Happy New Year!

Well I'm back and feeling greatly refreshed and relaxed, and ready to drag this sick puppy of a movie towards the launch-pad. One of the very first steps was the mag screening last Thursday, which produced some bizarrely very positive feedback, notably from one of the top horror / genre critics here in UK. So I'm going to have to sit down and think about that for a while, having prepared myself over the holidays to face a grey tsunami of hostility from the press. Now, I'm sure there will be more than enough press vitriol to keep me afloat, in the weeks to come. BUT if a number of voices in the grown-up mainstream press were to decide that they kind of like of Straightheads, or even that they're anything less than outright appalled, then I would have to ask myself: what sort of a sick country do I live in? And quite probably I would have no option but to apply for residency somewhere more down-to-earth like, oh, Syria. In fact I hear the Syrian film industry is planning a move into low-budget genre horror and thriller productions, mostly with local talent but some foreign participation too. So much so that the USA is thinking of getting involved to stop things getting out of hand and, you know, undermining Hollywood. Plus I love mint tea. So unless something can be done about these sickeningly positive vibes from some really twisted writers in the press here in UK, Damascus here I come. Enough said for now. I suspect I'm worrying uneccessarily...

Meanwhile I'll be keeping you up to date more often now as things start to gear up towards the April release of Straightheads. As soon as Verve give me a definite (as can be) date I'll post it on this blog so you should hear it here first!

Now - the competitions. Firstly, I loved the winning entries, which I only saw when I got back early last week. The animated deer made me roar with laughter and the tone of that clip is spot-on. Less icky but even funnier was the musical, and the posters were great, so well done everyone and I was most impressed that Carlota and Eduardo flew in from Spain to be at the screening. When I went off for a Chinese with the composer and score producer posse the bloggers were huddled in a corner of the pub looking very merry. I hope none of you ended up in a canal. Thanks for coming, it was great to see you, and put some faces to those random names in the comment pages...

Comments

[Kristy]

Dan,

I have all the confidence in the world that your film will be a success! So, try not to worry too much!

So, how was the film for those that got to see it? Are we allowed to discuss it at all? I don't want anyone giving away details about it, just let us know what your impression of the film was if that's ok.

Oh, and thanks so much for the beautiful pictures. Wow, those blue eyes are absolutely smashing! Gillian is just so gorgeous! Thanks!

[Jannicke]

Ehhh...My comment on the last entry were deleted. All I wrote in the comment was that i couldn't wait to see the movie, and that i had never waited for a movie as much as i am waiting for this!
I was also asking about the trailer, when it would be released...
Oh well, maybe someone found it offensive..

Well, I can`t wait to see your work Dan. Not only because of Gillian, but to see your creation.
You seem so focused and so into what you are doing. And that can only lead to great results! You take it really serious, but at the same time you joke around allot..That is a great balance, some of the best directors i know and have worked with have that particular gift..!
I also can`t wait to see Gillian play a role like this. I have long known that she would be able to do a role like this really good! But i didn't think that i would be experience that any time soon! She has such a range - from a fabulous comedian to a really believable dramatic actress!

[toni]

Thanks for the update and pics Dan....look forward to many more.

April really isnt that far off now!! Ive seen a few reviews already now, and i am now itching too see this movie!!

[Gillian]

Hey, thanks for the 2 new pics, Dan!! :D

[Huffleshuffle]

Thanks bunches for posting the new pics Dan and also thanks for this fantastic eve. We really had a lot of fun!!! Thank you so much for your kindness!!! I am really dying to know how the official poster looks like!!! And of course you can count on our moral support, not only at the premiere.

[Adrian]

I know you're only kidding, Dan, but why do you think that we have to live in a sick country to appreciate Straightheads? There is some phenomenal acting, great cinematography and a chilling story that keeps you hooked until the end. I don't think that you need to be sick to enjoy that.

otoh I guess it depends upon your definition of "enjoy"! I "appreciated" seeing a well paced, thought provoking movie with powerful themes that have a lot of relevance to our society and the way that we live our lives today. In fact, I haven't been able to get it out of my head since seeing it. Oh, and it was pretty nice seeing Gillian take a shower, too :)

Well done and good luck with the film. And Britain needs good movie makers, so don't even think about emigrating!

[Siven]

Thx for the new pix the worst ting is that I won't see the movie bc it won't be shown in Poland :( What a shity country I live in :( ehhh

[Anasyx]

Hi Dan!! Thank you for posting the photos!!

And don't worry about the critics, Straihtheads rocks and I can't wait to see it!! btw, you (or Sony Spain) can make a premiere in Spain? I can't fly to London but I can to Madrid!!

PD: Sorry for the mistakes :S

[Ana Carolina]

Wow!I'm just so curious about this movie!!

I already send a lot of emails to bretz...I think that he wants to kill me! ;D
I hope, hope, hope that he listen to us!At least me!hihi :P

So, since I live in Brazil and in Porto Alegre, I know how delay to arrive the films here...Until then, I will just die for news about the movie... :)
And yes, my english is really bad! :P
Lucky for you guys!
And Dan, thanks a lot for the pictures!

[Patricia_]

Hi, Dan!

Thanx for the pics. They're great. And I realized that the person who has that thing in which appears the title of the film, and the numbers of the scene and take, etc. (I don't know how to say it in English) wears globes and that Gillian doesn't. I'm sure it was very cold! So poor her!

Anyway, I don't think either that your film aren't gonna have succes. I mean, at least all of us are going to see it. That's something, hehe. But, no... really. I'm sure all is gonna be right.

All my positive energy to you and the film!
- Patricia.

Oh, and sorry for my mistakes too, because I think this is my worst comment ever.

[Cath]

Thanks for the awesome new pics, dan!

Don't forget to post the rejected posters too... please!

[Alan]

Hi Dan and Happy New Year!

It's very good to hear from you again! Thanks for the new pics. They're both great! Fantastic to know that as we approach April and Straightheads' release we'll be hearing from you more frequently. Always a pleasure to read anything you have to say.

The wheels must be starting to pick up speed to start promoting Straightheads. Can we expect you to turn up in an interview on "Film 2007 with Jonathan Ross" yet, Dan? I've been tuning into "Film 2007" a lot more recently to see if anything Straightheads related turns up but so far nothing. Nada. Zip. Maybe it's too early to be watching "Film 2007" but I'll keep tuning in until I do see something.

Anyway I look forward to your next posting. Take care.

[Laura]

Hi there, Dan !

Thanks for posting the winning posters. I am very glad at least some of us got to see the screening of the movie :) Now all we are waiting for is....lemme see...the poster, the "official" trailer and the confirmed date of the premiere (with exact location and everything LOL), and, uh.....it's too much to ask for a southern european premiere on a random mediterranean city, like, uh...for example....barcelona???? --- sorry. i had to try !!!

Best wishes for you and this your project called straightheads

Laura.

[Patricia_]

Exactly, Laura, Barcelona is an international city too. :lol: A premiere here would be great.

Well, I had to try too. :lol: