LIFE OUT LOUD FILMS LLC
"LAKE EFFECTS" & THE SML COMMUNITY
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NEWS FLASH:
LAKE EFFECTS HAS CAUGHT THE EYE OF OVER ONE DOZEN
HOLLYWOOD FILM DISTRIBUTORS AND TV NETWORKS
The American Film Market (AFM)
Producer Sara Elizabeth and Director Mike McKay attended the American Film Market in
Founded in 1981, the American Film Market (AFM) has grown steadily to become the premiere global marketplace where
The information contained herein does not guarantee or promise any level of financial success for ”Lake Effects” in the market, the distributors we will work with, or the strategy we will employ in marketing the film. Nevertheless, we are excited to share the overwhelmingly encouraging response we have received from many industry professionals about the potential market for our film.
Our week resulted in conversations with more than a dozen interested film distributors and television networks. This strong interest comes from a common belief that "Lake Efffects" fills the need for family product and that it is a great fit for family and women's networks as a Network Original. Members of these companies are currently reading the script and considering getting involved in casting, in distribution or sales, and/or in providing funding. Life Out Loud Films was very selective in who we met with at the Market and approached companies that specifically have an interest in Family Films. Since this Network Original avenue could likely provide an upfront deal and allows us to maintain licensing rights to Theatrical, DVD, Foreign and other ancillary markets for additional profit, this route will be explored thoroughly first.
“Lake Effects” Market Advantages 2009
- Donations and Investors on Board: We were able to get great meetings at AFM because we already have a portion of our funding in the bank and we have such great community support. They were impressed by the tremendous support of the community that has resulted in a high percentage of the budget being secured with in-kind donations. This method of developing a film with such community involvement has become the “story behind the story” of “Lake Effects” and has sparked additional interest in our project. Our commitment to attach recognizable talent and our current connections to talent were also factors in our success.
- The Economy: One company shared with us their observation that the economy is weeding out the less committed filmmakers and assured us that for those still making films, this is the climate to excel. Studios will claim that the film industry is in difficult straits today…But we discovered that the environment is not so much “tough” but difficult for those who have not yet adjusted to the new business climate. Many had extremely large budgets in the past with little financial concern. This economy gives filmmakers like Life Out Loud Films, LLC a distinct advantage.
- Less Product, Same Demand: At all of the markets this year, distributors are saying they are seeing less product but they are still looking to buy the same amount of product as before. Many distributors relied on companies such as Picturehouse, Warner Independent and Paramount Vantage for product. Now that those companies have closed their doors in the down economy, distributors are needing to depend on other production companies to fill those voids. To our way of thinking, this means more opportunity for us and less competition.
- Family film: This genre has a very strong market but few family films are being made . Thus, most companies we approached were excited to meet with us and hear about the details of “Lake Effects.”
Based on a strong market for family product, the desire of distributors to get involved during development in order to become our official distributor, and the warm welcome of “Lake Effects” basic storyline and the community story behind the film, we look forward to green lighting soon and completing “Lake Effects” in 2010.
"LAKE EFFECTS" THANKS THE SML COMMUNITY FOR THE WARM WELCOME!
As the core production team for "Lake Effects" returns from our trip to the lake, we are left inspired. Inspired not only by the kindness and warm spirit of the people, but by the breathtaking colors of the fall leaves and the serenity of the lake. The trip only confirmed why a film about this gem and its community needs to be made. As we continue to scout locations, learn about the community and seek funding we will keep you updated and hope you check back here often.
Thank you to each of you for welcoming us into your community and sharing your stories! We look forward to creating with you!
-November 08
Cheers to SML! Thank You!
“Lake Effects” Newsletter Production Update Thanks for all the great submissions last month and congratulations to last month's winners Mark and Christy Dutilly and Steve DeClue who will be entered into our Newsletter Drawing!! Our Special Wave-Makers:
July 2009 Highlights
Production is very excited to announce that in addition to amazing media in July, our fundraising efforts have been very successful. Entering this project right as the economy began its downfall, production was well aware we needed a plan B, but also refused to allow the threat of the economy to stop us from pursuing our set goal. We gave Plan A a deadline of July 15th in order to have adequate time to meet our October 8th start date. Production gave it our all and are pleased with our success despite the economy, however since we do not have 100% in the bank per our business plan, it is in the best interest of the film, the community and our generous investors to reset filming to 2010.
In my mind it is not just about making the film, it is about making it right. One thing I have seen in my Hollywood experience is independent filmmakers that green light prematurely without the needed amount of financing and the quality of the film is sacrificed. I've also seen projects complete but that sit on the shelf for years after shooting until production is able to raise the money to edit and complete. Being firm on allowing a specific time for preproduction and assuring we have the entire amount of money to not only shoot, but to shoot, edit and market, will allow us to maintain the quality project we set out to create. This additional time with allow us to secure name talent to more roles, gather more resources and spend more time with the community. We also now plan to expand the documentary.
We are inspired by the community support of this decision. Andy Edmunds at the Virginia Film Commission Office stated that "it was a very wise decision on Life Out Loud Films part", and Vickie Gardner at the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce also agreed that it was a smart call. We are also thrilled that every investor, cast and crew member that had been attached to the project will remain on board for a 2010 shoot.
Investor Lynn Wilner added "everything happens for a reason" and reminds production we are always best to trust and accept rather than fight it. The irony in Lynn's words have sunk in...The message of Lake Effects is a search for our passion, our roots, what completes us. It is the message of taking the time to enjoy the journey, see the beauty around us every day and accepting everything happens for a reason....so we are excited for Fall 2010!
-Sara Elizabeth Timmins, Producer
1- Weather vane with a captain/sailor peering through a telescope
2- Picture of the legendary 200 pound catfish by the dam
3- A large tree house on the Lake (large enough to fit 6 grown adults)
4- Donations of airline miles (enough to equal one ticket) to help fly cast and crew
5- Two rowboats. One that can be destroyed on screen, one to use for filming (will not be destroyed).
Can you help us find any of these items? Send an email, subject matter "Scavenger Hunt" to locations@lifeoutloudfilms.com with a picture, specific location and/or more information to assist us.
--Caroline Hammond of The Roanoke Symphony and Posh Events
June 2009 Production Update We are excited to announce the month of May has brought us closer to our fundraising goal of $500,000. June is Production's most critical month as we must secure the remaining funds by early July in order to stay on schedule to film in 2009. Once "Lake Effects" gets the official green light, production can begin scouting and solidifying the resources and donations so many of you have graciously offered (catering, lodging, locations, equipment, etc.). Our start date is currently slated for October 2009. We're now on Facebook...please follow us! "Lake Effects" is now on Facebook. If you also have a Facebook profile, we'd love for you to follw what we're doing as we prepare for filming. So please follow us and become a fan. Search for: "Lake Effects" Life Out Loud Films, LLC Investors' Corner President and owner of Entre Computer Center Bart Wilner, and his wife Lynn, were the first investors to take the plunge by investing in "Lake Effects" and we are hoping to create a ripple effect that many other investers will follow. "Without a shadow of a doubt this is a fun, first class project with huge potential," said Bart. "We're impressed with Sara Elizabeth's vision, the film product and her passion to make this happen." When asked why the Wilners decided to invest, Bart explained, "It was the combination of having the right person in place on this project, at the right time, and an opportunity for the community to win from an economic development standpoint." Bart added, "Promoting the beauty of The 1991 classic comedy "What About Bob" -- the last major film shot at Scavenger Hunt Lake Effects is a film about searching. Each character is seeking something... but invariably in the wrong places. As we near the production phase, we are literally searching for a few things for the film itself. We need your help to find these important items: The June Challenge: This month we are looking for... All Scavenger Hunt entries with the most finds each month until shooting will be entered into the "Lake Effects" Newsletter drawing. You will be entered in a drawing to win a special "Lake Effects" gift basket with movie T-shirts, memorabilia, and more. Special thank you to Dee Dee Boudarant who last month found a tree house on the lake...one of our potential shooting locations. Life Out Loud Films, LLC is excited to welcome Linda Nardin, owner of Blue Sky Public Relations LLC, as our publicity director for "Lake Effects". Linda brings wide-ranging PR expertise to our film project. She's worked for some of American's highest profile companies - IBM Corporation, Pillsbury and The Green Giant Company. (Her 23 years with IBM included PR management for the Centennial Olympic Games.) Linda and her husband moved to We believe Linda's expertise will be invaluable to making and selling the film Our Special Wave-Makers: We want to express our thanks to the special people in the community who are going above and beyond to assist us: -- Valerie Merrill, Communications Coordinator Special Thanks A special 'thank you' to the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce, the Roanoke Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Virginia Film Commission and the EastLake Business Association for their support of our project HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MAY NEWSLETTER New TV pilot will feature "Lake Effects" and There's a new television pilot currently in development called "Leading Life: Our Possibilities, Our Potential, Our Purpose". The one-hour program showcases people making a difference in local, national, and global communities while creating a paradigm shift in how we work together collectively, evoking our human potential in positive, creative, and artistic ways that are engaging and motivating. The show's producers have approached us about "Lake Effects" and the SML community. We're told they willl be focusing at least one episode on our project and you! Movie-going is pretty much recession proof Why? Despite these tough economic times, new reports show strengthening in movie box office sales. Anchorman Brian Williams reported on NBC recently that movie ticket sales for 2009 are expected to hit an all time high. According to researcher Media by Numbers, movie theatre attendance, which fell about 5 percent in 2008, has climbed 21 percent this year through Feb. 22. As reported by Julia Boorstin at SeekingAlpha.com: "The economic downturn is squeezing consumer spending, but there's one corner of the consumer pocketbook that'll emerge unscathed from the "r" word. Movie going is pretty much recession- proof: box office receipts have grown over six of the last seven recessions (according to Lehman Brothers analyst Eric Handler)." It's fairly simple. When the economy is suffering, people want to escape their troubles, and going to the movies is a fairly affordable luxury. Even with the average movie ticket price at eight dollars, a trip to an air-conditioned theater is an enjoyablel alternative when you're not spending money on road trips. And movies are probably the cheapest out-of-home entertainment, with concerts and sporting events pricier than ever." Photo Contest -- Send us your best shot We want to know what Please send submissions to locations@lifeoutloudfilms.com. Submission deadline has been extended to July 1, 2009. And finally...."Thank You" A special thank you to each of you for your ongoing interest in our film project. Please know we are extremely grateful for your support. With that said, please don't worry if you have not yet heard directly from us...we are planning to contact you when we hit that phase of development. Volunteers, extras, etc. will be crucial to our success. We will be in touch! Our goal with this newsletter is to keep you updated on the exciting things happening with "Lake Effects." Thanks from the bottom of our hearts for your dedicated support!
1- Weather Vane with a captain/sailor looking through a telescope
2- Picture of the legendary 200 pound catfish by the dam
3- A large tree house on the Lake (large enough to fit 6 grown adults)
4- Donations of airline miles (enough to equal one ticket) to help fly cast and crew
5- Two rowboats. One that can be destroyed on screen, one to use for shooting (will not be destroyed).
Can you help us find any of these items? Maybe all 5? Send an email, subject matter "Scavenger Hunt" to communications@lifeoutloudfilms.com with a picture, specific location and/or more information to assist us.
-- Kim White of Advertising Specialties and Promotions (ASAP) who is our valued overall chairperson of the various committees of volunteers
-- Kim C. White of Accounting Outside the Box
-- Josh Perrington of Village Bank, Roanoke
-- Jay White of Mariners Landing
-- Carol Jean Legget of Bernard's Reality
It's no secret that we're in a recession. One of the most common responses I get from friends when I tell them we are seeking investors to fund this film is usually a cringe and an "oh wow....what bad timing to be looking for money". I don't blink an eye.
"Lake Effects" Around Town
Renewanation's Dan Coy gives Producer Sara Elizabeth and The Lake Affects "Lake Effects" Committee Chair Kim White a tour as they meet with and scout Parkway Christian Academy.
SML Business Expo:
"Lake Effects" fans of all ages; Tim Ernandes, WSLK owner/radio personality will play himself in the film.
Cable Channel 12 interview; Aspiring actress and Theatre Major Chinah Helmandollar/Miss Smith Mountain Lake speaks with producer Sara Elizabeth
Sara Elizabeth dressed as Snow White for the Hot Shots Halloween for the kids.
PICTURES FROM SCOUTING ON THE LAKE AND THE MEET & GREET AT MANGO'S
Thank you Mango's for your generosity
The Lake affects "Lake Effects" committee member Roy Enslow takes the team on a water scout.
