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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Everyone can't be happy, but hey, maybe just one more person can...

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Lliam Worthington

Lliam Worthington

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-- THREAD ABANDONED --

***EDIT***

Mods if you happen this way you could close if you don't mind.
Looks like it's a foolish endeavour. Not my first, and undoubtedly not my last.

The point that there are other people who may be in a similar position to Leonidas was not lost on me. I was well aware of that. But most have missed the point. You cant help everyone, but I thought it just may be in our collective power and nice to help at least one person.

Why him? Why not?

Most of you all answered that one already, with why not me? I understand that, but i also stated that if you weren't inclined to or in the position to, to please just ignore the thread. I'm sure many have. Thank you for that. But it's still a clear fail. And thats' just the way it is.
Good luck Leonidas. My other offer still holds.

Best

Lliam








Originally Posted by Leonidas Forteza

I always wanted to shoot a great feature is always been one of my greatest dream which I'm sure my dream is also share by millions if not billions around the world. With a very small budget of course, I needed a great camera at a great price! But the usual low budget choices were always (Panasonic, Sony, Jvc, canon, etc) I always found myself searching (for years) the www. here and there and always end up not getting anything because there was always something wrong or missing in these cameras (companies driven by MONETARY gain adding features here and there little by little so for and so on...

So back to the old nothing just wishing to hit the lotto or something so I can make myself the perfect camera, frustration got in and hopes got out, to make a long story short. Then on my infinite search in this dark world I live in for the right camera I suddenly saw a light! I came across Jim's great scarlet (my heroic camera maker) they called themselves RED.

I told this to everyone I came across since 2007 doing exactly what I wish I could do (making the perfect cinema camera at a price anyone could actually afford) his got the money and the best part above all, his got the passion, yes PASSION I couldn't ask for more, a company which makes cinema cameras driven by passion, Oh Excellent! I just can't wait to get my hands on scarlet, wow I wonder the power of RED SCARLET on everyone's hand, people like me who don't even have a bank account because money it's always short but actually be able to think I could get my hands on this amazing 3k camera.

I started dreaming and dreaming big just thought get ready for true cinema revolution I could see great deal of choices for the future as far as movies, shows, commercial, etc. choices to see the other side of the coin not only the big dog's. See the perspective of people with great talent from all over the glove having the perfect tool at a price that will allow them to truly show their skills at a level never done or seen before. That to me was powerful! this was revolution!

Yesterday 11-03-2011 9:00pm was supposed to be one of the happiest day of my life, finitely all I have talked about for years was to become true, now I guess I talked too much! I must it be out of mind mind! I broke into tears as I saw all go down hill , what happened? what happened with 3k scarlet heck even 6k scarlet I could have done that even if it meant I had to put on my gasoline boots and go trough hell and come back with that money but now double that amount it's just not thinkable for me and for many, many others I'm sure, if this is the cost of knowing what you are doing in my case I would rather have the innocent part of it, I prefer when you didn't know as much, doing 3k for 3k hey even with a bit more knowledge 3k for 6k. Now what? (so back to the old nothing just wishing to hit the lotto or something so I can affort to buy the perfect camera, (which is EPIC of course) frustration it's now back and hopes are just that, hopes) Sorry that's my frustration writing I had to let it go some how.

Never the less I do like to thank and congratulate Jim and the RED team for been brave enough to even try and share some light for those left in the dark, you have done great I never doubt it you for an instant I guess I just have to wait for another boat. Sail on RED! Sail on!

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Hi everyone, thanks for dropping in,

I have my Scarlet coming. I'm over the moon, and think RED are absolutely amazing. But this is a post that pulls right at my heart strings. I have been where Leonidas was - and you could say, well he can just work till he gets there too, like I'm sure so many others have, and that's true. But sometimes life can be just plain fucking hard, I mean kick you in the teeth, push you in the water, and hold your head down hard... and some people just never get that chance to see their way clear. And so while it's not that I don;t believe Leonidas you can do it. I'd like to give something to an Indie dreaming film maker who is now a little less fortunate than me. It's a selfish act really. I'd like to give a gift to the me of ten years ago.

OK:

** Not into philanthropy - don't like the idea - cool - jog on - there are a billion other threads to go read and post on.
** This is not a DEBATE THE WORTH OF THE IDEA THREAD. Thx
** I have no idea who Leonidas is - he's not my little brother - promise :))

So, what say we follow Jim's lead in making so many dreams come true, if not all, and let's help make just one more Indie dream come true together, by getting 80 RED users to throw in $100 each.

What say you RED brothers and sisters...

And I mean shit, if the 300 can't support Leonidas, who can??


1) Lliam Worthington : $100

79 to go...


(* Leonidas, If this FAILS, and I make decent money out of my next film. I'm going to give my Scarlet to you.

The Scarlet Indie film dream is one I understand and deeply appreciate. I hope to see you sail on Leonidas. Sail on brother.)


Thanks for your consideration and time everyone.

Best Wishes

Lliam
 
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explain please. some guy wants a free camera so you want to raise funds for it?
 
My story is almost exactly the same as his, give me a Scarlet too.
 
I'd like a scarlet too. Is this where I put my paypal account # so you guys can help me out?
 
As I seem to remember I made a bet about save the date and color it scarlet...

I think I lost.

So I'm good for $100.00

(don't tell the wife)…

BUT I have some conditions.

1. that Leonidas post something about the films that he is so burning to make/story boards.

2. Would be keen to see ANY photography he has done.

3. I have no idea how you broker funds/purchase/shipping?

4. The bloke needs lenses and accessories so is 80 * $100 = $8k ain’t gonna cut it.

5. Need to make sure the he is not in a situation where someone that has power over him is going to hock/pawn the camera. [That happened in Getty project called picture LA some time ago where inner city kids were given cameras].

A long time ago I attended a Scorsese work shop at UCLA he advised us to everyday just to shoot regular stills to being with and really explore the photographic medium.

La Jete is a good example. Terry Gilliam’s movies are ALL scribbled out as loosely drawn story boards (the entire movie and then too much more besides).

The sentiment is valid but my concern is the notion of a “perfect” device as being the key to making movies that billions will watch. That to me is a RED flag (in the negative sense).

Call me a judgmental bastard. Probably more on the “mental” than the judgy bit.

I love the mad randomness of the idea and the passion but I think that Leonidas needs to show something.

In your case Lliam what you aim to do has an unbelievable degree of merit and I think the concept that you have for your own work is amazing and I think you will attract a hell of a lot support to follow your vision through to a terrific execution of what you have in mind. I have almost no doubt of that…

But Leonidas worries me a little bit so I am interested if (maybe) he has something physical that shows mad passion, or raw talent… something along those lines.

To my mind “movies” are made by more than cameras.

That’s my $100.

6. Only transferrable once notional target has been met.

I like in principal that REDUSERS can make stuff happen.

We’ll see who else chimes in on this?

Very Best,

Eric

I don't think you are going to get 80+ REDUSERS to thrwo in $100 hard earned bucks to make someone's dreams come true.

In the UK we had a show in the 70's called "Jim'll Fix it". Sort of "make a wish"; people used to write letters to Jimmy Savel (who also smoked huge cigars), and he woudl try tomake someone's dream/wish come true. In this case I'm not so sure Jim'll fix it in this case...

But then crazier things have been known to happen.

Lliam don't feel guilty that your very worth while dream can become a reality with the real tools that you need.

I like people with a plan rather than a just a "lame" vision.

Maybe Leonidas has something. But I am worried to raise his hopes just in case he might be inclined to go off the "deep end". I have to admit I was gripped by near/temporary madness (at least for an hour or more)...

If a few more folks throw into the pot then maybe you can have a few more candidates. Or maybe a candidate can put $100 into the pot. Everybody that puts in a contestant or not can vote on the merrits of each candidate.

REDUSER seems mad enough as it is but this seems to be asking for big trouble somehow…

The winner gets a Scarlet....?

I'm sure the mods will say No F'ing way and shut down RedUser "make a wish"...
 
Liam, I see what you mean. i was there too. The main difference is that I was Leonidas when the Red One came out. I just couldn't afford it. What did i do? I bought a 35mm adapter for my HVX200. I bought lenses and borrowed them. Shot some indie work. At the same time, busted my ass off working, improving my skills. When the Scarlet was announced in 2007, I waited, and then bought a 5D with my hard earned money. Sold of my 35mm adapter. Again, improved my skills, earned more money, my work gained some recognition and my income improved. Now, the Scarlet arrived. I can somehow afford it. i can even afford an Epic, for the matter. Would I be a better filmmaker or audiovisual content creator if I started of with a Scarlet? I don't think so. Having to struggle with 35mm adapters, terrible low light, aliasing and moire artifacts, post production workarounds like chroma smoothing, masking, etc. truly helped me grasp the craft much more than to start by driving a " Ferrari". Leonidas can and will succeed if he has the will with a 7D or a 5D. They are excellent cameras to nurture your talent, to showcase your skills, and to help you understand the implications of everything that a film or video production involves. If he goes through this, he will most certainly be ready to how difficult and hard this business is.

Filmmaking is a craft, something that doesn't miraculously goes right with the ultimate camera. Its all about the talent behind it. House MD was shot brilliantly with a 5D, Lars Von Trier created a fantastic film experience (controversial, I know) with a DV Camera, heck, even iPhone shot films win Film Festivals. If Leonidas goes through the ropes the "hard way", if he is passionate enough, he'll be one hell of a filmmaker. The best way to help someone like Leonidas is to get him a job in a production. Let him learn, improve himself. That way he'll thank you a lot more than by giving him a "gift" that he may not even know how to fully appreciate and take advantage. My 2 cents.
 
Leonidas needs to work on his expectations. This stuff happens in the industry all the time when it comes to target price aimed for during pre-production vs actual costs at launch. Many things effect price change in the course of a year, which is why I find it funny that he got his hopes crushed over something that was expected and guaranteed to change. There are many people who have a similar story or want it even more. I don't know why he should be entitled to a fundraiser more than any other person.

I understand his lament of the whole low price/high end stuff, but he should focus on what he can afford and stick with that until he can afford a Scarlet like everyone else had to do with a desired piece of equipment they wanted, but couldn't afford.

I wanted a Nissan GTR when they announced the price point at $70,000 which I could have afforded. At launch and due to back order: $120,000. Now out of my budget. Am I sad? sure. Should people take pity on me and try to raise funds for me to have one? Absolutely not. Because just like the Scarlet, I don't need to have one to "drive around town". He doesn't need a Scarlet to get the job done.

Work like we all have to and start small and save up the money. Then when you have enough, buy a Scarlet.
 
I'm in the exact same situation. Can I have a Scarlet too? I admire your generosity Lliam, but the fact is there are THOUSANDS of Leonidases out there. RED's philosophy of "carrot on a stick" sorely hurt a lot of people. I'm one of 'em too. Hopefully they will learn their lesson one of these days.
 
Kyle Presley said:
I'm in the exact same situation. Can I have a Scarlet too? I admire your generosity Lliam, but the fact is there are THOUSANDS of Leonidases out there. RED's philosophy of "carrot on a stick" sorely hurt a lot of people. I'm one of 'em too. Hopefully they will learn their lesson one of these days.
Click to expand...

Yeah we all want a Scarlet lol
 
Evan Starkey said:
You hit your head Lliam ? and as for you Eric you made that bet with me and its not your 100 bucks any more to give
Click to expand...


hehehe, hehe, Yup, BUSTED! (a bet's a bet...).

E
 
Sergio Perez said:
Liam, I see what you mean. i was there too. The main difference is that I was Leonidas when the Red One came out. I just couldn't afford it. What did i do? I bought a 35mm adapter for my HVX200. I bought lenses and borrowed them. Shot some indie work. At the same time, busted my ass off working, improving my skills. When the Scarlet was announced in 2007, I waited, and then bought a 5D with my hard earned money. Sold of my 35mm adapter. Again, improved my skills, earned more money, my work gained some recognition and my income improved. Now, the Scarlet arrived. I can somehow afford it. i can even afford an Epic, for the matter. Would I be a better filmmaker or audiovisual content creator if I started of with a Scarlet? I don't think so. Having to struggle with 35mm adapters, terrible low light, aliasing and moire artifacts, post production workarounds like chroma smoothing, masking, etc. truly helped me grasp the craft much more than to start by driving a " Ferrari". Leonidas can and will succeed if he has the will with a 7D or a 5D. They are excellent cameras to nurture your talent, to showcase your skills, and to help you understand the implications of everything that a film or video production involves. If he goes through this, he will most certainly be ready to how difficult and hard this business is.

Filmmaking is a craft, something that doesn't miraculously goes right with the ultimate camera. Its all about the talent behind it. House MD was shot brilliantly with a 5D, Lars Von Trier created a fantastic film experience (controversial, I know) with a DV Camera, heck, even iPhone shot films win Film Festivals. If Leonidas goes through the ropes the "hard way", if he is passionate enough, he'll be one hell of a filmmaker. The best way to help someone like Leonidas is to get him a job in a production. Let him learn, improve himself. That way he'll thank you a lot more than by giving him a "gift" that he may not even know how to fully appreciate and take advantage. My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Sergio, Spot on.

I think some people forget that film making is a team effort. Leonidas… get your friends involved.

If you have more time but less money you can put a lot more energy into preparation, preparing storyboards with good compositions and even try to set up the key shots using stills or other cameras. Experiment with lighting, which frankly seems to make the most difference in terms of professional look. Try to see how you can develop the mood and tone and style that you are looking for. I used to like some of the Peter Greenaway movies where he would insist on shooting only at near dawn or dusk. In some movies it’s very surprising how closely the shots and compositions match the story board illustrations. There are so many elements that can be prepared and improved without the high res cinematic digital camera. Make local presentations (perhaps) get people enthusiastic about what you are fixin to do. i.e. take leaf out of Jim/RED’s book. Get people to believe in you and the merit of your vision and well thought out plan and story that you might have. At that point you may have no trouble getting time on the equipment that you need and then perhaps also assembling a willing and loyal team that will follow you to the ends of the earth to make it happen.

E
 
When I was a kid I thought how neat it would be if everyone in the USA mailed me a penny. Madonna and her ilk seem to have hit on the formula.
 
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