Red Ruination Blue - a production blog
- Thread starter taormina
- Start date
Hey Adam,
Just wondering who you're passing around your script too in first draft stages. It's never a bad idea, I did that with my own feature and it's walking pretty damned far. Much much much more further than I had ever expected and now, what started as a project to shoot is more than likely about to be handed over... which is a good thing.
Are you sending it off to colleagues or script doctors? The Unk?
It's cool that you're starting this particular thread at said stage, I'm interested in how it's going to play out as something that you want more money for this go around, etc etc.
Just wondering who you're passing around your script too in first draft stages. It's never a bad idea, I did that with my own feature and it's walking pretty damned far. Much much much more further than I had ever expected and now, what started as a project to shoot is more than likely about to be handed over... which is a good thing.
Are you sending it off to colleagues or script doctors? The Unk?
It's cool that you're starting this particular thread at said stage, I'm interested in how it's going to play out as something that you want more money for this go around, etc etc.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Hey Kholi!
I'm handing it off to the following people for critique / review:
- Unk (I've known him for a long time)
- A producer friend of mine who's produced 23 films.
- My DP
- My 1st AD
- My production designer
- My visual effects guy
Recall for Corrado I posted it on triggerstreet for 4 or 5 months and it got good reviews there. This time I don't want it to be public info.
Always a good idea to shop these things around.....
taormina
Hates to Rent
This afternoon!
Neal Buconjic
Well-known member
Hey Adam,
My time zone is EST - so that means it'll be noon in 37 minutes - technically making it "this afternoon".
Eagerly awaiting the synopsis.
Good luck with this project. These threads are always a good read.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Okay, this is going to be longish.....
Firstly, the logline for RRB is thus:
A man content to let his rights erode finds himself living in an increasingly dystopian world
Okay so that doesn't reveal much, but I don't have a synopsis done yet. I'll try and capture the essence to the film as best I can.....
Firstly, a note to the site moderators:
I'm aware that DVXUser is not a place to discuss politics. Red Ruination Blue, however, is a very political film, and the description of the movie below is closely tied to my own personal beliefs. It's presented below to adequately explain the film, not to entertain debate on the topic. I'll happily answer any questions on the topic, but it's not my intention to try and start a flame war or even a discussion, really. This thread is about the making of the film, not the topic.
I needed to say that because in many ways the movie will be like Passion of the Christ (except not religious) or even the Oliver Stone pic W...it's hard to separate the filmmaking from the controversial idea contained therein.
Okay, disclaimers aside. Here goes. (this is not the synopsis of the film...it's just a little writeup)
*********************
Red Ruination Blue is set about two years hence, the story of a man called Shem who is in his late thirties. He has an eight year old daughter named Beth. Because of the hyperinflation and general shortage of money he and Beth are forced to live with his parents. His Dad is a hardened army veteran, distrusting of any authority whatsoever. To Dad, everything is a government conspiracy. Dad's got stashes of food, guns, and ammo "just in case". Shem is the polar opposite...he welcomes the increasing amount of police officers on the streets, the new rules, the curfews.
Soon enough it seems that Dad's dire warnings start coming to pass; there are food and fuel riots almost daily, general anarchy on the streets, and the gradual emergence of a militarized police force. The government does what it can to control all of the violence, and in the end resorts to martial law and the seizure of lawfully owned firearms from law abiding citizens to control the chaos. Dad, identified as a firearms owner and thus declared a threat to the security of the country, is taken away by a group of jack booted thugs in the middle of the night, along with hundreds of thousands of others, in what is officially described as a "terror sting".
Shem comes to realize throughout the story that most of Dad's paranoia was well founded, and through a lifetime of silence he has essentially let his rights fade away to nothing. Finding himself living in a police state where the police have been replaced with Judge Guards (UN soldiers who are police and judge rolled into one package), he decides to do something about it.
Without giving too much away, that's basically the story. It can also be summed up nicely by the following quote:
"The Second Amendment is a doomsday provision, one designed for those
exceptionally rare circumstances where all other rights have failed -
where the government refuses to stand for re-election and silences
those who protest; where courts have lost the courage to oppose, or
can find no one to enforce their decrees. However improbable these
contingencies may seem today, facing them unprepared is a mistake a
free people get to make only once." - Alex Kosinski, US Federal
Appeals Court Judge
Firstly, the logline for RRB is thus:
A man content to let his rights erode finds himself living in an increasingly dystopian world
Okay so that doesn't reveal much, but I don't have a synopsis done yet. I'll try and capture the essence to the film as best I can.....
Firstly, a note to the site moderators:
I'm aware that DVXUser is not a place to discuss politics. Red Ruination Blue, however, is a very political film, and the description of the movie below is closely tied to my own personal beliefs. It's presented below to adequately explain the film, not to entertain debate on the topic. I'll happily answer any questions on the topic, but it's not my intention to try and start a flame war or even a discussion, really. This thread is about the making of the film, not the topic.
I needed to say that because in many ways the movie will be like Passion of the Christ (except not religious) or even the Oliver Stone pic W...it's hard to separate the filmmaking from the controversial idea contained therein.
Okay, disclaimers aside. Here goes. (this is not the synopsis of the film...it's just a little writeup)
*********************
Red Ruination Blue is set about two years hence, the story of a man called Shem who is in his late thirties. He has an eight year old daughter named Beth. Because of the hyperinflation and general shortage of money he and Beth are forced to live with his parents. His Dad is a hardened army veteran, distrusting of any authority whatsoever. To Dad, everything is a government conspiracy. Dad's got stashes of food, guns, and ammo "just in case". Shem is the polar opposite...he welcomes the increasing amount of police officers on the streets, the new rules, the curfews.
Soon enough it seems that Dad's dire warnings start coming to pass; there are food and fuel riots almost daily, general anarchy on the streets, and the gradual emergence of a militarized police force. The government does what it can to control all of the violence, and in the end resorts to martial law and the seizure of lawfully owned firearms from law abiding citizens to control the chaos. Dad, identified as a firearms owner and thus declared a threat to the security of the country, is taken away by a group of jack booted thugs in the middle of the night, along with hundreds of thousands of others, in what is officially described as a "terror sting".
Shem comes to realize throughout the story that most of Dad's paranoia was well founded, and through a lifetime of silence he has essentially let his rights fade away to nothing. Finding himself living in a police state where the police have been replaced with Judge Guards (UN soldiers who are police and judge rolled into one package), he decides to do something about it.
Without giving too much away, that's basically the story. It can also be summed up nicely by the following quote:
"The Second Amendment is a doomsday provision, one designed for those
exceptionally rare circumstances where all other rights have failed -
where the government refuses to stand for re-election and silences
those who protest; where courts have lost the courage to oppose, or
can find no one to enforce their decrees. However improbable these
contingencies may seem today, facing them unprepared is a mistake a
free people get to make only once." - Alex Kosinski, US Federal
Appeals Court Judge
taormina
Hates to Rent
Okay, next is the topic of targeting. Why is my movie about the topic that it is.
First of all, in this market, you have to target your movies to appeal to a really tight demographic. The film must reach it's target audience with a laserlike focus.
In order to build a strong grassroots campaign, you have to know the demo before writing the story.
Look at the recent spate of Christian films as an example. They're making a killing, because every church group in the united states watches them (Fireproof!). Highly targeted.
Only the studios have the power to target across all age and income groups with their massive advertising campaigns. We don't have that kind of money, so we have to pick a group.
If you can't name your target group you've failed already. This is why so many art films crash and burn. No demographic or one so broad it cannot possible be reached with the funds available.
How do you identify the target group for a coming of age drama? Throw $20 Million at it, that's how.
Corrado had a target group. Foreign buyers of action movies. Now listen up; when I made Corrado, the economy wasn't this fricked up. Now that it is, many sales agents have told me that the only thing that is selling is action. Thank God for targeting.
Okay so Red Ruination Blue is a very tightly targeted film. The themes contained therein will appeal primarily to:
Do you realize that my story is exactly up the alley of anyone reading www.survivalblog.com , which generates 125,000 unique visits per week - that's just one example.
Targeting aside, though, the story is very well done and there actually is a watchable movie there, and like Passion, it will appeal to people other than it's intended demographic - think Children of Men meets V for Vendetta - without that amount of action in it. There will be enough action in RRB to call it an action film for foreign sales.
The film is timely, with the financial collapses around us and world events as well, which should give it broader shoulders than just the above groups I've posted.
Now don't get me wrong - the movie isn't preachy or shove gun rights down your throat...it's MUCH more subtle than that. Still, I could probably sell a DVD to every NRA member easily (4 million members representing 100 million gun owners in the US alone). It would probably hold an appeal to anyone who voted Republican in the last election (50+ million people).
You see? No matter what your film is about, you need to start with the target audience first.
One thing that should be mentioned is that this movie holds less relevance to foreign audiences because of it's highly American nature. This is a bit of a risk for sure.
First of all, in this market, you have to target your movies to appeal to a really tight demographic. The film must reach it's target audience with a laserlike focus.
In order to build a strong grassroots campaign, you have to know the demo before writing the story.
Look at the recent spate of Christian films as an example. They're making a killing, because every church group in the united states watches them (Fireproof!). Highly targeted.
Only the studios have the power to target across all age and income groups with their massive advertising campaigns. We don't have that kind of money, so we have to pick a group.
If you can't name your target group you've failed already. This is why so many art films crash and burn. No demographic or one so broad it cannot possible be reached with the funds available.
How do you identify the target group for a coming of age drama? Throw $20 Million at it, that's how.
Corrado had a target group. Foreign buyers of action movies. Now listen up; when I made Corrado, the economy wasn't this fricked up. Now that it is, many sales agents have told me that the only thing that is selling is action. Thank God for targeting.
Okay so Red Ruination Blue is a very tightly targeted film. The themes contained therein will appeal primarily to:
- Any NRA member.
- Right to keep and bear arms advocacy groups
- the gun lobby
- survivalists and preparedness minded people
- Republicans
- Patriots and Patriotic groups
Do you realize that my story is exactly up the alley of anyone reading www.survivalblog.com , which generates 125,000 unique visits per week - that's just one example.
Targeting aside, though, the story is very well done and there actually is a watchable movie there, and like Passion, it will appeal to people other than it's intended demographic - think Children of Men meets V for Vendetta - without that amount of action in it. There will be enough action in RRB to call it an action film for foreign sales.
The film is timely, with the financial collapses around us and world events as well, which should give it broader shoulders than just the above groups I've posted.
Now don't get me wrong - the movie isn't preachy or shove gun rights down your throat...it's MUCH more subtle than that. Still, I could probably sell a DVD to every NRA member easily (4 million members representing 100 million gun owners in the US alone). It would probably hold an appeal to anyone who voted Republican in the last election (50+ million people).
You see? No matter what your film is about, you need to start with the target audience first.
One thing that should be mentioned is that this movie holds less relevance to foreign audiences because of it's highly American nature. This is a bit of a risk for sure.
Steven2885
Member
I like it and wish you luck with it. And you're right that is a big target audience.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Big target but a focused target, wouldn't you say?
russc
Active member
Could not agree more about identifying that target audience. The way the media is parsed out through so many highly specific, different venues and channels now... that is the way to go. Find that audience first.
As usual, thanks for sharing all the details and continued good luck with both projects.
As usual, thanks for sharing all the details and continued good luck with both projects.
Zak Forsman
Major Contributor
do you intend to engage these communities yourself, or is this intended for a distributor to do so? any thoughts on how? I know a few films that targeted niche conservative audiences but failed to mobilize them... like An American Carol for example. do you have a strategy you're forming for that, or will this be left to whomever distributes?
I've been active in online communities central to reproductive rights because other than emo kids :crybaby: and other independent filmmakers :beer:, that's Heart of Now's niche. And i'm partnering with organizations on both sides of the issue.
I've been active in online communities central to reproductive rights because other than emo kids :crybaby: and other independent filmmakers :beer:, that's Heart of Now's niche. And i'm partnering with organizations on both sides of the issue.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Excellent question.
Remember the goal here is to pre-sell the film...If I can do it, I simply hand the studio their niche on a silver platter. If I cannot pre-sell, I can go pimp the film myself on these various sites and potentially through the NRA.
I think if you go that way you have to walk the talk.....i.e. if you are pimping a christian film you ought to be a christian or these groups will see right through your plan.
I'm actually very active in the right to keep and bear arms community on forums such as calguns.net and also an NRA member. I also participate on a few survival type forums, so yeah, I guess you could say I'm in touch with my demo and can sell to them fairly easily IMHO.
I like this idea a lot. Sounds very cool and the kind of movie I would watch. Since you are talking about pre-sales, do you think given the less than conservative nature of Hollywood, it is going to be hard to find big studio interest in the concept? Not trying to make this political either, so let's just say: If Hollywood is more liberal than conservative, do you see that being a problem for you story?
El Gato Negro
Well-known member
Hello Adam. I just spent 5 days reading every post for your Threads I & II for Corrado and wanted to thank you once again. It really got my brainstorming juices flowing.
I've been doing some major researching. As I stated to you, I will be producing and directing my first feature film. After talking to colleagues and reading countless Treads on distribution on dvxuser and other popular forums, I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority never recoup enough money to their investors nor get the chance to ever direct another feature because they couldn't make any profit.
Now, I am seriously considering self distribution for my feature film. Like yourself I have a laser focus target audience, the niche, subculture & demographic. My goal is to hire two high profile Latino actors to star in the film. My film will have a soundtrack and merchandising. Of course I still need to consult with SAG about self distribution. I will sell the foreign rights but I will keep the domestic.
Adam, would you ever consider self distribution?
Here is some fruit for thought. I called Disk Makers http://www.discmakers.com/products/DVDigipaks.asp to get a quote on their gorgeous 6 panel dvdigipaks. I started with a realistic projected sales of 50,000 dvds. The total was $50,000.00 and that was with out negotiating. 50,000 dvds sold at $25.00 would be $1,250,000.00 dollars. Of course this isn't including cost to maintain a studio/warehouse, employees, shipping cost and massive advertising fees. This self distribution avenue of course would only work if you have a specific target audience who have a track record of buying items that reflect their subculture. Just something to ponder about. I will go more in depth with my case study in my own thread for my feature, soon.
On a side note Adam, how do you even begin to do your taxes once you finished your film? Did you hire a film industry CPA? Once again thank you for your generous input, Adam.
I've been doing some major researching. As I stated to you, I will be producing and directing my first feature film. After talking to colleagues and reading countless Treads on distribution on dvxuser and other popular forums, I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority never recoup enough money to their investors nor get the chance to ever direct another feature because they couldn't make any profit.
Now, I am seriously considering self distribution for my feature film. Like yourself I have a laser focus target audience, the niche, subculture & demographic. My goal is to hire two high profile Latino actors to star in the film. My film will have a soundtrack and merchandising. Of course I still need to consult with SAG about self distribution. I will sell the foreign rights but I will keep the domestic.
Adam, would you ever consider self distribution?
Here is some fruit for thought. I called Disk Makers http://www.discmakers.com/products/DVDigipaks.asp to get a quote on their gorgeous 6 panel dvdigipaks. I started with a realistic projected sales of 50,000 dvds. The total was $50,000.00 and that was with out negotiating. 50,000 dvds sold at $25.00 would be $1,250,000.00 dollars. Of course this isn't including cost to maintain a studio/warehouse, employees, shipping cost and massive advertising fees. This self distribution avenue of course would only work if you have a specific target audience who have a track record of buying items that reflect their subculture. Just something to ponder about. I will go more in depth with my case study in my own thread for my feature, soon.
On a side note Adam, how do you even begin to do your taxes once you finished your film? Did you hire a film industry CPA? Once again thank you for your generous input, Adam.
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ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
I would also argue that it even more so speaks to Libertarians and those who believe in a free and open society.
Republicans actually do believe in huge amounts of regulation and welfare but just for the very wealthy.
Even if they aren't.
It is a system based on ignorance and distrust and false hope.
Very much like the Passion of the Christ I would say. (Which by the way was a pretty intense homo erotic snuff film at best.)
ESTEBEVERDE
Veteran
This actually deserves it's own comment as it is spot on.
Very Scarily enough this was the situation that we nearly had with Bush and to a bit of a lesser degree Bush 1.
taormina
Hates to Rent
You are 100% right, but not all of Hollywood is as liberal as you think. Sure, there are libtards in high places in Hollywood, but just as the article you sent me states, lots of conservatives.
Why even on my set, Sizemore, Messner, and a handful of others were staunch republicans, as well as my DP. I didn't know this prior o filming either. Well I did know about the DP....
The key to this is to make a film that expresses a viewpoint and transcends normal boundaries. This film is not a political statement, it's a piece of entertainment. It's serious material, for sure, but nothing that's going to hurt it, I don't think.
I'm always ready to make it myself and sell it to my target groups, however. Keep in mind too that it will have some significant actors in it which will more or less guarantee distribution.
taormina
Hates to Rent
No. And if you have the level of talent I recommend in your movie, you won't need to either. Cast = distribution, period, end of story. It's that simple. Self distribution is a hard road that requires tons of your time. Look at the America The Beautiful thread. I don't think there's anyone here who's done more with self distro, and it's a full time job requiring tons of promotion, time, and travel.
How are you going to direct your second film when you have to spend a couple years selling your first one?
I think 50,000 is very optimistic - by maybe a factor of ten. It really, really depends on your ability to market that many DVDs and goes back to the level of cast you have.
Here I have the most viewed user film thread in te history of DVXUser and when I put out a call for behind the scenes on the film, like 6 people said they wanted it. Wow......just......wow. 50K DVDs is mucho, mucho mas, amigo.
Also your DVD better have A list cast to sell for $25 bucks each considering you can buy The Dark Knight for $19.99!
No, I just have my taxes done by my normal CPA every year personally and for my LLCs, one of which is Taormina Films, LLC. It's no big deal, actually.
taormina
Hates to Rent
Well it will appeal to some Libertarians (Ron Paul types) for sure, even though nothing within the film is expressly "party-centric".
Again I want to emphasize that this is not a "republican" or "right wing" movie because then it becomes a piece of propaganda. It's a quality film with a message very close to that which our founding fathers would have adhered to, and leave it at that.