This week began the launch (submission) phase of First Launch. While it will take some time to see if the script is accepted into festivals, I’m glad the “First World Universe” is getting out into the market. This is the first time in my career I’ve submitted a script that is a sequel to a previously produced story – First Signal. The script is also what I call “epic-length” at 151 pages. Having reread the script on several occasions I don’t see where it could be cut without affecting the story.

Since I started writing screenplays in 2006, there has been a standard to follow in terms of format, presentation, and of course quality. You’ll find those that adhere strongly to the three-act structure, while some have multiple acts. My first produced feature film, Justice Is Mind, followed a multi-act structure. While First Signal followed a more traditional three-act structure. Regardless of the number of acts, you do need to have a story arc that follows a set-up, conflict, and resolution.

While setting up First Launch on Film Freeway for festival submission, I did want to have a concept poster to go with it. As filmmaking is a visual medium, I believe even at the script stage, it’s important to have some sort of imagery to set the tone for anyone who is going to read the script. Normally I would have turned to one of my trusted graphic designers to work with me on a poster. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), and at this preliminary stage of the project, I turned to Image Creator from Microsoft Bing. The one thing I’ve learned with AI on the image front, as long as you type in very specific instructions it will generally produce what you’re looking for. While the concept poster you see may not be the final, I have to say Bing did a great job.

For those who have followed this blog for the last decade, you remember the excitement around the release of my first feature film Justice Is Mind. From the numerous theatrical screenings to our international premiere on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, those were wonderful memories. Imagine my surprise when our distributor, Filmhub, reached out to me and stated that Justice Is Mind was selected for DVD distribution.

Although DVDs have been declining for years with streaming, it is still a $700+ million-dollar market.  If our distributor believes there’s money to be made, why not make every effort to tap it? When I inquired, they mentioned they had everything they needed for the construction of the DVD packaging. As it has been so long, I now remember I supplied them with stills, copy, reviews, and, of course, the trailer and feature (it was the same process for First Signal with our distributor Indie Rights).  For those of you producing a film, it is critical to supply everything the distributor asks for. They use all these assets when placing films on streaming platforms, or, in this case, constructing a DVD.

Next week, I have a meeting to discuss putting SOS United States into production this year.  With the companion novel completed at the manuscript stage and with the screenplay relatively locked, this project is as ready as it ever will be for the next stage – pre-production.

All aboard.