The Making of a Movie - Part 2

Follow "Gid the Kid" from book to DVD movie

So just how exactly do you fund a DVD movie production?

Traditionally, back in the hayday of direct-to-video releases (1990's), distributors themselves would pay a handsome amount up-front to secure distribution rights. From what we've learned about the market today, this is not so common. No, our route will have to be more of the private investment kind.

However, we know from talking first-hand with families who have bought our book that people care about seeing quality, moral-based content produced. It's what they want to show to their kids and grandkids. So, Chris and I spent some time considering how we could allow the people who care the most about seeing this film produced to get involved in the production process of our "Gid the Kid" movie.

We looked at what our typical supporter was already doing. Many of those who have bought our book have been faithfully spreading word about it, giving them as gifts, even adjusting them on store bookshelves so they would be better seen (we love you guys!). Beyond simply getting a great book out with a great message, the reality is that each book sale from our supporters' efforts generates a profit which, in turn, becomes a very real investment into the "Gid the Kid" movie production budget. Additionally, the more books that make their way into households, the greater the awareness of the "Gid the Kid" story will be - making the eventual DVD release that much more successful. Both financially and, even more importantly, socially, our grassroot supporters will be the ones to make the biggest contribution to this DVD's success in the marketplace.

With all of that in mind, we are excited to have developed a program by which our supporters can get involved in the "Gid the Kid" movie production. The idea is simple: keep doing what you are already doing - telling your friends about the book. For every 10 book sales you refer, you'll earn a movie credit as a "Production Partner" AND earn the chance to make a cameo appearance in the "Gid the Kid" movie.

We'll keep you posted on how this unique program works out. Until then, get on over to our website to see about getting your name in the DVD credits too!

(heh, heh... like our cameo in the ad?)

www.luminationstudios.com

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[ Read Part 1 ]

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The Making of a Movie - Part 1

Follow "Gid the Kid" from book to DVD movie

"Is this a movie?"
That is the #1 question we are asked when people see our book, "Gid the Kid", for the first time.

Those of you who know Chris and I are probably familiar with our long-standing affinity for animated films. It goes far beyond just watching them. Even as kids, we had set up our own "animation studio" with drawing boards and light tables for studying and practicing the art of animation. It was that same passion for the art medium that led us to both pursue degrees in "Computer Animation & Multimedia" from the Art Institute of Seattle.

Granted, while our careers to date have steered us through non-film related paths so far, with our background and love for animation, it's no coincidence that our book illustrations for "Gid the Kid" have that "animated feel".

So, to answer that #1 question, "Is this a movie?", we say "Not yet. But that's what we're working on!"

Ever since the release of "Gid the Kid" in July, we have been exploring the market for making this story into a DVD movie. There has been a lot to learn, but no shortage of helpful individuals to learn from. Our research has put us in touch with some really great people who have worked on DVD projects from VeggieTales to Boz to Angel Wars at all levels of production, marketing and distributing. There have been talks with several high-profile distributors who have expressed their interest in the film. At each stage of the process, we have been excited by the positive response and enthusiasm over "Gid the Kid".

From the past months of networking and research, we have emerged with a solid budget, an exciting production studio partner, and several distributor options. Now we head off into the thrilling stage of Funding!...

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[ Read Part 2 ]

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Millions Meet The Miller Brothers

[Allan writes:]

Earlier this week, on Wednesday morning, Chris and I appeared as guests on a "live" international TV show called The Harvest Show. Our publisher, Warner Press, arranged to have us on the show for a 10 minute interview; even flying us all the way out to South Bend, IN! Wow!

The 6+ hours it took to fly each direction were not particularily enjoyable, but our brief time on the "live" set was special (So special, we both got to wear makeup - "manly" makeup I'm sure). Seriously, though, the entire production staff for The Harvest Show were very professional and made us feel right at home. While I know it was the prayers of our family and friends in our VIP Club that were most instrumental in calming the of nerves during the interview, the staff certainly did a great job with their part.


Watch the interview on YouTube™

After our TV appearance, we had a few hours to poke around South Bend. We had a quick bite at the local Steak and Shake restaraunt (Mmmm! Split Shakes!) and made a quick stop at the University of Notre Dame (see pic of Chris in front of statue).

While at the restaraunt, though, we had the chance to observe a young mom and her two sons, probably 5 and 2. It didn't take Dr. Phil to see that this was not the 2 year old's day. In the mother's own words, he was "awnry". Helpless to change his attitude, she finally had the waitress change her order "to-go". Through it all, Chris and I were both struck with how well she handled the situation and impressed by the reminder of how much a mother gives to her children when she chooses to stay at home. It gave us a little glimpse of a day-in-the-life-of for our own wives; something we don't get to see that much as working fathers. So, "Thanks Moms!". We appreciate all you do, and all you endure for the sake of loving your children.

And thanks to all of you who prayed for our safe travel and successful interview.