The parameters of independent production?

As we have found in our journey towards wholly independent film production the parameters change, the goalposts of expectation are shunted, and we, as the purveyors of desire, must jump through all the hoops set before us in order to realise the dream! Nothing is ever set in stone. And nothing is ever guaranteed. And so, with the developments of the last week, the production moves into a new sphere of development, looking now at a change of shooting locations, and a revamping of the finance package. Both the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland are being considered, as each has a solid filmmaking support network and a lucrative funding system. Eastern Europe is looking ever more attractive both as a funding option as well as a location base with its rich diversity of landscape, architecture and culture. With the right combination of budget, cast, and location the filmmaking process looks set to provide a unique and enthralling experience.

We'll keep you posted on decisions as we make them. But as always, be prepared for change, right up to the point that we shoot our first frame.

British films take another hit!

With the revelation that GAAP fund utilities are being hit by government closures, and some finance houses are now facing liquidation because of that fact, we are one of approximately 90 films in pre-production that have suddenly lost a major element of funding without any choice but to find private equity or other investment from alternate sources. For the likes of some of the industry's larger financiers such as Ingenious, it means a radical rethink of fund options, but for others who rely for most of their business upon GAAP, or those like Baker Street Finance, it promises to be a catastrophic blow. This is not good news for the industry as a whole, and is yet another example of governmental greed at the expense of an industry they claim to want to support. But fear not, the filmmakers of Hotel Caledonia have other routes of finance sourcing, and will soon be back on track, even if it means having to rely upon shooting the picture away from UK shores entirely.

Screen Test

Today Yaw, myself, and the UK Casting Director, Darren Moore, conducted the first of our screen tests for the character of Mags. A sublimely funny ordeal, primarily because the script dialogue had the actors in fits of giggles, we managed to capture some great footage, even on a Mini DV camera unit.

A long days travel by coach to London from Manchester resulted in a 20 hour day - and people think we don't suffer for our art!