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Flyway Film Festival #8 – Workshops – Days 1 And 2

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SPECIAL POST FLYWAY NOTE: PLEASE READ!!!

Those who attended the festival this year – PLEASE share your experience. What is/was your favorite memory, film, conversation, moment, etc. Let us all share with each other. I really want to hear from attendees. When I post I can only post what I experience, but if we each take a moment we can create a fuller living memory of the event.

Plus,those from past years who couldn’t make it this year can share what they liked from the time/s they did attend. In this fashion we can all enjoy and support flyway even after the festival. SO please start sharing everyone!!!

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Summary of Workshops Flyway # 8

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THE ART OF THE PITCH – UPDATE – 10:30 am.  Workshop with Erica Anderson. Main points, whether pitching for attaching director or cast, TV or film project, or financing:

  1. Stand for something. Care about it. People respond to your passion.
  2. What is your end game? Where is it going? Where will it end up?
  3. Who is your audience? Pitch differs according to who you are pitching. Tailor it to whom you are pitching.

Erica covered many excellent points. What are you offering the people you are pitching? Research the people you pitch. What have they done? Know who they are and their interests are so that your offer is meaningful. Practice your pitch and hone it.

Four NeedsWhy are you qualified? Why should you be doing this project?  Why is this project important? Why should it happen right now? Why should they get involved.

She covered the basics of a ‘money’ or ‘project’ pitch. She discussed elements of body language and how to conduct yourself  as a professional during the pitch.

Workshop attendees then had the opportunity to construct and practice pitches with Erica so that by the conclusion of the workshop they each had at least 1, 1-2 minute pitches they could use in the real world. All in all an excellent workshop. Well worth the time.

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MAKE A SERIES DAMN IT! – UPDATE – 1:30pm workshop with Julie Keck and Jessica King. Julie & Jessica have produced approximately 20 niche web series. Covered during the workshop:

  1. How to develop a series concept for the web.
  2. How and why to target an audience.
  3. Options for funding and distribution.

The workshop started off with a discussion of successful comedic web series. First Rule is to put your audience first. Know your target audience. Understand your audience so you know how to market to them.

They suggested you consider whose stories are being told in mainstream film and television. People gather online to discuss topics and these are ripe for story development. What haven’t you seen? What can you blend or mix that would be new and unique? Is there a place online for these?

Second Rule is think small. You aren’t a studio production. Keep it small. Use Only a few characters and a few locations. Keep it simple. Consider too the different platforms the consumers watch on, phones, computers, notebooks, tablets.

Rule Three how easy is it to share? Spreading it through social media. You want it to be cool enough that people share it.

Discussion followed on funding options: Independently funded.; Sponsored and product placement. Hand in hand with knowing your audience is knowing companies who are interested or cater to your audience. Crowdfunding.

Jessica and Julia spoke to distribution methods. Direct Distribution means you release your product through established channels. Do It Yourself (DIY) release to your own audience in a variety of ways.

The afternoon workshop ended. It proved to be an informative workshop for filmmakers on creating, financing and distributing web series. Great questions and answers followed.

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LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION – Panel 10:30 am Oct 23 What does a location manager do? To give everyone on crew a drama  free production. No surprises. Primary liaizon between location owner and production company. Always mind reading because they may received descriptions of room size and footage for dolly runs and type of equipment planned to be used.

The Location Scout receives story board, mood photos or description from producers and tries to match up with real world locales. Finding the location is part of the process. Gaining permission is the job of the location manager.

Charolette and Steve showed slides of samples of their work. Also must make sure location is returned not damaged and returned to its prior state when shoot is concluded. The L.M. notifies police and neighbors that film crew is shooting so everyone is aware.

From director Kristjan the location is not merely a place where things happens but also a character in the movie. Always visit location prior to shoot, between scout and shoot, to see what it is like in real life. How does it speak to you? It isn’t just for knowing benefits and issues of location but to get a feel for it.

Emily discussed permits and paperwork options in different cities and countries and addressed location schedule based on budget. Her recent film shot in Hong Kong which required government permissions and permission from the Triad. Her inspiration was to present Hong Kong through loving eyes as opposed to who it traditionally portrayed in film.

Nora spoke to shooting with low budget and keeping the story riveting. Here recent documentary was shot in India. She spoke about shooting in India without insurance or permits and how after these agreements were made, the producer tried to shake her down for money not agreed on. Filming always carries with it risks and caveats especially in other countries.

All in all a robust discussion from all panelists on making your location choices work for you. A fun and informative discussion with enjoyable visual samples.

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Crowdfunding To Build An Audience – UPDATE 1:30 pm Oct 23 with Erica Anderson

Focuses on crowdfunding but provides you the skills to build a sustainable career. Materials available for free on the Seed & Spark website.

Seed & Spark is a Crowdfunding and Integrated Distribution Site.

Seed & Spark wants better stories on the screen. In order to have better stories make it to screen you need to be a better business person. The workshop is to help you become a more successful independent business person filmmaker with an engaged crowdfunding audience.

Some points from the workshop follow. Time to think about:

 1. What things cost. You must consider cost in advance or needing the funds.

2. Who is your audience? Where are they? How do you get their email address?

3. Your audience must know and understand what your end goal is. Your end goal is the film project. They need to know that is why you engage them.

4. You can survey your followers and social media friends and followers. Crowdfunding begins long before your campaign begins.

5. You set the tone and must be consistent. Persist. You must create momentum and keep going for it. Need to ask realistic budget questions – how much will project cost? how much will incentives cost?

6. It is important that you succeed in your goal so you can deliver the film you promised you are going to make.

7. Think hard about incentives that matter to your audience. Have first day only incentives to start your campaign off with a bang. First week incentives, 2nd week etc.  Incentives can be delivered from the start of campaign until after the campaign.

8. People want to see the movie. How will you get it to them? When, where and how. Figure it out early on because people want to see your movie

9. Pitch video: The first 15 seconds are for your movie’s audience. Tease your audience with 15 seconds of what you movie is like. Comedy, horror, thriller, action. You have 90 seconds to say everything. Personal appeal is important.

10. Schedule your campaign in advance of it. Stick to your schedule.

Remember, this is a business. Learn the business approach and treat everything with that in mind.

There were many more important points that Erica made. Questions were answer. A valuable approach that filmmakers can utilize.

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Listen To festival director Rick Vaicius and me discuss this years program:

Rick Vaicius On Rex Sikes Movie Beat Live

Visit Flyway Film Festival Official Website:

Visit Rex SIkes’ Movie Beat Official Site

Enjoy! I will!!! AND I did, very much!

I INVITE Festival Attendees to post comments in the comment section about what their favorite parts of Flyway Film Fest are. Who they saw, films they saw, panels they attended, what they did, where they ate, how drunk they got… you know all the good stuff! Leave some comments here and enjoy!

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Flyway Film Fest – Day Three – Red Wing To Alma

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SPECIAL POST FLYWAY NOTE: PLEASE READ!!! – AND COMMENT

Those who attended the festival this year – PLEASE share your experience. What is/was your favorite memory, film, conversation, moment, etc. Let us all share with each other. I really want to hear from attendees. When I post I can only post what I experience, but if we each take a moment we can create a fuller living memory of the event. Leave comments in the comment box!

Plus, those from past years who couldn’t make it this year can share what they liked from the time/s they did attend. In this fashion we can all enjoy and support flyway even after the festival. SO please start sharing everyone!!!

*********

Another early morning working on blogs and then breakfast with Jake and Colette at Six Street String. Good, reliable food and service. Jake and Colette are off to Red Wing for movies all day until this evening.

I have work on projects so I am online at The Mineva for a large portion of the day. I need to speak with a S.F. director soon. We  have a number of projects we are working on together. I just typed that sentence when he called. We have lots of good news, hooray, and many other things to continue to discuss next week.

Later today, I plan to see Vanessa Hope’s ‘All Eyes and Ears’. It will be good to see her and Ted again. I am looking forward to this documentary. From there I shoot, literally, to Alma because I just learned that the narrative feature showing there, stars John McGlothlin.

John was one of the stars of ‘Girls Gone Dead’ a feature I co-produced and line produced in Florida back in 2010. The film has had a good life since it premiered. I haven’t see John since beers and burgers in L A 2012 maybe, when we stopped by Hotel Wilshire rooftop. I am looking forward to seeing him in ‘Dusk’.

Then I shoot back to Stockholm to catch (again I really mean shoot) Kristjan Knigge’s premiere of ‘Second Honeymoon’. Last evening, his male star, whom I met but can’t spell his name, arrived from Los Angeles.  Kristjan begins filming on Monday.

Director Zachary Sluser and other’s had to leave today. Fred Thorton and Sean Hackett needed to get back to L A too. These three, among others, really contributed to the fun and the finer aspects of this festival. They will be missed here these next two days.

A few of us at the Minema work on computers, others converse, some eat free food and coffee. Others are off seeing films and talking movies. One thing is certain, this is a fantastic festival to be at. I look forward to saying hello to the weekend newcomers.

NEARLY BREAKING NON-NEWS UPDATE – Day 3 – The Mineva – 4pm

The sun came out earlier this afternoon and it is a beautiful day. I have spent the afternoon working in the Minema. OR SO I thought!

A short while ago, I am gently startled awake by Kristjan who quietly whispered , ‘Rex, you are snoring.’ Given the acoustics of The Minema it probably sounded like a hog gunning it on the highway every few moment.

Kristjan was being very kind. I responded, ‘I don’t care’, and then promptly defended myself. Ahhhhh, apparently I need more sleep. Thank you Kristjan for attempting to save a man from himself. OR spare the room a noisy distraction. OR both!

As of now more people have heard the sound of my snoring more than anyone should in life.  This moment of self deprecation brought to you by, ‘I have no idea why’. Just some festival folly.

Mini UP DATE 4:50pm

I am not the only one! The rattling snore of another rises loudly in Mineva! I won’t rat out who the other snorer is but suffice to say, I am not the only one. In fact, I am in good company. HA HA!

Okay, not much of an update but more of an admission. Cool people hanging in the Minema though. Soon I will hit the road for Alma. I am eager to enjoy Alma, John’s movie and then race back for Kristjan’s.

I made the wonderful trip to Alma and was first to arrive at theater. A delightful venue it is. John’s movie was enjoyable. He was good. Impressed with the directors sense of style and transitions. I particularly liked the edit.

Once complete I shot out to Stockholm and enjoyed Kristjan’s movie. The theater was packed, standing room only and the film was enthusiastically received. Lead male and female were available for Q &A after showing. Was a delightful night. This film much different from Kristjan’s last offering in terms of style and feel.

He an his team shot the movie from concept to wrap production in nine days. Many of the questions afterwards centered around this. Went to Gelly’s for snacks and drinks. Got to speak with Kristjan and congratulate him.

Also spoke with Peter McCarthy whose short film Hunter’s Fall was riveting. It’s theme bullying and took place in the Irish countryside. His bullies were wonderfully cast and threatening. Jake and Colette, Jerry and Don, and Vince were at the table. An enjoyable evening.

One the way to Mineva, passed deer recently hit, Sheriff handling the wounded animal. 10 miles down the road one jumped in front of my car then leaped into the air, make a beautiful dance move, straight in front of my vehicle.

I slammed on the brakes and avoided hitting the animal. Having been cautioned by the preceding hit, I was going slower than I might have otherwise. Everything still ended up on the floor.

The Mineva was alive with food, flowing drinks and many new weekend film fan and filmmaker additions. I hung out for awhile but opted to return to work on this and my other blog.

An excellent day all around. Tomorrow I will breakfast again at the 6 Street String and return to Alma. I left my cap in the theater, but my plans were to visit there again before the journey home along a wonderful scenic route.

Hard to believe the festival will conclude tomorrow but memories will linger and so many of us will already begin looking forward to Flyway #9.

2014 MovieMaker Magazine named Flyway one of the top 25 coolest film festivals in the world. Cool it is! Here is the link:

MovieMaker Magazine names Flyway in Top 25 Coolest Film Fests

UPDATES WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND NIGHT. Please check back for more info on what’s happening.

Listen To festival director Rick Vaicius and me discuss this years program:

Rick Vaicius On Rex Sikes Movie Beat Live

Visit Flyway Film Festival Official Website

Visit Rex SIkes’ Movie Beat Official Site

Enjoy! I will!!! AND I did, very much!

I INVITE Festival Attendees to post comments in the comment section about what their favorite parts of Flyway Film Fest are. Who they saw, films they saw, panels they attended, what they did, where they ate, how drunk they got… you know all the good stuff! Leave some comments here and enjoy!

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Flyway Film Festival # 8 Unveils Lineup For October

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Now in its eighth year, the western Wisconsin film event soars higher than ever! Listen To The Discussion Using Link Below!

Here is The Flyway Film Festival official program selections for the October 21-25 festival. Flyway showcases top-notch emerging filmmakers from across the globe. Since its inception eight years ago, the Flyway has won accolades from industry professionals, filmmakers, and audiences for the excellence of its film program and for the festival’s intimate, welcoming atmosphere.

Full Festival Schedule Link At Conclusion Of Article

The festival kicks off with a party on October 21st, and the opening night film on October 22nd will be The Driftless Area, starring John Hawkes, Zooey Deschanel, and Anton Yelchin.

“We’re pleased to open the festival with The Driftless Area, since our festival is actually located in the geographical region of Wisconsin called ‘the driftless,'” says festival director Rick Vaicius. “And we have a particularly exciting mix of world premieres, international films, and regional filmmakers this year.”

Rick Vaicius Flyway Festival Director On Rex Sikes Movie Beat Thursday Oct 8 , 2015 (7:30am PST 9:30am CST 10:30amEST)

Use This Bolded Link Listen:

Rick Vaicius On Rex Sikes Movie Beat Live

Vaicius programs the festival with a special appreciation for talented first-time filmmakers, he says. “We like to highlight emerging talents like Britni West, with her beautiful Montana-based film Tired Moonlight, Trey Edward Schults’ amazing autobiography Krisha, Vanessa Hope with her insightful documentary about US-China diplomacy, All Eyes and Ears, and Jerome Thelia’s fascinating Bounce: How the Ball Taught the World to Play.’

“And on the other end of the scale, we’re showing films by two of the world’s oldest filmmakers: Al Milgrom’s Dinkytown Uprising, and Albert Mayles’ last film, In Transit,” adds Vaicius. Legendary documentary director Maysles died earlier this year at 88; the 93-year-old Milgrom is planning to attend the Flyway.

World premieres at the festival are Pictures of Lily, by British director Mark Banks;Remittance, by Patrick Daly and Joel Fendelman, and Second Honeymoon, by Dutch filmmaker Kristjan Knigge. This is Knigge’s second visit to the Flyway: he fell in love with the area last year, and is planning shoot his next film in Pepin shortly after the festival ends.

Visitors to the Flyway Film Festival can meander up and down the Mississippi River to the movie and event venues in the river towns of Maiden Rock, Pepin, Stockholm and Alma, Wisconsin, and across the river in Red Wing, Minnesota. A year-round tourist destination, the area is particularly scenic during the the Flyway, as the fall colors peak and the Mississippi River ‘flyway’ — a route taken by migrating birds — attracts birdwatchers from around the world.

In addition to showing films, the Flyway will offer a series of workshops and mentor sessions with industry experts such as Seed&Spark’s Erica Anderson, King is a Fink’s Julie Keck and Jessica King, location manager Charlotte Ariss, and filmmakers Emily Ting (It’s AlreadyTomorrow in Hong Kong) and Norah Shapiro (Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile). Other industry heavyweights, such as Ted Hope and Brian Newman, will be around to chat with attendees.

New at the Flyway this year is a series of music performances preceding the films. City Pages‘ 2015 “Best Acoustic Performer” LOTT (Leah Ottman) will perform before select films, as well as singer/songwriter JE Sunde.

The festival kicks off with a party at the Villa Bellezza, a spectacular winery and event center in Pepin, at 6:00 on Wednesday, October 21st. Twin Cities band Fort Wilson Riot will perform, and Deirdre Haj, director of the Full Frame Documentary Festival, will give the keynote address following the kind of banquet for which the Flyway has become famous: a potluck.

“The Flyway is different from larger film fests in the region in that people really have time to talk to each other, to learn about each other, and to create community,” says Vaicius. “People leave the festival with the feeling that they’ve had a truly creative, communal experience. And that’s a rare feeling.”

For the full festival schedule, click here

The festival rundown:

  • Saturday, October 10, 4:00 PM: A program of short films will screen at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing as part of the Red Wing Fall Festival of the Arts.
  • Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 PM: Kickoff Gala with keynote by Deirdre Haj, music by Fort Wilson Riot, and festival awards ceremony.
  • Thursday, October 22: Workshops during the day; opening night film (The Driftless Area) at 7:00.
  • Friday, October 23: Workshops during the day; films begin at 7:00 PM.
  • Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25: Films begin at 11:00 AM; closing film (Frame by Frame) at 5:00 PM on Sunday.

Click This Link To Visit Rex SIkes’ Movie Beat Official Site 

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Flyway Film Festival Oct 26, Day 4 Final Day 2014

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This day started as the previous days have.  Up early, got ready and drove to Maiden Rock for breakfast. Worked on computer. Published yesterday’s blog and began today’s. Beautiful sunrise.

Waited on friends for breakfast while working and chatting with waitstaff. Shortly, friends arrived. Jeremy Wilker, Jerry Bell, Jake Stetler and Perry showed up to eat.

First short of the day ‘Nostalgic’ (USA) directed by Ronald Eltanal provided a intriguing look into the deterioration of memory.

The first feature of the day I attended at The WideSpot in Stockholm was the well made and engaging ‘North Passage’ (USA) director Kevin Pontuti who answered questions afterwards. Kevin is instructor at UW-Stout.

Spent time chatting with Anna Weiss and others out front of the filmmaker lounge. Then David Potter and I sat along the river front discussing film projects enjoying the gorgeous weather. Jake arrived, David had to run Jake and I dined at the fabulous Harbor View and had an incredible dinner.

Back to the WideSpot to see the final feature of the festival. Caught Michael T Vollman’s touching short ‘Before You’. I have known Michael for many years but haven’t chatted with him for some time. He did not attend the fest but I was so glad I caught this delightful film about his first child.

Alex R Johnson answered questions after the showing of his gritty, violent, festival winner ‘Two Step’. I liked this film too.

The Flyway Film Festival official closed. Those of us remaining returned to the filmmaker lounge.

There were more people than I can remember or name but those I am able to included, Rick and Diana Vaicius, Allison, Beth, Jerry, David Potter, Kristjan Knigge, Jim Brunzell, Vince Colombo and his wife (forgive me I can’t recall her name), Jake Stetler, Frederick Thornton, Alex Gioulakis,  Alex R Johnson, and others (forgive me).

Food and drink and hanging out late is how our evening ended. I returned to the cabin I stayed at – now the only person at the camp grounds which proved spooky cool.

A huge hug and thanks to all the festival volunteers and staff who made Flyway number 7 a big hit with all of us filmmakers and fans. A big round of applause to all of you AND to all the filmmakers who showed movies. I understand there were many good shorts, docs and features from all the discussion that was had.

Programming is excellent at Flyway and makes it a wonderful festival for that reason, but not that reason alone. A big hug and thanks to all the filmmakers and fans who attended, those who screened films and those who didn’t and to all the fans. A truly fabulous Flyway for 2014 and I am already looking forward to next year.

Addendum: Monday October 27.

Up early. Met Jake at his hotel and separately we drove to Beth’s Twin Bluffs Cafe for a final Flyway breakfast together. Good food, conversation and time spent hanging out. I left to drive back to Milwaukee arriving about 5 hours later and am typing these words.

Jake went back to pick up Fred and Alex and together drive to Minneapolis airport where the two producers return to L A and director Jake returns to Pennsylvania.

Thanks everyone for all the fine films and fond memories.

The Flyway Film Festival Official WebSite

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

crowdfunding, directing, directors, entertainment, film education, film festival, film financing, film producing, film production, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, movies

Flyway Film Fest Update Oct 25, Day 3

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Day 3 begins. Got up as early usual, showered, waited a couple hours and drove to Maiden Rock Sixth String at 7am for coffee and work prior to friends showing up. Sunrise on the Mississippi again glorious. Breakfast was tasty and inexpensive. Now at 10:30 am it is 63 degrees and sunny. The day is warming up. Jake and David appeared about 8 as planned.

Great food and conversation made our morning until about 10 when David and I headed to the WideSpot In Stockholm and Jake headed across the street for a filmmaker mentoring session offered by some of the film professionals who conducted panels here.

At the WideSpot in Stockholm people gathered waiting for movies to begin. First up the fresh, funny and enjoyable narrative feature from director Kristjan Knigge ‘The Right Juice’. made in Portugal. In from Amsterdam, Kristjan is a delightful funny man with a rapier wit and I’m was delighted to chat with him the previous evening and see his feature.

During Q & A Kristjan related his process for creating the feature using the ‘what if’ method of questioning and the number of contributed ideas and drafts on the way to the feature script. He shot film in 32 days a lengthy schedule for a European micro-budget film.

From here Kristjan, David headed over to Gelly’s. The place was packed, the deck had one table where a gentleman and his wife sat, there from Madison. These two were not attending the film festival Pepin and Stockholm are tourist areas as well so many people come from all around to enjoy the ambiance and the shops. They were gracious enough to let David, Kristjan, Chad, Jake and myself join them. It turns out their son is a filmmaker now living in NYC so they were all ears about this festival so they could inform him. Small world after all.

I will not mention or highlight all films or filmmakers. I apologize to the filmmakers and readers but because, obviously, I can’t be in all places at once I don’t cover all the films or events. Many fine films and people will go without me referencing them. I wish it was otherwise but… I do what I can. Also, I do not review the films.

I have to admit I love film but I really don’t attend film festivals to watch films. I go to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and enjoy the people. If I catch some films great but if not I got to spend time with talented thinkers and doers and learn from them in person.

David ended up leaving to work at festival, Jake left to watch the controversial film ‘The Tribe’ directed by Myroslay Slaboshpytskly while Chad, Kristjan and I talked film philosophy and practice the rest of the day and evening. We dined at the Pickle Factory on the back deck with incredible view of the river and kept talking and hanging out there and at the Filmmaker Lounge until the shorts program at 8pm.

There were other films I really did intend to see but we were unable to get there in time. I hope I am able to catch up on these very soon. Some fine filmmakers presented.

The Saturday Night Short Films Included the animated ‘The Crazy Misadventures of Christ’ (USA) directed by George Bro; ‘His New Hands’ (USA) directed by Sadhanshu Saria; ‘Last Of You’ (Isreal) directed by Dan Sacher; ‘Bernard Le Grand’ (Canada) directed by Phillippe Lupien & Marie-Helene Viens; ‘Decimation’ (USA) directed by Wade Jackson and ‘She’s Having A Baby’ (Australia) directed y Chis & Robert Smellin. This evening’s programming generated much discussion among the cohorts I have been hanging with.

That was it for films I saw.

Back to the filmmaker lounge. Food and drink of course. I got to sit an catch up with Allison Lisk a pleasure at any time. Later I and Jake went over to film office to chat quietly out front because the music got far too loud at the lounge. Dancing and merriment made for late night among the filmmaker friends.

Plotting and planning a few new projects has been the course of this festival and it is exciting to think about collaborating with fine talented friends.

Late night I ventured back to the room for sleep so I can get up early to begin the final day at Flyway. We will be back at Maiden Rock for brekky. All in all a very good day today. From conversations with others I have not mentioned, some pretty wonderful films were screened.

The weather today was fabulous. Sunny, warm beautiful. A wonderful day to be outside between films for all.

The Flyway Film Festival Official WebSite

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

crowdfunding, directors, entertainment, film directing, film education, film festival, film financing, film producing, film production, film school, filmmakers, filmmaking, fundraising, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, movies

Flyway Film Festival Update October 24 Day 1 and 2

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WoW ! It is incredible to be back in Pepin, Wisconsin for the Flyway Film Festival. This fest is one of my favs and you have heard me or read me rave about it in past years. Pepin and Stockholm along the Mississippi make it worth coming to the festival just for the view and the ambiance. This year’s expansion into Maiden Rock  allow one to drive up the west coast of Wisconsin which rivals my own beloved PCH in many ways.

I saw a bald eagle this morning on the way to the Maiden Rock venue for a fabulous film presentation on crowdfunding with Erica Anderson from Seed and Spark. Seed and Spark has an interesting feature to their crowdfunding which allows contributors to cover the 5% funding fee which filmmakers should look into.

This makes Seed and Spark unique among other platforms. Illuminating thoughts and ideas, cutting edge practices and principles, and practical must do’s comprised her talk on how to successfully engage yourbaudience and crowdfund  your film project.  A very well thought out and informative presentation.

Okay, into the past. I got to Pepin by car at about 2pm Thursday October 23, 2014. This sleepy haven area is home for artists and others who help put on the festival by volunteering. There are some wonderful eateries, bars, local flavor, pumpkin patches and a couple very delightful wineries.

The drive in from Western Wisconsin and up along the western side of the Mississippi in Minnesota before turning back into Wisconsin is absolutely worth it and I look forward to it each year. Gorgeous!  Upon arrival, checking in at office, running into some awesome filmmaker friends Fred Thornton and Sean Hackett, I spent some time taking in sights until the 6pm Gala began at the local and lovely Villa Bellezza Winery.

Villa Belezza is fairly new. Last year marked it’s inclusion as a venue for the festival. It is good to return there this year. A great hall houses more food and beverages than one can imagine. Free flowing wine, beer, soda, water, coffee all included. The desert table, if you enjoy deserts, I am sure is ‘to die for’.

Musical Entertainment was provided by Sun Gods to Gamma Rays. Rick Vaicius spoke, distributed Axe awards and introduced the keynote speaker producer Nicholas Gonda, co-founder of Tugg, INC.

After eating more than a human can handle and numerous glasses of wine, some soda, coffee and water this little, BIG, piggy made his way with friends to the Filmmaker lounger where partying continued into late night. More free food and drink. Goodness, someone cut me off. Actually, I don’t drink much, so water was what I enjoyed but the food… stop please…

So many awesome filmmakers to catch up with. David Potter and Jake Stetler and I held a corner down for a few hours chatting films and catching up. I’m so glad to see so many.

There is another upcoming panel this afternoon and then another winery hosts a wine tasting and cheese event – evening films begin after. The documentary panel was enjoyed by many. The panel included Jeff Spitz (Food Patriots), Jesse Roesler (The Starfish Throwers) Amy Elliott (Wicker Kittens), Jan Selby (Beyond The Divide).

Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery hosted a great wine, cider and cheese sampling. Jake and I arrived on time and got to feast as others came in for the next couple hours. From there we went to dinner at Gelly’s and then to movies at the Villa Bellezza. One feature I wanted to see at other festivals I saw here, Time Lapse directed by Bradley King proved intriguing and a great demonstration of low budget, one location filmmaking utilizing recognizable SAG talent.

After movies we enjoyed a late after party. MORE FREE FOOD at Cucina Ceci until about 3. The filmmaker lounge open at this time was another venue we hit before retiring for the day. Drinks and food flowed freely and wonderful networking and fun. Said goodbyes to Kim & Matt Garland who have to leave the 25th by noon to return to NYC. So great seeing them.

For regular Flyway Attendees who could not be here this year I include a list of other notables we are enjoying this year. Terry Reed, Anna Weiss, Jeremy Wilker, Fred Thornton, Sean Hackett, Kevin Pontuti & Mimi French, Jamie Carroll, Nick Coleman, Chad McLarnon, Rick & Diana Vaicius, Lu Lipold, Allison Lisk, Kristen Debner, Vince & Kristy Colombo, Brett Harding, Perry Lewness, Kristjan Knigge, among many others I apologize to for not mentioning.

Numerous interns from UW-Stout film department volunteer and add to all the great people and opportunities to network and discuss films and film business. A wonderful time. I share more later.

Flyway is a marvelous get together and some day soon you will have to check it out if you haven’t.

The sun continues to rise and the bluffs along the Mississippi are incredible! I hope to publish a photo to this blog later. Saturday the 25th and Sunday 26th are filled with films, fun, live events and fans! A great time. OK I am off to see the movies.

The Flyway Film Festival Official WebSite

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

acquisition, acting, actors, crowdfunding, directing, directors, distribution, editing, editor, entertainment, film education, film festival, film financing, film producing, film production, filmmaker, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, producing, raising money, sales agent, screenwriter, screenwriting, script development

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with FlyWay Film Festival Director Rick Vaicius Tues 10/21

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Rick Vaicius is director and founder of Flyway Film Festival, Wisconsin’s bluff premier destination for independent film as noted by Emmy award-winning blogger Scott W. Smith “ … a festival that should be on your radar”. Founded in 2008 Vaicius has created a standout, intimate and high-quality annual festival.

Over the past four years, Flyway has brought over 80 filmmakers into the local community. In addition to screening remarkable films, it has become a unique venue for filmmakers to network and discuss projects and the “state of the industry” in the film world. Vaicius has already persuaded some top film industry talent to appear.

UPCOMING LIVE: Tuesday October 21st, 2014 11aET 10aCT 8aPT TO LISTEN CLICK THE BOLDED Link Below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with FlyWay Film Festival director Rick Vaicius

The 7th Annual Flyway Film Festival in Pepin and Stockholm, Wisconsin promises to be its most exciting to-date. October 23-26, 2014.

For film and panel line up and how to attend visit the Flyway Film Festival Official Website

The Official Flyway Film Festival Website

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*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

crowdfunding, film education, film financing, film producing, film production, film school, filmmaker, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, movies

TO CROWDFUND OR NOT TO CROWDFUND? IS THAT THE QUESTION? PT 5

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money pile

Depending on the type of traditional money raising approach you attempt you may be reaching out to some strangers and qualifying them or  you may be reaching out to qualified investors whom you have a relationship with according to specific guidelines. You may be reaching out to friends and family for dollars.

However you raise money  it is a lot of work and not everyone is interested in getting involved. Whether you choose crowdfunding or raising money by other means you still need to understand your ‘target money’ people’s interests .

You will have to qualify, pitch, and  in some cases negotiate, broker the deal and collect the funds unless you have qualified representative do it for you. In all cases you have a responsibility to your money people (investors, contributors or relatives and friends who loan it to you) and to the government. You must be above board and reliable. Being honest and ethical is important.

I am going to lump two different examples together here to illustrate a point. One example is about investors the other about locations. I discuss filmmakers dealing with investors (and crowdfund contributors) and location owners to make a point.

I put these two together because bad guy movie people have taken advantage of both. Some investors and contributors have been burned just as some cities and set location owners have been burned by filmmakers who make promises  but don’t keep them.

Filmmakers have lost  investor’s money,  gone way over budget or have not completed the film (unless a bonding company steps in) Crowdfunders have not deliver the perks or the goods or finished the films as well.

Filmmakers should leave a location better off not worse than when they found it. They should restore it to the original condition and if possible leave it better than when they found it. Instead, some filmmakers  have left messes or have damaged the location. They make promises but don’t deliver. They pay for damages with bad cheques.

Some people have been burnt badly and think ‘never again’. There are those who don’t ever want to invest and those who run when they see a film crew coming down their street.

Some others, have tried the movie business and simply found it not to their liking for whatever reason.

As a filmmaker, but more importantly, as a person, I think it is important to keep your word and deliver on your promises. The first rule of medicine AND I THINK of business should be to DO NO HARM. We should honor our commitments and strive to leave people in a better condition than when we found them.

IF we can do this, if we can add value or dollars to these people and delight them in some other ways we will have supporters for life OR for at least as long as they are able to invest or let us use their home, or office or store location.

The goal is to leave people and the places we utilize improved, better off, because they did business with us! It is always easier to ask someone to do something who likes doing business with us than to find a new person to have to ask. Keep this in mind and honor those you do business with.

Sadly, those who have burned bridges make it tougher for all others who follow after them. There are filmmakers who have turned off potential investors and contributors for your project and those who might have rented or let you use their facility.

For these reasons perhaps new areas for investing and  Crowdfunding will need to be mined. Filmmakers need to locate new sources of money. We need more avenues for funding because sources are abused, or lose interest and dry up.

The cool thing about Crowdfunding is that it represented an opportunity for some filmmakers to make projects they might never have had the opportunity to make.

For whatever reason some filmmakers choose not to go the traditional route. So it is a good thing crowdfunding has come along especially when quality projects get funded that otherwise might never have been made.

As I have mentioned earlier traditional financing is a lot of work. So is Crowdfunding.  Typically, one is not able to raise as much money through CF as from other means.

The bottom line is to raise money however you are able to legally so you can fund your efforts and pay your cast and crew living wages. That should be the goal.” Rex Sikes

More next time!

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

acting, actors, crowdfunding, directing, directors, entertainment, film directing, film education, film festival, film producing, film production, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, producer

Two Fantastic Wisconsin Film Festivals Coming Up In October and Novembe

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Why I like Flyway Film Festival? Because the directors Rick and Diana Vaicius, VP Allison Lisk and Programmer Jim Brunzell, Lu Lippold and the rest of the staff love film and filmmakers. This is so obvious when you attend.It is a celebration of both.

Filmmakers mingle among fans and support, nurture, encourage each other. Some end up collaborating. It is the friendliest and most optimistic festival I have attended. It is a high spot of each year for me and I eagerly look forward to my time in Pepin.

The Programming is great and everyone goes out of their way to make sure all attending are enjoying and being looked after. There really is none other like it! It is also in Pepin, a little haven on the Mississippi that is wonderful. Great people, great festival, great food and a welcome experience.

UPCOMING LIVE: Tuesday October 21st, 2014 11aET 10aCT 8aPT TO LISTEN CLICK THE BOLDED Link Below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with FlyWay Film Festival director Rick Vaicius

If you are able to attend the Flyway Film Festival!   On Facebook: Flyway Film Festival.

The Flyway Film Festival October 23-26, 2014 Pepin, Wisconsin.

People have traveled from both coasts and overseas to be there. You should too.

wegabannerlogo

I am eager also to attend the upcoming Weyauwega International Film Festival November 12-15, 2014 in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.

Here too the directors Kathy Fehl and Ian Teal go a long way to make sure they program well, and that everyone has a wonderful time. I got to be there last year for the first time and was delightfully impressed.

Filmmakers from as far away as Japan and Alaska were in attendance. I enjoyed the programming and the food and the family atmosphere and the fun. I saw some really good films and met some talented and delightful filmmakers.

Weyauwega is in the middle of no where. Off Interstate 10 about 30 minutes west of Appleton one would drive right by never knowing that it is home to Wega Arts housed in a former Opera House. That makes a visit worthwhile to start with but on top of it Kathy and Ian bring arts and film and more to this little hamlet area throughout the year.

It is great to have all involved care so much for the well being of filmmakers and fans. I am looking forward to this fine festival coming up soon too. Check into it and I will see you here too!

UPCOMING LIVE: Thursday October 30th, 2014 11aET 10aCT 8aPT TO LISTEN CLICK THE BOLDED Link Below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats w Kathy Fehl and Ian Teal Weyauwega International Film Festival

Facebook Page Weyauwega International Film Festival

If I am lucky I will see you at both of these festivals!

Subscribe and Follow Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Blog!  Visit often & please share with others!

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB, through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site

acquisition, acting, actors, casting directors, crowdfunding, directing, directors, editing, editor, entertainment, film directing, film education, film marketing, film producing, film production, film school, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, low budget filmmaking, movie business, producer, producing, screenwriter, screenwriting, script breakdown, script development, storytelling

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano on making TV movies – Thursday 10/2

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rex piano directing

Rex graduated from NYU School of the Arts in 1981 as a film major – concentrating on writing, producing and directing. While there, he worked on several films and commercials, most notably: “Ms. 45” for director Abel Ferrara and “Mother’s Day” and “When Nature Calls” for director Charles Kaufman. Upon graduating, Rex worked as a 1st A.D. on dozens of commercials and films until he took a full time position at a NY Commercial Production Company.

UPCOMING LIVE: Thursday October 1 2014 11aE 10aC 8aP TO LISTEN CLICK  the bolded link below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano PT 5

Previous Episodes: TO LISTEN CLICK the bolded link below:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano PT 2

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano PT 3

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with director Rex Piano PT 4

In 1985 Rex became Head of Production for O’Quinn Productions where he produced numerous videos for Fangoria Magazine (O’Quinn’s creation) that were distributed by MPI and Paramount Home Video.

In 1987 Rex moved to Los Angeles and was Head of Production for Associated Television International. While there, Rex wrote, produced and/or directed several TV specials and numerous travel videos. Rex also co-wrote and line produced the feature film “Chill Factor,” starring Paul Williams, Patrick Macnee and Andrew Prine.

Rex line produced “Severed Ties” in 1991 for Fangoria Films and continued freelance production work until 1995 when he was hired to produce the syndicated TV show “High Tide,” starring singer Rick Springfield. Rex also directed two episodes that season which lead to him becoming one of the series’ rotating directors.

Rex continued directing episodic TV shows, including “Mike Hammer, Private Eye”, “Silk Stalkings”, “Born Free”, “Air America” and “Nightman.”

In 2000 Rex produced and directed the multi-award winning romantic comedy feature film “The Month Of August.” The film garnered nine Best Picture awards and ten Official Designations at various film festivals around the country.

Rex followed that film with the highly viewed and critically acclaimed TV movie “Hope Ranch” for The Animal Planet channel. Rex then began directing TV movies that aired on PAX and Lifetime Television.

To date, Rex has directed or produced 21 movies that have either aired on television, gone straight to DVD or have had limited theatrical distribution.

In 2007 Rex was the primary director on “ROME – The Rise and Fall of an Empire,” for the History Channel.

Rex continues to produce and direct TV shows and Independent films; the most recent being “The Littlest Angel,” an animated Christmas movie that comes out in 2011.

Rex is currently attached to direct/produce several films including “Storm Front”, “Pizza Face” and “Phylicia’s Final Fling,” to name a few. Rex continues to write screenplays, his most recent a comedy called “In A Gadda Da Vida,” is currently making the rounds in Hollywood.

Rex Piano Official Website

Subscribe and Follow Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Blog!  Visit often & please share with others!

*** Please also visit Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Website.

Stay up to date with the live shows on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. You can join us and listen live as the show records. You can hang in chat and ask questions. All shows are recorded and archived at the official site.

Updates will be posted at this blog,  at the official site,  on the RSMB Friends page on FB,  through twitter and elsewhere.  When you can’t join us live you can still  listen to archived show from official site, from blogtalk radio and you can subscribe to the podcast at itunes.

Over 400 hours of professional filmmakers share their expertise and tips and secrets with you. All discussion may be listened to live and archived from the Official Site too! Check the INTERVIEWS

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Official Site