An Introduction to The Sensation of Sight

david_strathairn_jane_adams_the_sensation_of_sightHere we are with a new website and a new blog for The Sensation of SightThis will be kind of an unusual film blog, because instead of writing it prior to the filming, which is what most filmmakers do, we’re beginning after the filming, after the film’s festival run, after its U.S. theatrical release, after its North American DVD release, and after its release to the world via our sales agents, LongTale International.

Why now? Why all these “afters”?

The rise of social media is a big reason.  Never before have independent filmmakers had access to their potential audiences as they now do via Facebook, Twitter, My Space, YouTube, and all the other rapidly developing sites.  It’s possible now, for audiences to hear about the film on these sites, proceed to websites like ours, and then decide to take a look for themselves.

Formerly, only studio films or independent films distributed by arms of the studios could come into national and international awareness.  The average marketing budget for a studio film has been estimated at between $30-50 million.  Since independent films are usually made for a tiny fraction of what studio films are made for (usually from $500,000 to $5 million or up to $15 million), they’ve had a difficult time attracting audiences without being able to pay for expensive print and television ads.

But now that’s changed.  So we thought we’d put up a new website for The Sensation of Sight as it makes its way into the world, one that can easily be interactive with you, our audience. We hope to offer you interesting insights, film clips, video interviews, and ideas about the making of this film and about the making of independent films in general.  Let us know what you think.

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19 comments

  1. John Wayne Bosley said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 12:13 pm

    Great site and great timing. It may seem odd to some that a production company would be creating a new site to promote their film after the festival and distribution run of a film, but I would say that SENSATION will gain a much larger audience now than ever before because of your different view on how to reach your audience. The film OFFICE SPACE gained more audience members when it went to DVD than it did when it was in the theaters.

    If people type in SENSATION in twitter they continue to see tweets about the film. It may not have as many tweets as the big Hollywood films running in the theaters at the time, but it still has a loyal audience to the film. What does that tell me? That a great film will stand the test of time. That if a filmmaker and it’s entire crew/cast see the story as the number one priority than the film will gained a loyal audience who will support that film and the next.

    Can’t wait for SOMEPLACE LIKE AMERICA!

  2. ThreeTuxedos said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 12:45 pm

    can’t wait to see this film!

  3. David Tames said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 1:30 pm

    The Sensation of Sight is one of the best independent films I’ve seen in a long time, I’m pleased it’s available on Netflix. Thanks to their extensive selection of independent narratives and documentaries, I maintain my subscription with them. It’s unusual for so much of the budget to clearly end up on the screen like it did with The Sensation of Sight, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the actor’s performances sublime. And it’s a story well told, something I don’t experience as much as I used to, now that under $10M films are all but extinct, with independents making lean and mean films and the studios investing more and more on blockbusters. The Indie sweet spot of $1M to $10M films is where so much of the art is, how can we bring back this budget range?

  4. B. Allen Wilkins said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 10:32 pm

    I have yet to see the The Sensation of Sight, though it is on my “must see” list of films. Having had the opportunity to browse through the site, I am pleasantly surprised to see how much information is available about the film and its cast without divulging too much information about the story to future viewers like myself. The site looks great, organized and easy on the eyes. Well done!

    Once I do get the chance to see the film, I will certainly return and comment further.

  5. Eddie said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 11:31 pm

    Great film, great site, and great idea. Keep on keepin’ on. =)

  6. Damian Kelleher said,
    September 1, 2009 @ 11:44 pm

    I see the frustration and loneliness the characters feel. The desire each one of them has to be loved. I think the “encyclopedias” are symbolic of the chains that bind the main character, which only he himself can undo. I like the use of the “old Red Wagon,” he uses to carry his encyclopedias. It’s as if he “stuck” in the “old” ways of doing things.
    The cinematography is beyond excellent and the acting is exemplary. I wanted to shake the main character and urge him to stand up for himself and stand up for love. To let him know that we all deserve to be loved. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. It’s OK. Let it go.

  7. Lydia Cornell said,
    September 2, 2009 @ 12:18 am

    This is a beautiful trailer and website. This is exactly the type of film I love. Thoughtful, without explosions! We have been hungering for deep, thoughtful, complex films. This is what the industry needs. David Strathairn is absolutely one of my favorite actors (and one of the best) so I will RUN to see this film. And I really like Jane Adams; we’ve been watching her on HBO’s “Hung”.

    We need to bring back films in this range, as the comment above mentions. Would love to see the industry thrive again, with artists in charge. I also make films (write and direct) and as an actress have done several amazing roles. What is going on in the indie world now? Was it difficult for you to raise the capital? I will explore your website; am on a deadline for a book.

    Excited to see the movie.
    xo
    Lydia

  8. Nori Takei said,
    September 2, 2009 @ 12:23 am

    Glad to have found this site. Looks like a beautifully done film with an exceptional cast. Will definitely check it out.

  9. filmgurl said,
    September 2, 2009 @ 11:06 pm

    I think it’s great that you’ve started this blog to document everything after the film festival run, it’s very unique that way. Yes, most filmmakers tend to blog about their journey making the film beforehand. It would definitely be interesting to hear how things go distribution wise after the film festival circuit, there definitely would be some filmmakers interested in this aspect. This is a great site, looking forward to reading more!

  10. Lila Brown said,
    September 3, 2009 @ 9:46 am

    The trailer looks great. I really want to see this film. The direction of this movie looks compelling. Well done.

  11. Robert Morhous said,
    September 3, 2009 @ 6:56 pm

    How do you stop thinking when your heart is hurting? That’s what this story is all about. If only we could open up that painful, precious space which dwells and exists in between the struggle to accomplish and the urge to run away. How do you find the courage to just experience that level of life where we don’t know what to do or why we should? This is the rare atmosphere where real growth and meaning surface to consciousness. If a film like THE SENSATION OF SIGHT dares to expose this atmosphere to the public with such searing yet subtle intensity, our culture has certainly come on blessed times.

  12. Buzz McLaughlin said,
    September 4, 2009 @ 11:12 am

    As the Exec. Producer of THE SENSATION OF SIGHT and Producing Partner in Either/Or Films, I’m delighted by the positive response to our new site/blog and very grateful for all the support we’re receiving via social media. For indie filmmakers this is the dawn of an exciting time in the film industry as we now have this opportunity to get the word out about our films and to interact with a vast audience globally in a way that was impossible just a couple of years ago. Thanks everyone! And stay tuned as we post about where we’ve been, what we’re working on, and tips on how to keep up with an indie industry that’s in tremendous flux. Cheers.

  13. Mark Constance said,
    September 4, 2009 @ 4:10 pm

    Congrats to Buzz, Aaron and Kris for putting this site together!!!

    As a Producer on this film I want to tell you about this beautiful film. Take the time that the film requires of you and see it. For 2 hours you’ll need to forget all else and release yourself to the film. Unlike any studio film, but very much like all great indies, this film will make you think and feel emotions that film(s) should always make you feel.

    On a personal note, when I first met Buzz and Aaron and they presented me the script I felt an incredible kinship with the professor and the artist. My first comments to them after reading the script was “when can I make my acceptance speech?” The feeling of knowing that this was the kind of film I’d been aching to do forever was unreal!!! The same feelings I had knowing I was going to work with Buzz and Aaron!!! That feeling continues to this day(almost 5 years later) and the looking forward to our upcoming project. The feeling is like being a kid on Christmas Day!!!

    Love you guys!!!
    Thanks Buzz, Aaron and Kris!

  14. Dr. Diane Howard said,
    September 5, 2009 @ 1:15 pm

    I have appreciated David Straithairn as an actor and as a lovely person. My students and I enjoyed being on the set with him for the Temple Grandin film,
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/. My film students were cast as a core of young students for the movie. They were on the set with him for about four days. They liked and admired him very much because he was personable and gracious with them. He was an excellent role model for my film students. My husband and I, who are both university professors, were also on the set for a couple of days. We also observed David as an excellent actor and as a lovely person. He has displayed gracious connection with people in his films and in his life. Gratefully, Diane Howard, Ph.D. , Performance Studies & Film Professor (http://dianehoward.com/curricula.htm)

  15. Curtis Elerson said,
    September 5, 2009 @ 3:25 pm

    A very smart move because I’ve never seen the trailer for the movie any where else, not even on TV. So I never knew about the movie. Now that I’ve seen the trailer I’ll go in rent it. I’d even take it one step farther I’d put the trailer on Youtube and see how many view it gets. Thanks you for hitting me up on Twitter and letting me know about this great looking movie.

    Curtis Elerson
    One Shot Films
    http://www.oneshotfilms.tv

  16. Curtis Elerson said,
    September 5, 2009 @ 3:26 pm

    Oh, and the site looks really nice, great job.

  17. Buzz McLaughlin said,
    September 7, 2009 @ 11:08 am

    Hi Diane–Thanks for your post. I agree with you totally regarding David Strathairn. I’ve had the privilege to work with him on a number of projects in my career and once again he was a joy to work with on SENSATION. If you haven’t seen it already, take a look at our Making Of Doc that’s on the DVD of the movie. More than anything else I’ve ever seen, it captures the essense of David, his work ethic, and his humanity.

  18. Dave Ott said,
    September 10, 2009 @ 9:07 am

    Congratulations on the new site and the film. I’ve seen it three times. It’s truly beautiful. Buzz it was great meeting you at Apple Hill and I look forward to seeing you and your lovely family again soon.

  19. KateWestReviews said,
    September 17, 2009 @ 2:23 am

    I personally found the film’s pacing to be a strain, although I understand the desire to draw out each character’s pain. In life, we dwell and obsess over our hurt and it takes so long to heal, but it’s a bit tough to watch that all unfold on screen. That being said, the performances are all great and David Strathairn is his usual deeply feeling self. Beautifully shot too. Didn’t quite get the need for the old-time titles footage, but kudos for originality. Congrats!