Dear No Budget Filmmakers (and dog lovers!):

Opening this weekend at LA's Laemmle Music Hall is a very special no-budget feature, "The Dogwalker".  Directed by Filmmaker's Alliance co-founder and LA Indie Film Champion Jacques Thelemaque, and starring Thelemaque's wife and FA co-founder Diane Gaidry, "The Dogwalker" embodies the quality that most of you will need to get your features out into the world: Perseverance.  Several years in the making and several more in the releasing, this production is an expert lesson in never giving up, listening to your heart, and waiting for the right moment to strike.

The story of how a misanthrope and a whole host of dogs guide a young, battered woman towards salvation is near-and-dear to the Thelemaques', who had been dogwalkers in real life.  After many years developing and workshopping the script, then another couple shooting and editing, then another couple working the festivals, changes in technology and in theatrical distribution finally made it possible for Thelemaque to release the film himself (through Mark Cuban's Truly Indie program) and find and aggregate an audience.  Prior to these changes, Thelemaque would have had to settle for what a lot of indie filmmakers settle for, bad deals from distributors who have no way of knowing how to release an honest drama with no stars. And it would have been a crime to have this film sitting around--it is a moving story with fine touches of humor (and brutality) throughout, and an excellent example of what can be pulled off even on a tiny budget.

Come to the Music Hall this weekend to see the film (released digitally) and ask the filmmaker questions afterwards. Or, if you want to support a wonderful non-profit organization with ties to the film's subject matter, go to the screening this Wednesday at the Laemmle Monica benefiting Arts Fighting Cancer (AFC). Tickets for this screening are $15 and all proceeds go to AFC, who helps cancer patients cope with financial difficulties. A reception follows at nearby Ma'kai Lounge.

Flyers for both the benefit screening and the opening are included below, as well as a recent review from the film's San Francisco premier.

"THE DOGWALKER"

Opening August 25th for a limited engagement

Laemmle's Music Hall

9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, 90211

310-274-6869

For more information, visit their web site:

http://www.thedogwalkerfilm.com/

As I always say, please see this movie in the theater, opening weekend if possible. You will enjoy the theatrical experience and your support of low budget films getting a theatrical release gives all of us a better chance to see our own movies on the big screen.

Best,

Mark

-- 

NO BUDGET FILM SCHOOL

The Principles and Secrets of Micro-Budget Filmmaking Revealed

http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/

"THE ART & SCIENCE OF NO BUDGET FILMMAKING"
A Two-Day No-Budget Filmmaking Immersion

October 21 & 22, 2006

Los Angeles, California
 

FREE PRODUCTION SOFTWARE!!!

No Budget Film School has partnered with Axium Entertainment to bring you an incredible offer.  Register for the classes now and receive Axium® Scheduling� and Axium® Budgeting� software absolutely FREE! (a $400 Value!).
 

Guest speakers scheduled to appear:
- Peter Broderick, President, Paradigm Consulting, considered the leading authority on alternative distribution strategy
- Mike Upton, SVP, 2929 Productions, formerly ran Roger Corman's studio, now head of production for Mark Cuban
- Michael Cioni, Director of Operations, PlasterCITY Digital Post, the tech genius behind Chris Coppola's post house 
 
Additional speakers to be announced.

Visit NO BUDGET FILM SCHOOL to register and for more information:

http://www.nobudgetfilmschool.com/id14.html