FEATURE: DEUCE OF SPADES - How I made a period full feature film all by myself on ZERO budget

[Deuceofspades]

Three years ago, I set out on the ultimate adventure.

To make a full feature period drama, clocking at a little over two hours on a near zero budget. To be involved in every aspect of the making of the film from A to Z, basically doing most of everything myself.

An incredible challenge.

No investors, hardly any crew, one woman and her camera.

I decide to break every single rule known to the small first time filmmaker: I will make a period film, I will make it full length, I will do it without involving financial investors and I will do everything myself:

Basically I will: Write the script, cast the actors, scout the location, secure the props, wardrobe, haul the gear, do the lighting, set-up the camera and shoot, pull my own focus, do all my shots myself, direct, monitor the sound, do the wardrobe hair and make up as well as special effect make up and FX, I will also edit and compose the soundtrack.

I will do that without having ever been to filmschool.

I will do it or die trying.

This is guerilla filmmaking at its best (and sometimes its worst! LOL). Only the tough will survive.

The project? A three year commitment, Three years working 24/7 on it, filming every single week-end without fail and editing during the week.

IF I CAN PULL THIS OFF, I know many more will be inspired to take the less travelled road and push the limits of what is considered: "Possible"

THE GOOD NEWS IS: So far I am PULLING IT OFF! And quite nicely so if I may add. The film recently had a large test Screening in Daytona Beach, FL and about 700 people got to see it there. Here are some of their feedbacks:

I intend to share the journey with you here and hope some of the stories and info will be useful for others here.

I hope you enjoy the thread and I will do my best to answer any questions to the best of my abilities.

You can read my filmmaker's blog here, it is pretty detailed and truly a fun read. I post details of each shoot (so far over 120 of them). You will see how much of a battle it has been to make this film, but also just how cool and awesome. I certainly have learned to make lemonade out of rocks LOL.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

The film official website www.deuceofspadesmovie.com

The filmmaker detailed blog: http://deuceofspades.bravejournal.com/

To buy merch or an advance copy of the film to support me: http://deuceofspadesmovie.com/online_store.htm




So where am I at currently you ask?

Three years have already been spent working on DEUCE OF SPADES. I am 90% completed (this includes editing and most of the soundrack). The film is currently 2:10 long (including over 60 minutes of flashbacks to the fifties) and PG 13.

A new teaser, which does not reveal the plot line, is now spreading the gospel on the internet, along with a few other clips.


MAIN TEASER:

TWO OTHER SCENES:










SPECIAL FEATURES: Main cast interviews (complete with snipits of the film and behind the scene footage)


ACTOR FRANK O'LEARY





ACTOR JORDAN WARREN





One last behind the scene cute clip showing just how much fun we had filming the flashbacks: My lead man carried a little SD camera around with him and filmed whenever possible. So I took all his footage and edited this little clip, for posterity.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYTdnmB2pGg








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[Deuceofspades]

A few behind the scene photos I thought you might enjoy

[TimurCivan]

I love Greaser Period Pieces...... Looks Good.

PS: You have an amazing collection of Tights. Much like my collection of bad Tshirts.....

[Spinflight]

Faith you go girl. Great job!! I have to shoot that day but if something changes, I'd love to help you out. Keep up the great work. Can't wait the see the finished piece.

[Postmaster]

Perfect job Faith.
First and foremost for a one gal show.

This shows what is doable and possible without big budget and a hell of chrew and equipment, if you only focused, single minded, dedicated and obsessed enough.

Keep it going, can´t wait to see the film.

Frank

[Kholi]

Daaaang. Looks great, man. Nice production values and everything.

Edit: I really feel there's some seriously strong and motivated Camera work in the first teaser. Very nice!

[Matty_g]

Faith is a badass!

[jls4]

Definately Good Work - great cinematography.

[PaPa]

wow, thats some really nice stuff there! I would love to shoot a period type piece.

I see your shadow at 1:00 hehe, little shadow cameo

[TheRealMe]

Congrats! The teasers are looking good! HVX+LEX is a great combo, that's for sure. Set decors, wardrobe, make up... everything looks superb! I wish I could help you with your shoot, but I'm little bit too far away... (Canada)