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View Full Version : The Quest for Questfest = Fail



Tim Joy
06-17-2009, 11:05 AM
Whelp.

After pitching the idea, getting greenlit, writing 19 versions of the script, casting, 2 rehearsals, multiple pre-production meetings, setting up lighting/ grip/ sound rentals, massive location scouting, calling in favors, borrowing stuff from family, hotel reservations, collecting camping gear, camera testing, sound testing, equipment purchases, storyboarding, detailed shotlists, collecting wardrobe, building key props, our lead actor growing a beard, wishing for a GH-1 to arrive in time, hoping that the weather would cooperate, and lots and lots of time thinking... and worrying:

We've called off the shoot, scheduled for this weekend, and won't make it for Questfest with this one, maybe never.

The movie is called SUNLIT... and it's going to rain this weekend. :thumbdown I was planning on a 'rain' version of the script, but 3 days before shooting??!!! No way. Ain't gonna happen.

I thought it would be simple but it turned out to be an epic production, costing over $2500, and we might have been able to pull it off in time, and come in under 6 minutes, but it would've been Very Very tough, and certainly knocked a few extra hairs off my head and years off my life.

Since I didn't start a thread, (wasn't too confident we would get done and I hate bailing out) I thought I would let everyone know a little about what we went through.

We do have another 'fun' entry in the works, so we'll still be part of the festival... hopefully. We shot last weekend so it should be done in time. :)

Weather wasn't the only deciding factor. The script is... well, OK. Not great. Not worth 2g's. Maybe it still has potential? I don't know. We have an awesome location, fantastic actors, pro DP, great crew, cool props... so many things, and we probably would've ended up with a movie that looked great, sounded great, beautifully acted... but the script.

I thought I'd post the script and shotlist for all to see. As usual, it evolved greatly from the first versions, and the pitching process was very helpful to focus the idea. I do have doubts, however, that the basic concept is sound and 'good' and movie-worthy. I guess I've lost touch with it and could use some critiques, thoughts... etc.

If you care to take a gander, and possibly comment, download it here (http://www.projectionfilms.com/sunlit/SUNLIT-v19.pdf)

The shotlist and shooting diagrams can be downloaded here (http://www.projectionfilms.com/sunlit/Sunlit-shots.zip)

It was still a great learning process, and I met some new people that I'll be working with on future projects.

Cheers to all and I look forward to seeing all the entries!

Tim

RodThompson
06-17-2009, 11:38 AM
That sucks! Especially if you dropped 2500! Damn...

Tim Joy
06-17-2009, 01:16 PM
No, didn't spend it yet since we pulled the production. It still cost a little to get out of it though.

ZazaCast
06-17-2009, 02:16 PM
No, didn't spend it yet since we pulled the production. It still cost a little to get out of it though.

...speaking of which.... you got the $75 you owe me? :2vrolijk_08:

AmyO
06-17-2009, 03:11 PM
I feel your pain, Tim. Sorry you won't be making this one for the 'Fest, but look forward to the "fun" project you've got up your sleeve instead. :)

Tim Joy
06-17-2009, 03:41 PM
...speaking of which.... you got the $75 you owe me? :2vrolijk_08:

75? can I pay in installments? 1$ per month for the next two years? :-Dum(DBG):


Thanks Amy! Making great movies is such a challenge, and sometimes one thing can kill it. That's why I love it.

Robbie Comeau
06-18-2009, 06:54 PM
Why don't you still make it?

Robbie

Mattykins
06-18-2009, 07:01 PM
Hey mate,

I know how it feels. Just happened to me too. I made a thread, and I pulled out. Make it anyways. It sounds like you have something here. Push it back and do it right.

At least, that's what I would do.

Best of luck, and sorry to hear things didn't go well.

-Matt

ZazaCast
06-18-2009, 08:07 PM
If I know Tim...he won't give in yet! We have some good weather coming up here in the Northeast. Shoot it when you can.

Tim Joy
06-18-2009, 10:19 PM
I probably won't make IT, but I will surely make something OF it. Got a great Cast, Crew, Props and Location.

92.7% sure I will be in the festival.

Thanks for the support y'all.