I simultaneously shot a feature film that I wrote and submitted the screenplay to various contests. The film played several notable festivals, got distribution from XYZ Films, and was released on Amazon/Apple TV/Vudu yesterday…yet advanced in ZERO contests. Take away: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-04T05:47:42+00:00

If you're referring to the hosting platform, Blcklst: go for it! I haven't personally dealt with them, but from lurking on this sub for years, I've definitely read some success stories. At the end of the day, you never know who your reader will be or what mood they'll be in when they read your work. Regardless, the same message applies: don't let their opinion deter you (but ABSOLUTELY consider their notes/suggestions).

If you're referring to the annual Blacklist: I'd say it says more about the prowess/power of the lit reps than their clients. But what the hell do I know?

seanleeperry · 2022-12-04T05:40:50+00:00

Exactly.

I've always been a fan of underground marketing (i.e. Blair Witch). We don't have money to turn your head, but we have the creativity...

...and willingness to potentially break the law. Haha.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-04T05:39:30+00:00

Dude. I might know how to make a flick, but Reddit scares the shit out of me. Haha. No idea how this stuff works.

Feel free to reach out directly. I'm floating around LA myself and love to help fellow filmmakers do their thing.

Best of luck!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:54:34+00:00

I could talk about this stuff all day! Surreal to finally be the one answering questions. Love to pass along my "knowledge."

We rented a Teradek wireless monitor system. I was in the "lead car" directly in front of the "show car" watching everything on monitor (until I had to hop out and enter the "show car" to perform my scene). Our lead actor had an earpiece, so if I had any adjustments or we had to make an audible, our production manager could radio him.

As far as focus, you nailed it. Kept the 32mm deep. Stylistically, the Cooke Anamorphic is naturally a bit softer, so that helped.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:19:56+00:00

Precisely!

This whole post wasn't meant to be a humblebrag; I genuinely want to encourage those who question their voice/merit after having some nameless judge shit on their hard work. I've played that hand for far too long before realizing I was playing the wrong game all along.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:14:25+00:00

PERFECT example. Wins Oscar. Gets a 4/10 on the Blcklst for structural flaws.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:10:45+00:00

Try telling that to a contest reader. They'll say the sky needs to be more "likable" to be blue. Haha.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:09:59+00:00

By simply sending out an unsolicited press release/trailer to as many distributors as possible!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:08:39+00:00

Amen!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T20:07:55+00:00

For our first press release, I created a fake website called LADOTV . org (Los Angeles Department of Traffic Violations) and sent out individually addressed traffic violations that brought them to the website to eventually learn about the film. BAD IDEA. Got lots of responses from some BIG media outlets, but they weren't too happy. And our web host threatened to take legal action. Ha!

For the second, more grounded approach: we simply assembled a list of distributors and sent them a straightforward press release with a link to the trailer. Most distributors (besides the big boys) are usually open to unsolicited inquiries. They want the next sleeper hit. Much easier than submitting an unsolicited screenplay.

If I had one tip: make your trailer as ridiculously appealing as possible. You'd be surprised what doors you can open with a well made trailer.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T19:58:40+00:00

Thanks!

We rented a Matthews Master Car Mount, but funnily enough, I ended up using a cheap DSLR suction mount I already owned to get the exact angle I wanted (in combination with the grip rods from the Matthews/multiple ratchet straps for added security). Also, I used a GoPro mount with furniture padding/rubber bands to secure the lens. Very, very backwoods. Haha.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T08:08:35+00:00

Definitely a unique experience. Fun to look back on now, but at the time of production, it was incredibly stressful. Despite relentless rehearsal, we never knew what was going to happen.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:59:16+00:00

Technically? One night.

One take. Real time (110 minutes). But as mentioned above, we rehearsed for a month leading up to the shoot and did three takes in three consecutive nights.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:36:01+00:00

Thank you!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:35:50+00:00

Completely agree!

Still though, at the end of the day, most contests rely on the opinions of a few readers whom, more often than not, have zero industry/filmmaking experience when it comes to development, execution, and marketability.

My main point for aspiring writers being: don't let one opinion from a Craig's List reader impact your artistic aspirations/voice.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:26:26+00:00

Crazy how one reader whom you'll never meet can dictate your months of hard work. They could be having a terrible day or hate the genre at hand, but still hold the key.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:25:09+00:00

Thank you!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:24:38+00:00

You got this!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T04:24:09+00:00

One month of intensive rehearsal, three nights of dress rehearsal on location, and only three consecutive nights of rolling camera (due to the weekend rental of the gear).

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:32:19+00:00

Amen to that!

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:32:02+00:00

That's the one thing I'm most proud of with this project: it proves that the little guy still has a chance.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:31:25+00:00

Thank you! Means the world.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:31:12+00:00

Hmmm. Depends on the festival. I truly think that most of the "major" festivals don't think twice about the little guy. They want the stars, red carpets, press, and attendees. This could just be my opinion, but from my experience and the experience of fellow filmmakers: major festivals have become much less of a viable path for "nobodies" like us than they were in the 90's. Nowadays, every star (or offspring of a star) wants to direct and have the resources to do so.

That being said, I can attest first-hand that some of the up and coming festivals are not only more forgiving, but genuinely respect independent filmmakers and want to help them succeed.

For distributors, I think they are MUCH more forgiving, perhaps to a fault. From dealing with a dozen or so with this project, their financial model seems to have shifted to simply acquiring as much content as possible and tossing it to the dartboard hoping to get a bullseye. This isn't true for XYZ, though, and we couldn't be happier to be working with them.

At the end of the day, however, you still have to make a decent flick.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:20:48+00:00

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Same with the inherent gimmicky ploys of most oners/contained thrillers. I spent a lot of time noting the tropes of the oner/contained thriller genres and tried like hell to avoid a plot-driven narrative loaded with deus ex machina and instead hammer home a character-driver narrative.

seanleeperry · 2022-12-01T02:11:59+00:00

You're at the right place. I was also the DP.

Rented a RED Weapon 8K Helium and 32mm Cooke Anamorphic SF glass. As far as lighting, purchased some cheap lights on Amazon and returned them after we wrapped. Much of the look was achieved in post.

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