Tag Archives: Filmmaker

25 June, 2014
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Crowdfunding, Feature Film, Film, Filmmaking, Producing, Screenwriting, Series, Sex Slavery

Update on Sex Slavery film 25 June 14

I just wanted to update on the short I am doing on sex slavery, I have decided I need this to be a feature length film. As many know I have been working on this film for 2011, and ooohh there is a lot to the development story of this film which will come out soon, but I was really struggling with the basic plot of my film, and then, after having a conversation with a Tampa filmmaker Marcus Kempton, the plot came to me.  At first it was a short, but the deeper I got into the process the more clearer it became that this needs to be a feature. In this film, I am also going to get into the subject of what it means to be a soldier that, did multiple tours in combat, what it is like to adjust to civilian life.  I almost have tagline done, and I am outlining and writing the synopsis.   I am really excited.

 

I am reading Dexter Filkins’ book “The Forever War” as part of my research for my series. I am looking into what I need for Pitchfest out in LA.  Hopefully I can get what I need to go and get sponsorship.  I can’t can’t afford to go. And hey, I know it is a long shot that this will make it to a Network., but I got to try and see what can happen.  I already have support in my community and people that I trust.   Really Excited

 

I have forgotten about the crowdfunding site   https://dana.io/  I think you should look into, and, I will write about it in the next few days.

As always, feel free to contact me.

 

 

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12 June, 2014
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Film, Filmmaking, Producing

Review: “The Fat Lady Sang” by Robert Evans

If you are getting into or are a producer, you should study Robert Evens. I just got his autobiography “The Kid Stays in the Picture” From Thriftbook.com Check it out. Oh yeah, there is a Documentary with the same name as the book. Great Doc!

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12 June, 2014
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Art, Crowdfunding, Film, Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Series, Short Film, Tampa Film

11 Jun 14

So just to give you all an update about what is going on with me, I have started an outline on my short film about forced prostitution and I am writing character development and back story. I want to have a finally draft in less than 2 months and I am going to have the outline done this week.  I think I have a good film in the works and I  hope , when it is done, you’ll all enjoy it and not feel cheated out of 15 to 20 minutes of your life. I also want to make an impact regarding this topic and to bring awareness to it. I know around my neck woods you are constantly being cheated out of 10 to 25 minutes of your life and I will not follow in the same footsteps.   There is the standard that it has to be maintained  or why put it out. The story has to be spot on, other wise you’ll have a bad film. Remember, script is 75% of your film. Shitty script shitty film. There is no way about squaring that circle.   I haven’t given up on the series. I am still working on it, though I have fallen behind of  the 8 ball but will soon be back on track.

I got my porch/studio set up. I will have some pictures in the day or two. I am ready to go. I plan to have a show in 6 to 8 months.  Now where and who in God’s name would have me in their is remains to be seen.  Once again, if it not good and I will not waste your time; however that being said, I believe I will have something worth showing.

Finally, Semone Fournillier graduated from American Film Institute Conservatory today. As those who follow me know that I have been working with her a project and might be working on a couple more. She is a talented writer and has a amazing future ahead. I am so very proud of her and what she has accomplished.

Oh, in the next day or two I will be writing about a new crowdfunding site.  I think you’ll dig it a lot.

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4 June, 2014
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Actor, Directing, Filmmaking, Leadership, PMD, Producing, Production Manager, Publishing, Screenwriting, Tampa Film

You’re going to fail. Deal with it.

YOU ARE GOING TO FAIL!!!!!!

Yes, you are going to fail. And fail hard. I am going to fail, and fail hard. I am probably failing at grammar right now.  It is what you and I do with that failure is what is the difference between successful people and those who never rise above.  I have failed numerous times, yet here I am still working and moving forward. I have learned from those failures and make the best out of them.

If your parents never let you failed as a child they truly cheated you out of the best lesson they could given you.  If you are reading this, and you are reading and have kids, let them fail and fail hard.  Then turn around teach them that it it ok to fail. Teach them to get right back up, learn from their mistakes and try again but even harder. This, besides manners, is the greatest gifts you can give.

Here is the truth, I am a shitty ass artist. At least in my mind. Yet I am going back to making art once again. Hopefully I dig some of my work and maybe someone else will enjoy it, or at the very least, lie to me.  Yet I try and learn. One day I hope to make pieces that I will approve of and think it is good. As a filmmaker I have made numerous mistakes, but difference is I have learned from them, and it has made me a better filmmaker. I will fail again and again, and each time take that failure and grow.

Fail and fail hard. Then learn from it and go at  it again.

 

 

 

 

always try

 

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25 May, 2014
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Art, Film, Filmmaking, Producing, Tampa Film

A must read is you are thinking about or just want to know what a producer does.

I just came across this page  that explains what a producer does and what kind of producers there are. THE FILM PRODUCER

It is 8 pages long and I strongly recommend that, if you are thinking about becoming or are a producer you should read this.

Also I want to suggest you, all who are filmmakers, READ about the craft. I know so many people who don’t even one a book on filmmaking yet there they are trying to make films and do a great job at doing a terrible job.  I once worked with a guy who would tell everyone how one day he wanted to become a producer even though he knew nothing about it. He did not  invested in any books and just read the mainstream Hollywood rags.  I have invested hundreds of dollars buying books on filmmaking. I now have  a library. You too can build up a library and you can do it cheaply! I would first start out by going to Thriftbooks.com. This is a great site to buy discount books; in addition to being cheap, there is no shipping cost.  And read on everything. Get books on film theory. I found a book on The Philosophy of Film Noir.  Really interesting and informative.

You must be the smartest guy in the room. It is not who you know but what you know. I say this because if you are not knowledgeable those who you really want to be in contact with won’t give you the time of day. People are attracted to smart and knowledgeable people. Take time to think about that.  I tell you this because I want you to all succeed. I am rooting for you and want you to be the best filmmaker and artist you can be. If you are a painter or sculpture for instance, be well versed in art. You’ll grow as an artist.

Here is another website to a magazine I strongly suggest you read, it is called Bomb Magazine. It is a magazine dedicated to artist, filmmakers, writers, actors and musicians. The difference between Bomb and other magazines is, it is artist interviewing other artist, so, you get a much deeper perspective. I have been reading since I was in the 82nd. I have subscribed for years. Which reminds me, I have to renew.

Ok, i hope you got something from this.  If you have any thoughts questions or suggestion please hit me

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15 April, 2014
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Directing, Feature Film, Film, Filmmaking, Producing, Production Company, Screenwriting

I came across this while looking for a document. It is Ted Hope’s 99 Recommended Steps For Making Good Movies. I copied and saved it when it came out so I would always have it.  Ted Hope has been he most influential person when it comes to filmmaking. I never went to film school, so I decided to teach myself. I taught myself how to drive a car and swim, why not film?

I found Ted’s Blog when I first started and have followed it ever since.  Filmmaking and media is changing so fast it is about impossible to see where it will end up. If it ends up anywhere, but instead an ever evolving. He has many great guest writers that give great insight into to today’s film landscape and culture.  If you are reading his blog you are falling behind.

 

This is how I do it, generally speaking.

Or rather, this is how I try to do it. There really is no template; I have to adjust the plan for each project. And it doesn’t always work. Sometimes I fail (at least to some degree).

And yes, I have left out the details. After all, that is where the art, experience, & innovation is. And of course as this is a collaborative endeavor, there is always — and thankfully — that “other” factor.

1.    Maintain wonder & love for the world & most/some of the people.

2.    Recognize the barriers & be empowered by my desire for change.

3.    Find an inspiring idea & the correct collaborator for it.

4.    Maintain love & respect for the film industry.

5.    Develop script.

6.    Fall in love with project.

7.    Get non-financier, non-buyer industry types to give feedback on script.

8.    Maintain wonder & love for the process.

9.    Further develop script.

10.    Maintain respect for collaborator(s).

11.    Identify audience & market for project.

12.    Enhance my enthusiasm for potential of the results of audience engagement with ambitious cinema.

13.    Develop additional materials to properly contextualize project, like image books (aka look books), reference material, blog posts, etc.

14.    Try to locate audience and key influencers for the project.

15.    Develop transmedia extensions (I know I should do this earlier).

16.    Encourage Filmmaker to engage with True Fans (i.e. build community).

17.    Strategize production process.

18.    Ballpark budget.

19.    Evaluate potential cast for project.

20.    Consider possible shooting locations.

21.    Introduce Writer/Director to US Talent Agencies if necessary.

22.    Have Director meet wide range of actors.

23.    Strategize financing.

24.    Strategize casting process.

25.    Develop financing plan.

26.    Execute casting process strategy.

27.    Attach lead actor.

28.    Attach another actor (or two).

29.    Revise financing plan as necessary.

30.    Revise script as necessary.

31.    Estimate possible profit & losses.

32.    Revise financing plan as necessary.

33.    Approach sales agents.

34.    Get foreign sales estimates & foreign sales deal terms.

35.    Revise financing plan.

36.    Budget, ideally in multiple variations.

37.    Approach private equity.

38.    Revise financing plan.

39.    Revise script as necessary.

40.    Get verbal commitments from private equity.

41.    Determine most appropriate & then secure sales agent.

42.    Continue to source additional financing.

43.    Revise financing plan.

44.    Revise script as necessary.

45.    Develop initial outreach, engagement, awareness strategy.

46.    Consider and possibly secure a presale or three.

47.    Revise financing plan.

48.    Revise script as necessary.

49.    Revise Budget.

50.    Consider and possibly secure gap & mezzanine financing if necessary.

51.    Finalize financing structure & partners

52.    Consider & secure key crew collaborators.

53.    Scout primary location.

54.    Revise script as necessary.

55.    Revise Budget.

56.    Secure tax credit/rebate.

57.    Lock all financing.

58.    Lock talent deals.

59.    Lock Location.

60.    Revise script as necessary.

61.    Revise & Lock Budget.

62.    Revise initial outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

63.    Prep.

64.    Revise script as necessary.

65.    Initiate initial outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

66.    Shoot.

67.    Celebrate completion of shoot.

68.    Wrap production.

69.    Ponder the big picture.

70.    Edit.

71.    Revise outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

72.    Initiate revised outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

73.    Build awareness.

74.    Ponder the big picture.

75.    Complete “Movie”.

76.    Wrap post.

77.    Further revise outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

78.    Take to festivals.

79.    Win awards.

80.    Celebrate.

81.    Further revise & implement outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

82.    Sell & license “movie”.

83.    Celebrate some more.

84.    Deliver “movie” to licensors.

85.    Further revise & implement outreach, engagement, & awareness strategies.

86.    Market some more.

87.    Screen, screen, screen.

88.    Publicize.

89.    Market some more.

90.    Distribute.

91.    Harvest, aggregate, & analyze, data.

92.    Ponder the big picture.

93.    Share the knowledge with the community.

94.    Win more awards.

95.    Collect profits.

96.    Share the wealth the partners.

97.    Ponder the big picture.

98.    Plan the next one.

99.    Do it all over again, but do it a little bit differently.

 

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17 February, 2013
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Film, Film Making, Producing, Short Film

Why I am doing five shorts this year.

Last Night a colleague of mine, Ron Borders  asked me “Instead of doing 5 shorts why not just do a feature?”  Which is a valid question, which deserves good answer.  First off I have never been to film school, so I do not have the experience of producing and making films that one who went to film school has.   For me it has all been OJT, reading and a lot of listening.  So for me, this is like a year of film school with 5 thesis projects plus a full length documentary on South Sudan.  I will make a lot of mistakes, learn a lot and at the end have a body of work to go off of.  So with that I will have a body of work that I can say to an investor “Here is what I have done, these are the awards I have gotten and yes I seem to know what I am doing. Please trust me with your money.” Also I have to think 5, 10 years down the road. What I mean is that with this year of short films it is a building block to the next level, which if you know me is all the above.  I want to produce and direct in whatever medium I can, meaning Film, TV, Web, Theater, Graphic Novel or in whatever it is.

Yes I have bitten off more than you or I can chew, but I do it knowing I can do it somehow.  I have a company I know I can grow. I have a vision for what I want kinds of material I want to produce and what kinds of people I want to work with.  I also want to be able to help other artist and filmmakers. Right now I am in Tampa and I want to help change the culture of film into something that is well respected and received.   So yes this is the year of short films but it is with a purpose.

 

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11 January, 2013
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I like Zombies

I am not a horror film fanatic like just about Every Single Filmmaker in Tampa is; however, I do like Zombies. I don’t know why but I am a sucker for zombie films.  I thought this pic was clever.

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