New episode of Dimension Chat plus my Wrestlemania 30 predictions with Bill Apter

New episode of Dimension Chat 

plus my Wrestlemania 30 predictions with Bill Apter

This week I'm back answering your questions about Crowd Funding, how to deal with Facebook changes and promoting..plus a few fun ones. Thanks to Matt Barnes for hooking this up. Have a question? Let me know!

Then I was fortunate enough to spend some time with my long time friend Bill Apter. Those who are not familiar with Bill, he was instrumental in the success of Professional Wrestling. He was an iconic journalist and photographer for over 40 years and has covered events all over the world with every major star.

These are my Wrestlemania 30 predictions on Apters Alley!

Crowdfunding - Who Can Use It?

Crowdfunding - Who Can Use It?

This past week, the internet community has been a buzz with Zach Braff starting his Kickstarter campaign for his new film WISH YOU WERE HERE. This on the heels of the VERONICA MARS fund raising operation, that had a overwhelming response for the cancelled show to be greenlit for a feature film.


Let me give you some background on the term Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is exactly what it sounds like; someone has an idea for a gadget, a book or a movie (just to name a few examples) and that person then reaches out to the general public to help raise funds for the project. Typically, the donator will receive something in return; possibly a pre-released version of the project, maybe a walk on role in the movie or even be given a higher credit and really be involved in the process behind the scenes. Sites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have helped so many projects become a reality for struggling creators. It's designed for Independent projects.

The biggest riff this week was based on a big fish like Zach Braff wanting to swim in the little pool, with the feeling he will hog all the food. Braff, the writer and actor behind the successful GARDEN STATE reached out to his audience and asked for help, claiming he wanted to make this film, yet remaining creative and giving up no rights that are often restricted by production studios. He wants to make his movie, his way...I can respect that.


Let's be realistic and look at both sides of the Crowdfunding debate.


The Bad - Who deserves your money? Many independent filmmakers are nervous and feel that with someone like Zach Braff having an extremely successful campaign (raising the almost $2 million dollar budget within the first 48 hours), no money will be left for us. The real fear is that more "celebrities" will now turn to this measure, ruining the purpose that sites like Kickstarter were designed for.

Braff has his own fan base but is now also reaching for our limited group, so there are two possibilities here - Yes, it is indeed possible that potential funds that were designated to come our way, will now, in fact, go to him. Let's say I want to ask for $2,000 to make my first feature film. Yes, I'm aware that's almost nothing but to many, this achieves a dream and can be a game changer. So, in essence we need 20 people to each donate $100. Now, what if those same 20 people look at Braff's campaign and notice how polished it is. In his teaser/pitch trailer he gives you stars that are recognizable, flaunts his award winning GARDEN STATE that screams "I'm successful" and drops terms like "Final Cut", even explaining that if he has to deal with a big studio, they will compromise his "vision". To the first time Kickstarter viewer, this all seems extremely appealing. I don't know about you, but I don't have any famous friends that are on major hit TV shows to use at my leisure. One would have to ask, Braff must have millions, right? Make the movie yourself you greedy turd!!


Now...hold on a second...let's look at the other side

As a fellow struggling filmmaker I had to step back and congratulate Mr Braff for putting together an amazing campaign. If you look at his page, it is full of information, the pitch is done slickly and makes me only want to work harder. Plus, what if he is actually creating an awareness about crowdfunding, thus helping us have a wider audience to reach? Is it possible? I think it can be...let's say his 28,000 donator's (as of now) all have an amazing experience; he delivers on every promise and makes them all feel they got exactly what they wanted, because, admittedly, crowdfunding has a few tarnishes on it from untrustworthy organizers. This could shine a new light on this, give us a new influx of people who want to be involved and we can make more!


Honestly, if people have an opportunity to stand behind someone or something they believe in, they have that right. Donating is just that...a donation. It's your money and no one can tell you how to spend it. If you feel you're getting something out of it, than why should anyone else question it. As someone who has launched two successful crowdfunding campaigns I can say this - I couldn't do it without you, I mean that. It's amazing to hear the kind things that people enclose in messages, the feeling I get to hear  that someone else is living through me...it's overwhelming. Zach has done one thing, at least for me...his presentation has made me realize I need to step up my game. I need to offer the best I can offer, I need to work harder and I need to make the best product I can make or I will lose the faith that has been given to me by others.


The bottom line is this - I'm at the bottom of this creating spectrum, a true independent. I'm hoping that Zach's success will create a trickle down effect and all the rest of the little fish in this big pond will be able to eat too. To the creators, make it count...make it your best effort. To the donator's; when you donate a few bucks, you are literally changing someone's life for the better.

Want to look at my project?
www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

BAGGAGE Diary (4/13/13) "baggage" gets funded!! Where do we go from here?

BAGGAGE Diary (4/13/13) "baggage" gets funded!! Where do we go from here?

Earlier this week, my next short film titled "baggage" was fully funded. With a budget of $3,000, we were able to reach this goal with true believers and people's generosity. I am humbled, truly touched and thankful beyond words that people intrust me to create within the Horror genre. It's an overwhelming feeling.

So, this leads to...where do we go from here?

This past week, I met with Director Jeremiah Kipp, Cinematographer Jeffrey Gould and assistant Cinematographer Steve Adams with our final preparations for our scheduled 4 day shoot. We are filming in Long Branch, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. This meeting allowed us to finalize our locations, tie up any loose ends from the script and get a better idea of lighting, based on time of day, for the outside scenes.

We started off very early on Wednesday and headed to our first location. Let me say this before I write any further, I really believe I have the best problem solvers and visionaries I could ask for on this project. Every shot was looked at a several times, every position is approached and it's 100% serious business. This project has taken on a life of it's own.

(I realize to others, this project will seem small but I can say, inside of this creative bubble..it's enormous)

We went from location to location, even being stopped by a representative of the Chamber of Commerce to let us know how excited they are we chose Long Branch. We walked around the neighborhood and were greeted by numerous business owners offering their assistance. It's the best feeling in the world. All of the locations were secured and we enjoyed a nice lunch that was spend discussion movies and shot ideas that we all are fans of. 

When you make film with true film lovers...life stops, even for a lunch, while everything focuses on one goal..to make great film.

Even though we are fully funded, we are still looking for people who would like to help with donations. This allows more breathing room to do more, take more risks and make the best film we can. We are still keeping the perks open until May 15th. This allows someone who would love to be an extra, to do so. Filming weekend for extras will be May 18 and 19. Again, thank you to all who have taken interest, shared the vision and given to the goal. This film is happening, because of YOU.

If you would like to be a part of this...visit www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com