Musings of an Idiot

Tidings

It has been a happening day –now where to begin. The school – had 3 full on days and am really enjoying it. The kids on the STAR course are really bright and really receptive, so it is fun teaching to them. Yesterday they shot and edited Vox Pops. Today I was caught up with the 1 year course edit session while recording the shows from the STAR course photo stills.

I was racking my brain for the past couple of weeks on ways to get ‘Memories’ shown nationwide {atleast in the major cities} –more so because after Asia Film Festival –short of some TV station picking up the movie for broadcast there is no other way that majority of the public will see it. And as a first time film maker, I guess that’s one of the biggest fears you have –that no one will ever watch your movie. So I researched the movie theatres across the country and sent them an introductory email a couple of days back. I thought –well it is as far fetched as my promotion strategy can get but let me try it out anyway. Anyway, I got 5 responses from the mailing I did – 4 of them curious and supportive while 1 of them simply did not understand what I was saying {is that something which afflicts big organizations???}. And the theatres range from places like Wellington down to Dunedin –so am thrilled that atleast there is still interest in independent film makers and films. I am not sure if anything will materialize but it would be bloody fantastic if it did and will definitely mean that a wider range of audience will be able to watch our efforts. I was also discussing this mad idea with Olivia, editor of a magazine, who is doing a small feature on the movie, and she put me onto a PR person, whom I have to talk to. So things are definitely shaping up and it is hard to put in words the joy of being accepted as an independent film maker.

I am still awaiting reviews to come out for the movie. The first one which has come out is from Dave Davis at Chud.com and you can read the review HERE. The other more immediate reviews I am waiting for is from microcinemascene.com and possibly 2 other local websites – keeping fingers crossed that they will appear soon. I contacted TAKE magazine – which is an industry magazine in NZ and they will possibly do a small article on us – which would be really cool. I guess as an independent film maker – all you can do is hope that the product itself is good enough to move people to help you. Till this point, I have to say, I am humbled by the support which we have been getting. The movie did not make it to the Sydney Film Festival though - a tad disappointed but well thats the name of the game -win some, loose some.

It is half way through the week and have to say that the week till now has flown past real quick and it is gonna be a long week. I got out Michael Palin’s Sahara and will watch it within the week – I have turned into a big fan of his travelogues/journeys and when I saw the DVD at the shop I couldn’t resist hiring it out. I won’t be taking part in any form or shape in this year’s 48 hour film making challenge because I am consciously trying to move away from short films and concentrate my time and energies on feature projects. It is hard though – making a short film is a shorter and much different process, so it is tempting. But I think my thought process is fascinated with feature lengths because in a way they are complex but simple, tough but easy, challenging but fun- it is a paradox which I enjoy.

Hmm….looks like I have indeed made this a very long update. Will cut it short for now and will keep you posted later.

Bye for now...
Amit

posted by Amit @ 9:50 PM