Back in the early 90s when I was at university doing my degree, a group of friends I knew decided to make a feature film. They asked me if I would play the role of a character that gets to save the world. They had no money but were consumed by their dream of making this film. How could I say no? How could I turn down my one chance at saving the world and help a group of people realise their dreams at the same time? So I said yes. For seven years they called me every few months to film my scenes. It took them ten years to finish making it. They all held day jobs and saved their money to put towards the film. We all worked for free.
Eleven years after I got involved, I finally had a chance to see the finished film at The State Film Centre. It was really funny. I must say I’m more likely to win a Raspberry Award than an Oscar. The same can be said for the film. It was a delightfully over-the-top production.
You could say the film has a bit of cult following, popping up here and there. Lots of first films get made this way. Eraser Head by David Lynch took 10 years to make way back in the 1970s. Digital cameras and editing software mean anybody can make a film inexpensively and quickly. Films like Kenny and The Jammed were made this way.
A little while ago I posted a short film written and directed by an aspiring UK filmmaker called Iosu Vakerizzo. Soon after I posted that story, Iosu contacted me. He has finished filming 60-70% of a feature film and wanted to know if I could do a little write-up on his film. The film is called `Tread Softly! For You Tread On Our Dreams’.
He describes it as an anarchic and surrealist film about two men, infatuated with the same woman, who go on a quest to complete a bizarre Norwegian spell of invisibility.
In the spirit of supporting creative endeavour, I’m posting the trailer of the film.
They need some more funds to finish their film, but were hoping for some feedback. So please watch the trailer and offer some feedback. Tread softly on their dreams.
Cool! Love the music. Film has a good look to it. Production values seem to be there. Some interesting lighting in a couple of shots. Kind of looks like Nick Cave meets Edgar Allen Poe with Billy Idol in the cast.
Looks like it is going to be a fun film Love the premise. Good luck.
Hey!
Thanks a lot for writing about the film, I really appreciate it! I’d like to see this film that took 11 years to make, it sounds fun.
Iosu
Hi iosu,
my pleasure. i’m only sorry my readers were a little to shy leave more comments. it was a fun film. Hang in there, i’m sure your’s will be fabulous when it is finished. Keep going and best of luck.
x