BAGGAGE release date & DVD info

BAGGAGE Release Date & DVD Info

BAGGAGE will be released on Friday, August 16th, 2013. This will be available at Monster-Mania Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rob and Kim Dimension will be on hand to talk about the film all weekend long. Plus, the Dimension's will have posters and T-shirts from both BAGGAGE and NO CLOWNING AROUND.

DVD artwork may vary

baggage

$8.00 plus $3.00 shipping in US

Details - The DVD will contain the 15 minute short film "baggage", plus their award winning film "No Clowning Around". Behind the scenes, Interviews and commentary will also be included.  

Pre-order
Release date - Aug 16, 2013

BAGGAGE stars Rob Dimension, Ilaria Malvezzi, Kim Dimension, Jerry Janda, Amber Marchese,  Thomas Mendolia and Chris Raddatz. 

Writer and Screenplay : Rob Dimension

Story Concept : Sal Valente

Director : Jeremiah Kipp

Director of Cinematography/Editor : Jeffrey Scott Gould

Assistant Director of Cinematography : Steve Adams

Executive Producer : Kim Dimension

Associate Producer : Bill Wilusz

Soundtrack/Composer : Barbara J Weber

Photographer : Deirdre Kinnevy (DeeKae Imagery)/ Kristen Adams

Artwork : Brian Mitchell (Brian Mitchell's Creative Mind)

BAGGAGE is the short film by writer/lead actor Rob Dimension, that will make you rethink the term "normal". Dimension plays Benjamin, a man who seems to live a normal life; he goes to work, has a happy home life and lives in the middle of clean cut America. This 15 minute film follows a day in the life; witness what happens when an incident breaks down Benjamin's "normal" life. 

BAGGAGE is directed by Jeremiah Kipp (CRESTFALLEN, CONTACT, THE DAYS GOD SLEPT). Kipp had this to say about BAGGAGE, “BAGGAGE immediately captured my interest as a beautiful and macabre tale of a man haunted by desire. It’s got the feverish, melancholy intensity of an Edgar Allan Poe story, but told in a modern and transgressive way. Rob wanted a genre film that was aesthetically stunning, and combined with the visual sensibility of our cinematographer Jeffrey Gould, we were going for a style that felt like Alfred Hitchcock circa 1960: Bold camera angles, a constantly moving camera to sustain the tension and unnerving God’s-eye-view overhead shots that make Benjamin feel small and oppressed. Every image should resonate with the beauty of a painting, but one where if you look at it too closely, you realize you’re caught up in the swirls of a nightmare.”

Dimension had this to add, “Having Jeremiah want to be a part of this and help lead the film in the right direction solidifies that we are on to something good. Kipp can see the vision I’ve written, and he pushes me beyond my safe place. We have an amazing cast and crew involved, and the atmosphere transcends modern horror with a very vintage, elegant style.”

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

Philly gets a Compound Fracture

Philly Gets a Compound Fracture

A few months ago, Tyler Mane, Michael Myers from Zombie's Halloween, and I discussed his film "Compound Fracture" and the special screening he was putting together in Philly. He explained how they would tour with the film, a method of promotion that is rarely done, including a Questions and Answers segment and really use a grassroots approach to spreading the word and giving back to the fans. 

Last night I ventured out to Philly and attended this screening and let me say this....this might have been one of the best film going experiences I have attended. Tyler and his wife, Renae Geerlings wrote and star in Compound Fracture and you can tell, they set out to make a quality film, wanted to have some fun and accomplished both. Before I get to the film, let's talk about the experience itself....the screening was held at the Ritz East, which is a very nice theater..so nice that they even put the calorie count on the popcorn bucket, luckily, I wasn't worried about my waistline...I'm fat, the lie is over. Tyler and Renae are extremely inviting and personable and really want you, the invitee to have the best experience possible. From the Red Carpet treatment, to the give aways, the behind the scenes mini featurette (similar to a DVD extra) and they wrap the night with a very intimate Q&A. What struck me the most was their honesty about things...from it being tough to not try to control everything, to the writing process plus, what the future holds for Mane Entertainment. 

Dimension & Mane

Compound Fracture was the best film I've seen this year thus far, yes, better than Evil Dead, better than MaMa and better than the Texas Chainsaw 3-D films. This film has the elements of the Supernatural, Witchcraft and more importantly, protecting your family. Mane, plays the lead Michael, with Geerlings playing his Fiancee Juliette. Muse Watson, known best for his role at the fisherman in I Know What You Did Last Summer plays Mane's Father, Gary who is struggling with old age and dementia while Mane's real life pal, Derek Mears (Jason from the Friday the 13th remake) plays the villain William. Special shout out to Leslie Easterbrook here as she plays a very different role for her in a while, Annabelle, Gary's new wife who is being both mentally and psychically abused by him. 

Without spoiling the film, let me give you an overview - Michael's sister was killed by her Husband William, in the process, William is killed. This leaves her son in Michael and Juliette's hands. As they visit Michael's Father, Gary, you quickly see that things have spiraled out of control as Gary has built a "Witchcraft Compound". This takes you for a ride to the supernatural with a final showdown that has to be seen.

The story unravels as the film plays out...something that is a rarity in today's cinema. Typically, the story has to smack you in the face because studios are afraid to trust the audience actually has some brains...Compound Fracture is a slow burning film that plays like building train tracks..with each piece being laid out as the story progresses...very well done. The cinematography uses a great blend of grittiness, modern approaches and also security camera footage to capture the action. Plus, I have to tip my hat to Tyler, as he portrayed a hero that is actually a little vulnerable, really well. His on screen chemistry with Geerlings is genuine and shines through. Muse and Mears are great, plus, did I mention how much I love Easterbrook? Anytime you can see "Michael Myers vs Jason Voorhees" any horror nerd will lose their shit with excitement..that alone will sell tickets. 

In closing, I will say this...if this tour comes to your town, make sure you go. Make sure you support this group, make sure you spread the word. This is a perfect example of US taking back the movies from big studios and allowing creative people to make great films. 

Visit their site at www.CompoundFractureTheMovie.com  and see if they are coming near you. 

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