Promoting a Movie: The "Real" Work

With the cast & crew back from Sundance, I was hit with the reality that getting the word out about Nominated would be a lot harder than expected. There are just so many independent films out there, and a ton of competition vying for a spot in the program at the latest film fest. The bottom line is a filmmaker has to be persistent and resilient and creative with the methods that she promotes her film (I say "she" because I saw a strong contingent of female lead films at Sundance).

We did take the film to the California Independent Film Festival in Moraga. It played to a small audience, but I have to say, it was fantastic seeing all of our hard work up on the big screen! We're still trying hard to get into more festivals, and hopefully there will be some more big screen time for the movie.

In the meantime, while we try to chase DVD distribution, and video-on-demand options like itunes & Netflix & Hulu, we're starting to work on a few new projects. The first is a very funny web series (the title of which I can't say) that will star Ken Newman and Brian Degan Scott. Once again, we will try to use the talents of cast & crews from the Bay Area. My intention is to help keep the community of film/video thriving in Nor Cal. The other two projects that have been started are in the scripting phase. One is a dark comedy set in the world of competitive pumpkin growing (no kidding), which I'm co-writing with Brian Degan Scott. The other is a thriller involving cloning, which I've started with an old friend, but brand new writer, Vince Zuanich. Both stories show great promise.

And if that weren't enough, I decided to teach a few screenwriting classes for people who'd like to write a movie, but have no idea how to get started on a script. This is script writing 101, and it will give novices all the nuts & bolts of how a screenplay is put together (all the stuff that took me years through trial & error - lots of error). They will be small classes, and I think it will be a lot of fun for people who happen to be passionate about movies, like I am. Those interested can see all the info at my Introduction to Screenwriting page.

Stay dry and warm everyone!
Dan

Nominated Goes Gorilla at Sundance

It's been three years since the script for Nominated was written, and now some of the cast & crew are enjoying a week in beautiful Park City Utah as the small ski town host the world renowned Sundance Film Festival.

Despite the fact that we didn't get into the festival, we are taking the festival by storm. We hit the streets with tee shirts, buttons, ski caps and water bottles, promoting the movie and acting like we belong. We had some great success so far, making lots of contacts and spreading the word about the best indie comedy that DIDN'T get into the festival.

Our condo "headquarters is graced by the presence of Brian Degan Scott, Ken Newman, Greg Cala, Kari Wishingrad, Mark Flores and Dave Cowan. Kari (the gal with the plan) got us all VIP All-Access passes today, which got us into the SWAGG Lounge with all the other celebs. We reveled in the free stuff as we filled our bags with goodies from sponsors and then adjourned to the Stella Artois Cafe for a free lunch. I can't speak for the rest of them, but this is the first time in the movie-making process that I actually felt like a star.

We're having a blast, and it's only the third day of the festival. Tomorrow where going to see some industry panels, and then we'll finally get to see some of the films here at Sundance. It's been a thrill so far, and I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next few days.

Rest assured that I'll post any and everything that happens here in Park City.