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There are many potential challenges for SwingX. Fortunately, careful planning and hard work can overcome these obstacles. After the funding process, the actual shooting of the film must take place. That means casting actors, securing locations, and hiring quality crew members.

SwingX will take the first round of casting submissions from the swing community itself: script portions will be made available in February 2013, and video auditions will be accepted shortly after for a number of roles in the film. The film is slated to be shot in Cincinnati, Ohio and surrounding area. The varied terrain, historical structures, and beautiful venues make this an ideal area for film production. A number of industry professionals have already offered to join our crew from varying locations in the United States and around the world.

Here are some of the main challenges SwingX must overcome before assuming reality:

1.) Script Finalization. We've got a great story, but we still have a few things that need to be finalized. After funding, our final budget numbers will help determine what venues will become dance scenes from the script. The more locations needed, the more money that must be spent.

2.) Casting. The cast can make or break a film. Finding the right mixture of acting talent and dance skill is extremely important. We will be opening up auditions for video submissions to everyone in the dance scene. With our community’s talent pouring in from all over the world, a large chunk of time will be set aside to intentionally review acting and dance auditions.

3.) Securing Locations. The right settings are crucial to set the visual feel of SwingX. Our script calls for three main locations; a house, a school, and a dance studio. We already have tentative possibilities for all three of these, but there are additional outdoor scenes and dance venues that will require careful consideration in selecting.

4.) Securing Crew. A quality crew is very important for a film! These guys operate cameras, run lights, and record sound. We are looking to shoot with a small crew of 10-12 people. Much of our crew is already lined up, but we are still looking for a quality Director of Photography (DP) to join the team. The DP is responsible for the cinematography in a film, so finding the right person with the ability to capture the feel and energy of Lindy Hop through a camera lens is crucial to the film.

5.) Shooting. Filming SwingX is a huge undertaking. A year’s worth of scheduling, planning, and budgeting will come together during a marathon 21-day shoot lasting from June 24th to July 15th of next year. This hectic (but fun!) process requires tedious scheduling to line up actors, choreographers, and crew members during different portions of the shoot. Our producer, Gex Williams, is spearheading this planning process. His experience in managing theatre, working on film and commercial projects, and running his own company provide critical experience to successfully complete this task.

6.) Editing: The editing process is the culmination of all previous efforts on a film. Everything visualized, scripted, shot, and recorded for SwingX must be brought together and refined again and again. After the final “picture lock,” further audio sweetening and color correcting will bring the film to where it needs to be.

7.) Distribution. Our initial goal of $60,000 will be spent on production and post-production costs. Only a small percentage will be allocated towards traditional marketing efforts. Because of this, SwingX will use film festivals and global networking as a means of reaching larger studios to secure distribution. SwingX will be available for public purchase with an eventual release through Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and other digital distribution outlets.

We need you to be a part of SwingX! Swing is about community, and that focus will be an integral aspect of the film. Get on board and join your global family: let’s make this film reality!