I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.
Where we are, it's been a challenge to do anything, let alone set up distribution for the film, finish post-production and all the other assorted critical steps need to be taken before we can release a finished cut.
And so, below, I will lay out some of the issues:
1. We've reached out for some archival footage, which we've not received. Will we get that footage? I hope so, and the industry shutdown may help in that regard.
2. We're socially distancing, which has affected how we can work in the studio. Computer horsepower is an issue, but we're making changes over the last few weeks which we hope will set us up to begin at least some work in the studio.
3. We need sign offs from some interviewees who live about as far from us as is possible on the planet and that too has been impacted by the pandemic. I assume that, as the world changes and people acclimate to those changes, some aspects of a new normalcy will allow legal matters to resume.
4. Financially, we're in one of those industries that's been hit hard by the changes and, being honest, we're struggling to keep our bills paid right now. Being freelancers and doing this movie on spec was awesome until it was difficult to manage and that difficulty has been exacerbated by the financial crisis that's come on the heels of the virus and social distancing. I'm hoping we can turn to post production again asap, but I would imagine you understand the situation we're in because, I assume you're all in a similar situation.
5. We all have families and as we've had to come to terms with incredible changes to our lives and business pursuits, so too have we had to pull in and focus on managing our home lives, with all the struggles and acclimation that comes with that as well. Once again, I would expect you would all be in the same situation - or your own version thereof - and you would be able to understand and empathize.
6. And just before the pandemic, we had one possible deal fall through and just as a subsequent deal began to materialize - I was literally meeting about it in LA in the second week in March, as the virus was spreading there - I was forced to race back to Canada (driving) and have been unable to reset that conversation as the entire world has been forced to find new ways of doing business. Of course, I was in quarantine upon my return and assume I've not had the virus, but one is never sure, considering the sheer number of asymptomatic carriers.
We appreciate your patience in this lengthy - and forced to be lengthier - process and hope you all remain healthy and safe considering the circumstances.
rl