Art film project - can you help?

Last May, I posted about a visit to Aberglasney Gardens and an encounter with Glenn Ibbitson, an artist who had an exhibition there at the time of our visit. I wrote this about his work:

Two local artists, Glenn Ibbitson and Carole King (no, not that Carole King) had their work on show and it was fabulous. I got chatting to Glenn and it turns out he is a Leeds lad (like me) and spent a lot of time in Hull (like I have). He's about my age, but the years didn't match, so there were no "ah, that must have been you!" moments. He's another 'ex-biker' - got as far as a Honda Superdream and then moved to London and never looked back. His work ranged from superbly-drawn landscapes to semi-impressionist interiors, and I liked it all. That's from someone who is very wary of 'modern art' - the man can paint, and paint extremely well.

Glenn has recently been in touch and is looking for support (OK, financial support) for a new venture into film-making. This was his message to me:

My latest fine art project is a video entitled ‘TATSUKO’. Based on a true story, it has been shot largely in black and white and is a silent film.

Its provisional release date is June 1st, 2012

Please take a couple of minutes to watch the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET9F5OkuIds (trailer embedded below)

With a running time of about 40 minutes, the video has proved too long to be considered for Wales Arts Council funding; too short for Wales Film Agency grants…!

So far, work has proceeded through the goodwill of the small production team, but as the video is enters its post-production phase, money is sought to pay for:

A] a Soundtrack. This is being scored by award-winning musician Wyn Lewis Jones, but this process incurs sound recording studio costs.

B] the publishing of a Book, which traces the film’s development from initial inception to final cut; comprising film stills, storyboards, location schedules, interviews and notes.

C] Marketing: through the national and international film festival network. Entry thereto is dependent upon submissions fees.

I have decided to seek funds using the ‘crowdfunding’ model. Rather than simply contribute money, the sponsor is offered a range of rewards in exchange for pledges. This then becomes an opportunity for you as sponsor to acquire some unique, tangible art product, [postcards, screenprints, original drawings and paintings] in addition to seeing your name on both film credit roll and the printed page, as a patron of the arts. To see how you can help, visit:

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/investment/tatsuko-652

Every sponsor at whatever level will have the opportunity of adding their personal or business website to the project blog.

http://tatsukoproj.blogspot.com/2012/03/crowdfunding-tatsuko.html

Higher level contributions will ensure this information appears in the book and on the film’s final credit roll.

If you are unable to pledge, I completely understand. In which case, could I ask you to pass this information on to your contacts, who may be in a position to help out?

Thank you for reading this through.

Best wishes,

Glenn Ibbitson
http://www.smokingbrushfineart.com

Here's the trailer:



If you like what you see and feel able to help Glenn in any way, you know what to do. I am intrigued by the trailer, and I reckon the idea is worthy of support. If you have a blog of your own and would consider giving some publicity there, I am sure Glenn would be delighted.