FEATURE: DEUCE OF SPADES - How I made a period full feature film all by myself on ZERO budget
- Thread starter Deuceofspades
- Start date
Deuceofspades
Veteran
The colorists at pro post house can work with one solid file per reel. Dissolves are no problem to them, so that's the route we are going to take
.
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Wow... My CGI team is getting bigger and bigger... I now have 5 pros working on the Title treatment alone. :thumbup: Special thanks to Darren D'Agostino for making it all happen. Darren has been amazing, spending countless nights working to pull this coup de force off. The title treatment is a rather ambitious one and worthy of a big budget production. It's entirely 3D and hand sculpted and when all is said and done will represent probably well over 200 hours of work... Maybe more? Not sure and out of curiosity I'll have to find out ... Work has been donated by this awesome team who believes in the film.
I am very blessed.
:dankk2: and :thumbsup:
... Work has been donated by this awesome team who believes in the film.I am very blessed.
:dankk2: and :thumbsup:
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Pluggin' away in filmland. Busy around the clock with no chance for any breaks or "me" time at all. But what else is new?
Got a follow up write up in major car magazine which resulted in my daily sales more than doubling. I now have raised enough money to finish the film, no problem. Although we will have to be frugal LOL. I'm getting pre orders from all around the globe, and the word keeps spreading like a wild fire. People who have been following me for 3 years now, are helping support my endeavour and finance the post production work left to do by pre-ordering the DVD and making donations.
Still working on the sound, got the last of the missing 50's foleys, those were some difficult ones to get. Subtitles are about 80% done...
No matter how hard I work, I still can't seem to get enough done and worry I about my release target date...
This is really stressful.
Got some quote for glass master and replication yesterday and the prices are really good... Will probably start with a 3000 run cause I've sold so may units already, they are going fast.
That's about it for me right now...
Gotta go back to work now ...
Got a follow up write up in major car magazine which resulted in my daily sales more than doubling. I now have raised enough money to finish the film, no problem. Although we will have to be frugal LOL. I'm getting pre orders from all around the globe, and the word keeps spreading like a wild fire. People who have been following me for 3 years now, are helping support my endeavour and finance the post production work left to do by pre-ordering the DVD and making donations.
Still working on the sound, got the last of the missing 50's foleys, those were some difficult ones to get. Subtitles are about 80% done
... No matter how hard I work, I still can't seem to get enough done and worry I about my release target date...
This is really stressful.
Got some quote for glass master and replication yesterday and the prices are really good
... Will probably start with a 3000 run cause I've sold so may units already, they are going fast.That's about it for me right now...
Gotta go back to work now ...
Last edited:
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Had a great meeting with post production expert yesterday, who made me a chart of how post production works and explained each stage in great detail.
Wow.
I finally have CRYSTAL CLEAR mental picture of what I am to do next and in what order.
Still getting quotes from misc places, Not quite ready to start on Color Correction yet, CGI not all turned in. SOund MIx is by far the biggest task and taking a long time to complete... Everything else moving along nicely, considering I am doing most of the tasks myself after I come home from day job (sigh). Feeling a bit tired of this non stop working 24/7 for 3.5 years... Sure will enjoy a little break when it's all completed...
But we're not quite there yet
.
Subtitles are all completed except for Spanish. I am now recording underscoring not too much to do, just a few short sections here and there.
Well, that's it for now... Gotta go back to recording now.
Wow.
I finally have CRYSTAL CLEAR mental picture of what I am to do next and in what order.
Still getting quotes from misc places, Not quite ready to start on Color Correction yet, CGI not all turned in. SOund MIx is by far the biggest task and taking a long time to complete... Everything else moving along nicely, considering I am doing most of the tasks myself after I come home from day job (sigh). Feeling a bit tired of this non stop working 24/7 for 3.5 years... Sure will enjoy a little break when it's all completed...
But we're not quite there yet
.Subtitles are all completed except for Spanish. I am now recording underscoring not too much to do, just a few short sections here and there.
Well, that's it for now... Gotta go back to recording now.
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Does anyone have leads to get 35 mm transfer done (other than DVfilms) ?
Cost of a transfer is just so out of reach for any small indie filmmaker.... Amazing.
Screwing on my thinking cap on how I am going to get one done hehehehehe...
thanks for any input!
Cost of a transfer is just so out of reach for any small indie filmmaker.... Amazing.
Screwing on my thinking cap on how I am going to get one done hehehehehe...
thanks for any input!
El Director
Veteran
Get picked up by a large distributor and they'll pay for it
Deuceofspades
Veteran
HAHAHA, no I'll pay for it, along with their lunches, dinners, girlfriend's presents, luxury car payments, marketing ideas that worked (and those that didn't) plus I'll probably never see any income from my film except for the small minimum garanty funds they might give me, which these days I hear is not that much.
Plus THEY will have control over my film, and all my rights....
Hmmmmm.... Sounds like such a good deal to me, Where do I sign up?
But it's true that they can get me on Netflix. WAIT. I'm ALREADY on Netflix
If a distributor can only offer a DVD release, they are not bringing enough to the table for me to want to give them the chicken that lays the golden eggs. Now if a reputable one wants to talk theatrical release, or anything else of real value that I cannot get myself, I'll be all ears. But we all know that theatriccal release is not a likely scenario.
When it comes to selling DVDs and distributing them to my target audience, I already got it covered and I am making 100% of profits and own 100% of my rights AND I (me the filmmaker) only have control over ALL the decisions pertaining to my film and remain Captain of my ship.
Someone would have to really offer me a great deal for me to want to give that away.
So as you see I am not eager to sign my film away, and I think I might be able to get my film transfer costs covered outside of a distributor.
So to sum it up: Distribution deal is not something I will consider unless the distribution company is really bringing something MAJOR to the table, something I cannot get myself and will never be able to get. Something that would make it worth it to me to give everything else I now have (and love having) away.
Anyone here knows a friend who has had a distribution deal lately? Share with us what their experience has been so far.
Plus THEY will have control over my film, and all my rights....
Hmmmmm.... Sounds like such a good deal to me, Where do I sign up?
But it's true that they can get me on Netflix. WAIT. I'm ALREADY on Netflix
If a distributor can only offer a DVD release, they are not bringing enough to the table for me to want to give them the chicken that lays the golden eggs. Now if a reputable one wants to talk theatrical release, or anything else of real value that I cannot get myself, I'll be all ears. But we all know that theatriccal release is not a likely scenario.
When it comes to selling DVDs and distributing them to my target audience, I already got it covered and I am making 100% of profits and own 100% of my rights AND I (me the filmmaker) only have control over ALL the decisions pertaining to my film and remain Captain of my ship.
Someone would have to really offer me a great deal for me to want to give that away.
So as you see I am not eager to sign my film away, and I think I might be able to get my film transfer costs covered outside of a distributor.
So to sum it up: Distribution deal is not something I will consider unless the distribution company is really bringing something MAJOR to the table, something I cannot get myself and will never be able to get. Something that would make it worth it to me to give everything else I now have (and love having) away.
Anyone here knows a friend who has had a distribution deal lately? Share with us what their experience has been so far.
Lance Bailey
Active member
Why are you looking at a transfer if you aren't expecting a theatrical release? If for your own use in theaters, I wouldn't bother. More and more are getting acceptable digital projection and you would have to sell alot of tickets to justify the transfer yourself. Just my $.02.
Brickhouse Media
Well-known member
Is it because certain festivals only accept 35mm? That rhyme with 'fundance'?
filmman
Veteran
you're right on the money
you're right on the money
You're right on the money -- plus they will charge you $100,000 just for the blow-up to 35mm. If you do it yourself, you can get it down to as little as $25,000.
As you know, some of the major festivals ask for 35mm prints, and that's mainly because they can't afford to spend $500,000 on digital projectors that will be used only once a year. Maybe in 20 years all theaters will be digital -- who knows... Maybe theaters will be gone completely and we'll be living all virtual lives. LOL
But stick to your guns, Faith! Your movie has legs!
you're right on the money
You're right on the money -- plus they will charge you $100,000 just for the blow-up to 35mm. If you do it yourself, you can get it down to as little as $25,000.
There are a couple of distribution deals in DVX user that I know of, NGL and CORRADO. Neither of them ended up with a 35mm print. They were screened in digital even in theaters.Hmmmmm.... Sounds like such a good deal to me, Where do I sign up?
But it's true that they can get me on Netflix. WAIT. I'm ALREADY on Netflix
If a distributor can only offer a DVD release, they are not bringing enough to the table for me to want to give them the chicken that lays the golden eggs. Now if a reputable one wants to talk theatrical release, or anything else of real value that I cannot get myself, I'll be all ears. But we all know that theatriccal release is not a likely scenario.
When it comes to selling DVDs and distributing them to my target audience, I already got it covered and I am making 100% of profits and own 100% of my rights AND I (me the filmmaker) only have control over ALL the decisions pertaining to my film and remain Captain of my ship.
Someone would have to really offer me a great deal for me to want to give that away.
So as you see I am not eager to sign my film away, and I think I might be able to get my film transfer costs covered outside of a distributor.
So to sum it up: Distribution deal is not something I will consider unless the distribution company is really bringing something MAJOR to the table, something I cannot get myself and will never be able to get. Something that would make it worth it to me to give everything else I now have (and love having) away.
Anyone here knows a friend who has had a distribution deal lately? Share with us what their experience has been so far.
As you know, some of the major festivals ask for 35mm prints, and that's mainly because they can't afford to spend $500,000 on digital projectors that will be used only once a year. Maybe in 20 years all theaters will be digital -- who knows... Maybe theaters will be gone completely and we'll be living all virtual lives. LOL
But stick to your guns, Faith! Your movie has legs!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
While major theaters may have already upgraded to digital projectors, my main target (Indie theaters, Drive ins etc) do NOT have digital projectors yet. many of teh smaller theaters don't either.
What's happening is that I am having theater owners come to me wanting to screen my film and I can't cause they can only take 35 mm. This is frustrating teh heck out of me so I want to break this wall down.
the alternatives:
1- Rent a very pro powerful digital proojector for a drive in = many thousands per rental. Not feasable.
2- Rent or buy a smaller used digital projector (this is the more commonly selected route by indie filmmaker with self releases) and travel with it. I'll leave that as PLAN B, but sounds like a major PITA. For exemple, short of flying with it to each screening (nor feasable) and setting up in the center of theater (not so pro), I dont' see how this will work for my scenario. With screening in many countries, I can't get that thing to Australia, Finland, France!!!!!!!
3- Get a 35mm master done. Now all the doors open. I can have premieres and screenings at any drive in, any country, and get screened anywhere in the world and at any theater. This my friends sounds like the smart way to do it, it's just a matter of MONEY. I have some novel ideas on how I can possibly pull this off. Afterall, what's one more miracle when it comes to DEUCE OF SPADES?? :happy:
What's happening is that I am having theater owners come to me wanting to screen my film and I can't cause they can only take 35 mm. This is frustrating teh heck out of me so I want to break this wall down.
the alternatives:
1- Rent a very pro powerful digital proojector for a drive in = many thousands per rental. Not feasable.
2- Rent or buy a smaller used digital projector (this is the more commonly selected route by indie filmmaker with self releases) and travel with it. I'll leave that as PLAN B, but sounds like a major PITA. For exemple, short of flying with it to each screening (nor feasable) and setting up in the center of theater (not so pro), I dont' see how this will work for my scenario. With screening in many countries, I can't get that thing to Australia, Finland, France!!!!!!!
3- Get a 35mm master done. Now all the doors open
. I can have premieres and screenings at any drive in, any country, and get screened anywhere in the world and at any theater. This my friends sounds like the smart way to do it, it's just a matter of MONEY. I have some novel ideas on how I can possibly pull this off. Afterall, what's one more miracle when it comes to DEUCE OF SPADES?? :happy:Lance Bailey
Active member
You've obviously put alot of thought into it. I hope you figure it out. There are many ways to skin a ....
Duke M.
Veteran
Faith,
I don't know if this helps, but some of the modern theaters already have digital projectors and receive their films digitally. In the downtown LA, Hollywood, Glendale and Pasadena areas most of the theaters are old. I understand the tie in between the movie era and the drive ins, but drive ins and indie theaters are, almost by definition, old.
Also, you can rent a theater at a megaplex and keep most of the proceeds, but you have to do the advertising to put people in the seats. I'm trying to remember, but I think Dov Simens talks about that in his indie producer's book From Reel to Deal.
Just something to think about.
Best regards,
Duke
I don't know if this helps, but some of the modern theaters already have digital projectors and receive their films digitally. In the downtown LA, Hollywood, Glendale and Pasadena areas most of the theaters are old. I understand the tie in between the movie era and the drive ins, but drive ins and indie theaters are, almost by definition, old.
Also, you can rent a theater at a megaplex and keep most of the proceeds, but you have to do the advertising to put people in the seats. I'm trying to remember, but I think Dov Simens talks about that in his indie producer's book From Reel to Deal.
Just something to think about.
Best regards,
Duke
moondog man
New member
I know, this sounds wild... But, where do they make most of the movies in the world? Hollywood? Or maybe in India or Hong Kong? In India, most of the theaters still use projectors and I bet the prices are "a bit" lower than in US.
Check for example in India:
http://www.qualitycinelabs.com
http://www.filmlabindia.com/home.html
Or HK:
http://www.digitalmagic.com.hk/home.html
Deuceofspades
Veteran
As I said earlier, only the BIG theaters have had the funds to upgrade to digital, cause it is very costly. Most regular theaters, in smaller towns, or privately own or smaller chains are still on 35 mm, so basically the majority, if not all of the theaters available to my film, cannot take digital format.
I am not too keen on shipping my master to any foreign country personally. Even if they can make a cheaper transfer.
Today I made some more calls to companies that do transfer and I am learning a lot
. Like for exemple you end up with 7 reels. Over 11,000 feet of 35 mm film. Weeeheeee !! Must be a pain to ship. Yu have to insure the suckers too. Cause they are expensive if they get lost in the mail you'd be in big doodoo. Easy to scratch too. Digital sure is the future, just wish all the theaters were already upgraded (sigh).Well I continue cutting my way through this jungle, foot by foot.
robmneilson
Veteran
I used to deliver 35mm prints for a film company in NYC to theaters and I can tell you they are a PAIN to get up and down subway stairs!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
HAHA! Yep, I hear you the future is digital !! I wonder how bulky they are, gotta store them at home I guess in between screenings... Where does one store their master? I assume there are facilities to store them safely... Anyone has any leads? Wonder how much insurance costs on those. I am told you gotta insure them, which makes perfect sense.
What a headache!! Why can't theaters ALL be digital already :kali:
FAITH
Deuceofspades
Veteran
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE !!!
Had an AMAZING day at Electric Entertainment yesterday. Patrick Cyconne
("Independence Day", "Final Destination", "Blow", "Sideways" and another 140 some major studio films - see: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0194195/ )
and his team started mixing the film.
I got to see my film in a theater like setting for the first time. On the big screen, with a huge surround sound theater like sound system and the seats were shaking when the hotrods raced...
My, my oh my....
I was on freakin CLOUD NINE. Smile from ear to ear and feet not touching the ground. The film was bigger than life, bigger than anything I had ever imagined, it swallowed you whole. Even though we were screening the video guide files, which are super low res crappy compressed files I gave them to work with, you could not look at that screen for more than 2 seconds and not get completely sucked into the story, into the action, into the fifties. It's the magic of a big screen.
I am HOOKED.
It was a great feeling to see all my efforts come together and realize the phenomenal potential this film would have for a theatrical release... It belongs on the big screen.
The boys did a wonderful job on REEL 2. The dream sequence was way cool, big sounds... I didn't have much changes to ask for just a few tweaks here and there. They pretty much nailed it from try one. Then we tackled REEL 3. The hot rod races sequences are very labor intensive, Patrick is very very experienced and got the jalopy race dialed in in a couple hours while Andrew watched him work.
This was by far one of the coolest days in my DOS experience... Giving me a taste of what it will be like when the film screens in theaters, that's going to be quite a high. I can't wait.
:2vrolijk_08:
Below some photos of yesterday's session:
The sound stage - as seen from projection room above - way cool !!
Reviewing REEL 2 with Andrew
Patrick Cyconne steps in to mix the Jalopy Race, assisted by Andrew.
Meanwhile I was sitting in one of these plush seats, watching them work. This is the first time I am not the one doing the work on the film. I stepped aside and let the big pros handle it, interjecting only when absolutely necessary, so to not slow them down. We are afterall, on a dead line.
Know this girl?? LOL
Had an AMAZING day at Electric Entertainment yesterday. Patrick Cyconne
("Independence Day", "Final Destination", "Blow", "Sideways" and another 140 some major studio films - see: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0194195/ )
and his team started mixing the film.
I got to see my film in a theater like setting for the first time. On the big screen, with a huge surround sound theater like sound system and the seats were shaking when the hotrods raced...
My, my oh my....
I was on freakin CLOUD NINE. Smile from ear to ear and feet not touching the ground. The film was bigger than life, bigger than anything I had ever imagined, it swallowed you whole. Even though we were screening the video guide files, which are super low res crappy compressed files I gave them to work with, you could not look at that screen for more than 2 seconds and not get completely sucked into the story, into the action, into the fifties. It's the magic of a big screen
.I am HOOKED.
It was a great feeling to see all my efforts come together and realize the phenomenal potential this film would have for a theatrical release... It belongs on the big screen.
The boys did a wonderful job on REEL 2. The dream sequence was way cool, big sounds... I didn't have much changes to ask for just a few tweaks here and there. They pretty much nailed it from try one. Then we tackled REEL 3. The hot rod races sequences are very labor intensive, Patrick is very very experienced and got the jalopy race dialed in in a couple hours while Andrew watched him work.
This was by far one of the coolest days in my DOS experience... Giving me a taste of what it will be like when the film screens in theaters, that's going to be quite a high. I can't wait.
:2vrolijk_08:
Below some photos of yesterday's session:
The sound stage - as seen from projection room above - way cool !!
Reviewing REEL 2 with Andrew
Patrick Cyconne steps in to mix the Jalopy Race, assisted by Andrew.
Meanwhile I was sitting in one of these plush seats, watching them work. This is the first time I am not the one doing the work on the film. I stepped aside and let the big pros handle it, interjecting only when absolutely necessary, so to not slow them down. We are afterall, on a dead line.
Know this girl?? LOL