The production will be shot in digital video with a Canon XL-1 camera, with the result to be of broadcast quality. 
  
The Script 

If you want to take a look at the script for Dream World, it's available here as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file.  If you don't have it, you can get the free Acrobat Reader to view .pdf files from Adobe. 
  
The Schedule 

Auditions have finally ended, and we've got our cast together.  We ended up seeing a total of 51 people for the three main roles - and we'd like to thank each and every one of them coming in to read for us.  It was a great experience. 

Rehearsals and shooting will commence on February 27. 
  
The Goals 

So what, exactly, are the goals for Dream World?  In other words, why is it being made - what is planned for it? 

What follows are the best answers I've got. 

I. IN AND OF ITSELF - To make the best production possible, in the footsteps of the great old Twilight Zone and Outer Limits series.  (I hope this doesn't sound too simple-minded, but I guess it's actually my most basic purpose.  Sort of artistic, maybe.  But that's why we call it "Unhollywood"...) 

II. TEST BED FOR FEATURE PROJECT - To serve as a test vehicle for future productions; a practical way of determining the best techniques and approaches.  In particular, to serve as a test bed for a feature length movie. 

III. PROMOTIONAL AND COMMERCIAL - To provide those involved in this project with practical career experience, and hopefully a worthwhile entry for their resumes.  Additionally, "points" - a share of any future commercial profits - will be distributed to those taking part; though realistically, the possibility for a financial return on a short feature like this one is MINIMAL.  (Very minimal.  In other words, most likely zero.  I'm certainly not counting on anything.) 

 The specific promotional and commercial possibilities are as follows: 

1. FILM FESTIVALS - These have always been one of the most important venues for the display of independent productions (especially short features).  Traditionally, the entries had to be submitted on film, but the acceptance of video entries (such as ours would most likely be) is increasing.  In fact, Sundance (no less) is apparently making plans to incorporate digital video in its regular program - which may have a big effect on all other festivals.  (See the Indie Wire article on this subject.) 

2. WEBCASTING - The possibilities for webcasting - that is, broadcasting features over the internet - seems to be growing by leaps and bounds, linked closely to ever increasing Internet connection speeds, as provided by technologies like DSL.  (My own guess is that webcasting may currently be in the same position that television was in its infancy.)  Not only are sites for short features like Atom Films and Entertaindom growing daily, but sites for original programming seem to be on the way for the near future (see Centerseat.com). 

At any rate, webcasting is going to need programming.  Most likely a lot of programming. (And also better programming; at least better than most of what is now seen.)  Productions like Dream World could help provide it. 

And if nothing else, Dream World can always count on a home at the website for Unhollywood Productions - a website that will be continually promoted in the future. 

3. TELEVISION - Cable operations like the Sci-Fi Channel have bought up short features for broadcast from time to time.  (And Dream World has been purposely made in the traditional half-hour television episode format.)  Furthermore, PBS, in particular, has recently broadcast some series showcasing short features.  Of course, our possibilities here are rather uncertain - but certainly they will be explored. 

4. DIRECT DISTRIBUTION - Frankly, the potential for direct distribution of Dream World (by videotape or DVD to consumers) seems limited.  Although a small distributor did express interest in my last production, Plastic Sides(!)  (The issue of music rights prevented any further progress, unfortunately - it was only meant as a student film.)  So who knows? 
  
Unhollywood 

That pretty much covers things for now.  If you've come from some place outside of our main website, you might want to take a look at the rest of it, to get some idea of what we've done and what we're about.  Just start at our Main Index Page. 
 

Until later,  
   
MAS