FILM NATION: Animation. Yamination.

April has seen some exciting developments at Infinite Wisdom. Sequel talks with a major UK film company, casting talks across the pond and the launch of the iWISDOM NEWSLETTER, exclusive to our investor network.

We hope to be able to share more on these developments in the coming months but for now we’re bringing you someone else’s good news with a fantastic success story from the region.

Multi-award-winning stop-motion animators YAMINATION STUDIOS has won one of three awards from the ‘Ignition’ Futures Fund from SKY ARTS. Just like Infinite Wisdom, the Birmingham based animation house has its humble beginnings in the heart of the Black Country, in nearby Wolverhampton. Founded by talented animator DREW ROPER, the company’s name comes from a local colloquialism (‘Yam-Yam’) combined with his love of everything animated.

With bold ambitions and an intense love for AARDMAN, Infinite Wisdom thinks Yamination Studios and Drew Roper are definitely ones to watch. Keep your eyes peeled for their Sky Arts debut later in the year.

WISE WOMEN: International Women's Day 2012

March 8th marked INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2012, bringing together and celebrating the lives of women around the globe.

As part of the celebrations OXFAM was busy asking women to get together and help raise money for those in need. Last month we reported that Infinite Wisdom was tasked with producing a short animated film to show women everywhere what it was all about, and now we're happy to report it looks like it was a roaring success.

The Get-together campaign marks an ongoing collaboration between the two companies following the success of our Glen, Gary & Ross campaign to promote the issue of land grabs in developing countries.

Our Get-together film proved to be so successful the core concept was spun off into a radio ad featuring Oscar-winning actress DAME HELEN MIRREN (below).

MICROBUDGET UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

As the landscape of film funding continues to change the biggest challenge for independent filmmakers is to pick a side. Do they go big, go small or go home?

Those on the outskirts are told pre-sales are dead, minimum guarantees are shrinking and the only way to go is to make it for the cost of a packet of cigarettes in hope of making a profit.

Those at the top are going bigger and bigger to pull in the crowds and those in the middle are torn between the two. However, dig a little deeper and you realise there is still a place for mid-range good quality product. Less than six weeks ago an indie distributor told us pre-sales aren’t dead, they’re essential. Quality product is declining so if distributors want it they have to get in early.

The Myth of Micro-Budget is that it’s the key to making money. Make it cheap sell it high. However, we all know cheap budgets won’t necessarily equal quality and audiences might go for the odd Paranormal Activity or Blair Witch Project but generally you’re up against the studios for a space in the multiplex. As an independent producer there’s no denying budgets are shrinking and we all have to tighten our belts a little but if we do away with a budget completely how do we survive?

Making a product for less than its worth is a fundamental part of business but business is all about making a profit down the line and paying those responsible. If everyone sets out to make micro-budget movies how long can those people last? Who is paying the crew’s mortgage when they’re working for a tiny share of profits they might never see? Starting out as a runner on a low-budget set and learning a few tricks of the trade is one thing. Being the DoP and being paid nothing is quite another.

Industries aren’t built on a free economy and if micro-budget becomes the only route for indie filmmakers, the film industry could just turn into one giant sweatshop even if the clothing still looks good.

Article by Michael Ford: see the article at ER Grove & CO www.ergrove.co.uk

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT? NO!

It’s been quite a while since our last update so we thought we’d bring you some January news in case anyone wondered what we’ve been up to. Well as it happens, quite a lot actually and our NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION is to update this rather more often!

We got this newsblog off to a flying start in March last year and then ground to a blogging halt. So where to begin…

Charity Work:
Well most recently, in December, we were approached by OXFAM to produce a new online film encouraging women to ‘Get Together’ for women everywhere on INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. Go on, it’s on 8^TH MARCH.

The film was our second collaboration of the year with the charity having produced GLEN, GARY & ROSS for them in July to increase public awareness of the danger of ‘Land Grabs’.

You can see GLEN, GARY & ROSS below:

And GET TOGETHER below that… or visit www.oxfam.org.uk/womensday

Top Dogs:
Lots of people have been asking about our feature film projects so here’s what we’re allowed to tell you. Having big name actors attached is never easy. If you think organising a date in the diary to get a few old friends together is tricky, try scheduling a two-month shoot that works for top talent young and old… we shall prevail in 2012!

Oh and we can tell you we have a major distributor attached and the finance in place but that’s all I can say… shhhh.

Big Cats:
In August we set about taking pictures of big cats, jaguars specifically for JRL and our friends at PALMER HARGREAVES in Leamington. Our work on the JAGUAR promo below led to another successful collaboration in October for LAND ROVER which saw us putting them under close surveillance and tracking their cars to the end of the world and back.

Pitching In:
Last but not least, I know a few of you were hoping that by now we might have reopened our submission form - at least the budding and existing film and television writers among you. Sadly I’m afraid we’re just so busy with our internal projects, and realising some of the great features we’ve been working towards. That means our factory doors will have to stay shut a little longer but as soon as we start crossing these projects off we’ll be on the look out for more I’m sure!

Oh and we’re sure we’ve missed lots out – perhaps we should update a bit more often!

BIGGEST EVER BRUM FILM?

Following on from our visit to the studios on Friday, BRMB posted an article which asks the question could DOGS OF LAW be the biggest ever film to originate in Birmingham?It's both a bold and flattering statement. If we could come even half as close as the hype we would be very proud indeed. Check out the full article on their website here:http://www.brmb.co.uk/news/headlines/biggest-ever-brum-film/

VIDEO MADE THE RADIO STAR

It’s been a busy birthday week at Infinite Wisdom as we’ve been celebrating the start of our fifth year in business with exciting news about our film and television projects.

Hot on the trail of finance, Infinite Wisdom producer MICHAEL FORD has been busy meeting with sales agents and distributors for the company’s forthcoming feature film but still found time to take over the airwaves.

107.7 THE WOLF started the ball rolling in Michael’s home city of Wolverhampton on Thursday, announcing the search for local entrepreneurs or sporting personalities looking to invest in local film.

Today Michael headed over to the BRMB Studios on Broad Street to talk to Dan Dawson on 96.4 FM about the latest developments. Michael was there to spread the word about DOGS OF LAW and ask for wealthy investors to get in touch and get involved in the booming British Film Industry.

BEST OF BRITISH: Luke Evans and Robert Carlyle to star in 'Dogs of Law'

Birmingham based producer MICHAEL FORD is hoping to take his place in the thick of the UK Film Industry with his first feature starring some of Britain’s best talent.

Trained at Wolverhampton’s Light House Media Centre, Michael set up his own production company INFINITE WISDOM four years ago and hasn’t looked back. As the company celebrates its 4th Birthday this week Michael is busy preparing for an exciting new era with the launch of the company’s first feature film project.

DOGS OF LAW is a £2.3 million action thriller due to go into production in the Summer and stars THE FULLY MONTY’S ROBERT CARLYLE alongside rising star LUKE EVANS. Luke was last seen alongside Gemma Arterton in Stephen Frear’s TAMARA DREWE, and is soon to headline the latest big screen adaptation of THE THREE MUSKETEERS starring as one of the legendary trio.

In DOGS OF LAW Evans plays an undercover cop investigating a corrupt fellow officer (Carlyle) as he seeks revenge on the same gang his partner is being paid to protect.

Developed with support from regional screen agency SCREEN WEST MIDLANDS, the film is being cast by the same force behind the Oscar winning SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and hit Brit comedy FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL.

Infinite Wisdom is now actively seeking wealthy local investors to help finance production and share in the film’s success. Almost a third of the money is already lined up and the film is drawing a lot of interest from the industry since it was announced last week.

The company is looking for anyone from successful entrepreneurs to local sporting personalities with an interest in the bright lights of the British Film Industry to get in touch.

You can find out more on the company’s website http://www.iwisdom.co.uk/ or call 0121 233 9888.

The film’s producer Michael Ford said “Dogs of Law is a far cry from the usual British costume drama. It’s a breakneck action film and we’re getting a great response from distributors and sales agents.”