Kickstarting my New Film

A very special day today! As today I am officially announcing my new film and launching two new pages.

I've been talking about it for a while, but I can now confidently say that my next film will be Derelict. A dark and violent crime thriller, it is about a gang of kidnappers who hold a bank managers family hostage in a derelict building. But they soon realise that they're not alone.

Allow me introduce the cast:

The Criminals:

Michael Bates as J.

Steve Gunn as Davey Boy.

Keith Ward as Tone.

Gerry Shanahan as Daniel.

The Family:

Elaine Reddy as Kate, the mother.

Andy Gallagher as Andrew, the son.

(Part of the father and Bank Manager yet to be cast.)

And as The Hooded Man:

Brian Fortune.

I'm very excited to be working with all these actors. I've known of Andy for sometime, having auditioned him for Emily's Song about 5 or 6 years ago. I got to work with him briefly on Slán agus Beannacht but knew I wanted to do more, especially after seeing Thomas Hefferon's 'The Pool'.

I met Steve, Keith, Gerry, Elaine and Brian at the Ghoster reading, almost 2 years ago and I met Michael at the Iscariot reading last year. So I really have Camille Donegan to thank for setting up the readings and making the introductions... I should have hired her as my casting director! I was impressed with everyone and stayed in touch, knowing I'd find something we could do, or if not find something, create something!

The plan is to shoot at the end of March. I'm still working on the script and until recently I had the perfect location, but that fell through and I'm back on the hunt.

John Lawlor with shoot the film. I've worked with John a lot over the years on various projects, including Bill, For Short, but never done a narrative piece with him. John is a documentary filmmaker and I think his style and attitude is exactly right for this project and the unique way we're going to be approaching the shoot (more on that later.)

Now. As I mentioned, I am also launching two new pages today:

First up:

Derelict Facebook Page!

For every update you'll need about the film, the cast and the crew. Links to videos, pictures, press and behind the scenes footage and interviews when they come.

Next up:

Derelict Kickstarter Page!

Where we are aiming to raise €5000 ($6,950) toward the budget! I had great success with Kickstarter and 140, raising $2580! So I'm hoping on similar success here. The thing about Kickstarter is that you don't get a penny unless you raise everything! Bit scary, but a great incentive!!! So I really need people to get involved.

As mentioned below you can still go the pay pal route, but I know a lot of people don't use or like paypal and would prefer to make a direct transfer via credit card, Kickstarter allows you to do that and wont charge you anything. Everything is on hold until the full amount is reached. And you get some nice perks through kickstarter!

You may also notice that I have 38 days to raise these funds, the deadline landing on December 18th, which is actually my daughter's first birthday!

That is the plan. I'm excited about it. I think it's going to be good, something unique and quite special. And a good old fashioned crime thriller! I hope you'll follow along on the journey, as you have been so far! And if you can help, by all means do, have your name on the credits and be a part of this project for all time.

More news as it comes.

Cheeky Beggar!

I'd like to thank the Alison Comyn and the Drogheda Independent for picking up on my call for funding. Always a proud moment when the local paper show an interest in your work and are prepared to make room to help. Especially when it comes to begging... I mean funding raising! Crowdfunding to be precise.

You see, crowdfunding has been around for a while and is growing in popularity and acceptance all the time. Kevin Smith, director of Clerks, Dogma, Chasing Amy and more, looked at doing this for his new film, a horror called Red State. He was facing difficulty with funding, the studio weren't willing to back him (the studios are in a bit of a mess at the moment) so a fan on twitter suggested crowdfunding, a bunch more fans jumped in and offered help and he began seriously considering it and looking into setting up a website.

As it happened funding came from elsewhere, but he was not adverse to the idea. Of course the internet bloggers got hold of the wrong end of the stick and in sweeping, generalising and condemning statements branded him a "beggar". Not really a nice thing to be called when you're just trying to do your best with what's available to you. And if what's available is good will and generosity, you're going to consider it.

I have no doubt he would have raised the money. Smith has a loyal following of fans who love his movies. So why not ask them, why not get them involved and make them part of something they love?! It's a direct connection for the fans and something they will always have. Forever they'll be able to say they helped their favourite filmmaker get his film made.

If you go to websites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo you will see creative types pitching their projects for your donation. Things like book publication, art shows, albums recordings, photography trips and films. As The New York Times said "Kickstarter has become an unexpected influence on Indie culture, a new model for a D.I.Y generation".

It's working, because people have always supported those who are out there doing things, making a difference and creating something positive. It's inspiring, and it feels good to give a lift, to say "I like what you're doing, I want to help." I do it myself when I can, and I must admit, I love clicking that donate button, because I know what it feels like to receive. It's overwhelmingly humbling.

I raised $2,500 for 140 earlier this year. That money went toward festival entry fees, DVDs, screening tapes, postage, t-shirts, posters and postcards... a bunch of stuff to help get the film into the world. The people who donated were inspired by the idea and just wanted to support it and help me get it out. I put a year and half of my life into 140 and it's always difficult, as an independent filmmaker, on your own, trying to get something made. But even more so, after it's made, getting it out into the world. Because while you might be able to make a film for next to nothing, it's near impossible to promote it with no money, and that's important. Because what's the point of making a film if you don't show it to people?! There is no point!

I've funded all my films this way. 140 was the first time I used the internet to do it, and I'm continuing that with Derelict. But on Emily's Song I raised funding from donations from friends and family. Bill, For Short was no-budget, but time was donated by friends. Slán agus Beannacht the same, donations from friends and family and strangers, I held a fundraiser in McHughs, and again, friends gave their time to help: Jason Byrne, Robbie Bonham, Paddy McArdle and the external Sounds guys all pitched in to help me, for free! It's good will, and I'll be honest, I wouldn't be where I am today without good will, and I'm eternally grateful for it.

In saying that though I've always matched what I've received. I don't want you to think I'm walking around with my hat out and a cheeky grin and wink, paying what I have and pocketing the rest! I wont be making a penny from this and I wont have a wage either. I'd make sure everyone else involved was paid before I was, and even then any spare cash isn't spare, there's a whole bunch of stuff I can spend money on before it gets near me! And I will spend it on that stuff, because I want the film to be the best it can be.

At the moment I'm broke. I have no money. I'm in debt. Now I'm not saying that so you'll feel sorry for me! I mention it because I want to be transparent about this, because if I'm asking for your help and for your money, which I'm sure you have alot better things to be doing with, I want you to know I'm putting as much of my own in, if not more. Every time I make a film I spend thousands of my own money... usually personal loans from the credit union which I've been paying back for years!

On Emily's Song the budget was about €20,000, we raise about €2,500 from donations, I put about €6,000 in and Thomas Kennedy and his wife Tina put the rest in. Bill, for short, a couple of hundred euro (I should make more of those!) Slán agus Beannacht, €1000 raised, I put €1,250 in. 140 €2500 raised through kickstarter, so far I've put about the same, if not a bit more in, and I'm still spending on that one. And please don't tell my wife, but I have no doubt I'll be visiting the credit union before Derelict begins... that's if they let me in!!!

But I believe as an artist you should make that kind of sacrifice. I believe in what I do. I love what I do. And I think if you believe in something that much you should be willing to make those sacrifices. But sometimes it's not enough, the means just aren't there. I have tried going to the Irish Film Board, a government agency set up to help emerging filmmakers. I've approached them for help with almost every script I've written. But I've had no success there, so I just stopped asking. It hasn't deterred me from making the films I want to make though. I just have to be a little more creative in how I go about it. But sometimes I need help.

As artists have down through the centuries. Great artists, musicians, scientists, politicians have all needed patrons, people who were inspired by their work, wanted to see it come to fruition and had the means and desire to make that happen and were willing to do so. We may not have the great works of art we have now, the discoveries in science, the great leaders through time if it were not for the people who believed in them and stood behind them, holding them up, propelling them forward so others could feel the inspiration they too felt.

Now, I'm no Mozart, Obviously! But maybe I can make something that entertains and connects with people, and do it in Drogheda. I think I've done a pretty good job so far. My three short films, and now 140, have allowed me to show my hometown of Drogheda on the big screen at prestigious film festivals all around the world. So I want to keep making films here, in my hometown, because I love Drogheda and why not make feature films here? It's a great town! And I'm proud to represent it around the world as a filmmaker. So if you want to help me do that by all means click the yellow button on your right and be one of those people who stand behind something they believe in and give good work the support it needs to live.

Cheers.

Large, Disused and Unavailable... No, not me!

I've mentioned, without much detail, that I'm working on a new film (planned shoot at the end of January) called 'Derelict'. It's set in one location over one night. It's mostly cast, mostly crewed and had, up until this morning, the location. I was informed today that now I cannot use that location.

The Perfect place, exactly what I was looking for, in fact it was so ideal that when I visited it for the first I wondered if I hadn't been there before and forgotten, it was so close to what I had written in the script. I thought, "This is just the best luck!"

Now, two months later, I'm told that due to "Health & Safety" issues, it is unsafe to film there. Honestly seemed fine to me, but what do I know, I'm not a health & safety expert. So, I'm up a creak without a paddle with 3 months before shooting. Bit of a headache, but I'm sure something will along. Maybe even better than I'd hoped for, who knows.

I am looking forward to it. As I finish the script and the story and structure solidify in my mind and I talk to actors about it I find I'm getting more more excited about it. I think it's going to be good, something really unique and fun to do and hopefully, no, I'm sure, fun to watch!

So I'm hoping some of you will make donations to help with production. Anything from €1 to €1,000,000 (no seriously, a million would be great!!! and seriously, €1 would too, it all goes somewhere - if 50 of you give €1 each that's tapes bought for the whole shoot!)

This film has no backing, no studios, financiers, arts agencies or government appointed film bodies are involved, I'm doing it off my own back. So if you want to be involved, help get the film made and have an Associate Producer credit on the end of the film (as well as an exclusive invite to an online Premiere before anyone else has seen the film) then click 'Donate' to your right and enter whatever amount you feel you can afford (you could even buy a credit for the film fan in your life as a christmas present?!)

If you're not a 'paypal' kind of person, and many aren't, click 'Drop Me A Line' to email me and we'll figure something else out. Or you could just buy a 140 DVD, same as above, click donate and enter €15.99 with your address and I'll send one out to you. All money goes toward this new film.

Late addition: American Film Website Movieviral.com have picked up on my call for donations! Check it out here.

The Lord takes with one hand and gives with the other.

(I don't know if that's a real quote from anything, but...)

Two nights ago I dreamed a short film, well, it was more like a scene from a film. As I awoke and lay in half slumber, threads of the dream still hung and I was able to form a structure around this dream. As I awoke I began to wonder if this story I had half dreamed half made in waking slumber was actually worth hanging onto, as clarity dawned I found it was and I had to quickly employ some dream remembering techniques to hang onto it. Like word association, names, faces, tone and telling the story over and over the more I woke and then most importantly, telling the dream to my still sleeping wife as she lay beside mumbling something to the effect of: "Why are you waking me, it's Sunday..."

I spent the morning writing this dream down in script form and from it came a new short script, 23 pages long, called "The Quarry" which I'm actually quite happy with. It tells the story of two people in love, who've lost each other, we never find out how or why, but the find each other again when they both think it's too late. It just takes on last leap of faith to bring them back together.

This is the third script I've dreamed, "The Hollow Tree" was the first. That one was quite dream like and a bit mad! The second was "Angelina" a magical romantic story set in Paris. And now this. It's a funny thing, unexpected when it happens, but always thrilling and a joy to be handed a full story as a gift from my subconscious. It's as if my brain is a writer all on it's own and occasionally sends stories my way, just to see what I think. I must very critical though, if so far I've only accepted three!

I don't know what I'll do with it. I suppose it's doable. Would require money though. Most of it is straight forward character based drama, but there are two major stunts in it. And it would have to look beautiful, no low-budget digitally shot over the weekend crap here. Time. Effort. Quality. It would have to be a portfolio piece for all involved.

Anyway, we'll see.

Well, gotta go. Have to find a large disused building that someone will let me shoot in, and bloody quickly! Wish me luck!

Emily's Song on C4.

Emily's Song is to be broadcast on Channel 4 again, at 4:15am Monday 1st Nov. So for all you insomniacs, early risers, return partiers, parents of small babies and the general night-owl population, please do tune in... I will be sleeping!

FOR SALE €15.99

The Heartland Film Festival ended over the weekend, with the final screening of 140 on the 22nd. By all accounts the screenings were successful, people enjoyed the movie, even cheering when Indianapolis came up! Wish I could have been there!

(Among the filmmakers present were

Kevin Makice and his son Carter)

(Also present at the festival was 140 filmmakers Gustavo Ron, centre,

who was a Crystal Heart Award Winner this year for his feature film

'Ways To Live Forever' - composer Cesar Benito is using the award

as a tooth-pic!)

Heartland has always been a supporter of my work, with Emily's Song and Bill, For Short screening in previous years. And even though I have now had three films screen at the festival it's not something I would ever take for granted, it remains an enormous honour to be selected for such a great festival. I hope I can continue to make the kind of films they want to show.

However, my next film wont be one of those! Derelict, a crime thriller, is moving along and set for a January/February shoot tbc. I've written the first draft of the script, but needs work and I'm slightly stumped. I blasted out the first draft in about 3 days, just to get the story out of my head and on to paper. It's all there, the storyline, the plot, the characters, the beats I wanted - but it needs more, another layer of depth to real make it work. My challenge now is to find that layer, add it and quickly.

I have started casting, people have come on board, which I'm very excited about, but I'll wait until things are more solid before I announce any names.

Some sad news, my good friend Mark Lebenon, who I originally started working on Derelict with, is leaving Ireland and going back to South Africa. Super nice guy. Good writer, filmmaker and collaborator (what time we had to collaborate) I had hoped he would be able to work on Derelict with me, but unfortunately Ireland, and the state we're in, have not made it easy for him and his family to make a life here. I wish him, Donna, Aidan and Liam all the best and hope to see the back on our shores again in more prosperous times. Good luck Mark, I'll miss you buddy.

Couple of other projects looming on the horizon, would love to talk about them and share but some odd things have been happening lately that have made me paranoid about sharing ideas online. Some high-profile filmmakers and companies I've had dealings with have come out with projects that are almost identical to some I've had over the years and posted on here.

Maybe I'm being silly, these things happen, as they say: There's nothing original under the sun. But when a big company comes out with and ad campaign with monster puppet suits, and you think: "Hey, they look just like a design I did 3 years ago for a short film that never got made!" Coincidence? Maybe. But then you find out the company you spoke to about making that suit for said short film is the very same company that made these monsters, and you go back to your emails from three years ago and see conversations, description and concept art... you start to wonder if it's really wise to share ideas! - So there will be no more of that from me! All I'll say is that I'm excited about what's coming up and I hope to be able the share it with you soon.

Meantime:

FOR SALE: €15.99

As part of my fund raising efforts for Derleict I'm going to start selling 140 on DVD, if you would like to purchase a copy of the movie you've been reading about for near two years! You can do so by clicking 'Donate' (on the right-hand bar) fill the box with for the amount: €15.99, which will include postage and package. Include you name and address and I'll get one off to you that day.

FOR SALE: €20

I'm also selling T-Shirts €20 a pop. Click 'Drop Me A Line' to the right and we can arrange size, colour and payment (range is limited).

140 IFI 10.10.10

(Eoin McCabe {Original Songs} Me & Dermot O'Mahony {Music})

The day kicked off with the usual pre-screening jitters! Nothing new there for me. But we must embrace these things! Caught the train to Dublin, myself, Maryann and my brother Noel. Went straight to the IFI, where I met Sunniva O'Flynn, the curator there. We all grabbed a coffee and I talked with Sunniva about the film and what we might talk about during the Q&A. Then did a tech check, where everything seemed fine. Calms the nerves to stay busy beforehand I must say!

People started to arrive, some friends, Eoin and Dermot, the musical department of 140! At 1pm we pilled into Cinema Screen 3. Beautiful room, seating curved around the screen, in fact the same screen I saw Spirited Away in a few years ago! It was a small turn out, I had hoped there'd be a bit more, only about 22 people - and none of the Irish 140 filmmakers, which was a disappointment, especially considering 5 of them live in the Dublin area! And especially when you think all the LA filmmakers showed to both California screenings, actually flew me to the first one and attended the one I missed on my behalf! Oh well, I guess the Irish are... less enthusiastic about such things! But I know people were busy, working and even out of the country - a disappointment nonetheless

Started the screening with some technical hitches. Pauses in the tape due to the transfer. Happened about 4 or 5 times and for a moment I thought it might spell a disastrous end to the day! To be honest I wasn't panicing about it, if we had to stop I planned to take everyone's address and send them out a free dvd of the film. I would have also done the Q&A anyway, so people would have had some kind of experience to go home with. Kind of backwards, see the Q&A and then go home and watch the film!

As it happened it sorted itself out and after the first 15 minutes there were no more pauses. People seemed to enjoy the film. Being a typical filmmaker I was watching the audience rather then the film (I've seen it a hundred times anyway!) and no one was twitching or shifting, always a reassuring sign!

The Q&A afterwards was really enjoyable. Sunniva was very enthusiastic about the film, which was great. Good questions from her and from the audience made it enjoyable. Overall, despite some disappointments, I thought it was a successful screening and I really enjoyed myself. And of course it was a great honour to screen in the IFI.

You never know how these things will go, and you can't really be too worried or disappointed if only a handful of people show, or there are technical problems. Each experience is different and offers something unique. For me this was an intimate screening with friends in a fantastic venue with an enthusiastic host - can't really ask for better than that.

My sincerest thanks to everyone who came, to Sunniva O'Flynn for her enthusiasm and support and to the IFI.

fyi.

(140 on fyi. on e3 "You've heard

about the facebook movie, well,

What about the twitter movie?")

Building up the European Premiere at the IFI on Sunday. Had a bit of press from it, local papers, off to do another interview for local paper in an hour or so. The Irish digital channel e3 picked it up for their fyi. show, you can watch here, second story. Little mention on the Film Ireland website too. All helps to pulls the punters in! Hopefully we'll get a good crowd, I'm not expecting too much, never do, saves on disppointment! But hopefully there will be a few in.

I also did a blog for the Heartland Website, which you can read here. All about my connection to the festival, and the importance of making connections at festivals. Which will be the theme of a conversation I'll be having with Elliot Kotek and Gustavo Ron on the 18th of October, via Skype, as part of a seminar at the festival (I only wish I could be there in person!)

140 Irish Premiere!!!

I'm very excited to announce the Irish Premiere of 140 at long long last!!!

It's going to be taking place in the Irish Film Institute on Sunday October 10th at 1pm! I'm thrilled! Thrilled to finally be able to show 140 to an audience in Ireland. And thrilled that it's happening in the IFI! Bit of a dream come true if I'm honest!

I used to frequent the IFI when I was at college (then the IFC) I was in there most days, buying videos, books, postcards, posters and imported magazine that were available nowhere else - as this was, I'm showing my age, before the internet was in every home and so widely available! I remember seeing John Lassater there in a retrospective of his career and the premiere of Toy Story 2. Followed by a Q&A, where he signed a poster for me (which hangs framed beside my DVD collection! Geek Alert!)

I know many prestigious directors have screened and appeared there, so it's a special honour to be joining them... not that I'm comparing myself to any of them! This is just a great opportunity and I'm grateful for the chance to be able to show 140 in such a great venue. My huge thanks to the IFI and Sunniva O'Flynn, the IFI curator, for agreeing to show the film.

Tickets are available at the box office and from their website! I hope if you're in, or close to, Dublin you'll pop in and check it out. I'll be there for a Q&A afterwards... please come and ask lots of questions, I love talking about the film.

See you there!

(The October Programme, 140 is on page 21.

Bit of a coincidence being in the same issue as

'The Social Network'! Considering the theme!)

Some News...

I can finally announce, and I am very happy and proud to do so, that 140 has been Officially Selected as part of this year Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.

I'm very excited about this. I think I've mentioned my relationship with Heartland before, but just in case you don't know - I won a Crystal Heart Award in 2006 for Emily's Song, Bill, For Short was an Official Selection in 2008 and of course, it's where I met Maryann, my wife. She was the film programmer in 2006, so if I hadn't been selected, won the award and gone, we never would have met, fell in love, got married and had Evelyn! So you can see why I have a strong connection and appreciation of the festival!

We Live In Hope.

Hmm, bit of a dilemma at the moment - wether or not to move ahead with an idea I've been harbouring for almost a year. It's a feature, but the idea is to shoot for nothing in five days. I think it's doable, I just need certain people to say yes and commit to make it happen.

Might step on the toes of Ghoster a little bit, but probably not that much. Ghoster is a much bigger production than this and needs a lot more time, and probably couldn't really be done without some investment. I'm going to ask a few people, see if a few heads are willing to jump in for a week long experiment. If it works, I think it could be really cool. If not - hey, it's only a week!

If it looks like it's going to happen i"ll post more about it.

Meantime, screening of my short films as part of Culture Night on Friday 24th, in association with Nexus Art Project on West St. in Drogheda, the old ACC Bank building - 6:30 - 10pm and it's free. I'll also be screening a film that has inspired me and one I love, Tokyo Godfathers. It's also a tribute to Satoshi Kon, one of my favourite directors, who died last month aged only 46 and in the middle of his latest film.

On Wednesday I'm attending a Screen Directors Guild of Ireland event, a conversation with directors Michael Apted and Alan Parker (Peter Weir was supposed to be there, but I guess he pulled out) I've met Michael Apted before, at the same festival where I met my wife in fact - Heartland 2006. He was there with Amazing Grace, I was there with Emily's Song. Lovely man, complete gentleman. So should be fun.

I did an interview for French television show Les Film Faits A La Maison last week, via Skype. It was interesting, spoke for 30 minutes about 140 and the internet and the positives and negatives of using it to make films. They'll edit my answers and use them in a show at a yet-to-be-determined date, but I will certainly post it when it airs.

Apparently the Downtown Film Festival screening was great. Got a bit cold, but people stuck it out and the reaction was positive! Trampas Thompson introduced the film, thanks Tramp! Another fest coming up soon, will be able to announce later this week. And big screening in October, again, announcement to come!

OK, I'm off to see if I can put a feature film together in Five weeks! Hah! Right... I hear you say. Well, we'll see!?!? We live in hope.

Alot About Nothing.

Sorry, two weeks since the last blog. Not much happening. 140 had it's screening at the Downtown Film Fest in LA last night, haven't heard how it went yet, LA is still sleeping!

I've started the rewrite on Ghoster. Just getting the beat sheet out. Haven't had much time on it. Being a stay-at-home Dad doesn't leave much time for writing! Will get to it soon I hope.

Still waiting to hear back on Iscariot. Been with the producer for 2 months now and no word. So not sure what the deal is there. Hopefully find out what the plan is, if any, soon.

I have a few things coming up, none of which I can announce yet - typical! Raise My Hands the short film I did with Elliot Kotek and Scott McDermott is on hold, it's finished, but we have to wait for word, or approval, or something, from one particular organisation before we can release it - if we can release it, may turn out to be a big fat waist of time! I hope not. It's a great piece. Powerful and moving and I'm proud of my work on it. Fingers crossed.

I have a big premiere of 140 for Ireland, in a great venue, the venue. But need to confirm some details and wait till they go to press before I say what it is.

Another Big fest coming up for 140 in the states, again, have to wait till they're ready to announce! Sorry! Maybe I should just not post this blog, it's a whole lot of saying nothing about stuff that's not happening! Think how great the blog will be when I do get to say stuff's happening!

One thing I can announce is that all my shorts, Emily's Song, Bill For Short and Slán agus Beannacht, will be screening as part of Culture Night here in Drogheda, introduced by my good self and in association with Nexus Art Project. I will also screen a film that has influenced me, which I'm taking great delight in! I love sharing films with people, even if they don't always like what I suggest! It's like a tiny glimpse into my workings and where I've come from. I'm not 100% sure of what to screen yet I'm back and forth on a lot of things. I had an initial idea, but then I start thinking of all these other amazing films! I'll narrow it down. I'll think of something good. That's on the 24th of September!

Not much happening on the Ghoster front with regard to production. I was talking to a producer recently, who's had quite a successful career in this country, but is finding it near impossible to get stuff going at the moment, even with a green lit project they can't quite get all the cash they need to pull it together! Production companies are closing down all the time. Films just aren't getting made. At least not as many as have been in recent years.

But maybe that's just at the higher end of things. I still see a lot of people getting no-budget stuff up and running. Films made on favours, goodwill and pure grit and determination. I know Terry Mahon, who's efforts on his own film were part of the inspiration in getting Ghoster off the ground, is in post on that project 'Charlie Casanova'. I notice Jason Figis' retelling of 'A Christmas Carol', 'Savage' is coming out soon (though that's a micro budget IFB film), Paddy O'Shea has been shooting 'Treekeeper' all summer in Cork. I'm just getting into 'Covies' by Len Collins, which is actually a Web Drama, but it's a no budget piece that was made independently with local help and people working for biscuits! And of course not forgetting my favourite Web Series 'Vultures', also shot on a shoestring. From what I've seen of all of them, they're quality work and entertaining and the fact is, people are doing stuff. Gives me hope for Ghoster.

But we'll see what happens. You never know what around the next corner.

Taco!

I'm excited about the LA screening of 140, little bummed that I wont be in attendance! Sounds like it's going to be a fantastic screening.

It's screening on September 11th as part of a Downtown event called 'Taco Cinema', where dozens of gourmet food trucks gather in an area called the Medallion (coincidently, last time I was in LA my good friend Trampas told me about this event and how great it was!)

(Some of the locations of the festival. Top Left: The Medallion Area. Above Right: LA Gourmet Food Trucks. Middle: the penthouse of the Roosevelt, where the Filmmakers reception is taking place.

Bottom: The Roosevelt.)

There will be a food festival all day, which will end at sunset (8:30pm) with an outdoor screening of 140! Sounds fantastic. I always though 140 would make a great out door movie! I'm sorry to miss it. But it should be well represented by the LA filmmakers, who I hope can all make it. They blimmin better, if I could afford it I'd fly across the world for this, thems lucky sods just have to trip out their back doors! ;)

Anyone in the area interested in attending tickets are only $10 for the entire day. Check out the listing on the Downtown Film Festival website.

Post a comment or send me an email if you do attend, I'd love to hear about it. Enjoy!

Precious Little Things

Some wonderful news, 140 has been officially selected to screen as part of this years Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles! I'm very excited and honoured. I was really hoping for this one. it looks like a great festival and I really wanted an LA screening of the film, as so many of the participants are from there. So I guess this is the official LA Premiere!

I have a another festival lined up for October, but I can't announce that yet. So the fest run has well and truly begun, PHEW! I was hoping it would next month, and so it has. I've entered quite a few, so hopefully a few more will pick it up.

Ghoster news: Not much happening I'm afraid. I put an open call for crew on filmmakersnetwork.ie, but got no response, disappointing, I was hoping some friends or passed colleagues would answer the call, but it was not to be. I think it's a hard sell asking people to give up so much time and energy when there's no money in place, just the promise of money... I've always said you can't pay the rent on promises. So I get that. I think I need a different tac. Not sure what, I suppose money would help! But where's that going to come from. I guess I'm creatively minded, so time to get creative!

I haven't started back on the script yet. I've been thinking a lot about it though. Making sure I'm ready and know exactly what I want to do with it. I'm playing with the idea of a couple of different angles, changing the lead to another character and seeing how that plays in my mind. I want to be sure I'm right before I write.

So everything's still up in the air at the moment. Nothing concrete. No crew. No cast. No money. But where there's a will there's a way. If you will it, it is no dream. Throw your heart in front of you, and let you head catch up... and all that stuff! I think any film that was ever made, especially independent films, was willed into existence be sheer force of determination. Nothing tangible at the start, just an idea and we all know what precious little things they are!

That's all for now. More news soon. Couple of new projects to talk about, including a completed short waiting in the wings. But more on all that later.

A Call to ACTION!

Here's a recent post I put up on filmmakersnetwork.ie as a call to action for Ghoster, figured I might as well stick it up here as well:

I need a crew, position are open for everything.

Production Department:
Producer:
Production manager:
First AD:
Production Assistant:
Script Supervisor:
Continuity Supervisor:
Make-up Artist:
Hair Dresser:
Stills Photographer:

Art Department:
Production Designer:
Set Decorator:
Props Master:

Camera Department:
Cinematographer:
First camera assist:
Loader:
Lighting Technician:

Sound Department:
Sound Mixer:
Boom Operator:
Sound Designer:
Composer:

Other Departments:
Location Manager:
Location Scout:
Transportation Manager:

I’m hoping to shoot late January/early February in Drogheda, provided I get the above, plus a cast of course! I held a reading of the script at the Attic Studio last year, which went great, the script was really well received and all of the actors who read did a fantastic job. I’m confident I can put a great cast together.

At the moment the positions are unpaid. I know I know! But I’m working on that. I’ve started a fund on IndieGoGo and will hold several fundraisers in the lead up to Christmas. Initially I’m hoping to raise enough to cover equipment, expenses, food and insurance.

Obvious this is a feature, not a short, so I expect the shoot to be between three and four weeks – a lot of which will be night shoots!Baring that in mind I understand who BIG an ask it is to sign up unwaged at this stage, which is why I’m going to do my damnedest to arrange something. But I want to be honest, there is no money in place as I type! I have blind faith it will come. Those who have worked with me in the past can hopefully vouch for my word on that!

In the meantime I’m looking for talented people with a lot to offer. People who can help me craft something special. People who are willing to seriously commit to the project and come on board as collaborators and the stay the course, who will bring their own creative ability and energy to help drive the production forward and who truly want to be a part of the project. This is a very personal one for me, it’s been with me for many years and is close to my heart – as it’s largely about my own family!

So whether I’ve worked with you before, talked about it, never met you, only spoken to you, whether you’re a recent graduate an impassioned self-taught prodigy or a seasoned pro, if you’re is seriously interested and have something offer I’d love to hear from you. You can PM me here or go to my blog and look for the “Drop me a line” button on the right panel, with any questions. I can tell you more about the film and my plan.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing from you.

Please follow along too on Facebook.

GoGoGhoster

Well, it's full steam ahead on Ghoster. I've started the usual publisity and fundraising campaigns:

The Facebook Page (please 'Like' and 'Share')

It's GoGoGhoster on IndieGoGo (please donate and share!)

and

The T-Shirt Shop! on Zazzle (please buy and wear!)

(All the links are also over to the right here ->)

I used Kickstarter for 140, which was great and worked a treat, but I've found with IndieGoGo it offers a bit more freedom. For example, unlike Kickstarter, I don't have to raise every penny to get the money, it's available to me immediately, so it can start help the production straight away. I'll probably let it build up for as long as possible, and as with the 140 money, I'll be completely transparent on how it's spent.

I've but up reward for the donations:

$25 pre-orders a DVD.

€50: DVD and Poster.

$100: DVD, Poster and Prop.

$150: DVD, Poster and T-Shirt.

$250: DVD, Poster, T-Shirt and signed directors shooting script.

$500: DVD, Poster, T-Shirt and a Frame Original One-of-a-kind still, taken on set by the professional stills photographer.

$1000: DVD, Poster, T-Shirt, Frame one-of-a-kind still & 5 more, unframed, limited stills. Everything is signed, poster by all cast and crew.

The money will be spent on everything to do with getting the film made: Equipment rental, expenses, insurance, post production, promotion. Same with any t-shirts sold, all royalties will go directly to the production.

Getting all this up and running has certainly got the fire in my belly stocked again. I think I've mentioned that I've been feeling somewhat uninspired of late and after finished two big projects like I was twisting in the wind a bit. But this has focused my mind and my energy. I hope I can pull it off!

So I'm going to get back to work on the script, get a next draft done and start to gather the people and tools I need. I hope I have enough goodwill left. Sometimes I feel like I've used all my lives on Emily's Song, where everyone worked for free and friends and family donated so much money and energy. Bill, For Short, where again, people worked for free. Slán agus Beannacht, again, cast and crew for free and the generosity of the friends help pay for it and of course, not to mention 140, were filmmakers from all over the world worked for free and friends, family and complete strangers pitched in to help me promote it.

I've been very lucky to have been able to make my films and that so many people have given so generously of their time, energy and belief. I'm awed and humble at the same time and always thankful.

Love in the time of Recession.

(My Dad, and part of the inspiration behind Ghoster)

OK, I'm finally utterly fed-up of not doing anything and faffing around waiting for the next project to magically arrive at my door! So time to change that and the fact is, I already have the perfect project. It's a script called Ghoster, you may have read about it before in these pages.

It's a story I've been wanting to tell for as long as I can remember, since I was a kid working summers with my Dad and my Uncles. I've been thinking about writing this script for more then 10 years and I finally did at the end of 2007. I spent 2008 developing it, which ended in a reading at the attic studio that was a resounding success where everyone really enjoyed it and told me I should make it. That was in January of 2009, and the last time I did anything with it. I still love the story and while the script needs a little work, I think it holds up!

So here it is - I have no cast, no crew, no equipment, no locations and absolutely no money, but I want to make a movie - Who's with me?

About:

It tells the the story of Kevin and Connor, two brothers in their 20s working as painters on a building site with their Dad, Fred, as their boss and their extended family of uncles and cousins as work mates. Kevin feels caged in and ready to explode, he has lost all respect for his father and wants to escape. It's about the complicated male relationships in a family where nothing is talked about... but it's also blokes on a building site, so it's bloody funny as well.

The story takes place over one night a few years ago. Set just as the recession was about to happen and right at the end of the building boom, it's the last job before they break for Christmas and an uncertain future. They have three houses to paint in one night, so they have to pull a Ghoster. If they do it they get a big bonus, something they all need.

But there is more going on. Marco, the oldest of the brothers and the main boss, keeps disappearing. Soon the police come looking for him. The relationship between Kevin and his father Fred reaches breaking point with Connor in the middle. The rest of the crew struggling against tiredness, the cold, slacking workers and disappearing boozey painters to get the houses finished for morning.

So if you want to find out what happens between Kev and his Dad, why the police are looking for Marco and if they finish the job on time maybe you can help see this film realised and have those questions answered up on the big screen!

Shopping list:

A Big Cast of talented actors!

A Brave, tireless, talented crew of hard workers!

A building site location for use over two/three weeks.

FOOD! We have to eat! Any supermarkets or cafes out there who'd like to help please send anything you have our way, we'll eat it!

Equipment: A Camera - Maybe two! Lights. Sound equipment.

And everything else needed to shoot a feature film!!!

I'd like to work with a good cinematographer, someone who understands light and has worked at night before, who's willing to improvise and work fast. This is a drama, set on a building site at night, in the cold with a bunch of lads in dirty clothes, but there's no reason we can't make it visually arresting and beautiful to look at.

The cast is the most important piece of the puzzle. This is an ensemble piece, 15 plus cast members all interacting with one another and playing off one another and all with different relationships. Timing and chemistry are everything. We have to believe this lot are family, and family who love and hate each other at the same time all the time.

The cast is as Follows:

Kevin (26)

Connor (24)

Fred (49)

Captain (52)

Maz (34)

Banjo (33)

Marco (59)

Caper (29)

Skinny (58)

Meehan (59)

Kathy (46)

Alex (female) (28)

Alco (40)

Joe the Carpenter (40)

Cop 1

Cop 2

There will be a casting process and I'm looking for the right people in the right roles. I have some people in mind already, but I'd like to be surprised as well.

I love the characters, the humour and heart that runs through it. I think with some belief, commitment, good will, energy, effort and the right people, we can make a really great piece of work we will all be proud of and will stand up as something special in modern Irish cinema.

Being somewhat realistic I'm aiming for a January/February shoot. I think it'll take that long to gather everyone and everything we need. Perhaps between now and then I can raise some money too!?!?

I'm just looking to create some love and fun in a time of doom and gloom! I can't think of a better film to be made in these times. I want to make people smile and laugh and bring a little light into people's lives'. So again I say - WHO'S WITH ME?!

If you're interested in getting involved by donating time, money, equipment or supplies please contact me, the details to do so are to the right - click 'donate' to make a donation via paypal, click 'Drop me a line' to email me. No time wasters please! Anyone who has worked on a feature film (or any film) before knows what size task and commitment this is and what I'm asking here - ALOT, but it will be worth it. I need people who are fully willing to commit to that task - Whole Heartedly.

My thanks in advance.

Flat Tires and Wrong Turns.

(140 DVDs)

I've had a considerable lack of energy this last month. Perhaps it's the high pressure in the weather. I think it might be to do with the fact that I've just completed to major projects, 140 and Iscariot. Of course, we had the premiere of 140 in May, which was a huge deal. I came home feeling energised. I had the kickstarter money in hand and print material, DVDs and everything else to get organised.

While I was doing that I was also finishing Iscariot with Thomas, a project (I'm sure you know by now) we've been working on for 2 years. We finished it, at least well enough to give it to people to consider. And luckily we found a producer who is strongly considering it, maybe even more then that, but nothing is official yet, so no point talking anymore about it until it is.

So two major finish lines cross, both in the same week and right now I feel like the flat tire of a bike that's just completed the Tour De France! I'm exhausted and drained.

I have several projects I want to move onto. I'd love to get back to Ghoster and apply the new techniques I've learn on Iscariot to that and even try to put it into production. I'd love to get back to Nevermore and bring that up to scratch. Bad Moon too. I've love to finish Cats of the Crescent. I have new ideas I want to start and I'm even talking to a friend about a five day feature to shoot later this year. But honestly, I don't have the energy for any of it.

Every time I sit down to start writing some I find myself on Facebook without remembering the turn. I don't drive, but the late night drive home from work has often been described to me, how you look up and realise you're nearly home and you have no recollection of the last 6 miles! You wonder if you were asleep, or at least the conscious part of your brain was asleep and somehow your subconscious drove the car! I feel like that.

I suppose the Ridley Scott film knocked it out of me a bit. While I've remained philisophical about it, it certainly knocked the wind out of me. After a year and a half of work to suddenly realise one of the seminal directors of our time is doing the same thing, kinda takes the shine off it. With Iscariot too, the producer we spoke to wasn't willing to back the script with us as directors, which is why we wrote it, to direct. But we came to realise to stand a chance of getting it made anytime soon, if at all, we need to let someone else take the reigns, take the writing credit and hope for another opportunity further down the road. After we get some legit feature film credits to our names. I think both events have made me realise how far down the pecking order I am, and after 10/11 years of trying to get films made, it doesn't feel like I've gotten very far!

Isn't it interesting though, I have a feature doc sharing press with Ridley Scott and Kevin MacDonald, that people seem to want to see and by all accounts is a success, at least in terms of the project that was set out. I have a feature script in the hands of a producer who wants to make it, and seems excited about it, yet I still feel unfulfilled, disappointed. Strange. I guess it's all part of the journey.

But whatever about all that. I need to get back to work. I have a film half completed on my hard drive that involves the work and commitment of others, so I need to get on that! I am excited about the other projects, especially the prospect of shooting before the end of the year. So I need to pick myself up and dust myself off and get on with the job at hand.

Sharing Press with Ridley Scott:

AJ Schnack Blog

Movieviral.com

Moving Pictures Magazine

I've also started uploading the 140 clips in full on Vimeo. Check them out to the 140 Vimeo Page.

Strange Days!

To say the least!

I've had a very interesting couple of days. Yesterday I had planned on going to Dublin to finally drop off 140 for DVD duplication (which I did, eventually). I awoke to find the little red light of my blackberry flashing. Nothing unusual about that. I often get a few emails during the course of the night. But not like this. Not with such interest news attached.

(Ridley Scott)

This link lead to an article about Ridley Scott's new film, something called 'Life in a Day', with him producing and Kevin MacDonald (Last King of Scotland) directing and editing. The film is a social media experiment, a crowd sourced, user-generated, internet film that requires people from all over the world to capture their day and send in footage to be edited into a visual montage of personal moments that will become an experimental documentary... sound familiar at all? I can give you 140 reasons why it might!

Alot of people have been outraged on my behalf, Click Here to see what Movie Line said about it. I also commend the loyalty and spirit of friends and family, but I think this is a positive. Hey, I'm excited I'm getting some press, that 140 is being talked about and that my name is side by side with the likes of Ridley Scott! I never thought that would happen.

It's fantastic that someone like Ridley Scott is experimenting with this kind of filmmaking. And if he's doing it then maybe I'm on the right track! With digital filmmaking, technology and what the internet has become, people are exploring these avenues. There are bound to be similarities early on. I wonder how many films there were about trains pulling into stations when the Lumiere Brothers started?!

I do hope Life in a Day doesn't over shadow 140. I'm not sure it will. But you never know. But then again, it just might shine a light on my little film, and that's only a good thing!

But talk about David and Goliath!

Poster Quotes!

Thanks to everyone for watching Slán over the weekend, I appreciate you taking the time out and I really appreciate your comments. So much so I thought I would share then here!

"...so powerful Frank. I have to say I shed a few tears. It definitely represents and illustrates something that is happening in Ireland right now..." Justina Cowley.

"...enjoyed every secound of it..." John Black.

"One word.. brilliant! more words... Totally reflects an increasingly growing and worrying element of society, and also documents how within a generation things have changed so much. Great work Frank, you are someone this town should be very proud of." Keith Byrne.

"...sharp acting, cinematography & writing! "Progress is a speeding train, Pat..." "I'd rather walk, thank you." Beautifully written, well-told story. (Excellent music selection as well.)" Christine Reynolds.

"...once again a poignant story told with such heart." Rachel McEeaneny.

"...truly great!" Laurie Leech.

"Fantastic work. Great character study and commentary on changing times. As relevant here in the States and I imagine around the world." Robert Zappia.

"Watched your film twice this morning; listened to the closing credits, like, 15 times. Seriously, brother, awesome." John Burton.

"Rubbish!.......is not a word i would use to describe it." Rob Kearney.

Maybe I should put them on the poster!!! Thanks Guys, very much appreciated.