Added another page that may be of interest. Three public domain properties that I think are ideal for a first feature project. Cast suggestions, excerpts from the novels, comments on funding, budget.
http://www.duckdiversified.com/movies/movies.html
I had my shot at a first feature in 1984...
I guess it's as obvious as peanut butter and jelly, that star power matters. I've been a B-list director for over 25 years, working with B-list performers and a lot of semi-pros. What I've learned from experience is the virture of doing simple stuff, taking time to do it twice or three times...