hello to everybody,from buddy giovinazzo

Since nobody else noticed, let me be the first to say "THANK YOU" from the bottom of my heart for all the great work you've done. It's a testament to the lasting power of COMBAT SHOCK that one of the few professors I've befriended in my academic career continues to ask me "What's going on with Buddy G? NO WAY HOME was amazing."

Personally, I can't wait to see CRACKTOWN. That a vast majority of truly top-shelf acting talent picked up on the greatness of the material is further proof that not everyone in the film business has their heads buried within their rectums.

Please, Buddy...keep banging them out...and if you can, PLEASE adapt POETRY & PURGATORY.

hey Buddy,

Thank you so much for the update on CRACKTOWN. There is definitely an international audience for the film. Since the US is now only one of the larger markets for international cinema (earning approx. 35% of total revenues), the film will be better appreciated in markets not dominated by films aimed at teenagers. In the US, "difficult" films are not pushed because the distributors don't know how to market them. It's a very different case in France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, South America, The Netherlands, the UK, and Australia. CRACKTOWN will also be appreciated in Japan. A company like Kadokawa would be ideal for it.

Look at the Euro-financed PERFUME. Though released in the US, it made a tiny amount of money here, but was very financially successful in Europe. There has been a huge shift in the art market in the last five years, evidenced even this season by the financial failure of so many Oscar-baiting films (with the exception of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN).

Festivals that would be ideal for CRACKTOWN (I'm basing this on a reading of the book) are Rotterdam, Berlin (probably just around the corner from you), Sitges, Toronto (Midnight Madness slot), Pusan (South Korea), Oporto (Portugal) and Venice. Unfortunately, San Sebastian and Venice are very political (in terms of selections), as is Cannes. Some of these fests also have a market component.

I'd warn you off AFM because it's like a lot of used car salesmen selling the world's worst cars. There are exceptions to the rule, of course.

Sundance used to be a good showcase for work like yours, but it has come to be dominated by product the studios favor. There is Slamdance, too.

I think your films touch audiences in a primal way. There is great humanity in the darkness.

I think a US company like Think or Cuban's Magnolia would be interested in CRACKTOWN, but I wouldn't vouch for their bonafides or your chances of getting a deal that would please your investors. Same situation with the Weinsteins. You get enthusiasm, a small check, then nothing.

Not that you asked, but my recommemdation would be that you go to a Euro sales company like Wild Bunch or Pathe and let them sell the film worldwide and back into the US. They will exploit the non-US markets with greater aggression and you'll probably recoup before the US release. Naturally, the US asking price will be higher if you've performed well offshore (which I suspect you will).

Personally, I don't think the film will be a "hit" (in the textbook sense) because the market is too conservative currently; it could be positioned as something that pushes the envelope and puts the Hollywood product to shame, however, with some viral and alternative press support. Euro and Asian reaction will be far more embracing, I feel.

Good luck to you and your producers.

--fc

Looks awesome very intregued! :D

oh man thank you sooo much. i have been WAITING for this. i come on these boards everyday just to see if they are any updates. and finally i have one. from the man himself. I CANT WAIT FOR THIS.

Hi Buddy,

I just wanted to add my praise and appreciation to the list. I can't wait to see the movie! Awesome cast and great source material. And don't let the bastards keep you down. There is plenty of an audience for dark, heavy and brutally honest portrayals of everyday reality. Let the lemmings watch the next "blockbuster," and be proud that you are making movies that appeal to those of us who like to leave the theater thinking.

And keep pushing the envelope.

Much respect!

Life is hot, Frank..and because it is hot,I am compelled to remove my jacket! Remember me, Buddy...Ray Pinero..your friend at College at Staten island!!! My son bought me a DVD copy of "Combat Shock" for my birthday a few years ago and recently he found this info on your career up to now. Just want you to know that I'm really proud of you and truly treasure the time we spent together working on your cinematic "dream". I've been living in Jacksonville, Florida for the past 15 years, and thank God., life is good. My c/p # is (904)446-5903 and my e-mail address is "[email protected]". I'm not big on the computer thing, but please drop me a quick "Hello" when you get a chance...Keep on keepin on, my brother..Hope to hear from you soon...Your pal in the Sunshine State..Ray

The only thing I can say is that i'm looking foward to the film.
And about the festivals... since you are living in Berlin you must know that people here in Europe (i'm living in Holland) aren't as 'correct' as in the states. It would be awesome to see your film on a festival as the one in Rotterdam or Berlin!

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