(This message is -sort of- a response to the "Disgruntled" thread from November. I didn't want to threadjack that one, so I made it separate)
In 2007 I placed my deposit for a RED. As an aspiring screenwriter/director, I'd discovered the camera, more or less by following the Panasonic DVX over at DVXuser, and then subsequently following Jarred to REDuser.
I placed my deposit ($1750) at around 10am, April 16th of 2007. I wasn't one of the very first, but among them. My initial (well, post adjustment) badge # was 1526. I thought to myself "Well, after a year of saving I can probably afford it." That was over 5 years ago.
Now, I'm finally at a place where I could conceivably buy a RED, but I've taken to heart the advice and general consensus of the group. Namely, if you don't make a living using a camera (I don't. Yet.) then don't buy a camera. Spend that money making a film, and leave the camera ownership to the professionals.
So, to that end, today I've come to the conclusion that I need to withdraw my RED deposit…
…so I can shoot my first short film, on RED, (I'm going to need every penny.)
I would also love your help, more on that in a minute. First, the film.
Meryem indicated that this is one of the 3 films she liked for the "Disgruntled" thread, it just didn't fit the criteria, or make the best utilization of the resources (no scenes in Egypt, I'm afraid, it largely takes place in a school room.)
To that end, if you have the time and ability to help out in any capacity*, I would love it. Help could come in the form of locations, advice, gear, camera, knowledge, or emotional support and well wishing.
I'd also happily shadow you on a production here in the LA area, I'd love to just watch and help out. I've worked on a few sets, and done a number of smaller video projects, but nothing recent, and nothing RED.
If you'd like to read the script, PM me, or if you'd like to let me buy you a drink, let me know, I've been lurking and learning passively from everyone for years, I look forward to the chance to do it actively.
Sincerely,
Phil McCarty
philip dot mccarty at gmail dot com
* If you're inclined to help financially, we have a Fiscal Sponsorship, and can accept 501.c.3 charitable donations that you can then later write off with the IRS.
