To Summarize the situation;
I've concluded that we have finally reached the point of completion where we can move forward in a realistic fashion with other significant aspects of the project.
I say this because, advancement in the film and theatre environments is wholly contingent upon the Illustrated Storybooks being close enough to marketability and distribution.
The whole purpose of the Illustrated Storybooks is to build an audience, or at least support a wide ranging marketing campaign, for the project as a whole.
It is clear that the theatrical endeavor requires a specific progression of design, preparatÃon and implementation. Having extensive experience in this process, I understand about the time frames and resources required for this.
Admittedly, I have remained in the non-union arena, although I have worked union jobs in both film and theatre, but most of my work has been non-union, specifically because I have worked in all areas of theatre and predominately as an independent filmmaker. The union environment has well defined roles which disallow crossing certain lines. So, I remained non-union for that reason.
Of course the reality is that the Industry is unionized at the higher levels. Hence, I have remained in the Development Arena.
Well, "The Gnomes of New Hope; Zach and Zebby's Grand Adventure" has reached the stage of development where is can be anticipated to become uplifted into the higher levels of Industry Operations. The reason for this is; it's viability.
The Libretto has been finished for many years. Much of the Music is finished, with only (relatively speaking) minor work to be done on scoring and some arrangement. We anticipate getting back to the music after the remaining Illustrations are completed for the Storybooks. All other work on the publishing materials and Limited Edition binding is finished and ready to proceed, the exception being that the most recent printer files are now being assembled. That assembly could take a month or two, depending on other work that demands attention. Even so, those publishing files will be using sketches, where the artwork is not finished yet.
We are closing in on refining the sketches into finished line drawings, which will be followed by watercoloring and then processing for insertion into the final layout. I believe this remaining work may be finished within a year and a half.
That being the case, I feel that it is appropriate to offer an Option on the project. Most specifically, on the Film & Television Rights. There are many other rights involved, but Film & Television are probably the most valuable, and frankly, I don't anticipate being able to implement production in those arenas through Image of the Mind Studios, unless we build The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture with a Board of Directors composed of veterans of those Union Arenas.
Of course, there are numerous Terms & Conditions that come into play when selling an Option, but one possiblity that might be offered is a Buy-in to the Joint Venture. Either way, my immediate goal is to secure a minimum of $2M for my immediate use in securing my facilities, as the current situation is preventing advancement in regard to in-house production activities. Those funds would only be applied to the in immediate needs of the facilities, not production or personnel.
So that being the case, $2M would buy a two year Option (First Right of Refusal), after the Illustrated Storybooks are ready for distribution, for the Film &Television Rights, or a Buy-in for one Board Position under the present terms of The Elder Gnomes Joint Venture business plan.
Details of all this can be provided if there is serious discussion on the subject.
AG
Arthur Greisiger
Image of the Mind Studios
1325 Industrial Boulevard
Building Three
Southampton, Pa 18966
412-502-9182 (ofc)
image.of.the.mind.studios@gmail.com
