ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 1 month ago - patrick astwood

Hello all, been meaning to follow-up, but got way-laid.Sorry : ) I've been toying with an idea for a festival aimed purely at films in the developmental stage. Tentatively, called the In Utero Festival the idea is to create an environment where writers, producers and filmmakers can come together, can progress projects that they need to either get into development or complete.

Whilst it's true that festivals like Cannes, AFM and Sundance offer these opportunities, they are mostly add-ons to the main business of selling or exhibiting a completed films. Most of you will know that half the battle for most independent filmmakers is partly development, and simply completing film once it is in production.

So why not offer a platform that is focused solely on those filmmakers trying to get a project off the ground. Most festivals won't give a writer with a spec script the time of day, no matter how good their screenplay, and where does a filmmaker whose shot the first 45 mins of their feature but urgently needs finishing funds go?

Some would say crowdfunding has filled the gap, but I think there is something to be said about a real time environment where real people can meet and exchange ideas and mutual opportunities. To me a typical In Utero festival would see writers work-shopping their scripts with actors, up-coming actors bringing their showreels to directors and producers, filmmakers exhibiting trailers, teasers and rough-cuts to investors and producers. A talent spotting window for big-shot Hollywood producers seeking out the best thing. It's just an idea..Let me know your thoughts.

11 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Could be interesting if sponsors are already interested - biggest problem with these things is cash and cashflow, so 'who's the backer' is always an important question!

I'm based in Bath if you're nearby and want to chat over coffee

11 years, 1 month ago - patrick astwood

Cheers Dan,

By the way, you mentioned in one of your postings that you had a book you had written stolen. What was the background to that?

Cheers

Patrick

11 years, 1 month ago - patrick astwood

@Dan Selakovich Yeah, I took look. Frightening that these things happen. It was just that I was thinking of writing something myself and I was wondering about the best way to avoid getting ripped off.

Best

Patrick

11 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Actually I rather like it! Rather I can see how it could be productive and immersive fun. It wouldn't suit all projects of course, and getting the shape, balance, fees, sponsor benefits, etc and curation in order would take a few iterative years!

However if you can tend it long enough to come up with a repeatable and solid format, it sounds like a great franchise opportunity to sell it around the country and world.

I'm happy to meet and chat, I'll be mostly in the Bath until October. I've not a lot of film festival experience, but am both film savvy and have pm'd an (aborted, absolute shambles of a) music festival, and have a lot of events background and people. There must be something I can bring to it ;)

11 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Does it involve keeping people in suspense?! ;)

11 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Early next well any good? Pm me :)

11 years, 1 month ago - patrick astwood

Hi Paddy,

Appreciate your enthusiasm, are you free this week?

Cheers

Patrick

11 years, 1 month ago - Jamie Kennerley

Yeah, share with us the new idea?

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

@patrick astwood It was "Killer Camera Rigs That You Can Build." It shows filmmakers how to build their own dollies, cranes, stabilizers, etc.

It was pirated when it was an physical book. So one of two things happened: somebody scanned in each page (which I doubt, since it is huge), or I was hacked and they pulled a pdf off my computer. I imagine I was hacked, as I discovered all sorts of dates on files had changed to the 1970s. Crazy.

Focal Press had wanted it for years, so I spent a year writing a much expanded 3rd edition, then let them take it over. It's still available, but now I just make a lousy royalty. You can see it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Camera-Rigs-That-Build/dp/0240813375/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408028881&sr=8-1&keywords=killer+camera+rigs+that+you+can+build

Luckily, the 3rd edition hasn't been pirated (that I know of. Don't even bother nowadays). The problem with letting focal take it over, is that it's such an expensive book to produce. Basically, you have to build each rig at least twice (once to see if the concept actually works, then a second time to take the step-by-step photos). So with a royalty situation, it takes forever to break even. I'm thankful that sales for the 3rd edition remain strong, though.

If you want to know more, feel free to email me.

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

@patrick astwood Wish I had an answer. I think probably the best thing is to do it as an ebook and sell it as cheaply as possible (for iPad, Kindle. Never as a PDF). Under $3 certainly. Then make sure it's available on as many outlets as possible. Mine didn't get pirated until is was fairly successful, which is something books have going for them (unless the software you use is easily crackable. That's why never a PDF!). Pirates tend not to bother on books unless you've reached a tipping point when a title will drive traffic to their site. But there's always some little shit in his mom's basement that LOVES your book, and thinks everybody should have a copy. Then you're screwed.

But I know what you mean. Focal Press saw a seminar I did on directing, and wants me to write a book on directing. I just don't have the heart for it; to work a couple of years on something that will just be stolen in the end... Maybe I'll do it someday when I convince myself the return, based on the massive amount of work, will be worth it.

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

So true, Aleve. There's power in saying "no." They just don't expect it!

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

L., You're awesome! Thanks a million. I love it when people actually USE the rigs instead of buying the book and letting it sit on the shelf!! Seriously, you don't know how happy that makes me.

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

I like the idea, Patrick. You're kind of combining all sorts of things that exist into one big party.

Having said that, the finishing funds part is something I'd personally do as a last ditch effort. At sundance et al, distributors see these programs as a way to low-ball filmmakers. They know you're broke and you just need to pay rent. They take extreme advantage of the desperation. Fucking sharks, they are.

11 years, 1 month ago - Adriano Cirulli

A while ago Simple Machine https://beta.smplmchn.com/ were offering some funding for film festival start-ups. I don't know if they still do, but it would be a good idea to get in touch with them.

11 years, 1 month ago - Adriano Cirulli

Sounds interesting. Please keep us posted on the developments.

11 years, 1 month ago - Alève Mine

Yes, please keep us posted!

11 years, 1 month ago - Alève Mine

That sharking process is so ubiquitous. They see you as not having the arguments to negotiate. Same as loan sharks: the less financial power you have, the more unaffordable the deal. But the truth is: the material already at hand is valuable, your skills remain yours, and it may add up to a better financial result - which can make a drastic difference for your future - to just walk away.

11 years, 1 month ago - L. Sabia-Byrne

Dan's book is awesome! Its a pity that his work hasnt been respected but unfortunately thats the world we live in these days.

One of my films 'Mirror' used dolly, tracks and jib, all built to spec from Dans book!

11 years ago - Jennifer Farfort

I'm interested but don't live anywhere near the south west

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

Hey, Patrick, how about some details. What's this new paradigm? It's a long time coming!

11 years ago - John Lubran

This festival idea sounds great. The only concern I'd have is that plagiarism and theft is best undertaken whilst the victim is still at an early stage of project development. I'm flattered to have had several ideas 'adopted' by the most esteemed worthies who simply declared "What a coincidence I was just thinking the exact same thing"

11 years, 1 month ago - Jac Nunns

Hi Patrick, lots of filmmaking, organisational and festival experience here, am based in SW London. Let me know what you're in need of and I'll see if I can help. Jackie