So 2 years ago due to my popularity with bands (either because I'm a cute puppy or I have a radio show) and the fact that being a Jack Russell I'm completely mental (you're not meant to say that nowadays) I got 40 tracks donated and made a double CD for which the sales thereof go to the mental health awareness charity Rethink. Well a week on Monday (20th March) I'm in Central Library in St Helens making a personal appearance (I'll try and not wee on the bookshelves) for International Day Of Happiness and to sell copies of the CD and raise more money for the charity. If you're in the town come and hit me up (bring Bonios) for a copy and all proceeds will go to Rethink. The CD is the dog's bollocks...and I should know as I made it...it's even got a track on it donated by (countdown) 2-4-6-8 Mr Tom Robinson. I can only hope they make me a slice of toast or two for brekkies as it's going to be a long day. In the meantime here's a track from the Ralph's Life CD for Rethink Mental Illness by St Helens band Stillia. It's the dog's bollocks too! Click on THIS LINK if you want to buy the CD now! Click on THIS LINK if you want FREE tickets for Ralph's International Day Of Happiness on March 20th in Central Library, St Helens from 12pm to 5pm.
One of the more well-known traits of us Jack Russells is a short span of attention...oh look my bone...and it's not normally a problem...oh look a ball...unless like me you've got cataracts at only six years...I'm hungry...old and going progressively blind. Now you'd think that as I realised I wasn't seeing stuff properly I'd slow down and take my time about stuff, however, the Jack Russell gene takes over and I spent a lot of my day bumping into stuff. That being said, due to the tremendous power of my dog nose I can still find socks and slippers with unerring accuracy and carry them off underneath the dining table so they'll chase me. So currently I've managed to knock a few minor chunks out of my head, but one of the other handy traits of being a Jack Russell is showing no fear and or a complete disregard for personal safety. So I doubt I'll ever...oh look the postman...really learn to take it easy until...oh look Mum's got a bisquit...I actually go completely blind... Never mind all that though, here's a top tune by Glasgow band the Girobabies who have a...oh look breakfast...new album out called Who Took Utopia? and this track is the very aptly titled Secret Animal.
The humans have been laid up with summat they call 'The Lurgi' these last three days so walkies have been far and few between. Getting a bit kennel crazy to be honest.
This morning they gave me raisin toast for my breakfast - what's that all about? I can only assume that's why I've got a dose of the wild shites today...serves them right when they try to scoop that up with a poo bag. The old dear's complaining about having to wash my old bed this morning (well I did rip up the new one last week) due to all the hairs I'm moulting just now. Serves them right for putting me in the kennels in a couple of weeks time while they swan off to Scotland. They said they weren't going to shave me because it'd be too cold for me in the kennels...little do they know it's heated although the wi-fi can be a bit iffy. Anyway, they got some kind of cruel torture device to keep the hairs to a minimum, a brush I think they called it. Can't say I'm very happy about it as it's jaggy. Still, they have to catch me first. Thought that was rabbit droppings in my poo...might have been the raisins in the toast, ah well time for a snooze...oh crap, she's got my bed in the big white TV over in the corner of the kitchen that's only got the one programme on to watch. Anyway, here's a tune from Brighton's Fragile Creatures...
Ralph's taken quite an interest in Indie films of late and, after the success of The Fitzroy's Kickstarter campaign he's had a look at another, slightly more ambitious attempt to raise funds through Kickstarter. The great thing about this method of raising funds is the audiences opportunity to get involved with and help independent film makers create new British film classics. So here's 'We Are Monsters' campaign, see what you think, and how you can help.....
JOIN THE 99% AND MAKE A GRIPPING MONSTER MOVIE WITH THEM!
Every contribution over £25 also receives a Digital Download of PANIC BUTTON (trailer below)
'WE ARE MONSTERS' is a truly independent British film with global breakout potential. It is being made on a sensible budget with a tremendous crew, very experienced in making original feature films.
It is a story seen through the eyes of Lorna Thompson, a lonely suburban schoolgirl, who joins a mutant gang of teenagers on a quest to discover their true identities.
They uncover a global conspiracy, which they must find the strength to fight before civilization is destroyed.
Concept art by Ben Oliver. All Rights Reserved.
This film is epic and deals with themes of universal appeal, such as identity and self-discovery (who we are and where we fit in the world), loyalty, trust and abuse of power. This is one of the most ambitious British films ever to appear on Kickstarter. They have an exciting page-turner of a screenplay, a highly talented crew and a very grounded business plan, forged through strong working relationships with industry professionals which they have built up over many years. They are bringing something fresh and exciting to the big screen and it has real potential to become a break-out success.
They have experience of making major feature films, and last year wrote and produced PANIC BUTTONwhich was described as the 'Best British Horror in Years' by Ain't It Cool News. The favourite quote of the moment is “Does for the internet what Jaws did for swimming in the sea” from their local film board, Film Agency Wales.
Director Of Photography Simon Poulter behind the lens filming PANIC BUTTON
HOW KICKSTARTER FUNDS HELP The funds we raise on Kickstarter will complete their development finance and allow them to take their business offer out to film financiers, complete with cast and sales projections. In a similar approach to IRON SKY they want to build and involve their audience from the very beginning. With no audience, there seems little point in making a film, and they believe in putting the audience first!
They have world sales and UK theatrical distribution offers in place already, and there are some very exciting cast members coming forward as they gather momentum.
The £100,000 we raise on Kickstarter will form part of our production budget
REWARDS They'd like all of us to help them make this happen - They have brilliant rewards on offer, whether you are a film fan, a film maker or perhaps you have a friend or loved one that is. You can even make a gift of their rewards with a film experience in time for Christmas!
They're in a unique position to offer a range of rewards that are not just related to the movie, but also things you might actually want right now, such as exclusive digital downloads of PANIC BUTTON, and masterclass tutorials over the coming months, showing you how to make your next film be the best one yet. Learn from them, they admit they've already made a lot of mistakes to get where they are today - so we don't have to!
They also offer a range of film experiences, from set visits as an extra in the action packed crowd sequences, to a day with their visual effects team, watching the magic happen.
If you would like more than one tutorial, then you can bundle them together by for a little extra money.
1 x Masterclass Tutorial = £50
2 x Masterclass Tutorial = £60
3 x Masterclass Tutorial = £65
THE TEAM
John Shackleton Writer/Director/Producer of WE ARE MONSTERS
MUSIC SUPERVISOR – Ian Neil (127 HOURS, KICK-ASS, LOCK STOCK, ADULTHOOD)
STUNT COORDINATOR – Andy Bennett (THE WOMAN IN BLACK, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, 4.3.2.1)
STORYBOARDS – Ben Oliver (Comic Artist – JUDGE DREDD, X-MEN, THE LOSERS)
They have a great script, a fabulous team and some really compelling rewards for your contribution but if you cannot get involved then please do share the project. Crowdfunding is not just about adding pounds but also members of a global audience.
They've already invested £80,000 of their own money and resources into the development of the film to date through their company Movie Mogul Ltd. There’s no escaping the fact that film-making is an expensive business! As soon as they hit the Kickstarter £100,000 target, they'll be in a position to approach film financiers for the remaining budget (currently estimated at £3m).
It is fair to point out that it is possible that they may become delayed in this process, for a multitude of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control and despite their best endeavours. You should take assurance from the fact that they know how to make a film happen as they did with PANIC BUTTON. The key to success is always momentum, driving the vision forward and finding solutions to all issues that are thrown your way. Without this kind of resilience and resourcefulness, they would never have come so far already.
The Kickstarter community should know that whatever they plan, and whatever obstacles are thrown in their path, they are focused on their goals and passionate in honouring their commitment to their pledges to you. The more support they have – the stronger and more determined they become to make this happen.
They believe in clear and worthwhile communications, so whilst they might not be bugging you every five minutes with updates, you will always be the first to know when they have some exciting news, and if we have to make any changes of direction, you will be kept fully informed also.
They cannot make a firm guarantee to you that after a successful £100k raise, They'll 100% be able to secure the full estimated £3m budget. What they can guarantee however, is that as soon as they raise significant funds to make the film, they'll do exactly that, cutting their cloth accordingly, without compromising the vision for the film in any way. Necessity is the mother of all invention, not money. As a team they create, they find solutions and deliver on promises. Their business depends on it!
Embarking upon this journey with them will be a unique, exciting and rewarding experience on many levels, that much they do guarantee!
If you're in the town come and hit me up (bring Bonios) for a copy and all proceeds will go to Rethink. The CD is the dog's bollocks...and I should know as I made it...it's even got a track on it donated by (countdown) 2-4-6-8 Mr Tom Robinson.
