CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE MARKETING AND BUSINESS PLAN

Transcription

1 CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE MARKETING AND BUSINESS PLAN DECEMBER 2012

2 RISK STATEMENT Investment in the film industry is highly speculative and inherently risky. There can be no assurance of the economic success of any motion picture since the revenues derived from the production and distribution of a motion picture depend primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which cannot be predicted. The commercial success of a motion picture also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing films released into the marketplace at or near the same time, general economic factors, and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. The entertainment industry in general and the motion picture industry in particular, are continuing to undergo significant changes, primarily due to technological developments. Although these developments have resulted in the availability of alternative and competing forms of leisure time entertainment, such technological developments have also resulted in the creation of additional revenue sources through licensing of rights to such new media, and potentially could lead to future reductions in the costs of producing and distributing motion pictures. In addition, the theatrical success of a motion picture remains a crucial factor in generating revenues in other media such as videocassettes and television. Due to the rapid growth of technology, shifting consumer tastes, and the popularity and availability of other forms of entertainment, it is impossible to predict the overall effect these factors will have on the potential revenue from and profitability of feature-length motion pictures. The Company itself is in the organizational stage and is subject to all the risks incident to the creation and development of a new business, including the absence of a history of operations and minimal net worth. In order to prosper, the success of [your film s name] will depend partly upon the ability of management to produce a film of exceptional quality at a lower cost, which can compete in appeal with higher-budgeted films of the same genre. In order to minimize this risk, management plans to participate as much as possible throughout the process and will aim to mitigate financial risks where possible. Fulfilling this goal depends on the timing of investor financing, the ability to obtain distribution contracts with satisfactory terms, and the continued participation of the current management. CREATIVE TEAM Brian McLane Writer/Lyricist (MTV, Host - Stream TV, Stand Up Comedian & Noted Guitarist) Michael Farr Television Producer and Noted Media Relations Professional George Hardy Creative Consultant (Best Worst Movie, Troll 2) Tom Grindberg Art Direction (Marvel Comics) Dr. Richard Greenberg - Science Consultant (NASA, University of Arizona Astrophysics) Hugh LeDuc Story Boards ( Christopher Rubin Camera (Neil Young North American Tour 2012) Steve Brenman Technical Director (The Gallery Players) David DaMota Lighting and Post Production (Apparitions, Higher Ground) Justin DaMota Sound (ARC Media)

3 PROJECT SUMMARY I. Background Center of the Universe is a Science Fiction Rock Musical loosely based on the Oscar winning noir Casablanca. The film is being shot on a micro budget (under 1 million). Unlike other Science Fiction movies, the inclusion of musical numbers being sung by cast members makes the film unique. Further, the film has the flavor of a modern day soap opera such as the original Dark Shadows with the goal being to turn this property into a weekly science fiction television series with musical numbers written into each episode. Brian McLane wrote his first full length musical Europa which was first seen and sold out a limited one week workshop production at the Kraine Theater in Manhattan s East Village in More than a dozen film and theater influencers attended the production including theater and film producers, entertainment attorneys, heads of creative agencies, celebrities from the world of rock and roll, booking agents and others. Their feedback and input indicated that the story was confusing, the music a little to showy and there were too many characters. The difficulties inherent in producing a live event as well as finding actors with ability to sing complex multi-layered harmonies was another consideration that lead to the decision to write a new story and go the route of making a feature film. It was clear that significant interest for such a project existed. While the producers intend to engage a casting company, the following actors, many with ties to Star Trek as well as iconic musicians have been approached either directly or through their management and all have expressed interest in appearing in Center of the Universe: Tim Russ (Star Trek Voyager Tuvok ) is set to play the lead villain Scarpa and George Hardy (Best Worst Movie and Troll 2) is also on board. William Shatner, Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager - The Doctor ), Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination, Star Trek), Kathleen Wilhoitte (Twin Peaks, Murphy s Law), Jean Beauvoir (Plasmatics) and Richard Lloyd (Television) have all been approached directly or through their management and all have expressed interest. II. Film Instead of a Play Some of the advantages of going the film route over a staged theatrical version include: 1. Control production factors 2. Longevity of project 3. Road to Profitability 4. Reach audiences beyond New York City

4 III. Target Market The primary target market for this film is Science Fiction fans. A secondary demographic is lovers of rock music. If you love rock music and love science-fiction, you will love this film. Films and Television Shows that have influenced this project include Casablanca, The Good the Bad and The Ugly, Dr. Who, Velvet Goldmine and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Of course, the Gold Standard for the type of movie the producers seek to make is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While we could never seek to duplicate that success, that s where we are aiming. The Science Fiction Genre has steadily garnered between 10 and 15 percent of the market share. IV. Timelines and Milestones To date our team has successfully hit all of its deadlines. In less than six months, the following has been achieved: 1. Casting Jason Yudoff, Kenton Fridley, Kay Matsukawa in lead roles (May 1 ) 2. Jessie Pridemore and John Ide join cast, as well as secondary casting completed (June 1) 3. Rehearsals commence (Jun. 15) 4. Soundtrack Recording basics completed (Jun. 30) 5. Production Team In Place (Jul. 7) 6. Locations for Bar and Green Screen Facility Secured (July 15) 7. Storyboards by Tom Grindberg (July 30) 8. Facebook Page Launched with 557 True Likes (Aug. 1) 9. Principal photography begins (Aug. 6 & 7) 10. Location Shoot Soho Lounge (Aug. 12 & 13) 11. Green Screen Shoot at Bravo Media Studios (Aug. 14) 12. Celebrity Attachments ensue (Sept. 1) a. Tim Russ (Tuvok Star Trek Voyager) for the role of Scarpa b. George Hardy (Troll 2, Best Worst Movie); c. Jean Beauvoir (Plasmatics) d. Richard Lloyd (Television) 13. Cave Shoot in New Paltz (Sept. 15) 14. Music Video Snakeskin Alligator completed (Oct. 1) 15. First Look Promotional Trailer completed (Oct. 8) 16. Kickstarter Campaign Launched 63 Backers Funding Successful (Oct. 31) 17. Illustration for Graphic Novel commences - Hugh LeDuc, Denmark (Nov. 1) 18. Soundtrack Completed Vocals and Mixing Joe Sears (Nov. 15) 19. Tim Russ, George Hardy, Jean Beauvoir, Richard Lloyd attached (Nov. 20) V. Timeline Moving Forward 20. December 31 - Complete Financing 21. Jan. 1 - Refine Screenplay, 22. Feb 1 Finish Graphic Novel

5 23. March 1 Complete Casting 24. March 15 Location Scouting 25. April 1 Begin Rehearsals (NYC) 26. May 1 Crew in place 27. May 15 - Principal Photography commences 28. June 1 Production begins (1 month) 29. August 1 Reshoots 30. August 15 - Begin editing and CGI 31. Sept. 1 - Score music and Sound FX 32. Oct. 1 - Editing completed 33. Oct. 31 Publicity campaign commences 34. Jan.- March Pursuing a distributor, film festivals, foreign sales agent 35. Profits will be distributed after 6 months and continue to be distributed every half year VI. Budget See Attachment A VII. Competitive Advantages One of the reasons the producers of Center of the Universe embarked on this project was the ability to keep costs lower for the following reasons: 1. Low or no cost access to Green Screen facility 2. Low or no cost production and post services 3. Low or no cost cast crew (with the exception of our stars) 4. Low or no cost marketing & promotion services 5. Story and Music wholly owned 6. Low or no cost legal Services 7. Low or no cost illustration services (Graphic Novel) 8. Non-union labor 9. Low or no cost use of locations 10. In the words of Jason Orens of Gigantic Pictures there are very few films like this. VIII. Present Production Activities The film is already in production and we have produced 14 minutes for under $3,000. The producers have secured two locations including a New York City bar which functions as one of the main settings in the film; a network of Caves in New Paltz, NY which are privately owned; and a Green Screen facility in Mahnattan for all our digital backlot shooting. IX. Distribution Though in the early stages, Center of the Universe has had introductory discussions with representatives of HBO, EPIX, CHILLER, Artisan Entertainment, Gigantic Pictures and Red Box

6 Distribution. X. Additional Revenue Streams The self-distribution model is being adopted by more and more filmmakers. While it is our goal to obtain distribution, the producers will be ready to go with a B plan in case the film isn t picked up. We are entrepreneurial-minded indie filmmakers who have the business acumen to effectively brand and promote our film and can function as our own small, independently run production house and distributor. Our ace in the hole is our connection to the world of PR. (See and Potential Revenue Streams include but are not limited to: - Domestic - Theatrical Rentals - Home Video - Transactional Internet (I Tunes) - Broadcast Networks - Syndicated Television - Pay Television - Basic Cable - Merchandising / Licensing - PPV/VOD/DBS - Hotel Airlines - International - Theatrical Rentals XI. Challenges One major obstacle is that the most popular retail platforms don t want to enter into distribution contracts with individuals or small business that have one or two films in their catalogue, no matter how talented the filmmakers are. Further, with the current oversaturation of the market it is important that these companies protect themselves from poor quality content. For example, Netflix and itunes have quickly built reputations where customers know that they can watch films and documentaries that will adhere to certain production standards. XII. Summary Money always matters. That is the attitude of the producers of Center of the Universe. To date we have spent just over $5,000 and it is with this mindset that we approach the production of this film. We have proven that we can make up in creativity, ingenuity and determination what we lack in money.

7 The music is plane awesome and will be the driving force behind the marketing of this film. When fans see these and other stars singing high powered theatrical rock tunes they will embrace this film with a cult like fervor. Center of the Universe will be a landmark film unlike any other ever made.