New Draft Coming Along Nicely

Well, after the hell of working in the corporate video world for the last 4 months I am now a free man again. The thing about corporates is that they pay well, but in return they are all consuming. I'm now editing a superb documentary about Charles Dickens directed by an old friend, Julian Richards (Summer Scars & The Last Horror Movie) and a Producer/distributor friend, David Wilkinson. Next week I'll be shooting some 2nd unit shots on my Varicam camera. So if you live in Portsmouth or Rochester and see a film crew it could well be us!

The other good news is that I have made really good headway on the Kaleidoscope Man script re-draft and aim to have it finished by the end of the month. Ken (the K-Man Producer) wants to take it to the American Film Market (AFM) in November in the continued search for funding.

Talking of which, its been pretty quiet here on that front, but we're still forging ahead. Some news soon, I hope...

What I've Been Up To...

A new video! Just a brief update of the productions I've been involved in over the last few months...

This Could Take a While...

I've started to get feed back from some of the potential Investors who've received the business plan. They all seem impressed with the film and the DVD, and I get the sense that there are people out there who would genuinely like to help.

On the other hand, there is grave concern about the current financial shenanigans kicking off around the globe. A lot of investors are seeing their fortunes disappear and investing in a movie seems to be the last thing on their minds right now.

I'm just finishing this colossus of a corporate video, so from next week I'll be able to get back to seriously marketing the plan. I really can't wait. I know there are people out there who will help us. I just need to find them...

Kaleidoscope Man - Draft 17 Begins...

After a week of taking notes, hearing opinions and listening to a bunch of screenwriting CD's, the new draft of the script has begun. I went through the first 20 pages on Saturday, ruthlessly hacking and slashing and re-ordering scenes, and I have to say I'm delighted with the progress so far. I've ironed out the main issues with the beginning being a little slow and confusing. There’s now plenty of action and conflict and it certainly doesn’t stand still. Just another 70 pages to go!

An Investor called me on Thursday and said that he would discuss the business plan with some other film investor contacts. Watch this space for more news.

Sitting Here Watching The Wheels Go Round

I'm staying in London at the moment working on a big corporate video. This job has gone on and on and the weeks are turning into months. Its hard living out of a rucksack and crashing on a colleagues sofa, especially when I have so much I need and want to do on the movie. The daily rate is very good so I can't afford not too really. I was just thinking how wonderful life would be if we didn't have huge mortgages to pay and could just focus on the things that are important to us. Ahhh, one day... But then I'm reminded that I could have a real job or be fighting a war somewhere... that sofa seems appealing again!!

I got up at 6.00am this morning and sat in Costa Coffee working on the re-draft of Kaleidoscope Man. Just making notes really and thinking things through. As I'm getting more into it, I don't think the script needs a radical re-write, more of a serious edit and shifting of scenes mainly in the first act. In the story there is a whole sub-plot set on earth and although I really like it, I'm seriously considering giving it the chop. It's good character stuff but doesn't drive the narrative as well as the scenes around it do.

I haven't heard anything back from the business plans I sent out to Investors yet, fingers crossed we'll here something soon.

Watch this space…!

Getting The Script Right....

Well, a huge chunk of business plans have gone out to potential Investors. The flyers I mentioned in my last entry have arrived and look great. They'll be hitting the floors of Lawyers and Accountants in the city early next week. And I've had the first few conversations about the budget. All exciting stuff...

But, something has been nagging me for the last few months; the big ugly monster waiting for me in the corner, the thing that, if I don't sort out now, will haunt me for the rest of my life. Yep, you've got it, THE SCRIPT!!!

Now, there's nothing actually wrong with the script, it certainly works, and is a very powerful piece of narrative. But is it really as good as it can be???

Some close friends have read it recently and although they've been complimentary, the same issues come to light. They've found some areas confusing and in places it's hard to follow. The problem seems to be due to the high level of visual set pieces in the film. There is a lot of description about alien things that are hard to visualize. In my heart, I'm sure that when an audience SEES what I have in mind they will have no problem following it, but it's vital that the script works in my favor (as investors are bound to read it) so this must be addressed.

Over the last year, I've been busy on business plans, making pilots and generally working hard to pay the mortgage and get to this stage. The thought of going back to the script scares the life out of me. It's a bit like ripping your back bone out and then trying to stand. The whole thing could collapses around me. But, I have to be grown up and embrace this demon, because this has to be sensational and world class.

When I set out to make this movie, I intended to make it "one of the greatest British sci-fi movies of all time". Which is easy to say, and gets even easier the more you say it. And the more you say it, the more you start to believe it. And the thing is, I genuinely DO believe it will be "one of the greatest British sci-fi movies of all time". But, delivering on this, well, that's a different story!

So, from here on, its head down and get on with it. The new draft starts over the weekend (GULP!). Wish me luck.....

Finding Investors - The Next Step

As I've mentioned previously, the laws on raising funds are strict and we’re not allowed to market that we’re looking to sell shares in our company to raise money for making the movie. So how on earth do we get to investors to tell them about our fantastic new film?

Well, last week I came up with a cunning plan to get around this. I would write to every Accountant in the City of London to tell them about the movie in the hope that they would guide any potential Investors to my website, where these investors could watch the trailer and then contact us for a copy of the business plan. A good idea I felt. However, our Lawyers didn’t think it was so good and they wouldn't advise.

So, having thought it through, I’ve decided a slightly different approach. Instead of writing a letter, I‘ve designed a small flyer that I will send out to the Lawyers and Accountants instead. This way I don’t have to write individual letters and the artwork and website will hopefully hook them in. Printing.com have a fabulous deal on at the moment. 2000 high gloss double sided flyers for only £76 – A bargain!! The flyer will also act as a sort of business card telling people about the movie. These should be ready by early next week.

Here is the first batch of business plans that will go out later this week. I have a nice little list of potential investors they’re going to and the plans look great – really glossy, I really don’t think they could look any better.

By the way, I’m getting loads of hits on my blog at the moment. Thank you all for your support. Here's a rather nice email I received earlier this week:

I came across your blog through Chris Jones’ blog and just wanted to say that everything you discuss on your blog is extremely interesting and useful to someone like myself, just starting out in the industry. The 'making of' video entries are FANTASTIC! I want to learn as much as I can about the business, I want to see things being made, people physically using the camera, watching the editing process, directing the actors etc etc. So, THANK YOU , and I do hope you add more 'behind the scenes' video on your blog page!

Also, may I wish you every success with your latest project!!

Danny Lacey - STADA MEDIA - Thanks Danny, I'll keep the "Making Of's" coming!

Creating The Opening Sequence for Kaleidoscope Man

I've put this little video together which will give you an idea of how we made the opening sequence of the movie. This video follows on from the storyboarding sequence lower down on the blog.

I'll try and keep the videos coming as I really enjoy making them (it's also a great way to use up some of the hours of footage we've been shooting). Although apologies for the dodgy voice over artist (he was cheap!!)

Once we've raised the money to finish the film, I'll keep the "Making Of's" coming.

I hope you like them!

For more infomation about Screenburn Animation go to: www.screenburn.co.uk

Finding Funding, My Plans and the Law...

Well great news, the Business Plan is now complete which means we now have the legal tool to go out and raise money to get Kaleidoscope Man in production.

As I mentioned in my last blog video, when I made my first film, Written in Blood, it was a case of finding the funding within the UK Film Industry. This time around I need to find private Investors to fund the film which is a totally different ball game. The law is very heavily structured to protect Investors, so we have to be very careful as to how we approach potential backers. And not being able to advertise publicly makes the process very complicated.

But I've got this far and I will find a way. We only need to raise £1.8 million and this will release a further £500K from Screen WM, which will mean we can get the cameras rolling.

One of the things I do want to do though is to be honest about the entire process. I know a lot of film makers are now looking at my blog, and we all find funding the hardest part of the process, so I''ll be straight with you about where I get it right and where I get it wrong, and hopefully, we can all learn from my mistakes.

By the way, if anyone has any ideas or experiences about raising funds, do please contact me, or comment on the blog. I really have never done this before and I'm certainly willing to learn from others myself.

Many thanks.

How I'll Get My Film Funded (Hopefully!)

Well, I'm putting myself in the firing line here by adding a kind of "video diary" of my exploits to my blog. My hope is that you'll get to know me better and when the film finally comes out, you'll want to go and see Kaleidoscope Man because we've come this far together. So here I am, walts and all. Feel free to let me know if you'd prefer NOT to see me up this close and personal...!



Like any professional trying to raise finance for their business, a well developed business plan is the tool needed to convince everyone from the banks to Venture Capitalists that you have a well though out vision of how you intend to turn a profit. Making a movie is no different. I'm sure we'll soon find out if I've done my homework correctly.

I believe I have. Wish me luck!

New Kaleidoscope Man Trailer

I know some of you may have already seen this but I've put it up for anyone who hasn't (to save you having to go through my previous posts to find it.) Enjoy....

Lots Of Goodies in The Pipeline...

Well, just as I though the business plan for Kaleidoscope Man was ready to fly, there still a hitch. Just a small matter of no bank account for investors to put there money in too... doh! So, Ken and I are meeting up next week to set up an account at Barclays, Soho Square (a proper film business bank!). Then, the business plan will be complete and ready to get out to investors.

As regards Chris Jones' short film, Gone Fishing, it won best film at the Rhode Island Film Festival, which means it can now be short listed for the Oscars.

So, well done Chris and fingers crossed that you get nominated (the thought that we could actually win an Oscar blows me away!!!). I'll keep you informed...

Now, I know this blog is all about my mission to get my movie Kaleidoscope Man made, but I also have another little project on the go. It's a tense supernatural thriller called, 'The Final Reel' about a Film Editor desperate for cash, who agrees to edit a strange supernatural film. But things soon turn out bad, and he is taken on a very frightening journey where there is no return.

My writing friend Simon Bovey has already written a couple of drafts and today we thrashed out some ideas for a new draft which was most inspiring. The reason I'm bringing this up is because Ken, the Producer on Kaleidoscope Man, thinks we might be able to get this off the ground before we get K-Man funded. So fingers crossed....

The Show Is Over, But The Adventure Is About To Begin...

Well, I'm back! After many hours of traveling and no night time in between, Chris and I arrived home this morning. The Rhode Island Film Festival, Gone Fishing, parties and awards now a distant memory in the stew of good old jet lag. We filmed for the corporate video which went okay and I spent most of my time filming Chris for his blog, which he promptly edited and put up for the world to see. http//livingspirt.typepad.com

Chris really is a one man marketing enigma and I've certainly been taking notes during his whirlwind approach to getting his stuff out there. I won't mention the results of the awards just yet as Chris wants to show the world himself. One thing is for sure though; he can certainly whip up a crowd with his dedication, enthusiasm and articulation. In one of his speeches during a seminar on film funding (which I filmed), I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. The audience and I were in the palm of his hand, it was gripping and breathtaking. I know he's my friend, but he really is quite a guy!

So now, back to reality and I've got to get Kaleidoscope Man financed and made. If anything, seeing the quality of the films at the festival, I'm left knowing that I have to get it done and must not let the normality’s of real life hinder me from reaching the dream. I've had time to gather my thoughts and consider a game plan. The future is in the palm of my hand and I can't blame anyone else for me not getting to that dream.

So from tomorrow morning, its business plans at the ready, because I’m going to get out there and find the cash to make my movie…

Gone Fishing - A Massive Hit in Rhode Island

What an experience coming to an international film festival has been. The film I'm with, Gone Fishing, directed by Chris Jones has gone down a storm. It was the closing night screening yesterday and the film was projected on 35mm just before the big movie. It looked amazing, the colours, the sound, it just reminded me why I want to make films and that the effort and energy we put in is so worth it. The audience lapped it up. There were tears, cheers, and whoops of joy, it was amazing. Chris and I were completely overwhelmed.

We go back to the UK tomorrow and I have a re-newed vigor to get Kaleidoscope Man off the page and onto the screen. This has been a truly wonderful and enlightening experience, one that will stay with me forever...

Hats Off to Rhode Island

After Tuesday's unfortunate screening problems the staff at the Rhode Island Festival wanted to make amends for the technical issues and so are going to show Chris's film, Gone Fishing at 7pm on Saturday night. We are delighted about this as it's the big night for the festival and the audience will be full of press and celebrities. Another chance for me to plug Kaleidoscope Man I hope.

Today I have been invited to host a panel about On-Line Film Distribution, which should be fun!

I see that I'm getting a lot of hits to my blog at the moment. Thank you for your interest and support. Next week I'm going to get back on the road with the business plan. I think its about time we got funding for Kaleidoscope Man sorted, don't you?

The Opening Night At The Rhode Island Film Festival

Chris' film, Gone Fishing, was one of the 10 films screened at the opening night of this prestigious film festival. To say we were excited was an understatement. The opportunity to see our work on a massive screen in front of an audience of 2000 people is the dream of every filmmaker.

But sadly, the festival just couldn't get its act together and despite having a fantastic venue, some superb films and the best HD projector available, 7 out of the 10 films were projected in a very small window in the centre of the screen. It was like looking at a postage stamp.

To make matters worse, they projected it in the wrong ratio (the image was stretched) and managed to chop off the first 20 seconds of our film which was really gut wrenching. I didn't feel great about it but Chris was devastated. We also discovered that last nights screening was part of the audience award and people were voting for their best film. The whole set up just wasn't fair to any of the filmmakers.

The after show party was good through and the people I spoke to were very complimentary about the film, so who knows if we will win. Either way, a level playing field would have been nice.

I was able to pitch Kaleidoscope Man to quite a few people and was interviewed by the local TV station called "Cox Cable" (no relation!) where I did a massive plug for the movie and the website.

America Greets Us With Open Arms

Yesterday: Chris and I hit the ground running. The flight was a grueling 7 and a half hours but allowed me the time to catch up on a new script I've been working on and a couple of movies. When we got to New York's JFK airport we then had a 5 hour drive to Rhode Island.

Today we start work filming on the corporate video and tonight we will be introducing ourselves to the film festival crowd where we will be presenting Chris's film, Gone Fishing. I'm not sure when the film will actually be screened yet, so will let you know. I'm making a video blog for Chris which is at: http//livingspirt.typepad.com

Watch this space for more details...

Corporate Wonderland

It's been a busy week and I've been staying in London working on a very grand corporate video for a massive consultancy company.

Corporate work is the way I pay the mortgage these days and I could certainly have a healthy career doing this if I didn't want to make epic sci-fi movies etc...

Last year I was 2nd Unit Director on a short film called Gone Fishing for a fellow Director friend, Chris Jones, and this week this amazingly up-lifting little film won the best film at the Kodak awards in London. It was a fantastic event and I'm delighted to be a part of it. This is a picture of Chris, me and Harry Potter star, Devon Murray on the set of Gone Fishing.

Check out http://livingspirit.typepad.com/ to read Chris's blog and watch the video of the awards. It's a real inspiration.

Next week Chris and I are off to the USA to film for this corporate video and while over there we will be taking Gone Fishing to the Rhode Island Film Festival. We're hoping that it will stand a good chance of winning something hot on the success of the Kodak awards. This is the first international film festival I've ever been to so I'm very excited and will use the opportunity to make new contacts and build new relationships across the pond. I'll keep you up-dated with our progress.

On the Kaleidoscope Man front, I received the Lawyers notes back on the business plan and there are only a few minor changes to be done. I'll have these knocked out when back from the States and then out it goes into the big wide world....

It's a Long Road...

The waiting game continues. The business plan is finished; the Accountants have given it the thumbs up, Ken the Producer has given it the thumbs up. Now the Lawyers have it and once they are happy we can get the plans printed and start sending them out. The business plan has taken nearly 8 months to complete - the length of time it would have taken to make the entire movie!

I have a small list of potential investors to approach and some very good contacts at Pinewood Studios. Of course there is no guarantees that these particular people will fund the film, but its a good place to start. I will also be approaching some Business Angel networks, which means I'll be able to pitch to investors there too.

Next week I’m off to America with my buddy Chris Jones to do some filming for a big corporate video, so as soon as I get back we should be able to get the ball rolling. I'll be visiting the Rhode Island Film Festival so I'll be gathering contacts there too.

Will keep you informed…

Simon on Local Radio

Fosseway Radio, our local radio station have been following our progress with Kaleidoscope Man and recently did an interview with me which was filmed. I feel it's important to get publicity for the movie as soon as possible, and where better to start than your own home town.

Fosseway have been very enthusiastic and supportive about the film. So many thanks guys, I'll make sure you get an invite to the premier.