THE MOVIE BUSINESS TODAY (and how its still star driven)

Its really been quite the adventure attempting to self-distribute Bulletface and now Tales. There’s so much involved in the process that I can see why filmmakers much prefer the ease of having a studio distributor take on the burdens of getting a movie to market. Its damn hard work. And the thing I have come to realize is no matter how a movie is brought to market its still a star driven business. It will always be. That’s a large part of movie magic for audiences. For me, I am trying to go the tried and true method of launching a star, Victoria Maurette, to establish the studio brand. Much as stars have always been for studios and producers, they are the bridge between the movies and the audience. In a very real sense they are the most important element of any marketing. But its a rare actor (or bodybuilder, wrestler, martial artist) that can attain true star status. Its more than talent, looks or charm. There’s a certain intangible a star has to have to make a deep and long lasting connection to the public. Every year dozens of proposed stars are cast in movies, all hoping that the unknown person can attain that connection. Its a high stakes gamble every time out.

I’ve been around many early in their careers who have made that connection with the public. From Van Damme to Courtney Cox to Teri Hatcher. Some reach it faster than others. But the single trait I find in those stars is enormous drive and ambition. I think its something the audience senses and it, t the very least, piques their initial interest in the person. I know when Kevin Sorbo makes his entrance into Tales, its felt. The audience sits up a little more, leans forward a bit more and they are transported. That’s what Kevin brings to Tales and what stars bring to their projects.

I think Victoria has that. She’s certainly been singled out in the reviews of Left for Dead and Bulletface as the primary reason those movies worked at any level. And both were shot under extremely difficult conditions, yet she still managed to create unique and compelling characters. She’s got an honesty I think and a distinct way of bringing her characters to life. I’ve never been around anyone more talented or inventive.  I’m hoping Tales of an Ancient Empire breaks her to a wider audience and they respond as audiences have since Victoria was a teen star.

I hope you all agree. By the way, you can see her via Bulletface rental at the store on this site. i’ll try to get the Left For Dead: Inferno up as well so you can track Victoria’s growth and rise – albert