The Making of "Dog sitter" - a short film

Nerdcolony

Nerdcolony

Member
Hi everyone,

Not only is this going to be my first "Real" project that I am heading but it's also my first time posting here. Exciting!

I was inspired by the Corrado posts and thought It might be cool to do something similar. I would eventually like to make a video podcast to coincide with this post.
I also have a blog that will be simillar to these posts (sometimes even the same if I'm lazy and don't want to write things twice.)

www.mynewjobinfilm.blogspot.com

So here is where I am at so far.

As I mentioned, this will be my first film. I'm not including student films or experimental films or any corporate stuff I've done.

I've written a script and tried to get as much feedback as I can on it. I had it up a few times on zoetrope.com and I got some good constructive feedback. I'm sure there will be changes made but it's pretty much 100% ready to go right now.

I just found a producer who will help me get this show up and running. Faisal Lutchmedial (My Cultural Divide, Useless Things) is the man! We have decided to shoot for three days over Thanksgiving weekend (Oct 11-13).

I'm right in the thick of begging for money for this film. We'll see what happens.
On my blog I have a button for people to donate money through paypal. I saw something once about a movie that asked people to donate at least a dollar to become Executive producers on the project. So I tried that on my blog and guess how much I got!......


NADA!


Not surprising. I don't think I would donate to me.

I've also tried to contact ARRI. I told them that if the sponsor me I will tattoo their logo to my body....no answer yet.

I'm gonna try a few different ways to make $$$ but any geurilla fundraising tips would be great.

This is going to be a fun shoot and I'm going to be busy busy busy getting this all to happen AND holding down a full time job. I'm sure its been done before but this will be my take on things. These posts may be a bit all over the place but we'll see what happens.

Cheers!

Adam Reider
 
Have you considered applying for the Panavision Filmmaker Grant? They'll loan you a decked out camera system and some film if you get accepted.
 
I just looked into it after reading your suggestion and I'm not elligable 'cause I'm Canadian. I'm planning on shooting HD anyway so it's ok. Thanks anyways!!
 
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Fund Raising

Fund Raising

I need to raise some money for this film. I realize that I can pay for the whole film myself but I would much rather offset that cost by finding another way.

So 2 days ago I hit the streets of Montreal with a big sign that read "Make My Dream come True." I had a jar iin one hand, the sign in the other. I also had friend who filmed the whole thing and we had a clip board to take down E-mail Addresses. I thought this be fun and I wanted to get the footage for a video-podcast I will be putting together soon.

It went like this:

I hit the streets in Downtown Montreal. I realize I have on average about 5-10 seconds to pitch groups of people. Of course I get ignored and laughed at but who cares, it's all in good fun.

It's raining too so we are trying to keep dry. I get a few people to put some change in my jar. I realize most people think I'm a creative homeless man so I get the camera to be a little more present. Now people are not giving more money but I am getting things like "Good effort man!" or "I hope you make your movie."

When people where stuck at the corner waiting for the traffic light to turn green I would turn it up. "C'mon everybody, we all have dreams, you could change my life forever. Doesn't that feel good? Anybody ever think about making dreams come true?" I know it was cheesy but it works (and is true too.)

People started coming over and asking what my movie was about. As soon and I got them to come over I could pitch them and sure enough people put money in my jar. I told people that if they donate $5.00 they would be listed as Executive producer on the film. I got a few people to throw 5's in there.

One of my favorite lines was this old man who looks at me then the sign then me again and shouts "YEAHY well everyobdy's gots dreams!" and storms off.

Now that I'm getting good at the 10 second pitch (this is a great exercise for pitching by the way) I start attracting people who are also trying to make a name in the fiolm biz.

One girl stops at the corner and I start my pitch. She looks unempressed but she can't go anywhere. Stuck by the red light. I pitch a little harder. She looks at me and:


Her: You're making a movie? (Dripping with disbeleif)

Me: I sure am!

Her: oh yeah? whats it called then?

Me: Dog Sitter

Her: Really? (eyes widen a little)

Me: Yeah, I'm really trying to make a movie. For real.

Her: Whats it about?

Me: It's about a girl who is severe psychological probelems. She gets a part time job babysitting two dogs and chaos ensues.

Her: Really? (eyes widen even more)

Me: It's a dark comedy if you like that sort of thing

Her: You really are making a movie!

Me: Yes! Yes I am!

She then introduces herself to me. She works for a production company in Montreal that just produced a short film that one at Cannes. She gives me her contact info and says she wants to help me.

When I get home I check out the info and sure enough she is ligit! I'm going to call her and see whats what. You never know...

Total $$$ raised after 90 minutes: $39.53
 
My new toys

My new toys

So I decided to buy some lights. I had the money from another project so technically this money is not coming out of the Dog Sitter budget. I needed a decent kit that I could use for small projects but also something that will help the production.

I ordered from Rostronics. I've read tons of reviews and what I hear so far is:
- the price is unbeatable
- They are made surprisingly solid
- Costumer service is great!
- They are not perfect but they work well.
- if you drop them they will explode into tiny shards of unrecognizable goo.

For the price I am paying, I almost feel like if I drop one I'll just buy a new one. I also got a discount by typing in DVXUSER in the coupon code. Anyway, well see what happens when I get my stuff. I use Paypal echecks so it will take some time for it all to go through.
I ordered:
6 x PBL SANDBAG FOR BOOM OR LIGHTSTAND (PBL-7153) = $66.72
1 x PBL 3 FOOT LIGHT STAND (PBL-811) = $12.80
1 x BRITEK 2035 1000W FOCUSABLE HALOGEN LIGHT (Britek 2035) = $186.11
Britek RS-1000 Barndoor RS-1000 Barndoor
Britek Light Stands 4064 Compact 7.5' Light Stand
Britek 2035 Bulb Replacement Bulb 2035
1 x BRITEK 1800BHKB 1800W FOCUSABLE HALOGEN 3 LIGHT KIT W/ BOOM (Britek
1800BHKB) = $489.00
1 x BRITEK 2001 200W FOCUSABLE HALOGEN LIGHT (Britek 2001) = $105.80
Britek Light Stands 4064 Compact 7.5' Light Stand
Britek 2001 Barndoor Britek 2001 Barndoor
Britek 2001 Bulb Replacement Bulb 2001
1 x BRITEK 2002 300W FOCUSABLE HALOGEN LIGHT (Britek 2002) = $128.28
Britek Light Stands 9039 Pro 9.5' Light Stand
Britek 2002 Barndoor Britek 2002
Britek 2002 Bulb Replacement Bulb 2002
3 x Bulb - Britek 2025 600W Halogen Light (2025-1) = $35.16
2 x 2008 D160mm BARNDOOR (Britek 2008) = $33.92
---------------------------------------------------
Very exciting.

Now I'm starting to gather the troops.
So far I've found:
Producer
DP
1stAD
2ndAD
Soundman
Makeup

I'm looking for a name actor for a bit part to give some street cred. It's impossible to find somebody. Nobody lives here and there aren't any big movies being shot here over the thanksgiving weekend.
Next stop: Toronto...I'm going to see who is around there and maybe fly somebody in.

What to do next....
 
Seems like you're really motivated to make this film, that's great! Best of luck, I'll definitely keep checking back for updates.
 
I...

I...

I'd take my hat off for you...If I had one.

You are amazing me already with your dedication.
I'm glad you found that producer. We run into people who can change out lives in the most unexpected moments.

I just finished a short film called Heaven, U.S.A (you can find the blog in here as well)
Currently trying to find a way to make money off it. Very excited.
I wish I was there to help you. I love to work with people with such motivation as you.
Keep us updated on whether or not you get more funding for your film.

Charlie Garcia.
 
Last night I finished reading "Rebel Without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez. It got me so pumped to do this film! I feel like I'm gonna finally make something that will be substantial. Even though the book is pretty dated, It makes me think that my dream is possible. Everybody tells you that you can't make it in the biz and I think they say that to scare away the competition.

But another thing occurred to me. I realized "Dog Sitter" is a movie I want to see. I think it's a real important breakthrough for me to realize this. I think Robert also hit on this in his book. I'm making this movie for me. I want to make movies and this is one I want to make!

It feels really good. I'm stoked. I have nothing of importance to write except that I am excited to make a movie and I want people to know that!

YEAH!
 
I'm trying to decide something.
I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt to get a name actor for the show or will it be better to put that money into the production. There is one scene (the climax) where I need some good special effects to pull it off. The more I show, the more it will cost.

The way I have seen the scene in my head is that I want to show as much as I can. Of course the more I show the better the effect has to be to be beleivable.

So on one hand, I could hire a name actor and on the other get the effect I want.

I want production value but I want to be smart about it. If I get a name actor it will be for a supporting role.

What do you think people will enjoy more? After they see it will people be more likely to say "Wow it was awesome that XXXXX was in that movie, He was really good." or will people say "Holy crap that last scene was NUTS!!"

I can only afford one.

Any ideas?
 
Go with the actor:
1. more people will watch your film... a lot of people wont even take the time to see that great special effect if they have never heard of anyone in your film

2. With an A or B actor even in a supporting role you will be able to find distribution of some sort.... most likly able to recoup expense

3. You can still make that last scene nuts without expensive effects.... Think reservoir dogs

4. find a way to get the shot without spending money..... it will make you a better film maker in the long run

5. Some of the stuff that has stayed with me the most is what you dont see
what your imagination has to fill in.... do this with camera angles... think faces of death.... ever notice they never really show anyone die the camera shifts angle, cuts away, or shakes.... now ask anyone what they saw.... you will get some amazing responses to that question...

Make it nuts!!!! with your name actor of course....

Good Luck
 
Legend is right about getting your movie out to distribution. A name will always get distributers interested. However, it's going to have to be a recognizable name and not just a TV name (with a few exceptions).

However, I believe a good movie will always open more doors for you and your next project, no matter how much distribution it initially gets. Show a good project to future investors is an easier way to get financing. IMHO FWIW....

I, too, found Rebel without a crew inspirational. The other two books I got the most from are0321413644_01__SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V49824200_-710041.jpg and
blink_eye_murch.jpg
 
SO...in the end I decided to do away with the name actor.
Although there were some strong points for getting one, my reasoning for saying no is this.

1) I won't be able to sell the short for even a fraction of the cost it would take to make it with an actor. (If I even sell it all)

2) Not only would it cost a but-load more to get an actor but I also would have to pay the rest of the cast at union wages.

3) The only actors that are around this city are...uhm...nobody. so that means I have to fly people in. Even if it means just from Toronto.

4) Most Canadian actors I could afford don't sell movies very well. If it's a short I don't think people will even care.

5) I don't want to blow my load too soon. Chris Jones (of the Guerilla filmakers series) said in an interview I heard that a lot of start-up filmmakers spend a lot of money on their first run. They talk a good game, get investors excited and then make a film that doesn't sell. The next time, trying to get investors back in is more difficult with a track record that shows no return. I guess the idea is don;t spend too much on first one. Try to recoup some loss and then the second round be realistic and keep growing from there.

I'm ready to take a personal hit on this film but I want it to really count for something.
If I was doing a feature, this would be a different story for sure.

In other news I'm holding auditions on Sept 6th. I think I'm going to get a deal with the rental house to give me a spare room to hold auditions. i.e. free!
We'll see.

I just bought a second hand Flycam 5000 with comfort arm and vest. I tried it out tonight on my old XL1. I realize I need to have more weight on the bottom for sure. Especially if I'm going to use the HVX200 with flip, brevis, lens and matte box.
It says it can hold up to 12 lbs and I think that camera set-up comes in at just about 10 lbs.

I also bought a monitor from AVforesale of Ebay. It comes with a flight case too. Pretty good deal. Less than $500!

They are delivering it frieght to my home address. I don;t really know what that entails. What I do know is that I won't be home to receive it. I hope that doesn't complicate things too much.

This week I'm looking into buying a Macbook pro. Anything I should consider before going the way of Ebay?

Thanks for reading!
 
I just discovered that I hate story-boarding. I think that they are going to be a crucial part of the process but I hate actually drawing out each individual square. I can't bring myself to get one of those story board programs.

Also, I'm starting auditions on Sept 6th. It's amazing...for so many applications, hardly anyone wants to call me back. Why would be people even apply if the don't want to at least know more than the title.

I decided I would like to get Tom Sizemore for the film.

Just kidding.
 
Yesterday we held auditions. WOW!! It was actually quite depressing. Some people just can't act! I'm no expert but jesus!

There were some people who were pretty good though. We are going to have to hold another round of auditions as well as have a few call backs.

I just want to say that if I don't find the right person for the leading role I'm not going to shoot the movie in october. I'm putting up too much money to risk it all on an actress that doesn't completely sell the character.

I also received my lights from Britek/Rostronics. They look pretty good. I can tell there is a lot of spill from the lights but at the price I paid I am not complaining.
On of the 650's had some minor damage but they are sending me a replacement parts right away. Good costumer service!

I'm waiting to get my Monitor. It had to pass through customs. I have form after form to fill out and I had to go to canadian customs a few times now. They had to do this inspection and it's just dragging on. All I need to do is pay $10.04 in duties but no... there is a whole ridiculous process to go through.

This is a conversation from the last time I went to canadian customs. Very strange in there. It's basically a big office but all the employees wear bullet proof vests and guns.

Customs officer: You have to come back another day.

Me: Can I just pay right now?

CO: no.

Me: So I have to come back another day to pay 10 bucks so you can ship it to my house?

CO: yes.

Me: but can't just pay for it now so when you finish the inspection you can just send it over.

CO: Sir we can't do that. We have to make sure you are paying the duties for whats in the shipment. It could be Cocaine.

Me: Are you telling me I have to pay the duties on a Cocaine shipment?

CO: yes... and then we arrest you.

Me: Ok... I'll come back.


Anybody live in Montreal and have a house I can shoot in? Locations are turning out to be harder than I thought! I do enjoy the learning curve in some perverse way.
 
Nerdcolony said:
I just discovered that I hate story-boarding. I think that they are going to be a crucial part of the process but I hate actually drawing out each individual square. I can't bring myself to get one of those story board programs.

Also, I'm starting auditions on Sept 6th. It's amazing...for so many applications, hardly anyone wants to call me back. Why would be people even apply if the don't want to at least know more than the title.

I decided I would like to get Tom Sizemore for the film.

Just kidding.
Click to expand...

What I did on one project was to take still pics of the locations with the camera angles the director wanted. I printed them out like a contact sheet, 6 to a page, on 11x17 paper. He then drew on the pics with a fine point red marker. Worked for him.
 
Nerdcolony said:
This is a conversation from the last time I went to canadian customs. Very strange in there. It's basically a big office but all the employees wear bullet proof vests and guns.

Customs officer: You have to come back another day. [...]
Click to expand...

Haha, well, it seems that you've found your way to the CSIS headquarters, my friend!
 
I found a location! Thank the good sweet lord! It's about 35 minutes out of Montreal but at least I can be there 2 (maybe 3) days for free!

And free is just about the right price for me.

In other news... A new wave of auditions is going to take place in a few weeks. Times a-ticking considering the shoot is exactly one month away.
 
I finally got the monitor. I guess I should have looked more carefully at the description because this thing is a huge monster! It fits perfectly with my editing setup but not so much with the on set type of mobility I would have wanted but the huge flight case it comes with has wheels so we can roll it around.

I've been sick with a fever for the past few days and I feel like I've fallen behind in the prep work. I still want to finish those story boards before I meet with my D.O.P. this weekend. I feel like I have a lot to do but my producer has been taking care of a lot of different things. I'm really lucky to have somebody work on the film that is completely competent and gets things done.

He has also decided to be the 1st AD during the shooting days to save money. He would be doing a lot of the same stuff anyway and seeing as the original 1st AD decided to give the old "I may still do it if this other job doesn't work out" I am opting for Fasial instead.

Less than a month till we shoot and when I think about I get so nervous I want to just call it all off. Even though this is something I've been wanting for a long time I'm just so nervous that I start to think "What if we're not ready?" "What if it sucks?...etc"

But it's funny how I've thought "what if this is really successful?" and still got nervous. I suppose it's all about the unknown.

Anybody feel that way too?
Anybody reading this?

Echo!.......
 
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