Grand Rapids independent filmmaker Chris Penney will begin shooting a documentary/reality show about the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, titled "Making the Cut."

He and his crew have attained approval with the Detroit Red Wings – the Griffins' NHL affiliate – to begin filming when both teams convene for training camp in Traverse City later this month. Penney also has been granted access to film the Griffins at Van Andel Arena throughout the upcoming season.

The project is looking for funding contributions via Kickstarter, with a goal of $20,000 by Oct. 20.

Penney previously directed several feature-length films, shot in Grand Rapids, under his Dogbyte Films imprint, including "Small Change." He intends to approach TV networks in hopes of further developing the project.

E-mail John Serba: jserba@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/johnserba