Project Cifer

[Shawn Booth]

PROJECT C.I.F.E.R =
Collaboration of Independent Filmmakers to Exhibit RED

Thank you to liquidigital for the name.

Some of you know I have been accepting scripts for this collaborative project. Now it has a name.

So, keep those scripts coming. So far I have three promising ones but want a few more to choose from before sending the final three out to be voted on. Although, I think it might serve Project Cifer better to have three scripts for the participants to choose from and make which ever they choose.

Consider this the launch - if you'd like to participate, sign up here with a post or email me at: shawn@r3dguerilla.com

[Peter Majtan]

I'm in...
Also the post offer still stands...

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Moved this thread to the Cinematography forum, I think it fits better there. I'm sure much of what's produced with this collaboration will probably end up in the footage forum too.

Oh yeah, I'm in.

[Shawn Booth]

Anymore scripts?

[liquidigital]

Hey Shawn, I'm wrapping up another one now.

[Shawn Booth]

Can't wait Mike!

[Jonas Rejman]

After some email exchange with Shawn, where I was suggesting to put the efforts not into one script, but into more scripts, in order to create a variety of shorts, it seems, that I might have contributed to Project Cifer a little.

Good, that you guys did not stick with the RedClub, but moved to the "real deal"...

Myself, I have 3 scripts, but I would like to shoot them myself, or at least one of it. One takes place in NYC, one in LA (that is with a little VFX) and one goes from NYC to Prague (my hometown). The budgets ranges from 20k to 50k. Any producers out there?

Now, where was I? If project Cifer also accepts already made shortfilms, I would like to contribute my project Carved (http://jonasrejman.com/carved).

Further, I could organize a screening of Cifer in Geneva, at Fonction Cinema (http://www.fonction-cinema.ch/) Association. They have a 2K D-Cinema Projector, and one of the few Digital Cinemas in Switzerland. I projected Carved there, as first Swiss REDonly project for the big screen. They liked the quality, even let me calibrate their projector, so I think they would like some more.

Would that be something for Cifer?

[liquidigital]

Jonas I think it's very generous of you to offer to organize a screening. But I think that the impetus for CIFER was Shawn's desire to create something that everyone can partake in. Ultimately if you are shooting your own script, then it doesn't quite keep with the concept, which I believe is to watch a narrative or narratives from the perspective of different filmmakers.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

That's great Jonas! But I'm in agreement with liquidigital. More than one script may be a good idea, depending on the number of participants. But I think what we're looking for here is to get something that a larger number of RED owners can participate in. Short films that can be shot with minimal cast and crew on a weekend for very low budget. But those who wish to expand and raise production value can. I think that the multiple participants shooting the same script (or the same selection of 2 or 3 scripts) would be interesting.

What we should really consider is if Project CIFER is to have a common goal. Film screenings for something of this nature cost money and ultimately will cater to very small audiences. The most practical and best way to reach those who are interested in the project is obviously web distribution. Perhaps DVD and Blu-Ray distribution could be something for consideration? But I don't know if that's even truly warranted. Perhaps if enough people like what they see via web distribution.

This is just off the top of my head thinking, but what if Project CIFER were to have a few people submit basic scripts. Then we all vote and choose the favorite one or two. When I say basic scripts, I'm thinking these scripts will lay out approximately 2 to 3 minutes worth of dialogue tied to character names. That's it. It's up to each participant to come up with the setting, mood, emotions to impart on the dialogue, etc.. Work that dialogue segment into a short no longer than 5 minutes. I think it could be very interesting to see what everyone comes up with. Maybe turn this into a bit of a contest. Winner gets bragging rights and a cookie or something.

OK, I'm rambling, but what do y'all think of the dialogue-only script thing?

[liquidigital]

Hey Jeff,

I sent two scripts to Shawn designed specifically for this. 5 pages, minimal cast and set-ups, but a real narrative and an opportunity for those involved to showcase their ability to shoot and direct actors (in addition to showcasing RED). I'm assuming Shawn's been sent more scripts, but I'm not sure how many. Will be interesting to see. I really hope, with the caliber of talent here, that a lot of people get involved. Maybe the short that wins could end up on RED's footage section.

Best,

Mike

[Shawn Booth]

This is just off the top of my head thinking, but what if Project CIFER were to have a few people submit basic scripts. Then we all vote and choose the favorite one or two. When I say basic scripts, I'm thinking these scripts will lay out approximately 2 to 3 minutes worth of dialogue tied to character names. That's it. It's up to each participant to come up with the setting, mood, emotions to impart on the dialogue, etc.. Work that dialogue segment into a short no longer than 5 minutes. I think it could be very interesting to see what everyone comes up with.


This is what I have been thinking of lately. But liquidigital has sent two really great little scripts my way and I think they're perfect for this. I also have a few others. I was hoping for the headache of reading a ton of poop with a few nuggets in there but I haven't received that many so far.

So, liquid's scripts, plus another are gonna be up for director's to choose from. I'm also considering two of mine.

Ultimately, those who want to participate in CIFER will choose from available scripts. I'd like to see this grow into something big enough that no one worries about entry fees BUT there is some sort of tangible prize to win.

[liquidigital]

Thanks Shawn! While I love the imagery from RED, I think a good story is paramount, along with impeccable music and great performers. I hope these stories are something that the RED community can really get excited about filming.

[liquidigital]

Shawn, what are your thoughts rule-wise, contest parameters?

[Shawn Booth]

The scripts are coming. (4 of them. All from RED users.)
As are the "rules/guide lines". (There won't be many. Yes, it must be shot on RED.)

Expect something within the week.

There is no entry fee for this.

You will need to email me in order to receive the scripts.

Feel free to PM/post with ?'s, comments, criticisms, complaints or suggestions.

And check:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15868

if you haven't already/recently.

[Shawn Booth]

My apologies for the long delay.

After getting through all of the scripts, I've narrowed them down to two. Of all the scripts, these two are perhaps the easiest to produce AND really good. Both are written by the same person - Mike Roberts.

Only requirements/rules are:
1. MUST GIVE FULL WRITING CREDIT TO MIKE ROBERTS.
2. MUST BE SHOT ON RED.

To sign up, PM or email me (shawn@r3dguerilla.com). I'll send you the two scripts. You can then decide which you'd like to make.

Sign up period begins today, 24 July 2008 and will close on 01 August 2008.

02 August 2008 - Scripts will be sent out to those who signed up.

Completed shorts must be turned in by 01 September 2008.
(More info about this later - format, etc.)

Look forward to hearing from everyone.

[Shawn Booth]

http://www.reduser.net/forum/uploaded/2259_1216956826.jpg

[MikeHedge]

I'd love to be part of this. maybe we can do another one. As right I'm going crazy with all the last minute details on our Burning Man doc... We shoot Aug 14- Sept 4.

Mike Hedge

[Shawn Booth]

Just a bump.

[Martin Weiss]

Great concept.

(Our Red won't come bofore November, so I will have to pass this time...)

[Shawn Booth]

Well, it's a bummer - I've only had 2 people sign up.

Going to try extending the dates to 01 SEPT 08.

[liquidigital]

That's too bad -- it seemed like there was a lot of interest initially.

[Shawn Booth]

Might try it again at some other point.

I have something cooking that could spark more interest on a whole.
You'll see....