I shall cringe then, this is not representative of what the film will be like. As I've said many times on this video, this was a first shoot done with literally no money and whoever was prepared to volunteer. It was fun, it was a good test for various things like make-up. When we actually shoot Goblins, we'll be using professionals, both actors and crew.
Could you not have used real swords they're no that expensive maybe 40-50 pounds if you get one that's at least made out of metal this trailer seems rushed and a bit lazy you have to put the effort in if you want a good fan base
If you know where to get metal swords for that price, please post the information! The foam swords were a test, to see how they look on camera. I have 4 of them, they'll be relegated to background.
all the trolls here, think about Peter Jackson. Have You seen his first movies? I dont think so. Peters first movies were the biggest crap ive ever seen, When i was 11, i saw a movie called "bad taste" i turned it of after 2minutes, i said, SHIT! CRAP!. OKay 5 years later is saw Lord of THe rings, i saw it was made by peter jackson and thatn i realized OMG! He made it.
so please. just shut up, and let her try at least, and you guys go back and play World of Warcraft
I just saw your Dragons Den pitch and at least you are bothering and trying to make the film, although you should have invested in a higher waulity camera or tinted the screen possibly a very faint gold, you just don't see a different world here.
Gold, that's an interesting idea. We used what we could get for free for this. Having just one location, albeit a rather nice one, was limiting too. We've planned to use gels in the caverns when we do the film proper. It has been nearly 3 years since this was done. My resources and experience have increased considerably since then. When we do DOTG, it will be done with the benefit of real equipment, crew and actors, not just volunteers.
LMFAO! This looks like something you would see on cable access tv - a bunch of school kids making a project for school? I heard there was a 2million budget, what did that get blown on? Obviously not the special FX, acting, plot, anything from what I can see.
The only way this can make a profit is the fact it looks so fuckin terrible it might be worth watching just to piss yourself laughing at.
"You cant marry her, she's not human!" LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS is a bunch of unpaid volunteers making an attempt at capturing some feel for the goblin world. The only thing that cost was the prosthetics for the goblins, which were off the shelf but fairly effective. We're very much aware of the difference between this and what can be done with an actual budget.
That's rather flattering actually. Much has happened since then. Making a couple of low budget films is giving me the experience that will make DOTG what it should be. It also has a good chance of raising the funding, there's a good market for entertaining B-movies, even just on DVD. Do you check the website and/or follow the blog?
You've missed some key points of directing with this video. The story just doesn't make sense, the effects look cheap, and i know how you can make a film look stunning with very little money, it can be done. Your actors need more training with swords, if you couldnt do that then you should work around it. Don't stick to your guns just for the sake of it, overcome these problems by being creative, that's what movie making is all about and more importantly that's what certain studios look for.
I can see your intent is to be helpful here, but if you read the history you see that this was my first time on set with a group of volunteer amateurs. These lessons have been learned since.
Someday I may put the full story of that day into my blog. I haven't before because it could sound like a load of excuses, but it might be amusing reading for filmmakers who have 'been there done that' as well. ;)
The video's a better use of the footage than the previous versions, but it gives the definite impression that the humans are under attack by the goblins and fighting to protect their own world. The goblins don't come across as sympathetic in the slightest.
What I mean is, the goblins come across as the villains. Not equal to the humans, not possessing any culture worth defending, just a band of evil monsters. According to the rest of your promotional materials, this is not the impression you intend to give.
Not so. I'm not sure what impression you have of the goblin world, but it doesn't sound accurate. The goblins are not friends with the humans, there is only one exception.
We worked with what we had, and so made this video sort of prequelish showing the first encounter between humans and goblins after the Turning (planetary pole shift). It's 5 generations later that Count Anton befriends Haghuf.
Well, your site is about how the goblins are free spirits in touch with the earth, and most of the humans hate them for it and try to destroy them. Your original video trailer has a voiceover that seems to be about the goblins defending their world, but the visuals are about the humans coming under attack by a band of evil goblins for no reason. In this version, the visual story is the same, and the voiceover seems to side with the humans.
Oops, tried to click reply and accidentally removed your second comment, which said
"So there's a split between your site, which sides strongly with the goblins, and your videos, which say, "The goblins are evil and humans have to band together to defend themselves."
Let me clarify.
Yes the goblins have a tribal free spirit lifestyle. The humans, with one notable exception, know nothing of this. The prejudice over their appearance makes humans attack goblins.
Hundreds of years of attempted genocide has a way of making a people hostile. Yes you see goblins attack on human ground. The inference is that there is hatred between the species.
The clip is showing the conflict. The original script had the brothers arguing over one of them falling for a goblin woman, but that doesn't change the expression of effectively racial conflict.
And that's an inherent aspect of the story. It is unreasoned species hatred that causes all the problems.
Because of your choice of scenes, your movie appears to be about good humans defending themselves against evil goblins. None of the backstory you're giving in the comments appears in the clip, so viewers base their understanding only on what the clip shows. Therefore, your clip and trailers give the impression that you are making a stereotypical fantasy movie about good humans fighting off a race of evil green monsters.
It does seems very exciting to start your own movie, I understand that. I'm a writer myself so I know it does sound nice. But...to tell the truth, I think you should face reality a bit more. If you're doing this movie for profit, then trust me, you won't get anywhere. You could tell that much just by the number of views here in youtube. Instead, I think you should focus more on making another book that can actually give yourself a name into the media. Seriously...it's...I don't know what to say.
What you're seeing is my first day on a set with a load of vounteers. I actually have a B-movie in post right now that is an improvement on this, although still amateurish as it was made by a load of amateurs on no-budget as well.
But we formed a working group, and the new one I'm starting to film next month will show the improvement from lessons learned, despite being still no budget.
DOTG will have the benefit of EXPERIENCED crew and actors. That makes a huge difference. My working crew that I'm making the B-movies with will be involved on things like the making of and other peripherals, learning next to seasoned professionals.
But seasoned professionals require payment. Hopefully the B-movies will generate the money we need to do this properly.
You haven't been reading have you? This was a no-budget shoot, trying to make something visual with volunteers. The film will have proper crew and actors, who have to be paid. Actually Dragon's Den worked very well. Investment from them was always unlikely, but I've just wrapped a film I couldn't have made without the contacts it generated.
Good on you for trying ! At least you got a camera and the guys to get this far ! Looks good fun so far.... Hobgoblin Beer in hand.... Give a shout if you want a Volunteer?
Thanks, my first time using an editing programme, so loads of glitches. I've used a properly trained editor for my current project, and this one when it actually gets off the ground will have experienced professional crew.
Hi, don't want to get involved in the brewing argument here, I'd just add that three simple changes might assist in adding some credibility to the trailer.
Shoot 16:9, vital. In this case it's looks like it's already in the can 4:3 but looking at it you could crop to 16:9 and that might well improve the look.
I can't tell if it's 24p but that would give it a much more 'film' look - if not de-interlace what you have.
Finally get in there with some heavy grads, vingettes and colourisation.
You haven't read through have you? This clip was made by a handful of amateurs. The film won't be made until I have enough budget to pay professionals.
Theatre is very different from film, but as it happens, Jaq has been working on something else that is providing some very valuable experience.
With a little luck, it just might provide the finance for DOTG as well.
Trailer should be up in a few weeks. Someone essential is on holiday.
Hi, I don't usually reply to these things but I felt I had to. This sort of clip could damage your production more than anything, We produced a short film 'The Soldier' (2007) on a budget of 500 GBP and in 48hrs, our production values were very high, as we knew we needed to use The Soldier as a platform for the feature. It wen't on to win awards and a distribution deal, and now we have a multi-million budget for the feature. But I respect you for trying to make a film in the first place.
Seriously, as exciting as it may be for you to see your creations come to life, you shouldn't let this override your judgement... there is so much fantasy out there and only the classics or big-sellers ever make it.
You may get sick of comments like this (though this is constructive criticism and not at all personal) but I guarantee one day you'll look back and wished you'd listened. Reply if you want to take issue.
I don't know about 'taking issue', but I will disagree with your comment as I've done the research. Even a little fantasy that was hardly fantasy at all, Pan's Labyrinth, made $25 mil. Fabtasy fans are die-hards, they seek out everything they can find in teh genre. The conventions are an industry of their own.
But very few filmmakers take on low budget Fantasy apart from television. The assumption that you need loads of expensive effects puts them off. What you really need is a good story.
That's the thing, you do need more than a good story for the simple reason that people have become accustomed to well-choreographed action sequences, proper set scouting, lighting and special effects etc.
If a fantasy film could do well without all these expensive features then why would studios bother? A good story is only the start, but without either immense popularity or aforementioned features, people won't be interested; this is why fantastic books like Magician have not become films.
Granted that correography, good sets, lighting etc are essential. They cost money. What you see here was made with none. Getting the grounds of a manor house was a pretty good deal actually, but goblins need their caverns.
And that's why DOTG hasn't been made yet. The locations I've scouted cost an average of £1000 per day, having a name actor involved costs, fights will have to have a professional fight co-ordinator. I can do it on 'low-budget', but not on no budget.
Mark, I thought I replied to this. There is a little info about Graveyard Shift on the website now, but technical issues have delayed getting the trailer made. When it's made, I'll start making noise. Meanwhile we are nearly finished with production. It's going to stretch to the end of October now because of lead actress availability, but we're 3 shoots from finish. There is lots of editing and DNC to come though. I don't have a time limit on this, so I'm not going to rush another crap trailer.
Effects is another story. personally I think they are grossly over used. The cult fantasy television programmes that have stood the test of time used cheap effects.
Thanks, and right you are, Kevin is attached as main goblin.
We may not need investors, we're currently shooting a B-movie that could have enough profit potential just on the foreign DVD market to finance DOTG. If it only gets us part way there, we may even do another.
Kevin McNally and Bill Nighy have been in both films (2004 and 1989 POTO respectively). However I believe Kevin McNally is the one being reffered to as he was a believable pirate.
As to my view, I think the idea is very good, it is not the traditional early goblins, but goblins set in a more modern age, I hope this film recieves all the financial backing it needs for investors.
It will be a while yat, as to do a better trailer we have to get through a fair bit of production on the actual film. I'm working on something at present which we hope will raise the funding, a movie to fund a movie basically. We go public about it in July.
Sure thing, I mean those Dragons just push you around and if there is only 1 small tiny problem (like the 1 million actor) and so what if you can't say who it is. They should care...
I watched you on Dragon's Den, and really... those multimillionaire assholes are really missing out on something excellent. I can't wait for it to come out.
Perhaps you don't understand, this was a no-budget trailer shoot that became a test shoot because it fell short. The film will be proper quality. Having a budget makes a big difference.
This was both fun and useful in many ways. It was never good enough to show to potential investors, but we aren't going to need them now. We found a better way to fund the film. We'll go public about it around mid-summer.
I respect your passion for the movie and I am sure you are sick of "advisors", but you could have taken a different and cheaper direction, let's say an animated mini-series on your youtube channel with ads (the animated stuff you have are quite nice) and work on the sequel of your book. Build-up a wider fanbase and then move on to costly endeavors.
A poor movie with cheap effects can easily ridicule your concept.
thats a good idea. I wouldnt completely abandon the feature film concept, but perhaps forays into new media could be good for publicity and to help establish the world as well whilst finance is still being sorted?
Producing machinima can be so cheap as you dont have to worry about schedules, weather, locations, costumes, grips, gaffs, processing etc
I'd be all for watching a fantasy series on youtube
There have been discussions of audio books, graphic novels, etc. My animator is backlogged, including with something else that is connected to me.
It could happen, eventually. Right now I'm tied up with making a film to fund the film, and my publisher is working on something that will sort distribution if he succeeds.
Seen dragons den pitch on TV again there, hope its still all going well good luck with the film
Slip1insider 2 weeks ago
@Slip1insider They do love repeating that one, don't they? I'm editing 2 other films at present, progress is steady. :)
jaqdhawkins 2 weeks ago
Whether you will believe this or not I don't know, but I showed this to the film critic Mark Kermode yesterday.
KingOfTheShrews 11 months ago
@KingOfTheShrews
I shall cringe then, this is not representative of what the film will be like. As I've said many times on this video, this was a first shoot done with literally no money and whoever was prepared to volunteer. It was fun, it was a good test for various things like make-up. When we actually shoot Goblins, we'll be using professionals, both actors and crew.
jaqdhawkins 11 months ago
@jaqdhawkins Are professional Goblins hard to find?
kadadix 6 months ago
@kadadix Not if you have the money to pay them. ;)
jaqdhawkins 6 months ago
We need more aspiring people with the 'balls' to make these films! If not, then no grounds would ever be broken!
hagnor25 1 year ago
@hagnor25
We're breaking loads of ground with the B-movies I've been working on locally. All the hard way, but doing it all the same. :)
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Could you not have used real swords they're no that expensive maybe 40-50 pounds if you get one that's at least made out of metal this trailer seems rushed and a bit lazy you have to put the effort in if you want a good fan base
jimbo1510 1 year ago
@jimbo1510
If you know where to get metal swords for that price, please post the information! The foam swords were a test, to see how they look on camera. I have 4 of them, they'll be relegated to background.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Good on you! Not too bad for a first attempt! You'll be laughing one day when you make a blockbuster and you can say 'told you so'.
hagnor25 1 year ago
@hagnor25
Thanks. :)
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
all the trolls here, think about Peter Jackson. Have You seen his first movies? I dont think so. Peters first movies were the biggest crap ive ever seen, When i was 11, i saw a movie called "bad taste" i turned it of after 2minutes, i said, SHIT! CRAP!. OKay 5 years later is saw Lord of THe rings, i saw it was made by peter jackson and thatn i realized OMG! He made it.
so please. just shut up, and let her try at least, and you guys go back and play World of Warcraft
Elaphir 1 year ago
@Elaphir
Thank you, this was 2007. My crap has definitely improved in 2010. ;)
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
uhhhh ok
EllysaE 1 year ago
I just saw your Dragons Den pitch and at least you are bothering and trying to make the film, although you should have invested in a higher waulity camera or tinted the screen possibly a very faint gold, you just don't see a different world here.
IDante1Savage 1 year ago
@IDante1Savage
Gold, that's an interesting idea. We used what we could get for free for this. Having just one location, albeit a rather nice one, was limiting too. We've planned to use gels in the caverns when we do the film proper. It has been nearly 3 years since this was done. My resources and experience have increased considerably since then. When we do DOTG, it will be done with the benefit of real equipment, crew and actors, not just volunteers.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
I feel bad for you...
least you're passionate I guess
Aman1212 1 year ago
@Aman1212
What's to feel bad about? Look at most students' first try, and that's what this is for me, and you won't find many nearly as good.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
LMFAO! This looks like something you would see on cable access tv - a bunch of school kids making a project for school? I heard there was a 2million budget, what did that get blown on? Obviously not the special FX, acting, plot, anything from what I can see.
The only way this can make a profit is the fact it looks so fuckin terrible it might be worth watching just to piss yourself laughing at.
"You cant marry her, she's not human!" LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
salemkid1979 1 year ago
@salemkid1979
THIS is a bunch of unpaid volunteers making an attempt at capturing some feel for the goblin world. The only thing that cost was the prosthetics for the goblins, which were off the shelf but fairly effective. We're very much aware of the difference between this and what can be done with an actual budget.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Comment removed
netwarrior69 1 year ago
I've been following this project since the dragons Den thing.
netwarrior69 1 year ago
@netwarrior69
That's rather flattering actually. Much has happened since then. Making a couple of low budget films is giving me the experience that will make DOTG what it should be. It also has a good chance of raising the funding, there's a good market for entertaining B-movies, even just on DVD. Do you check the website and/or follow the blog?
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
You've missed some key points of directing with this video. The story just doesn't make sense, the effects look cheap, and i know how you can make a film look stunning with very little money, it can be done. Your actors need more training with swords, if you couldnt do that then you should work around it. Don't stick to your guns just for the sake of it, overcome these problems by being creative, that's what movie making is all about and more importantly that's what certain studios look for.
hewitt212 1 year ago
I can see your intent is to be helpful here, but if you read the history you see that this was my first time on set with a group of volunteer amateurs. These lessons have been learned since.
Someday I may put the full story of that day into my blog. I haven't before because it could sound like a load of excuses, but it might be amusing reading for filmmakers who have 'been there done that' as well. ;)
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
The video's a better use of the footage than the previous versions, but it gives the definite impression that the humans are under attack by the goblins and fighting to protect their own world. The goblins don't come across as sympathetic in the slightest.
Cranedance44 2 years ago
Yes, that's correct.
The film is not about 'nice goblins'. It's about a couple of individuals who transcend the ancient hatred between the species.
Some of my best goblins are anything but sympathetic.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
What I mean is, the goblins come across as the villains. Not equal to the humans, not possessing any culture worth defending, just a band of evil monsters. According to the rest of your promotional materials, this is not the impression you intend to give.
Cranedance44 2 years ago
That's how the humans see them. In 1:22 you're not getting any insight to their culture, just an attack.
There would have been more if the goblins had been ready before the sun was going down. Lesson learned.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Oh, I see. You intended to make the trailer non-representative of the movie.
Cranedance44 1 year ago
Not so. I'm not sure what impression you have of the goblin world, but it doesn't sound accurate. The goblins are not friends with the humans, there is only one exception.
We worked with what we had, and so made this video sort of prequelish showing the first encounter between humans and goblins after the Turning (planetary pole shift). It's 5 generations later that Count Anton befriends Haghuf.
And Haghuf despises humans.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Ah, then you made the trailer non-representative of the story, but did not intend to do so. I understand now.
Cranedance44 1 year ago
I don't think you do. The trailer is representative of the goblin world.
What impression did you have of the story? I'm wondering where it came from.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Well, your site is about how the goblins are free spirits in touch with the earth, and most of the humans hate them for it and try to destroy them. Your original video trailer has a voiceover that seems to be about the goblins defending their world, but the visuals are about the humans coming under attack by a band of evil goblins for no reason. In this version, the visual story is the same, and the voiceover seems to side with the humans.
Cranedance44 1 year ago
Oops, tried to click reply and accidentally removed your second comment, which said
"So there's a split between your site, which sides strongly with the goblins, and your videos, which say, "The goblins are evil and humans have to band together to defend themselves."
Let me clarify.
Yes the goblins have a tribal free spirit lifestyle. The humans, with one notable exception, know nothing of this. The prejudice over their appearance makes humans attack goblins.
continued...
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Hundreds of years of attempted genocide has a way of making a people hostile. Yes you see goblins attack on human ground. The inference is that there is hatred between the species.
The clip is showing the conflict. The original script had the brothers arguing over one of them falling for a goblin woman, but that doesn't change the expression of effectively racial conflict.
And that's an inherent aspect of the story. It is unreasoned species hatred that causes all the problems.
jaqdhawkins 1 year ago
Because of your choice of scenes, your movie appears to be about good humans defending themselves against evil goblins. None of the backstory you're giving in the comments appears in the clip, so viewers base their understanding only on what the clip shows. Therefore, your clip and trailers give the impression that you are making a stereotypical fantasy movie about good humans fighting off a race of evil green monsters.
Cranedance44 1 year ago
It does seems very exciting to start your own movie, I understand that. I'm a writer myself so I know it does sound nice. But...to tell the truth, I think you should face reality a bit more. If you're doing this movie for profit, then trust me, you won't get anywhere. You could tell that much just by the number of views here in youtube. Instead, I think you should focus more on making another book that can actually give yourself a name into the media. Seriously...it's...I don't know what to say.
youkomazuki 2 years ago
What you're seeing is my first day on a set with a load of vounteers. I actually have a B-movie in post right now that is an improvement on this, although still amateurish as it was made by a load of amateurs on no-budget as well.
But we formed a working group, and the new one I'm starting to film next month will show the improvement from lessons learned, despite being still no budget.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
DOTG will have the benefit of EXPERIENCED crew and actors. That makes a huge difference. My working crew that I'm making the B-movies with will be involved on things like the making of and other peripherals, learning next to seasoned professionals.
But seasoned professionals require payment. Hopefully the B-movies will generate the money we need to do this properly.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
wow this movie looks awesome!
fleetfox88 2 years ago
what are planning to shoot this film on? 35mm? Digital?
azmanntoz 2 years ago
@azmanntoz
HD 16:9. With proper experienced actors and crew.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
@jaqdhawkins
Sounds good. Definitely aim for at least 2K with 35mm lenses. I think these sorts of projects need this level of cinematic quality.
azmanntoz 2 years ago
I agree. If I make even a little profit off the B-movie I'm finishing now, I'm thinking of investing in a few lenses that will fit my DP's camera.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
I always find it amusing that the outright nasty comments always come from people with nothing of their own uploaded.
Just an observation on unapproved comments. ;)
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
You haven't been reading have you? This was a no-budget shoot, trying to make something visual with volunteers. The film will have proper crew and actors, who have to be paid. Actually Dragon's Den worked very well. Investment from them was always unlikely, but I've just wrapped a film I couldn't have made without the contacts it generated.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Sorry, and I'm glad it kinda worked out for you (:
southparkXD1 2 years ago
Good on you for trying ! At least you got a camera and the guys to get this far ! Looks good fun so far.... Hobgoblin Beer in hand.... Give a shout if you want a Volunteer?
PhilJay06 2 years ago
I've actually just wrapped a B-movie that may finance doing this one properly. :D Are you local to me?
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
All these are no cost post prod items if you're editing in house. I'd maybe take a longer run on the captioning too to build tension.
There's what looks like a jump frame in the last sequence that needs smoothing.
Just trying to help a fellow Norfolk film maker. Good luck!
nikmcoleman 2 years ago
Thanks, my first time using an editing programme, so loads of glitches. I've used a properly trained editor for my current project, and this one when it actually gets off the ground will have experienced professional crew.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Hi, don't want to get involved in the brewing argument here, I'd just add that three simple changes might assist in adding some credibility to the trailer.
Shoot 16:9, vital. In this case it's looks like it's already in the can 4:3 but looking at it you could crop to 16:9 and that might well improve the look.
I can't tell if it's 24p but that would give it a much more 'film' look - if not de-interlace what you have.
Finally get in there with some heavy grads, vingettes and colourisation.
nikmcoleman 2 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. This was a first experiment actually, it was the start of a learning process that has been very valuable.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
HA HA HA. That was some funny shit.
The amateurs who made that deserve a comedy award.
So bad.
RandyJez 2 years ago
Bet you didn't get a manor house or professional prosthetics on your first film. ;)
Oh, you don't have any uploads...
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
No you're right. Fair play to for following your dream, which is a lot more than most.
Best of luck.
RandyJez 2 years ago
You haven't read through have you? This clip was made by a handful of amateurs. The film won't be made until I have enough budget to pay professionals.
Theatre is very different from film, but as it happens, Jaq has been working on something else that is providing some very valuable experience.
With a little luck, it just might provide the finance for DOTG as well.
Trailer should be up in a few weeks. Someone essential is on holiday.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Hi, I don't usually reply to these things but I felt I had to. This sort of clip could damage your production more than anything, We produced a short film 'The Soldier' (2007) on a budget of 500 GBP and in 48hrs, our production values were very high, as we knew we needed to use The Soldier as a platform for the feature. It wen't on to win awards and a distribution deal, and now we have a multi-million budget for the feature. But I respect you for trying to make a film in the first place.
shaunrobertsmith78 2 years ago
'Comment pending approval'.
Now I see why there are no other criticisms...
Seriously, as exciting as it may be for you to see your creations come to life, you shouldn't let this override your judgement... there is so much fantasy out there and only the classics or big-sellers ever make it.
You may get sick of comments like this (though this is constructive criticism and not at all personal) but I guarantee one day you'll look back and wished you'd listened. Reply if you want to take issue.
jonny616 2 years ago
I don't know about 'taking issue', but I will disagree with your comment as I've done the research. Even a little fantasy that was hardly fantasy at all, Pan's Labyrinth, made $25 mil. Fabtasy fans are die-hards, they seek out everything they can find in teh genre. The conventions are an industry of their own.
But very few filmmakers take on low budget Fantasy apart from television. The assumption that you need loads of expensive effects puts them off. What you really need is a good story.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
That's the thing, you do need more than a good story for the simple reason that people have become accustomed to well-choreographed action sequences, proper set scouting, lighting and special effects etc.
If a fantasy film could do well without all these expensive features then why would studios bother? A good story is only the start, but without either immense popularity or aforementioned features, people won't be interested; this is why fantastic books like Magician have not become films.
jonny616 2 years ago
Granted that correography, good sets, lighting etc are essential. They cost money. What you see here was made with none. Getting the grounds of a manor house was a pretty good deal actually, but goblins need their caverns.
And that's why DOTG hasn't been made yet. The locations I've scouted cost an average of £1000 per day, having a name actor involved costs, fights will have to have a professional fight co-ordinator. I can do it on 'low-budget', but not on no budget.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
As you didn't answer my comment on imdb i'll reply on here DC.
You posted on this about a B movie you are currently shooting BUT don't post its name/who's in it, any details at all.
Surely time to promote it too people who are posting here who are at least interested in what you are you doing?
Maybe post a link to footage from it if there is any online?
marktut 2 years ago
Mark, I thought I replied to this. There is a little info about Graveyard Shift on the website now, but technical issues have delayed getting the trailer made. When it's made, I'll start making noise. Meanwhile we are nearly finished with production. It's going to stretch to the end of October now because of lead actress availability, but we're 3 shoots from finish. There is lots of editing and DNC to come though. I don't have a time limit on this, so I'm not going to rush another crap trailer.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Effects is another story. personally I think they are grossly over used. The cult fantasy television programmes that have stood the test of time used cheap effects.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Thanks, and right you are, Kevin is attached as main goblin.
We may not need investors, we're currently shooting a B-movie that could have enough profit potential just on the foreign DVD market to finance DOTG. If it only gets us part way there, we may even do another.
Whatever it takes...
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Kevin McNally and Bill Nighy have been in both films (2004 and 1989 POTO respectively). However I believe Kevin McNally is the one being reffered to as he was a believable pirate.
As to my view, I think the idea is very good, it is not the traditional early goblins, but goblins set in a more modern age, I hope this film recieves all the financial backing it needs for investors.
gamerhi 2 years ago
Hey, Just wondering when the new better quality trailer will come out, and when the movie is due to be released? Good Luck!
MJsVertical 2 years ago
It will be a while yat, as to do a better trailer we have to get through a fair bit of production on the actual film. I'm working on something at present which we hope will raise the funding, a movie to fund a movie basically. We go public about it in July.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Can't wait! Good luck :D
MJsVertical 2 years ago
Thanks. :)
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
This video didn't come out excellent, but the actual film will. Thanks for the support.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
Sure thing, I mean those Dragons just push you around and if there is only 1 small tiny problem (like the 1 million actor) and so what if you can't say who it is. They should care...
Excellent trailer personally :)
MMOExplorer 2 years ago
I watched you on Dragon's Den, and really... those multimillionaire assholes are really missing out on something excellent. I can't wait for it to come out.
Good work :)
MMOExplorer 2 years ago
Perhaps you don't understand, this was a no-budget trailer shoot that became a test shoot because it fell short. The film will be proper quality. Having a budget makes a big difference.
This was both fun and useful in many ways. It was never good enough to show to potential investors, but we aren't going to need them now. We found a better way to fund the film. We'll go public about it around mid-summer.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
I respect your passion for the movie and I am sure you are sick of "advisors", but you could have taken a different and cheaper direction, let's say an animated mini-series on your youtube channel with ads (the animated stuff you have are quite nice) and work on the sequel of your book. Build-up a wider fanbase and then move on to costly endeavors.
A poor movie with cheap effects can easily ridicule your concept.
st0rmr1der7 2 years ago
thats a good idea. I wouldnt completely abandon the feature film concept, but perhaps forays into new media could be good for publicity and to help establish the world as well whilst finance is still being sorted?
Producing machinima can be so cheap as you dont have to worry about schedules, weather, locations, costumes, grips, gaffs, processing etc
I'd be all for watching a fantasy series on youtube
regorgnow 2 years ago
There have been discussions of audio books, graphic novels, etc. My animator is backlogged, including with something else that is connected to me.
It could happen, eventually. Right now I'm tied up with making a film to fund the film, and my publisher is working on something that will sort distribution if he succeeds.
Fingers crossed.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
All waiting on funding, but there is something in progress to generate that now.
jaqdhawkins 2 years ago
when will the film be made!?!?
Stevejcollins 2 years ago
Merry Meet.
Will be interesting to see more, and hopefully the dance will continue.
)O(
Magus Cheetahfur
cheetahfur 3 years ago