Become a producer on a national feature film!

[KenKenKen]

CRIMSON: The Motion Picture is an action packed, comic book theme feature film. The story follows Walter Levitte, a washed up comic book artist at the end of his career. After suffering a horrible accident, Walter dons the persona of his character CRIMSON and cleans up his impoverished town of criminals, gangs, and the Irish Mafia.

CRIMSON is currently in production. There are 65+ people on cast and crew. There are less than two months left in production, and Little Sicily Productions is raising $10,000 for completion funds through Kickstarter. $10,000 MUST be raised by January 10th, or Little Sicily Productions does not get any money, and anyone who has pledged keeps their donation.

There are multiple rewards for pledges of different denominations. Rewards include DVD copy of finished product (after film has enjoyed worldwide distribution), autographed poster, associate producer credit, executive producer credit, cameo speaking role, autographed screen used prop, special Thank You in the end credits, and more!!!

THIS IS A MOVIE YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF

CRIMSON is full of name actors and producers. It has already received multiple distribution deals from major studios, and has yet to be sold.

You can pledge as low as ONE DOLLAR. You will only receive your reward or credit if CRIMSON reaches it's $10,000 mark for completion funds.

CRIMSON has already been in the works for 16 months. To pledge, go here: CRIMSON ON KICKSTARTER

For more information on our movie, visit our website or find us on Facebook!

 

[Murdock]

CRIMSON has already been in the works for 16 months, and will be completed whether or not funds are raised.

Do I really have to go any further??? Not the best fund raisers are we??

 

[KenKenKen]

Do I really have to go any further??? Not the best fund raisers are we??

There have already been tens of thousands of dollars invested. These completion funds are not necessary, but they would very much help for a comfortable wrap-up. Production is set to wrap in two months, whether or not these funds are raised. They would help big time with promotion and editing fees, but, no matter what, the film will be finished. Insults are not necessary.

 

[Murdock]

Insults are not necessary.

I didn't mean to insult. I am sorry. But what you posted could be perceived as a slight by your would-be investers. You say, in effect, "If you want to invest, invest. If you don't I don't care." Perhaps I chose my word poorly but the meaning is still the same.

 

[KenKenKen]

No hard feelings, but honestly, while it may be the wrong message, it's honest. We do CARE, but, since it has been far from easy (and since it has been such a long production), there is no way we won't complete this project on time. As you must know, raising funds is the most difficult part of making an independent film. We were lucky to score the funding that we did, which was enough to finish the film by a hair. The movie looks awesome, and there aren't many shooting dates left. There are two big finales being set up as we speak, and, whether or not this fundraiser works, they will be filmed. I believe it's important to let anyone who is interested in investing or donating know that, even if we don't reach our goal and their pledge doesn't go through, our sheer determination will bring this production to a successful end.

 

[Murdock]

That's awsome man. Good to know you guys will get it done. No matter what. I look forward to its release. Will you be posting it here??

 

[Papertwinproductions]

CRIMSON has already been in the works for 16 months, and will be completed whether or not funds are raised.

This could well deter many of those willing to participate, be it that donations are as low as a dollar or not. It would seem -and you must know I am not wanting to tarnish your intentions- that this, is more a fact of "Want" than of "Need". I am yet to view a pitch, that very happily tells me the money i donate may not be worth it after all, that the filming will commence with or without it.

We all know that as noble as determination is, and your show of spirit inspiring, "Determination" isn't ten-thousand-dollars, and in light of this, it would appear that our participation isn't of great importance.

I do wish you the best of luck, and congratulations on such a broad production!

 

[directorik]

These completion funds are not necessary, but they would very much help for a comfortable wrap-up.

This doesn't entice me to invest.

What is seems you are saying is you have everything you
need to complete the movie but you sure would like more.
That you won't value any investment, but you will take it
and use it and be happy.

Not an insult, an honest opinion based on your posts here.
If you are not interested in what your fellow filmmakers think,
I will respect that. But on a board like this people feel open to
expressing their opinions and observations.

If you came across a filmmaker who asked you for money (even
$10) and told you the money wasn't necessary but would help
anyway, would you hand them money? I'm just thinking that
your pitch is a little off - especially to fellow filmmakers who
are struggling to get their own money together to finish their
movies.

Regardless, I (like everyone here) wishes you luck in finishing
and distribution. We here know exactly what you're going through.

 

[polfilmblog]

Did no one notice that all your footage appears to be shot in interlaced mode?

 

[KenKenKen]

Did no one notice that all your footage appears to be shot in interlaced mode?

The clip in Kickstarter does not include any footage from the movie. It's a series of clips taken from our behind the scenes photographer. If you watched the entire thing, you would notice the disclaimer...


As for everyone else, thank you for your opinions. We really do appreciate them. I suppose we should have taken out the bit about us finishing the film whether or not we raise the $10,000 from Kickstarter, however, allow me to explain a bit more before you totally dismiss this.

The funds that we raised over a year ago have allowed us to have an excellent, yet hard fought, production. We have also made sure to budget so that, no matter what, the movie can be completed. That being said, without a successful fundraiser on Kickstarter, nobody will be fed or paid for the rest of production. It's unfortunate, but the actors and crew are willing to do so in order to finish this movie. That is how much they believe in it. That is what we mean, in saying that the movie will be finished, with or without completion funds. Also, our editor will instead gain a larger percentage of sales, instead of a salary while editing.

Fundraising is not my forte. I'm a director. Sorry if this put anyone off of the project, but just believe me when I say that it's a good movie. It has substance, great characters, realistic action and SFX, and the actors are incredible. We have a few people involved on the cast and crew who are above the line, but are working for less than they normally would. This project is proof of dedication.

I would remove the lines that you have all mentioned, however, I feel it is important to be honest to everyone. I could lie, and say that the movie will not be finished if we do not succeed with the fundraiser, but I don't think that is the correct route to take. Also, I don't think that my statement was too proud or snotty. It was brief and honest.

 

[KenKenKen]

That's awsome man. Good to know you guys will get it done. No matter what. I look forward to its release. Will you be posting it here??

When it's distributed, if I can remember to, I'll head back here and throw up a link to Netflix, or wherever else. Also, thank you for your apology, that was big of you. I've noticed that, by checking some people's other posts, their main focus on this forum is to hop from topic to topic, leaving nasty and unnecessary criticism. Indie filmmaking is hard enough, and I'm sorry that I mistook you for that type of person from the get-go.

 

[Murdock]

No problemo

 

[Papertwinproductions]

The funds that we raised over a year ago have allowed us to have an excellent, yet hard fought, production. We have also made sure to budget so that, no matter what, the movie can be completed. That being said, without a successful fundraiser on Kickstarter, nobody will be fed or paid for the rest of production. It's unfortunate, but the actors and crew are willing to do so in order to finish this movie. That is how much they believe in it. That is what we mean, in saying that the movie will be finished, with or without completion funds. Also, our editor will instead gain a larger percentage of sales, instead of a salary while editing.

Fundraising is not my forte. I'm a director. Sorry if this put anyone off of the project, but just believe me when I say that it's a good movie. It has substance, great characters, realistic action and SFX, and the actors are incredible. We have a few people involved on the cast and crew who are above the line, but are working for less than they normally would. This project is proof of dedication.

I would remove the lines that you have all mentioned, however, I feel it is important to be honest to everyone. I could lie, and say that the movie will not be finished if we do not succeed with the fundraiser, but I don't think that is the correct route to take. Also, I don't think that my statement was too proud or snotty. It was brief and honest.

It is very much proof of the dedication of your cast/crew. I wouldn't dare deny the collective ambition that seems to be apart of completing this project no matter what.

The majority of the critique, is to your pitch. Again, this is why there are millions of forums, to offer opinion and helpful advice. And you're being very gracious, which is always a plus.

But i must again say, that although "Brief and Honest" was the desired intention, the true purpose of the $10,000 has only just reared its head. And from what i've read, it doesn't appear to be on your Kickstarter page, or the OP.

Nobody here would advise for you to lie, i've happened to offer what i can to Indie-films if i believe in their pitch, and I'm in the same boat as a whole lot of Indiefolk, every penny counts, so to part with it, you can understand, I'd have to be 100% behind the project.

On this occassion, i believe in your project, you seem very humble, and polite. Yet, I happen to disagree with the delivery of the pitch, if not its intent.

 

[directorik]

I've noticed that, by checking some people's other posts, their main focus on this forum is to hop from topic to topic, leaving nasty and unnecessary criticism.

I'm really sorry you feel this way about this forum. I know we all
try very hard to make this a friendly, helpful place. I hope you
don't hold those few people against the entire group. Check some
other people's posts and you'll find their main focus on this
forum is to offer their opinions, their experience, their advice
and encouragement.

Fundraising is not my forte. I'm a director. Sorry if this put anyone off of the project, but just believe me when I say that it's a good movie. It has substance, great characters, realistic action and SFX, and the actors are incredible. We have a few people involved on the cast and crew who are above the line, but are working for less than they normally would. This project is proof of dedication.

It doesn't seem to me - rereading the posts regarding your pitch -
that anyone here assumed anything negative about your movie.
Murdock, Papertwin and I all wished you good luck - we all know
how difficult it is to get as far as you have gotten.

Fundraising is not your forte and we all saw that. That's why we
offered our thoughts. Not on your movie which none of us has seen,
but on your pitch which we all have seen.

Clearly not what you hoped to read, was it?

As papertwin said, no one expects you to lie. But there are ways
to attract your fellow filmmakers to donate some money to you that
do not include using the words, "These completion funds are not
necessary". Those of us who actually make movies know that an
unearned "producer" credit is worthless. That may work for non
filmmakers who might really enjoy spending $1,000 to get an
"Executive Producer" credit on a movie. Like you, we all know the
difference. Adjusting your pitch when asking your fellow filmmaker
to donate to your project is actually pretty good advice.

I hope you can take a little time to check around a little more
here in indietalk. You may find most of us are not here to leave
nasty and unnecessary criticism. I suspect you will find that most
of us here are exactly like you. We are passionate about our own
projects and passionate about expressing ourselves honestly and
with no pulled punches. Sometimes what we say isn't exactly what
we want to hear. But it's almost always done with respect and with
an understanding of what filmmakers like you are going through.

I apologize if felt my comments were nasty and unnecessary. That
was not my intent.

 

[NickClapper]

I've noticed that, by checking some people's other posts, their main focus on this forum is to hop from topic to topic, leaving nasty and unnecessary criticism.

I think the problem here is that there's a bit of a misunderstanding in purpose.

To be honest Indietalk isn't really somewhere to go to try and drive traffic towards crowd funding, because it's quite a tight knit community and I don't really know anyone here who has promoted a film that's posted here as a traffic drive.

So when people post pitches here it's usually more for the purpose of asessing that pitch and it's strengths. That's really the service that we at Indietalk pride ourselves in, probably more so than contributing to the funding element. I don't think any of the criticism levelled at you has been either nasty or unnecessary, in fact I think they're spot on with it.

Peace.

 

[Alcove Audio]

KenKenKen -

It's very obvious that you don't actually participate or do much reading here on IndieTalk. You post about your projects and then disappear.

There are quite a few very experienced folks here, and we are very honest and straight forward with our advice and opinions. The attitude is "we all want to be better"; we will politely rip projects to shreds, but we offer advice on how to make it better and we give praise when it is merited. You would know this if you actually participated here rather than just seeing this site as another venue for hit and run marketing.

As much as I can understand your desire to complete your project your marketing technique leaves a lot to be desired, and that is what was being criticized. Instead of becoming defensive perhaps you listen to what is being said; you may get better results.

 

[bird]

I'm curious as to why you don't have either a teaser or trailer for 'Crimson' up on kickstarter. Perhaps I've missed it? I'm not fully aware of posting protocol, there, but I would assume actual footage of the project would be a bit more enticing to prospective investors then a BTS. From the sounds of it, you've finished primary shooting so a rough cut could even be available to benefactors with deeper pockets. Good Luck with 'Crimson', sounds like a compelling piece!

 

[KenKenKen]

I think the problem here is that there's a bit of a misunderstanding in purpose.

To be honest Indietalk isn't really somewhere to go to try and drive traffic towards crowd funding, because it's quite a tight knit community and I don't really know anyone here who has promoted a film that's posted here as a traffic drive.

So when people post pitches here it's usually more for the purpose of asessing that pitch and it's strengths. That's really the service that we at Indietalk pride ourselves in, probably more so than contributing to the funding element. I don't think any of the criticism levelled at you has been either nasty or unnecessary, in fact I think they're spot on with it.

Peace.

To clarify, none of you whom are offering professional criticism have been rude whatsoever, and I really do appreciate what you've all taken the time to say. I was referring, more-so, to the comment about all of our footage being interlaced, when in fact, there is no way possible this person has seen any footage from the actual movie (the footage in question is only behind the scenes shots).


This is not my first paid production, and directing is what I do. Budget restrictions have not allowed us to hire professional PR. However, since the movie is almost finished, I don't regret it. I was hoping to use about half of the funds raised to hire someone for promotion.

I suppose this was the wrong place to look for funding. Most people who would like a producer credit near the end of production are business owners and others seeking some sort of bragging rights or publicity for their own product. Unfortunately, we are located in a very impoverished city, and locally there are no options.

I enjoy this site, most of what I've seen, I can very much relate to.

 

[KenKenKen]

I'm curious as to why you don't have either a teaser or trailer for 'Crimson' up on kickstarter. Perhaps I've missed it? I'm not fully aware of posting protocol, there, but I would assume actual footage of the project would be a bit more enticing to prospective investors then a BTS. From the sounds of it, you've finished primary shooting so a rough cut could even be available to benefactors with deeper pockets. Good Luck with 'Crimson', sounds like a compelling piece!

I would very much love to have even rough footage from the movie, but completion fees include our editor's fees, and we just can't afford to have him cut anything right now.

 

[KenKenKen]

KenKenKen -

It's very obvious that you don't actually participate or do much reading here on IndieTalk. You post about your projects and then disappear.

There are quite a few very experienced folks here, and we are very honest and straight forward with our advice and opinions. The attitude is "we all want to be better"; we will politely rip projects to shreds, but we offer advice on how to make it better and we give praise when it is merited. You would know this if you actually participated here rather than just seeing this site as another venue for hit and run marketing.

As much as I can understand your desire to complete your project your marketing technique leaves a lot to be desired, and that is what was being criticized. Instead of becoming defensive perhaps you listen to what is being said; you may get better results.

I've listened to everything that was said, and thanked those who said it. Perhaps you've been misinformed.