The Living Corpse - Haunted comic is Not Clowning Around

The Living Corpse Comic series, fresh off the release of their animated film is promoting a one shot comic release featuring none other than the No Clowning Around crew! That's right, the Rob Dimension created characters from the popular horror short, "No Clowning Around" Mumbles the Clown, Trixie and Mr. Peepers will be special guests in the comic.

Ken Haeser, Buz Hasson and Blair Smith are the heart and soul behind the series. Creating, drawing and coloring the world of the undead anti hero The Living Corpse, always adding humor with some serious horror.

The comic goes on sale Aug 21st in comic shops, but YOU can order it now! Head to your local comic shop (www.comicshoplocator.com) and ask them to see this month's Previews magazine. Then use the code JUN130979 and get it ordered.

If the response is good for ole' Mumbles and crew, there is a chance we can be back!!! For more info on the Living Corpse movie Click THIS. 

Reaching the Masses?....Helllooooooooo!!!!

Reaching the Masses

Writing is therapeutic for some...maybe it is for me. It's like me thinking out loud and plus, this allows me to keep some in the know of what's going on. Recently I've been wondering how I can break that glass ceiling that allows a bigger circle of people know what I'm doing....this is no easy task.

The old saying about how hard work pays off...and nothing in life is easy...the person who said those things was probably an independent filmmaker. 

Btw...Independent Filmmaker is a term I kind of hate. Sure, I write, act and make movies...I don't do it Independently...it's all done with people's support. Their is nothing Independent about it. Sure, I know the real meaning but it just seems when I say that, I'm leaving a lot of people out. I'm not sure what to call myself...I'm working on it.

back to the therapy...

So my most recent struggle is how to tell more people. I consider myself pretty smart when it comes to promotion and marketing...but I'm puzzled.

Here is where I'm at:

Obvious Movie Maker

Money - I have none...haha...truth. the money I have went to filming and yes, marketing at conventions and film festivals. As anyone can tell you that vends at conventions..this is NOT CHEAP. I was planning on attending a few cons out in the middle states and with driving, hotel and food...it's about a $1,000 weekend. Sure, I'd make some back but no where near what I would like. At this stage of our growth, we can't absorb a $500 loss. Instead, we are focusing on better flyers to hand out, better representation for ourselves, better merchandise and trying the make the best impact we can with what we have. 

Advertising - this is a doozy...seriously. Let's say we have $200 to spend in the month of July to promote our newest film "baggage". Well, let's face facts...It's a short film and most of the "bigger" news sites are going to ignore it based on it not being a feature...sure we've been fortunate to have some very positive press (and those sites have been generous and I'm extremely grateful) but, you always want more people to notice. I'm making short films because I need to learn to crawl before I can run...jumping into a project and losing thousands of dollars is simply immature and being naive to think I was ready.

I turned to the people and asked questions like " What about promoting my posts on Facebook?", "When you visit the news sites...do you click on the ads?"....sadly...I found no solution. As silly as it is...I tend to look in the Horror magazines and read the ads there. They have a better chance for me to look up a site from them, than anywhere. We all know that $200 ain't gonna get much :)

Where does that leave me? Well....scraping with the rest of the bunch. Working hard and trying my best...that's all I can do. Trust me when I say this...We are working hard to bring the best we can. With each project, we will get better and after "baggage" we will be moving forward on a feature film. The time is now and I feel we have the absolute best team I could ask for.

Until them...it's Guerrilla Marketing and hanging in the trenches to battle everyday. Thanks to those who are always positive and believing in us. 

BAGGAGE release date & DVD info

BAGGAGE Release Date & DVD Info

BAGGAGE will be released on Friday, August 16th, 2013. This will be available at Monster-Mania Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rob and Kim Dimension will be on hand to talk about the film all weekend long. Plus, the Dimension's will have posters and T-shirts from both BAGGAGE and NO CLOWNING AROUND.

DVD artwork may vary

baggage

$8.00 plus $3.00 shipping in US

Details - The DVD will contain the 15 minute short film "baggage", plus their award winning film "No Clowning Around". Behind the scenes, Interviews and commentary will also be included.  

Pre-order
Release date - Aug 16, 2013

BAGGAGE stars Rob Dimension, Ilaria Malvezzi, Kim Dimension, Jerry Janda, Amber Marchese,  Thomas Mendolia and Chris Raddatz. 

Writer and Screenplay : Rob Dimension

Story Concept : Sal Valente

Director : Jeremiah Kipp

Director of Cinematography/Editor : Jeffrey Scott Gould

Assistant Director of Cinematography : Steve Adams

Executive Producer : Kim Dimension

Associate Producer : Bill Wilusz

Soundtrack/Composer : Steve Vil and Burn the Darkness

Photographer : Deirdre Kinnevy (DeeKae Imagery)/ Kristen Adams

Artwork : Brian Mitchell (Brian Mitchell's Creative Mind)

BAGGAGE is the short film by writer/lead actor Rob Dimension, that will make you rethink the term "normal". Dimension plays Benjamin, a man who seems to live a normal life; he goes to work, has a happy home life and lives in the middle of clean cut America. This 15 minute film follows a day in the life; witness what happens when an incident breaks down Benjamin's "normal" life. 

BAGGAGE is directed by Jeremiah Kipp (CRESTFALLEN, CONTACT, THE DAYS GOD SLEPT). Kipp had this to say about BAGGAGE, “BAGGAGE immediately captured my interest as a beautiful and macabre tale of a man haunted by desire. It’s got the feverish, melancholy intensity of an Edgar Allan Poe story, but told in a modern and transgressive way. Rob wanted a genre film that was aesthetically stunning, and combined with the visual sensibility of our cinematographer Jeffrey Gould, we were going for a style that felt like Alfred Hitchcock circa 1960: Bold camera angles, a constantly moving camera to sustain the tension and unnerving God’s-eye-view overhead shots that make Benjamin feel small and oppressed. Every image should resonate with the beauty of a painting, but one where if you look at it too closely, you realize you’re caught up in the swirls of a nightmare.”

Dimension had this to add, “Having Jeremiah want to be a part of this and help lead the film in the right direction solidifies that we are on to something good. Kipp can see the vision I’ve written, and he pushes me beyond my safe place. We have an amazing cast and crew involved, and the atmosphere transcends modern horror with a very vintage, elegant style.”

Baggage Diary #3 (June 5, 2013)

Baggage Diary #3 (June 5, 2013)

The last weekend of filming was really all the secret stuff from the film so I will share more of my feelings and less of any potential spoiler info. It's a short update

I really wanted to name this "My Brush with a Madman" because it's truly how I felt. I've been able to act/perform in a variety of projects and be everything from the evil villain to a hapless victim..plus, a bumbling version of myself. Never have I ever been shaken like I have been playing "Benjamin" in "baggage". 

On the last day of filming, we were on the move for 18 hours; it was tough and grueling...but at the same time, everyone was focused and determined to make the best film possible. It's hard to describe the feeling I had...maybe I'm a method actor or maybe I put far too much thought into the character I'm portraying...either way...I'm not sure how often I will rewatch "baggage" simply due to some of  footage I've seen of me in the "heat of the moment". I was able to sit and watch a scene where Benjamin is being an awful person...and I sat with hands over my mouth as I looked into my eyes and saw NOTHING! It gave me chills and it really was a glimpse of my own madness.

When I wrote the story I guess it never really hit me, even the weekend before was much more relaxed (even though I had some tough moments), about how much it would mentally exhaust me. While it took me about 5 days to break free from the Benjamin skin, even going as far as shaving the goatee and getting a hair cut, I am completely happy with what I've seen from the footage thus far. I really feel we have done something great.

This is the moment where I will gloat and talk extremely highly of everyone involved...words can't express the experience I had. The experience will help me personally and professionally. I made new friends and really learned from everyone around me. I learned my own limits and how to push past those, I learned how to be more artistic and find beauty in the most horrible visions. I really don't feel that "baggage" is about me at all...I think it's about the people that helped MAKE the film. It's each and every person that shared interest and/or worked long hours and gave up something for this to happen.

Next week, we will announce a release date and when and where you will be able to get your copy.  

Make sure you like our Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/YouveBeenRobbedFilmsInc

"baggage" T-shirts and Posters are NOW available!!

The wait is over!!

Get your "baggage" Merchandise 

baggage t-shirt

Now is your chance to "be normal"

S-XL $12.00 ea

XXL & XXXL $14.00 ea

(all prices are plus shipping and US shipping only)

Sizes

Small $12.00 USD Med. $12.00 USD Large $12.00 USD XL $12.00 USD XXL $14.00 USD XXXL $14.00 USD

"baggage" 11x17 Mini Poster

$5.00 each plus shipping

Baggage Diary #2 (May 21, 2013)

Baggage Diary #2 (May 21, 2013)

I sit here...feeling accomplished, sore, tired and the most proud possible. After a grueling two day shoot in Long Branch, New Jersey, "baggage" is officially under way. We were met with bad weather but the greatest crew and cast you could ask for. Positivity and motivation really was strong on set.

Let's look at the weekend:

Friday night, Kim, Lil Dimension and myself head to the Jersey shore with the hopes and dreams in our hearts (yes..this is the set up for defeat..haha) and we arrived at the "Less than Happy Hotel". We had reserved our rooms online only to be told "we don't honor those prices"....so, after a little "discussion"...we finally get our room. Well, as if a black cloud wasn't hovering enough after our check in....the cloud settled right above my head upon entering the room. 

After years of being on the road, hotel rooms need to be real skanky to freak me out....and between us..I was kind of freaking out. Kim and I walk in...look around and walk into the bathroom...no shower curtain. We call the desk...phone doesn't work. We walk to the office and she moves us to another room, reluctantly....apparently, I'm look like a liar (I probably do). Next room, I go right to the bathroom..."Look honey, a shower curtain!!" I say in excitement, only to look at the toilet and see a sign "to be removed by plumber"...yep..potty don't work.  So back to the office we go. Third room....smells like mildew but we are stuck. Stay here of sleep in the car. So, we decide to stay.

Next morning, we are off to the set!!

Jerry and Rob

Saturday was a bit of a easy day since we had an indoor shoot at an office (Mortgage Now in Shrewsberry, NJ) and then a train station location that had a little cover. It was raining and not our ideal weather, but we were gonna make it work. Our cast and crew got set and the day is underway. I won't say much about each location but I will say this...when Jeremiah Kipp, the director calls for a "Taxi Driver-esque" shot...Jeff, the cinematographer and I looked at each other and smiled. For each of us, it's one of the films we used as a model for this project...so Jeremiah literally made our day.

After about eight hours at that spot...we pressed ahead to the Elberon train station. The train station is small and very visual. I love it. We meet up with the extra's that were extremely patient and here is an interesting tidbit of trivia...almost all the extra's at the train station had Mumbles the Clown tattoo's!!! It wasn't designed this way, but it just happened.

The weather was shitty; no one word really can describe it. On a positive spin, it really helps set the mood for the film. Keep in mind, we wanted the train arriving in the shot so we ran to both sides of the tracks to get the shots we needed. It was a full day that involved laughs, great times and memories that we can all remember. Special Thank you to everyone who was a part of Saturday.

After about 8pm we were finally done....until 7:30am on Sunday.

Mumbles tattoo's!!!

Here is my tip to any writers out there....if you aren't in shape, do NOT write a chase scene..but, more on that in a minute. It was raining again and we were shooting at the Draft House in Long Branch, NJ. If you've never been there...go!! It's got a super clean and has a great atmosphere, plus amazing food. Can't thank them enough for allowing us to invade their space for the morning. We were really pressed for time but this scene was extremely important so we needed really good coverage. Once again, this is where having a great crew really helps...everyone listens, talks and offers ideas...it's like the perfect crew..seriously. Once again, thank you to all the extras that came out in the miserable weather and hung out for a while. 

Now...it was time for the chase on the streets on Long Branch. I'm not in shape..plus, the shoes I was wearing are not made for running. Add slick cement to the mix and we have a recipe for disaster. This was easily the toughest shoot I've ever done. Being chased by two 20 somethings was a challenge; especially since I refuse to admit defeat and never want to quit....I'm still limping..haha.

We then move back to Elberon train station for the face off. This was also tough but I know it's going to be amazing. This scene had physicality, emotion and intensity. It's always weird when you see what you've written come to life and it exceeds your expectations and the visuals become so much more than you could've imagined. There is nothing better than sharing a moment that you open yourself up, show tremendous emotion and know that those around you are rooting for you and are feeling the emotion. It's really moving.

I never claim to be an actor...but in that tunnel...as I sat on the ground...wet, sore and beaten...even if it was just for one small moment in time, I was proud of my performance. I'm so proud of what we've done thus far.

Let me say this...I can't thank each and every person who have made this possible. Jeremiah, Jeff, Steve, Bill, Deirdre, Paul, Kristen, lil Dimension, Sal, the people who offered us the locations, every single extra that was a part of it, every person that donated or even shared the link and most of all, my Wife, Kim...without her, I would have never have taken these chances or risks..I owe her more than she even realizes.

This weekend we film more extremely tough scenes and I will write more next week about how it went. I thank you for following along and being a part of this. Independent filmmaking can feel very lonely at times, but it's times like this, that makes you realize you are not alone. 

www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com 

Baggage Diary #1 (May 16,2013)

Baggage Diary #1 (May 16,2013)

Hey guys, just like my last film I wanted share my experience with those who wanted an inside look. As you know, I'm always honest and never hold anything back. So you will be my co-pilot along with this flight.

Saturday starts our shoot and it's a relatively easy shoot day. Most of the real aggressive acting is the weekend after, but I still feel pressure. Whenever you create, at least for me, there is always a sense of hope and anxiety. I hope I don't let anyone down and my goal is to do my best. With "No Clowning Around", my mind was a mess and I really didn't care if people liked it...I did it for me. This time around with "baggage", I desire appreciation. I wrote this short with the intention to make something horrific, yet beautiful. I chalk this up as Growth and Discovery.

"baggage" follows a day in the life of Benjamin. Benjamin tries hard to fit in...he wants to impress you and look for your acceptance. I have a backstory I've thought of for Benjamin, so I have an idea of what he feels like and how heavy his heart is. As the days approach, I can't help but feel this black cloud over me...sorrow, sadness and some underlying rage. I feel what Benjamin feels..I feel like the puzzle piece that regardless how hard you try, it just won't fit in. I am, in essence, carrying his baggage. Benjamin in Normal is something he has been told, but obviously...he isn't.

Pre-production has gone great. Thank you to everyone that helped make this film a reality. A lot of the supporters, you will actually see IN the film! We shoot with all the extras this weekend, next weekend is very intimate and will help with the darker mood of the film. I have shopped and gathered wardrobe, small set dressings and tried to think of everything to help bring his world to real life. Having a fantastic crew has made this process great. We have shared notes, thoughts and put a lot of time and effort into this 12-15 minute film. You really learn who you can put faith in.

I think the scariest thing is Benjamin's story could be happening...next door to your house and you would never know until it was too late. You can follow along as we film right here or at www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com. I will also try to tweet (or Kim will from my phone) photos and thoughts as we film, on my twitter @RobDimension

Thanks for reading!

I have a plethora of Useless Knowledge....sadly

I have a plethora of Useless Knowledge....sadly

Ok gang, look let me start this off by saying..Thank You for the constant support. I appreciate you listening to my podcasts, following me on social media and reading these random, sometime pointless blogs about anything and everything. Yesterday I was doing some soul searching and wondering where I fit in anymore...sure, I'm making movies and I still have the Monster-Mania Radio show but, views on my blogs had gone down, interactions online had kind of stalled and maybe I had temporary lapse in confidence but today I realize that was to move forward and become stronger.

It happens...

I've blogged about Wrestling, toys, life, horror and countless of other subjects that cross a wide spectrum of nerdism. I like to think, at times, I'm the "Voice of the Virgins".....meaning, you live in your Mom's basement, prefer the word "Husky" over fat, have a secret stash of action figures and enjoy a Sunday afternoon marathon of Godzilla and Kung Fu theater then chances are...we would be friends. 

Yesterday was a revelation of sorts...I need to talk more about Useless shit a little more...I need to speak out about those dreadful toy scalper tactics that those damn Matchbox sellers use. I need to share some of the best ways to stay on top of Godzilla and other Kaiju subjects..plus, you need me to help guide you through the Zombie outbreak (because it's not if it happens...it's when!). Plus, let's face it...I need some new friends.

Starting next week, I will be launching a new podcast titled "Useless Knowledge" - simply put, it will be a nerd pow wow. I will talk all things, I will have guests and this will be OUR show. I want you to be involved! I will answer questions about anything...you have a question or a tip? I will get you an answer. Stay tuned to www.RobDimension.com and I will post Episode 1 next week. 

Have a question? Have something I can talk about? Hit me up @RobDimension on Twitter. I am starting from the ground level..I will have a small wait for iTunes and Stitcher Radio..just be patient. 

Todd McFarlane Scalped the Toy Market

Todd McFarlane Scalped The Toy Market

Back in the mid 90's I was big into the toy market. It was booming, I was a profitable toy seller. More importantly, I was a collector and loving it!!  It was the best time to hunt for your favorite Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe and Spawn were in toy stores and at local toy shows around the country.

Todd McFarlane had little notoriety before he unleashed hell upon the toy and comic world. A writer and artist had an idea that would change the toy collecting, marketing and manufacturing world, forever. Tying an independent comic label to a highly successful juggernaut toy line, Television series and blockbuster movie.

McFarlane had brought his Spawn comic book characters to life for all of the world to witness. Spawn, our anti-hero...the Clown, the evil henchman of the Devil named Malebolgia became household names. They were bigger and badder than the other toys. The characters were based on hell...they were evil and stores like Kaybee Toys started carrying them! They had playlets including Spawn Alley, the Spawn Air Cycle and the Spawn Mobile (like a dragster). They started out as an underground movement under the banner of Todd's Toys before it was McFarlane Toys, selectively carried by only a small amount of comic shops. 

Everything was different about these toys. They ranged in size, had amazing details but not just the figures..the clamshell packaging changed the way figures were packaged. The box art on the larger two pack were colorful and screamed "Buy me!" They came in all shapes and sizes. It was an easy sell and I believe that Todd single handedly reignited the collecting movement and made toy collecting cool. Countless wanna be's and look a like action figures came along soon after. Some were winners like Moore Action Collectibles and their Lady Death line, yet lower quality figures like Warrior Nun Areala just clogged the pegs at comic shops. Us nerds were flying high and thinking awful thoughts about the lusty, sexy female 7 inches of plastic in our grubby little hands. 

What happened next is also a result of Todd McFarlane...as fast as the market became on fire...it burst into a fiery ball, crashing and burning and our money was gone along with it. 

(Granted..this is only my opinion and the way it looked like from my point of view)

Todd was great at introducing the "chase" figure or the "exclusive" and this was where the problems started. I mentioned Warrior Nun for instance, they released TONS of variants from a Leather Jacket to alternate paint schemes all claiming more collectibility and rareness than the last. McFarlane launched his line to mainstream stores like Kaybee Toys and exposed the general public to the variant Gold version, which were awful by the way...but they garnered a lot of "put away for my kids college fund" attention and the prices inflated to HUGE amounts. Star Wars got into the action by releasing the Theater Jedi Luke figure along with the rerelease of the Trilogy. (These are particularly tough to find in mint shape, as they were given out at theaters prior to seeing the movie, so it had to survive a 2 hour flick). All companies that had a license for a toy line, was churning out whatever "rare" toy they could.

I can share a story - when the Spawn film hit theaters, the action figure line that accompanied the release were so hot. We were vending at a show in Nevada and Kim and I couldn't get the toys out of the cases fast enough. For a mall show, we grabbed about $3,000 back in 97. These were insane times and the height of the market.

Because everyone jumped on the variants and exclusive market, the toy market eventually, crashed. We nerds only have so much money. Scalping these toys (similar to what happened to Beanie Babies) resulted in most of these toys losing some to all of their value. The birth of eBay no longer allowed for figures to be "rare"..if you had a computer, you could get the figure. McFarlane had a Collectors Club still working hard to make those most wanted figures only available to select outlets. As the internet grew, the toy market did not. Sure there are still some rare variants out there that go for top dollars but most as just dust collectors. But think about this...should a toy, mint in mint package sell for less than it retailed for after nearly 20 years? I guess for those who are late to collecting, that's a good thing. For me, I miss the hunt. 

Now, before you say "Rob, Todd is still making toys..he gave us the Walking Dead figures!" I appreciate that, trust me..I do. It's not a matter of what he creates now...what about that time period where left let us to make Baseball figures, basically taking over the Starting Line Up line? He is now utilizing what he learned from us to tackle that market and has been for years. Chase figures in every case...color variants...you name it..it's there. 

Am I bitter? No...just sad that they toy market has changed. It's another part of change we have to accept. Time moves on and things continue. I still love Spawn, even though the comic series has really lost it's heart. I still find myself watching the animated series...which if you never have, you should check it out. I even go back and watch the Spawn movie..while not great, I still have a special spot in my heart for it.



In closing, Todd McFarlane walked away from what made him famous to pursue a life of baseball toys (ok, probably not, but I can pout and be a mad nerd fan boy if I want)...by doing so, he has let other companies like NECA and Amok Time Toys shine through. Horrific images that can sit on our shelves and we can relive that movie anytime we want. I know Todd will continue to make kick ass products, especially the Walking Dead stuff he is working on...but, this is the internet and I can want more and complain until I get it. 



My name is Rob Dimension and I survived the toy market crash.

Netflix and me - Why I can't walk away

Netflix and Me -

Why I can't walk away

Oh Netflix, how I love thee. Sure, our relationship hasn't always been this current romantic love affair...we've had our rocky past but sometimes you have to put faith in something. I've yet to make the commitment with RedBox, but she does look attractive, especially since the rental fee's are only $1 a day. As if you don't think I'm odd enough, now I'm referring to streaming and rental machines as a her. 

Back to the business at hand...this past week, streaming giant and rental beast, Netflix lost nearly 1800 streaming titles. If you remember, Netflix had a similar loss back in 2012 when the Starz agreement expired. How much did the most recent loss affect me? Honestly, not a lot. But, I must admit...like a lover who is losing faith in his mate, I was starting to panic. Was Netflix on the ropes? Were things about to go south? 

I instantly went to my account online and started to figure out a game plan...now, let me say this, I was not renting dvd's from Netflix, I was only streaming. With all the possibilities of streaming, I walked away from the renting game about a year ago. I'm a subscriber of Hulu Plus, plus I've looked at Amazon Prime, RedBox streaming and now it seems Warner Brothers has a service....so many choices for streaming. I had to devise a plan to still watch what I wanted...Netflix takes away..I know what I'll do, I'll give them MORE of my money (This is where I question my own sanity). Yes..I literally went on to my account and purchased to rental service again. 

I know what you're asking..."Why Rob...why?" I can only guess I felt like something was being taken away from me...so I wanted control again. It's the old car salesman trick that I was taught. When I was 19 yrs old and selling cars, one of the first lessons I was told was - when you place the keys of a car into the customers hands, they immediately feel a sense of ownership. Taking those keys away, plays a trick on their mind, and now they don't want to let go. 

So I have fallen to the oldest trick in the book...oh Netflix, you sly dog...you gave me tons of titles, regardless if I would never watch them, only to take them away. I felt bad...so I, in return, gave you more money. 

My next question is this - when Netflix loses a ton of titles, does this mean that the end of the road can be insight? I mean, look at all the other streaming sites, and I'm sure plenty more are underway to pop up. If the studios wise up and stop licensing their titles and start streaming their own libraries, what would be left for Netflix? Sure, Netflix is working on a library of titles themselves..like the revival of Arrested Development and the new Hemlock Grove. Our subscription dues are paying for the new content, but...and it's a big But....if the subscription stop...does the new content? Of course. Hemlock Grove was given a $3 million dollar budget per episode and early reviews were so so. I have yet to watch it, but I will get around to it. 

Will we see a resurgence of Independent titles hit Netflix? I mean if they loss a majority of the better titles, they have to turn to Independent titles, right? For the independent filmmakers, it's nearly impossible to get Netflix to carry their titles, plus the revenue is nothing...wouldn't it be great if all of a sudden we hit the upward trend of funding by distributors to make Netflix titles that would be like the late 80's trend of straight to video VHS? Could it be possible? I guess we shall see.

These are just my opinions...enjoy!

Random Thought of the day.... Twitter Verified

4/29/13 Thought

Maybe I should start using this blog for more randomness or thoughts for the day than just semi thought out plans. 

Somethings really bother me...now I know you're gonna say; "Rob..you're such a pleasant guy...what could be so troubling?"

The newest trend of people wanting to be "Twitter Verified". Sure, I like to tell people I'm some sort of a Social Media Guru, but let's be honest...I really don't know shit. I just know what I think is sad and pathetic.

Begging to be "Verified" is an outright cry for being "accepted" or "validated". Let's look at why verification is really done on Twitter. Sadly, someone like Tom Cruise (as an example) wants to set up a Twitter, yet, some lonely, impersonating turd already stole his user name. How pathetic can you be to portray someone else online? Are you serious?? The biggest problem is that people just aren't happy being themselves...instead of wanting someone else's life, please close your laptop, get out of your house and meet people.

Please, please, please...indie filmmakers, movie reviewers and anyone else who feels they are need to be told that they are someone...look in the mirror and just be happy with who you are. As I've said - Worry about the followers you have, not the ones you don't. 

Useless Knowledge?? Someone has plenty

What does this mean?? More soon...

Crowdfunding - Who Can Use It?

Crowdfunding - Who Can Use It?

This past week, the internet community has been a buzz with Zach Braff starting his Kickstarter campaign for his new film WISH YOU WERE HERE. This on the heels of the VERONICA MARS fund raising operation, that had a overwhelming response for the cancelled show to be greenlit for a feature film.


Let me give you some background on the term Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is exactly what it sounds like; someone has an idea for a gadget, a book or a movie (just to name a few examples) and that person then reaches out to the general public to help raise funds for the project. Typically, the donator will receive something in return; possibly a pre-released version of the project, maybe a walk on role in the movie or even be given a higher credit and really be involved in the process behind the scenes. Sites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have helped so many projects become a reality for struggling creators. It's designed for Independent projects.

The biggest riff this week was based on a big fish like Zach Braff wanting to swim in the little pool, with the feeling he will hog all the food. Braff, the writer and actor behind the successful GARDEN STATE reached out to his audience and asked for help, claiming he wanted to make this film, yet remaining creative and giving up no rights that are often restricted by production studios. He wants to make his movie, his way...I can respect that.


Let's be realistic and look at both sides of the Crowdfunding debate.


The Bad - Who deserves your money? Many independent filmmakers are nervous and feel that with someone like Zach Braff having an extremely successful campaign (raising the almost $2 million dollar budget within the first 48 hours), no money will be left for us. The real fear is that more "celebrities" will now turn to this measure, ruining the purpose that sites like Kickstarter were designed for.

Braff has his own fan base but is now also reaching for our limited group, so there are two possibilities here - Yes, it is indeed possible that potential funds that were designated to come our way, will now, in fact, go to him. Let's say I want to ask for $2,000 to make my first feature film. Yes, I'm aware that's almost nothing but to many, this achieves a dream and can be a game changer. So, in essence we need 20 people to each donate $100. Now, what if those same 20 people look at Braff's campaign and notice how polished it is. In his teaser/pitch trailer he gives you stars that are recognizable, flaunts his award winning GARDEN STATE that screams "I'm successful" and drops terms like "Final Cut", even explaining that if he has to deal with a big studio, they will compromise his "vision". To the first time Kickstarter viewer, this all seems extremely appealing. I don't know about you, but I don't have any famous friends that are on major hit TV shows to use at my leisure. One would have to ask, Braff must have millions, right? Make the movie yourself you greedy turd!!


Now...hold on a second...let's look at the other side

As a fellow struggling filmmaker I had to step back and congratulate Mr Braff for putting together an amazing campaign. If you look at his page, it is full of information, the pitch is done slickly and makes me only want to work harder. Plus, what if he is actually creating an awareness about crowdfunding, thus helping us have a wider audience to reach? Is it possible? I think it can be...let's say his 28,000 donator's (as of now) all have an amazing experience; he delivers on every promise and makes them all feel they got exactly what they wanted, because, admittedly, crowdfunding has a few tarnishes on it from untrustworthy organizers. This could shine a new light on this, give us a new influx of people who want to be involved and we can make more!


Honestly, if people have an opportunity to stand behind someone or something they believe in, they have that right. Donating is just that...a donation. It's your money and no one can tell you how to spend it. If you feel you're getting something out of it, than why should anyone else question it. As someone who has launched two successful crowdfunding campaigns I can say this - I couldn't do it without you, I mean that. It's amazing to hear the kind things that people enclose in messages, the feeling I get to hear  that someone else is living through me...it's overwhelming. Zach has done one thing, at least for me...his presentation has made me realize I need to step up my game. I need to offer the best I can offer, I need to work harder and I need to make the best product I can make or I will lose the faith that has been given to me by others.


The bottom line is this - I'm at the bottom of this creating spectrum, a true independent. I'm hoping that Zach's success will create a trickle down effect and all the rest of the little fish in this big pond will be able to eat too. To the creators, make it count...make it your best effort. To the donator's; when you donate a few bucks, you are literally changing someone's life for the better.

Want to look at my project?
www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com