My Entire Life Has Been Leading Up to This. Will You Help Me Make My First Feature Film?
Here it is, at long last: my first feature, Man-child. I’ve spent the past year writing it and many more years dreaming about it. I’ve just launched an ambitious Kickstarter campaign to try to turn the dream into reality, and I’m hoping and praying that, if you’ve found NoFilmSchool to be a valuable resource, you’ll consider helping me. I hope to share everything I learn during the production of the film here on this site, going beyond DSLRs and technology, and getting into more content about financing, directing, producing, the film festival circuit, distribution… absolutely everything I learn along the way. But of course, to do that I have to make the movie first, and I need your help to do so!
Head on over to the Kickstarter page to back the project and sponsor a unique portion of the film ($1 per frame), or read on for a few more details. For those of you who don’t know, Kickstarter is a great web site that… wait, what am I saying? Watch the video above, I explain it as part of my pitch!
I shot this video on my 5D Mark II in my back yard here in Brooklyn, late on Friday night. I actually meant to launch the campaign Monday, but it took me an extra all-nighter to cut down my way-too-long pitch (I’m a lot more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, and found this to be a harrowing experience at times). I edited the video in Adobe Premiere Pro and did the titling and compositing in After Effects (to add some helpful information to this post so it’s not all about me, both of those programs are 50% off as part of Production Premium for a limited time).
One of the reasons I’m launching the campaign now is this: I’m ecstatic to report that last week the script was accepted into IFP’s Emerging Narrative program, which felt like a great confirmation of a long time spent toiling on the screenplay behind-the-scenes (several months ago I detailed my hour-tracking strategy, which keeps me motivated and honest with myself, here on NoFilmSchool). There’s also a new program at the Film Society of Lincoln Center called Emerging Visions, and I’m doubly excited to be part of that as well. As I say on the Kickstarter page, “with the help of those programs I hope to be able to bring the right personnel on board to make this film as good as it can possibly be.” However, everyone knows indie film is in rough shape so I’m hoping to raise enough money from small donations to be able to make it as a “microbudget” film. $115,000 is very ambitious for a Kickstarter campaign — much more on that in the days to come — but at the same time it’s very ambitious to even think a sports film can be made for this amount!
You’ll be hearing a lot more about the project from me in the future. Thanks so much for watching and I look forward to hearing your thoughts, as well as any support you can give. Finally, please Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, or share the campaign in any way you can! Community support is going to be the only way this campaign has a chance of succeeding, and so with that in mind, here are some shortened links (they all point to the campaign):
http://kck.st/nCPxx0
http://koo.co/manchild
http://nofilmschool.com/manchild
I’ve been working on this so long that I don’t even know if I’m making sense anymore. Be back soon with more NoFilmSchool posts! In the meantime, thanks for your support and thanks as always for reading.
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76 COMMENTS
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I just wanted to add my voice of encouragement. If anyone can do this, you can! Whatever happens, keep pushing man, your script pitch sounds really interesting.
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Hi Koo
I’m always happy when your mails arrive in the Inbox..
wondering what you have got for snack this time..
And the book are just awesome.. so i pray you will get through..
and with that i mean all your goals for this film and site..
Like someone over me said.. Because you deserve it..!!Thanks or great site and help
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Hey Koo,
Like many before me I just wanted to wish you good luck. Been reading your blog for over a year now and have found it really informative and inspirational. From purchasing and using my 7D and equipment with the DSLR Cinematography Guide, editing with your Building A Hackintosh Guide, script writing (AKA procrastinating) with your recent post about tracking time, and learning everything else from the myriad of posts in between, you have helped me with pretty much every aspect of video production and hopefully one day making an independent feature of my own.
Anyways, just wanted to say thank you and let you know I donated to your film. Good Luck.
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Thanks so much Marc. Script writing is not procrastinating though! Not every script will get made but every script is a learning experience…
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Your nofilmschool blog and DSLR guide has been such a constant part of my learning process as a filmmaker that I had to return the favor and kick you some starter money! Best wishes on directing your first major!
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Thanks so much, Marcus — glad to have you on board and glad to be of some help!
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jooks on 08.21.11 @ 11:21AM
interesting, there’s a million of us out there with the same sentiment as you. “my whole life has been leading up to” ect ect ect well, just get it done, shit what can you say. My whole life. I’m not kidding either but then who gives a shit about how much anyone loves anything? no one.
just get it done. put in the work, and do not use, leech or abuse anyone else like the majors and just about everyone else.
good luck. i get paid at the end of this month and will give you some money then. i like karma.
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Koo, you run such a great website, how could I say no to pledging? Good luck!
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Sept 23rd is my birthday. Help me get a great movie for my birthday! $10 to you buddy.
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What a great pledge video! Didn’t know you were a performer as well!
Have you got a sticky feature on your CMS? You should keep this post up the top.
I really want to see you make this mutha.
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Thanks Robin. I did sticky this for about three days, and then I felt like that’d been long enough. Maybe I’ll bring it back!
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Absolutely. More than any other celebrity (or regular person) — by far! Really though, I don’t mind being compared to Johnny Utah.
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Russell Edwards on 08.22.11 @ 6:48PM
I am so broke right now, but I will give at least $10. Your site is a big help and I’ll skip a couple quad shot cafe mochas to help you get your film done.
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They say if you can raise 20% you’re extremely likely to raise the rest as well. Good luck man! It’s looking bright!
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I just finished reading all about “stickiness” i use that word about 20x a day. Glad i’m not the only one. Great site, great motivation, you’ll be hearing from me again soon. Good luck Koo.
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Robert on 09.12.11 @ 2:38PM
Koo, Just curious to know why did you end up going with KickStarter instead of IndieGoGo? If you went the IGG route, at least you would end up with some funding even if you don’t reach your 100% goal… Regardless, best of luck and I hope you make it all the way!
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Hi Koo, the pitch-video is brilliant! And man-child too sounds like a great idea. I am sharing this posts with friends. I wish you best of luck!
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Hello outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to this require a great
deal of work? I’ve virtually no knowledge of programming but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should you have any recommendations or techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject however I just needed to ask. Thanks!
9 pingbacks
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Hey! I live in MD, but I am moving to NY in October! I am a cinematographer as well! hit me up if you need a DP that belives in indie fun!