Friday, August 31, 2012

The Season 2 Widget

After parents of the cast convinced us not to hire a "stranger" to produce Season 2 -- rather to pay for the season's episodes with yard sales, bake sales, and other fun events -- we also realized we needed a public widget to track our progress.

Of course, no fundraising has begun yet on Season 2. Right now our focus is on securing our Board of Directors -- which our nonprofit status is waiting on. Three of the five positions have been filled but those last two are as vital as the rest and cannot be skipped.

So, while we work (daily!) on finding just the right people to sit on our Board of Heroes, we built a Season 2 widget. The widget tracks the funds raised for the next episode -- in this case, Episode 1 of Season 2. The widget is really neat because it shows our exact progress and who has donated! Isn't that cool?! When we start fundraising events, we'll add all the funds earned at the event to the widget. That way, everyone will see our progress :)

Another awesome thing about the widget is that folks can set up re-occurring donations! That's right -- SUBSCRIPTIONS! Supporters of the show can easily set up an automatic monthly donation of $5, $10 or even $250 per month.

Check out the widget here: http://epicheroes.blueforgeproductions.com/donate.htm

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Do You "Like" Epic Heroes?!

When the massive refresh of the official website occurred, we unfortunately lost the 117 registered "likes" of the site. Have ten seconds to spare? Head on over to epicheroes.blueforgeproductions.com and click the little like button :) Let's re-find those likes!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Join the Season 2 Crew: Part 2

We're adding two more positions to the crew of Season 2. Let's continue our list from earlier this week.

5. Inventory Manager. This individual (or team of individuals) will be given up to three days (as many hours as desired) to photograph, organize, pack and inventory all the props accrued for the show now in the studio space in Port Orchard. A special inventory form will be provided for space for someone to neatly print a brief description of the item and where it is now stored. The Inventory Manager (or Inventory Management Team) will then take the supplied digital camera to a local store and have all the photos printed. The photos will then be taped to the proper inventory form and all the forms will be three-hole punched and collected in a binder. The first day of the project will include clearing out the room where props are currently stored to create a dedicated prop room. There is a project stipend for this job that will be split among the team (if a team is assigned). Up to three hardy, homemade meals will be provided on all days -- not fast food or frozen pizza.

6. Location Scout. This is a volunteer position that will be given name credit in any applicable episode. Volunteers must be able to creatively research and find locations needed for various episode and secure them as in-kind donations. Photos of each location should be supplied with information. All research and securing must be done in a timely manner of two weeks or less. This position is handled remotely from the individual's home.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Board of Heroes

Brianne, Jennifer and Bridget will meet September 2 to discuss the future of "Epic Heroes" and the direction the fundraising will take for Season 2. In the mean time, our last two Board members are considering our invitations and Brianne and I are making a massive accounting of all the work that must be done... and bouncing around ideas for crew and writers for the new season. The work is exhausting but so worth it.

As for the remainder of the Season 1 episodes... though our focus has needed to remain on finishing the final paperwork for the nonprofit status, we still intend to have all five the remaining episodes post in September.

And as for the theatrical premiere of Episodes 7 through 12, we got in touch with the manager at the Dragonfly Theater and were assured we'd be able to set a date with them early next week. You know what that means? Tickets will go on sale! (Please remember that no complimentary tickets will be issued or reserved this time around and all tickets must be purchased online. We will send out an email announcing the tickets are on sale -- but just one email.)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Board of Heroes

Brianne and I spent the better part of a long month considering and reconsidering different parents and coworkers to invite to sit on the "Epic Heroes" Board of Directors. No longer with the show run by my word alone from on high -- the Board will decide on all decisions by vote and we hope that this will ensure a strong future for the show, bringing multiple perspectives and lots more ideas into the mix.

Though we've contacted our "first choices" already, there was one role that we knew we could fill with one of two excellent choices. So, even our "second choice" is a first choice!

We're just bouncing around now until the day we can announce our Board of Heroes! But we must wait until all decisions are final. I'll give you some hints though ;)

--Five people will sit on the Board.

--Their roles are Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Office, Secretary, Financial Director and Community Director.

--All Board members were actively involved in Season 1 and impressed us in some big way on more than one occasion.


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Join the Season 2 Crew

Season 2 actors have been invited back but what about the crew? We'll have a nifty five-person Board of Directors going into Season 2 but they'll be busy with fund raising and other fancy official stuff. Here are the crew roles we need to fill for Season 2:

1. Slate Operator
This is a volunteer position but you get to be on the set at any location when we film and eat tasty Season 2 food -- which will be home-cooked feasts every time with lots for all. You'll also be listed in the credits of any episode you work on. We'd like to have two Slate Operators on call -- just in case someone is unavailable. Oh, and you don't need a slate -- you can use ours ;) Transportation to locations will be supplied for you. Your responsibilities will be to hold the slate steady at the beginning of each shot and advance the Shot and Take number each time. Seem easy? It isn't! Make sure you are a detailed orientated person if you email us about this job.

2. Light & Sound Crew
Like the Slate Operator, the Light & Sound Crew is volunteer but we'll provide food, drink, transportation and name credit. We'd also like to have two people on call. Your responsibilities will including moving the lights safely and carefully as the director asks, running extension cords to power the lights, and holding the boom mic pole. If you tire easily, this is not the role for you ;)

3. Writers
Season 2 will be divided into two types of episodes -- serious quest episodes and dreamworld episodes that parody specific films from the 1980s and earlier. If you are interested in writing a humorous dreamworld episode that parodies "Alice in Wonderland," "Mary Poppins" or "Harry Potter" email us and let us know! And don't worry, Jennifer will be working with all writers one-on-one -- we'd never just throw you into the deep end! (We'll get you one of those pink floaty chairs with a cold drink holder!) Writers will receive name credit and be paid for their work... but they don't get to attend the feasts!! (Okay... maybe they can attend the feasts. Maybe! LOL)

4. Website Work
We need a dedicated fan to create the cast and character profiles at the new "Epic Heroes" website (epicheroes.blueforgeproductions.com). This will involve making screen captures from the episodes and filling out a set form for each of the characters. We'll provide you with the software you need to build the profiles (PC online, sorry, no Mac) or you can come to 7419 to do the work (and we'll feed you feasts!). You will receive name credit for the work and payment upon the project's completion.  

Email where, you might ask? OurEpicHeroes@gmail.com

Let's get this team started, friends!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Epic Update #1

It doesn't seem possible that we're moving into Season 2 (read past blogs here) but the hard work of the cast, crew, fans and families has paid off. We have some tasks to tie up before we plunge ahead but everything will be smooth sailing thanks to the successful campaign.

In the spirit of transparency and teamwork, here is the schedule as it currently stands:

  • Update the new blog with website and episode links.
  • Transfer the website to the new domain.
  • Update the website with the new "Epic Heroes" logo.
  • Update the Facebook page with the new logo.
  • Update the Twitter account.
  • Confirm transfer of campaign funds to bank.
  • Print, package and send all KickStarter rewards to pledgers.
  • Review the nonprofit response from the lawyer.
  • Take action on changes proposed by the lawyer.
  • Choose a Board of Directors from among the team (parents, cast over 18).
  • Announce the Board of Directors with titles and responsibilities.
  • Sort footage for Season 1, Episode 8 through 12.
  • Edit Season 1, Episode 8 through 12.
  • Score Season 1, Episode 8 through 12.
  • Post at YouTube and add to website Season 1, Episode 8 through 12.
  • Confirm schedule with all Season 2 music video cast.
  • Shoot Season 2 music video.
  • Edit Season 2 music video.
  • Score Season 2 music video.
  • Secure date for the theatrical premiere for Episode 7 through 12 or "film festival day."
  • Add premiere ticket purchasing option to website. 

This list isn't in a strict order but it does cover all the tasks that will occur through the rest of August and September. If anyone has questions or ideas or wants to help with any part of the list, please contact me at: ourepicheroes@gmail.com

I look forward to continuing to work with all of you and getting to know everyone even better.

Jennifer