You have a PM Pete......PMiddy wrote:Hi Ian,
Thanks for the kind comment.
At the moment....... Please forward an address!
Kind Regards,
Pete
Ian Gardner
Possible interest to Filmmakers??
Good pointers Ned......
Also get your local Press, Newspapers and TV to cover it. They will be interested. Some one here got there film mentioned in the local newspaper and a link on there website. He hosted it on Youtube. The film is rubbish! Not as good as yours, not by a million miles. In fact, I wondered why it was mentioned.
Think of ways and reasons why they should include it. Approuch Channel4 (filmfour division), see what they say. Send them a copy may be.
What about the Film Arts Council in London. They may have some ideas.
I hope this helps.....
Keep us posted mate...........
Ian Gardner
Also get your local Press, Newspapers and TV to cover it. They will be interested. Some one here got there film mentioned in the local newspaper and a link on there website. He hosted it on Youtube. The film is rubbish! Not as good as yours, not by a million miles. In fact, I wondered why it was mentioned.
Think of ways and reasons why they should include it. Approuch Channel4 (filmfour division), see what they say. Send them a copy may be.
What about the Film Arts Council in London. They may have some ideas.
I hope this helps.....
Keep us posted mate...........
Ian Gardner
Ian Gardner
Film Maker
Film Maker
Some good ideas. I advertised in local papers and built up quite a lot of publicity when I was organizing the open film audition before I casted the film.
This proved to be a success and we had an outstanding turn-out. So much so, the landlord of the pub gave me the room for nothing he had made so much money from selling drinks!
Never thought about mentioning the finished film in the papers though. Good idea.
I suppose I could advertise the fact a little like my original post - How to make a film for a low budget. Even if nobody replies, chances are they will view the trailer.
Thanks for that
This proved to be a success and we had an outstanding turn-out. So much so, the landlord of the pub gave me the room for nothing he had made so much money from selling drinks!
Never thought about mentioning the finished film in the papers though. Good idea.
I suppose I could advertise the fact a little like my original post - How to make a film for a low budget. Even if nobody replies, chances are they will view the trailer.
Thanks for that
Working on those lines. You could either mention that this film was made on a tight budget and the papers and local tv would be interested.
Or............
You could not mention that it was done on a tight budget! Silly answer, I know but sometimes you go further when you don`t mention how much something cost. If you told someone it cost £100 or whatever to make, they may thing it`s just a cheap and tacky film.
Ian Gardner
Or............
You could not mention that it was done on a tight budget! Silly answer, I know but sometimes you go further when you don`t mention how much something cost. If you told someone it cost £100 or whatever to make, they may thing it`s just a cheap and tacky film.
Ian Gardner
Ian Gardner
Film Maker
Film Maker
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FILM THURSO
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I remember writing on another forum about small budgets. There was this other chap who'd posted beforehand saying he found it difficult to make his movies when he only got an average of $25,000 budget per film. I commented on how I could make at least 15 decent feature films for that amount. He didn't believe me! 
I've always felt that the film business is paying through the nose somehow. As amateurs who know what we are doing (fingures crossed) we generally know how to get what's needed to make a film. There's no harm in begging and borrowing and lots of folk are quite happy to help if you tell them they'll get a credit in the titles. Carefully planned films can be pulled off remarkably cheaply
I've always felt that the film business is paying through the nose somehow. As amateurs who know what we are doing (fingures crossed) we generally know how to get what's needed to make a film. There's no harm in begging and borrowing and lots of folk are quite happy to help if you tell them they'll get a credit in the titles. Carefully planned films can be pulled off remarkably cheaply
I can see where your coming from Ian. If you see something of interest in a shop window for 99p - chances are you'd just walk by but if you saw the same thing for 20,000, you'd probably stop and scratch your head a little!
Trouble is, there must be thousands of films seeking a distribution offer and at the moment 'Driftwood' just blends in with the rest of them. (Even worse, 'Driftwood' is YET another slasher flick!!)
However, saying it cost so little (and three years to finish) - Surely it will raise the odd eyebrow in the film industry?? Hopefully by mentioning this, its not just another film seeking distribution - its a film seeking distribution with some incredible statistics. Of course filmmakers like ourselves already know its possible to do, FILM THURSO mentions it also - If you are willing to beg and borrow in return for a mention on the end credits it usually gets you what you need. Since I posted my original ad onto various film forums, my viewing figures have gone into their thousands - I know its mainly because I was open about the statistics and that I am offering tips how we did it. For the first couple of months I simply advertised it as another horror film and the viewing figures never moved.
Trouble is, there must be thousands of films seeking a distribution offer and at the moment 'Driftwood' just blends in with the rest of them. (Even worse, 'Driftwood' is YET another slasher flick!!)
However, saying it cost so little (and three years to finish) - Surely it will raise the odd eyebrow in the film industry?? Hopefully by mentioning this, its not just another film seeking distribution - its a film seeking distribution with some incredible statistics. Of course filmmakers like ourselves already know its possible to do, FILM THURSO mentions it also - If you are willing to beg and borrow in return for a mention on the end credits it usually gets you what you need. Since I posted my original ad onto various film forums, my viewing figures have gone into their thousands - I know its mainly because I was open about the statistics and that I am offering tips how we did it. For the first couple of months I simply advertised it as another horror film and the viewing figures never moved.
I hope you have thought about entering it into the IAC competition, and if the judges (thats in another thread!) like it, it will be put through to bigger comps.
The plus point is that it WILL get you noticed.
The Minus points are that it may effect the TV rights because people have seen it (not sure on that point).
If it was my film, I would also do a different version like a Directors Cut. So you could have a few long and short versions. For fun you could film a different ending!
(looking forward to seeing the film) Now you know what it`s like to make a film. Why don`t you plan and film another one.
The good thing is, is when you make a film, you film alot of extra bits like shots of the countryside etc. You start to build up a library tape of all the extra bits. that you could use for something else. Just like The Second Unit does in a `Real` film.
Be good.
Stingman
The plus point is that it WILL get you noticed.
The Minus points are that it may effect the TV rights because people have seen it (not sure on that point).
If it was my film, I would also do a different version like a Directors Cut. So you could have a few long and short versions. For fun you could film a different ending!
(looking forward to seeing the film) Now you know what it`s like to make a film. Why don`t you plan and film another one.
The good thing is, is when you make a film, you film alot of extra bits like shots of the countryside etc. You start to build up a library tape of all the extra bits. that you could use for something else. Just like The Second Unit does in a `Real` film.
Be good.
Stingman
Ian Gardner
Film Maker
Film Maker
Hi Ian.
I've just posted the DVD. Hopefully you will receive it in the morning.
You speak about alternate endings - We did actually shoot an alternate ending but it was SOOOO bad, I decided not to put it on the disk!
Also about the cut away shots - I have quite a lot of footage now kicking around the place which is always nice to have just in case you need it in a later film. Definitely a good idea to keep, I agree.
I am currently looking at two feature length screenplays and I do intend to start one of them in the next month or so. I just want to be sure its the 'Best' screenplay before I get involved. Worst case scenario is that it falls apart and takes up another 3 years of my life. I want to make sure its a film I want to stick at!!
I plan on making a ten minute short the first week in February because I have booked some time from work. This would open the doors to a lot of festivals that feature films are not allowed.
I will look into the IAC competition. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Cheers Pete!
I've just posted the DVD. Hopefully you will receive it in the morning.
You speak about alternate endings - We did actually shoot an alternate ending but it was SOOOO bad, I decided not to put it on the disk!
Also about the cut away shots - I have quite a lot of footage now kicking around the place which is always nice to have just in case you need it in a later film. Definitely a good idea to keep, I agree.
I am currently looking at two feature length screenplays and I do intend to start one of them in the next month or so. I just want to be sure its the 'Best' screenplay before I get involved. Worst case scenario is that it falls apart and takes up another 3 years of my life. I want to make sure its a film I want to stick at!!
I plan on making a ten minute short the first week in February because I have booked some time from work. This would open the doors to a lot of festivals that feature films are not allowed.
I will look into the IAC competition. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Cheers Pete!
Cheers Pete, received this morning. I opened the package in my lunch break.PMiddy wrote:Hi Ian.
I've just posted the DVD. Hopefully you will receive it in the morning.
Cheers Pete!
The packaging looks very professional. You included a leaflet that is good. The DVD looks good. The back page to the dvd cover looks well impressive. I didn`t have much time to do much else.
I did notice (if I remember correctly), you give all the technacal stuff (like on shop bought dvd`s), the Audio is in stereo. Ok, it will still sound good but why not 5.1?
In premiere Pro and many other top editing programs, you can edit in 5.1.
You could (not being bossey, but just giving ideas), add to the sound track with more atmosphere sound like wind and stuff. Also sudden sound effects cound go through this. If the film was to be watched with the lights out then it can only add to the enjoyment. It`s just an idea.
Saying all this, I havn`t watched it yet! Will try to watch it early next week when the family don`t distract me while I can write a review.
Ian Gardner
Ian Gardner
Film Maker
Film Maker
Hey Ian - That was quick!
I said you'd get it in the morning but had a strong feeling that you wouldn't see any sign of it until well into next week - I take everything back that I've ever said about the post!
Yeah, 5.1 would have been nice but if it wasn't for the sound effects and the music put on in post production it would have been mono. I'm still in the dark ages mate, (working with Premiere 6.5) !!
I got Premiere Pro halfway through making the film and I immediately attempted to import the 6.5 project into it. However the PC just kept giving me error messages. (Even though according the instructions, it is supposed to do this)
Anyway, glad you received the copy so quickly. Word of advice, I would watch the film for the interest to camera shots, effects, music and acting - DON'T concentrate so much on the story! There isn't one!!
Cheers Ian,
Pete
I said you'd get it in the morning but had a strong feeling that you wouldn't see any sign of it until well into next week - I take everything back that I've ever said about the post!
Yeah, 5.1 would have been nice but if it wasn't for the sound effects and the music put on in post production it would have been mono. I'm still in the dark ages mate, (working with Premiere 6.5) !!
I got Premiere Pro halfway through making the film and I immediately attempted to import the 6.5 project into it. However the PC just kept giving me error messages. (Even though according the instructions, it is supposed to do this)
Anyway, glad you received the copy so quickly. Word of advice, I would watch the film for the interest to camera shots, effects, music and acting - DON'T concentrate so much on the story! There isn't one!!
Cheers Ian,
Pete
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FILM THURSO
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FILM THURSO - I've got another copy under a leg of my coffee table to keep it level!
Really concerned about it ending up on the internet though, would like to keep 'the ending' a surprise just in case we do have a little luck with a distribution offer from some place.
Being a fellow film-maker yourself I'm sure you'll understand!
I'll get one in the post tomorrow - although it probably wont reach you until Tuesday. Message me your address!!
PS: would be nice for Dave to have a copy too (If your seeing this Dave, please send me your address too!)
Cheers,
Pete
Really concerned about it ending up on the internet though, would like to keep 'the ending' a surprise just in case we do have a little luck with a distribution offer from some place.
Being a fellow film-maker yourself I'm sure you'll understand!
I'll get one in the post tomorrow - although it probably wont reach you until Tuesday. Message me your address!!
PS: would be nice for Dave to have a copy too (If your seeing this Dave, please send me your address too!)
Cheers,
Pete
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FILM THURSO
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- Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: Thurso
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I have an eye for detail. Since getting into film-making, I do tend to watch films and Tv in a different light. Even in standard talking shots in Eastenders, I have a critical eye. Sometimes I don`t know how on earth they got away with certain shots and editing! Even I would it there way sometimes. When they insert something into the talking shot. You have the person talking with the camera behind them (Audio taken from the other shot). Look at there mouth (the one with back to camera), Words are being said with the mouth moving differently! Cleaver! Not................PMiddy wrote:Hey Ian - That was quick!
Anyway, glad you received the copy so quickly. Word of advice, I would watch the film for the interest to camera shots, effects, music and acting - DON'T concentrate so much on the story! There isn't one!!
Cheers Ian,
Pete
Pete. Please PM me your address, and I`ll try to get a copy of my stuff to you during the week. I have to burn another copy to dvd.
See yer........
Stingman
Ian Gardner
Film Maker
Film Maker
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Ray Williamson
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The Film Council have a "Completion Fund" -- presumably that will cover things like getting BBFC classification.
Contact them via your regional branch (called Screen South in these parts).
They may also have ideas and contacts -- possibly assistance -- for getting distribution.
Contact them via your regional branch (called Screen South in these parts).
They may also have ideas and contacts -- possibly assistance -- for getting distribution.
Ray Williamson, East Sussex.