just out of interest michael how far did your 8k movie go? can we view it online
Sure. You can view the official trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5yBfouKhXw
I was saying before, we have over 50 locations, 40 speaking roles, tons of makeup and special effects, and two name actors (Debbie Rochon and Lloyd Kaufman).
It's all about how creative your team is. And it helps that practically no one was paid (even Lloyd Kaufman--owner of Troma Pictures--did it as a favor because he likes Richard's films).
And what really makes the film too is the cast...we are so lucky to have such solid indie actors working for free, who can really act! We are all close friends. It also really helps to have a team where no one has an ego, and everyone knows their job (even though many of us work together on duties). I mean, I'm an actor, but I ran boom for the majority of this shoot, and did most of the makeup effects as well.
It also helps to have a director that worked for 15 years in television (he also runs camera). So when you watch him on set, it's amazing how fluid and confident he is with the camera, and his knowledge of needed coverage is amazing. He doesn't write anything down, and he doesn't refer to a 'legitimate' shot list...the script supervisor (if we have one that day) will call out the next bit, and he just shoots. That really helps speed things along. We can run through 10 pages a day if we absolutely need to. I hear other local directors talk about Scorpio Film Releasing's crack team of editors...which is funny, because Richard writes, shoots, and edits all of his own pictures...really there is only 5 of us that are the main crew...and we only shoot on weekends.
Another great thing is the majority of our locations were free. Whether it's a strip club or a bar...knowing people helps. It's a shame that far too many places think they can charge indie productions so much for a location because so and so big Hollywood film came to town and gave them 5K a day...pshhh...hommie don't play that. Be creative. Be friendly. Location, location, location.
Plus I love our lighting designer. He really creates some depth and flair--keep in mind, this film is suppose to be shot in the style of '70's action cinema (with a squozen of grindhouse).
I honestly am not bragging here, though it may seem I am. I'm simply proud of what we have, and I think sharing this with some of you may inspire you, and help you understand you don't need 100K to make a film that looks like 100K. The key is finding great talent who wear multiple hats, become good friends, and keep making films. We've managed to kick out 8 features in 5 years--all of which have seen distribution. And be sure you don't skimp on lighting, sound, or acting--a sure fire way to make your film look low budget backyard-indie is horrible lighting, sound, and acting.
Take care, and good luck.
ps. BTW, if you're interested. This whole thing was inspired by a short we shot in two days for the 48hr Film Festival. You can see the original concept here (which we won Best Editing for): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5cdoEqsOWc
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