Filmmaking / Directing : Headsup on developing Australian sci-fi feature, MOTHER SEA, and calling card short, 'VIGIL' by Alexander St.Clair

Greetings all from Downunder, First of all, a brief intro might be in order for those of you who don't know me and about my project. I am the writer, producer, executive producer and acting Director of the sci-fi feature in development, MOTHER SEA, and my sixth short film, VIGIL. I am based here on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, home of Warner Village Roadshow Studios in this country. MOTHER SEA is basically a re-boot of the mermaid legend, the pilot for a trilogy. MOTHER SEA grew from a 15 minute short film in its first year of inception, into a full length feature now entering its sixth year and final stage development. It has take some time for the screenplay to fully evolve to the 'ready to go' stage. My conviction that it is ready, only came after it was recently assessed and analyzed, coming back to me with all the right boxes ticked and some very encouraging comments by the professional assessor who has some years experience working with Hollywood film and TV scripts. As an artist, I am a perfectionist and very harsh self-critic, and rewrote the script several times and tweaked it countless more. But, there comes a time when the baby has to be thrown out into the cold to see if it stands up. I have been a lifelong creative writer, but ti took me until six years ago to discover I have always been a closet screenwriter. But, why produce my own script, some of you may ask? I don't trust anyone else with my vision. By anyone else, I mean the studios. Plus, not only have I been a closet screenwriter, but also a filmmaker who has been 'in training' all of my life. It's a long story. Now I've reached a crucial chapter where I am now seeking the funds, pre-sales and distribution for this commercial market slated film. Some of my friends are disappointed that MOTHER SEA is a commercial feature and not an arthouse niche market film. It was a no brain decision for me. Arthouse has a very limited appeal and reach, not to mention, little financial return. MOTHER SEA is a film made for these times, and at the right time for a host of reasons, and timing is important in this game. Plus, its a highly competitive game where Hollywood has the greater global monopoly. My background is quite diverse, and experience lies in management, training & education, organizing, applied psychology and marketing. I didn't embark on this journey into filmmaking with my eyes ans ears closed. On;y 1% of films written, ever get up, and fewer make any return. So, typically for me, I've taken on somethng where the odds of success are clearly very much against that happy outcome. My kind of odds. It's no game for pussies. You need to wear your bad ass boots at all times and have your wits about you, and a passion that should burn down the jungle. I do have a Face Book fan page. Simply Google up MOTHER SEA and follow the link. The project is high concept and high budget, and carries a powerful timely message that does not need to be preached. Although, I have read critiques of AVATAR that blasted it for being "too preachy." MOTHER SEA is of the AVATAR genre, I suppose, though the differences are sufficient to set it apart from what has been said and done before. We do have a teaser trailer, our second, in fact, and we should have it uploaded to Youtube soon. Before MOTHER SEA, comes VIGIL, my next shprt film, but it will be my main calling card production with the international film fest circuit in my sights. VIGIL is also a sci-fi film based on a true event. I'll have to leave this for now as more work is calling me away. Best wishes to all of you with your own projects. Don't over-complicate things and never ever give up, is my best suugestion. Ciao, Alex St.Clair - Mermaid Avatar Independent Film Productions Gold Coast