Sad News

[Marc Singer]

It is with great regret that I am writing this post.

As many of you know, for the past two years I have been working on a film about a Platoon within the Marine Corps. I moved down to North Carolina in April 2005, where after bouncing around from unit to unit, settled on a platoon that I felt was the best choice, both on a personal and a professional level. After a lengthy research period, then training cycle lasting many months, we deployed overseas. Although personally it was a very rewarding experience, professionally the platoon didn’t get the missions they were expected to, and as such we returned to the States extremely disappointed, but confident about the next deployment. From the films perspective, it meant that I didn’t get the footage I needed and that if I wanted to make a successful film, I would have to go another round with the same team and deploy again. This was something that I was committed to doing.

While we were overseas, there was a structural change within the Marine Corps. Force Reconnaissance, the unit with whom I was attached was disbanded and a new unit formed, now known as MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command). As with all platoons after returning home from a deployment, there is some shifting around of personnel. With the advent of MARSOC being formed for SOCOM, and the need to keep a direct action asset within the Marine Corps, two of the platoons from Force Reconnaissance were moved over to Reconnaissance Battalion. The platoon I was following was one of those reassigned to Battalion. And while a few members of the platoon were given orders to MARSOC, the remainder was given orders to Recon Battalion. A second deployment was not in my original plan, but I understand the documentary process and had long ago made a personal commitment to this film, no matter how long it took. And with so many of the Marines in the film now in the same platoon at Recon Battalion, it was easy for me to stay with them and continue the project. Every single one of the Marines vouched for me, and after a few meetings everyone was very exited about the prospects of this film’s continuation.

I put together a package with all of my references and letters of recommendation and handed it in to my public affairs contact within the Marine Corps. He then began the process of getting my orders re-approved from MEF (the commanding unit), as there had been a change in personnel since my original approval. After spending two years with the Marine Corps, going through a full work up and deployment with a platoon, no one thought there would be a problem with me continuing to film, but it came back denied without any further consideration. I was shocked to say the least and went to speak with some of the commanders of the original unit to see if they might be of any assistance. After working with them for so long, they know me very well and would be a good reference. There was a meeting that took place with every relevant officer in attendance to discuss this film and my continuing on with the project. I wasn’t allowed to participate, so the commanding officer of the unit I was with went my behalf to present my case. A decision was promised shortly thereafter, but in reality nothing transpired except that the red tape continued to get thicker and thicker. From that point on, we repeatedly hit roadblock after roadblock due to a few individuals in the new command who were completely against my making this film. But the truth of the matter is that I had never met these individuals, and despite my numerous attempts to meet with them, I was denied every time.
I was granted access to a Force Reconnaissance Platoon, the most highly trained combat unit within the Marine Corps, and Marines that I had to prove myself to time and time again. And within that platoon, no one would express anything but the highest regard and respect for my character and my work. But most importantly, they trusted me. I earned their respect. If they were required to hump miles on end while carrying a heavy load, then so did I. There was nothing that they were tasked to do that I didn’t do right along side of them, and I was happy to do it -- even with the additional task of filming. I lived, trained and worked with these guys every single day, never taking a day off, and choosing to spend any vacation time I had with them and their families, rather than with my own.

I recently went to the Pentagon, where I met with everyone I thought could make a difference in the decision that was being made. I showed them some footage and it went very well and after returning to North Carolina, I honestly thought that we were in good shape. But it turns out that even with all the support for my continuing with this film, ultimately a decision was made that the command in question couldn’t be ordered to take me, they had to agree to it... I put everything I had into this project, but ultimately, through now fault of my own, have been denied the opportunity to continue. I fought this decision with everything I had, alongside with all of those that have worked with me over the past two years, but it seems it wasn’t enough and we are now left standing here with nothing to show for it whatsoever except my personal experience.

Right now I feel like my legs have been taken out from underneath me, and everything I have sweated for over the last two years, physically, emotionally and financially has gone to waste. This is the first time I’m my life that I have started something and not finished it, and the worst thing about it is that I didn’t do anything wrong. Although I’ve been with the Marines for a long time, much of that time was dedicated to research and finding the right unit, and so there is nowhere near enough footage to make a complete film with. I have watched what is there, and it’s just not possible to make anything of any merit with it.

So, to try to recoup some of the money spent by my investors, we are selling all of the equipment. I have a pretty extensive list of stuff and wanted to give those on this forum the first crack at everything I have before I advertise elsewhere.

Everything I am selling is in great condition and prices are a little flexible on some items.

Best,

Marc Singer

[Marc Singer]

If any one has any interest in the equipment, send me an e-mail and I'll send you the list.

[Prairieboy]

I can not tell you how I feel for you. To commit to the point where you had earned that type of respect, from people where that is not an easy thing, and have it yanked from underneath you must be a horrible loss. I respect your comitment, and professionalism to give up so much of your life, to tell a story that is important to be known. I know these are merely words from a stranger. But for what it is worth I feel terrible for you, and angst to whom took this away. Good luck with the aftermath.

[Lente Loco Studios]

wow that sucks big time, man I too feel sorry... I do not know what to say other then life goes on and the good experiences you had with the heroes of this great country will be forever yours. and that my friend it is priceless.

[jefft99]

I'm so sorry to hear your story...It's also such a shame that your footage will be lost. With that, what if you flip the perspective... perhaps the story is not about the military, but instead, a filmmaker's desire to put it all on the line to tell a military story...Perhaps the story is about you...

My best to you..

[mule ferguson]

Mark. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like someone way up the chain of command decided to pull the plug.
Mule Ferguson
US Navy
Minesweep AM316
University of Korea 1951-55
:thumbup:

[Neal Buconjic]

Wow. That hurts. Sorry to hear that you had invested so much of your time, money and life into something that ultimately was out of your control.
I admire your perseverance and efforts to get the project approved again.

Judging by the list of equipment you've posted for sale, this was no small project.

Good luck to you, Marc.

Neal.

[Beat Takeshi]

Hey Mark, I remember you from the HVX boot camp in NYC and remember your passion for the project and the HVX. I think everyone that left Ablecine that day talked about how a guy like you gives inspiration in there own work. I know we talked about it.

Maybe there will be another shifting of guards down the line and you will be able to continue. Good Luck with it and hopefully you will finish.

I just recently lost my job so unfortunatly I can't help you recoup any costs on equipment :(

[Chris Messineo]

Marc,

I am so sorry to hear your story. As a independent filmmaker, you are and have been a major inspiration for me (I loved Dark Days) and it breaks my heart that your project gotten take out from under you.

I'm sure you will land on your feet and I wish you nothing but the best,

Chris

[chinnr]

Marc,

For some reason, the link to send you an email isn't working. Could you email your equipment list:

rob.chinn at gmail.com

Sorry to hear about your project. It sounds very interesting. Hopefully you'll get another shot at it.

Rob

[Marc Singer]

Thanks for all the posts full of support.
Yeah, it stings right now, but ultimately I'll be fine. In the end of the day, I make these films as a way for me to have the experience, and in this case I accomplished that. However, it would have been cool for you to see it too. It would have been special.

At some point, I'll post some of the footage for you to see.

Take care,

Marc

[TimurCivan]

Sorry to hear it marc, im a big fan of your films. We met once in 2000. I was in High school, and you were talking about your up coming Dark Days Project.

I was REALLY looking forward to your Doc. That is sad. But worst comes to worst, you still have alot of footage to work with. Im sure you can still make a story out of what you have. it just may not be what your origionally intended.

All my best man,
-Timur

[DC]

Marc,

I remember your posts from quite awhile back. I was anxious to see this film. I am so sorry to hear what has happened. I commend your efforts and courage. Perhaps there is a story somewhere throughout all that footage. Maybe even just a short film.

I have no doubt that you will indeed rise to the next level in spite of this setback.

Best always!

D~C

[Funkycoldg]

I too was really really interested to see this film after you spoke at the NYC Bootcamp. I really loved Dark Days and couldnt wait to see what you could do with this project. It has always been in the back of my head and have been waiting. Well keep us all informed for the next project you do.


~John G

[jcoxshooter]

marc will you email me you list
jcox75@bellsouth.net

[Steve Shovlar]

Marc, when I read the thread header I thought someone you had been filming had been killed. Whatever disappointment you feel now, no one was killed, and its just a huge bummer and waste of your time. Nothing more. No one died.

I enjoyed, if that is the right word, your documentary on the down and outs living in the underground networkm Dark Days, and was looking forward to watching this just as much.

But onwards and upwards. Don't look back, take a break and move on to your next project, where hopefully you won't bump into the horrendous red tape which took away all the planning and hard work you put in.

Best regards
Steve Shovlar

[matt s.]

Wow Marc sorry to hear about the film. Dark Days is one of my faves and was looking forawrd to seeing this as well!

hope all is well otherwise!

[MemphisMourns]

Marc,

Boy, if you are the Marc Singer who shot Dark Days, you are a truly talented man. That's one of the films that made me want to shoot documentaries in the first place. You are truly a man who understands how important "Style" is to storytelling. To this day, I can't listen to DJ Shadow without thinking about your film.

I, also, just wanted to let you know that Lost In La Mancha is probably up there with Grey Gardens as one of my favorite documentaries... have you seen it? If not, you probably need to...

I am seeking a ton of gear at the moment for my short... everything but a cam and tripod. Please email me at godsgreatesthits@yahoo.com.

Best to you, bro.

[Spotmen Inc.]

Sorry to hear this, best of luck in the future.

[jcgardiner]

Hi Marc:

While I am sure you have exhausted every option regarding this film and too be honest I don't blame you for cutting your loses...But I can't help to think that there is still a way to make this happen. Perhaps not under the best circumstances but it still could work. I have dealt with all branches of the military in filming over the last 10 years and it can be really challenging at times. Then again when you do get beyond the gatekeepers the opprotunities are like nothing else. Please email me offline to discuss strategies to make this work. I sure would hate to see all this hard work lost.

Contact me at jcgardiner@mac.com....Living in DC and producing docs for discovery "wings" I have alot of contacts within the military....

All the best to you

[Pierre Petit]

Its hard to make an offer without knowing what you have. If you have a marshall or some p2 cards i would be interested. dodih72 at hotmail dot com .
I'm sad to hear about your project.
Hopefully you will find a equally motivating or even better project to drive you.
Peace
-Pierre

[esperman]

Sorry to hear that your project died a sudden death.
I would caution against selling your gear to fast.

I'm sure you'll have something to use them for.

[MemphisMourns]

Hey guys, all of Marc's stuff for sale is itemized in the for sale section... just a heads up.

[David Saraceno]

It's listed over in the market place.

[Kholi]

Man that sucks. I didn't know this is why you were selling all of your equipment in the Marketplace.

It's a huge loss, but definitely not the end of the world. I know it's cliche to say, but it's generally true.

Good luck with the sales man, and everything else.

[saturnin]

take your story to CNN...

[TwistedLincoln]

Sounds to me like you have a decent story for a different documentary altogether...

Why not make a film about your experiences in trying to make your film?

[MemphisMourns]

I'm sure he is going to get a great movie out of all of this. I'm just going to assume that he is being noble by trying to get his investors some of their money back... also, it probably takes some of the pressure off his back if he does. I'm sure that he has a camera or two lying around if he needs any more footage of further battles, literal or figurative.

[Ted Arabian]

Wow. Bummer news. I am so sorry to hear it. I cannot imagine what that must feel like... to have so much time and energy invested.

I am certain that there is a silver lining in all of this.

Best of luck to you.

Semper Fi.

-Ted

[DCSensui]

Marc...

That's an awful thing to have happen. It's been at the back of my mind all this time and I was looking forward to seeing your work on this project.

I've thought about the possibility of such a long-term project being torpedoed before it can finish, but I guess it's one of those things that all of us independents face.

Hopefully all the footage you've acquired up until now has a value that you haven't realized yet. Perhaps taking a little time off can give you a different perspective that would allow you to tell a different -- but equally compelling -- story.

At the very time the military could use all the public support it can get, this failure to allow you to help tell its stories is short-sighted.

Perhaps you should hold off on selling your tools. There's so much more work to be done.

Good luck!

[Russell]

Hi Marc,

I totally sympathise with your position that you should have been allowed to continue filming. I have no doubt that you were making an outstanding film, and like many others here I believe you may still have one.

Your personal investment in this has obviously been huge and I don't know what pressures you are under from your backers, but you are still on track to tell an important story. It's just not the one that you expected to tell when you started.

An Australian filmmaker, Mike Rubbo, made a film called "Waiting for Castro", about an interview that never happened. The very fact that Castro was innaccessible has meaning and made a story.

Your betrayal by the military honchos has meaning. Their decision to stop you is political, and in my opinion it makes your story so much stronger that you exposed that. The people in the Pentagon are not fighting a war for transparency and accountability.

You have been caught in a chasm between the world view of the soldiers and the world view of their masters. And it is a place that is seldom explored.

I hope you are able to reflect on your situation and see that your film still has something important to say.

[Darth Bunnykins]

I'm just spitballing here, but what about putti g the doc on hold? As the soldiers and marines return you could continue the "story'of after their engagment. Follow up with their families. It's not dead yet. It's changed is all. Not quite the same thing, but there were two documenatry film makers here in canada that shot on film and the lab went up in flames. They lost every bit of neg and footage.

They the started again. Remade the entire doc from scratch.

Your doc ain't dead yet, it's just different. Show the footage to other possible distribution people/finacier possibilities. keep going. I bet you make a killer film inspite of this kick in the pants.

Funny, I was looking to buy a used HVX200, but I wouldn't feel right buying it from you because I saw Dark Days and was floored by it, so I know you can pull one frickin' awesome, bad ass rabbit out of your hat.

[RayFrisby]

Marc,
What can I say, this is a tough blow. I'm sure everybody here wishes you the very best. After reading your post I'm sure of one thing however; this trust and respect you have earned with the forces won't go to waste. Somewhere down the line it will be repayed. Best of Luck with your future projects.
Regards,

Ray

[Milezee]

Thats pretty outrageous, way out there! I'm sure it will be much discussed on the boards here.

Good news to hear you're OK, there were a lot of folks wondering what had happened.

re getting investor money back:
I'm think you could get a pretty decent price on the camera at least if you sell it as "Marc Singers Camera" , big it up and auction it or something, I'm sure you'd be suprised what some people would pay for what is in essence film making memorabilia.

[Kdawg]

I am really sorry to hear about this Marc. I shot a PM to you after seeing the list of equipment yesterday morning. I feel compelled to say sorry for being greedy on wanting that equipment now. This was your life for two years man, these guys need to understand that. Do they not understand that?

Maybe you can continue with a different platoon in a few months or something. I would say if you feel attatched to this project, keep fighting man. Write some letters. Shoot, this is your footage. Get your story in the local news or something. This might also make for a nice short film about what you went thru. My thoughts and prayers are with you mate...

[Marc Singer]

Thank you for all for your responses to the post I wrote. Please don't feel bad about buying the equipment. It's just a way for the distribution company involved to try to recoup some of the money they lost. It has nothing to do with my personal situation. I technically didn't own it in the first place, and always just looked at it as a tool to get the job done. So, if you see something you like, grab it. It's a good deal, and the stuff is in great shape.

As far as my personal situation goes, I'll be fine. It's unfortunate that this film will never see the light of day. I truly believe it would have been great and I would have loved sharing the experience with you. But, it's also the nature of the beast and the chances you take when embarking on something of this nature. Welcome to documentary filmmaking! It's not the first time I've been knocked down and probably won't be the last. But it's also not how many times your on your down that matters. What counts in this game is how many times that you get back up. And I'm doing just that.

Once again, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.

All the best,

Marc

[Marc Singer]

Thank you for all for your responses to the post I wrote. Please don't feel bad about buying the equipment. It's just a way for the distribution company involved to try to recoup some of the money they lost. It has nothing to do with my personal situation. I technically didn't own it in the first place, and always just looked at it as a tool to get the job done. So, if you see something you like, grab it. It's a good deal, and the stuff is in great shape.

As far as my personal situation goes, I'll be fine. It's unfortunate that this film will never see the light of day. I truly believe it would have been great and I would have loved sharing the experience with you. But, it's also the nature of the beast and the chances you take when embarking on something of this nature. Welcome to documentary filmmaking! It's not the first time I've been knocked down and probably won't be the last. But it's also not how many times your on your down that matters. What counts in this game is how many times that you get back up. And I'm doing just that.

Once again, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.

All the best,

Marc

[true]

Marc!

I'm absolutely stunned. If only people knew the intense dedication that you've put into this project, they would be even more shocked by this particular twist of fate.

On the other hand, are you coming down for Wakulla? We had close to 100' of vis two weeks ago-- it's been seven years since the basin looked like that. Wait until you see "Patience," the firestore-enabled housing for the HVX that we've come up with... Call me at home.

Best,

Anthony

[kledster]

marc, i'm sorry to hear this. i didn't know who you were at first, but i just realized that you made dark days. i watched dark days about 2 years ago. it was enthralling and the most interesting and unique documentary i've ever seen, without a doubt. i always wondered who was behind that camera because it takes a really bold person to go underground into that whole other world like you did. and judging by it's quality, i know everything you'll make in the future will be excellent. hope to see your next project in the near future.

[Alvise Tedesco]

Mark, it is from the post were you announced you were starting this new experience that I'd like to see Dark days. Never released in Europe? Never tried to contact an italian broadcaster/distributor?
Sorry for what happened. I shoot 2 reality shows (very very trashy) x year specifically to have time and money to put on good projects like yours. Many times I felt inspired by what you were doing.
Alvise

[valdez]

Hey Marc.
I honestly feel a little star struck, since Dark Days hs been one of my favorites for a long time. I'm just coming off of three years with a doc that has been really hard as well, but I'm sorry to hear about what you're dealing with. I guess it's kind of the nature of the beast and keeps us humble. I'm interested in the gear as well could you send me a PM with the list or something? Thanks. Good luck moving forward, I think you'll figure out where to go soon, I've been there and it hurts, but you'll bounce back harder on the next one.

[Ursa]

I don't actually manage to explain my sympathies for you. I don't even understand how it must feel to be working on something for two years then suddenly this all happens. Hopefully none others here on this forum will have to go through what you have. I have two things to say:

1. As I've stated before, "Dark Days" was actually shown at my film school during a documentary course. I hope you can find some consolation in that your films are reaching beyond borders and are used as examples of tasteful and original works (And they could've chosen any other of the thousands of good documentaries out there, but they chose yours)

2. Winston Churchill: "Never, never, never, NEVER give up!"

That's it for today. Good luck! :)

[Arson]

Marc don't sell the gear. Keep going and let the story become the story. It seems to me that you wanted to make a specific documentary. Maybe you should broaden your focus, and make the subject the be the slow navigation of the beauracracy and how it harms progress rather than encourage it. You probably had plans of film about recon soldiers crawling around at night in enemy territory but in reality footage of you in boardroom meeting after meeting trying to get your film made is the real story.

[Jarred Land]

your an incredible filmmaker.. i think you can come out of this well.

[evandroc]

you will be a better man after that. and will have many more ways to tell the same story. and we are story tellers, aren´t we?
come out of this well.

[Justyn]

Marc don't sell the gear. Keep going and let the story become the story. It seems to me that you wanted to make a specific documentary. Maybe you should broaden your focus, and make the subject the be the slow navigation of the beauracracy and how it harms progress rather than encourage it. You probably had plans of film about recon soldiers crawling around at night in enemy territory but in reality footage of you in boardroom meeting after meeting trying to get your film made is the real story.


DITTO... Kind of like that doc, Sherman's March that sets out one way and ends up being something much more and much more entertaining. Sometimes its a crooked path to get to where we go..


Best of luck and thanks for thinking of us here at DVXuser...

[sahar60]

Hi Marc,

Sorry to bother you like this. I am a social work student and highly inspired by your dark days movie. wondering if i can possibly talk to you re a civic engagement class i'm taking. would you mind contacting me @ littlemahi@gmail.com.

all the best,

Sahar

[robmneilson]

Considering the last post was from 2007 he might not be reading this thread anymore.

[sahar60]

I know... sort of a shot in the dark... didn't know how else to get a hold of him