Kickstarter is the largest arts-funding source in the world. The fundraiser for our project will begin in the next few weeks. It will last 90 days, and our goal is to raise at least $7,000 for our film. Kickstarter is a reward-based, all-or-none platform. Pledges are rewarded with gifts and merchandise, and if the project does not meet its goal, no one is charged and the project is not funded.
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The Loop – a short film by Ian Wood
Many years ago, while driving in a remote part of Eastern Washington, I was struck with an idea for a short film. It would be about a man lost in an endless loop of orchard roads, in a town where all the people had seemingly vanished. Like an episode of The Twilight Zone, the film would be a mystery that slowly unravels before our eyes and tells us something about being human.
Many years ago, while driving in a remote part of Eastern Washington, I was struck with an idea for a short film. It would be about a man lost in an endless loop of orchard roads, in a town where all the people had seemingly vanished. Like an episode of The Twilight Zone, the film would be a mystery that slowly unravels before our eyes and tells us something about being human.
I have wanted to make this film since before I even knew I wanted to make films. In a way, The Loop is why I decided to become a filmmaker in the first place. As I began to experiment with the medium and develop my craft, I often returned to the idea, taking photos, shooting video and then 16mm film, writing and re-writing, preparing and constructing the film that would not escape me. I shot screen tests, scenes, and even made a trailer. Every person I met became a candidate for the acting roles. The Loop quietly took permanent residence in some small section of my brain and returned in waves of varying magnitudes, time after time, year after year.
Still, I never could let myself commit to an all-out pursuit of the film’s completion. I wasn't ready, I felt. From the same place in my mind where this story would be kept and continue to develop, some voice always clearly spoke, "not now, not yet."
Now, many years and a number of projects later, The Loop has taken shape in my mind. As I have evolved and refined my abilities as a filmmaker, the idea has evolved and deepened as well. I now find myself at a point where I am unquestionably prepared to craft a project of this magnitude, to finally set in stone the quiet obsession that has, quite frankly, had a profound influence on the direction my life has taken as an artist. Talent and experience, cast, crew, and equipment; All the pieces have all fallen into place, both by my own hand and by those of seeming fate. I have reached the point of no return. I am going to make this film. It is time, and I am ready.
ABOUT THE MONEY:
In the past (aside from an ongoing documentary project), I have self-funded all of my films, by working and saving money, going into debt, and simply trying not to think about the realities of things like budgeting, film costs, and compound interest. I shot film, and said, "I'll develop it later, when I have the money." I was driven to make films and did so regardless of the cost.
In the past (aside from an ongoing documentary project), I have self-funded all of my films, by working and saving money, going into debt, and simply trying not to think about the realities of things like budgeting, film costs, and compound interest. I shot film, and said, "I'll develop it later, when I have the money." I was driven to make films and did so regardless of the cost.
This approach, it turns out, is not sustainable! Working with film is an expensive endeavor, and after years of doing so, I have inevitably come to the realization that I need to find a new approach to funding my work. I have come to the point where the scope of my projects necessitates outside funding, and also where I feel completely confident in asking not only for people's money, but also their trust in my abilities to make a great film.
In my search for new ways to fund my work, I came across Kickstarter. "How have I not heard of this before?" I thought. “What a great idea!"
So here we are. I am asking for your help, through Kickstarter, to bring The Loop, at last, into the light. It should be clear how important it is for me to make this film, but my hope is that the film will be important to you as well. Do you care about film, the art form, and the medium? Do you want to see new ideas and new approaches to content and form? Do you want to support an independent artist who truly aims to make a mark, in a medium that is simply not possible to work in without money? If so, consider backing my project, to whatever degree you feel is right for you.
Know this: My goal to make a film of rare and true quality, a film that resonates with people and communicates to the highest potential of the medium. I want to make a film that intrigues and inspires, a visually rich, thought-provoking, and dynamic work of art. I want to make a film that challenges convention, yet celebrates tradition. Simply put, I aim to make a beautiful film, and anything you can offer towards that effort will be treated with the utmost respect and gratitude.
The budget of the film only accounts for direct, “below the line” expenses, the actual cost of making the film (ie: film stock, developing, lab fees, etc.). No one is being paid or making any money. All who are involved in making the film are contributing and sacrificing themselves in order to bring the film to fruition. Since I have self-funded my work in the past, I have learned how to make things happen as cheaply as possible, which is a very important skill for any filmmaker to have. I consider myself an expert in this regard! Long story short, your money will go straight to the film, will make a huge impact, and will not be wasted.
Other than the financing, I have everything needed to make this film. The pre-production phase is in full-swing, and come August, we will be ready to roll. I have the cast and crew assembled, the equipment and resources lined up, and the experience to bring it all together. I have been preparing for this moment for years, and you can rest assured that I will be ready to roll.
So here we are. I am asking for your help, through Kickstarter, to bring The Loop, at last, into the light. It should be clear how important it is for me to make this film, but my hope is that the film will be important to you as well. Do you care about film, the art form, and the medium? Do you want to see new ideas and new approaches to content and form? Do you want to support an independent artist who truly aims to make a mark, in a medium that is simply not possible to work in without money? If so, consider backing my project, to whatever degree you feel is right for you.
Know this: My goal to make a film of rare and true quality, a film that resonates with people and communicates to the highest potential of the medium. I want to make a film that intrigues and inspires, a visually rich, thought-provoking, and dynamic work of art. I want to make a film that challenges convention, yet celebrates tradition. Simply put, I aim to make a beautiful film, and anything you can offer towards that effort will be treated with the utmost respect and gratitude.
The budget of the film only accounts for direct, “below the line” expenses, the actual cost of making the film (ie: film stock, developing, lab fees, etc.). No one is being paid or making any money. All who are involved in making the film are contributing and sacrificing themselves in order to bring the film to fruition. Since I have self-funded my work in the past, I have learned how to make things happen as cheaply as possible, which is a very important skill for any filmmaker to have. I consider myself an expert in this regard! Long story short, your money will go straight to the film, will make a huge impact, and will not be wasted.
Other than the financing, I have everything needed to make this film. The pre-production phase is in full-swing, and come August, we will be ready to roll. I have the cast and crew assembled, the equipment and resources lined up, and the experience to bring it all together. I have been preparing for this moment for years, and you can rest assured that I will be ready to roll.
I thank you sincerely for your time and consideration, and I hope you will enjoy and love the film that will be a result of your kindness and faith in this endeavor. I believe that you will!
The Loop is coming. It’s time.
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