I’m told that During the live 45-minute show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat, so please pass this information along to anyone you think would be interested.
I’m looking forward to talking with Betty Jo about movies, musicals, the Kickstarter campaign — and hopefully connect with other film lovers out there. It sounds like a fun time. Hope you can tune in!
You can see the TLC he puts in to not only this video, but his screening series as a whole. It was an amazing experience and I cannot highly recommend attending or screening there — wish I could do both more often.
Thank you Peri, Lisa, Alex, Victoria, David, Nicole from the Ram’s Head on Stage, Coven, Corrie, Susanna, Caryn, Oscar….I know I’m forgetting people so I better stop while I’m ahead and say thank you Annapolis!
Based on the article “The D.I.Y Book Tour” by Stephen Elliot, this idea fascinates me:
“I asked if people wanted to hold an event in their homes. They had to promise 20 attendees. I would sleep on their couch. My publisher would pay for some of the airfare, and I would fund the rest by selling the books myself.”
I’m not sure how it could work with film, but in theory it could almost be a similar model.
And we’re not talking about booking theaters or alternative venues — this is actually visiting people’s homes who are willing to hold a screening and can guarantee a certain turnout. But think of how much of a connection this is with your audience — you’re in their home (haha!).
Whether they like your film or not (you’ll know if they hurry you out the door or keep you around for a while), it would be a very fascinating experience to tour the country and meet film lovers who want to see your film. At this point I don’t believe it’s an actual viable business model if one wanted to sustain a living, but the potential is there — and for some reason it really has me wondering about the possibilities.
ps – It’d be great if the person’s home theater looked like this too. That’d be the gravy on top.
Much appreciation to Andrew James of ROW THREE for the amazing writeup on the film. I’m truly humbled by them:
Gary King’s feature film debut is a unique exploration into the drama of interpersonal relationships and their various stages. With New York Lately, King has created a charming piece of cinema that is as tantalizing as it is engaging in its visual and emotional prowess. Accessible dialogue and skilled acting by relative newcomers, depict a culturally and behaviorally varied group of thirty-somethings who allow the revelations of life’s complications to emerge through missteps, risks taken and personal reflection. The narrative rings as true and believable as anything one would overhear on poker night or at a ladies night out. Still, it manages to push the boundary of intrigue, melodrama and to some extent, even adventure. Combining the use of multi-layered prose and interconnecting plot lines with the visual details of the film, King finds a distinct way of examining the more complicated components of typical emotional situations, reminding us what courage under fire really means. Proudly wearing its influences on its sleeve, New York Lately lashes together the more subtle visuals of Almodóvar, the smoothly intense styles of Wong Kar-Wai and the thematic tones of Paul Thomas Anderson. The devil is in the details here and a first time film maker putting these details exactly where and how they belong with acuity and precision, is step one in the making of a master craftsman. —Andrew James (Row Three)
Working on the special edition DVD and hope to have them for sale on my website by March/April. More details coming soon.
Over this weekend I had the honor to have my first feature film NEW YORK LATELY screen at The Annapolis Pretentious Film Society — an emerging film screening series curated by the selfless Pericles (Peri) and Lisa Lewnes.
What’s unique about the series is that they are choosing alternative/non-traditional venues to screen the films. We played at the Rams Head On Stage and I don’t think there could have been a more appropriate place. It was a matinee screening and the place was quite full — with food and drinks aplenty (yes tasty alchohalic beverages were offered). This to me is an ideal way to view a film.
What Peri did — which I think was a nice touch and helped make this screening feel like more of an event — was he programmed NEW YORK LATELY and advertised that I’d be making an appearance along with my cast members (Mark DiConzo was there — unfortunately Jenn Dees was ill and couldn’t attend). Peri then played 2 of my film trailers (WHAT’S UP LOVELY; DEATH OF THE DEAD) prior to the screening which I think really helped generate interest from the audience in my career. This was one of my main goals of the screening — to generate and build audience awareness for the films and myself.
The Q&A afterwards was the best one I’ve had yet. I received some questions I haven’t been asked before about the film — and about my future projects! The best part was they wanted to know how to see all of them! Amazing.
Learning lessons:
1. Have a Mailing List Sign-Up Sheet – I didn’t capitalize on the excitement and interest from the crowd in the moment. I had a lot of people asking how they can find out more about ALL my projects. I had business cards to give them, but soon after I realized that it puts an extra step on their end in making a connection with me. Who knows if they’ll go home and remember to enter my links on their computer during their busy lives. In all the enthusiasm for my film and being there, I know the crowd would’ve been very receptive to my passing a mailing list around — and even if just a few people signed up I could’ve followed up with them myself with no extra effort on their part. This is definitely an opportunity lost that I will not let happen again.
2. Have Merchandise To Sell - I know I’m preaching to the choir about this. And I’ve already said it myself that it’s important to have something to sell to capitalize on the impulse buy. Audiences are usually so caught up in the moment and wish to support the filmmaker — or just love the film enough to want to own it! Have something to sell so you can make money. Again, I already knew going to this screening that my Spec. Ed. DVD’s were not ready. And my movie only DVD screeners have been depleted. But seeing the audience response just solidifed the point and drove it home for me. Moving forward, I know that I will be ready in this area with WHAT’S UP LOVELY.
3. Have a Story Ready to Start Your Q&A - I can’t stress enough that audiences in the beginning (for the most part) may not know where to begin when you stand there ready for questions. It’s always nice to start with a little anecdote to break the ice. They’ll see that you are willing to talk and ideas/questions may spark in their heads based on what you discuss. I did this for the screening and it led to some really wonderful conversations.
I’m sure more will come to mind but those are the standouts.
BONUS ROAD TRIP FOOTAGE: (Road trip from NYC to Annapolis. We were running a bit late and overshot our destination…then a sheet of ice flew off a car and hit our windshield. Car Occupants: filmmaker Gary King, actor Mark DiConzo, producer Susie King)
After the screening I hung out with some great people – both filmmakers and indie film supporters! I also recorded a quick and fun video interview with Victoria (@vicachic) for the Pretentious Film Society. I will post it once they have it done.
Then it was on to dinner in a pub for some delicious crab meat mac n’ cheese! The only thing I didn’t want to do was drive back to NY that night — we made it but wish we could’ve stayed longer.
Special thanks to Corrie (@corrietweets), Coven (@cndmndprdctns) and the countless others (the Kueblers and fam!) that traveled a ways to see the film. The experience could not have been any better. And not that I hope that this was the last screening in a public venue for this film, but if it was it was a great way to bow out. Thank you Peri and Lisa!! We appreciate your support for us and true independent films!
If you are ever given the opportunity to be a “director-for-hire” — would you say “yes”or “no”?
I personally know quite a few talented filmmakers who stick to their guns and will only direct their own work. They are true believers in their art. I commend — and envy — them.
However, one of my favorite living directors Steven Soderbergh has seemed to perfect the balance of being an artist/filmmaker and walking the line between art (The Girlfriend Experience) and commerce (Ocean’s Eleven). He is always on the go and constantly taking risks, so that I am in turn, inspired to push forward as well. His collection of films make me believe and understand that as a filmmaker there is an on-going process of finding yourself, experimenting, exploring and maturing.
Now admittedly, there are some Soderbergh films I do not like. But at his level, he is free to take chances and experiment. Good for him. He makes the films he wants. Even when doing a studio picture he seems to still manage a level of control where both studio and artist come to a happy medium.
But how many of us can afford the luxury of making films for both studios and ourselves? Not many. To me, that would be a dream situation. Can you imagine being paid a healthy sum to direct a film for a production house — and then affording the luxury to take time off and make a smaller, more personal film on your own terms? Again, a dream situation for me — a nightmare for others (the directing for a studio part).
I am fortunate to have been hired to direct 2 feature films — Dismal (horror) and Death of the Dead (zombie action/comedy). These were huge departures from my personal work, but styles of film I love nonetheless. In fact, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. While being paid, I was given the opportunity to tackle other genres and stories that helped hone my craft. They also taught me tremendously about the struggle of balancing one’s filmmaking voice while delivering a product to the producer’s satisfaction. It led me to wonder: without total creative control – how responsible am I on a film’s success or failure (creatively and financially)?
There have been some interesting reactions to Death of the Dead’s initial trailer. Many love it while others do not — which is a tribute to the nature of the film itself. Its target audience finds it funny and can’t wait to see it — while others may not even crack a smile. What I find intriguing (and perhaps scary) are for those people who weren’t expecting this type of movie from me — what happens? Do I lose them? Or do I gain a whole new awareness from zombie lovers who didn’t know about What’s Up Lovely? Perhaps a little of both?
The prospect of this situation actually makes me very excited. There could be some cross-pollination of people (from totally different target demographics) who may like a film I’ve done and discover my other work — which in turn leads to building and sustaining an audience.
I have come a long way since sitting behind a desk in a 9-5 corporate job to being hired to direct feature film projects. It’s a luxury I do not take for granted. In doing this, there’s a responsibility to deliver what producers want, while trying to maintain my identity as a filmmaker. It is not always easy. But I’ve always said “my perfect job would be to get paid doing what I love.” And that’s directing. How can I complain?
Who knows? Only time will tell on how my body of work is looked at when it’s all said and done. For now, all I can say is stick around cause you’re in for one hell of a ride.
NEW YORK LATELY screens this Valentine’s Day Weekend! Actors Jenn Dees, Mark DiConzo and myself will be in attendance for a Q&A immediately after screening.
Date: Sat (Feb 13th) – 12:30 PM Venue: Rams Head Tavern (33 West Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401)
Doors Open at 12 Noon Purchase Tickets Online Here – $8 in Advance $10 at the Door
The cast and I are thrilled to be invited by Peri and Lisa Lewnes — founders of the Annapolis Pretentious Film Society – to share our film New York Lately on Saturday (Feb 13th). We could not be happier to have it screen at the Rams Head On Stage which is an exciting new way to experience and enjoy films. As this emerging cinema series grows in popularity, we believe it will be a showcase on how the independent film scene is evolving and the new ways filmmakers can connect with their audiences.
I find it fitting that we will screen over Valentine’s weekend as the film explores themes of friendship, relationship heartaches, determination and new found love. It’s not your typical movie and will hopefully surprise you in some ways. Although I love all types of films, there is a special place in my heart for those whose genre is not clearly defined. To me it’s so refreshing to watch a film that reflects real-life; where there can be happiness, sadness and comedy occurring all at the same time. Some of my favorite masters of film are able to do this with great care.
It has been a long road in completing the film and slowly building audiences and fans for it across the country. I am honored and give special thanks to Peri and Lisa for embracing New York Lately and allowing us this opportunity to share it with their film community — with you. Independent films truly begin with your support.
We look forward to being there and meeting everyone soon.
Earlier this month, I posted a blog about making a film and facing its praise and criticism (you can read it here). The main question it led to was this:
How do you find your audience — so they can find YOU?
What I mean by this is we as filmmakers first need to find an audience (i.e distribution) to get our films out there. This is a given. In today’s market, independent filmmakers realize that it is simply not enough to strive to make a quality piece of work. Half the battle (if not more) is spending time and effort to get the film out there via various outlets — by whatever means — to give audiences the opportunity to experience your work. With savvy grassroots campaigns and marketing techniques, indie filmmakers obviously know this emerging component is crucial for a film’s success.
However, I have learned that now more than ever it is imperative to not just find an audience — but to find YOUR audience. This is crucial and therein lies our dilemma. Our Catch-22. Our chicken and the egg. In order to gain a loyal following, you first have to get the work into the hands of the film enthusiasts who will appreciate your type of film. Finding your audience is the only way you can continue to prosper as a filmmaker and sustain a career. Your audience will be there to support you for every film you do.
What’s the best way to get your film out there to maximize its exposure? How do you find that person who is ready for your unique cinematic experience? If there were easy answers, everyone would do it. However, I do know that they are out there….hungry for good films. Hungry for your film. I can’t really name one person who says they don’t watch movies — but it’s getting harder and harder to compete in today’s film market (Hollywood, cable/TV, video games, etc) to be noticed and have your film be in demand.
NEW YORK LATELY (Post Screening Q&A)
I completed my first feature NEW YORK LATELY (NYL) in October 2008 — and just now it is starting to find its legs in the festival circuit. I am a big proponent of showing up in person (if possible) for every festival screening. Making an appearance shows that you appreciate the festival selection as well as gives an opportunity to make connections with people who support you. With each festival visit, I hope to plant the seeds of my future work — so that for those that enjoy NYL will look forward to WHAT’S UP LOVELY coming next year. Hopefully, awareness spreads throughout their network, so that people become more interested in seeking out my films (past/present/future).
My main learning lesson with NYL (in terms of PR) was it is never too early to begin building awareness. I started to publicize it once I completed the entire film in October 2008, which I believe now was way too late. With LOVELY, there is already a growing awareness of the film — and this is months prior to it being ready for festivals, screenings and the DVD/VOD release.
Audiences at 2009 Sedona Film Festival in line for NEW YORK LATELY
Are festivals the only way to bond with film enthusiasts? Thankfully not anymore — although I do have to say screening your film in front of a packed crowd in a theater is an incredible rush. However, there are new avenues (both on the Web and in person) to form connections with potential viewers of your work. The independent film movement is ever-shifting — so wouldn’t it be great if you had supporters following you no matter what?
So I ask you: Who is your audience? Where do you find your supporters? Film Festivals? Film Series? Self-Initiated Private/Public Screenings? DVD giveaways? Online Streaming? Film trailers? Blogs? Official film websites? Social Networking? Friend/Family/Colleagues? Whatever else you can think of?
At the FLYWAY Film Festival, I had the opportunity to sit down with some great guys and do my very first “pubcast”. Many thanks to Matt Gamble (WHERE THE LONG TAIL ENDS) and Andrew James Olson (ROW THREE) for taking the time to speak about my projects (NEW YORK LATELY, WHAT’S UP LOVELY….and…?)
There have been some interesting reactions to 
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