Filmmaking / Directing : There are so many of us here with amazing talents by Denise Treadwell

I believe in doing things in the spirit of excellence. You seem to have an awesome background. What I'm suggesting is, that 'we' have a screenwriter and a script that we, the team 'all' agree to; a director, a cinematographer, and if there is a producer that is out there who agrees to come aboard and move forward. Or, as a 'team' we invest in our own talents and produce it ourselves. The feature film that I have was produced for a budget that would shock the filmmakers; but it was great quality. Take a peak at the trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5qxmy18QRI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Wow... I enjoyed the trailer you posted... I am in FL, not sure what I could do to help...

I'm in to win. I'm not appointing myself to any role other than doing whatever it takes to be a part of a successful project.I have a very humble spirit; but a strong personality. Truly I believe in 'keeping it real' and I have zero tolerance for non-sense, excuses and 'excessive'discussions'. So, that's a little about me:) I'm pleasantly amazed at the responses to this idea. Cool! I haven't read them all yet but I'm in the process. But keep 'em coming! Because it seems some of you are 'feeling' me. Amen!!!

Even as I read these responses, I see time wasted on what 'used to happen' or what happened 'back then'. It's about the here and now. I despise hearing why something can't work or won't work. How about finding what will work!?! And, I'm not talking about a team of 20 folks. A skeleton crew! Writer, director, producer...necessary personnel only. As far as what genre, do your research folks...what's the demand...what's selling!?!?! My research and contacts say that Hollywood wants horror and or sci-fi. Life is so simple, I don't know why people make it complicated. But, for me, it's job security as a mental health therapist:) Now, TJ, you sound like an amazing woman with many talents and skills. ! My passion is writing. That's all I want to do. I'm in the Orlando FL area. So, since I initiated this post, I volunteer to be a part of the writing team...I can do that remotely:)

I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was referring to the 'negativity' of the past. I don't feel I need to re-hash all the failures. Of course it was a learnin experience. Reflecting is necessary, absolutely! But dwelling there is very different. If you 'read' my post, my statement was that I despise hearing about "why something can't or won't work". The point is, to focus on what WILL work.

Hi all, hope it's alright to pop into this conversation. I'm fairly new to this site and not familiar with the past project you've been referring to, but if there's a collaborative effort with room for a screenwriter, I'd love to get on board!

Hey Maty, glad you popped in:) The discussion is one that I initiated suggesting that because it's so hard for us to get projects up and running, maybe a few of us who are committed could consider joining forces. Not a lot of folks, just a faithful few. I live in Florida. You're a screenwriter also; what's your primary genre passion?

I'd say drama/suspense, though I enjoy writing comedy as well. Pretty versatile. Anything but horror :)

FWIW: i've seen about 20 of these start on various forums and simply disappear to nothingness. I think it would be an interesting way to make films, but you need to have both a carrot and a stick, if you will to keep people interested, and you need people that are proactive, and willing work commit to a long term "partnership". You may want to consider focusing on a small team of keys that are willing to work together. A producer, a director, a writer, a DP, a set designer, actors, crew, post people etc.... so that there is only one person for each position on the team, ( obviously if on person can do more than one job and is willing to take on more, then use them and give extra "shares" for the double work ) then have everyone do their job, agree to a "budget" that can be accomplished by everyone pitching in perhaps a couple hundred dollars, and have everyone sign an agreement that binds them to the project until their job is done, and that, if you make any money, everyone shares equally... you might stand a chance of getting it to fly. Otherwise ,people will just get pissed off, bored, annoyed, or get another gig and walk... and the problem is once someone commits, they are responsible to all the other participants so you need to pick a team wisely so you don't waste everyones time.

i'm onboard for anyone who's interested.

WoW! Georgia, thank you so much for your insight!!! I love your perpective. You are realistic yet not negative...thank God! I understand everything that you've said. Your post is so informative. This helped me to understand how the foundation for such a project needs to be established. Please don't go away:) "IF" this is an effort that survives, and I understand the difficulties and challenges as you described; but I also believe that all things really are possible. I totally agree with you, you have to have a 'faithful and talented' few. I believe it can happen; as you realistically said though, with the 'right' team. I'm printing your post to keep on hand:) It's encouraging, insightful and informative. Thanks again!!!!!

Hi Rotunda. Thanks for your offer of support. What's your true passion? I know that an effort such as I am envisioning is possible...challenging? Of course. That has been clearly noted in the posts. But I know that it can be done. As one lady said, "with a team who is committed". I'm convinced that all we need is a FAITHFUL talented few:)

I also like the trailer. Hope you get the support you need, to make it happen.

I'm convinced that a FAITHFUL talented few need a strong leader. I would love to be involved in a project like this. We bind together to launch project. We build a team of committed people. Is it possible for "us" to choose the FAITHFUL talented few? Maybe it is. I'm a cinematographer. what happens if three of us want in? who makes the decision which DP is chosen as one of the FAITHFUL talented few? I'm officially offering to be the DP. I see in your skeleton crew a DP isn't listed so I know I won't be involved until you get the writer, the director and the producer, but perhaps you can keep me in mind and up to date on the progress.

Hi Parker...wow, I love your attitude! You have no idea how good it is to hear such positivity. I can tell that you understand my vision...I don't want too many involved...it gets too cumbersome and crazy. So absolutely, "we" do get to choose the FAITHFUL talented FEW. I'm a screenwriter. I have an awesome director that (tried, proven and true) I know we can trust. If you're in as the cinematographer and TJ "21" on this forum said that she is in. She has a studio in L.A. I believe (check her out on here). And Georgia Hilton has amazing insight and experience regarding the nuts & bolts of the industry if she would agree to simply consult when we have questions. That would be great. Do you have your own crew? I'll take a look at your work. Please take a peek at my website to see what I do. www.treadwellproductions.com. I'm getting excited that this may truly come to be!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

So how will the DP be chosen? Who makes that decision? Who are "we"? I know a great director who is creative, passionate and can be trusted. Could he be in the running or have you already decided on the director? Is that director currently on Stage 32? The one I know is.

Send me the link so that I can see some of your work. Do you have anything on youtube?

I'm game! Let me know if you need music.

I don't have anything on Youtube. I have only shot two projects, a short and a music video. so far all my work has been as a camera operator doing documentaries, ENG and reality shows. I do have a reel on line. Who will be making the decision on the DP?

Okay. Can you direct me your reel online please? I'm just excited to see your work:)

I'm open to playing. The thing is, most of us are obsessed with our own individual projects -- plus we're also holding down the "day job" -- so it gets to a point where it's almost impossible to find the time to take on new projects. But perhaps we should keep spitballing here, cause it sounds like there is a kernel of an idea here that is just so crazy, it might actually work.

You are absolutely right. Of course there are challenges; a thousand reasons why something like this would not work. I'm just one of those people who looks for the 1 reason why it can. So thanks for even saying that it's crazy enough to work:) That may be the 1 reason...I appreciate that!

I would love to get involved with a project. This place offers a great opportunity. I don't know about anyone else, but my "day job" does not provide the creative outlet I need so I'm always looking to get involved in other things. I think making connections here and pooling talents would be a great way to get some awesome projects off the ground.

I love your outlook young lady:) I see that you are in NY. I'm in FL and the others with 'can do' attitudes are in CA. It can still happen. Do you have any screenplays that completed? If you have a script of a story you'd like to do, I'd love for your to tell us about it.

Thanks Denise! I do actually - well, I'm 3/4 of the way through my 9th revision. I have a homemade trailer on my video page if anyone wants to take a look.

I've been hoping for some positive news on this project. Anything happening "behind the scenes" we are not hearing about? How is this project going?

I've had one gentleman say that he'd love to come on board as the cinematographer. But he never sent a reel of any of his work after several requests. I write, I have scripts; however, I clearly stated that we can use someone else's work...this is not all about me. It seems there seems to be a lot more talent than money:( I must want to bring a project to fruition! We also need a director, etc. I hope those serious and can commit will please step up. I do have a feature film that I wrote titled, "Can Ya' Hear Me Now?" It's an inspirational/dramatic genre. I'd be honored if you would take a look at the trailer. It premiered on Dec. 8th in south Florida. The screening was held in ATL in Feb. http://youtu.be/9PFVR46B0AI We are now fervently sending press kits as we seek to secure a reputable distributor.

I'm sorry to hear it hasn't worked out yet.

I'm an optimist. It's not that it hasn't worked out. It just hasn't come full circle YET:) Everything is a process. But I appreciate your interest.

You're welcome. So how is the process going? Any forward motion?

The process is going well. And yes, I am thankful and grateful for the forward motion. Working out the location issue has to be addressed...two individuals are in CA, I'm in FL and there is a gentleman in VA and one in NY. But that too will be okay. I'm a believer. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Great to hear. So many of these types of projects never get off the ground. I love the idea of a project done by people all over the country. Or the world! You have a team of six now; so there is a lot happening behind the scenes that we don't read about. I take it you six haven't agreed on a script? Have you been taking submissions? Anything specific you're looking for?

I, too, am thrilled to hear you have the core team. It would be so inspiring if you kept everyone up to date on the progress. This type of project rarely works and you are making it happen. that's so cool.

Hi Marcus, I appreciate your encouragement. Five of us are writers, so thank goodness we will not need to solicit script submissions. We will simply use something from among us. You're right, there is and will be a lot happening 'behind the scenes' that will not be read about. We continue to hear how, "these types of projects rarely work" that's why we have decided to just move forward and do what we do, and keep it quiet and positive. We know far too well, the negatives; and folks are quick to remind us...repeatedly:( However, our goal is to focus on the positive possibilities and "get 'er done" ~ YEY and Amen:) But I do want to say that I embrace you guys love for the arts, concern and interest in our efforts. From my heart, thank you so much! And don't go far...we may need you:)

Hi Parker, thanks for checking in. What have you been up to?

I wouldn't say that dreams are always free. It takes time to dream and time is money.

As I'm lying in my bed, or driving down the road, or sitting by the pool and I dream...such dreams of MINE did not cost me time or money. For ME, I'm inspired by my Higher Power. Therefore, for ME, MY DREAMS are absolutely FREE. But thank you for sharing:)

It's sad to hear that you are keeping all your progress away from the Stage 32 members. Those of us here with amazing talents, skills and abilities; and who are serious about our craft. It would be inspirational for us to hear of your progress - a true "group" project. And it would give the naysayers some pause to watch a group effort in progress. A great man once said something along the lines of not putting a light under a bushel because the light should be seen by all.

I know that 'great man', I have a personal relationship with Him:) And I understand and respect your point of view. However, our light is not under a bushel and it will be seen by all...in due time. A very wise woman (my late mother) taught me very well. She said,"you can't tell everybody, everything. Folks will know what you're doing when it's done." Our focus is not on the naysayers, or proving anything to them. Our focus is on the work, energy, time and talent we need to coordinate and orchestrate to bring this project to fruition. We don't claim to be right and certainly, no one has all the answers...however, we are all in agreement with this approach and are open to positive guidance and direction when needed; being careful to consider the source(s).

I never thought Matthew 5:13 (or Luke 11:33) meant hide your light until it is ready to be seen by all in due time. I always understood those great words to mean tell everyone so they may join your journey. I'm sad you chose not to share your journey.

Let not your heart be sad. God bless you:)

I, too, wish you would share your project and journey with the Stage 32 folks. As you asked, wouldn't it be awesome if some of us here could truly connect to launch a project. Now that it has launched it's a shame you have closed off everyone else rather than sharing. A waste of a beautiful community opportunity.

I fail to see the waste. But you are entitled to your opinion. One of the reasons that we have opted to move forward and focus on the project is to not spend time and energy contending with splitting hairs about how we should do what we are doing...we will work that out within the group; not the forum. For the record, we will make our plight and process known. But when and how will not be dictated by others. Again, thanks for sharing.

Well done Denise for getting the project off the ground. Well done to all those who got involved too. I think its fair to say that Denise gave everyone the opportunity on stage 32 to get involved if they wanted to. Now that those who stood up and leapt forward are on board, I too dont think you need to share every step. When its done then it can be shown. This is the reason why Denise is keeping quiet, no one wants any form of negativity around their projects. God Bless you Denise, keep doing what your doing. I use to give out all my business on facebook, I decided to keep some things back for myself. When my work is complete then I can share. Everyone who follows me knows I market myself, ive gone quiet because its time to. Denise you marketed what you wanted on here, you got it, now its time to be silent until its complete. Im not part of the project, but if I was in the US I would have offered up my services some how. Again Well Done Denise and to all that have followed through on this project. Blessings to you all. x

I like how you phrased that: divine elevation.

Anything happening on this project? I know you don't want us to know much about it but I'm a curious fellow who would love to work on something like this. Anything you can tell us? Are the two individuals in CA, the gentleman in VA and one in NY still on board? Is there anything I can do here in CA? "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."