Brooklyn, New York
When last we tangled with the narrative of self proclaimed film maker Dan Kelly, he had reached a terrible realization. Based on the most recent completion estimate, the project DOG is far from wrapping up, au contraire. As if enacting some archetypal tableau, Dan confronts yet another mountain, a mountain upon a mountain upon a mountain. With head back and mouth agape, he goggles at a distant summit obscured by swirling wraiths of mist. Perhaps no summit at all, perhaps merely a plateau above the clouds, a lifeless, wind ripped, bitter cold shelf. Upon that false summit another mountain spiking the very stars, still to climb.
Since last week I’ve been baking on what to do. It’s time to clarify through consideration, to identify my desires and then make a Dan Kelly miracle. Let’s begin.
I like this project. More specifically, I like what this project could become given enough effort and attention. I can see what it could be.
In spite of the horrific software miasma and day upon day stuck in my apartment, I like working on it. It feels like great puzzle chunks falling into place, not only regarding the technical post production details but big picture stuff like how to save the planet.
On the other hand, I am spending way too much time in my apartment. Though I am up at 7:00 am or so every morning, the day seems to last about 3 hours. Weeks go by like days and months like weeks. It’s a very abstract existence, not my ideal life.
In the end, DOG has to make it to festivals. It’s got to place. I can live without reinforcement, but kudos are key for future projects – fundraising, resources, talent, collaborators. The last 3.5 years of effort must result in something more than hard lessons.
I am ready to move on. I’d like to start testing new ideas. I’d like to write new scripts. There will certainly be a transition time for documenting this project and of course on-going marketing. It would be fantastic to be on to other things by March 2009.
Are you experiencing a see-saw effect?
Any given project can only have 2 of 3 possible qualities – fast, cheap and good. If quality is a given and time is now a limiting factor, then I’ve either got to spend money that I don’t have or make the job smaller.
Spending money is about hiring help – specifically roto and motion graphics freelancers at $50/hr. Since I don’t have cash on hand I’d use credit cards to buy gear and sell it for the cash – cheaper than cash advances. I’ve got about 20k available.
Making the job smaller means hacking away at vision, lopping off great chunks of content. More than trimming, think amputation.
So, as Trevor would say – it’s time for big boy decisions. It’s all very exciting suddenly, a crazy ass plan is forming in my mind. Back in 2004, I was asked to edit another guy’s first movie. I remember seeing all the catastrophic problems in his awful rough cut – wild sound, wild light, mis-matched shots, continuity from hell – and getting excited. Could I fix this movie? Could I make it work? It was an impossible job, perfect for me.
I’m back there again. An impossible job – finish a festival worthy movie in January. Exciting! Can anyone guess how I am going to do this?
Dan Kelly
