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Rex Sikes Movie Beat chats with Twisted Dreams Film Fest Founders May 16

May 2, 2016 rexsikes Leave a comment

Twisted Dreams Film Festival was founded in 2011 by Christopher K House and Stephen Milek, two friends with a passion for the silver screen. Their goal is to provide the Milwaukee, Wisconsin community news, reviews and interviews of local and international films and film makers.

UPCOMING: Thursday May 19, 2016 11am EST, 10am CST, 8amPST To Listen Click The Bolded Link Below

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat Chats with Twisted Dreams Film Fest Founders

About Christopher Kai House

A true film junkie from birth, can thank his parent’s for his obsession with horror and the macabre. Both being horror fans, Chris grew up watching old horror films, specifically the Universal Monsters collection of fright films. He was born into a family of magicians and was weaned on sideshows and carnivals bringing a unique perspective to the festival.

Chris say’s he was lucky his mother was as huge into horror as he was, he was able to see almost every major and indie horror film of the 1980’s on the big screen. Like his father before him, prides himself a showman and wants that to echo with each year the Twisted Dreams Film Festival runs. is a member of the Online Film and Television Critic Association.

About Stephen Milek

A lover of all movies, Steve will watch anything from classic silent films to modern big budget action films. He got bit by the horror bug when in fourth grade at a sleepover he saw A Nightmare on Elm St. for the first time. To his mom’s dismay he watched more horror films than Disney films growing up.

After attending the Sundance Film Festival a few times he always wondered what it would be like to start his own film festival. Over time he became obsessed with the Oscars and for his first blog he watched every Oscar Best Picture winner in chronological order.

About The Twisted Dreams Film Festival

The Twisted Dreams Film Festival has been a project in the works for almost 5 years. Since the inception of the web page Milwaukeemovietalk.com where Chris and Steve cover the film industry and review films.

What started out as a simple blog about movies, it grew to have an emphasis on local films and filmmakers.They wanted a true horror film festival in Milwaukee that showcased the best in not only local but also international horror, dark comedy and sci-fi films.

The first year was a major hit with filmmakers and guests coming from all over the country and Canada.

The duo plan on having the fest a yearly event and hope it grows each year.

Visit Chris and Steve’s Website:
Milwaukee Movie Talk Link

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat – The Official Website (currently under construction). New content posted here since December 2014.

You can go to RSMB and listen to the archives. It has over 500 hours of professional filmmaker discussions with Rex. Visit Official Site to listen:

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat

directing, directors, Documentary, editor, entertainment, film education, film festival, film financing, film production, film school, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, movies

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with Craig Knitt & WildWood Film Festival 2/17

February 16, 2016 rexsikes Leave a comment

Criag Knitt WildWood Festival Co-Founder

Join Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat guest Craig Knitt Wednesday morning 2/17 at 10:30am ET, 9:30am CT 7:30am PT. Craig will discuss movies, movie making and the upcoming WildWood Film Festival held in Appleton, this Friday 2/19 and Sat. 2/20. Be sure to attend!

Be sure to listen to Craig. We may even get his to talk about graphic novels and his art.

Join Us As We Broadcast Live Wednesday Feb 17, 2016 10:30 am EST, 9:30 am CST, 7:30 am PST: To Listen Live OR To Listen to the recorded archived show click the bolded link below:

Craig Knitt & WildWood Film Festival

For More Information WildWood Film Festival

Craig A. Knitt is an award winning artist, filmmaker, teacher, performer, writer and creator who is currently employed with a national Arts-based pilot between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Green Bay and the Wallace Foundation.

Craig is a founder of the Wildwood Film Festival, a festival dedicated to Wisconsin film talent. The past three years Craig has also been a volunteer for the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival.

When Craig is not busy teaching visual art, he is busy creating film projects or performing Improvisational Comedy with ComedyCity – DePere and DinnerTime Comedy.

He has many short and feature length concepts in the works and he hopes to develop a TV series that will be completely created using the resources of our fine state.

Craig was the male lead in last year’s “Secrets of the Dead” which was premiered at the Gerold Theater in Weyauwega.

Wildwood Information:

The Wildwood Film Festival’s purpose is to promote Wisconsin film talent (actors, directors, writers, composers, editors, etc.). The festival strives to educate high school students and adults in film basics – script writing, story boarding, filming, lighting, sound, editing and marketing.

History

From its humble beginnings, the Wildwood Film Festival has been consistently dedicated to Wisconsin film talent. With its fifteenth event it will have showcased over 500 films that all have connections to the state.

The very first Wildwood Film Festival was held at the Historic West Theatre in Green Bay in 2001. The three-day event showcased ten films (including “The Hunt”, a full-length dark comedy created by the festival’s founders).

The weekend was a great success and sparked a second event that played for a sold-out crowd at the Crescent Theatre in downtown Shawano.

Aspirations grew from there, and the festival found its roots in Appleton. Events have been held at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the Big Picture Theatre.

The Wildwood Film Festival continues to grow each year and the commitment to Wisconsin filmmakers and film talent is just as strong.

2016 The WildWood Film Festival is held in Appleton, Wisconsin. Coming up this Friday 2/19 and Sat. 2/20. Be sure to attend! For more information use the link below:

For More Information WildWood Film Festival

Remember to visit the official Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat at

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat

Hope to see you all at the festival! Help Spread the word!

independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, screenwriter, screenwriting, script breakdown, script development, storytelling

Script Consultant James Breckenridge on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat 12/10

December 7, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

James Breckenridge has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. In 1995, his years of professional training and experience culminated in the founding of The PlayCrafters Group.

As its Director, he specializes in helping writers from all over the country develop producible scripts for motion pictures, television and theatre. Through creative counseling and objective feedback, he encourages writers to focus in on the essential elements of their stories in viably dramatic ways.

JOIN US LIVE: Thursday, Dec 10, 2015 11am ET, 10am CT, 8am PT Click the bolded link below. Chatroom open during discussion.

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with James Breckenridge, Script Consultant

His script development service has been rated in the Top Ten and recommended as the Best of the Best Buys in Creative Screenwriting Magazine’s review of leading script consultants from all around the country.

In addition to private coachings and consultations, Mr. Breckenridge has created a number of Courses and Workshops for the beginning as well as the advanced screenwriter.

Some of the most popular include Screenwriting Essentials, First Steps: Dramatic Steps to a Dynamic Screenplay and Pitching: Five Minutes to Fame. He has taught for The Bryn Mawr Film Institute, the Bucks County Writer’s Room,

The Writers Corner USA and the Lehigh Valley Writer’s Academy. For more information we invite you to visit http://www.playcraftersgroup.com or email us at HBCraft@att.net

As a featured speaker he has been invited to present at The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference, The Algonquin Film Festival, The Bucks Fever FilmFest, the Weyauwega International Film Festival and has also presented a number of seminars at the SCREENWRITING EXPO in Los Angeles, California where he was named “Star Speaker.”

Mr. Breckenridge served as Juror for the Theatrical Motion Pictures Nominating Committee for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, The Philadelphia Film Festival’s Feature Film Competition, The American Independents category for the Philadelphia Film Festival/Cinefest as well as the Bucks Fever FilmFest.

As a director and creative writing consultant, he has helped in the staging and conceptualizing of well over 200 dramatic scripts.

Mr. Breckenridge credits much his creative consulting instincts to his acting background. Trained for the professional theatre, Mr. Breckenridge received his undergraduate degree in Theatre at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Over the years, he has performed professionally on radio, television, film and on stage. Most of his acting credits came from New York City. This work has also taken him to Europe twice, once touring Germany and Italy, and a second time, appearing at The Edinburgh Festival in Scotland and in London.

Though working fulltime for The PlayCrafters Group, he currently maintains active memberships with The Actors’ Equity Association and the SAG-AFTRA Union.

Past affiliations have included The Charles Maryan Workshop for Playwrights and Directors, Ron Roston’s Playwrights Lab/Writer’s Circle, Stella Adler’s Scene Interpretation Class and The Freestyle Repertory Theatre in New York City where he judged improvisations for structure, content and story development.

Mr. Breckenridge created and served as Director of The Breckenridge Workshops from 1983 – 1988. He was also a founding member of PlayMarket, an organization whose purpose was to assist dramatic writers in focusing and shaping their scripts towards production.

Presently, he is a member and/or supporter of The Drama League, The Dramatists Guild, The Theatre Communications Group and LMDA – the Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas.

One of James’ students summed up his experience with him this way: “ I have an MA in TV/Film, took several master’s level screenwriting courses. None as good as this! ”

Official website: Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat

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Weyauwega International Film Fest Aftermath: Movies, Director And Class

November 16, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

It was a great festival. Nov 11-14. Ian Teal and Kathy Fehl, Holly Martin and staff and volunteers put on another great film festival. Number 5. If you missed it you missed another one you should have attended.

Great films and great people. Good hanging out, good conversations, good food and drink. All in all – a time well worth it.

We left, after the closing night party. I drove Jacob, Marie and Louis back to the Green Fountain Inn B & B in Waupaca. We were all pretty beat. Said good night and went to our rooms.

Sunday 11-15. I wrote my, daily inspiration and gratitude blog, as always starting about 3 am. Finishing up I went down for breakfast and to work on computer at table around 6:30. At this time I also loaded my car. I discover my tire looks a bit flat. Hmmmm

I had to leave by by 7:30 to make it back for a morning event. Later, I would film my role in, ‘Two Sides Of The Street’, a SAG short subject I was asked to appear in. Barb delivers breakfast around 7 for Jacob, Marie and I. After finishing a delicious meal Marie and I say goodbye to Barb, one of the owners of the B & B, and to Jacob. Louis slept in.

I drove Marie to Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport where she caught a plane back to Los Angeles. It was an enjoyable time talking all the way. I did stop and buy an emergency tire inflation canister and put that into the tire. We made it.

I left her at airport went to my morning meeting. From there my friend Jill accompanied me to the location for filming. My darling daughter dropped by, briefly, too. We finished filming some hours later. When I got to my car I discover a lovely note, my daughter left, on my windshield. Awesome girl!

Filming was fun, lighthearted, fast and easy. It was a very nice time. Special thanks to director Scott Covelli, Brian and Mike Hendricks and Matt Hudson. They were a lot of fun and made things easy. When completed Jill and I dined on delicious Mexican food. I felt as if I had consumed a small child when finished. It was tasty.

Recently, the Pro Cinema Society and I sponsored a SAG/Aftra workshop presented by Kathy Byrne of Chicago SAG/Aftra. During our time together she addressed how easy it is to utilize professional SAG/Aftra talent in student films, shorts and Ultra Low Budget contracts. It was a good session.

I asked the film crew on ‘Two Sides Of The Street’ the SAG short I appear in how easy it was to make it union so I could be in it. They stated they were amazed and delighted how easy and pain free it was. Paperwork was nothing and they were glad they did. I am glad they did too.

POINT- investigate, find out and you too can go SAG/Aftra. It isn’t worth it. Even some filmmaker friends of mine have been skittish because of contracts or paperwork. Don’t be. Read it and make your movie or short.

I arrived home early evening but it seemed late, after midnight. I relaxed, said hello to those I had left behind and enjoyed the company.

7:25am (present) Monday 11-16: I got some sleep. Woke at 3am and began writing blog again. I will leave shortly for the university.

I have a guest coming to class. Director Michael O. Sajbel. Michael worked Visual Effects in movies, ‘Hot Shots’, ‘Lawnmower Man’, ‘Broken Arrow’ and others.

He writes and has directed, ‘The Ride’, ‘One Night With The Kind’, and ‘The Ultimate Gift’ and others. I am looking forward to his talk with my students.

Class was great. Michael come accompanied by his daughter Anastasia, and his assistant Sean. He spoke about how he got his start writing in Hollywood. He encouraged students to follow their passion.

He reminded them to remember basic survival skils while pursuing a career. Discover where you want to live, rent don’t buy a house, the need for a car, where to meet people and emphasized networking.

He told stories of working with actors and the importance of good communication skills. This is a must. Then, he shared some stories of working with difficult stars. He was candid and fun and added value to the class. This continued later.

When finished, he offered to stay and continue to speak with students who could stay. A group of students and the four of us went to the Student Union and chatted for hour or more. More tales and more sound advice.

From there the four of us went to Soup Bros for lunch. Enjoyed more conversation and good food. After another hour or so we parted ways. I returned to the computer to publish this post.

So that wraps up Weyauwega time and a short while after. Life returns to normal for a time being. I am so glad I had the opportunity to again make this festival. It was my forth year and it gets better each time. Next year, perhaps, I’ll meet you there.

Meanwhile, make your movies and complete your projects. Join me on my Inet radio show and podcast Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat – Visit INTERVIEW at the official website: Rex Sikes Movie Beat . There are over 400n hundred hours of pro filmmakers sharing their expertise. Listen and learn.

Also join me at ‘Inside The Film Business’ at my Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat channel on Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. I am video recording, via skype, my professional filmmakers who address my class. Watch, listen and learn and in both shows, RSMB & Inside The Film Business.

Enjoy!

directing, directors, distribution, DIY, Documentary, entertainment, film marketing, film producing, film production, film school, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, making money as filmmaker, marketing, motion picture business, movie business, movies, Publicity, tageting audience

Riley Dayne & Rex Sikes Inside The Film Business: making movies, money, and marketing

November 10, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

Riley Dayne & Rex Sikes Inside The Film Business: making movies, money, and marketing

New Filmmaker Video: Inside The Film Business: Riley Dayne is the writer, producer & host of the hot new documentary ‘The Abundance Factor’.

The Abundance Factor Takes You On An Unprecedented Journey into The Minds of The Worlds Most Knowledgeable Experts on the Subject of Abundance and Prosperity.

Dayne’s and Sikes’ discussion is filled with valuable information for today’s filmmaker business person!! Watch it today! IF you are interested in Abundance you want to watch to this too!

To watch click the bolded link below:

Riley Dayne & Rex Sikes Inside The Film Business

Riley has produced and directed numerous short films and independent documentary projects during his brief time in the feature film world.

Riley’s love of film started in the 5th grade when he shot and directed his first comedy film, “The Blair Ball Project” – a parody of the well-known 90’s found footage film, “The Blair Witch Project.”

Shortly after graduating high school with several academic rewards in both the theatrical arts and multimedia production, Riley’s career in the entertainment business began in Los Angeles, where he spent his time studying at the world renowned New York Film Academy.

Having graduated from the Digital Filmmaking program (Learning Cinematography, Direction, Screenwriting and Photography), Riley has continued working on his craft by producing & directing various independent film projects.

acting, actors, casting, directors, entertainment, film producing, film production, film school, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movie business, producing, television business

How To Work with Professional Performers on your ULTRA LOW BUDGET Feature Film and Short Films

October 31, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

Have you ever wanted to Work with Professional Performers on your ULTRA LOW BUDGET Feature Film and Short Films?

Come down University of Wisconsin Milwaukee – Mitchell Hall Room B91 on Sunday November 8th to find out how you, can have SAG actors in you’re projects! All filmmakers and filmmaking students welcome!

This Workshop presented by SAG-AFTRA Chicago and Kathy Byrne, (Director, SAG-AFTRA Chicago) will show how you, yes, you, can afford to use professional actors in your low budget feature film!

“There is a contract for every budget level. Feature films made for under $250,000 are covered under the SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget Agreement – come find out how easy it is to work with this contract. We also have simple agreements that you can sign to use professional actors in your short films and webisodes as well! If You’ve ever wanted to work with SAG-AFTRA and Equity actors this is a can’t miss event!” Kathy Byrne.

UWM campus in Mitchell B91 on Sunday, November 8th at 2 PM. Mitchell Hall is the large building on the NW corner of Downer & Kenwood. Free Street parking or pay parking at UWM Union Parking Structure on Campus.

This FREE workshop will provide you a service to highlight the benefits and ease of casting professional actors.

SPACE IS LIMITED! Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 4, 2015 to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

QUESTIONS? (312) 867-5508

SAG/AFTRA 1 E. Erie, #650 Chicago, IL 60611

Join Us! RSVP Today!!!

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Weyauwega International Film Festival November 11-14, 2015

October 30, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

The Weyauwega International Film Festival will be returning November 11-14 to the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega for it’s fifth year of films from around the globe.

This year the festival presented by Wega Arts will be screening forty-three films representing seventeen different countries. Many of the films were either made in Wisconsin or have Wisconsin connections.

This year Friday at the festival happens to fall on the 13^th of the month which of course invites an opportunity to screen horror films.

Use Bolded Link Below To Listen

Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat chats with festival co-director Ian Teal

The Weyauwega International Film Festival (WIFF) has seized this opportunity to satisfy the horror hounds in Central Wisconsin and will be screening horror films and thrillers all day on Friday the 13^th in what they are calling a “Friday the 13^th Fright Fest”.

Most notable in this line up is the world theatrical premiere of the new feature film DISMEMBERING CHRISTMAS by local filmmakers Steve Golz and Kevin Sommerfield of Slasher Studios. They will be on hand to present their twisted Christmas tale at 9pm.

Another Wisconsin film screening on Friday is HAUNTED STATE, a blood chilling documentary which explores the hauntings of several locations in Wisconsin including the Stone Cellar Brew Pub in Appleton, the Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee and locations in Wisconsin Rapids and Merrill. The filmmakers including director Michael Brown of Appleton will be in attendance for the screening of HAUNTED STATE at 3:30pm on Friday.

The other Wisconsin film is the psychological thriller THE SCARAPIST which tells the tale of a distraught women who is let astray by a very demented therapist. The writer, director and star of the film, Jeanne Marie Spicuzza is expected to be in attendance for this entertaining thriller which screens at 5:15pm on Friday.

For those looking for a good possession tale there are two offerings. IN THE DARK by New York filmmaker David Spaltro offers a very spooky and original demonic possession tale featuring a mostly female cast which screens at 7pm.

At 10:30pm LUCIFEROUS promises to raise the chill factor with it’s story about a family that is being tormented by a very nasty entity. This unique tale features a real couple and their daughter as the onscreen family. This especially creepy film has lately been honored with several awards on the festival circuit.

Of course WIFF is not all about horror films. Some great feature films and documentaries as well as a wide variety of short films will be screened this year.

Wednesday’s lineup includes the documentary THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO CHARLIE at 5pm about outsider artist Charlie van Ness who started out making a wide variety of art objects featuring phalluses. The filmmaker follows Charlie for several years and his persistence pays off as there are some very unexpected and harrowing developments in Charlie’s life.

At 7:30pm on Wednesday the Sci-Fi film EMBERS screens. EMBERS is set in a post apocalyptic world where a global virus has wiped out the memory of everyone it infects. This is no zombie or Mad Max marauder flick, it is a very thought provoking and touching existential tale of identity and what it is to be human.

The films follows several characters as each morning they awake with no recollection of the day before or who they are. This film is a real conversation starter and is also beautifully filmed. EMBERS has an encore screening on Saturday, November 14^th at 2:15pm.

Thursday features the classic 1959 court room thriller COMPULSION about the Leopold-Loeb murder case starring Orson Welles screening at 1:30pm.

The film will be introduced by noted Film Historian Dr. Jack Rhodes and it is also a free screening. The documentary POLYFACES screens at 5:15pm and examines the unique and highly sustainable farming practices at the Polyfaces Farm in Virginia.

This film is a real eye opener about the potential of sustainable farming and should be a must see for anyone environmentally or agriculturally minded.

At 8pm the extremely timely documentary PEACE OFFICER examines the results of the recent surge in the militarization of our police forces.

In Utah, a crime scene investigator offers clear and insightful examinations of several extremely violent cases involving SWAT teams. In a sad note of irony, this examiner’s family also becomes the victim of an SWAT raid gone wrong.

This film is one of those ‘Must See’ films for anyone who is a citizen of this world.

Saturday starts with a filmmaker seminar with local filmmakers Dan Davies, Craig Knitt and Rex Sikes at 10am.

An encore screening of the previously mentioned EMBERS screens at 2:15pm. The very entertaining romantic comedy DIRTY BEAUTIFUL screens at 4pm.

The documentary about Wisconsin Supper Clubs, OLD FASHIONED screens at 6pm with the filmmakers Holly L. De Ruyter & Brian Risselada will be in attendance and of course Old Fashioneds will be featured at the Gerold Opera House’s full bar.

The closing night film is a documentary about the state of photojournalism in Afghanistan. During the Taliban regime all photography was banned and women were severely oppressed. FRAME BY FRAME follows several young Afghani photojournalists who are again facing the threat of another uprising by the Taliban.

This film shows a truly beautiful side of Afghanistan that is rarely seen while simultaneously illuminating the dark reality and horror of oppression in a society that seems to be forever doomed.

This is an outstanding film and festival director Ian Teal states that this is a ‘must see’ of the fest. FRAME BY FRAME screens at 7:30pm and will be followed by an awards ceremony and reception with complimentary appetizers and of course, conversations about film.

The historic Gerold Opera House is celebrating it’s one hundredth year in 2015 and is only about a 25 minute drive West of the valley in Weyauwega and is conveniently located off of HWY 10. There will be soup and sandwiches available for purchase as well as fresh popcorn and a full bar so plan to make a day of it.

Tickets are $12 for a day pass which are good for any one film or a whole day of films. Festival passes are $30 and are good for the whole festival and also include a free large popcorn!

The full schedule can be found at wegaarts.org. Festival passes can also be found online and at the Book Cellar in Waupaca & at Rural Relics Antiques in Weyauwega. The box office can be reached at 920-867-4888. See you at the Gerold!

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

October 24, 2015 rexsikes 3 Comments

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:

Stand for something. Care about it. People respond to your passion.
What is your end game? Where is it going? Where will it end up?
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:

How to develop a series concept for the web.
How and why to target an audience.
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!

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

Flyway Film Fest – Day Three – Red Wing To Alma

October 24, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

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

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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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!

entertainment, film directing, film festival, film financing, film producing, film school, filmmaker, filmmakers, filmmaking, independent film production, indiefilm, low budget filmmaking, motion picture business, movies

Flyway Film Festival – Day Two – A Maiden Rock Voyage

October 23, 2015 rexsikes Leave a comment

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

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!!!

*********

DAY TWO began, for me, at 3:30 am. I write my other blog Daily Inspiration and Gratitude. I wrote and worked until 7:30 am this morning knowing I would then make the gorgeous drive to Maiden Rock during breaking morning light on the Mississippi.

I’d arrive in time for 6 Street Sling to open and I’d meet Jake and Colette, Kristjan and gang, David Potter and others for breakfast. I arrived earlier than I thought I would by about 15 minutes. Though a grayer day, not the golden dawn of yesterday, the drive to the restaurant was still spectacular.

From there workshops today will be on Location Scouting and Management and Crowdfunding. Flyway is firmly underway and a wonderful fest it proves to be again this 8th year.

AGAIN I WILL UPDATE THROUGHOUT THE DAY SO CHECK BACK OFTEN AND ENJOY:

It sprinkles and it is lovely. Jake and Colette arrive. Don and Jerry from Minneapolis join us. David Potter just strolled in. Breakfast is being served. More peeps are coming. We discuss living on houseboats in the Great Loop, nearly 30,000 miles of waterway. Not everything we discuss is film.

Breakfast delightful. Conversation centered around saving the world, but we didn’t. Now at venue for workshops. Delightful getting to know the panelist contributors prior to the start of the program.

First Workshop: Location Location Location: What does a location manager do? What does a location manager do? How do you become a location scout? How does a location become a character in a film? What should you know when filming on location in a foreign country? Moderated by L A producer Kelly Nathe.

Click Here For Panelists & Workshop Leaders

Twin Cities-based location manager Charlotte Ariss and Pepin-based location scout Steve Anderson; Danish/English Filmmaker Kristjan Knigge who will shoot a feature in FLyway area at the conclusion of the festival; Emily Ting , who shot her recent narrative in Hong Kong; and Norah Shapiro, who shot her documentary in India; will discuss the roles location played in their films and what they learned from shooting abroad.

These experts and location-conscious filmmakers will take you through the ins and outs of finding and getting the most out of your location. They will show examples of shoots they’ve managed in rural Wisconsin and will discuss the roles location played in their films and what they learned from shooting abroad.

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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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Lunch at noon. We are back at 6 String. Tasty. After lunch is the afternoon workshop.

Crowdfunding To Build An Audience with Erica Anderson

Whether or not you have had crowdfunding success; or you haven’t tried it yet; the ability to crowdfund has become a fundamental piece of many independent film financing plans. Funding campaigns built upon audience-built connections can last an entire career. This seminar can help you create the action plan most likely to create a lasting, flourishing, direct relationship with your audience.