As you may or may not know, I have interviewed Filmmaker Jamin Winans twice over at my Film Synergy Blog (here is the "INK" Interview). It was from the interaction back and forth on this second interview where I learned that Jamin's 2nd Feature INK was going to have it's World Premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
My fiance Karen and I made the trip up to Santa Barbara to support Jamin and see his latest work. Though the first trailer for INK is amazing, there is no way I could anticipate the impact that his film had on me and on Karen. It caused me to write this blog, Jamin Winan's INK is one of the most inspiring films I have seen...
Upon reading my write-up, Jamin said he was speechless.
Well, now Jamin has released his 2nd Trailer for INK, and he has taken MY QUOTE on his film and put it in the Trailer. Now I am the one who is speechless.
As if you didn't already need to see this 2nd Trailer anyway, now there is additional incentive.
Jamin recut the trailer because they were getting a lot of feedback that it was playing like a Horror film, which it is not. So this trailer gives us more of the overall vibe. He also told me that he has cut 9 minutes down on the overall run time. Not that the version I saw dragged by any means. But I believe that only can help the overall film.
Well the good new is that it is not too late, though the window is beginning to close.
Here’s the overall update on our first feature film, “Night Before the Wedding.” This film is one that we have been working on since September 2007. We have put in a lot of energy and effort to see our dream of completing this first feature film.
We are proud to say that we are almost there having achieved picture-lock last week. That means all that remains is color correction, sound design and music. The credit roll at the end of the film will be finalized as well. We are aiming to have this work done by March.
We initiated a ‘Pre-Order’ DVD campaign before we shot the film. Those who are showing support and faith in our project, we are rewarding by thanking them in our film’s credits and on our website (which we are redesigning).
So if you would like to become part of this campaign, now is a great time. Another perk of ordering now is that it guarantees you will see the film before it reaches the mainstream. (Due to a variety of distribution factors, we cannot say when that will be.)
Everyone who has pre-ordered the DVD will receive a limited-edition DVD with the completed movie.
To pre-order “Night Before the Wedding,” please visit http://www.nightbeforethewedding.com/ Enter the site and click on the banner on top of the screen.
To order offline, you are welcome to send a $15 check payable to Glimpse of Dreams, LLC.
Glimpse of Dreams Productions 8314 Jayseel Street Sunland, CA 91040
On this awe-inspiring inauguration day where many of us feel a new hope, I am proud to unveil this new interview with a filmmaker that I admire, an artist who is passionate about his craft, and one who raises the bar for all of us in the world of independent cinema.
Jamin Winans has just completed his second feature film, Ink, a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Action Thriller about the people who come out at night and give us dreams and nightmares. It is the allegorical story of good and evil and those trapped in between. No matter how safe you feel, evil may find you. But no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible. (To really understand what this all means, the Must See Movie Trailer is Below) Ink premieres January 23rd, 29th, and 30th at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It is one of a handful of films in competition. For screening information, please click here, Ink Showtimes
Filmmaker Jamin Winans on the set of Ink
Tell us one thing about yourself that no one really knows?
I really wanted to be a ventriloquist for most of my childhood, but I found filmmaking was a lot more versatile. No joke, I collected 5 or 6 very sophisticated ventriloquist dolls and got pretty good at it. Retired around 10 or 11 years old…okay, it was last week.
Are there any books you consider invaluable to your process as a writer and director?
Reading books and interviews of other filmmakers in general has been really helpful psychologically. They remind you that everyone struggles and that you’re not alone. My all time favorite is of course Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez. It’s just a reminder that anything’s possible.
What area of filmmaking do you feel filmmakers often overlook? Something that comes back to bite you in the ass if you aren't careful?
From a technical standpoint, sound is often overlooked, but yet extremely important. I would argue that good sound is almost more important than a good picture. For some reason we’re a lot more annoyed when something isn’t audibly clear or strong. Yet new filmmakers almost always underestimate this.
But from a thematic standpoint, story is really overlooked. A film can be phenomenal from a technical standpoint, but if the story just isn’t strong, it’s all for nothing.
There is the creative side of film and there is the business side of film. From developing the idea, to final cut of the film, to getting people to be interested in your project and having them pay to see it, which has been the toughest phase for you?
Sadly, it’s all very hard. I think production itself is probably the hardest on me because of the ticking clock and overwhelming pressure. There’s a constant sense that any one mistake will ruin your film, which is sometimes true. Once the film is in the can, it’s definitely easier to relax, but I can’t say I never feel a real sense of contentment.
Often times in the independent movie world, we see a filmmaker make his first feature film, then we never hear from him again. What is your reaction to that?
More power to them. Filmmaking is a horrible endevour with varying degrees of pain and humiliation. The glamorous perception of filmmaking is nothing like reality, especially indie filmmaking. It requires unreal perseverance and huge sacrifices. I think a lot of filmmakers just realize they would rather actually live life than go through that process again. If I didn’t feel so compelled to keep going no matter what the cost, I would easily walk away and do something else.
Congratulations on completing your second feature film. What were some of the lessons you learned in making your first feature film that you carried over into the making of your second feature?
Thanks! I’m sure there were a lot of bits of wisdom I took from the 11:59 (my first feature) filmmaking process, but the most I learned was in the distribution process. Going through distribution, you realize how shady the industry really is. There’s countless bloodsuckers out there just waiting to take advantage of new filmmakers who are desperate for distribution. There are producer reps who will take advantage of you and there are distributors who will never pay you. I’ve found that shady distributors are almost the norm. Filmmakers have to talk to each other and check references on anyone they deal with. That’s the only way to avoid being screwed no matter how big and successful the film.
The-Storytellers - Eme-Ikwuakor, Jeremy Make, Jennifer Batter, and Shelby Malone
Taking a moment to reflect on both of your professional features, which of the two was harder to make, the first or the second? Why?
Ink, the second film, was definitely the hardest. We shot 11:59 in about 30-35 days, but Ink was 83 days. My feeling going in was that it would be so nice to have all that extra time to really shoot what I wanted, but it turns out Ink was so logistically complicated, it still didn’t feel like enough time. And shooting that long with such a small budget becomes a test of sheer will to just keep going. I was dying after day three and I realized I still had 3 months to go. Some of the crew started falling apart and people were getting pissed. It was hard physically, mentally, but most of all emotionally.
Was it easier to raise money for "Ink" with your proven track record of quality films and a successful feature already in the books?
It was easier. 11:59 helped a lot, and to my surprise our short,Spin helped a lot as well. We met a lot of people and made a lot of good friends on the path of those two films. A few of those people really supported us on Ink from the get go. It was still a task, but we weren’t looking for too much money, which certainly makes it easier.
How did you go about financing Ink?
We wrote a business plan and really thought through the film’s marketable attributes. We talked to our friends and contacts we had made from the other films and about half a year later, we had enough money to go.
The most important thing we did was set a date and commit to shooting the film no matter what. If we couldn’t get any money, we would shoot the film with a camera, no lighting and no crew. As it turned out, we did get a little money, and that just made the film a little easier. But committing to do it no matter was the key. When people know something is going to happen with or without their help, they’re more confident about getting involved.
Quinn Hunchar as Emma, Jessica Duffy as Liev, and Ink-travel to The Collector
With "11:59" you said it was tough on you because it didn't fit into one genre. It had a bit of everything. Looks like "Ink" is a clear cut Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller. Was this a conscious decision?
Ink is actually a hybrid of genres too, but it’s a lot more marketable than 11:59. It has a lot of action and suspense, but there’s also a deeper dramatic story at the root.
Inkwas already in the works before 11:59 was out, so it didn’t really influence the decisions I made regarding story and genre. Regardless, I’m happy it is what it is because it’s already been an easier path than 11:59 on the festival and distribution route.
How long did you work on the script to Ink? What was the process like? What was the germinating seed? What was it about this story that drove you to make this film?
The story of Ink was in my head for years. It was all based on a creature I was convinced I saw in my bedroom when I was about four years old. After completing 11:59 I knew I wanted to tackle a more extravagant fantasy film, but I wanted to approach it in a grittier and more authentic manner than anything I had seen in regards to fantasy/sci-fi. I started with the memory of the creature in my bedroom and branched off into an idea of people who give us dreams and nightmares while we sleep. Thematically I was really interested in the idea of redemption and that became the core in which the story was built around.
I outlined the story heavily over the course of about a year. Ink has a very complicated structure and an unformulated build, which is always risky. So during the outlining and early drafts I focused more on structure than anything else. I probably went through six or seven drafts of the script before I really had the characters fleshed out. My wife and producer, KiowaWinans and the lead actor, Chris Kelly, were really helpful with feedback and suggestions as I moved through the drafts.
Not only did you Write and Direct Ink, you also serve as Composer and Editor. Which of these is the most fun for you? Which is the toughest?
I would say both are the most enjoyable parts of the filmmaking process. Editing is really rewarding because you’re seeing the story and all the hard work coming together. Composing is probably the most fun because it’s something I don’t take very seriously. I never set out to be a composer and I’ve accepted I’m sort of a hack, so I haven’t ruined the process by trying to be perfect at it.
"The-Incubi" from Jamin Winan's Ink
What was the most challenging thing you had to face with this project?
The fear that I was somehow making something totally ridiculous and didn’t know it. It wasn’t until the last leg of the edit that I felt entirely confident with what we had created. We took a lot of risks and when you do that, you can bomb really hard.
What did you love most about being involved with this production?
It was a real team effort with my wife. We struggled a lot, but we struggled together which turned out to be a great thing.
You have released a kick ass HD Trailer for Ink, but what we really want to know, is the full length film better than the trailer?
I appreciate you saying so. It’s tough to compare a trailer to a film. One is an advertisement and one is a story. So the question really is, “Does the trailer represent the film accurately?” I would say it’s about 80 percent accurate. The feedback I’ve heard on the trailer is that it’s reading more horror/scary than I would like. The film does have it’s very dark elements, but it’s a dark modern fantasy, not a horror movie.
Personally, the film plays a lot stronger for me than the trailer because it’s much more complex, emotional, and rich. The trailer shows just a fraction of what the story actually is. But it will be up to the viewer to decide.
What are you hoping audiences take away from this film?
I hope they walk away thinking about the power of humility.
What are your goals for Ink?
I would love to make our investors money back and I would love for the right people to see the film. Beyond that, I’m happy with anything.
Will you share this film with your Mom?
Absolutely. There’s a lot of bad language in the film, but she forgives me for that.
What does this film have that you will not find in a big Studio release?
A story you won’t be able to predict the ending to in the first 20 minutes.
What makes this a 'must see' movie?
It’s totally unique, it’s moving, and it offers perspective on your dreams and the possibility of unseen influences in our lives. Well, that and there’s some guy with a huge nose running up an invisible staircase.
For the very latest on Jamin Winans, Ink, and Double Edge Films, please visit www.doubleedgefilms.com
Where do I even begin? I hope you follow along because Jamin Winan’s, Ink, is one of the most inspiring films I have seen and I am excited to share my thoughts about it with you.
As I begin to write this, please note that I am not a Film Critic. I am just a Film Fan as well as a Filmmaker. I am a growing storyteller also, so please allow me set up the story which will help me convey my full thoughts to you.
Back in 2005 I came across Jamin’s short film Spin. I can’t remember exactly how I came across it but I thought it was one of the more creative and just plain cool shorts I have seen. I wanted to know more about the film and the filmmaker so I contacted Jamin and ended up doing an interview with him through my Film Synergy blog (Interview with Filmmaker Jamin Winans)
I thought it was a great interview and I liked Jamin’s style of filmmaking so I continued to monitor his work. Now this will probably get me in trouble, but I believe it is important for me to mention. As I have studied films in the indie world, I got around to seeing Jamin’s first feature film, 11:59. Though that movie does finish strong, I came away feeling let down. It’s not anything I am going to dwell on here. Yet there may be others out there who may read this who have seen 11:59 and may not be willing to give Ink a chance and I am here to let you know that would be a big mistake.
Most recently, Jamin emailed me the trailer to his second feature film, Ink and I was amazed. Want to see why? Click here Ink Official Movie Trailer HD
Here is an excerpt as to why Filmmaker David Branin created Film Courage.
Why this blog? Why now? The answer. My film career is at the crossroads. We will soon discover together what lies ahead. I debated what to call this blog for about a week now. No idea seemed to be right. Just moments ago, the words Film Courage popped into my head, and now this blog has begun. I owe inspiration for the title of this blog to a brilliant and talented actor friend of mine who is as passionate about his craft as anyone I know.
I dedicate my journey and this blog to all kindred creative souls. For the sacrifices, the daily rejection, the criticism and judgment. May we have it within ourselves to create our own magic to move mountains.
The focus of this blog for years has been on the works of David Branin under my company Dream Regime Productions. A couple things have happened. One, my first feature film Night Before the Wedding has been made under another company's umbrella, Glimpse of Dreams, LLC.
In addition, I have decided to chronicle my film journey in a more personal way which led me to creating the blog Film Courage. I have spent more time building that blog and contributing to it's growth. I am probably going to incorporate some of my Film Courage blogs into this Dream Regime Blog from this point forward.
And of course behind the scenes, I have been working diligently to finish my aforementioned first feature film.
I want to apologize to those of you who check in here regularly looking for updates. I encourage you to Bookmark Film Courage or maybe sign up as a 'Follower' to that blog.
And since it has taken years to build up this blog and because there are so many readers that turn here for news...I have decided that since Dream Regime Productions is David Branin, I am going to continue to post my newest news here. Expect a flurry of updates.
Thank you for your patience and your support, David Branin
Film Synergy, http://filmsynergy.blogspot.com/ is announcing today that it is launching an exciting new Interview Series with various members from the Cast of Crew of the upcoming indie feature film, Night Before the Wedding. This is part of Film Synergy's initiative to provide top notch content in regards to Independent Filmmaking.
The premise of Night Before the Wedding is one that takes you inside a modern bachelor party. It's not one of those over the top raunchy comedies. Not to say that the film doesn't have a wild side.
Here's the logline: "Before straight-laced William Shay weds his soul mate, he must get through one last wild night with his best buddies…but the party quickly turns serious when he finds himself alone with a real life porn star."
From L-R - Actors Gregor Collins, John Keating, James Anthony McQuillan, Chad Davis, Frantz Durand, Zane Patterson, and Kevin Deen (on table) prepare for a scene in Night Before the Wedding.
The film was shot primarily in one location, a two-story house in North Hills, CA. It is an ensemble piece that features 17 actors and actresses, including a platinum selling rapper and an adult film star. The film is now in Post-Production and is expected to reach public audiences in 2009.
While the financial crisis continues on Wall Street, there is positive news to be found in our realm. Combined internet views of our 'Extended Teaser Trailer' for Night Before the Wedding has exceeded 5000 views. Not too shabby. This is great news considering we have not been able to really promote it, as we are submersed in the editing process. Coming up for air to report this news, then it is right back to editing.
The 'Teaser Trailer' does not feature one frame of footage from the film itself. So you do not have to worry about spoilers. People have asked if the film is a documentary because the 'Teaser' is shot in documentary fashion. No it is not a documentary. It is a full fledged scripted feature film. We will have an official theatrical trailer online as soon as we can. We currently have Production Stills online and we are certain to have Screenshots in the near future.
We encourage you to view the trailer. We would love your feedback. If you like what you see, please help us spread the word by passing the trailer on.
David Branin's six minute short film, "Honey, I'm Home" continues to surprise! It is set to screen this weekend as part of the Berkeley Video and Film Festival. We are honored by the attention that the film continues to receive. Please visit www.berkeleyvideofilmfest.org for event info.
There is a cool, simple story behind "Night Before the Wedding's Exclusive Preview" in Original Girl Magazine's Premiere Fall 2008 Edition. Leading Actor James Anthony McQuillan sent out our 'NBTW Teaser Trailer' to his contacts. One of those being Sandra Colton, Editor and Publisher of Original Girl Magazine. Sandra loved the trailer so much, that she wanted to feature the film and the trailer in her magazine. It is an awesome spread for us and the magazine itself looks like it is off to a great start.
For the full presentation which includes the NBTW Teaser Trailer, visit http://www.originalgirlmagazine.com/. Night Before the Wedding is featured on pages 54 and 55.
Want to deeply thank J.C. Macek III aka The World's Greatest Critic for this in depth run down of our "Night Before the Wedding" Fundraising Event and Cast & Crew Party that was held on August 15th, 2008.
We invited him to our party because we are a fan of his work and the way he writes. Never did we suspect in turn he would be so generous with his time and his words.
Well, without further ado, as JC gives us plenty of reading material with this Feature Article.
David Branin will debut his internet-only 'Extended Teaser Trailer' for his upcoming feature film, Night Before the Wedding tonight at midnight PDT. This trailer does not contain one frame of footage from the film itself. So there is no need to worry about any spoilers. It is simply meant to arouse and tease.
MovieSet.com is hosting the trailer's exclusive premiere. So for everyone who wants a first-look at what this much anticipated film may bring, be by your computers tonight at Midnight, PDT.
Night Before the Wedding is about straight-laced William Shay who is about weds his soul mate, but first he must get through one last wild night with his best buddies…
The trailer features cast members, John Keating, Kristen Sullivan, Gregor Collins, Chad Davis, Johnny Giordano, La'Rin Lane, Michael Shaun Sandy, Sarah Ronaghi, Kevin Deen, Frantz Durand, and James Anthony McQuillan.
About MovieSet.com: MovieSet™ is a next generation online platform that creates social networks around movies beginning in the production stage. Created by filmmakers, MovieSet™ provides fans with the authentic behind-the-scenes experience they want, without interfering in the production process.
The event is to take place on Friday August 15th from 8pm to 11pm.
Music Center 5th Floor 135 Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
We are doing our best to finish a film that has been almost a year in the making. We are almost there, yet still have quite a bit of money of raise to see it through.
The Fundraising Event itself will feature the talents of Annie “McFunny” McKnight who will serve as Host along with Femke Weidema, Brightmillion, Paula Lobos, Woah Gudda, Loy Simmers and Jordan Allen.
We will be unveiling the ‘Teaser Trailer’ to our Film. For those afraid of spoilers, have no fear as this trailer does not contain one frame of footage from the actual movie itself.
Special note – The film itself will certainly be Rated R, though everything related to this event will be a clean good time.
Tickets are $20, please RSVP to nightbeforethewedding@gmail.com (Tickets include 2 Drinks from the Bar) It will also be $8 for parking.
We are proud to report that Pre-Order DVD sales for Night Before the Wedding have already surpassed $1000 in sales. Pretty cool considering we haven't even made the film yet.
We still have quite a bit of money to raise to be able to complete the film. Yet this is a great start. We are offering our DVD Buyers the opportunity to have their Names put into the Film's Ending Credits along with Thanking them on our official site, http://www.nightbeforethewedding.com/special_thanks.html
If you are in the Los Angeles area, we are throwing a Fundraising event on August 15th, 2008 in Downtown Los Angeles at the illustrious Music Center. The event will feature performances by Host Annie 'McFunny' McKnight, Loy Simmers, Femke Weidema, Paula Lobos, Brightmillion, Woah Gudda and Jordan Allen. Tickets are $20 and include Two Drinks. The event is scheduled to run from 8pm to 11pm.
We are throwing a party on Friday, August 15th. Go ahead and mark you calendars.
It is a Fundraiser and Cast/Crew Party for our upcoming feature film, Night Before the Wedding (www.nightbeforethewedding.com).The film is in production and we require more funding to see the project through to completion.
The night will feature LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, BAR, and the unveiling of the film's EXTENDED TEASER TRAILER. (For those afraid of spoilers, do not worry as there is not one frame of film footage in the teaser trailer.)
Our official site for Night Before the Wedding(http://www.nightbeforethewedding.com) is a work in progress. The next page to be added is one that thanks our DVD Visionaries, those special individuals who are supporting our upcoming project by Pre-Ordering the DVD.
Summed up quickly, we are taking 10 out of 15 dollars and putting the money into our production budget. In return we are thanking our DVD Visionaries on our Official Site and we will be putting their Names in the Film's Ending Credits.
Had a wild time at the Opening Night of the 4th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival last night. Came away with some exciting moments. We got our promotional items into the hands of Paul Haggis, Josh Brolin, and Larry Hankin amongst many others.
Also spoke with the Festival Organizers Theo Dumont and Daniel Sol. They were inquiring about what I had in the works. Let them know about our upcoming Fundraising Event on Friday August 15th and how we were going to have a special screening of the 'Teaser Trailer' for Night Before the Wedding.
They made the offer to screen it tonight at Club Nacional as part of the HollyShorts Film Festival and it was an offer I couldn't turn down. I turned in a copy to them today and they will screen the trailer tonight before their slate of Music Videos. It is a FREE event that even includes some free drinks. Just get your RSVP in to RSVP@HOLLYSHORTS.COM
The address is 1645 Wilcox Avenue in Hollywood, CA. The event runs from 7pm to 11pm. If you are in the area, get out and check it out. Going to be a fanstastic night. Let us know what you think of our 'Teaser Trailer' and for those of you worried about *spoilers*....don't worry, there isn't an ounce of footage from the movie itself in the trailer.
Hollywood, CA (July 15, 2008)— Glimpse of Dreams Productions announced today the final selection of actors for Director David Branin’s (Shoot-Out, Honey, I’m Home) first and highly anticipated feature-length film NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING.
John Keating (Identity Theft, “Mind of Mencia”) plays William Shay, a kind, innocent and clean-cut man who’s at the center of the story.
Shay is joined by a group of colorful high school/college friends who congregate to celebrate his last night of freedom. Among them, Gregor Collins (The Society of Lost Causes, “Passions”) who plays Tom “Bronco” Patrick; Johnny Giordano (The Forest Demon) playing Bobby Demayo; theater actor Chad Davis as Rudy Giovanni; Kevin Deen (“Grey Matter”) as Norm Satyanaraya; James Anthony as Corey Sullivan; Frantz Durand as Demetrius Winfield; Zane Patterson as Jake Spees; and Kristen Sullivan (“The Drew Carey Show”) as Will’s beautiful and unaware bride Beth Jankowski.
Gregor Collins
Joining the ensemble cast as the perilous and stunning enticers are newcomer Sarah Ronaghi (“Nip/Tuck”), embracing the role of Melissa Mercury and adult entertainer La’Rin Lane as herself. “The decision to cast a real life porn star was very much debated, but I wanted the film to have a true sense of authenticity and La’Rin couldn’t have been a better choice.” Said Branin, who also wrote the film’s script.
The film also features a special cameo appearance by platinum selling rapper Mopreme Shakur.
“I’m very proud of the cast we’ve assembled. Each and everyone of them is extremely talented and brings exceptionalism to the characters I’ve created. I’m looking forward to an exciting filming process.” concluded Branin.
NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING starts filming this Summer and will be released on the 2009 Film Festival Circuit, theatrically in Los Angeles, and on DVD.
We have received word from Festival Director Eric Panter that our six minute short film "Honey, I'm Home" will screen at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival on Saturday August 23rd, 2008.
Our focus has been on our upcoming feature film, "Night Before the Wedding." Yet it is a thrill to see "Honey, I'm Home" continue it's life on the Film Festival Circuit. We would like to thank Eric and the programming staff at AUFF for selecting our work. This makes 20+ Official Selections for a short that we made without any money.
I dedicate my journey and this blog to all kindred creative souls. For the sacrifices, the daily rejection, the criticism and judgments we face. May we have it within ourselves to create our own magic and while we are at it, move mountains.
