Short Summary
Time flies when you're trying to make a feature film. I had the idea to make this film 10 years ago to make a sci-fi short that takes place entirely in the cockpit of a spaceship. I filmed my actor friend, Karl Champley in a buddy's garage against a makeshift green screen. That film grew when Ronny Cox and Hellena Taylor joined the cast for additional scenes, and became my award winning short, "Cockpit: The Rule of Engagement," and that idea grew into a feature screenplay, "Cockpit: Demon Star." And Ronny Cox returns to reprise his role as the grizzled Star Carrier Captain with a dark secret he's carried since the first film.
Over the years, I shopped the screenplay around Hollywood, while working as a graphic artist as Jimmy Kimmel Live. I had interest from studios and was close to a couple production deals. Interest from many, commitments from none. In the end, it was hard to convince the industry that a Sci-Fi Horror could be made for an indie film budget, and I couldn't wait any longer.
So I set off to do it myself, and have made the movie out of pocket. I have built a spaceship set in my garage, and I've torn up my back yard to put up a makeshift green screen. I have shot for 13 days spread out over the past year. I've almost reached the finish line, but I need help to shoot the final 5 days.
What We Need & What You Get
The budget for the film so far as been $35,000. I've already paid that. I need $7,000 more to pay for the remaining shoot days and the perks for donors. The cast is working for deferred payment until the movie sells to Netflix or itunes, and much of the crew are friends helping out; but there are certain costs that can't be avoided. Equipment rental, Insurance, food, makeup, sound, and more hard drive space to be exact.
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If I don't make the goal, that's okay, every bit helps. I'll make up the difference by doing what all producers say never do: Continue to pay out of pocket. It got me this far, though the turnaround time may be delayed.
If I make the goal, then I can hit the ground rolling and complete my shooting this year.
If I exceed the goal, then GREAT! I' can hire additional special effects artists, sound designers, and musicians to help get this movie completed even sooner and better. As of now, I am planning on taking on all such tasks myself. It is a HUGE undertaking, but I hope my video convinces you I am up for the task.
The Impact
I've shot all the scenes thus far in 4k. I want to edit the movie and deliver in 4k, but the higher the resolution, the longer render times I'll face, and more Hard drive space will be needed. If we make our goal, I'll be able to purchase more hard drives and graphics cards needed to render. Thus will be in addition to the insurance (insurance has been a huge cost in this), make-up, and crew needed to shoot for the next 5 days. If I don't hit the goal, I still will finish the film, but I may need to downgrade from 4k to HD (Whoever thought downgrade to HD would be a thing?)
Risks & Challenges
"Risk" is the reason I started shooting the movie without launching a campaign first. Because this was such an ambitious feet on so little money, I felt the need to prove that the movie could be made. "What happens if you don't raise enough money" is always the first on audiences minds. And I believe actions speak louder than words. By already completing the filming on over three quarters of the film, I demonstrate that I can make this movie. There is very little risk (although, admittedly, if the economy tanks and I loose my job, that could damage my timeline). The challenge is time. There are setbacks: friends who are helping get busy, technologies that fall short. But the net effect is simply things take more time, and or I make some compromises. But I have a lifelong dedication to completing this film one way or another. Right now, if I shoot the week after Thanksgiving, I'm looking at a completion date of Summer of 2021.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you just can't contribute, no worries! A picture is worth a thousand words, and a 10 shares on social medial is priceless. Spread the word, and you will be helping this filmic dream come true for me and the cast and crew involved. Make some noise and share this Indiegogo link.
