The time is NOW, and...

[Ketch Rossi]

Make the movie you can finish. I have written two scripts, "Evil Exists" and "The Bedmate."
Evil Exists needs major funding, which is why I wrote The Bedmate,
because there was little chance of raising the millions to make the 'block buster trilogy franchise.'
I was advised to write a 'cabin in the woods' movie that I could actually afford to make with
minimal budget. Even so it will NOT be easy!!! Any well made movie take money for the talented team who makes it,
even if they are all vastly underpaid.

Do you have scripts for either movie? If so, pass them around and get some response.

I think you want to shoot A, but if you cannot afford to finish it... that would be bad.
No one wants to start a project, get the plane high in the air, run out of gas half way through and let everyone down who went to bat for you.
B seems more doable on the surface. If it does well, you can then afford to make A. That's my plan anyway.

Thanks Jaques for your good points.

Either movie will not be started unless I am certain it can be finished, so no worries there, and I am confident I would be able to finish either one I would start.

Why? Because while B can be less expensive do to a limited travel within a single Country, A will receive much more help in actual work force and gear abroad, so no problems there other then the travel expenses themselves, which at the end will surely weight down the final budget extremely little, and as far as above the line expenses both will be exactly the same.

I would typ A.

Why?

Make your own story is only way to success even if it costs more!!!

B is OK story but there are so many stories in that direction, it's a difficult to get sense of originality even if you would have chance to have the best cast possible, location, cinematographer, crew, post, etc,.....

Thanks Sanjin,

much appreciated your input and even so I like to maintain my confidence of an original Story, it is what it is and can't ever be as original as A, that is a fact.

But at the same time I am not really worried on either one story originality or uniqueness, even so I should be, at list a little...

 

[Michael Ou]

Asking our opinions is certainly a good option and thank you for reaching out, but in the end it all comes down to where you're at and which story you feel you can faithfully honor best at this time. These are both personal projects for you and perhaps the question to ask instead of which one you want to make first, is which one can you make best, which story can you more faithfully represent, which story are you ready to tell?

Either way you choose, I wish you success in all your endeavors and look forward to seeing your work!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Michael,
that is exactly why I am asking here, as I can subjectively do either movie in exactly the same faithfulness and bring either to a happy finish, with full involvement, and each have both personal interest and I am confident I ca n do th ebest job with both, or with anything else I'l do, or I woudl sinmply refuse ot do it, as I have done in the past 20+ years, and only because I fill absolutely ready to do this, I am going to do it.

I just need to chose which one first...

 

[Steve Sherrick]

Ketch, ultimately only YOU know what your capacity for making these movies is. So you have to go with your gut based on a number of important factors that range from financial to creative. You have thrown up some big challenges for your first movie regardless of which one you choose. Director/cinematographer/actor. That's a lot to take on. I recently worked with Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (writers on The Descendants) on their directorial debut. They also acted in the movie. Without a good DP (they had John Bailey), and a strong team of producers this could have been a tough debut for them. There's a lot that can happen on set to distract you. As a DP, you need to continuously be working with your camera team and G&E to see that the shots are executed exactly the way you want. As a director you need to have a lot focus on the story and performances. And as an actor you need to BE that character which poses it's own set of challenges whenever you need to break out of it to deal with other tasks on set. If this were your 5th or 6th movie I would still say this was challenging but at least you would have that experience to pull from. I've worked on a number of movies, tv shows, etc and I still don't consider myself experienced enough to take on all of those roles on a movie simultaneously. But again, you know yourself better than we know you, so maybe it's something you feel strongly that you can handle.

What I'd love to see from you Ketch is a first film that speaks for your style, of who you are as a director/DP and I don't think it has to be one of these films you have talked about in this thread. It could be another film someone else comes to you with. Filmmaking is collaborative art. That's usually when great work is done. A leader with strong vision on set is necessary but it's the ability to work with others to realize that vision that is the great reward in this industry.

If I had to pick one of these, I would say go with B. The story of Ketch Rossi should be told after he makes his first film, not during the making of his first film in my opinion. And for that film you want everything to come together just right and no matter how talented you are, that takes first hand experience. Save that film until it's the right time to make it. The experience will make it worth the wait.

Good luck!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Steve,

you bring up of course super strong and very valid points, but I am as sure now as I will ever be that I will be up to it, and fact also is that the more years pass and the list I'll be able to handle physically and mentally do to my categorically worsening health conditions, so its now or never!

However, while I simply can't release the responsibility of Directing and DP'ing to any one else's, in knowledge of what I am setting my self up for, I'll be sure that good money goes to hire the very best Crew afforded by the given budget for either Story chosen, A or B, especially so when casting the 1sth and 2nd AD's, AC's and Head Gaffer and Electricians, to the Camera Operators.

In a way I also agree with you on the other hand, and I of course know from experience that the list amount of things you have to worry about it in any given Job the better you can perform the one you are left with, at the same end, if I loose time trying to explain how particularly I want something done, then I better do it my self, and in this case since I surely will not tell this story nor any other I might make in the norm of the rules, I fill strongly that I must take head on those positions that will ultimately be responsible for the look and fill of the story.

I don't intend to reinvent the wheel, just make my stories my way.


As for which to make first, at times I think like you to make not just my B story mentioned here first, but also make several others first, but then I go back continuously to story A, were I fill strongly that this story should be told first, as it needs to introduce me not only as a story, but as a success of ones perseverance, and represent the making of a dream strait on, in the movie itself representing life it self next to it, and bring this as a revealing end to the viewers, as supposed to being a showing of how I made it first, while every one viewing might already know whom I am and hence getting a sure end with no surprises, kinda like Titanic, were every knew already what the movie was about and how it would end, I wish to not todo that, while other times I think it does not matter, and for this my constant fighting for which to do first.


Resulting in this thread... .

 

[Steve Sherrick]

Thanks Steve,

you bring up of course super strong and very valid points, but I am as sure now as I will ever be that I will be up to it, and fact also is that the more years pass and the list I'll be able to handle physically and mentally do to my categorically worsening health conditions, so its now or never!

However, while I simply can't release the responsibility of Directing and DP'ing to any one else's, in knowledge of what I am setting my self up for, I'll be sure that good money goes to hire the very best Crew afforded by the given budget for either Story chosen, A or B, especially so when casting the 1sth and 2nd AD's, AC's and Head Gaffer and Electricians, to the Camera Operators.

In a way I also agree with you on the other hand, and I of course know from experience that the list amount of things you have to worry about it in any given Job the better you can perform the one you are left with, at the same end, if I loose time trying to explain how particularly I want something done, then I better do it my self, and in this case since I surely will not tell this story nor any other I might make in the norm of the rules, I fill strongly that I must take head on those positions that will ultimately be responsible for the look and fill of the story.

I don't intend to reinvent the wheel, just make my stories my way.


As for which to make first, at times I think like you to make not just my B story mentioned here first, but also make several others first, but then I go back continuously to story A, were I fill strongly that this story should be told first, as it needs to introduce me not only as a story, but as a success of ones perseverance, and represent the making of a dream strait on, in the movie itself representing life it self next to it, and bring this as a revealing end to the viewers, as supposed to being a showing of how I made it first, while every one viewing might already know whom I am and hence getting a sure end with no surprises, kinda like Titanic, were every knew already what the movie was about and how it would end, I wish to not todo that, while other times I think it does not matter, and for this my constant fighting for which to do first.


Resulting in this thread... .

I sometimes forget about the medical condition, so I can see why you may be feeling a sense of urgency to tell that story. There's another way of looking at this Ketch. You can throw out all of the "rules", the "how to's"' etc and say f$@k it, I want to tell this story and tell it right now. All it takes is money, talent, and some people who believe in you. If you have the money, then there's nothing really stopping you. If you need to raise the money(crowd sourcing), them people will support it if they like the concept and think it can be executed. Look at Rick Darge for example. It's an attractive project to get behind because a lot of people can relate to that character. And Rick is a likable guy who did a great job raising the money. That's what it will take to raise money for your film if you need to go that route, people who believe in you and think you can pull off the huge task of directing, shooting and starring in your first movie. I say, if you are ready for that challenge, go for it man! There's no guarantee any of us are going to wake up tomorrow. So, there's part of me that says, just do it. Just go all in and make a kick ass movie. That's of course after I've tied up and duck taped the producer side of me who is saying to be cautious, filmmaking can be brutal.

Whatever road you decide to travel down, the real point is that it's better to make a movie and risk failure, then to never make a movie because of self doubt. So, carpe diem!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Steve,

now you have nailed right to the exact point in so many ways, exactly reflecting my own thinking behind all of it, and so many years have been already passing me by because of doubt of not been ready for it, and this was why after my near death experience after the transplant and heart failure, that I decided no matter what I rater die then not giving it 100% to ready myself to been able to tell my stories and now I fill ready!!

Crowd-Sourcing would most certainly be a challenge for me as I am mostly used to give then to ask, but at the end I will carefully analyze current situation and go for it with the best I got and go form there.

I know I'll have to also pull in a small but strong number of cast and crew to the project, which ever I choose, and that will also be of assistance should I decide to go first with Crowd-funding to get started and pull the first funds to then get in the Studios.


And your last words in this reply says exactly what has kept me from making it till now, Self Doubt drive by my perfectionism, and a good dose of inner demons, which are all gone now... So the game is at last about to begin once and for all...

 

[Tom Lowe]

I choose B.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Tom.

 

[Gavin Greenwalt]

__C__

 

[Daniel Pearson]

I choose B for my personal taste reasons, I guess I'm attracted to the darker stories. I'm confident that you could pull either off, but after following the Rape of a Beauty thread I think this is something you're really passionate about.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Daniel,

and yes, I am passionate a about B as well, as it holds a special messages within, and the fact that there is just an absolutely ABSURDLY HIGH number of women that each day get Raped or Raped and Killed, it makes B a very important story to tell.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

After some serious tough on your replies and emails plus a careful revisiting of current situation at a global scale of what is going on with Rape and abuse against women ending in a substantial percentage in their death, I have decided that the first Movie I'll be making will be indeed "B", as it makes the more sense right now, and also what it means to me at this time, plus the added important factor that it can be filmed all in one Town, vs. A which needs several towns in different countries, also the actual FX requirements for A and most importantly how it will effect me on a personal level, makes it a movie for which I really do need to be very strong inside, and I fill that currently I am at my worst at that, and need at list an other year to be back were I need to be to be able to tackle that story.


So, for now all I can really say, is again a HUGE THANKS to every one here for participating and expressing your valued opinions...

 

[Mike Garrick]

IMO with my producer hat on, you made the right choice......B is more marketable.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Mike, and that is also why I chased, even so A definitely has its own marketability no doubt, B is surely a better fit after all for what is going on now, and ultimately for my status too, and what this film means ot me and what it will reveal.

 

[Mark Toia]

Hey Ketch, You know I like you right....

But I have to ask... Do you want to make money from these films... or.... just wanting to do this movie as a semi retirement fun thing? Just to see if you can do it. Hey, many people do that. It's like a mountain to climb, irrespective of the expense.

The ridiculous amount of studio bosses, sales agents, distributors I have talked to over the last 5 years (for our film) have given me enough knowledge to say.... Don't do it, if you think your going to make a dollar out of it. Unless you have some amazing "A" lister in it, and its in English, and unfortunately you will have to commercial it up some more.... Sadly.
&
The ridiculous amounts of passionate film directors I've met over the years , makes me say... Go for it. have fun. Climb that mountain... It's only Money ))

 

[noah newtown]

Hey Ketch, You know I like you right....

But I have to ask... Do you want to make money from these films... or.... just wanting to do this movie as a semi retirement fun thing? Just to see if you can do it. Hey, many people do that. It's like a mountain to climb, irrespective of the expense.

The ridiculous amount of studio bosses, sales agents, distributors I have talked to over the last 5 years (for our film) have given me enough knowledge to say.... Don't do it, if you think your going to make a dollar out of it. Unless you have some amazing "A" lister in it, and its in English, and unfortunately you will have to commercial it up some more.... Sadly.
&
The ridiculous amounts of passionate film directors I've met over the years , makes me say... Go for it. have fun. Climb that mountain... It's only Money ))

..without all that no 4k/5k/6k raw for under 200.000$ right?

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Hey Ketch, You know I like you right....

But I have to ask... Do you want to make money from these films... or.... just wanting to do this movie as a semi retirement fun thing? Just to see if you can do it. Hey, many people do that. It's like a mountain to climb, irrespective of the expense.

The ridiculous amount of studio bosses, sales agents, distributors I have talked to over the last 5 years (for our film) have given me enough knowledge to say.... Don't do it, if you think your going to make a dollar out of it. Unless you have some amazing "A" lister in it, and its in English, and unfortunately you will have to commercial it up some more.... Sadly.
&
The ridiculous amounts of passionate film directors I've met over the years , makes me say... Go for it. have fun. Climb that mountain..

I do Mark, and you know I like you back, and was a pleasure meeting you in person at NAB...


While every working day can be my last one, I sure hope to be pretty far away form retirement, but in a way yes, its time to claim that mountain because its simply the right time.

With me everything is about Passion or there will be nothing, and while I'll always do things for my self first, the film is meant to bring a message very loudly and clearly, so in order to do so many people will need to see it and the film talked about it, having said that I know it will make money no mater how I make it, of course with A listers should, could do better, but that is not always true either, so I am not worried about it, and will go with the casting that fills better to me.


Thanks Mark, I am going for it and I'll see you all at the top of the mountain to scream our longs out together...

..without all that no 4k/5k/6k raw for under 200.000$ right?

Actually Noah, I could this film as a NO budget and stay within 100k, considering all the help with gear, location, food, and so on both in Italy or in the USA, of course this will leave no room for any known talent, of course that is not the idea, which a minimum required to do this properly even with no talent is 1 Million Euro, but hoping to gather more funds and interest as to attract some known name to help it gain weight, but fortunately if I don't, then on problem as the story has its own weight, and needs no one, but because it does have weight it is why most likely it will attract known talent to it.


For now all that awaits is the starting of the campaign for it and then wi'll see how it proceeds and gains terrain and momentum as it goes on, but that will be an entirely new thread, in which I also hope to be inviting some people to Italy...

 

[noah newtown]

sorry ketch my comment was about the epic, R1 and so on not your filmproject i think mark is 100% right take it serious!!! all the best

 

[Matt Hall]

Hey Ketch,
For what little it's worth, I'd watch A and B! But I think you'll certainly touch a nerve -- hopefully in a good, positive way -- with the telling of choice B. Good luck to you!!

Matt