- That’s how James Cameron described his newest film, “Avatar.” He wasn’t referencing the script, acting, or music; but the way people literally saw film, especially big-box office CGI (3D) driven film.
In the same way, I believe that THE HOUSE, and the other projects I am currently working on (Utopiland and a project I will call "Untitled") will be “game changers.” No, I’m not trying to compete with Cameron and his latest mega-budget film, but I am trying to change the way people perceive independently produced movies with budgets under $1 million dollars.
Typically, people see independent films as “small personal films”… and nothing more. Yes, there are many cheap independent horror/slasher films and various shoot’em-up action flicks, but to come up with something that is original, story driven… and has an element of “epic” in it as well? That’s usually unheard of. Why can’t an independently produced film be epic-looking in its shots? Why can’t Indie films compete on the scale and scope of ideas that big studio films do? Are we really that “small?” NO WAY!
When you see my SM profiles on places like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. I always describe myself not as independent filmmaker but a “revolutionary” filmmaker. There’s a reason for that: I want to change things! A Game changer? Watch the opening scene of THE HOUSE below, and comment on our YouTube video. We want your opinion!
ps. This isn't just about THE HOUSE, it's about a completely different way of doing things. I'll go into this more later. But for me it includes Utopiland and the "Untitled" project (the reaction to the "Untitled" project may possibly change my course of direction on certain films). This new way of doing things has already radically altered my way of thinking.
The trailer was well done and It made me want to keep watching. Combined with the music it peaked my interest. I also applaud your efforts to promote indie films.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Indie films can achieve an epic aesthetic especially with more affordable quality film equipment and accessories. What is needed is a talented Cinematographer to take your vision to the epic level (and a Production Designer). I do appreciate that you emphasize story and character in your ambitions which I find fault in many indie projects that aspire to be action flicks.
ReplyDeleteShots look great John. A movie is a movie, a great one a great one. I'm looking forward to hearing more about "The House."
ReplyDeleteJohn, VERY nice!!
ReplyDeleteI agree about your premise of making bigger-looking indie film. Everyone I've approached about my film A FATHER AND SON, I've had to explain it "breaks the common rules of low-budget indie filmmaking." The story requires things that are not common, perhaps are within your description of "epic": crowd scenes, outdoor scenes, large cast, Hollywood location, etc. etc. I have tried to "rewrite it down" for a smaller budget, but I've pared the story to its elements and it needs to be more epic. So I have to figure out how to make $1.00 do the work of $5.00. That's the indie spirit, eh?? ;-}
The worst part is, no investors yet. (I had started production in Nov. 2007, but shut down immediately because the recession gutted the potential investors.)
Good luck with your HOUSE project and your untitled one!
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI think that's what the indies need to do. Research, find ways of making every dollar look like 5. We can only compete if it looks like our budget was at least 5 times what it was. There are ways. For instance, I had a big crowd scene in about 3/4's of the way into AMNESIA. Prior to shooting the film I really wrestled with how to pull it off. I figured out ways to doing it so that I had shots with larger cast sizes than I had. Now, with that knowledge, I could theoretically could have gone even bigger. Filmmakers need to start investigating into matte paintings, compositing, CGI and the "magic" of film making that has been around since the begining. Some how film making has lost the "magic" of making it and we just let the budgets decide everything.