So, now that I have finished my graduate schooling at LFS, you might be wondering what is next for Ryan Vance, the vegan filmmaker extraordinaire. Well, I am not one to stroll into the unknown abyss of post graduation without a plan…
In fact, I do have a very specific plan that been in the works since before I began my higher education. It has been something I have wanted to achieve with every fiber of my being for many years, and now after finishing film school I am closer than ever.
As you might have already guessed, my next goal will be to climb Mt. Everest. Yes, that’s right. Well, not exactly. Not at all really 
It is actually to develop my first feature length film (which I believe will be no less challenging than climbing Everest).
In fact, I have already begun the process of writing and fundraising for this film. Like Vegan Love, I will be directing and producing the project. I will also be writing the script treatment (story outline), but I will be working a professional writer to pen the drafts. With my graduation short film, I found the writing process very educational but also very arduous. That along the many other jobs I undertook in the production of the film delayed finishing the film for much longer than expected. This time around, I hope to hire the appropriate experts to streamline the production of the feature film.
My time limit to have all of the funds together and begin pre-production full time is June 1, 2010. I am off to a great start already but there is still an incredible amount of work to do before June.
What will it be about?
I cannot say what the film will be about at this time, but I can assure you, the concept is extraordinary. As with my short film, the film will use humor and high entertainment value to raise exposure of the concept of veganism to the general public. That said my single most important priority is to make the story as interesting and compelling as possible. I am aiming for a wide theatrical release with all the bells and whistles of a proper PR campaign from an independent distributor.
And the Budget?
The budget for the film will be $250,000 and the film will be approximately 90 minutes in duration. I will be gathering financing on three different levels:
1.The largest proportion of the financing will consist of many small investments from the family, friends, and the interested public (i.e. vegans and raw foodies). $20-500 investments that will be see a return of double the original investment from the net profits of the film. I will be setting up more information about this investment opportunity and a Paypal link on this site shortly.
2. The second method of fundraising will involve sponsorship from various vegan and raw vegan companies. These types of sponsorships will range from free food during production to direct investments as tax write-offs from companies.
3. The final portion of the budget for the film will come from larger investments from selected investors. More on this option later…
The Road Ahead
It is never easy to raise money for a feature film by a first time director. As a matter of fact, it is pretty close to impossible for most that try. However, the odds aren’t really a concern of mine. I will keep trying with 100% of my energy everyday regardless. If I get there soon then great, if not I will keep working until it happens. I have to keeping working towards making these films because I feel that I have a moral obligation to spread the message of veganism to as many people as possible as soon as possible. The best way I know to do that, according to my knowledge and abilities means using cinema.
Fortunately, I also have the backing of many passionate people around the world that also want to support the cause. I am making films that are socially progressive with important and timely messages. I hope that I will be able to work together with other like-minded individuals to be as efficient as possible in spreading the message in the best possible way.
I am not trying to make a teen horror flick for a quick buck with my first feature. Money is not even a driving force for me to make the film. If it were about money, I would be in a different line of work entirely. In fact, the entire film production will effectively be a non-profit entity. All of the proceeds from the film, after repaying expenses and investors, will be put towards the development of a second film, and then a third and so on.
So, it’s one step at a time and back to work for me to make things happen. Please stay tuned for more details about the film and my progress.
