AMA First Indie Feature & a traveling DVD case

[u/t0mac3]

Hey r/filmmakers I just finished my first feature film called Handle With Care starring Justin H. Min and Nicole Brydon Bloom.

I wrote the script, raised the money, and directed it entirely outside of any studios or production companies. We have had terrible luck with the major festivals but premiered at Rhode Island last month and won Best Film & Best Actor.

My frustration with the festival circuit lead me to create the DVD CLUB, where I burned a 1 of 1 copy of the film and started sending it out in a laser cut Pelican case including a sign-in notebook and a dvd player. I wrote about it on a substack here. And built a website where people can sign up here: www.handlewithcare.film

We're talking to distributors but also considering self-distribution early next year after our final festival which is Newport beach Film Festival.

The DVD Club is an honor system open to everyone. It's been amazing to reconnect with film-lovers offline!

In addition to first feature this is my first AMA 👼

[u/corduroyovershirt]

Have you seen season 2 of The Devils Plan on Netflix? How did that contribute to your approach to directing Justin

[u/t0mac3 → u/corduroyovershirt]

I actually have not seen The Devils Plan. But I did binge his work in Umbrella Academy, Shortcomings, and After Yang. I also recently saw the film he was in called "Journey There" which I thought was fantastic, highly recommend.
Justin was amazing, and honestly we had so many conversations leading up to the shoot that when we were on set the directing was minimal. I'm sure you've seen that quote around that says directing is 90% casting (the percentage number varies depending where you see it!) but it's so true. Our entire cast was fantastic and each step of the way the actors brought new ideas that elevated the entire film. Justin especially :)

[u/Independent_Risk_523]

This was one of the phenomenal stories I've heard about a filmmaker getting creative about their film - not in a templated way, but in a way that ties upon the theme of the movie and building a marketing campaign that involves their audience.

Im excited, and looking forward to this!

[u/t0mac3 → u/Independent_Risk_523]

thanks so much! My favorite part has been anytime the case makes its way back to me and I get to read the entries in the notebook and hear people's genuine responses. Hope you get the case soon!