Those of us who can eke out a living as independent filmmakers have a lot to be thankful for. First are our patrons, our ticket-buyers, the individuals from all over the world who spend their money on the chance that they may actually like our work.
Then there are those who simply share a filmmaker’s content on social media so more and more eyes will read it and be aware of its existence. It’s the modern-day equivalent of the Faberge Organics Shampoo
Frank DiCesare speaking at the world premiere of
"Blacksmith," the Jefferson Theater, Beaumont, Texas,
October 28, 2017. Photo/Brandon Gouthier
ad from the 1970s: “You’ll tell two friends, and they’ll tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on…” Nearly fifty years later word-of-mouth advertising hasn’t changed a bit; it’s just gone online; the mouse has replaced the mouth; and it’s still free. All you do is click “share” and you’re done. Believe me, it makes a big difference in the life and livelihood of an artist, no matter what they create.
Finally, and perhaps most important of all, are the sponsors: the companies, the institutions and individual benefactors who believe in the work of directors who create their films far beyond the Pearly Gates of Hollywood. The sponsors are those who often put up the seed money for a film they believe in (sometimes even in its development stage) to get it off the ground and on to a solid start. Without them, most good films are doomed from the beginning.
In the three-year history of Oskar Films I have been blessed to encounter all three, either in person or through online, analytical data. Indeed, it has been an incredible journey. Imagine having your first film streamed by people in more than 15 countries around the world. And that number appears to be growing. Last month “Blacksmith” was viewed by a short film fan for the first time in The Philippines. A close look at Our Viewers map shows that the sun has yet to set on “Blacksmith,” and I am grateful for every minute streamed.
Today, Oskar Films has several projects in development and a few in production. It is my hope that these stories touch everyone who sees them in as many ways as possible – artistically, intellectually, emotionally, even practically. In the weeks ahead, I will announce a new short film and the subjects and people who will bring it to life. As the film’s producer-director, I hope to galvanize as much support as possible during its production in order to see it through to its conclusion.
So if you or your company or organization want to get involved with my new short film as a sponsor, please let me know through Our Sponsors page. I am always grateful for your support.
Best wishes,
Frank DiCesare
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