Getting in the Game – A DVD Box Set Quest

Rainbow Sangria, mixed by Tipsy BartenderThe life of my military homecoming film “ABYSS: The Greatest Proposal Ever” must go on after its Red Cross run, if this movie stands any chance at growing an audience.

I wonder if repackaging the DVD into a bundled experience of sorts would make it more appealing to men and women who have a hard time wrapping their head around supporting a 20-minute, low-budget buddy drama, produced by an indie writer/director who they never heard of until now.

So I’m toying around with the idea of making a boxed gift set that contains a drinking card game featuring questions about friendship, weddings, relationships, jobs and conflict, all based on themes in my movie. I picture this game serving as a good ice breaker during social gatherings while also providing opportunities for people to discuss funny and even hot topics while learning about, and hopefully understanding, the perspectives of those in their inner circle.

On the most basic level, players in my movie game would pick a card from the pile, read the question on that card aloud, and then guess what the other person’s answer is to said question. If the answer is incorrect, then he or she must drink one shot but if it’s correct, then the other person must do a shot. Seems simple enough, right?! What I’m having trouble figuring out, however, is whether the questions on these game cards should be in multiple choice or yes/no form.

Would you loan money to your best friend, for his or her wedding plans?

Would you loan your car to a friend for 9 months?

Would you pay to bail a friend out of jail?

If you joined the military, in which branch would you serve?

G is for Guessing GamesOne of the reasons for going the gaming route for creating a DVD box set also comes from an understanding that casting a smaller, yet targeted, net might be more beneficial than trying to promote my movie to every Tom, Dick and Harry who enjoys home entertainment.

If I do this card game thing, I figure the film’s ideal market could include groomsmen who are planning bachelor parties, people hosting surprise birthday parties for their besties, and summer BBQ gatherings.

Oh the joys of trying to get more (or find the) people to watch indie films! *sigh*

Which types of questions do YOU think are better suited for game play, yes/no OR multiple choice?

What was the last drinking game YOU played?

The Fire Relief Fund: My Red Cross Film Tour at a Glance

So I went on tour with my film not too long ago, hoping to sell a lot of DVDs while raising awareness for disaster relief and building an audience for future work. Adjustments had to be made along the way and this initiative raised more than $100 for the American Red Cross. The experience taught me some things about fundraising, charities, people and communities. Here is an overview of what went down to provide blankets, a hotel night stay, groceries, toiletries and/or other immediate needs for a handful of people who are displaced by home fires that claimed everything they owned.

F is for Fundraising 

That's all I have for today. How is YOUR Tuesday going so far?

Enjoy these Extras from My A to Z Co-Host Intro!

So far this month we’ve discussed real life superheroes, depression, child abuse and some foolish behaviors douchebags at the movie theater. Today’s post is all about the bonus material from my A to Z Challenge Co-Host Introductions including the Fifty Shades of Nicole piece I wrote for the A-Z Blog in March.

Do you like to watch special features usually seen on movie DVDs, such as outtakes, trailers and the like? Well, E is for Extras, as I present to you six videos of extra content where I tell you some random things about me, based on prompts from men and women who served as assets in my Mighty Minion Bureau.

The topics in these videos range from blog design, Harry Potter hauntings, drug dealers and British films to how I financed my movie. Plus we’re just getting started; more will be added to this playlist in the coming weeks. Enjoy!

*If the video player isn't showing up in your browser, Click Here to Watch my playlist directly on YouTube.

All this talk about Extras has me thinking of the toys, etc. that come with kids meals at McDonalds. I wonder why nothing usually comes with the meals for adults! So answer me this…

E is for EXTRAS

Would YOU be more likely to buy a value meal/combo at Chipotle, Subway, Burger King, etc. if it came with a DVD movie?