The Elders is SO CLOSE to being done – and as I type this, I’m putting together the finishing touches in preparation for the Final Cut screening being held at the Paramount Center theater in Boston on Tuesday (April 12th).

This morning I finished putting the beautiful titles and credits in place (by Jeffrey Jeppesen), and the final draft of the (hauntingly beautiful!) score (music by Lee Strauss) will be in place tonight. Color correction will be wrapped up tonight as well, and then my computer will be working around the clock until Monday to get the film into a format that it can be viewed on any computer. So close!

I’ve attached a picture of the poster/postcard for the film – and I’d love to know what you think. It was put together by my long-time friend and collaborator Jeffrey Jeppesen who also did the titles for the film.

I’ll keep you updated and be on the lookout for an email from kickstarter requesting addresses so I can begin to send out the “rewards” in early May!

Thank you all for your patience as I make this film the best it can be – we’re almost “done!”

Hi Everyone! I realized about a week ago that it had been quite a while since I had posted a project update. My apologies!

It’s been a busy couple months, and while the edit is taking longer than I had anticipated, I’m pleased with where it’s headed. In late October, I screened a 50 minute “rough cut” to about 45 people in Boston. Admittedly I was really, really nervous. But the film (even in that rough state), was VERY well received with tears, ruckus laughter, and moments of intense silence. It was one of the most memorable moments of my adult life to see people come together and experience what I had experienced in the summer of 2010. Without all of your help – none of it would have been possible!

One very humbling part of this project, which I anticipated but which I think is impossible to prepare for, is that some of my interviewees have quietly begun to leave this life. While inevitable, it’s difficult to learn of their passing. Out of 20 individuals interviewed, I know 2 have passed: Marie Hensell (my grandmother) and John Adams. It is to their lives and the lives of those who participated that this film is ultimately dedicated, and it is my hope that we can take away something small from the enormity of their lives.

In other news, I was thrilled to see that The Elders was listed as one of two other honorable mentions under the category of “Best Short Film” projects on kickstarter this year (2010). What an honor for us all! With thousands of projects to choose from, it’s a pretty awesome feeling to have my work recognized in this way by a community that I have really grown to admire and love. That community has allowed my project to flourish, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

I’m also delighted that people make the connection to The Elders as a “short” film project. I suppose, technically, that’s accurate as it is a collection of short films that make up a feature-length film (70 minutes). And that was my intent from the beginning: Could I create a feature-length documentary film built entirely on short portraits of mostly talking heads? It worked, and it’s working as support continues to pour in!

http://blog.kickstarter.com/post/2713612870/best-short-film-project

Finally, my updated timeline is as follows:

Fine-Cut sent to composer: Feb 3rd
Fine-Cut screening/discussion: Feb 20th (hosted by the Snapdragon Inn in Windsor Vermont)
Picture Lock: March 1st
Final Touches and completed film (soundtrack, motion graphics, color correction): April 1st

Wish me luck – it’s going to be a busy few months and come this spring I’ll continue to keep an eye on your mailbox or your inbox for the completed film!

Best
Nathaniel

I was thrilled to see that my documentary film project The Elders was listed as one of two other honorable mentions under the category of “Best Short Film” projects on kickstarter this year (2010). What an honor! With thousands of projects to choose from, it’s a pretty awesome feeling to have my work recognized in this way by a community that I have really grown to admire and love. That community has allowed my project to flourish, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

I’m also delighted that people make the connection to The Elders as a “short” film project. I suppose, technically, that’s accurate as it is a collection of short films that make up a feature-length film (70 minutes). And that was my intent from the beginning: Could I create a feature-length documentary film built entirely on short portraits of mostly talking heads? It worked, and it’s working as support continues to pour in!

http://blog.kickstarter.com/post/2713612870/best-short-film-project

Thanks Kickstarter!