My first feature film
 

A little update for my DVC friends. We are doing a little project, that should lead to our first feature film. Thought some of you might be interested. Here is the link.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Richard Mays — Kickstarter

The Conceptual Acting tutorial features the two actors we have cast as Mr. and Mrs Shelby, for those of you familiar with the book. I hope this doesn't get pulled by Chris as SPAM. I am only posting here because I consider many of my fellow DVCers to be friends.

Dick

Re: My first feature film
 

Mr. Mays, wishing you the best on this project. Is Kickstarter the best route, or should we send a check direct to your production company? It has to be max PG rated for us to consider. -BT

Re: My first feature film
 

This is such a great film idea, Dick! Wishing you all the best.

Re: My first feature film
 

Bill,

The short film is the first ten minutes of the feature film. The funding is for the short. Once the short is complete, investors get to see the first ten minutes, done on a tight budget, to determine whether they want to invest in the feature. The feature will probably be PG-13 rated, no nudity, but their is a violent scene where Uncle Tom is flogged. There is also a romantic reunion scene between an escaped husband and wife, but it will be tasteful. While I believe the feature would be a PG-13 film, the short will be PG.

Kickstarter does not allow equity to be given to project backers. However, if we do get to make the feature film it seems appropriate that the people who backed the short are somehow taken into consideration. We are thinking about ways to do that. That's all I can say about that.

Thanks for your interest.

Dick

Re: My first feature film
 

Thanks Lorinda. Did you get a chance to read the script?

Re: My first feature film
 

Congratulations on getting funded. Can't wait to see the first 10 minutes!

Re: My first feature film
 

Thanks Jeremy for your support. We will begin shooting on Labor Day, Sept 5th.

Re: My first feature film
 

Very happy for you, Dick! This is really exciting. And no, I haven't read the script yet, but it's supposed to be 100 degrees in the shade today...sounds like a good time to sit indoors and do that. :)

Re: My first feature film
 

Benji and I just completed primary photography on our first feature yesterday. So I offer my condolences knowing what you are about to embark on.

But in all seriousness, congrats. I'm glad to see you taking this on.

(Fun fact, we used an antique copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" as a stand in for Aristotle's "Metaphysics" in our film.)

Re: My first feature film
 

Cole,

Congratulations! Are you keeping everything secret and under wraps? I'd love to know all about it. I'm going to go the whole "open book," approach, blogging and everything as we go along. Share with us what you can. Horror stories, budget, unexpected obstacles, etc. etc.

See you in Cannes!

Dick

Re: My first feature film
 

Hey Dick,
We're not really keeping everything under wraps, though we haven't made a huge effort to give information to people too. We were quite understaffed, so our main focus was simply on actually getting the movie done. Managed to take a few production stills too though.

We actually shot the whole thing for $4,000 which was a suicide mission. Shot it all on the T2i from a script I began writing Freshman year of college.

The biggest problem was the scope of the film was pretty big (half the film takes place in the south of France) and trying to make it work with limited budget and crew was difficult.

We also realized making films is a lot more fun when we're the ones doing the acting. Actors are what truly make directing "work".

Re: My first feature film
 

"Kickstarter does not allow equity to be given to project backers. However, if we do get to make the feature film it seems appropriate that the people who backed the short are somehow taken into consideration. We are thinking about ways to do that. That's all I can say about that. "

The reason you can't do equity is the S.E.C. has very strict rules about selling "investments". Having people fund your movie in return for a share of the profits can very quickly cross the line in to a violation of the law.

I would suggest you do a bit of research on this subject because the penalties can be rather serve.

Re: My first feature film
 

"Having people fund your movie in return for a share of the profits can very quickly cross the line in to a violation of the law."

Isn't it normal to have investors fund a movie with an agreement to share the profits?

Re: My first feature film
 

When it is done legally.

I'm traveling right now but I'll try to post a link on Monday that really does a good job of explaining the law on this issue. It can save you a lot of trouble...

Re: My first feature film
 

I couldn't find the article I was looking for but this one explains some of the issues:

Film Production: Financing and Investment Issues | Experienced Chicago Intellectual Property Lawyers | Saper Law Offices

The other option is to start a business with your investors but that gives them a say in how things are ran. This could open the door to all sorts of unpleasant issues...

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Re: My first feature film
 

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!