My first feature film

Dick Mays · March 28th, 2012, 01:36 PM

Kevin,

Thanks for the link. I am just now investigating funding and drafting a private placement memorandum and your link is very helpful. However, it appears the law may soon be changing to allow a small investment amount, (under $2,000) from non-accredited investors.

Which Crowdfunding Bill Will It Be? - NYTimes.com

I will probably wait until the new law is in affect before raising money for Uncle Tom's cabin.

BTW. I came to the site because I was thinking, isn't it about time for a new DV Challenge? Then I find nothing going on in the group; we must be all getting old. Then I see this old Uncle Tom's Cabin thread, and wanted to thank Jeremy, Lorinda, Guy and others who helped us make this film. DVDs will be in the mail soon, I promise! I got sidetracked trying to keep from going bankrupt, but as soon as I get my filmmaker game on, I am looking forward to the day I can do it full time, hang with Brad and Clooney at the the Oscar party, etc. Or at least make it out to NAB to hang with Dylan.

The kickstarter supporters will soon get their short film on DVD, (I promise) but here's the trailer to tide you over until then.

Uncle Tom's Cabin Trailer - YouTube

When are we going to have another DV challenge?

Dick

Jeremy Doyle · March 28th, 2012, 07:46 PM

Glad I could help. The trailer looks great! Can't wait for my DVD.

I hope it turns out well for you and you get the chance to make the feature. It's a lot different than working on shorts.

Dick Mays · March 29th, 2012, 10:00 AM

You got that right. When something is going to be worth money, there is a LOT more to everything. It is a learning experience. I might just have to sell the script and let someone who has been there do it.

Jeremy Doyle · March 29th, 2012, 10:26 AM

I've been working on a feature that we shot almost 18 months ago. We're now at the audio stage, and hopefully the end is site. But, man, it's a lot more work. Definitely a fantastic learning experience ranging from working with people to locations to food. It's certainly not, "hey, do you have this weekend free?"

We used kickstarter to fund it too, so I know just how valuable of tool that can be, as you experienced with your project.

Here's the trailer for it.

Sareesh Sudhakaran · April 16th, 2012, 05:06 AM

I think the trailer is well-edited. Two observations:

1. The night scenes (especially the ones at the beginning) are a bit under exposed and could do with a bit of grading, at least to bring out the faces.
2. The background score isn't helping to raise tension, IMO. Try to get the audio on par with the video, which I think is great.
3. Lovely acting, as far as I can tell from the trailer.
4. I know it might be rather late in the day, but I strongly feel everything can have a 'unified' look to it with some color grading. The individual shots look fine, but there is a disjointed feel that could be corrected. At the very least, the trailer can be graded and tested.
5. Love the title design at the end.

Making a feature film is never easy, no matter what the budget. Well done, and all the best!

Dick Mays · April 28th, 2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Doyle

But, man, it's a lot more work. Definitely a fantastic learning experience ranging from working with people to locations to food. It's certainly not, "hey, do you have this weekend free?"

LOL. Yeah, taking on a feature length film require a different skill set than talking people into a weekend of work. Glad you were able to get yours completed. Looks suspenseful, and great titles, like the man said. Any thoughts on distribution? I am working on a private placement memorandum, and under the Distribution section I have a big blank. Keep us posted on your progress!

March 28th, 2012, 01:36 PM	#16
Dick Mays Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 690	Re: My first feature film Kevin, Thanks for the link. I am just now investigating funding and drafting a private placement memorandum and your link is very helpful. However, it appears the law may soon be changing to allow a small investment amount, (under $2,000) from non-accredited investors. Which Crowdfunding Bill Will It Be? - NYTimes.com I will probably wait until the new law is in affect before raising money for Uncle Tom's cabin. BTW. I came to the site because I was thinking, isn't it about time for a new DV Challenge? Then I find nothing going on in the group; we must be all getting old. Then I see this old Uncle Tom's Cabin thread, and wanted to thank Jeremy, Lorinda, Guy and others who helped us make this film. DVDs will be in the mail soon, I promise! I got sidetracked trying to keep from going bankrupt, but as soon as I get my filmmaker game on, I am looking forward to the day I can do it full time, hang with Brad and Clooney at the the Oscar party, etc. Or at least make it out to NAB to hang with Dylan. The kickstarter supporters will soon get their short film on DVD, (I promise) but here's the trailer to tide you over until then. Uncle Tom's Cabin Trailer - YouTube When are we going to have another DV challenge? Dick Last edited by Dick Mays; March 28th, 2012 at 01:37 PM. Reason: pretty up

March 28th, 2012, 07:46 PM	#17
Jeremy Doyle Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brainerd, MN Posts: 287	Re: My first feature film Glad I could help. The trailer looks great! Can't wait for my DVD. I hope it turns out well for you and you get the chance to make the feature. It's a lot different than working on shorts.

March 29th, 2012, 10:00 AM	#18
Dick Mays Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 690	Re: My first feature film You got that right. When something is going to be worth money, there is a LOT more to everything. It is a learning experience. I might just have to sell the script and let someone who has been there do it.

March 29th, 2012, 10:26 AM	#19
Jeremy Doyle Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brainerd, MN Posts: 287	Re: My first feature film I've been working on a feature that we shot almost 18 months ago. We're now at the audio stage, and hopefully the end is site. But, man, it's a lot more work. Definitely a fantastic learning experience ranging from working with people to locations to food. It's certainly not, "hey, do you have this weekend free?" We used kickstarter to fund it too, so I know just how valuable of tool that can be, as you experienced with your project. Here's the trailer for it. TILT teaser trailer - YouTube

April 16th, 2012, 05:06 AM	#20
Sareesh Sudhakaran Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,385	Re: My first feature film I think the trailer is well-edited. Two observations: 1. The night scenes (especially the ones at the beginning) are a bit under exposed and could do with a bit of grading, at least to bring out the faces. 2. The background score isn't helping to raise tension, IMO. Try to get the audio on par with the video, which I think is great. 3. Lovely acting, as far as I can tell from the trailer. 4. I know it might be rather late in the day, but I strongly feel everything can have a 'unified' look to it with some color grading. The individual shots look fine, but there is a disjointed feel that could be corrected. At the very least, the trailer can be graded and tested. 5. Love the title design at the end. Making a feature film is never easy, no matter what the budget. Well done, and all the best! __________________ Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera - one guide to rig them all - DSLRs to the Arri Alexa.