"It's the concept- it's the idea that the filmmakers take from the script to the screen and turn it into a phenomena that frightens audiences, that turns stomachs and pulls out reactions that those of us watching might not have known existed. It's the intensity that horror brings to us- the fear of the unknown, those images that conjure up our inner most fears, bringing them to the surface for the world to see. It's about the talent behind the movie that makes a film good. Just because it wasn't made on a Michael Bay budget doesn't mean that the quality is sacrificed- it just means that the audience is going to have to deal without a few explosions and a couple of known actors. I'd say that's a good price to pay for a film that leaves you breathless- or scared of the dark."
This is from a piece bloodydisgusting.com did & it's music to my ears. We made Beverly Lane for less than $1500. We prepped the film without once bringing up a budget. We knew we were going out of pocket for this film. If we needed it, we got it. We never had an actual budget set for the film.
What we did have was a concept. A unique approach to the zombie genre & it paid off.
We are prepping TERMS along the same lines. We have an idea of what we want to make this movie for but it will still be a very low budget. The concept is going to carry this movie, not the budget.
I wanted to share the article. It's a great read especially if you're an indie filmmaker. Check it out!
http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/25960
Become a fan of Beverly Lane here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEVERLY-LANE/170523760833?ref=ts
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Coming to TERMS With Things...
So here it is..a new beginning.
For the 1st time in over a year I know what I'm doing & where things are going. Oddly enough I'm feeling deja vu. I spent a large portion of 2009 prepping what was supposed to be my directorial debut. It crumbled due to budget, schedule, casting & other behind the scenes drama. Towards the end of that debacle a fresh idea smacked me in the face. A unique comedy about zombies invading an office during a retirement party.
Less than 6 months later we wrapped on Beverly Lane.
Here I sit in the aftermath of another debacle. I've spent all of 2010 prepping my second feature IDIOT GORE only to watch it crumble. Why?? Budget concerns/debates, schedule, casting issues, script stuff & MAJOR behind the scenes drama.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad with Idiot Gore. We were able to get the script into the hands of Danielle Harris. Danielle is who I wrote that script for & we almost had her. We couldn't make it work even though she loved the script. Her words gave me motivation to get the film going again after a long stall. We were moving & things were happening. Then it all came crashing down again.
About 2 weeks ago another idea smacked me in the face. There was something about it that I couldn't let go of. I pitched it to a small circle & it shocked people. Some loved it, some hated it & some even called me a terrible person.
It's a reaction I needed. It was the motivation I needed. I had been in this slow, rotting rut with IG. This was fresh & exciting! It's an idea I've never seen & it's something I believe the genre fans will love.
Around this time I received an offer to be a part of THE COLLECTIVE VOLUME 4. I had an offer for Vol. 2 but just couldn't make it work. I wasn't going to miss it this time. So I added that to my slate along with another top secret project in development.
Both of those are going to be horror comedy. I love having fun making movies but I didn't want to be THAT guy who only does one style. I talked with the wife & we both agreed that having my 1st four projects be horror comedies would be a bad decision. I decided it's just not the right time for Idiot Gore. It will stay remain in development but it's on the back burner.
So here I sit diving 200% into the idea that smacked me a few weeks ago. It's a complete 180 from Beverly Lane. I think that's what I'm excited about the most. I get the chance to prove I can do more. It's a small, character driven movie. 1 location & a very small cast.
What's the idea?
Writer/Novelist J. Travis Grundon is currently writing the script. He announced it yesterday at his blog:
(http://jtravisgrundon.blogspot.com/2011/11/vague-attempt-at-update.html)
Here is a quick summary of it:
"The movie I keep mentioning is called TERMS...I can't say much more without giving too much away, but I can say that it will be a dark, friendship slasher style film that will combine elements of The Breakfast Club, Girl Interrupted, Flatliners, and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors."
We're ready to make some serious noise with this movie. We are moving pretty quickly on it. Casting will hopefully start after the New Year. Look for more info after the new year as well. I'm ready for 2012.
Until next time.
For the 1st time in over a year I know what I'm doing & where things are going. Oddly enough I'm feeling deja vu. I spent a large portion of 2009 prepping what was supposed to be my directorial debut. It crumbled due to budget, schedule, casting & other behind the scenes drama. Towards the end of that debacle a fresh idea smacked me in the face. A unique comedy about zombies invading an office during a retirement party.
Less than 6 months later we wrapped on Beverly Lane.
Here I sit in the aftermath of another debacle. I've spent all of 2010 prepping my second feature IDIOT GORE only to watch it crumble. Why?? Budget concerns/debates, schedule, casting issues, script stuff & MAJOR behind the scenes drama.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad with Idiot Gore. We were able to get the script into the hands of Danielle Harris. Danielle is who I wrote that script for & we almost had her. We couldn't make it work even though she loved the script. Her words gave me motivation to get the film going again after a long stall. We were moving & things were happening. Then it all came crashing down again.
About 2 weeks ago another idea smacked me in the face. There was something about it that I couldn't let go of. I pitched it to a small circle & it shocked people. Some loved it, some hated it & some even called me a terrible person.
It's a reaction I needed. It was the motivation I needed. I had been in this slow, rotting rut with IG. This was fresh & exciting! It's an idea I've never seen & it's something I believe the genre fans will love.
Around this time I received an offer to be a part of THE COLLECTIVE VOLUME 4. I had an offer for Vol. 2 but just couldn't make it work. I wasn't going to miss it this time. So I added that to my slate along with another top secret project in development.
Both of those are going to be horror comedy. I love having fun making movies but I didn't want to be THAT guy who only does one style. I talked with the wife & we both agreed that having my 1st four projects be horror comedies would be a bad decision. I decided it's just not the right time for Idiot Gore. It will stay remain in development but it's on the back burner.
So here I sit diving 200% into the idea that smacked me a few weeks ago. It's a complete 180 from Beverly Lane. I think that's what I'm excited about the most. I get the chance to prove I can do more. It's a small, character driven movie. 1 location & a very small cast.
What's the idea?
Writer/Novelist J. Travis Grundon is currently writing the script. He announced it yesterday at his blog:
(http://jtravisgrundon.blogspot.com/2011/11/vague-attempt-at-update.html)
Here is a quick summary of it:
"The movie I keep mentioning is called TERMS...I can't say much more without giving too much away, but I can say that it will be a dark, friendship slasher style film that will combine elements of The Breakfast Club, Girl Interrupted, Flatliners, and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors."
We're ready to make some serious noise with this movie. We are moving pretty quickly on it. Casting will hopefully start after the New Year. Look for more info after the new year as well. I'm ready for 2012.
Until next time.
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