Speedbump: Feature Film "Floridiana" is Currently on Backburner

TORPEDOED!...
Well, well. This has been a long transitional state into my work on Floridiana and out of it. And I'm not pleased about how hard it has been to find the right help to get this film going, but this hasn't actually been the primary issue. I've been through three (3) different producers, probably five (5) different cinematographers, and a few actors. But ultimately its been about story, a few partnerships lost, and about finding (or NOT finding) some funding.

I have not been interested in seeking crowdfunding due to the nature of the story, which, sadly, doesn't wreak of crowd-pleasing fare. Instead, it was always a personal and intimate story about implanting my own idealistic themes of brotherhood, and community into a wish-fulfillment tale about having the kind of exultant teenage years that I never experienced.

Yeah, so there've been some torpedoes that sent my submarine traveling under the film radar into the depths of a temporary or permanent sea-floor grave. Ok. But I'm actually not bitter about this. I know that these things happen. After all, one of the factors involved is that I'm having a third child, which is going to be great! Also, I'm doing some unconventional stuff with business to try to raise my income level, but this has a time frame which gets in the way for me. A partnership got dissolved due to mutual differences (thankfully, not much money was invested into that, but time was), and another partnership ended up putting some of my investments at risk, but that is being hammered out currently. And, Jonah Hill's "Mid90's" came out which requires me to re-write the script considerably. It is almost identical in its primary foundational elements to the degree that its too obvious. Makes it look like I'm a bad copy. That's not cool. Harumph!

So, "Floridiana" is now being shelved, and I am back to organizing my projects in order of ease of ability to shoot vs. difficulty of execution. My list of projects has only gone up since I started having children, because I've got writing time but rarely do I get shooting time now. And because I am an idea person, I can literally come up with a quality, viable feature movie idea and write out the basic plot points in one day, which I just did a few days ago. But I have to admit that without making serious progress now, I feel somewhat lost and inconsolable. I put a lot into Floridiana, but honestly there's not a lot I can do but to hope for the right one to come along. So, has it?? Possibly.

I have an older project that I was working on but never completed the script. I also felt that I wasn't ready for this project, but I now feel that if I put more prep into it I may be able to make a great crowdfunding project from this because it is based on a public domain property that has been attempted numerous times before, but not very successfully (in my humble opinion). So, it would likely be highly inspired by (but not necessarily directly based upon) this famous English work of literature from the 1600's which I will tell you about soon... ;)

I really want to recommend these kinds of projects to new filmmakers because they encourage an adaptation or a translation of someone else's famous work. And this is a great skill to have in this current film market, but it is also going to give you some really great source material to play with.

Coming up next... my list of films I am currently developing, including this next feature film project.

Our "Golden Foot" is Walking to a Theater Near You

Hey film fans! Our little golden film, "Golden Foot" is walking around Florida visiting festivals!

It is a 20 min. comedy short about a narcissistic foot model who must resolve with his mother after a strange selfie addiction afflicts her! Yep. Did you get that? We made a short film about a self-absorbed foot model and a disease brought on by selfie addiction... And what have YOU been doing with your life?... I thought so. :D

We continue to bring comedy, laughs and quality filmmaking to Florida! So, here are the current screen times and locations on the books...

1. Silver Screen for Short Films - August 8th, 7pm, Villagio Cinemas, Tampa, FL.

2. Tampa Bay Film Society - August 21st, 7pm, Holliday Inn Express, Oldsmar, FL.

3. CENFLO - Central Florida Film Festival - September 7th, 11am, EPIC Theaters, Mt Dora, FL.

4. CENFLO - Central Florida Film Festival - September 9th, 1240pm, EPIC Theaters, Mt Dora, FL.

5. TBUFF - Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival - December 9th, 1125am, Britton Cinemas, Tampa, FL.

6. Dunedin International Film Festival - January 12th, (time tbd), Dunedin, FL.



We will continue to update this post for future dates and changes.

May the Foot Be With You!!!
~Jon

Also please visit our Facebook page here.


Some Updates:

8/8/18 - WINNER of the Silver Screen for Short Films Audience Choice Award!!!

8/21/18 - Successful screening @ the Tampa Bay Film Society on Aug 21st to a packed room!

9/9/18 - Successful screenings in Mt Dora at the CENFLO festival of films!

Putting Our Best Golden Foot Forward: Our "Golden Foot" Cast!

I just want to give a shout out to our wonderful cast for "Golden Foot"! It was a wonderful experience to work with you all! I apologize to anyone who wanted to be part of the cast but couldn't. It was a joy to meet and work with each of you!!

I wasn't sure how well everything would go during production, but as soon as we got filming things really kicked into 5th gear! I was very pleased because there were wonderful surprises and great inspiration for me everyday! And now I sincerely miss working with you all now that we are screening the film. So, allow me to glowingly showcase each of you here a tad!

After all, these guys worked hard and deserve to be shown off! In fact, I already know that a few of you have found feature film work as a result of meeting others on this film! I am glad I could be a part of anyone's success! Especially for people that I like so much! You've been a joy to work with!

Let's start with our lead protagonist, Daniel Cooksley, actor extraordinaire!!!

1. Daniel Cooksley - playing Sergei Bogdonovich aka. "Golden Foot".
Daniel showed a surprising amount of responsiveness when finding the middle ground for his character. I was sometimes resistant when he asked me pointed questions. But every question he asked was astute, helpful, and necessary to getting to where we needed him to be for this role. And it shows! Daniel was a powerful collaborator who I'd be honored to team up with again, if the opportunity arises. I pray it does! Thank you so much for making this experience memorable and fun, Dan!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1354708/

2. David Flood - playing Charlie.
Dave is a consummate professional. He never complained once. He never avoided or shrunk from the challenge. He is always there 100%. And he is a natural actor! He just GOT the role immediately, and did emotions from zany to serious at the drop of a hat. David, I am so honored I got to work with you man!!! It was just such a great experience for me, and I hope we can work together again some day!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1492708/

3. John Borland - playing Andrei Bogdonovich.
John is always available to play a role to help out a friend. He's ever faithful to show up and knock 'em dead! He can do roles that many would consider impossible, or difficult, AND he has fun doing it! Thank you John for being a friend to me and making this film stronger and much more fun because of it! "Like PROBIOTIC," my friend... like probiotic, indeed!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7962611/

4. Cristoff Marse - playing Stuart, Patricia's agent.
Christoff kind of blew my socks off. And many of you who were there when he performed know what I'm talking about. I even told him that after he performed and I was taken aback by how instant he was in getting the role. After clarifying his role all he needed was how much (emotionally) to do it. He landed on the ground like a super hero and placed all of this intensity and humor into every breath whenever the camera was rolling. It was magnificent. I truly feel that lightning struck that day. And I hope it does again!  Thank you for your power, intensity, and beauty, Christoff! Still amazed!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4934258/

5. Mary Jane Heath - playing Patricia Bogdonovich, Sergei's "mannequin mother".
Mary was like a fast friend who is always on your side. She always gives you something you never expect and never expected you needed until she gives it to you. Then you know you'll need her help again. I just love her so much for being such a talent, but especially for her friendship!

Just to give you an example, that "poem" she says to little Sergei during the flashback sequence? That was entirely her. Not the script. Our contribution was something like "Don't worry your footy will be fine. And you'll see- one day you'll become famous- blah blah." And she turned that into magic. Because that's right folks... Mary Jane is magic. NO other explanation! Thank you, Mary!!! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1021602/

6. Susan White - playing Dr. Debra.
Susan was such a powerful friend to have on set, because she was always available to say yes. And when you ask her to jump she asks "How high?" She just knocked our socks off straight-off during casting. And we knew that her brand of humor would be perfect as the subtle straight-faced "Doctor" with silly instructional videos about mannequins. She was perfect. And more than that- she played against a mannequin and did every crazy, ridiculous thing we came up with on the spot. I am so grateful for that.

On top of all of this I have to give her a big huge "THANK YOU" for providing her house to us free of charge for a full 24 hours of straight shooting. She opened her home to us and we tried (probably in vain) to clean up our mess afterwards. I bet there was still popcorn we threw somewhere in the house a week later. Thank you for putting up with us, and still giving us all a perfect performance on the day! I had so much fun and I hope it was a memory-maker for you too!!! ;)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5317604/

7. Linda Roser - playing Female Assistant.
I love working with Linda and I've even written roles for her before because she is such a talented local actor, I wish there were more challenging roles for her locally. Her comedic timing is bar-none incredible, and her facial expressions are infectious. Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence and allowing our "Russian foot model" to reject giving you an autograph- with so much rudeness. It was perfect! Thank you, Thank you!!! =D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4558350/

8. Chris Plourde - playing Male Assistant.
Chris is my bro when we can hang out, which is becoming rarer, because he is so popular in the local film and commercial scene. I appreciate everything you do for us brother, in front and behind the camera! When Chris is in "go mode" it is really helpful because he pushes us all forward! But I especially love his range and his willingness to do more. I don't think an actor like him will ever be out of fashion. He will always be in demand because he is willing to do the work and willing to be a powerful voice on set wherever he goes, because he's doing it all as a gentleman and a scholar. You da man Chris!!! Thank you!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7161702/

9. Andrew Durliat - playing Photographer. And Ellah Durliat playing "Little Footy".
Drew does work a lot. And I miss him sometimes because he's not always working with me (shoot!) :/. Why? Because he's here, and there, and everywhere, helping so many local productions! How did he contribute? He got us little Ellah as "Little Footy". Thats right- we used her foot in a shot. Thank you Ellah! :D He also made our locations happen, and he made pre-production happen very smoothly because he was always saying, "what else do we need?" So he made a great photog as well because he had experience knowing what they do, and he wasn't about to hold back when he showed up on camera. Thats what comedy is about brother! Make 'em want more. But most of all, thanks for being a friend and being so helpful to us! You made it happen brother!!! Thank you for being there for the team!!!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6747828/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6797231/



And last but not least... TA DA!

10. Jillian Kinsman-Barrett - playing "Footy" in the opening closeup shot.
Thats right. We got a really fantastic actual foot model, Jillian, to get the opening foot shot to show just how glamorous Sergei's foot was. LOL. The foot shot seen later (in the Footy Bed) was Daniel, however. LOL. I felt that in the opening shot this would make his foot look really glamorous- and I think it worked! Thank you Jillian for adding your professional touch to everything you do! :D
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1817261/



You cdcan currently see our film playing in Florida film festivals, and you can see it listed on IMDb here. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5510880/

So again, thank you to everyone in front of the camera who made this film happen smoothly and made it a joy to shoot!!! You guys ARE GOLDEN!!! So lets watch how well our little short does, and give it the attention it deserves!


May the Foot be with you! And with you as well!!! :D

~Jon

Low Budget/High Concept & the AFM Aftermath

Well, the AFM happened folks! It was an astounding success for us. But for some people, they might not see what I see. I made some great new friends, and got some great ideas & direction for our future. That's what I expected, and that's what I wanted. But I've known lots of people who have wished for and even expected a sale on their very FIRST VISIT. Which I find to be absolutely ridiculous. I've even seen the people who go to AFM without a finished film, which is probably the majority of filmmaker attendees, expect this. That's probably because they didn't do their research, or because they are being unrealistic about their product.

 

Let me give you a clue. The market doesn't care nearly as much about your product as you do. But what they can start to care about is you. YOU, the filmmaker. YOU, the human being. So, appeal to them on that level first. That's the first step. The next step is to learn how to sell or to find a sales producer to team up with. That's step two.

Well, that's what we did, and that's what we got. We met some amazing people. One of them lives close by, and we are now teaming up with him. His name is Terry Hopkins of Firestrike Productions, and he really impressed us. But there were also a handful of other friends we made from around the world. The guys from Badlands, Sean from Callumny Films, Travis from Cobalt, the team at Thriller, and to many more! Thank you to all of you I met with and to those who advised us on our films, and making better films for the market.

One thing I learned is that 'high concept' can be a good but also a bad thing. It's good to start with high concept, but never settle on it. We can do the best work as we never give up to what I call "the entropy of the high concept", but if we continue, instead, to fight for the greater complexity of characterization and the greater sophistication of plot and themes... in two words, we need "groundbreaking storytelling". Its true that Low Budget/High Concept is good. It makes selling to a market like AFM possible, but it's not by any means the end-all of storytelling.

 

So, to you, the reader, the fan, I have some great news! Liberty No. 5 Pictures has teamed up with Firestrike Productions to bring product to the AFM next year! So, that's our goal! More specifically, to have one or more projects in each stage of development by next year. A project being developed or written, a project in pre-production, a project in post-production, and a finished project seeking distribution. So, at least four projects that have great teams, and are building up to a great sale (or a few great sales) at AFM 2018. Here's what we are working on now.

1. Development on horror film, "The Demon's Head" in the Tampa Bay area.
2. Developing a Faith-based Musical inspired by the Biblical story of Job (with writer Preston Walden).
3. Developing a Halloween themed family thriller called "Let's Get Scary." Being developed with director/writer Nick Canning.
4. Developing a shark thriller film with director/producer Ryan Justice.
5. Developing a horror/thriller about the urban myth called Black Eyed Children, with producer John Borland.
6. Developing an action film about bounty-hunters with Joe Sanchez.
7. Developing a faith-based film with director Matthew Glover.
8. Developing an action comedy with Joel Wynkoop called "Battlesuit".

And now my personal projects...
9. My coming of age drama 'Floridiana' about skaters, abuse, & homelessness is in pre-production.
10. I am writing & developing a drama comedy set during Thanksgiving, and a fantasy adventure inspired by "A Pilgrim's Progress".
11. I am working to bring my short script "Something to Lose" to the screen.

I can't discuss too many specifics about most of these projects for good reason, but the ones that are personal projects are free game. Development can be a fragile time for teams. We don't want to expect too much at first. And we don't want to squelch the creativity too much by demanding a lot or thinking we know what the film is about too early on.

Knowing what a story is truly about is essential to bringing it to life effectively. And development is really about finding that out, and getting the pieces put together before we rush down a path that could actually dead end once we get to production, or get to post-production, or to market. It can get sidelined at any one of these steps if we don't really know our limits, and if we don't know if we can execute this with our limited resources.

We need more projects closer to post or to sale. But that's just where we are now. As soon as we get more successes we can start asking for funding in various places and know that we can get somewhere without having to self-fund or crowd-fund everything.



Low Budget/High Concept image by Mongrels, © Mongrels 2015 all rights reserved.