Short Film Concept: Tefolaha (Legends of Polynesia)

[chrchaves]

Wow.. even though I can´t help you, Siosism, I wanted to stop and encourage you to keep up with the project. I know there´s a lot of people who find the project pretty interesting too even though they don´t reply simply because they can´t help you either even if the y wanted.

Keep up the good work and even more, the good ideas and intentions:thumbsup:

[siosism]

Thank you chrchaves. You don't know how much the encouragement means to me right now! I felt like I was losing my footing a bit but, with those couple of lines of yours, you've helped kick my spirit back into gear. You know, my grandmother always used to say, "Tena loa e fanatu." It is Tuvaluan for, "It will come." With that said, hopefully, more people will be brave enough to speak out and work with me on this project. I feel it will span far beyond the realms of a computer screen... hearts and minds. Hearts and minds.

While I continue to wait for others, I will seek out a Concept Artist to give people a visual sense of what can be expected from this project. Thanks again for the support!

Manuia (blessings)

[matsman]

Hi... you seem very passionate. Keep it up I think this project of yours is very much worth it. But with lots of things people are not that excited to help without compensation. So if you have some stuff maybe try and find some funding. I am sure there are lots of people with money that find it very important that cultural history be preserved.

Also try to translate the stories. I am really fond of stories and the best are found in very obscure languages until someone says: "Hej! we have to share this with the world!"

I have skills but am quite busy with all kinds of things so I am not that eager to help you out. And that has everything to do with not knowing what I get myself into. If you really want to make this a project think about the wishes you have and what the complete scope of this project is.

If the project is to make a portfolio so you can sell this idea to a filmstudio or funding organisation... then you would only need some concepts and a draft of the story and you would be looking at half a year tp get that finished at most...
If you are wanting to make a full blown animated feature film you are looking at maybe 4-5 years of work with lots of costs associated. So that would be something far less likely you would get much help with since it is just to big.

I have seen a lot of ideas come by this forum that simply fell dead because the poster had no feel for scope or wanted basically that everyone did everything for him for free while he got all the credits. I am not saying you are doing this. But it is a very real danger when trying to get peoplefor free to work at a big project.

So my advise is to generate interest by being realistic about your project. Make a very good plan, see what is affordable, see what you can do yourself, or can learn yourself, see where you can get money. Ans give people something they want to be a part of. so just go ahead and post a sketch or image. If it captivates people they will want to become involved.

Wish you all the best and good luck on all you endeavors. And indeed "Tena loa e fanatu" but you gotta work towards it.

[siosism]

Hi matsman,

Thank you very much for the info. It was exactly what I was waiting for. You brought up some very important issues, and I will surely take your advice.

The long-term goal is to have something as full blown as, or close to, a major motion picture. However, I know the importance of starting small. Therefore, I think I may focus on getting the story translated, writing the script, developing visual drafts of the characters and progressively building a team.

I like the collaboaration between 2D, 3D, film and games. Best example, in my opinion, of a successful project between these mediums was story of Riddick (from Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick). It went from a live-action film, to 2D, to a game, and then back to live-action. I enjoyed the character development throughout all three mediums. So, after I have gotten the story down and garnered interest, I will move on to creating several, small short-films (like the ones made for I Am Legend). This will be my first step.

I understand that most people will be hesitant to take on a project as large as this, especially since it is currently non-paying. I have searched around Melbourne for companies and organizations that give out grants, loans and funds, and came across the Australian Film Commission (http://www.afc.gov.au/funding/fd/animation/default.aspx) . Now, the next question I have is, in your opinion, how could I successfully pitch the story? I will do some research of my own, but I always find that certain things are always left outside the world of text (and more in the realm of social knowledge). Although it may be a while before I start actualy production of the story, I believe it will be helpful to start looking for possible funding now (as you have suggested). At the same time, I will be learning things on my own to add to my portfolio - but this is secondary to achieving what I have set out.

Thanks again matsman. I hope to hear from others as helpful as you.

[matsman]

Hello... thanks for the praise :blush:

Well first of all I have to say I saw the trailer... and the main thing is the quality. As a teaser trailer it is quite alright... kinda mysterious... sets some kind of a look and puts the name forward. But the model is very low detail, seems to be missing the legs (? is that supposed to be, the picture above does contain legs right?)
So as far as that goes it is not very good image wise. So don't take this as bad. You did great, you are simply not good enough yet to produce stunning visuals... and that is no crime.

But what you must focus on here is the good points of your concept and your personal best qualities. If you are better at writing/ drawing/ photography/ photomanipulation/ poser.. then use that to create the best possible first idea people get with the project. Always play to your strengths especially when you want something from someone!

Next to the topic of funding. I am not familliar with the govermental systems and economic structure in australia but if it is somewhat like the dutch structure then you should possibly try to aim a little lower.
The australian film commision seems very national and will probably getting at least tens and maybe even hundreds apllications for funding every month. So you are in league with some very big and experienced players. No reason for not trying of course but don't be too upset if you are rejected.
But I think there are other ways of funding that might be very interested in your project. Think for instance about money that goes to the cultural heritage of maori (yeah new sealand, i know) and the aboriginals. I am sure your people can also ask governmental or rich wellwishers support for cultural preservance. Second if you can use local workers to work on this project the local community would no doubt like to help especially when there is slight degression on the job market. Same holds true if you make it a project that links to education or stimulation in an unexplored field. There might be some universities interested to back you, as long as their pupils get involved.

As you see there are tons of different directions you can take when looking for financial backing. Most important thing to remember though is that every invester wants to see it money well spend. And they want to know that beforehand. So whatever way you take to try and get investerd for your project. Make sure you can prove to them that with this money, a large part of local culture is preserved, your project will generate so much interest more tourists will arrive, this will set australia on the globe as a country that does great 3d feature animation (kinda hard after weta but hej! thats specialFX right?), will keep the youngsters off the street and teach them a trade, etc.. etc..

Since I only what you have written here I think your primary goal is to get a script. After that you could go the film way but also make a comic, a play, an opera, whatever... so script is possibly most important.
Secondly you have to stay as driven as you are now. Whatever happens!
And third from what I read here Culture is your big selling point and what gives extra dimension to your project. So try to find people who are intersted in that part and they will probably be interested in everything that has to do with it too.

Good luck on your endeavors and remember detailed planning is the key to succes!

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