Dear Friends of Depleted,
Folks who read our magazine, MicroFilmmaker Magazine, know that I am a huge stickler for critique as a way to improve filmmaking. (It’s simply impossible for any filmmaker to put blood, sweat, and tears into a film and remain objective. For low-budget filmmakers who have often written and edited the film, as well as directed and/or produced, the ability for objectivity is completely gone. An educated and impartial critique helps people get the valuable and constructive insight they desperately need to make their film the best it can. Some well known filmmakers who have “earned” the right to work with impunity have forgotten this, thus leading to sub-standard work that left their fans let down.)
With my editorial duties at the magazine and my producer role in a number of shorter projects, it’s been awhile since I’ve both written AND directed a film. As such, some folks have asked whether I will really put my money where my mouth is and have Depleted: Day 419 critiqued. And the answer is ABSOLUTELY. While a public critique is something that I am still working hard to arrange (as my choices are limited due to how many filmmakers know me personally, which immediately limits the perception of their credibility as critics of my work), this week we started the process of having trusted and experienced members of the film industry in LA watch the rough cut of Day 419. (While much of the film is completed at this point, it is still considered rough until we actually distribute it.)
Once these critiques are complete, we’re also going to be looking at some possible alternate cuts of a few scenes with a very accomplished editor. The end result will hopefully be the tightest cut we can deliver to our fans (and the “unused cuts” will provide plenty of extra features and alternate takes for the DVD boxed set).
Once both are accomplished, we will have a much more concrete timeline on actual release of the Day 419 film, as well as the actual timeline for the Depleted feature. (As many of you know, release timelines are always educated guesstimates, even in Hollywood where there is a massive amount of history with film releases, a huge marketing machine, and lots of money to get things done in a more rapid pace. )
I’m really excited to see all the things we are able to do with this first film and have a bunch of improvements for workflow and quality for the feature already lined up! This will be a very exciting time for everyone and I’m glad you’re here to share it with me!
With My Greatest Gratitude,
Jeremy Hanke
Writer/Director/Editor Day 419/Depleted
Co-Creator World of Depleted