Dim Sum Funeral...Anna Chi's new offering opens in limited release Friday! Sensuous Bai Ling sizzles...

Bai Ling is a lesbian seeking a sperm donation from pries

Landing a distributor in the past few months has been tough for Independent filmmakers - what with the state of the economy being the way it has been - and due to shifting norms in the Film Industry widespread.


On the festival circuit - in my exciting colorful travels from AFI Dallas in cattle country, to the Newport Beach Festival in the OC, to CineVegas (Sin City) - I've crossed paths with frustrated (but ingenuous) filmmakers forced to blaze their own trails in respect to distributing their product.


And, the heck with the major studios, thank you very much!


For example - in spite of the fact "Skin" is a quality thought-provoking drama (about apartheid) garnering accolades and a bevy of prizes around the country - no takers.


Even with a bankable star like Sam O'Neil turning in a stellar performance!


Rock Slyde, which I caught at AFI Dallas (starring Andy Dick) was - at times - side-splitting fun and definitely a popcorn movie. But, the off-beat comedy is still dangling in the wind waiting for the big brass ring to swing its way.


Review (Rock Slyde): 04/06/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasrock-slyde-spoof-on-film-noir.html

"Children Of Invention" (Asian Pacific Film Festival) won top prize when it screened a few weeks ago at the Director's Guild of America - but nevertheless - is still out-in-the-cold when it comes to sweet movie deals Hollywood-style.


Handsome Tze Chun, the director, wasn't inclined to sit on his butt and wait for suitors to come calling, though.


No Sir!


So, the dynamic filmmaker fathomed up a novel approach to plugging and flogging his film.


The visionary director sprang into action and utilized the Festival Circuit to promote the charming"family oriented" film.


Outside in the foyer on the Festival grounds, after the curtain for the big show fell, savvy handlers were at-the-ready to hawk the DVD's.


In my interview with Mr. Chun (a friend on facebook now), he noted that he intends to log all the data pertaining to promotional costs, expenses, and sales - at which point - he'll painstakingly post the specifics on the Internet so that other filmmakers will have a guide to either follow or set their compass by.


Review (Children of Invention): 05/10/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalentertaining_10.html
 "Moscow Chill" finally got afloat in the mainstream just recently with their espionage thriller (starring Norman Reedus of "Boondock Saints") although it was a tough sell.


Over the past year since I first took a gander at it, and wrote a positive review, I have followed their progress.


For a million bucks, director Chris Solomine turned out a quality entertaining action-adventure film.


As I said at the time, Hollywood should sit up and take notice!


Review (Moscow Chill) : 02/28/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/moscow-chillentertaining-low-budget.html

In a way, I feel like the films I became enchanted with or entertained by over the past year or so, are kind of like my "children" now out in the world fending for themselves.


I've got to cheer 'em on from the sidelines, at least.


A few others Indies worth mentioning:


"Before the Music Dies" (Rock Documentary), "The Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll" (Jason Ritter starring), "Train Master" (well-crafted Disney-style children's flick by Phil Bransom), Inalienable (Richard Hatch starring and direction by Star Trek actor Walter Koenig).


Review (Before Music Dies): 08/29/07


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/08/thomas-carlyle-wordsworth-said-who-is.html


Review (Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll): 04/27/09


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/newport-beach-film-festivaljason-ritter.html

Review (Train Master): 04/14/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/train-mastercharming-family.html

Review (Inalienable): 04/02/2008


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/inalienablewalter-koenig-script.html


And, there is good news to report for "Dim Sum Funeral", too!


Although I originally interviewed the stars (Bai Ling & Curtis Lum) and Director (Anna Chi) on the red carpet at the AFI's prestigious annual Festival (3 years running) in Dallas, scheduling conflicts prevented me from catching it on the silver screen.


Same thing happened in Newport Beach when the well-crafted offering premiered there.


Finally, when "Dim Sum Funeral" was booked into the Asian Pacific Film Festival just a scant few weeks ago, I was able to plunk myself down in a comfy seat in a packed house at the DGA and drink up every rich celluloid moment.


I was bowled over by the performances, storyline, and original thought-provoking themes.


Third-time lucky for both the film and moi.


On the heels of the last screening, "Dim Sum Funeral" scooped distribution.


So, here I am to proudly announce that "Dim Sum Funeral" will be gracing the screen of two legit Theatrical venues in the Los Angeles mainland, commencing Friday June 12th.


*Laemmle Sunset 5 (West Hollywood)
*Laemmles Pasadena Playhouse


Since it is crucial that an Independent film gain a solid footing at the box office the first weekend, I am urging all the locals (and those willing to travel far and wide from the outskirts of the town and county) to take "Dim Sum Funeral" in.


Since Bai Ling, a sexy little darling I've struck up a good relationship with on the Festival beat, is starring in the role of a lesbian - and Dim Sum is opening in West Hollywood on Pride weekend in Gay Gulch (WeHo) - I trust there will be a strong showing of hopeless romantics gays ratcheting up the ticket sales, for starters.


Then again, maybe an even more diverse crowd will be inclined to take a daring enthusiastic theatrical leap, after perusing the reviews!


The film was directed by a sweet lady, Anna Chi.


When an individual first crosses paths with the celebrated director (Joy Luck Club) it is evident from the get-go that she's a gentle loving soul- in spite of the fact - her own life wretchedly twisted here and there over the years, scarring her, undoubtedly.


For example, Ms. Chi unwittingly first stumbled into the nasty glare of the public eye when she was a naive a young girl during the Cultural Revolution in China.


In one impulsive moment in her life, she was inspired to write a letter to her father asking him to consider following the political views and philosophies of Chairman Mao and the Party.


The government used the correspondence to popularize their ideologies and Anna soon became a symbol of the Communist party.


In fact, her name (steeped in tradition) was changed from Shaoai (Forever Spring) to Yong Hong (Forever Red).


High drama, indeed!


Later on when the excitement died down, Anna saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and enrolled in film school


Chi had a good eye - and so - became an editor.


In the throes of this career endeavour, Ms. Chi was forced into an arranged marriage that resulted in a messy divorce and a departure from the philosophy of the Party.


Eventually, after she immigrated to Los Angeles, she learned how to speak English.


From humble beginnings, she raised herself up to loftier climbs due to the dedication to her craft and the innate ability to focus on the essentials in a humanistic way.


When I noted that her cast & crew were greatly impressed by her kindness and understanding on the set, she calmly responded:


"If you treat people with respect, you get respect back."


Her numerous credits include the "Joy Luck Club"(Wayne Wang), NIXON (Oliver Stone), and the anime film "The Three Kingdoms" (John Woo).


Currently, Ms. Chi is writing MERMAID for famed producer, Xu Ligong.


Cast
Dim Sum Funeral


Bai Ling, Lisa Lu, Talia Shire, Julia Nixon, Russell Wong, Kelly Hu, Francoise Yip, Steph Song.


Review (Dim Sum Funeral): 05/04/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalanna-chis.html


HD Video Interview: 05/09/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalcurtis-lum.html


*Curtis Lum discusses his role as a sperm donating priest with lesbian character Bai Ling. (pictured above)


Well, as they say at Warner Brothers.

That's all folks!

 http://www.thetattler.biz

Film Financing and Distribution deals. Pre-sales and Co-Productions!

At a sneak preview for - "Fork in the Road" - the filmmakers noted that they were seeking distribution for their project.

Well, without distribution, producers are just sittin' in the water.

There are two major ways to finance a film for distribution, says Stacey Parks (a book author) who has worked in independent film for over 10 years and is currently a sales executive at the BBC Worldwide in Los Angeles.

In a recent interview with Student Filmmaker Magazine, Ms. Parks noted she is familiar with the aggressive "down and dirty" philosophy of filmmakers who put together whatever funds they have, slap together something on a mini DV camera, use relatives as actors, then expect to land movie distribution.

So, Parks offered up a couple of solutions for the aspiring auteur.

For example, she suggests either a well-packaged pre-sale scheme or an International co-production.

A pre-sale, she notes, is literally a sale of the film to a particular territory before the film is made.

If a filmmaker has a script with actors signed on for the project, they are eligible for a pre-sale.

A U.K. distributor, for instance, might assess the film package and give it the nod if it has sales potential for their territory.

Parks adds that when a distributor pre-buys rights it is advantageous to them.

For example, if they know in advance the filmmaker has a hot property, they can secure the distribution rights up front instead of waiting until the film is completed to compete with other companies.

For this reason, distributors tend to get a good deal when they pre-buy because they are taking a risk once the contractual agreement is executed.

For filmmakers, this route is quite advantageous, too.

For one thing, it's a savvy way to raise funds for a film while securing a distributor at the same time.

Also, this approach gives the creators stature in the film community.

Why?

The theory is that since someone believed in the project to pre-buy for the territory, the project is a worthwhile investment.

As a result, there is an excellent PR advantage, as well.

One downside to pre-sales is obvious.

The filmmaker may have to bang on doors and secure the pre-sale on their own by submitting to distributors directly.

Understandably, Ms. Parks admits this form of financing is rarer to obtain.

In respect to International co-productions, she is quick to point out that distributor usually snaps up a larger stake of the film and becomes a co-producer of the project. But, such a lucrative deal is not always easy to secure, either.

A filmmaker's best bet is to work with a foreign sales agent, since they have relationships and know the intricacies in a co-production deal, including all the contract issues.

If these two options fail, then the producers may have to secure private investors, raise funds with family and friends, or max out credit cards.

In the event of the latter, a titanium American Express Card may come in handy!

A Plan B option is to go low budget with $250 K, for example.

Ms. Parks figures if the project turns out well, the filmmaker can - at a minimum - recoup that amount in U.S. DVD distribution sales over time.

In closing, Parks adds that it would be wise to cut a trailer or promo to preview to potential investors when pursuing pre-sale and international co-production deals.

One novel approach she offers up makes sense and is practical.

It is recommended, for instance, that a filmmaker shoot some footage of sample scenes with the aim of establishing what the production team hopes to accomplish with the feature.

In that event, present the footage as professionally as possible, to signal you're capable of turning out a quality product.