#2 The inevitable hiatus -Read through cancelled

The next stage of the plan was to do a read through of the script with some hired actors. Using Starnow I put out an advertisement clearly asking people who were interesting in doing a cold read through to come down on the day and do this, for free, and in return will give them an experience, and a copy of the recorded read through after the film had been finished as well as any feedback and networking that might result from the session.

You'd be amazed how many people applied, how many didn't read the advertisement clearly, how many replied with the 'I'm an actoor complex' and how many on the day responded with no-shows which resulted in me cancelling the event. I had planned to get the 8 or so people around a table with their own scripts, their lines clearly highlighted. Water and snacks on the side. A camera in the middle for feedback later that night as I evaluate the script etc. But this stuff happens. I'm not disappointed, it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it made me really question if this script is ready and is this the right time to push for this project to become real?

I had doubts about my characters and their motives, and eventually the 'why' swallowed me whole.

I've decided to put this script back on the bench for now, and start small again. so...

So with Fight me hidden out of sight for now today's goal is to work and complete my six part web series. Still the planned action/comedy vibe except in smaller controlled conditions. It's to be titled 'The bullet list'. I have written about it here on my main blog.

 I will return to this ' how to shoot a independent feature ' blog once the above project has been finished as it will give me some solid credibility to stand on when putting together 'Fight me' as well as some more expreience.

Thanks for your support thus far and check back now and again for updates, 'like' me on facebook for instant access :)

#1: It Begins - Finishing the Script, Feedback and Screentest No Way out

Welcome to the first entry of this blog, created as a companion piece to the behind the scenes doco I plan to shoot while shooting my first feature film ever (and with luck, not my last).

SCRIPT

It's been around a year I think, on and off, writing my screenplay for the film that I would eventually title 'Fight Me'. Alot of how I wrote it comes from my years of watching hong kong and hollywood action movies and 'Save the Cat' by Blake snyder.

Many late nights with blank screens and cursor's blinking. Empty energy drink bottles, empty minds...juggling all these ideas with my 7 day roster at work and family/sport commitments...I can't begin to describe the satisfaction of having something printed and in black and white finally. It's not in my head anymore, shit's real. (see Fig 1 below)

 So why'd I call my film Fight Me? It had to scream to punters, "I'm a martial arts action film, buy/rent me!"

And I think it does. This is my baby, my Enter the dragon, my Flashpoint, My Ong Bak, My Police story......That film that fans would say started my legacy off. This kiwi action actor - Matt Kinsman. (oh don't pretend you don't talk in third person sometimes haha)

So yeah, I have written some juicy fight scenes for this film, for myself as well as some friends I've made along the way chasing this dream, I've also spent some good time on some great lines and drama to tie it all together and to give the fights meaning and oomph. I want fans to watch this more than once, for this piece of work to stand the test of time.

And now that I've finished the script ,YES!! Now what? I called a couple of my actor mates who I have worked with before to read through the script to see if they were interested in the parts I had written for them and if they liked the story, a couple are keen and ones on the fence, I understand, he has a rep he's been building the last couple of years and my film will hardly be a hollywood film with anyone's name in lights, but theres no rules saying it won't be :) Also, I'm not sure I want heaps of experienced actors on this anyway, I know that filming is a team effort and you will have to sacrifice your artistic vision a little bit for each person you add onto the team. And before I hit the keyboard there was nothing, So I hope to hold onto the original concept of a fun redemptive action movie. But you'll be the judge of that next year when it's on shelves :)

CASTING 

While said actor thought about it I decided to look around and see what other fighter/actor's I could muster up as there heaps of parts for talent, ala Game of Death. I found an interesting character whom I think audiences will remember, He seemed cool. So after some back and forth I got him to meet Steve and I at a location I sussed out to shoot a short test film as a screen test to see a) if he could work with us to our standard/creative teamwork/and attitude and b) look good on screen. 

The short film finished and is titled : No Way Out

A wanted man is finally tracked down by two slacker agents who instead of arresting him, play a game instead.... (watch below)

Here are some stills from the test...

 

Stay tuned for my next 'Making of: Fight me' Blog: Script Read through/Casting/ Budget...