Yep, Anonymouse — I will email it to you for review/changes when I’m done (as I did last time), that way you have something concrete to work with, and that may or may not generate questions. Right now I’m pretty sure about what I’m going to put into it, it’s just a matter of grabbing the time to do it.
Anonymouse: I’m writing my script in spanish, and it would really be a pain in the ass to translate it for it to approved, it’ll be about 20 pages! I could send it to you (in spanish) when I finish writing, just so you know I’m doing it as a script must be done.
@Santropez: Spanish is alright, just give us a general outline in English if you can. It doesen’t have to be very specific, just more so than your pitch. We basically just need to know (in English) where you’ll be shooting and what exactly is going on, what characters are doing and that sort of stuff. Be as specific as possible within the bounds of whatever you’re capable of writing within say 45 minutes or an hour. Think of the submission here as more of a shot list. As for the script itself, I guess we’ll have to use Google Translate if anyone wants more specific information before they vote to approve the script.
Most recent tally:
Production of the “Act 1” Segment:
1. Dandara’s film -
Scripts for the “Act 2” Segments:
1. Ryan Estabrooks’ script – Submitted
2. Odilonvert’s script – Submitted
3. Santropez’ script– Pending
(Revised) Pitches for the “Act 3” Films:
Act 3’s status is TBD for the moment because we are currently holding a second round of pitch submissions which will need to close before we can continue into Act 3. We should be looking at at least six pitches in total for Act 3 (we have 3/6, for reference) so we will be needing around three (3) new contributors. In any case, everyone is encouraged to get their adaptations in as soon as possible (in other words, we might just decide to do Act 3 with only a “yes/no” vote on each adaptation rather than a “first/second/third choice” one).
Pitches should be adapted to the Act 2 pitches/ scripts which are as follows: Ryan Estabrooks (A.), Odilonvert (B.) and Santropez (C.) in one of the following exclusive configurations: A + B, A + C or B + C (please see the chart on page 2 of this thread under the “Act 3” header). Tremolo has the B + C and Gamgee has the A + B, so we need someone for the A + C adaptation. Since we need essentially two people to run for each slot in order to hold a vote, the A + C will need to be filled before anyone can run for the second A + B or B + C.
1. The Gamgee’s pitch –
2. Tremolo’s pitch -
3. Roboko’s pitch –
Remember, the deadline for scripts is: 2011-02-22T00:01:00Z (Monday February 21, 7:00PM EST).
-
Delegation of Roles:
Producer:
Anonymouse (acting)
Director:
PolarisDiB (acting)
Press Officer:
Odilonvert (acting)
Financial Officer:
PolarisDiB (acting)
Roboko
These roles will be confirmed or re-staffed pending the result of the next vote. If you’re interested in running for one of these positions, post here and/ or let me know. If no one new runs for any of them, I’ll be assuming that a) everyone is fine with the current configuration and b) that the acting parties (i.e. PolarisDiB, Odilonvert and myself) wish to continue occupying the above position.
When/ if we get a website up, the administration of that site will be more or less added to the duties of the “Press Officer,” so that’s another reason to apply (or not). If it’s too much for one person, we can make another job for that.
By the way, I’m also looking for volunteers to design said website. It should be pretty basic, just a repository for up to date information on progress and an amalgamation of all the Production Notes we’ve published here on MUBI. Communication will be done on this forum, so it can really be nothing more than a place to organise information published here first. When the films are made, they should be hosted on Garage with some kind of inbed on the project website. Of course, it’ll need to have a shnazzy front page with all sorts of visual bells and whistles, too.
Remember financing is absolutely not a given, so work on the assumption that you’ll be essentially on a $0 budget. Please be frugal.
I can do news updates for the website and such – I tend to be good at gathering and summarizing information, plus I’ve already done some networking for raising awareness for a blog. Can’t be too different for any other site. I’m not sure how much I should say I can do in terms of actual design, but if no one else wants the job I’ll find out what I need to know (some friends of mine are pretty good at that so they could help me out). I’m quite computer-savvy.
As far as funding goes I can’t do too much with Kickstarter because it isn’t available in Canada, but I’ll do some research for alternatives. I know the Canadian government has a lot of film funding programs or whatever they’re called – at the least we could possibly get some awareness. If POLARIS has too much to take on already I could help organize budgets for people as well. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew of course.
I’ve got one friend who’s pretty adamant about joining up and I’ll talk to a couple other guys I know who may be interested.
Otherwise as a note, the next two weeks are looking to be very hectic for me so while I’ll still be on top of things I might not post here very much. Fair warning, I haven’t ditched or anything. After February I should be “back.”
Last but not least, awesome scripts from Odi and Ryan so far, looking forward to seeing them on the screen.
You are a doll, TheGamgee. :)
It is time to start recruiting. I have sent out messages to people I know have accounts on this website and who I would really like to join, and one of them has responded. If any of you know people who would be interested, by all means start sending e-mails and calling numbers.
Anonymouse, when are we going to need the new recruits to start submitting pitches?
Re: Santropez’ short and all—this is a Creative Commons production. Whatever you make is yours and you can do what you please. Please provide mention or link to the Ergodic Project as a whole, as the more this gets out there, the more likely it is to gain attention.
FYI, I think I have pretty much decided the best route for working between Garage/website platforms. As a trailer, just imagine the Garage as the place where the project builds in real time for people to see, and the website where it all gets put together and presented seamlessly. Nevertheless, until further notice this project lives in the Garage and should follow Garage submission guidelines, which means we’ll be putting the videos up on Vimeo.
EDIT: Oh yeah, and I have been doing a little research on film funding, especially for international productions. First of all, our various nationalities are assets. Secondly, to be frank, things like having women contributors, younger people, ethnic minorities in the region of the film being made, and so on expand options immensely.
If you are not comfortable providing personal details about yourself such as your age, gender, and nationality, please inform me. If you are comfortable, we may want to create a sort of application form to organize “Who we are” for when we search for financing. This is a sketchy area, I understand, so it is very important that we discuss what is appropriate to identify ourselves with and whether we even want to go this route.
Nevertheless, the international nature of this project in and of itself is a huge asset—as well as, forgive me, Canadians. Try it yourself—do a Google search for “film funding” and count the number of Canadian websites that pop up.
Cheers,
—PolarisDiB
I’ll do A + C, I’ll post my adaptation soon.
The Gamgee – do you know how to use ftp? It’s not hard/long to learn if you don’t. You’ll need it to update the site
I can handle the web design, I’m a little rusty but I can manage :) So I guess it gets launched towards the end of the project?
Still not sure of the budget, I’m in the process of negotiating as much free equipment as I can
Polaris if you need any help with the kickstarter campaign I’m here.
You’ll need some ‘perks’, and one of them could involve the concept art me and my friend have been doing, or an original commission
There should also be an email marketing campaign using mailchimp (free) to send emails to people for donations and blogs for attention, I can deal with that if everyone’s too busy
Roboko — “mailchimp” — what a name, lol!
Funding in Canada, you could always try the NFB/ ONF which (if you meet certain criteria and can make a good case) could result in a (relatively) massive federal grant. I believe you have to be the one making the film, so in that case you would have to apply independently (although you may be able to share some of the money). That would be for a comparably large production, however. If you try funding from the NFB, you should be looking at a 30 minute minimum film with very good production values which will definitely be going on the film festival circuit.
“Anonymouse, when are we going to need the new recruits to start submitting pitches?”
Well, “act 3” is on hold for the moment. I’m basically considering the fact that someone says “I’ll take B+C or A+C” &c. as explicit notice of participation, meaning that said person will abide by any future deadlines (which they’ll have to keep informed on). Once we have a certain indeterminate number of professed participants, I’ll set a date (probably around 10 days) for the submission of pitches after which those who fail to submit will be taken off the vote and placed into “act 4” unless they retire from the project.
Also, anyone wanting to get involved with the eventual site (just design for the moment, please) should contact PolarisDiB. I believe Roboko has volunteered some space for hosting.
It’s good to see things coming together. The way we test, choose and define rules – as we move – gives me a sense of freedom, and the great excitement of doing something new. I’m working in my budget. Waitng on some feedback to see what exactly can I get for free. I think that, for new comers, it will be wise to make it very clear that, by joining the experiment, they will (financially) swim at their own risk. As for our first 7 films, I trust that we all are standing on workable common grounds.
My work right now has somewhat dobled, beacsue there is this documentary that’s exciting people here. So I have the 2 things to organize, as I must use the same crew to shoot both pieces. Eqpmt might not be the same though… let’s see. The 1st doc takes, might roll next Feb 27th, a Sunday.
I’m looking into 3 types of products: the short fiction, the doc mid-length and the making of, which would vary, depending on the actual length of MSSING. All shootings happen in the same effort, starting late Feb, if all goes well. The MISSING footage then travels to the good hands of our Ergodic Project Editor (Who???) and the rest of the material… Well, that I don’t know yet, for I’ve been enduring a severe editting orphanage since my beloved mac book g4 passed away… So I will most probably post just photos in my production notes. and will leave the worries on doc and making of editting for the prod after-math.
To finish, there are few directions I think that every body needs. No matter how close to zero each one’s budget is, where should it be forwarded to? To the Financial Officer via private mail? Who is he (are they) ?Once film is in the can, where should footage be sent to? Who is the Editor?
@ANONIMOUSE I believe A+C is covered, since ROBOKO just said he’ll do it. As for the other Act 3 films, I suggest we prioritize adaptations of the pitches already submitted, welcoming new contributors for Act 4.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!
When your final script submission is approved*, I require from you
A) A budget proposal (no matter how close to zero)
B) Some personal details (allow yourself to be free with this)
C) A resume.
.
..
…….
Sound scary? Relax. Here is the explanation:
I have spent the greater part of today researching grants and grant writing, and have been branching out to other forms of funding (seriously everything from how studio funding works to getting production loans to how to shuffle credit cards), and this information will, inevitably, be necessary. A is because we need real numbers, B is because it helps us target potential investors, and C is because it proves we are real people who can do this, which is true.
These submissions need not be absolutely perfect, but the more detailed, the better.
*For your budget proposal, think of everything! Food! Gas! Post-production costs! (The latter are like the a-1 primary point of failure of most production budgeting). If you have to park in a place where you’ll get ticketed, assume you’ll get ticketed! Allow the price of one beer for every single person on your crew, even if you are not paying them! Think of everything!
*For your personal details, consider this like the author’s blurb at the back of the book. In fact, pretending that your description will be written out in a DVD inlet cover, what would it say? However, you need to give a brief, one sentence blurb explaining why you are doing this project and what your interest in cinema is.
*This should NOT be a standard resume because standard resumes are too short! Include everything! EVERYTHING! That zombie skater serial killer movie you made in the park when you were 16? Include it! Your YouTube channel? Include it! The one time you bought some long-forgotten D-list celebrity coffee because you were the only one who recognized him? INCLUDE IT!
Privacy information: none of this information will be made available to anyone else but me, and they will only be used for the purpose of funding the Ergodic Project, if possible. If any personal details are required in any way for the purpose of funding, I will contact you directly to explain and for permission.
The more I have to work with, the more I can do.
You will submit these things to me, either through PM or to my e-mail account, which is the same screenname at gmail.
That is all, continue as you were, bows and leaves,
—PolarisDiB
*Dandara, that means you.
Wow, I am getting a real education with this project — and appreciation for the complexity of filmmaking (outside of the core of actually making the film)!
Dandara – I’m a girl >.>
Everyone is responsible for editing their own work, by the way (unless PolarisDiB or Santropez who I believe are professional editors want/s to do it).
I totally need to edit my own work, so no burdens from me for that.
@ROBOKO I’m not familiar with ftp, but I learn super fast, so if it’s easy to figure out like you say I’ll be fine.
@Anonymouse, yes by choosing A+B I will submit my pitch by the deadline.
I’ll do a 10 minute livestream and show you, when have you got 10 minutes?
“…yes by choosing A+B I will submit my pitch by the deadline.”
The deadline for the act 3 pitches is still TBD for the moment until we get some more people, but I’m hoping it will be the same as for the scripts which is the 2011-02-22T00:01:00Z. Since Roboko is doing the A+C, we’ll need around three other people so there’s some choice (at least between one and the other pitch for each section, A+C, B+C etc.) when we vote.
“I’m a girl >.>”
Noted.
Hey guys,
I am Bobby. Dib (we have been friends for a little while) told me about this ‘ergodic film project’, and I would love to help. I’m going to be reading the other submissions and then writing one!
Yay! Welcome, Bobby!
Edit: Mrr? Typed this all out and it was not posted correctly. Here it is again:
unless PolarisDiB or Santropez who I believe are professional editors want/s to do it
I’m willing to but I would prefer the individual directors attempt to edit/find editors on their own first. The issue is predominantly logistic: stuff gets lost/broken/stolen/corrupted between the outside world and the UAE, and this goes for software, hardware, online or off. You wouldn’t believe the journey my computer went on when I tried to get it sent over here.
I am still recruiting, I hope others are sending the message out too.
I will be leaving for Scotland in two days. I will be sure to check in here a few times but will be relatively quiet again. On the other hand, I am already trying to contrive up ways of garnering interest in the Ergodic Project at the Glasgow International Music and Film Festival. Ideas?
—PolarisDiB
How about “show Glasgow?” We have people from everywhere, why not play the international angle and try to get people who are interested in community development?
P.S.
How’s Production Note 2 coming along, Odil?
Will be able to get you a draft for review by the end of the week, promise… Sorry for the delay, life has been crazy, and on top of it I’m not well today. But I will carry through. :)
Don’t worry about it, we won’t hold it against you.
Once we get Santropez’ script in, we’ll have even more to talk about (because we can hold the vote to approve the act “2” segments and move them into the production phase).
You should probably post replies/questions here while I’m talking, The Gamgee.
You should probably post replies/questions here while I’m talking, The Gamgee.
Anonymouse
Like I said for funding, work on the assumption that you will be spending your own money. When your script is approved, submit your budgets to PolarisDiB and indicate what you will be able to cover. if you can get your own, outside funding or reduce your costs by working through your university &c. then do so but indicate that on your budget sheet (ie indicate all costs and what you can cover yourself, which ideally should be most of the cost). Remember that you agreed to this project without the promise of funding, so you must have had some kind of plan.
Anything regarding finances, contact me or PolarisDiB who I suppose is now our de facto Finance Officer and Director. If you send it to me, I’ll pretty much just be deferring it to PolarisDiB. We however will be confirming and/or assigning roles on the next vote. A list of positions will be posted shortly, you can volunteer for one at that time.
As for submitting your segment to Film Festivals, I think we all would prefer to have them submitted together as a whole. However, if you have to in order to get the segment done for funding or production reasons, I personally think it’s okay so long as you indicate that yours is a segment part of a greater project (ie the [Mubi] Ergodic Film Project). I know Santropez had some issues of that sort.
Length is minimum 10 minutes but you should be looking at 15-20 unless you really can’t get it longer.
Recruitment-wise, we will likely need more people if we want to go beyond Act 2 because we otherwise would have no choice in which segments to choose but it’s still TBD what we’ll be doing.
For an external Internet site, Im taking volunteers for web design. Roboko can host, so we have that down.
Production Note 2 should be along shortly. Odilonvert, just email it to me when you have a draft or let me know if you have questions as to what to write.
Language of dialogue: do it in the local language but write subtitles in English (preferably with Aegisub or similar) and send them to me for a grammar check. We’ll see about translating them to a third language after.