FORGE: A Feature Film by 500 Cuts

When you work on big, multi-layered project like a movie, you hit several major finishing points… kind of like the end of “Return of the King.” Pardon the dork movie reference (as opposed to a movie dork reference which would be something from Truffaut), but it totally fits. You arrive at a number of stages where you could call the movie “over.” But unlike “Return of the King” I’m not adding additional endings, I’m making technical adjustments.

After the first completion, the movie is watchable for 85% of the people out there. That is to say that 85% of people wouldn’t notice any difference if you made fixes. But you make fixes anyway. Then you hit a spot where 90% of people wouldn’t notice, then 95%. But you keep tweaking the movie, you know why? Because all of your friends – other writers and filmmakers, the people whose opinions really matter – are the people who fall in the 98% and above category!

But I’m “finished” enough to book a screening!  I’m having lunch with Seth on Thursday so I’ll let you all know what I can work out with him.  I’m sure it’ll be a few weeks so we have time to promote it, but it’ll be great to get everyone together.  Cast and crew will be in attendance!  We’ll see the movie at the Clinton Street, then have a wrap party at Dots.  Sound good?

I’ll also be posting some “before and afters” over the next few days to show a little bit of the process.  And check out TheFORGEProject on Facebook.  Become a fan!

VFX plate before

Finished VFX frame grab.

As part of my sabbatical obligations, I need to bring my experiences from the movie back to the Art Institute community.  I’ll be giving a 1 hour talk about the process which will include behind-the-scenes clips and scenes from the film.  The exact date has not been confirmed, but it’s looking like November 11th or 12th.  For those of you associated with the school, that’s week 6.

The presentation will be followed by Q&A.

The official full length screening of FORGE will take place in early January.  Why the delays?  (insert time is money speech here:  less money = more time)

Keep an eye out for the trailer release later today.