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

Barry_Green said:
IMDB ratings use a formula that is designed to detect and penalize those who try to "game" the system. While the exact formula is kept secret, it's pretty obvious that if there's a disproportionate and unrealistic number of 10's in your rating, IMDB tosses them out. It's all too common for people to send out a call to action to all their friends and family and coworkers to say "rate my film high" and people just plug in a "10" and think that's gonna guarantee a high rating. But IMDB is smarter than that, and when they see what they consider a self-inflated rating, they chop it way down. Do they nuke all the 10's? Maybe, I don't know.

Do some genuinely good films get penalized by this? Absolutely. Unquestionably. I've seen films that are a good solid 6, that carry an IMDB rating of 2.3 because of the "friends and family" effect.

I'm sure the ratings will equalize once there are many more votes, where it becomes obvious that it can't be a "friends and family" effect. Faith's film right now has only 189 votes. 77 of those are a "10". Look at it from IMDB's perspective: is it reasonable to suspect that if someone were cheating the system, that they could get sixty or seventy people to give a film a 10? Sure, maybe. So they keep a tight lid on those low-vote-count films. But once there's, say, 1000 votes... if 600 of those are a 10, I bet you you'll see Faith's ratings on IMDB skyrocket. Assuming the film is that good, of course... I haven't seen it, I've been waiting for NetFlix to get it, but I think I'm just gonna go push her sales figure from 8,000 to 8,001...

By the way, let's be clear -- I'm not saying there are ANY fake ratings on Faith's film's IMDB profile. There may be substantially higher ratings than would otherwise be given due to the cast 'n' crew 'n' family 'n' friends phenomenon, or there may not be. I don't know. But it is a common-enough thing that IMDB has instituted a special formula to try to catch it and to discredit "family & friends" votes. Faith's pic is such a targeted genre that it is entirely possible that every single vote is legit, and that those in her target market do actually feel that it is worthy of that many "10"'s. I think it's fair to say that teen girls rank "Twilight" higher than the general public does, right? So if Faith's film is appealing directly to the hot-rodders and those are the people voting, then they may very well be giving higher ratings than would be expected of a typical film, reaching a general audience. Which is another way of saying -- it's entirely possible that every single one of Faith's votes are legit.

The only way this situation can be rectified is by more and more voting. If you've seen "Deuce of Spades", go on IMDB and rank it. Rank it what you think it really deserves. Rank it as high as you think it earns, or as low as you think it earns, but give a real and honest vote of feedback. That's the only way that the system can work.
Click to expand...

Even when I threw out ALL THE 10 VOTES I still could not come up with 4.1 ... And you'd better believe that every single one of these votes is legit. In fact Imdb has thousands of people very pissed at them right now, for giving the film low ratings. This number is about to grow leaps and bounds as my film was just crowned on most read HOT ROD MAGAZINE (9 million readers) "best hot rod film since American Graffiti".

Now, I have a friend with a car film also listed on Imdb. He got 220 votes, of which 46 are 10 and 65 are 0 and 18 are 1 and 17 are 2 - his current Imdb "weighed rating is 4.5" - his straight arythmetic average rating is 4.1

Mmmmmm... Coincidentally he sells his film on amazon, which owns Imdb. DEUCE OF SPADES is not an amazon product... thereby potentially competing with amazon.

This make Imdb look even worse in the eye of the public.
 
Rippie said:
Call me crazy but I think you are doing an injustice to discredit all the "large number of names" in your credit roll by saying they
only VOLUNTEERED for 1-4 days each and that they had no real impact on you getting your film done.

Sounds like you had a LOT of amazing people giving up their time to VOLUNTEER on your film to HELP you get your film done.

Of course its 100% your baby. You're the director but I don't think it needs to be so "me me me".

My opinion.
Click to expand...

Rippie you are putting words into my mouth that never were there. I value everyone who worked on the film even if just for one day, which is why I gave them the fiml end credits in the first place. However there are those on this site who have hinted on and off that I didn't make this film myself, and trying to undermine the scope of the acheivement. They point that there are a lot of names in the credit, thinking I had a huge crew ay any given time to help me. I encourage you to read my blog and see the kind of severe struggle it was to make the film and how many hats I had to wear and then you can come back here and post about this.
 
It's been a bit quiet on here,I've heard that Faith has quit her day job & is doing DOS full time!! Anyone here heard anything? Faith?:Drogar-Thinking(DBG
 
Faith, as you are already finding out. Once you achieve a measure of success, the whiners and back biters come out in force. Pay them no mind.
 
If you're on the fence about buying the movie, I have a word of advice for you: buy it. It's $22. It will go to directly supporting a fellow DVXer, a fellow indie film maker, and it's a good movie.

I've been disappointed by indie films in the past. You follow a blog, or a forum for months, years even and finally you're able to get a copy of the film and when you watch it, it turns out to be a turd. People can probably think of a few that they know. But it happens in Hollywood as well. Think: the Matrix Sequels.

I bought a copy of my old film professor's first feature on DVD, and I've been letting it collect dust for a while now. I practically worshiped the guy. He was/is a huge inspiration to me. One of the few people who have taught me about film and have actually given me practical advice that actually worked and got me my 1st job in the industry. I'm afraid that if I watch his movie, and it sucks, I'll lose respect for the guy, and I don't want to do that.

I followed Faith's blog and posts here for a while. I read every page of her blog. I was pretty damn invested in the movie before it was ever made. Not financially, but emotionally. I too, am a struggling filmmaker, like most of us here. Reading Faith's blog about her adventures and follies with the Deuce of Spades has been incredibly inspirational. I preordered a DVD because they needed to raise money to get the actual DVD's printed. I figured "what the hell?" The blog was entertaining enough and if I lost $20, no big deal. I think I got my money's worth.

The DVD came, and needless to say, I didn't watch it for at least a week, maybe longer. I finally popped it in, and instantly I felt like I was being taken to school. Just seeing how well this thing turned out and knowing all the backstory to this cool, little film, and the fact that Faith had essentially zero experience before deciding to make this movie kinda made me feel like a chump when I compare her work to mine. :grin:

It's a pretty good movie. If you know all the back story and the amount of work that went into it, it's a great movie. For someone with ZERO budget and ZERO film experience, it's astounding and mind boggling. I can't even comprehend the determination and drive that Faith had to get this thing done. Absolutely inspiring, and definitely worth my $20.
 
I agree with you entirely,Rob.Knowing the background story to DOS,really adds that bit extra,but even without the background info,its a kool movie!! So, Faith ,whats the latest & have you quit your day job?
 
Hi Guys :) sorry I have been too swamped to post. But I wanted to give you a quick update and confirm, YES I did quit my day job. I am now doing the film full time. It's surreal, feels like a dream and I keep thinking I am going to wake up at any time... But this my second week without having to wake up in the morning and rush to a day job... OH MY GOD I LOOOOVE IT!!!

But there's more. I now have been getting some major US press exposure and the reviews are very very eloquent:

"Best hot rod film since American Graffiti" (HOT ROD MAGAZINE)

"Worth the Wait! A quality, must see film!" (HOT ROD DELUXE)

"Exceptional!" (ROD AND CUSTOM)

"One of the greatest hot rod films ever!" (REV IT UP RADIO)

"A powerful movie, destined to become a cult classic: It is a bold canvas with photography and action that are simply beautiful. I rate it a 7 3/4 Sparkplugs out of a perfect 8." (HOT ROD HOTLINE)

"More hot rod than American Grafitti, more drama than World Fastest Indian and as much tragedy and romance as An Affair to Remember." (NITRO MADNESS)


Sales have been going very strong. I am now at 10,000 unit sold, all from my one website :). The huge financial abyss the movie had left me in has now been filled and overflowing.

But there's more :))

For the past 20 years I have dreamt of being able to take off for a long long time and do a road trip and see America. Afterall I never had a chance.I had to take a day job a week after arriving here and lived from paycheck to paycheck ever since :(... And now THIS. An incredible opportunity to make this life long dream come true, to take to the road and PROMOTE my film, hit two birds with a stone if you will.

So I did grab the opportunity and for the past 2 months have been planning for this. Last week I bought a nice RV, entirely from proceeds from the film. And ordered a kick ass enclosed car trailer, which they are building for me in Phoenix. And in 5 weeks, if all goes well, I plan to leave LA and go on a 7 months long tour. I am both excited, nervous, a bit scared and... Did I mention I am excited?? :)

My first stop will be NAB in Vegas, then Viva Las Vegqas, and then I'll be going to Phoenix to pick up my car trailer. From there, Prescott AZ, then Arkansas then North Dakota. Then Minnesotta, then Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin... Then Vermont and the East Coast at fall to see the leaves turn red :)... Then down all the way to the keys, back up the other side of Florida, then Georgia and Louisiana and then texas... Back in vegas for the SEMA show. maybe.. Then maybe go back to LA. Unless of course I hate being on the road and decide to go back early. Afterall I am free as a bird and will do as I please :). Or maybe I'll even stay longer out there... Scout some cool period correct locations, discover hole in the wall towns, meet old timers and people and live life.

Well that is, God Willing. After all, it is always up to Him. I'm, just tagging along for the ride...And what a ride it has been !! :).

So there you have it. That's what I've been up to. Runnnig around planning, setting up a mobile office, training assistants, shopping for an RV, doing research and trying to keep up with the incoming sales (which has been very challenging- we're a bit swamped).

I'll be filming candid behind the scenes footage during my trip, some of which will become part of the BONUS DVD which I am to release down the road.

Wish me luck :)



 
This such a cool story Faith, from the start of your thread to today and beyond. I hope you have a fabulous time on the road and get a ton of great ideas for your next film!
 
Over ten thousand units sold in less than 4 months is just excellent news Faith! However, you've just barely got your toe in the water on the back end and when I mentioned Deuce of Spades is going to be seen as a landmark in independent cinema in years to come, I wasn't just being exuberant. I've seen a huge raft of movies from first timers over the years and none of them is even in the same league. While there are a handful of people in the community who get the technical side of things, you're the only one I've seen who "gets it" on every level and you're doing it once again on the back end, even if you're unaware of it. The Best is Yet to Come!!!
 
Congrats Faith! Have a great time not having to work for "the man" anymore. Financial and creative freedom are great things to have.
 
Just to put into perspective for everyone...

10,000 DVD's sold x $20 per DVD = $200,000

That's $200,000 dollars, more than most people will make in four or five years of working a dayjob. Granted, you'll have to pay taxes (and I sincerely hope Faith is accounting for this) but this is still pure profit. Short of signing a multimillion dollar distribution deal, most indie filmmakers come out better by selling DVD's on their own websites (not Amazon, which takes like 90% of the profits).
 
It's not "pure profit" -- she had to pay for whatever she had to pay, she has to pay whatever advertising expenses she has to come up with, she has to pay for manufacturing costs for the DVDs, and she has to pay HERSELF for the job she's done, and for any other crew that she had to hire, and any artists or promotions or publicists or anything else. Note that in her post she said the film had put her in "a huge financial abyss". I have no way of knowing, but it wouldn't be out of line to expect that she ran up bills of twenty, thirty, or forty thousand dollars in making this film, plus taking time off work, plus manufacturing costs, plus distributor costs for the stores who are selling it overseas for her.

It's gross profit, but not necessarily pocket money. And then there's taxes. So what's the keepable portion? Well, depending on how it all shakes down, she probably has to give 25-30% of that to the IRS, and had to pay off the mountain of debt, so ... maybe half of that money is already spoken for. It'd be nice to have $200k of "pure profit", that would be massive -- but I think most of us here would say that $100k is nothing to sneeze at! (and, of course, we have no idea whether she got to keep $100k, it might only be $50k, we have no idea what her expenses are!) This is all total speculation, but one thing I can guarantee you is that there are huge expenses involved, so you can't just multiply the DVDs by the MSRP and say "that's all profit".

Still, I'd say it's about $100k more than 98% of indies make on their first films, even those who do get a conventional distributor.

And, by the way, congratulations to Faith for doing exactly what we set up DVXUser for, this is a true success story. Good luck on your four-wall tour. This film is an example of when good filmmaking skills meet a highly-targeted target market and when passion and skill and determination are all thrown into the mix, the result is a filmmaker who can now quit her day job and live the dream of touring the country and bringing entertainment and joy to her audience. It doesn't get much better than that. Well done, Faith.

And, Faith, be talking to an accountant. It may be possible that the motorhome you bought is tax-deductible, or at least partially so. And, there is a special tax provision for manufacturers, and the revenue you're generating is specifically allowed by the IRS as manufacturing (making movies) so Section 199 of the IRS tax code will apply. It allows about 9% of your total revenues to be untaxed, and on $200k, that's $18,000 -- nothing to sneeze at!
 
Last edited:
Very nice pieces of work from the clip and grabs that I've seen. Still taken aback from the title of the thread but you do give props to people that helped and you do let people know that you spent money, savings, and so forth. Keep pushin'. Tieuel Legacy! aka the Devil's Devil's Advocate
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top