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
More updates from Finland. Mystery Train put another 20 DVD up for sale on their site and they also sold in 2 hours, then they put 20 more and those sold too. LOL... Nw I'd better shp them to him pronto LOL, cause the band could only take 20 units on the plane with them and now sold 60...
Meanwhile at home we have been signing DVDs for 8 hours straight every day. My back is killing me from leaning over that table. I's been fun though. Only 600 more units for me to sign. I am already almost sold out of my first 4000 unit run. Better order more next week!!
Meanwhile at home we have been signing DVDs for 8 hours straight every day. My back is killing me from leaning over that table. I's been fun though. Only 600 more units for me to sign. I am already almost sold out of my first 4000 unit run. Better order more next week!!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Meanwhile here are some eloquent feedbacks from the Premiere audience members and a few from the test screening audience:
"An incredible movie/experience… My wife Brenda, Joe, Angie and me were all blown away with the story, acting, twists, the emotion and on and on. I definitely will tell my friends and family about it and what they missed today. The cars, the bands, the people… a great experience. Truthfully, I expected we would see the movie, check out the cars and get on with daily life in Fillmore. We got there at 11:30am and stayed all day and into the evening… "
- Dave Crocket - President Fillmore Chamber of Commerce.
"Faith
What an outstanding outcome for your film. Congratulations. I really thought the film is terrific."
- Ray Brown, Fillmore Film Commission.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
"A fantastic, retro, timeless master piece. I bought a copy of the film and have watched it three times. It is FANTASTIC! Well edited, superb acting and great directing"
- Eric Vigil, photographer.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
" You did not just touch my heart, you went straight through it! Growing up in Sweden on American Graffiti and dreams of the 50´s I have seen just about every movie ever made that included any of that, and this movie of yours is the best one I have ever seen.
Thank You so very much for fighting for your dream, it was well worth it and you will inspire many, many people. This movie will be known forever as one of the big ones, and frankly, I think you just started an avalanche."
- Peter Place, classic car collector / trader
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"This is an Oscar movie!The love story is even better then the movie "The Notebook". "
- Crystal Dossett, spectator.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"I've seen many indie films that aim for the sky and fall short, especially when it comes to capturing the essence of the story and the characters struggle; The quintessential heart and soul.
Deuce of Spades, on the other hand, doesn't just come packed with quality visuals and slick hot-rods, but also incorporates the HEART & SOUL throughout its run-time and connects with the audience at an emotional level - leaving you vulnerable in the end.
I've seldom felt the barrage of emotions that I experienced at the film's screening, and as a film-maker myself, this project has become part of a elite group of Independent Films that continues to inspire me in my personal journey into the directing world. Hats off to Faith Granger, her star Timothy Luke and the entire cast and volunteers who were involved in the making of this very ambitious flick."
- Adithya Ashok, Filmmaker
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film from beginning to end. I teared up at least three times. It has just the right amount of drama, humor, tragedy, excitement, despair, and redemption. What the filmmaker has accomplished is nothing short of amazing! I've seen many films, studio blockbusters and independents, and I must say that this exceeds the expectations of an independent film, although it has elements of an independent, it is exceptionally unique in it's story, presentation and cinematography.
After seeing it, I'm actually having dreams of scenes from the movie now!"
- Robert Eldon, Filmmaker.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"There is a level of genius in this production! The lighting, composition, ingenuity and creativity are as good as I have seen in 25 years of producing films and television. Especially the period scenes. The film captured the 50's and hot rod scene. (...) The director had some brilliant ideas that succeeded on film. Bravo. The story is well thought out, the direction is strong, and the casting was very successful. I believe Faith Granger will have success with this film and the films to follow. Her directing career is off to a great start."
- Oak O'Connor
Sr. Director, Production and Programming
GoTV Networks & Studio
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Wow Faith! I am so impressed and amazed by your film. Congratulations on a beautiful piece, on this amazing day after all of the work you put into it, and on finishing your dream. What an accomplishment. "
- Harriette Middleton, spectator.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Congratulations Faith, Your film is a great story, strong presentation and a beautiful portrayal of the 50s, the decade in which many of us "grew up", myself included. You have done a fabulous job, a true labor of love and we are all the richer for it."
- Tom Potter
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
“As a highly original independent film DEUCE OF SPADES stands out proudly from the pack, but as a very first feature from a brand new, self-taught director who’s learned literally EVERYTHING she knows on the job, it is simply unparalleled. This film and the story behind its creation are extraordinary, and nothing this filmmaker accomplishes in the future will surprise me; she’s that good.”
- Brendan Davis, Producer (DEADGIRL, ROUGH HUSTLE)
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"The ride was long , but after seeing the film my ride meant nothing. I am very grateful that you came up with a fantastic film. I enjoyed watching you on the other side of the tracks. I wanted to say hello, although I knew you had too much to do up to your head . Admittingly you picked out the right people for the movie. Timothy Luke and the others did a very awesome job. I was not aware that he was the main guy in the film when he shook my hand. Thank you for the great wonderful movie you guys have delivered color in this black and white world. "
- Sir Spencer Simon
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Outstanding film!! I lived much of that era and you nailed it !!! After it ended I just had to sit a while. It was **that** good."
- Frank Melbourne, FL
"An incredible movie/experience… My wife Brenda, Joe, Angie and me were all blown away with the story, acting, twists, the emotion and on and on. I definitely will tell my friends and family about it and what they missed today. The cars, the bands, the people… a great experience. Truthfully, I expected we would see the movie, check out the cars and get on with daily life in Fillmore. We got there at 11:30am and stayed all day and into the evening… "
- Dave Crocket - President Fillmore Chamber of Commerce.
"Faith
What an outstanding outcome for your film. Congratulations. I really thought the film is terrific."
- Ray Brown, Fillmore Film Commission.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************
"A fantastic, retro, timeless master piece. I bought a copy of the film and have watched it three times. It is FANTASTIC! Well edited, superb acting and great directing"
- Eric Vigil, photographer.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************
" You did not just touch my heart, you went straight through it! Growing up in Sweden on American Graffiti and dreams of the 50´s I have seen just about every movie ever made that included any of that, and this movie of yours is the best one I have ever seen.
Thank You so very much for fighting for your dream, it was well worth it and you will inspire many, many people. This movie will be known forever as one of the big ones, and frankly, I think you just started an avalanche."
- Peter Place, classic car collector / trader
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"This is an Oscar movie!The love story is even better then the movie "The Notebook". "
- Crystal Dossett, spectator.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"I've seen many indie films that aim for the sky and fall short, especially when it comes to capturing the essence of the story and the characters struggle; The quintessential heart and soul.
Deuce of Spades, on the other hand, doesn't just come packed with quality visuals and slick hot-rods, but also incorporates the HEART & SOUL throughout its run-time and connects with the audience at an emotional level - leaving you vulnerable in the end.
I've seldom felt the barrage of emotions that I experienced at the film's screening, and as a film-maker myself, this project has become part of a elite group of Independent Films that continues to inspire me in my personal journey into the directing world. Hats off to Faith Granger, her star Timothy Luke and the entire cast and volunteers who were involved in the making of this very ambitious flick."
- Adithya Ashok, Filmmaker
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film from beginning to end. I teared up at least three times. It has just the right amount of drama, humor, tragedy, excitement, despair, and redemption. What the filmmaker has accomplished is nothing short of amazing! I've seen many films, studio blockbusters and independents, and I must say that this exceeds the expectations of an independent film, although it has elements of an independent, it is exceptionally unique in it's story, presentation and cinematography.
After seeing it, I'm actually having dreams of scenes from the movie now!"
- Robert Eldon, Filmmaker.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"There is a level of genius in this production! The lighting, composition, ingenuity and creativity are as good as I have seen in 25 years of producing films and television. Especially the period scenes. The film captured the 50's and hot rod scene. (...) The director had some brilliant ideas that succeeded on film. Bravo. The story is well thought out, the direction is strong, and the casting was very successful. I believe Faith Granger will have success with this film and the films to follow. Her directing career is off to a great start."
- Oak O'Connor
Sr. Director, Production and Programming
GoTV Networks & Studio
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Wow Faith! I am so impressed and amazed by your film. Congratulations on a beautiful piece, on this amazing day after all of the work you put into it, and on finishing your dream. What an accomplishment. "
- Harriette Middleton, spectator.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Congratulations Faith, Your film is a great story, strong presentation and a beautiful portrayal of the 50s, the decade in which many of us "grew up", myself included. You have done a fabulous job, a true labor of love and we are all the richer for it."
- Tom Potter
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
“As a highly original independent film DEUCE OF SPADES stands out proudly from the pack, but as a very first feature from a brand new, self-taught director who’s learned literally EVERYTHING she knows on the job, it is simply unparalleled. This film and the story behind its creation are extraordinary, and nothing this filmmaker accomplishes in the future will surprise me; she’s that good.”
- Brendan Davis, Producer (DEADGIRL, ROUGH HUSTLE)
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"The ride was long , but after seeing the film my ride meant nothing. I am very grateful that you came up with a fantastic film. I enjoyed watching you on the other side of the tracks. I wanted to say hello, although I knew you had too much to do up to your head . Admittingly you picked out the right people for the movie. Timothy Luke and the others did a very awesome job. I was not aware that he was the main guy in the film when he shook my hand. Thank you for the great wonderful movie you guys have delivered color in this black and white world. "
- Sir Spencer Simon
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Outstanding film!! I lived much of that era and you nailed it !!! After it ended I just had to sit a while. It was **that** good."
- Frank Melbourne, FL
Last edited:
Ted Spencer
Veteran
This is terrific, Faith. Way to go!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
All pre-purchased DVDs have been shipped. We were at it for an entire week, a team of 3 to 4 people. I had to autograph each of these DVDs that was a LOT OF WORK. Looks like my first run is already all sold out so I just ordered another 2500 units. I was hopiung to be able to rest for a day or two after the Premiere, but no such luck 
Marlon Ladd
Veteran
All pre-purchased DVDs have been shipped. We were at it for an entire week, a team of 3 to 4 people. I had to autograph each of these DVDs that was a LOT OF WORK. Looks like my first run is already all sold out so I just ordered another 2500 units. I was hopiung to be able to rest for a day or two after the Premiere, but no such luck
This is a very good problem to have, Faith.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG)
Teddy Danh
Member
The movie gave me goosebumps in the theatre. I absolutely loved it! I cannot wait to watch it again!
You did quite an amazing job, Faith! I hope to see you again soon so I can bombard you with some questions
You did quite an amazing job, Faith! I hope to see you again soon so I can bombard you with some questions
djbobbyrhodes
Well-known member
I just received my AUTOGRAPHED and hand numbered DVD in the mail today. I finally got to see the film that I've been following for quite some time now.
I was really nervous about watching the movie for the first time. Honestly, I was worried that I might be disappointed with the final product. I was worried that all the inspiration that I've gotten from following your blog and forum posts for so long might have been a waste. It's sort of like meeting your hero. It could be a really great experience, or you might find out that the person you idolize isn't quite what they seem to be.
Let me just say that I was very impressed with the film. It was a great story with great characters. A hotrod movie with a heart, for sure. And on top of that, I've never seen an independent film on this grand of scale ever, let alone one that was able to pull it off. You've accomplished something truly remarkable here. You should be very proud of yourself. I have a feeling that my signed DVD might be worth a lot of money some day.
I know buying a presale DVD isn't a HUGE deal, but I am glad I could contribute in a small way.
-Rob
I was really nervous about watching the movie for the first time. Honestly, I was worried that I might be disappointed with the final product. I was worried that all the inspiration that I've gotten from following your blog and forum posts for so long might have been a waste. It's sort of like meeting your hero. It could be a really great experience, or you might find out that the person you idolize isn't quite what they seem to be.
Let me just say that I was very impressed with the film. It was a great story with great characters. A hotrod movie with a heart, for sure. And on top of that, I've never seen an independent film on this grand of scale ever, let alone one that was able to pull it off. You've accomplished something truly remarkable here. You should be very proud of yourself. I have a feeling that my signed DVD might be worth a lot of money some day.
I know buying a presale DVD isn't a HUGE deal, but I am glad I could contribute in a small way.
-Rob
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Teddy, Rob, thank you for the kind words. When people wait for so long and with such anticipation for a film, it's a bit nerve wrecking for the filmmaker cause now you worry they will have such high expectations that even a good film could no longer meet? But I am incredibly happy cause such was not the case for DEUCE OF SPADES, yes people waited for a long time and yes they waited with great anticipation BUT they all are RAVING about the film and saying: "It was well worth the wait" or "It was even better than I had expected" etc etc... Last night I went to the NHRA museum, they had an event there and a reporter from the biggest hotrod magazine worldwide was there. He walked up to my booth and said: "I came to the Premiere and I had allocated 10 minutes in my day's busy scedule to glance at the film. I ended up staying until the end and giving the film a standing ovation at the end. The film is KILLER!! KI-LLER!!!! This is the next American Graffiti!"
He proceeded to get more copies of the DVD and then later got up on the podium in front of everyone, grabbed the microphone and said all the above (and more) about my film to the entire crowd... He was so enthused about the film that many people came afterwards to buy a signed copy.
The buzz keeps growing... Every person who sees the film becomes a huge fan and tells 20 others to buy the DVD... And the sales keep growing...
He proceeded to get more copies of the DVD and then later got up on the podium in front of everyone, grabbed the microphone and said all the above (and more) about my film to the entire crowd... He was so enthused about the film that many people came afterwards to buy a signed copy.
The buzz keeps growing... Every person who sees the film becomes a huge fan and tells 20 others to buy the DVD... And the sales keep growing...
Postmaster
Dark Side of the Camera
Can I also have one?
I worked so much on single scenes, but never had the chance to see the whole shebang.
Frank
I worked so much on single scenes, but never had the chance to see the whole shebang.
Frank
PerroneFord
Deals in Lead
I hope I get one of these someday...
Deuceofspades
Veteran
yesterday I received my new batch of DVDs and now have DVds again ). Next week I start to dispatch the comp DVDs, I'll be emailing cast, crew & volunteers early next week to get their current addresses ... So hang in there )) and be on the lookout for my email!!
Perrone, PM me your full name and mailing address in a format that I can print, cut and scotchtape on the envelope make it easy for me hehehehe. THANK YOU!!!
). Next week I start to dispatch the comp DVDs, I'll be emailing cast, crew & volunteers early next week to get their current addresses ... So hang in there )) and be on the lookout for my email!!Perrone, PM me your full name and mailing address in a format that I can print, cut and scotchtape on the envelope
make it easy for me hehehehe. THANK YOU!!!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
Let me know how we did with the subtitles!!!
Deuceofspades
Veteran
It's been really interesting to see the people who pre-ordered, place a new order after they receive their Dvd and watch the film. Some of them are ordering 2, 4 or even 6 additional DVDs in one shot!
To me, this speaks volume about how much they enjoyed the film. Cause nobody in their right mind would order 6 more copies of a film they already own unless they REALLY LOVED IT, right?
To me, this speaks volume about how much they enjoyed the film. Cause nobody in their right mind would order 6 more copies of a film they already own unless they REALLY LOVED IT, right?
Ted Spencer
Veteran
nobody in their right mind would order 6 more copies of a film they already own unless they REALLY LOVED IT, right?
Right! Cool stuff, Faith.
It's that time of year,Faith!!The time for giving!! They're probably giving them as pressies for Xmas/Hunnakah/Kwanzaa!!:beer: or want to have an unused copy for the future!! Or a cynic would say that they've just wasted 2 hrs of their lives & now they want others to suffer as well!!! :furious3:....I'm joking of course!! It's a wonderful film,so I've read,& seen trailers of,my copy is on order,& they obviously want to share the joy!!rogar-Love(DBG):
Props' to you, Faith, on an amazing achievement & JOYEUX NOEL!!!:thumbsup:
rogar-Love(DBG): Props' to you, Faith, on an amazing achievement & JOYEUX NOEL!!!:thumbsup:
PerroneFord
Deals in Lead
Faith, did you do an HD master of the film? I'd really like a BluRay...
craigbowman
Veteran
Faith,
I got home from an unusually interesting day made even more interesting when waiting in the mailbox was that magical envelope with my two copies of Deuce of Spades. I just finished watching it. WOW!!! What a MAGNIFICANT job. For your first feature movie, you've set THE standard. The perseverance and attention to detail in every aspect shows through. BRAVO! BRAVO!!! Excellent story and yes, it tugs at the heartstrings. ABSOLUTELY, OUTSTANDING!
I got home from an unusually interesting day made even more interesting when waiting in the mailbox was that magical envelope with my two copies of Deuce of Spades. I just finished watching it. WOW!!! What a MAGNIFICANT job. For your first feature movie, you've set THE standard. The perseverance and attention to detail in every aspect shows through. BRAVO! BRAVO!!! Excellent story and yes, it tugs at the heartstrings. ABSOLUTELY, OUTSTANDING!