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$21,902
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 8, 2010.
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For $5 or more you will receive: • Updates on the film, our sincere gratitude, and the knowledge that you helped fund a cool project
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For $25 or more you will receive: • A link to a full HD private download of the film when it is completed
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
For $50 or more you will receive: • A "special thanks" credit • A link to a full HD private download of the film when it is completed • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
NEW: For $100 or more you will receive: • A "special thanks" credit • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately) • A DVD COPY OF THE FILM WHEN IT IS COMPLETED.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
For $250 or more you will receive: a "very special thanks" credit • A DVD or BLU-RAY copy of the film when it is completed • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately) • A limited edition signed and framed production artwork print of your choice (six to choose from)
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
For $500 or more you will receive: Associate Producer credit and your name will appear on IMDB • A DVD or BLU-RAY copy of the film when it is completed • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately) • A very limited and signed hardback project development book containing the script, storyboards, concept art and behind the scenes photos!
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
NEW: For $1,000 or more you will receive: Associate Producer credit and your name will appear on IMDB • A DVD or BLU-RAY copy of the film when it is completed • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately) • A very limited and signed hardback project development book containing the script, storyboards, concept art and behind the scenes photos • A PIECE OF PRODUCTION ARTWORK SIGNED BY KEIR DULLEA & MARGOT KIDDER!
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
For big-time pledges of $5,000 or more you will receive: Executive Producer credit and your name will appear on IMDB • Special early access to the rough cut with the ability to offer input into the final film • A DVD or BLU-RAY copy of the film when it is completed • A digital download of my previous short film 'Dead West' (available immediately) • A signed project development book • And an extremely limited 15” HENRI character-study statue (only three will be produced)!
Project By
Connected as Eli Sasich (399 friends)
Writer / Director Eli Sasich has an extensive background in film production, and his portfolio includes narrative, and experimental films, documentaries, and commercials. He loves genre movies, especially the sci-fi films from the 70s and 80s.
How's the CGI stuff coming along? :)
Hi Bruce:
Good question. Unfortunately, there isn't a way to provide additional support through Kickstarter. The backers who wanted to contribute more contacted me and sent pledges through Paypal's "Send Money" function. I was blown away to say the least! If others are interested, my Paypal account address is: esasich@gmail.com, which links to the film's budget account -- so any and all additional funds go directly to the project. The film will obviously be completed regardless, but the additional support does help in a big way.
Thanks,
Eli
Eli:
So, how does one go about pledging some additional support?
Is there a way to do this from the kickstarter page?
thanks,
Eli, as much as others may be disappointed because they wanted to see in-camera effects using only puppets, I'm actually very happy to see you embrace a CG model. They are very flexible and can be quite convincing when rendered correctly. There is no reason to close off your options unnecessarily when you really want the film done to its best quality. There are just some shots that can be more easily accomplished with a CG puppet, so I'm glad to hear you are opting for CG to fill these gaps. Thanks for the update and I look forward to the final film.
Eli--thanks for the response. I think I was too harsh to use "bait and switch" in my previous comment. Finishing a film like this is important and the director should be free to do what is best. I can't wait to see the final product and I still think it will be great--just use your artistic license and do your best!
Nathan, I understand your disappointment, and I'm certain there are others who share your feelings. Imagine my own disappointment and frustration when the realization came that we were going to have to do things differently. However, because the puppet couldn't perform, the choice now comes down to finishing the film, or not. Obviously we are going to complete the film, and utilize whatever tools necessary to do so. I want to assure you that we did everything we could to try and make the rod-puppet work. I can see how it may feel like a "bait and switch" situation, but I promise you that we never intended or expected to go this direction. I'm doing what I believe is best for the story, and evolving based on the circumstances. I want to add that the "special look" that you mentioned, and I think many of you responded to, is absolutely still intact. As I said, 95% of the film will still have been accomplished through miniatures and other in-camera effects (including all the sets, backgrounds, exteriors of the ship, and select puppet shots). In the end, it's not about HOW we made Henri come to life -- it's about whether or not you believe in him as a character. My hope is that when you see the final film, you will forget the method and embrace the story. That's my job, and it's a big one. I'm up for the challenge. I want to thank you again for your support. If you have any other questions, or if anyone else has any questions for that matter, please don't hesitate to ask. Let's start a discussion going.
Re: Nathan
The film isn't relying on CG for its special look. It is still using models, a rod puppet, and tons of practical effects according to Eli. It's not like the whole film is now going to be made in the computer. If anything, the film will be even more unique since it will have to rely on multiple forms of special effects to make it all work; it's just as unique as when we all donated. I don't see how this is a bait and switch since the film was advertised as using a rod puppet and miniatures, which is still will do according to Eli. It's exactly what Eli said it would be.
I have to admit update #17 was a disappointment. I backed this project specifically because it was going to be unique in not relying on CG for its special look. I know things change, but it feels a bit like bait and switch.
Sorry for the lack of content recently. The film is coming along great! We're very busy, but things are looking fantastic. Look for a new video update tomorrow with more information. Thanks!
how's the film coming along? I can't wait! :)
Brilliant work. I keep telling people about your project. Thanks for continuing the updates.
Hello,
As a fellow kickstarter. Working on my own film i can't really help your project financially but I would love to help out with post in any way I can. Let me know if there is anything I could do for your project. It looks great.
Garrett DeHart
garrett@garrettdehart.com
Wonderful, I've been talking about this project since I first read about it... Can't wait :)
thrilled beyond belief! can hardly wait until the film is done. really looking forward to this one.
Congratulations on completely blowing your goal out of the water! I really cannot wait to see the finished product!
Happy to support your project, and I've been passing word along to lots of friends. Congrats on meeting your goal and good luck blowing past it!
Clever.... The story is a draw, but the production tactics are even more interesting. Best of...
Congrats! Very happy we hit the funding target.
oh this is going to be so good. got chills on the latest posted video update.
Thanks again everyone! We will continue updating you. A lot of work ahead of us, but things are looking great. Can't wait to share the finished film.
Congratulations on getting KickStarted! Looking forward to seeing the product.
grats!
I upgraded mine right before you did! Congrats, Eli. This project really deserves it.
I just upgraded my pledge to push you over the edge -- I'm psyched about this project, you're doing awesome work! Keep it up! :)
Thanks everyone! New update with video just posted. We are so close!
95% funded! looks like we're going to make it :D
Great project, wonderful imagery. Are you doing the compositing optically too? Haha! Let me know if you need a vfx freelancer, I would love to be involved in some capacity, even pulling greenscreen keys. Portfolio: www.swithdrawn.com
Dangit, that wasn't supposed to happen. Something was falling off my table when I hit comment---so now there are two versions: the first is American English, the second British English. Sorry. Now I'll know to be more careful around that Pledge button too.
Great job, Eli et al. I like the idea of not going with CGI. I think they did the Moon sequences in "Moon" the same way (fast frame rate and then played back at regular speed), and it felt real. It is amazing how the CGI physics is so far off, when they know the physics equations to a 't' (you can turn an earth-sized spaceship on a dime: SW E1, E2, E3). Your story has pathos, and reminded me of how I felt when I first read about the pre-production of A.I. --- a robot who wants to be real (that might have been before you were born). You'll be in great company with Blade Runner. When's the feature? :-)
Great job, Eli et al. I like the idea of not going with CGI. I think they did the Moon sequences in "Moon" the same way (fast frame rate and then played back at regular speed), and it felt real. It is amazing how the CGI physics is so far off, when they know the physics equations to a 't' (you can turn an earth-sized spaceship on a dime: SW E1, E2, E3). Your story has pathos, and reminded me of how I felt when I first read about the pre-production of A.I. --- a robot who wants to be real (that might have been before you were born). You'll be in great company with Blade Runner. When's the feature? :-)
Eli...this looks absolutely amazing. Seriously I cant wait to see this.
oh jeez; it's getting close. i just upped my commitment. i really really really want to see this finished!
Thank you for the kind words and support everyone! The rough cut is looking fantastic, and we will have another video update soon. Keep spreading the word. Let's meet our goal!
sweet i was 111 :)
this looks flipping AWESOME. so looking forward to it. what a concept!
Being a Film Enthusiast and Maker myself as well as a thoroughly avid fan and writer of science fiction this film looks amazing. I'm very interested to see how it plays out. Oh and Huzah for using tangible effects. CGI cannot do what physical effects can.
You had me with the opening dialogue. The manner in which you crafted your pitch told me you knew how to tell a story. Can't wait to see the completed project.
Wow, your new announcement really is a cool casting move. I'm excited to follow the progress.
Looking great.
This looks great! I love the synopsis and looking forward to seeing the old school FX played out onscreen!!
Thanks everyone! The support has been incredible. As I said in the last update, we have a very exciting announcement to make about the latest addition to our cast! The announcement will be made in an update at the end of the week and will be exclusive to backers. Please continue to help spread the word. Thanks again.
This looks awesome. If I had the money Id have pledged the whole 15G.
Eli, everything is looking great. I can't wait to see the movie. Ohh, yeah! I have the same chair at work. http://bit.ly/aIxoN7 Hahaha!
Very impressed by what you've achieved so far. Hope you'll get the funding you need to complete this amazing project!
Absolutely incredible! Can't wait to see it!
Thanks everybody. We have a really cool exclusive video update coming tomorrow for backers only. We really appreciate all of you who have pledged -- please continue to spread the word.
Boy do I love Sci-Fi. Best of luck to you!
This looks like it's gonna be great!
I so wanna meet HENRI 2.0!!!
Break a leg. Eli. Wonderful sounding story.
This looks amazing. Wish I could donate, but I spread the word.