AN INDIE LIFE

Appearing Live on Movie Addict Headquarters: Tues (3/16)

grking — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:35:17 +0000

I’ll be appearing on BlogTalk radio’s MOVIE ADDICT HEADQUARTERS live on Tues (March 16th) at 4pm (EST) speaking with Betty Jo Tucker to discuss HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG among other projects. I’m told that SINGING IN THE RAIN is Betty Jo’s favorite film so I have no doubt that we’ll hit it off!

Date: Tues (March 16th)
Time: 3pm (CST)/ 4pm (EST)
Website: www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters

I’m told that During the live 45-minute show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat, so please pass this information along to anyone you think would be interested.

I’m looking forward to talking with Betty Jo about movies, musicals, the Kickstarter campaign — and hopefully connect with other film lovers out there. It sounds like a fun time. Hope you can tune in!

The Kickstarter Effect

grking — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:24:12 +0000

THE KICKSTARTER EFFECT (originally posted at multi-hyphenate on Feb 25th, 2010)

by Gary King. Follow me on Twitter.

Have you made — or ever wanted to make a feature film? How far did you (or would you) go in order to get it done?

One of the most common questions I get asked is how did I finance my feature films NEW YORK LATELY and WHAT’S UP LOVELY. While there is not one true approach, the answer always makes me reflect on how crazy I possibly am in being a filmmaker.

Would you be willing to quit your well-paying corporate day job and move to New York City? Would you be willing to cash out your 401K to finance your first feature film? Would you be willing to spend over an entire year (or longer) seeing a project through from start to finish? If your answer is “yes” to those questions, then put on this straight jacket my friend and please join me in my padded cell.

Unfortunately for most of us, we are not lucky enough to self-finance every single film project (nor would some want to). So in order to make the films we want, we must seek financing from an outside source. In today’s climate, even major studios are having trouble funding pictures unless the project is an established franchise or already has a built-in audience. They take safer risks, whereas we indie filmmakers are still the true risk takers. But where does that leave us if we know that our film fits into more of a niche and is not intended for the masses at the cineplex? Thankfully filmmakers like this are still getting movies made and it’s inspiring to see. How are they managing to do it? The answer is crowdfunding.

Crowd-whata-who? That’s the response I usually get from people who are not familiar with the term.

According to Wikipedia:
“Crowdfunding describes the collective cooperation, attention and trust by people who network and pool their money together, usually via the Internet, in order to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations.”

So basically we’ve seen this in action already for various causes (typically political or humanitarian campaigns) — but never has it been so popular with the indie film community until recently.

Right now, there are two prevalent services (IndieGoGo and Kickstarter) that assist filmmakers with crowdfunding. Both lead to the same question people ask over and over again (including myself): which one?

IndieGoGo and Kickstarter have the same intentions, but just different executions. I suggest researching both to see which fits your needs. But my initial response is “why not both?” In fact, I plan to use both sites eventually.

However, for my indie film musical HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG I chose Kickstarter for two main reasons. The first is what has been coined the “Kickstarter Effect” where the implemented deadline gives a sense of urgency around the project and utilizes game theory to create an almost gambling atmosphere for people to generate interest and ideally financial contributions. And secondly the basic layout of the website design gave me more flexibility in terms of how I wanted to present the information about the film.

“SCHERMANN SONG” centers around the theater and Broadway realm of New York City. It deals with the struggle of artistic integrity vs. doing what others want you do to in order to be successful and examines how careers can affect personal relationships through unspoken competition. And the fun part is the song and dance numbers will be a mixture of both reality and fantasy sequences.

Now thankfully, the budget I’m trying to raise is nowhere close to what a full-fledged union cast/crew production would entail as that would be hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars needed depending on its scope. So for all intents and purposes, most people using the sites are dealing with micro-budgets (a casual search found the largest campaign around $50K).

But what crowdfunding does is take the investor equation out of making films. One no longer has to worry about the return-on-investment or making money back to recoup costs. Although I’m sure the majority of filmmakers do want to turn a profit with their film, it is not a looming cloud above their heads. In fact, crowdfunding is more attune to a PBS pldege drive where “thank you” gifts are offered in return for the donation — in a sense the person contributing to the project is pre-ordering certain goods that will be ready when the film is completed.

This platform frees up the filmmaker to really make the film he or she wants – and to know there is audience demand for it. It is actually a mind-blowing concept and liberating to know that you can get a film made this way. Even if the crowdfunding concept was around for a while, these sites have polished the system and has given legitimacy to it. Projects are getting funded every day.

The most challenging part comes once you have chosen which site to use: the fundraising campaign. I can only write about my experience thus far as I have approximately two more months to hopefully raise the full amount needed ($30K) to make HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG. I plan on returning (if Tyler wants me back) to contribute an update on the campaign with any learning lessons to share mid-way through. So it seems that this is just a prologue to this topic in which there will be an epilogue later down the road.

The outcome is yet to be determined, but I really believe in this project for various reasons. The first being my complete adoration for the genre. I think it will be very interesting to explore the hybrid of intimate storytelling within the musical realm. And second, these types are films are rarely made at the indie level and people are hungry for them. We just have to find our audience which is part of the campaign’s goal. And we’re doing it — so far so good.

Teaching at BREAKTHROUGH STUDIOS (NYC) on 3/29

grking — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:56:18 +0000

I’ll be guest teaching at BREAKTHROUGH STUDIOS on Monday (March 29th) at 7pm.

It should be another fun time getting to meet New York actors and work through some scenes together. I’m always excited to meet new talent and this has been a great way to do that.

Here’s more information about the class:
“This Exciting night with this working filmmaker will walk you through all the ins and outs of getting started in the indie film world. They will cover the roles played by the actors, crew and technicians. He is currently looking for all types and ethnicities for his next film.

Not to be missed!”

Visit the website to sign up

Bringing “WHAT’S UP LOVELY” to You

grking — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:54:53 +0000

Roll Call!! Do you want to see WHAT’S UP LOVELY?

We are compiling a list of locations (countries and cities) to help us consider where we can take our film to screen (and ideally present it in person). We are also exploring venue options that support indie film screenings and will be partnering with people who are interested in helping us get the film out to their area.

One of the exciting new methods on doing this is Openindie – an emerging new demand-based distribution service that lets people around the world choose from a list of films and request the ones they’d like to screen in their town. If there is enough interest from users in the same area, the film will screen there.

Please visit the site and request our film. Tell your friends to do the same. We’d love to screen it for you and Openindie is certainly one way we can get it to you. A cool thing to check out is their global map displaying who has requested to see WHAT’S UP LOVELY from around the world. While you’re there, also look at the other films on the site as I myself have requested some great looking indies to play here in New York.

Here’s how you can connect with me to let us know there is demand in your area:

Request LOVELY on Openindie
Please leave a comment here on this blog
Leave a comment on our “WHAT’S UP LOVELY” Facebook Page
Contact me directly at gary@kitchentablefilms.com

***REMEMBER: SNEAK PREVIEW SCREEENING OF “LOVELY” IN LOS ANGELES ON MAY 14th***

Another Milestone Kickstarted

grking — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:50:29 +0000

Over this past weekend we hit a major milestone with our Kickstarter fundraising campaign. Thanks to our incredible backers and their generous donations we are now 25% funded! This is amazing news for everyone involved with our indie film musical.

We are about 3 weeks in to the campaign and are 81 backers strong with countless more spreading the word. Everyone has been cheering us on and I appreciate it very much.

Remember, now that we’ve hit 25%, there’s the ever-important statistic from Kickstarter that shows we now have a 94% success rate.

Being 25% was the first major milestone accomplished. But we still have quite a hill to climb. Now with your help, we have to take it to the next level.

Mentioning our Kickstarter campaign to people is the only way to get the word out there. We need the exposure. I humbly ask that you help share this project with others via Facebook, Twitter, your blog, emails and word of mouth. It has been working! Being 25% funded shows that.

In fact, I myself will also have to step it up. So I’m going to be making several internet radio appearances in the next month:

UPCOMING APPEARANCES:
Movie Addict Headquarters (hosted by Betty Jo Tucker) – Tuesday (March 16th) – 1pm PST/4pm EST

Film Courage with David Branin & Karen Worden - Sunday (April 4th) – 12pm PST/3pm EST – I’ll be making an in-studio appearance in Los Angeles with actress Christina Rose

I also contributed a guest article titled “The Kickstarter Effect” for Multi-Hyphenate this past week and was very humbled by the support (and donations) it received from the indie film community.

I hope to do more appearances (in whatever form) and welcome your suggestions or offers to help bring more attention to this indie film musical and its campaign.

I appreciate everyone’s continued support for both me and HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG. I really couldn’t do it without your generous contributions and belief. Let’s keep the momentum going so I can share more good news with you in the near future.

Links to share with your network:
KICKSTARTER project
KICKSTARTER YouTube Video
KICKSTARTER Vimeo Video
FACEBOOK Page
TWITTER Page
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG | a feature film Musical | KICKSTARTER VIDEO from Gary King on Vimeo.

HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG | a feature film Musical | A New Way to Thank You from Gary King on Vimeo.

VIDEO UPDATE: NY LATELY screening at the Annapolis Pretentious Film Society

grking — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:31:01 +0000

Peri and his wonderful team (Lisa and Victora) at The Annapolis Pretentious Film Society (APFS) put together this well crafted video about our NEW YORK LATELY screening this month.

You can see the TLC he puts in to not only this video, but his screening series as a whole. It was an amazing experience and I cannot highly recommend attending or screening there — wish I could do both more often.

Thank you Peri, Lisa, Alex, Victoria, David, Nicole from the Ram’s Head on Stage, Coven, Corrie, Susanna, Caryn, Oscar….I know I’m forgetting people so I better stop while I’m ahead and say thank you Annapolis!

Read the (APFS) “Afterglow” Report

Here’s my write up on my experience at the screening

Read about NEW YORK LATELY on THE AUTEURS

Next Up: WHAT’S UP LOVELY sneak preview with CINEFIST in Los Angeles (May 14th)

“SCHERMANN SONG” Kickstarter Update

grking — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:17:03 +0000

UPDATED on FEB 25th

As of today we have 72 amazing backers and are extremely close to 25% funding. This excites and humbles me (as well as the actors) to see such generous support from everyone.

Remember: at 25% funding we have a 94% chance at fully reaching our goal!!

As a thank you, Joe Schermann, Christina Rose and I recently got together to film a few things — and here’s the first of the clips.

This video is now out of date with the number of backers we say — but that’s a good thing!!

HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG | a feature film Musical | KICKSTARTER VIDEO UPDATE #1 from Gary King on Vimeo.

And Now for a Little Something….in our appreciation

HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG | a feature film Musical | And Now for a Little Something…. from Gary King on Vimeo.

We even recorded a few exclusive messages and songs just for our backers, so don’t miss out!

Join us today.

Every amount is appreciated as we inch towards our goal. Thank you again!

KICKSTARTER PAGE

OFFICIAL FILM WEBSITE

The Films That Inspired WHAT’S UP LOVELY

grking — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:13:00 +0000

In some way, shape or form these films influenced me as I was making WHAT’S UP LOVELY. Some in pre-production, others while shooting and even more during the editing process.

Meshes in the Afternoon (1943)

Persona (1966)

Chungking Express (1999)

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Mullholland Drive (2001)

Ratcatcher (2006)

The Girlfriend Experience (2009)

READ MY DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

a DIY Film Tour

grking — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:52:15 +0000

Based on the article “The D.I.Y Book Tour” by Stephen Elliot, this idea fascinates me:

“I asked if people wanted to hold an event in their homes. They had to promise 20 attendees. I would sleep on their couch. My publisher would pay for some of the airfare, and I would fund the rest by selling the books myself.”

I’m not sure how it could work with film, but in theory it could almost be a similar model.

And we’re not talking about booking theaters or alternative venues — this is actually visiting people’s homes who are willing to hold a screening and can guarantee a certain turnout. But think of how much of a connection this is with your audience — you’re in their home (haha!).

Whether they like your film or not (you’ll know if they hurry you out the door or keep you around for a while), it would be a very fascinating experience to tour the country and meet film lovers who want to see your film. At this point I don’t believe it’s an actual viable business model if one wanted to sustain a living, but the potential is there — and for some reason it really has me wondering about the possibilities.

ps – It’d be great if the person’s home theater looked like this too. That’d be the gravy on top.

WHAT’S UP LOVELY – Sneak Preview in Los Angeles (May 14th – 8pm)

grking — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:41:59 +0000

“It’s poetic, visually arresting …. I can’t help but be excited for this film.” – DVD SnapShot
“This looks like an indie with the kind of intimacy you don’t normally see…” - /FiLM

Hey Los Angeles! Would you like to see WHAT’S UP LOVELY this summer before anyone else?

Jenn Dees (lead actress/co-writer) and I will be bringing the film for a sneak preview at the THE CINEFIST QUARTERLY SCREENING SERIES on Friday (May 14th) at 8pm – followed by an after party on the roof of the venue.

We are both extremely excited about this one-time only event: Summertime in LA, watching a movie, hanging out with new friends and old. There’s nothing better.

This special sneak preview is made possible by CINEFIST — which is a unique cinema series offering screenings of feature-length motion pictures supplemented by insightful case studies and Q&As with the innovative filmmakers behind them.

What’s cool is they had a few trailers play before their Winter Screening series and the audience voted on the next film they wanted to see. Here’s a graph of the audience vote that night:

It’s pretty cool knowing that there was audience demand to see the film. Needless to say I’m extremely excited for this night and hope to see you there.

See all the LOVELY press coverage here

RSVP on FACEBOOK

Where: DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT – (251 S. Main Street Los Angeles, California) – Buy tickets online here

When: Friday May 14th – 8pm