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Well, things are getting tough and I have come to the conclusion I will have to revamp and go down another path for the present. I am going to set my sites on completing the DVD disk set this fall, and put away any hope of submitting to PBS at present time. It's not that I've given up, but I also have to face reality.

What I can do is keep trying to acquire smaller-scale funding so I am able to hire some voice-over talents, etc., and still be able to take the final production to a local studio to put on the final polish. I'm also looking into how much it will cost to have the set packaged so I can offer it to the public for sale.

Well, I have to go do some thinking and try and get back into gear. That's all for now...

Well I just revamped the page on the main site, to reflect the current state of the project. Here's what I posted:

March 2, 2010 - Reality sets in...

While it's tough enough to secure a grant for documentary works, our present state of economy is making this already difficult task even harder. Therefore it's highly unlikely I will be able to submit my production to PBS, any time in the near future. While truly disappointing, I still plan on selling the completed several-disk set in fall of 2010.

I am gathering information from such sites as CreateSpace (an Amazon.com company) to see how much it would cost to package and distribute my production to the public. The final outcome would be a professionally packaged set with full-color wrap and disk face.

Even though this will substantially cut my out-of-pocket costs, I am still working with a very limited budget and therefore actively seeking underwriters in order to make this a reality. Not only will I need funds for publishing and distribution, but due to the lack of volunteers for voice-overs, I will most likely have to hire professionals to complete the project.

For a contribution of $500.00 or more, I would be delighted to add your company's name to the production credits. Many thanks in advance...

I must admit the last few weeks have been very hard for me, after experiencing several set-backs. Ah yes, reality rears her ugly little head.

ONE: I have to face the fact I am not going to find enough volunteers for voice-overs, and therefore will have to dish out some bucks to have professionals complete the job for me. For without this, I am not able to complete my documentary.

TWO: I've also experienced some equipment failure, which required immediate replacement. Ah, more money out the door.

THIRD: I've had to buy additional audio software and hardware in order for the production to meet certain standards. If you're going to do something, you gotta do it right.

Yes, it all comes down to the almighty dollar. So, if you know of any large or small business who would like to be an underwriter for this project, please let me know as soon as possible. Writing skills may abound, and enthusiasm may brim, but without continued support, this production may unfortunately come to a stand-still....

Marion, I'm so sorry to hear of the hard going. One day I know it will happen just as you would like it too. You've shown great patience in your website, and look at the success of it. Hang on there!

Ah thanks my friend. It's just nice to get a HUG from someone. Ya, it definitely has it's ups and downs. I'll keep shooting for the moon, though right now I'd be happy with Washington DC. See, I am still trying to laugh.

But really, thanks for posting because sometimes it gets awfully lonely out here and I wonder...

If you need a hick from WV to do a voice over I'd be glad to help.

XOXO

B

Had an epiphany this morning...Instead of waiting until the entire production is completed, I am going to publish in part. This will allow me to offer it to the vets, their families and other interested parties at an earlier date. I will be able to put the finishing touches on chapters one and two, and place them for sale in the very near future.

Still need a couple people for voice-overs, but will probably post a request on this site tomorrow, and find out how much it will cost.

http://voice123.com/

Once I have that accomplished. Will do the final editing and then will probably publish through:

https://www.createspace.com/Products/DVD/

Could you try some drama students at local schools? Or is there a theatre group in your town?

Connections like that are tough to get, I know

Ah, already gone that route. I've dealt with three universities and while they all started out with good intentions, it wound up being a circle chase, with me always waiting. That's why I think it's best to pay someone to do. As they say; you get what you pay for.

I sometimes had to wait two or three weeks for a voice-over, and you can imagine what that does to my schedule. Then if someone had to re-do any parts, it could be several more days, or weeks before I'd get something back. I simply can't afford to wait any longer. At that rate, the project would never get finished.

Well, whipping out the ol' check book has worked its magic! I went to Voice123 and found several "talents" to help me out.

Looks like I will have all the roles for chapters one and two covered as of this weekend. Can't tell you what a relief this is.

The gentlemen who signed on with me from the site, will work with me throughout the production. In fact one of the guys is handling several parts for me, as he is a master in his field.

One gentleman kindly offered his services for free. This is what he stated:

...It's great to hear about the WWII vets and their response and support of this project. John N. McDonald was my wife's grandfather and served in the Army Air Corps during the War. Later he was a flight engineer in the Air Force and flew missions as part of the Berlin Air Lift and the Korean War. Beyond being a proud veteran, father and grand father, he was an inspiration to me and supported my decision to join the service when most of our family thought it was a mistake. 3 weeks ago he passed away at the age of ninety one. My wife was elated to hear you would honor him with the men of this documentary and can't wait to tell her mother later today. From all of us, a heart felt thanks.

 

Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything from me.

 

Again, Thank you,

Tom Kennedy

Ah, call it fate, or any other name. I will be pleased to honor your grandfather in my documentary and your name along with his will be added to the production credits.

I will need a few other voice-over talents for the additional chapters, as a few of the vets do not come into play until the Sicilian and Italian Campaigns. Now I know I can go back to VOICE123 and find outstanding additional assistance.

This week I go on a writing campaign, and will contact numerous corporations for funding. If I can come up with at least $2000.00-3000.00 right now, I should be okay.

My thanks again to the actors who jumped on the band-wagon this week from 123. God bless you; I can't express my gratitude and the relief I feel. Maybe I can get some sleep for a change...