Plainview Productions

people we have to work with to work with cast and crew

dcmizzy87 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:29:45 +0000

Unions:

Screen Actors Guild
Director’s’Guild of America
Writers’ Guild of America
American Society of Cinematographers
IATSE (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada)
Editors’ Guild

Also the individual agents, managers and casting agencies that represent the actors and crew members.

We would also need to begin work with an entertainment attorney and insurance providers.

Intro

dcmizzy87 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:29:21 +0000

Good Book Smokin’ Aces

Budget: $30 mil. $17 mil.

Tone: Stylish, glamorous, flashy, macho, Tongue in cheek, quirky, lots of gunplay

hard boiled, cynical humor.

Story:

Both: Involves a mob boss, gangsters, feds, and feme fatales. The story centers around bringing down a big time mob boss.

Smokin: several interlocking tales, Las Vegas . FBI uses mob bosses contract on a sleazy magician to bring down said mob boss. Several other criminals join in the hunt to reap the reward.

Good Book: centers around gambling and police corruption. Also, centers around one main character. Los Angeles.

Genre:

Both are action/crime/gangster/thriller.

Smokin’ Aces has elements of Film Noir, as well.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=smokinaces.htm

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=miamivice.htm

crew

dcmizzy87 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:31:01 +0000

James Mangold (Director/Writer) –

James has producer, director, and writer credits. Some of his directing credits include such movies: Heavy (1995), Girl, Interrupted (1999), Kate & Leopold (2001), Identity (2003),Walk the Line, which was nominated and won a total of 53 awards (2005), and 3:10 to Yuma (2007). He has won an Amanda Award (Norway), for Walk the Line (2005), a Gijón International Film Festival award for both best screenplay and Grand Prix Asturias for Heavy (1995) , and a Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize for his direction of Heavy. He has been nominated for various other awards as well.

Why we want him-

We want James Mangold to direct our project because he has great experience with films in varying genres; he has a unique way of telling stories. He has been nominated for numerous awards and has a great reputation for professionalism.

We also want James Mangold to re-write the script, we want him because he has experience writing and we see him being able to give “Good Book” a more cohesive story with the rewrite notes we have made and with his creativity and vision.

Why he wants to work with us-

He could be enticed to work with us because he will have an opportunity to use aspects of different genres he has already directed. He will also be able to do a more action focused film than what he has previously done. This will give him new experience and give him an opportunity to expand his skill levels.

Time Commitment-

James Mangold will be needed for 1 week of re-writes and 12 weeks of pre-production and production work, making it a total of 13 weeks.

Michael Ballhaus (Cinematographer) -

Michael has 106 cinematographer credits; he originally started in his native country of Germany. He is honored to be the first German cinematographer to be honored by the American Society of Cinematographers in 2007. Some films he has worked on include: Working Girl (1988), Goodfellas (1990), Outbreak (1995), Air Force One (1997), Wild Wild West (1999), Gangs of New York (2002), and The Departed (2006). He has won several awards including Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards for best cinematography in Goodfellas, National Society of Film Critics Awards for his cinematography in The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), and won a Gooden Goblet at the Shanghai International Film Festival for The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000). He has also been nominated for 3 Oscars and 12 other awards.

Why we want him-

We want Michael because we feel that his experience will greatly benefit portraying the mood and tone of the film that we desire.

Why he wants to work with us-

Michael will be enticed with us because he has not worked on any projects since 2006 also he will have the opportunity to work with James Mangold.

Time Commitment-

We expect to need Michael Ballhaus for 10 weeks.

Back-Up list:

F. Gary Gray (Director)-

Gray has done a large body of music videos for such artists as R. Kelly, Babyface, and OutKast. The film he is best known for is The Italian Job (2003), this film will be relatively equivalent to our action needs. He has also done Be Cool (2005), and has been attached to The Brazilian Job (2009)

Andrew Lesnie (Cinematographer) –

Andrew Lesnie has won an Academy award for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). He has done the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He has also done King Kong (2005), and I Am Legend (2007).

With our agreement with Treeline Films, we expect them to fill the following Above the Line positions: 1 story board artist (1 week), 1 assistant director (12 weeks), 2 producers (12 weeks), 2 associate producers (12 weeks), 1 production coordinator (8 weeks), 1 music coordinator (8 weeks), 1 costume designer( 10 weeks), 1 casting director (12 weeks). Why we chose this deal- We want the best out of James Mangold, since he has a working relationship with these people, it will take less time to get everybody on the same page and working well together.

We also plan on hiring Media Asia Films for fight choreography (9 weeks) because they have experience producing a lot of Kung Fu and action films. They have worked on films in both Hong Kong and America, and are responsible for the fight scenes in Infernal Affairs.

conclusion (3 of 6)

dcmizzy87 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:30:49 +0000

Response or Outcome: We hope to be able to reach a broad audience who will enjoy the look, feel, and concept of our film. We also hope to have this production put Plainview Productions on the map as a serious production company.

Chance of being made: Our film has a very good chance of being made. The story is one that a lot of people can enjoy. Also the names attached to the project give it more power and momentum going into production.

Measure of Success: We will know that we are successful with this project if we are on time, on budget, and are able to create a positive buzz with viewers.

lead cast and start up funds

dcmizzy87 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:26:22 +0000

Lujack- (Colin Farrell)

Colin Farrell is a native of Ireland his breakthrough starring role was in Tigerland (2000) since he has done several films including Phone Booth (2002), Daredevil(2003) , Hart’s War (2002), Minority Report (2002), Alexander (2004), Miami Vice (2006), and is currently working on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus expected release is in 2009. He has won and been nominated for numerous awards such as: Golden Goblet for Best Actor in Hart’s War (Won), numerous MTV movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards, Boston Society of Film Critics Awards for Best Actor in Tigerland (won), People’s Choice Awards, European Film Awards, just to name a few.

Why we want to cast Colin Farrell-

Coin Farrell is a guy’s guy who will attract men who want to see him to idolize him, and he will attract women to see him for his sex appeal. He has proven himself to be a great actor, with praise from Al Pacino and his colleagues. He is also a fan favorite. He has the confidence to portray the wise cracking Jimmy Lujack, as well as the athleticism to be a believable action hero. He has done numerous action adventure films and will do the character justice.

Why he would want to work with us-

Since 2006 he has faded a little bit from the spotlight, not only will he be working on a project that has a mass appeal, but it is a film that is fun to work on, the character is a lovable wisecracking hero that excels in everything he does. It will also give him the opportunity to work with James Mangold, a noted director, and Andy Lau, an International star.

Time commitment-

Due to the extent of his role and him being in every scene we foresee needing Mr. Farrell for the entire 6 weeks.

Tommy Chin (Andy Lau) -

Andy Lau has 136 acting film credits to his name starting from 1981. He has done several films that have won international praise as well as in his native country. He is known as on of the best action hero’s of today. He has won Swissair/Crossair Special Prize for Xiang Gang zhi zao (1997), Golden Horse Award for best actor in Mou gaan dou III: Jung gik mou gaan (Infernal Affairs 3: 2003) as well as 6 other wins in different areas and 21 nominations for various awards.

Why we want to cast Andy Lau-

He has a wide appeal internationally, he is an expert in martial arts, and has a reputation of professionalism. Also his body of work has had some significant roles that have broke through beyond Asian markets.

Why he would want to work with us-

Andy Lau would be interested in working in an American film; this could possibly launch a career in Hollywood. He will also have ample opportunity to work with already established names such as Colin Farrell and James Mangold.

Time commitment-

Tommy is currently in 1/3 of the script, however with pending re-writes to expand his character and the intensity of the scenes he is in, we foresee needing him for about 4 weeks.

Lane Randolph (Tamara Feldman) –

Tamara is relatively new and is an up and coming star, she started in television in such shows as Smallville (2002), Boston Legal (2005), Supernatural (2006), and Monk (2006). in minimal film roles. Her big break was getting a recurring guest role in ABC’s latest hit drama Dirty Sexy Money. She has a film Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, expected to be released in spring 2008 and has two more films currently in post.

Why we want to cast Tamara Feldman-

She has a mysterious sex appeal and is versatile to be the girl next door or the exotic vixen. Also with her star rising we can get her for a lower rate and depending on the success of her upcoming films, get a lot more attention from her fans and others.

Why she would want to work with us-

As previously stated she is not a know actress yet, however she will be looking for opportunities to do as many films as possible to cross over into films from television. Also she will be given to opportunity to work with Andy Lau, Colin Farrell, and James Mangold, which could add notoriety, and attaching her name with theirs can only bring good things.

Time commitment-

We should only need Tamara for 2 ½ weeks. Most of her scenes are dialogue based and there is not a large amount of stunts or moving scenes she is in.

Phyllis Randolph (Kim Cattrall) –

Kim Cattrall has been a working since 1975 when she had a small role in Rosebud, since then she has worked in several films, such as Porky’s (1982) , and television she is most known for her role as Samantha in HBO’s hit Sex and the City (1998-2004). Sex and the City: The Movie is currently in post and creating a lot of buzz. She has 5 Emmy and 3 Golden Globe nominations and one win for Sex and the City.

Why we want to cast Kim Cattrall –

Kim Catrrall can attract her fans to see her in this film, she has perfected playing sexually charged roles and this will be no different. Her appearance is that of a gold digging vixen that is lethal and dangerous, but has an heir of sophistication surrounding her. She has a gutter appeal about her that is required when playing Phyllis.

Why she would want to work with us-

Kim Cattrall thrives off of her career and the age that she is at does not offer a lot of roles, she is looking for work and we are offering it. She will also enjoy rubbing elbows with big names like James Mangold and Colin Farrell.

Time commitment:

Ms. Cattrall will be needed for about a week, her role is mainly dialogue based does not require stunts, effect, etc.

Kurt Randolph (Brandon Barash) –

Brandon is a newcomer he has worked on a few films with very minor roles such as Crash Landing (2005), Intellectual Property (2006), Ten Inch Hero (2007). He has done several television shows as recurring secondary characters such as Gilmore Girls (2002-2004), 24 (2005), NCIS (2006). He is currently playing Johnny Zacchara on ABC’s number one rated soap opera General Hospital.

Why we want to cast Brandon Barash-

Barash is versatile in the characters he can portray. He has the ability to play a quiet invisible pained character, while still having likability and being visually appealing to the audience. With his soap following we will be able hit his young and older female fans who are watching him on daytime television.

Why he would want to work with us-

He still is looking to launch his career. With a breakthrough role, he could break out of his typical role and gain notoriety by working with bigger names, and a noted director.

Time commitment:

Brandon’s character is killed relatively early in the film, so we will only need him for about 2 days, at most.

Waters (R. Lee Ermey) –Ermey has been working as an actor since 1978; he has accumulated 104 acting credits over the years. He is best known for his military and cop roles. He was in Full Metal Jacket (1987), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Se7en (1995), and Dead Man Walking (1995), and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), just to name a few. He has also done guest spots on various television shows. He was nominated for a golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
and won a Boston Society of Film Critics Award for his supporting role in Full Metal Jacket. Why we want to cast R. Lee Ermey-We believe that Ermey will be the proper antagonist for Lujack to prove something to. He has a very abrasive way about him, as a former Marine he is tough. We believe that by casting him as Waters he will be able to make the most out of the character and stand out. Why he would want to work with us-

He is a working actor and we are offering him money and the ability ot work with notable people in the industry.

Time commitment: Since he is not in too many scenes we will not need him for a long duration of the shoot, however some of his scenes involve a lot of different characters and a lot of action surrounding him. Think that we would need Ermey for about one week.

Start Up Funds

Plainview Productions has started off with $1 million we used that million to option the script and to begin paying our actors and director.

We have raised money from international and domestic theatrical presales as well as Asian DVD sales. We have also teamed up with James Mangold’s production company and are receiving 40% of our budget as well as crew members from them. We are currently working on advertising within our film and hope to be able to raise some more funds by allowing product placement in our street and arena scenes.

Content/Rewrite Notes (only partially complete)

plainviewproductions — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:33:45 +0000

A. Identify the genre and list five indicators of genre

Genre: Action/Crime/Film-Noir

Action - big action sequences with car chases, shoot-outs, gunplay

Crime: - Lujack is undercover cop who fights crime, involvement

with bookies and Las Vegas mob boss, Frank Nimmo

Film-Noir:

- Lane is a femme fatale who uses her looks to

try to seduce and betray Lujack, sexually-magnetic

relationship.

B. Beside the Hero, identify 5 key Archetypes in

the script (which character fits which archetype)

- Ally: Tommy Chin

- Thresh hold Guardian(s): Ernie B. and Phil

- Herald: Capt. Waters

- Shapeshifter: Lane

- Trickster: Phyllis, Mitch Mayfield

C. 8 Notes to Strengthen the Dialogue

- Overall, voice-over can be trimmed or deleted

all-together

- Lujack-Lane scenes can dispense with lame/cut clines,

such as “Lady, I like innuendo as much as the next guy

but the suspense is really killin’ me.”,

- Less dialogue for Tommy Chin and not as hysterical.

D. 6 Notes to strengthen the Archetypes

- Ally: Tommy Chin should help Lujack more, especially

in tenser scenes with Frank Nimmo and the Blue Fox

strip club. Not complain as much.

- Herald:

- Shapeshifter:

- Trickster: Phyllis, shouldn’t be revealed so early that she

is involved in the murders of her husband and son. Also,

adapt quality of a shape-shifter.

- Shape-shifter: It’s not much of a surprise when Lane pulls

a gun on Lujack. Her motives are not hidden well enough.

E. Provide 8 notes to strengthen the Character

- Make Tommy Chin more of a bad ass

- Capt. Waters, should not be the typical cynical police

superior who chews out Lujack. Maybe should be more of a mentor.

F. Provide 8 notes to strengthen the Story

G. Provide 6 notes to strengthen the Structure

- Map out the actual Story Structures and Plot Structures

- Identify 10 key plot points, including I.I., TP, and CX

- In a short paragraph (not a log line), summarize the

Protagonist’s Arc (or Journey), including mention of

his/her struggle with the Antagonist.

- Indentify and explain two key metaphors in the script

and explain how they help to tell the story.

- INCLUDE ALL COVERAGE REPORTS for all

Distribution Options

plainviewproductions — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:57:12 +0000

A. Identify three ways you could distribute your film

through traditional channels.

-Theatrical, DVD, Internet B. For each of three distribution options, describe the

pros and cons.

1) Theatrical - Pros – helps market for DVD and other distribution, thrilling experience of viewing on big screen - Cons – most expensive form of distribution because prints are very pricey, less accessible, unpleasant theater atmosphere, plays for limited time – audience: world-wide, all ages (more than other forms),

2) DVD - pros: most profitable form of distribution, most accessible to the widest audience; if you purchase it, you can keep it forever like a book.

- cons: easily damaged which can prevent movie from playing, hurt theatrical re-release,

3) Internet

- pros: Targeted toward younger audience (18-34), who are more open to viewing content online., Easy access (people don’t need to leave home, one click away),

- cons: Only attracts younger age group. Many people don’t want to watch a film on a silly cpu screen, available for a limited amount of time.

C. For each of these three distribution options, estimate the audience that would be addressed.

1) Theatrical- world-wide, all ages (more than other forms), most specifically the 18-34 demographic

2) DVD- 18-34 demographic

3) Internet- 18-34 demographic D. Explain which of the three options seems most feasible for your film

- Theatrical E. Find FOUR particular Festivals for which your short would be appropriate. For each one, explain why the festival is a good match for your film.

1) Tokyo International Film Festival (October) - first screenings in Asia, start word of mouth there to hype a spring theatrical release.

2) Toronto Film Festival (September)

- Although it will not be the primary way to market for domestic, it is a great venue to generate buzz for the summer domestic release.

3) Berlin Film Festival (February)

- A great venue to generate buzz for the summer theatrical release in Europe.

4) Sydney Film Festival, Australia (June):

- A great venue to generate buzz for the fall (winter in Australia) theatrical release in Australia. F. Research and summarize ONE form of distribution that might work for your film.

- Ideal film for theatrical release because festivals aren’t as significant in marketing the film.

- Promise of a strong opening weekend,

- Action film lends self well to the big screen

- Great marketing tool for the DVD release where most of the film’s profits will come from, big – - Stars – Colin Farrell and Andy Lau – will attract people to theaters on their respective continents.

- As a big studio player, Twentieth Century Fox can release “Good Book” in over 3,000 theaters,

Project Deadlines

plainviewproductions — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:14:12 +0000

Note: Cross out item when complete

THURS. 03.06

- Cast (40)

- Budget (15)

TUES. 03.11

- Crew (40)

- Start-up Funds (20)

~~- Distribution Options (30)~~

THURS. 03.13

- Locations (40)

- Content & Rewrite Notes (85)

- Contracts (25)

- Profit Notes (25)

- Production Approach (20)

MON. 03.17

- Marketing Considerations (25)

- Introduction (15)

- Conclusion (20)

- Proofread/Format

TOTAL: 400 pts.

PROJECT DUE DATE: 10:15am on Mon. 03.17

“GOOD BOOK” BUDGET ESTIMATE

plainviewproductions — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:01:18 +0000

ABOVE-THE-LINE

Story $225,000

Scenario $1,087,500

Producer $750,000

Director $2,000,000

Principal Cast $3,500,000

Supporting Cast $712,500

Stunts $250,000

Fringe Benefits $600,000

Travel & Living $540,000

______________________________________

Above-The-Line Total $9,665,000

BELOW-THE-LINE

Production

Extras/Stand-Ins $597,500

Production Staff $735,000

Art Department $535,000

Camera $1,112,500

Set Construction $1,312,500

Miniatures $570,000

Set Operations $837,500

Electrical $740,000

Special Effects $635,000

Set Dressing $395,000

Props $217,500

Action Props $160,000

Wardrobe $1390,000

Makeup & Hair $225,000

Production Sound $472,500

Transportation $1,150,000

Location Expense $1,775,000

Process Photography $412,500

Production Dailies $362,500

Below-the-Line Travel $632,500

Fringes $1,575,000

Tests $45,000

Facilities Fees $127,500

Production Total $16,015,000

Post-Production Total $3,013,750

Other Direct Costs $900,000

_____________________________

Below-The-Line Total $19,928,750

TOTAL BUDGET $29,593,750

Daniel Plainview carrying his wonderful son H.W. to safety

plainviewproductions — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:00:01 +0000