17/12/05 - 2005 Year in Review for Sepia Films
With 2005 rapidly drawing to a close, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect and review the year for Sepia Films. 2005 has been something of an inbetween year for us - promoting our first feature, screening the film in Cannes, writing two new scripts and moving forward with our second feature film.
The year began on a high with our film: 'Death by Chocolate' winning a short film competition at the Mac Theatre in Birmingham. Having recently completed: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side', there was lots of optimism as to what the film could achieve. I started work on a new script; 'The Illuminati' - a dark thriller which I fully intended to make as my second feature.
In May we took: 'Boy with a Thorn' all the way to the Cannes Film Festival. We screened the film; the response was good but on our return to the UK we knew in our hearts that the film wouldn't go on to greater things. Although mightily proud of the film, it's obvious to see it's shortcomings - most notobly in it's production values. The standard has to be higher if you really want to go somewhere as a filmmaker.
In August the film was screened at the Stratford-Upon-Avon International Digital Film Festival. Attentions turned to raising finance for: 'The Illuminati' - but we soon realised this project would cost a small fortune to make. I also felt that I wasn't in a position as a filmmaker to make this ambitious film just yet. So, work began on a new project: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit?' - a film similar in some ways to the comedy of: 'Boy with a Thorn'.
So 2005 has been a big learning process for Sepia Films. 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' didn't go on to achieve great things, though a few glowing reviews and interviews shows that the film is an entertaining piece of comedy. And 2006 looks bright as we move into pre-production for: 'Pete Blaggit' - which is a great opportunity to take everything we learned from making: 'Boy with a Thorn' and improving on those skills.
Merry Xmas and a Happy, productive New Year to everyone associated to Sepia Films, see you in 2006!
10/12/05 - Name Change for new feature
I'm halfway through the second draft of the new script and have decided on a name change. Sepia Films' second feature will now be known as: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit?' - this name change is in reference to the main character's personality trait. I'm pleased with how the script it is taking shape and know it's going to make for one funny feature film!
04/12/05 - One year anniversary for: 'The Boy with a Thorn'!
December marks the one year anniversary since the completion of Sepia Films' debut feature film: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. Over the course of the year I've had plenty of time to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the film - there are alot of things I love about the film and a few things I hate.
But what remains is the fact that I'm extremely proud of the film and always will be. It's a shame that the film hasn't gone on to reach a wider audience....yet. I'm still sending the film to various distributors and festivals - so who knows what the future holds for Billy Heinlickburger!
26/11/05 - New Feature Update
A brief update on where things stand with my next feature - I'm now a quarter of the way through the second draft of the script and I'm pleased with how it's shaping up. I'm also considering a slight name change for the film.
A few possible locations for the film have already been earmarked and three alternative budgets should be in place before the end of the year. For now though my focus is totally on getting the script as strong as possible. For the latest developments with the film, check out the Pre-Production Diary.
19/11/05 - Illuminati Update
Just a quick note to let you know that the Illuminati Development page has been updated, detailing the status of the project while Sepia Films concentrate on the making of: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle?'
13/11/05 - Death by Chocolate @ Bewdley Film Festival!
I'm pleased to announce that Sepia Films' short film: 'Death by Chocolate' has been invited to be screened at the Bewdley Film Festival. The festival takes place next Saturday 19th November at St. George's Hall in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
'Death by Chocolate' is by far the most successful short film by Sepia Films to date; it has already won the monthly Screen Test competition at the Mac Theatre, Birmingham at the start of the year, and has had several other screenings to date. The screening time for next Saturday is scheduled for 5pm.
09/11/05 - Second Draft for: 'Pete Boggle'
Work has begun on the second draft for my next feature: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle?'. I aim to have the second draft complete before Christmas, so it's most likely that pre-production will have to be pushed back until the New Year, to enable me to put in the time and focus into the script, which is of course paramount to making a decent film.
06/11/05 - Pre-production on new Feature underway!
I'm excited to announce that Sepia Films are officially in pre-production with our second feature: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle?'. A special Pre-production Diary has been added to the film's page, which will document every aspect of the pre-production process.
There's lots of hard work to be done over the next ten months, but I feel confident knowing we have alot more time to prepare for the film, whereas with: 'The Boy with a Thorn' I only had four months of pre-production. You'll be able to read every development on the Diary page, from location recces to casting to the nightmare that is producing a feature length film, warts and all!
27/10/05 - Fourth Draft of: 'The Illuminati' CompletedOver the past month I've been writing the fourth draft of my script: 'The Illuminati' and the script is now finished. I can't express how excited and proud I am of this script; I simply cannot wait for the day when I get to shoot this flick as I know it will be something very special indeed.
The script is now very tight and polished; I don't plan anymore rewrites in fear of destroying what made the script so great in the first place. So now it's time to leave: 'The Illuminati' for the next year or so and instead turn my attention to my second feature: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle' which is edging nearer to pre-production - more details soon.
22/10/05 - New Q&A Interview Online!
A new Q&A interview with yours truly has surfaced online for: 'This Is Derbyshire'. The interview can be found on various other regional websites, including Nottingham, Leicester and Staffordshire and is quite a frank and honest interview about my filmmaking career to date. You can read the interview here.
17/10/05 - Script Feedback on: 'Pete Boggle'
Over the past few weeks I've sent my new script out to various colleagues and the feedback so far has been quite positive, considering the script is only a first draft. Everyone who's read the script has said it's very funny in places, and I now have a clearer idea of what needs to be done to improve the script.
I aim to start the second draft as soon as I've finished rewriting: 'The Illuminati' - which is coming along slowly - but you can't rush a genius, right? :-) I also aim to get pre-production on: 'Pete Boggle' underway as soon as: 'The Illuminati' script is finished too - there's lots of hard work to do and the sooner we make a start the better. More on the pre-production process in the coming weeks.
11/10/05 - Progress Report on: 'Pete Boggle'
Although my next feature: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle?' is in it's infancy, steady progress is being made on the project. The script has been submitted to Screen West Midland's Lottery Script grant scheme, plus the UK Film Council's Development Fund.
And I'm pleased to announce that Martyn Watkins is now on board as a co-producer on the feature. Martyn worked as Production Manager on 'The Boy with a Thorn' and will be a great asset to the production.
08/10/05 - Digital Production Buzz online!
So in the early hours of Friday morning I took part in my first Live US Talk Radio show for Digital Production Buzz. The interview was really good fun, we discussed everything about my filmmaking career to date: my short films, The Boy with a Thorn, Cannes, as well as my next feature. You can download and listen to the interview here.
05/10/05 - Review of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' online!
Well it's been a long time coming, but finally an in depth review of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' has been written, courtesy of Pulpmovies. It's a very positive review that heaps praise on the main cast, and describing the feature as a: 'genuinely touching film'. You can read the review here.
03/10/05 - Digital Production Buzz Live Interview this Friday!
In the early hours of this coming Friday morning I'll be taking part in my first live US Talk Radio Show for Digital Production Buzz - formerly known as DV Guys. The website has quite a following in the US and worldwide, so it'll be good exposure for me and for: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'.
The interview will be taking place at 2am Friday morning - UK time, and 6pm Pacific US time. Be sure to listen in if you happen to be on the web. Of course I'll make the interview available through this site at the weekend, but in the meantime be sure to check out the Digital Production Buzz website.
01/10/05 - New Project Announcement!
Well, the time has come for me to unleash my latest creation onto the unsuspecting world: 'Whatever Happened to Pete Boggle?' has now been added to the Feature Films section of the website. The project is a straight forward comedy about middle aged men; ex wives, alcoholism, gambling and porn amongst other things - but it is a comedy, trust me on this one, alright?!
I fully intend to have the film in the can by this time next year, with or without the support of extra funding. So things are going to be quite hectic for me these next 12 months, but I'm just really excited to be shooting my second feature film. Of course I'll be posting any latest developments with the production as the time nears.
26/09/05 - Fourth Draft of: 'The Illuminati' underway
I've recently started work on the fourth and hopefully final draft of: 'The Illuminati'. I'm very happy with the script as it is, but I want to do another draft to polish up a few plot twists and extend the ending slightly. I'm planning on completing the fourth draft by mid November, and then start work on a second draft of my new script to have completed by Christmas. More on which soon.
21/09/05 - New Script Complete!
So over the past month or two I've been hard at work on my latest script and today I completed writing the First Draft, which clocks in at 95 pages. Although it is only a First Draft and will require a good few rewrites, I am quite pleased with the script as it stands. It's funny, bleak, dark and very character based.
I've sent out the script to a few colleagues to get some feedback and hopefully within the next few weeks the project will have it's own page under the Feature Films section, where I'll be able to talk more in depth about the story.
14/09/05 - Cannes Video Diary Completed!
I've recently completed editing a 40 minute video diary of my week at the Cannes Film Festival back in May of this year. The diary is quite amusing, as it chronicles the whole trip to the south of France as well as the highs and lows of my time in Cannes.
I might even put a few clips of the Diary on the website if I have time - I'm also editing the feature film that I worked on in August, and I might be shooting a music video at the end of the month - lots to do!
11/09/05 - Script Report on: 'The Illuminati'
Yesterday I received in the post a five page script report on: 'The Illuminati' from The Script Factory. I think it's important to get as much feedback on scriptwriting as possible, providing the criticisms are constructive. The report in general was very positive, with the main criticisms of the script being the complex plot structure and the emotional impact of the ending. Here are a few excerpts from the report:
"There's certainly plenty to enjoy here - some highly imaginative set pieces, some well-drawn caricatures, some sharp and witty dialogue..."
"The characters are generally very original and entertaining. The minor characters in particular are often very sharply drawn and funny...The writer clearly has a sophisticated understanding of the various techniques available to tell his story visually..."
"The writing in this script has a very appealing and anarchic energy to it...there's plenty to like in this script and there's a liveliness and inventiveness to the writing that makes it really stand out."
Plenty of encouragement there then, but the report has also given me lots to consider for the next draft of the script!
07/09/05 - Update on Projects
Recently I've been concentrating on my new script, which is coming along nicely, and I'll soon make a final decision on what my next filmmaking project will be. So, here's a rundown on my current projects and what's happening with them:
New Script - Page 43 and counting. Don't want to give away what it's about yet, but it's very character driven and is possibly the funniest thing I've written yet. I'm getting quite obsessed with the script and I'm looking at making the film next year instead of: 'The Illuminati'. Early days for now, but I'm very excited about the project.
'The Illuminati' - I'm still in the development stage with this project, contacting investment companies and talent agents. I'm also working on a marketing strategy and storyboards. This is a very commercial film but I don't want to rush into it, I see it as a long term project and aim to go into production within the next 3-5 years.
'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' - Has been submitted into several more international film festivals, and I'm arranging more interviews for the coming months.
So, a bit of a rethink for: 'The Illuminati' - I won't be making it next year unless finance is secured. Instead, I'd like to make my new project, which would'nt be as expensive or complicated to shoot. I'd like to take up to 6 to 8 months on pre-production, and plan more on the visual aspect of the film, learning on my mistakes from: 'The Boy with a Thorn'. I'd also like to shoot three experimental shorts probably after the next project is completed. More info on the new project in the coming weeks.
02/09/05 - BudgetFilmmaker Q&A Interview Online
A Q&A interview that I did with the guys from Budgetfilmmaker.com has now appeared online. The interview is all about: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' and is quite insightful, as I reveal who I based Billy Heinlickburger on amongst other things (!). You can read the interview here.
31/08/05 - Metro Article OnlineJust a quick note to say that the Metro Article from a few weeks ago on: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' has now been added to the Press section of the website, or you can read it here.
30/08/05 - Stratford-Upon-Avon Film Festival Screening
Due to a lack of trains running between Birmingham and Stratford on Saturday evening, I was unable to attend the screening of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' at the Stratford-Upon-Avon International Digital Film Festival. However, I've been informed that the screening was well attended and was received positively by the audience, which is all you can ask for.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the directors of the festival; Craig, Douglas and Samantha for supporting my film, and to wish them the best of success with the festival in the future.
21/08/05 - New Script on the way!
Over the past few days I've started work on my latest feature length script, which is a comedy (surprise, surprise!) and quite similar in some ways to: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. Although I'm still developing: 'The Illuminati' and making gradual progress with that project, I'm planning on producing this new script in 2006 as my next feature.
The reason being that it wouldn't be too expensive to make compared to: 'The Illuminati', which I'm starting to see as a long term project which deserves a lot of time in the development stage. More will be revealed on the new project as progress is made, I'm only on page six at the moment so there's a long way to go, though I expect the first draft to be completed by October/November.
I still haven't ruled out making a few experimental short films as well, either at the end of this year or the start of next. No rest for the wicked!
17/08/05 - Lighthouse Screening Postponed
Unfortunately, Thursday's screening of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' at the Lighthouse Media Centre has been postponed, due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies for anyone planning on attending the screening, but hopefully the screening will soon be rescheduled for later on in the year.
16/08/05 - The Boy featured in Metro Newspaper!
In today's Birmingham edition of the Metro Newspaper is a feature/review of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' to coincide with it's screening this Thursday at the Lighthouse Media Centre. Within the next week I'll try and scan the article and put it in the press section of the website.
Also, the website has been updated with a news archive section.
15/08/05 - Stratford-Upon-Avon Film Festival Screening Time
I can now announce that the screening of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Film Festival will take place on Saturday 27th of August at 8.30pm. The film is billed as the main feature of the festival and could possibly be followed with a Q&A session with myself. I'm looking forward to the festival as it promises to be a weekend full of high quality new films. To view the festival programme, click here.
12/08/05 - New Interview Online
A couple of weeks ago I did an interview with Matthew Revell for his website about the making of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. It's a really interesting interview as Matthew and I discussed the difficulties of being a filmmaker in a region with a small arts community. The interview is now online at Matthew's website, which you can find here.
28/07/05 - Feature in BirminghamOver the next two weeks I'm working on a feature film shot in Birmingham as Director of Photography, so bare with me if the news isn't updated much over this fortnight. The film is an exciting project and I'm sure it'll be a great experience - especially as a number of the cast and crew from: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' will be working on this project as well.
26/07/05 - The Boy at Stratford-Upon-Avon Film Festival!
I'm very pleased to announce that: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' has been selected to be screened at the first annual Stratford-Upon-Avon International Film Festival! This is the first festival the film has been selected for almost a year since we shot the film, and it's fitting it should be a local film festival as well.
The festival takes place over the 27th-29th of August, and my film will be in competition with other features from around the world. I'll report the exact screening time and date within the next week, but if you want to have a look at the official Stratford-Upon-Avon Film Festival website, then click here.
25/07/05 - Third Draft of: 'The Illuminati' Completed
Throughout June and July I've been working on the third draft of: 'The Illuminati', and it's now pretty much complete. I'm really happy with this latest draft, the structure remains the same but the dialogue is improved and the characters are more developed.
It's a tight script and I don't foresee writing more drafts until the finance is secure to make the film. I can now concentrate on getting the script out there to talent agencies, sales agents and anyone else who want's to read it!
24/07/05 - Email Account Problems
Not really news, but just a quick note to let you know that during the past week I've been experiencing problems with my email account. So if you've sent me an email recently and haven't heard back from me, then please be patient as I look to ammend the problem a.s.a.p.
19/07/05 - Boy with a Thorn in Edinburgh Film UK Guide
'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' is to be listed in the Film UK Guide at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Film UK Guide publishes in-depth information on all British features completed in the last 12 months, and is available each year to festival delegates, other international film festivals, film organisations and industry professionals - mostly distributors looking to pick up new films - so there's hope for the Boy yet!
14/07/05 - Latest Developments
This week I met up with a colleague of mine to complete the provisional budget for: 'The Illuminati' along with the business plan for the project. I'm also toying with the idea of shooting a short film or two towards the end of the year on either Super 16mm or 35mm, with the emphasis on strong visuals. This would obviously help me in gaining experience with shooting on film, and will show to investors that I've shot on film.
The other option I have, if raising finance for: 'The Illuminati' proves to be difficult, is to shoot a low scale feature on film next year. As: 'The Illuminati' would be a high scale production, it would make sense to shoot a feature that doesn't require a big producion first, instead of the other way round. At the moment though, I'm staying focused totally on: 'The Illuminati' and won't come to a final decision on these new projects until the Autumn at least.
08/07/05 - Boy with a Thorn Update
With all this talk about me developing my next film, you might be thinking I've abandoned: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. Well I haven't so much abandoned the film, I've just come to realise that there's not a lot else I can do with it. Various distributors have turned it down, and after Cannes I can see why - a micro-budget film shot on DV, with no named actors, and a comedy as well is just too risky for a distributor to pick up.
But I'm still submitting the film to festivals (five so far) and will continue to do so for the rest of the year, as well as trying to drum up more publicity. I do believe the film will deserve more recognition in years to come, but for now it's going nowhere. And the film's IMDB page has been updated with a poster image and full cast list, so do post a review if you've seen the film! :-)
06/07/05 - 'The Illuminati' Update
The past few weeks I've been hard at work developing my next project; 'The Illuminati'. I want to get as much ground work out of the way now to help show potential investors how much effort is going into the project. I am currently working on a business plan, location report, a scene breakdown, a shot list, an extras list and most importantly of all at this stage; a provisional budget. I'm also waiting to hear from several production companies, distributors and investors, but I don't expect anything to happen overnight. I'm also reading: 'How to Fund Your Film' which gives a great insight into UK Film Finance and is proving extremely beneficial.
01/07/05 - Making the Film Interview Online
A few weeks back I did another interview about: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' with Michael Bartlett for his Making the Film website. I've known Mike for a couple of years having worked on his short film: 'Mnemosyne'. He is now hard at work on his first feature, which is a zombie horror film of all things! I'm sure the film will be a great success. You can access my interview here.
24/06/05 - 'The Illuminati' now in Development!Okay, it's official - my next feature: 'The Illuminati' is now in it's development stage, which means I'll be working on the project to secure funding and a distribution deal (hopefully), as well as moving the project along into pre-production.
Think of it as a Pre pre-production stage. It could take anything from a couple of months to a year or more before pre-production begins, but you can read a full detailed account of my plans for development of: 'The Illuminati' in the Feature Films section, along with a new Treatment that has replaced the old Synopsis.
23/06/05 - Short Films available to download.
Three of my short films that I made a few years back are now available to download. The films have been compressed for a quicker download. Thanks to Hakan Besim of Budget Filmmaker for putting the films online.
The Money Tree (Size 5.23 MB Windows Media Player)
Death By Chocolate (Size 3.73Mb Windows Media Player)
Blind Man Freddy (Size 7.10 MB Windows Media Player)
19/06/05 - Boy with a Thorn on IMDB, kind of!
Internet Movie Database has finally accepted: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. However, for some unknown reason they haven't included most of the details about the film that I submitted, which is frustrating - but at least it's on there! You can rate the film and even post a comment about the film on the message board if you have nothing better to do! To have a look at the IMDB page, click here.
16/06/05 - Third Draft for: 'The Illuminati'
Having received some very positive feedback for the 2nd Draft of: 'The Illuminati', I've now began work on the 3rd Draft. I think it's important that I take my time on writing the best script I can before moving onto the Pre pre-production stage. Mostly I want to improve on characterisation, dialogue and a few plot twists. Soon I'll type up a detailed account of how I intend to make: 'The Illuminati', having learnt some valuable lessons from trying to gain a distributor for: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His SIde'.
14/06/05 - New Cinema Minima Interview Online
Last week I did a second interview with Joe Jabbar for the LA based independent filmmaking website; Cinema Minima. The interview is all about my Cannes experience - meeting distributors, screening my film, etc, etc. You can download the interview here.
09/06/05 - Screening Date for: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'
I can announce that: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' is to be screened at the Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton on Thursday 18th of August at 7pm. The screening is open for the general public and will be followed with a Question & Answer Session with yours truly! It should be a good night, and I look forward to screening my film back where I did my initial Production Course a few years ago. Hope to see you there!
03/06/05 - Post Cannes Update
Just a quick update to let you know what I've been up to since Cannes. Mostly I've been chasing up distribution companies who have expressed an interest in: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. I've sent out plenty of dvds the past few days, so fingers crossed. I've also submitted the film to several international film festivals and I should have some exciting news within the next few weeks with regards to: 'The Illuminati'.
31/05/05 - FilmShed Interview OnlineA recent interview I did with Jordan Brown for www.filmshed.com is now online. The interview is mostly about the making of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' but also mentions: 'The Illuminati' and is quite a cool little interview. You can read the interview here.
28/05/05 - Blip.TV Interview Online
The Blip.TV interview that I did with Dina Kaplan at Cannes is now online. It was quite amusing and surreal for me as I had only been in Cannes for an hour or so when I did the interview. You can downwload the interview here.
26/05/05 - Sepia Films at Cannes 2005
So I'm back in dear old Blighty after my week in the sun in Cannes, which proved to be one hell of a learning experience. There was plenty of highs and lows, I have a lot of mixed emotions about what I experienced, but I'm glad I went. You can read up on my week in the south of France and what I got up to in my Cannes Diary.
11/05/05 - Cannes Here We Come!
Well, the suitcase is just about packed and I leave for Cannes tomorrow afternoon, armed with business cards, leaflets, booklets, treatments, scripts and a tuxedo! I'm really excited and can't wait for the trip, half of me is overly confident about going to Cannes, the other half is full of nerves and trepidation. But I have nothing to lose and I'm determined to enjoy the week, whatever happens!
As soon as I get back in about two weeks from now, I'll update the site with a Cannes Diary section, along with photos of me and the stars (yeah, right!). I'll be as candid and honest in the diary as possble, detailing all the highs and lows of the Cannes experience. Wish me luck!
05/05/05 - Synopsis for: 'The Illuminati'
You can now read the synopsis for my next film: 'The Illuminati' in the Feature Films section. The synopsis is only a very basic outline of the film, as I don't want to give away all the plot details just yet. As you'll see, it's a very ambitious project to undertake, but I can't wait for the challenge!
02/05/05 - New Sound Mix Complete
The new sound mix for: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' has been completed in time for the Cannes screening, which is less than two weeks away! Everything is still on track for the festival; I have lined up a few meetings with distribution companies for the week I'm there, which bodes well. I have also designed a cool little booklet all about Sepia films which I'll be handing out at Cannes.
29/04/05 - Cinema Minima Interview Online and 'Operation MF' name changeA few weeks back I did an interview for a LA based independent filmmaking website. The interview is quite in depth about 'The Boy with a Thorn in his Side' and local based filmmaking. You can access the interview by clicking here.
And a quick note to say that my next feature has undergone a name change. It will now be referred to as the working title: 'The Illuminati'.
23/04/05 - Screen West Midlands Funding
Yesterday I found out that Screen West Midlands have accepted Sepia Films' application for Business Support for Cannes 2005. This basically means that Screen West Midlands will fund half of my expenses for the trip, which is a great relief. The perfect birthday present!
21/04/05 - Cannes Update
Well, it's official: the Cannes screening of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' has been booked and confirmed! With under a month to go, everything is getting very exciting and I can't wait to go. Even if nothing happens with the film, then it should still be a cool experience.
It's my 24th birthday tomorrow and things have been getting pretty hectic this week, with me contacting numerous distribution companies and designing business cards, etc, etc. I always get very philosophical and reflective on birthdays and this year is no different. It's funny to think that it was only a few years ago I was thinking how cool it would be to make films for a living, and now here I am, about to take my first feature film to Cannes. Cool!
18/04/05 - Death by Chocolate Screening
Last night, 'Death by Chocolate' was screened at the Mac Theatre in Birmingham. The attendance wasn't great, but the film was received well and it was good to see one or two familiar faces there. :-)
10/04/05 - Boy With a Thorn Update
I've had a lot of feedback this past week on 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' which has been interesting to hear. Almost everyone I've spoken to liked the film and had nothing but positive comments. But the main two criticisms I've received is that the sound in parts is quite bad and the use of copyright music in the film - music that I don't have permission to use! With this in mind, I have brought on board a sound mixer who will hopefully improve the sound as much as possible, and I'm also going to do a copyright music free version of the film in time for Cannes.
Also, I'll be tweaking the grading in the film and designing posters and flyers to hand out at Cannes. The festival is a little over a month away and I have a lot to sort out between now and then.
06/04/05 - Local Radio Interviews
Not really major news, but thought you might like to know that I've just done two radio interviews with Beacon Fm and Wolf Radio to promote: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side'. The first interview was terrible, I must have sounded like a right idiot! But the second interview went better and managed to plug the website as well! Really hate doing interviews, don't feel at ease whatsoever, but I guess I'll have to get used to them if I want to get the film out there. Will try and locate the interviews to put on the website soon.
05/04/05 - New Script Complete!
The past two to three months I have been busy writing my next script, and the 2nd Draft of the script is now complete and I'm really, really happy with it. I won't give away too many details about it, except to say that it is very dary and bizarre and funny and scary all at the same time, if that makes sense! And it's as far away from: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' as possible. To find out more about my new script and my hopes and fears for getting it made, then have a look in the Feature Films section.
02/04/05 - World Premiere of: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' at Cannes Film Festival!
I'm very proud to announce that: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' will have it's world premiere at this year's 58th Cannes Film Festival on the 19th May. I'm not expecting any miracles to happen in Cannes, I merely wish for the film to be seen by as many people in the Film Industry as possible, and what better place to do that than Cannes?
The film has already taken over a year of my life plus almost every penny I have, so I might as well push the boat out with a trip to Cannes as well. Between now and May I'll be working full time to earn the money to pay for the Cannes trip, so bare with me if news is thin on the ground over the next few weeks. After the Cannes trip I'll put up a Cannes Diary on the website, detailing the events of the trip and if anyone bothers to come watch my film!
01/04/05 - DVD of 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' complete!
After many months of setbacks, I'm pleased to announce that the DVD of my first feature film: 'The Boy with a Thorn in His Side' is now complete with special features including the trailer and outtakes. I can now concentrate on promoting the film and sending copies out to as many production companies, sales agents, distributors and review websites as possible.
01/04/05 - 'Death by Chocolate' screening date announced
Back in January, Death By Chocolate won an audience award at an event called 'Screen Test' in Birmingham. The winning film gets shown, at a later date, before a feature film at the Mac. Now it's just been announced that 'Death by Chocolate' will be shown before Mike Hodges' film 'The Croupier' starring Clive Owen, on April 17th. Hope to see you there!