Hannah Cowley’s new project goes into “active” development

Heard the one about the producer-writer-director who made a 20 minute short feature on 35mm? Received wisdom, to hear the industry-speak, is that investing $5,000 on a “short” and producing it on ‘film’ no less, is about the stupidest thing a filmmaker can do. But guess what - the filmmaker in question has made $35,000 so far in domestic and international distribution.

That’s a return on investment few filmmakers get to see, so I think there’s a new paradigm being put into place. “And what is that”? you ask. People are getting used to seeing stories told in a very short time frame. Thank you, You Tube. It’s no longer a weird stretch to watch a “short”.

Which brings me to filmmaker Hannah Cowley and her debut short feature, “Flame of The West”. A sparkling debut mentored by Jane Campion (yes, that Jane Campion) and executive produced by your humble servant. “Flame of the West” was made for a small ‘two-figure’ sum. It has, so far, garnered a ‘three-figure’ sum in North American distribution fees, giving Hannah a substantial ROI.

Hannah talks about the film in an interview with Emrhys Cooper of Mamma Mia! fame. You can watch it here.

Emrhys Cooper gets intimate with Hannah Cowley

Admittedly, the audio isn’t very good but I think you’ll agree Hannah is very beautiful and Emrhys very charming.

I must admit that, being a slave to the industry’s “received wisdom”,  I have been lukewarm about Hannah making another “short”. But now I’m beginning to realize that Hannah’s passion to make her next venture a “short” is a good idea. Especially when you can make $35,000. Luckily, Hannah has another story which we have in  development and which I think will be very marketable.

It’s an exciting time for filmmakers when we know that our work - no matter what length it is - has a market out there. As long as we’re prepared to look at new horizons, new markets and new distribution tools.

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.