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Dark Reprieve-Where My First Feature Is Now

L

loop_guide

Howdy,

I thought I'd let you all know how my first feature film, Dark Reprieve, has done on the distribution side of things. I shot this film entirely on 35mm, & I was director, DOP/operator, and editor.

1) Now available for rent at any Rogers Video store across Canada. They are a major chain similar to Blockbuster. I made this deal my self, not easy, but it's done. Canadians....please rent this movie.

http://www.rogersplus.ca/movie.asp?mid=34282

2) Premieres this month on Canada's Super Channel, coast to coast. Super Channel is an HBO style of operation in Canada. Also made this deal myself and I'm proud to say Dark Reprieve commanded the top tier of licensing fees.

http://www.superchannel.ca/movies/view/15412851/Dark-Reprieve/

3) The US rights have been sold to a major player in Hollywood. In this deal I received a substantial advance plus 70% of the back end for 20 years. They will be releasing the movie in February of 2009. They have taken the deliverables & contract signed! The US buyer is also using my DLT that was made for Canada and my packaging, this is un-usual because normally Canada uses the DLT and packaging from the US release. So I guess when you spend the money and do things right, your product is competitive, even in the USA.

So now I'm well into my next project, hopefully I can do a few less jobs this time around.

Thanks
Richard
 
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It is exciting what your film is doing Richard. I just didn't know what Loop Guide meant.

I can't wait to see Dark Reprieve. Will it show up on Netflix then?
 
I'm sure it will show up on NetFlix when the US rights holder releases it in February of 09. They can't do it any faster I'm afraid :-(

My next project, well I have a 110 page script and most of the locations. I would bill this as a supernatural thriller. Although this time I am working with buyers on pre-sales. Making and selling a movie Dark Reprieve style once is enough for me :)

R,
 
loop_guide good to see that your first attempt worked......i wish you best of luck. can you just tell me one thing when you said

I received a substantial advance plus 70% of the back end for 20 years.
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does that mean the invesment you did in your movie, you have received 70% of it?
Please guide me to this. By the way how can i see the trailor? any link? And you said about DLT.can you please tell me what is this DLT?

i have a request (may be an advise) write the details about how you started with the movie(i mean the story idea, it's development, and making of the film, and the problems you faced while making the movie) etc and how you got the distribution deal. Both the aspects will be really interesting and informative for us. I know it will be lengthy but its arequest. This will really help us a lot. Infact not only help us but also will be very interesting for us

Regards
 
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The 70% means that after the distributor earns back 100% of their advance they paid to me, we split the rest of the money 70/30. They will take 30% of sales off the top and I will get the remaining 70%.

DLT is the format used for DVD duplication it's the master that the DVDs are pulled from. It usually comes on two odd sized tapes layer 0 and layer 1.

Yes telling the story of Dark Reprieve from script to screen would be lengthly! Let's just say it was a living hell a lot of the time and I'm not going through it again :)

In brief....I advertised on Mandy.com for scripts that I could shoot in my budget range. I acquired one from a writer in Louisiana which was called Dark Reprieve.

Next I found a suitable location, cast actors, hired a crew. I shot the movie, which went relatively smoothly. Cut the movie in FCP at home, then auto assembled the movie from the HDSR masters in 4:4:4 using my EDL generated from the DVCAM downconverts.

Then I hit the sales trail, had the usual doors slammed in my face, but kept going and finally made some good deals.

One thing I did was skip all festivals, as I believe they are a waste of time and money.

There where a hundred ups and downs on this one, but I think that's pretty standard in indie filmmaking, I'm sure many people on this site have lot's of war stories.

R,
 
Thankd but you didnt told me is there any link from where i can see the trailor of the movie.............. i also wanted to know that the movie was financed by you? and what was it's actual budget?
and please can you explain

the top tier of licensing fees.
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whats this?

by the way i am happy that you received good ADVANCE AMOUNT TOO.......Lucky

Regards
 
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hey i just saw thet trailor on youtube.earlier i couldnt find the video....now i did and i believe it will be a good movie and will love spending my time with this movie. By the way another question came in my mind (sorry for so many questions :D)

you said the movie was shot on 35mm you transfered it to digital format for editing at FCP??? at home

if yes then why didnt you tried DIGITAL format directly as its cheaper in post production??? any reasons for that??

i would love to know..

Regards
 
Yes, self financed by me.

A licensing fee is what the broadcaster pays the producer to air the program.

I used 35mm because indie movies shot on 35mm sell much better than those shot on video. 35mm gives you a much more "Hollywood" type of look.
 
I used 35mm because indie movies shot on 35mm sell much better than those shot on video
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well i think this is really a tip for indie films.by the way i am really happy for the movie..news like this even motivates me that soon even i will make a movie. By the way you didnt replied me about the actual budget movie.i hope it is not a secret question....... ;=)

last question. at one place you mentioned the name distributors and now you are talking about broadcasters.so it means that your movie will get theatrical release + will also get broad cast?

If yes can i know on which channel we can see the movie?

Regards
 
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The final budget is confidential. I suggest that all indie filmmakers keep their final budgets under wraps or you will mess up your future sales chances.

I theatrically released the movie myself in Canada. So that's over now.

It will be a DVD release and possible TV in the USA in Feb. It's running on Canadian TV now and in the video stores here.

R,
 
hmmm ok loop.thanks

i didnt knew that indie filmmakers keep Budget stuff secret...well thats good to hear that the movie has already been released in Canadian cinemas............how was the response??it was an average success or really great HIT? i forgot to ask one more question can ou please tell in little detail about the distribution story to DISTRIBUTORS in CANADA?



Believe me your replies are informative and interesting for me....

Regards
 
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