarah Douglas, David Ladd, Howard Hesseman, Loni Anderson, Elliot Gould, David Arquette, Aaron Smolinski, Dick Van Patten, Jose Eber, Alex Rocco, Billy McNamara, Margot Kidder, Felipe Rose and Peggy Goldwater.

Souther said other interviews have been lined up, and a big portion of the money he is trying to raise will help secure even more. His main goal is to get an interview with Dustin Hoffman, Perrine’s co-star in “Lenny.” The money will also help cover more filming, travel, any gear needed, legal services (such as buying the rights to music or old movie clips) and to assist with Perrine’s medical care. Kickstarter gets a share as well. Any amount raised beyond the goal will go directly to Perrine.

Working with Souther on “Valerie” are Aaron Harvey and his Michael Bruce Pictures production banner; Jacob Kirby, editor; and Emmy-winning producer Ellen Rakieten, who was producer of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” during its entire run.

“It’s going to be really great. We’re going to finish it, do some of the big festivals like Sundance or Cannes, and then hopefully one of the streaming services,” said Souther. “This is a love letter from Valerie to her fans.”