DAY 5: Now Take Off Your Clothes

Today me & a potential actress for the Webcam Sex Girl role watched some reference video and had a good laugh when the webcam performer gave a tease of her granny panties. Five minutes later, she was eating a sandwich. HOT!

It was the first official day of auditions. Saw 6 people in 4 hours. Should have been 8 but someone's car broke down and someone just didn't show up. I'm sure that actress' foot was stuck in a bear trap somewhere. Everybody today was solid and all are certainly in consideration. The biggest challenge will be finding the right couples. Just because someone is individually good in a part, they may not be right when paired with someone else. So it's a bit of a mix/match game. Tomorrow I have my final set and will know who's what Friday or Saturday.

There are at least two other films being filmed in Duluth at this time. I know because the actors have told me. I haven't heard a single word about them in the press. And one is a feature! I'm trying to figure out why my little short film has been getting so much attention. I suspect it's a combination of 1) I choose Duluth specifically and came here 2) The title is provocative 3) I raised money to do this via Kickstarter & 4) Because I've actually had some previous success.

I must admit I kinda get off on my bad boy image, because if you have met me in real life, I don't think I come off as terribly threatening. I often get cute & endearing. My resemblance to a weasel also helps in this regard. People have been looking at me funny here. I'm not sure if it's because I'm dressed like an idiot or because they recognize me from the news. Can anyone verify if there is a wanted sign at the post office?

In other news, it looks like we'll be filming the date scene over at Bellisio's. Again, super nice. Super supportive. In terms of getting locations, Duluth is awesome. It's never been this easy & it can be a real struggle in SF, unless you know them already. Most just don't want to be bothered with your little film. So to the other filmmakers of the world, consider Duluth!

New Video, Making The News!!

As I sit here listening to some HOT yuletide disco music, I decided I should send an update about the status of the project. First of all, there's a new pitch video on the page. Part pitch, part best-of reel, and another opportunity to explain the project and apologize to Duluth for the title. Given recent events, I also removed any talk of "blowing your brains out." A few people emailed me and were offended by that so now there's a video you can share that probably won't upset anyone! Hooray!!

I made the Duluth news again. Here's a report from Fox News 21 asking residents of what they think of the title. It's actually a semi-favorable piece. http://www.fox21online.com/content/duluth-residents-respond-duluth-horrible-movie-title

Actually, I've been befriended and emailed by many citizens who seem very nice and excited about the project. A lot of the latest backing activity has come from there. I'm no longer worried about finding talent or help. There will be plenty. Someone even recommended a good place for the karaoke scene. I'm told there are alot of mullets to be found there. Perfect!! I'm excited to meet & work with Duluthians on this movie.

I was feeling a little down this weekend about the status of the project. It's true we're far from my goal. But I'm committed to get it going and get the word out. I'll be sending more emails, more tweets, more Facebook posts, more everything. It's always better to try & fail, then give up. And with your help, we can get it out even more. So please share the project around. Part of the reason for adding clips of greatest hits to the pitch reel was to remind people "Hey, I make pretty good stuff. That gets views & exposure. And I'm not stopping."

THANK YOU for backing the project and your support. 17 Days to raise 9k. Let's do this!!!

- Vincent

Decision Time

If you plan on making a pledge, don't wait! I seem to be going through the "empty restaurant" syndrome. "Might be good, but not very popular. I'll pass." Keep in mind, you don't pay now. You only pay when the project meets the goal, in Jan.

In fact, here's a challenge for anyone reading this blog: I ask that you each contribute $5. That's a beer for your buddy or a tip for a video well done. It's not much on it's own but it'll add up.

To be frank, I absolutely HATE this entire Kickstarter process and if we don't even get at least 30% (3,000) by next week, I'm likely to abort the mission. Begging & spamming my friends is not something I enjoy and goes against everything I've ever done. Should the campaign fail, I may start an Indie Go-Go campaign where at least I'll get whatever money is donated. Perhaps should have done that in the first place. It's all a learning experience. Thanks to everyone's support.

Your Money & Me

If I could turn back time (sing along), I would change the Kickstarter goal to something slightly less. A full $10,000 will be needed but it seems so far away. Also I think people don't understand that it's all or nothing. I only get your donation if I reach the 10k goal. I explained today to someone why that much would be needed and thought I'd relay that info here as well:

• Travel & Living Costs: Money for me to get there & live there for up to a month. I'll need food, clothing, and transportation to get around.
• Actors: The actors need food, costumes, and some even get paid. 
• Equipment & Crew: I'd like to shoot this on a nice HD camera. One I was going to rent when I get there or possibly even buy with the support of my savings. There will be a sound man too who obviously will need compensation. Money is also an incentive to have crew & actors brave the elements to help make this. 
• Insurance: Filming in certain locations usually requires liability insurance. Plus in the potential harsh climate, equipment insurance would be good to have too. 
• Post: When the movie's all shot, it'll need to get edited, have a post sound mix, & have original music added. $$$
• Marketing: It's not enough to make a film anymore, you have to market it too. So some money goes to festival submissions costs, DVDs, and other promotional material. Also considering hiring a publicist to get word out more.
• Kickstarter Itself: Did you know they take a cut? As does Amazon Payments? Plus all the money to make the rewards. I may have the DVDs sitting around but I gotta mail them.

In short, it adds up. Any contribution helps. But don't take my written word for it. Watch me say it to you: