Roger Owen: Producer in Southampton, United Kingdom.

Hey Everybody - Since I listened in on Richard's last online discussion I'm fired up to network with you all. Have tried several times to upload my reel so you can see me in action. It's about 4 minutes long - I tried the drag & drop and also the link that has "Choose File" button - it's not happening. Help!

Does anyone have any experience in adding a scene and the credit crawl using Premier CC on something edited on Avid? Can that be done? Any help will be greatly appreciated and would make life a lot easier on a current (almost finished )project.

I'm really keen to experiment with VFX, seems to open up a world of exciting possibilities. I'm developing several short film ideas and trying to develop a network of talent and crew in my local area to join me in this adventure.

Sounds good? Of course! My Military History, archive based, 60 minute films continue to gain interest in ever growing global TV arenas, DVD outlets, and new media platforms. Trouble is - I've never seen a penny by way of on-going financial rewards, I just got paid the production costs, and 'apparently' the programmes have still not recouped those costs. Contract? Verbal gentlemans agreement! Doh! Think it might be time for a change, and for me to start looking for new Executive Producers, Sales Agents and Distributors.

My lastest 2 films now finished and shortly to be released! Short break required to get rid of some cabin fever, then.....NEXT PLEASE! http://www.alliancepictures.co.uk/relport.php

I have an interesting proposal for a series of 'feature film' style Doco-Dramas, complete with an extensive treatment for one of the episodes. My particular genre is Military History, and my previous programmes sell reasonably well around the world as DVD release as well as TV broadcast. I now wish to push the boat out a little further to encompass highly cinematic re-created action sequences. Don't get me wrong - I love working with archive footage, but I'm beginning to feel like I've seen it all. Next step? Trailer, me thinks. A well produced, action packed preview of what's actually envisaged will enable me to 'Cut 2 The Chase' in terms of getting the project in front of the right people. whilst at the same time giving them the confidence and security of knowledge that the job will be done to good, highly professional standards. Even trailer production is going to need some level of funding and I therefore would like to take this opportunity to make this proposal and Episode treatment available to those who might be able to assist in this area. The document is available for download on receipt of an email of interest.

Down here in the beautiful New Forest region of South Coast UK, I make TV documentaries about military history - so, mainly archive footage, stills, and graphics. Sometimes I get the chance to include some 'talking heads' (military historians). Budgets are low, but the programmes sell reasonably well around the world. I have several higher 'production value' projects that I need to find proper funding for - not an easy task in todays financial climate! Apart from Voice Over, I do everything 'In-House'. Got FCP and Adobe Premiere - but prefer using my AVID systems. If turn-over increases - I will probably be looking for some extra 'pairs of hands' in terms of Research, Writing, Editing, Graphics, Audio Finishing and Colourist (or more appropriately - 'B&W-ist').

We're halfway through the assemble on our latest feature and - although there's light at the end of the tunnel - it sometimes feels so painful! Do other people find this? Any coping mechanisms apart from booze and just powering through haha?

I have a fantastic WW2 story to tell - actually I have several, but to cut to the chase, I want to make a short trailer about a particular event that took place in rural France during World War 2. I need; Wardrobe, Hair & Make-Up, Props Person , Art Director, Set Designer, Camera Assistant, Actors and Actresses (prepared to look 1940's), Assitant Director, Production designer, Armourer, WW2 Vehicles and Drivers, Stunt Co-ordinator, Pyrotechnic Person, Grips, Riggers......... You name it - I will probably need it! There is a minute budget to cover some costs and expenses, but obviously a DVD of the finished trailer to all involved in the production. It's a fantastic story and I hope that making a trailer for it will result in a commission to make the full film. Please note that this is a UK production, and shooting weill most likely be carried out around the UK South Coast.

In a direct response to the increasing difficulty in raising investment for film production – I have decided to create a scheme to assist great ideas to become reality rather than never actually being produced. Pre-sale funding from broadcasters and private investors is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, the knock-on effect being that many worthy projects often get no further than a proposal document or treatment stage. The ‘Alliance’ idea is very simple, it relies on participants’ to believe in the project they will be working for, and be prepared to wait a while to receive the rewards. Put very simply - people offer their talents and expertise just as they would for a fully paying commission; the only difference is that payment is deferred. Sceptics (I know there will be some) can stop reading now. There is nothing new about this idea and ‘No Pay, Low Pay, Expenses Only’ deals are common place within many low budget, non-broadcast arenas. The main difference with our arrangement is that there exists a proven, long lasting market for the kind of programmes we make. Our programmes have sold well worldwide in broadcast, cable, Internet and DVD distribution. How does it work? A budget to produce a programme is created in the normal way, including all standard production costs, fees and expenses. Everyone involved in the production provides a ‘deferred payment notice’ which is the fee and/or expenses that they would have normally charged. These notices will be collated by a professional independent accountant, also on deferred fees, who calculates a percentage profit share based on the individual deferred fees. The completed programme is offered up for a range of distribution deals – and as money starts rolling in from sales - the accountants become enabled to supply dividend payments to all the programme contributors. Example; A completed programme with a production total of £20,000 makes an initial sale for a 1 year licence to a UK broadcaster for £5000. If the programmes’ ‘script writer’ deferred fee was £2000 they would be allocated a profit share percentage of 10% and so would receive £500 from the first sale. Then as the film attracts more and more sales for different territories and delivery platforms – more and more payments are made which will continue for the life of the film. A series of films we produced in 2001 are still selling 12 years later! I believe the idea should work - maybe others might see if it works for them too. Roger Owen. www.alliancepictures.co.uk

Hi Liz, I couldn't listen to your showreel - maybe my very rural internet connection. I'll try again later.

I like the overview, I've had a similar thought about a film project (been on the back-burner for far too long!) Not sure if I can be of any help - but good luck with the musical.

Reid, firstly you MUST make a start - even a 'false start'. As the edit gains momentum it will become clearer for you to see the big picture. Editing is non-destructive, you can put together a series of shots - then view your edit and IT will tell you if you are going the right way or the wrong way - editing is an organic process. Don't be afraid to experiment with yoir edit - there's nothing to be lost, if you don't like something about your edit - you can easily change it, and your edit will get better and better. Organise your work-flow so that you can find the things you need easily (i'm assuming you are using a NLE system of some sort) - divide your material into different headings and store them in different bins. If your programme has a V/O - record it first (even as a 'guide track'), and lay that down on your time-line. If you have masses of interview material it may help to transcibe to a Word document and keep this on a computer nearby so you can 'word search' to find relevant comment for particular sections of your film. Get going guy!

I'm just beginning to put together a treatment and budget for a documentary series that requires a few sequences of 'Music Hall' talent performing during the early 1910's - 1920's. It's unlikely that enough archive material could be found and so In short I'm looking for Male and Female vocalists familiar with the popular music of that era, choir members, pianist and possibly ouher musicians. As well as an authentic music hall to shoot at. This is all a bit out of my usual speciality, so any advise would be very welcomed.

Hi Paul, Gosh you ARE local! I'm editing at the moment, but would like to meet up at some point. I've been working on a treatment for a drama-doc project and would appreciate your giving it an expert look over. Cheers, Roger.

If you're looking out for a "local" Production Designer anytime check me out www.paulcowellproductiondesigner.co.uk.

Hi there! My name is Daniel Buhr and iam a ambition and serious composer living in Sweden,and who want establish a network with people in the film/media business all around the world. For the last year I have try to establish connection and tried to write as much music as possible to learn and develop my music in any types of film and genre's .... So if you are in need of my service please feel free to give me a call or drop me a email for further contact. I could write music for your feature film,short,documentary,information film,commercial and other costume write songs. Please visit my website for more information and listen to some works that I've done. I really hope we get in touch and work together sometime,otherwise i wish you luck with all your project and thank your taking the time and read this. Sincerely , db-Music Daniel Buhr www.danielbuhr.net +46736412825 dbcompositor@gmail.com Skype: danielcompositor www.facebook.com/danielbuhr79

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