The Making of Winter's End
In June of 2000, inspired by low budget mavericks like Robert Rodriquez (El Mariachi) and Christopher Nolan (Following), Patrick Kenny began writing a feature length script with the intention of making it into a film with a small amount of money. Damien Donnelly became the film's producer. Their only hope of any kind of funding lay with The Irish Film Board. However, both Damien and Patrick who intended to direct quickly realized that if the film was ever to become a reality, they would have to move ahead with their plans irrespective of the IFB's decision. Obviously, the IFB cannot fund every proposal it receives and they were very aware of the fact that neither had a large or impressive body of work behind them in terms of award winning shorts. They were advised by industry insiders not to attempt a feature length film but rather build a number of shorts and then think about taking on a feature. This was sound advice. But putting together 3 or 4 shorts was going to take time and probably just as much work if not more than a feature length film.
An application for production funding was turned down by IFB in mid 2001. Although this was a blow it was expected. The filmmakers put in what ever they could afford and realized this was not going to be enough. Casting was taking place and the search for crew was ongoing. All they could offer were deferments, accommodation and food. Damien initiated a sponsor a scene scheme among friends and colleagues and in return they got their name on the credits and were invited to the premier screening in Kilkenny. Various businesses' in Kilkenny donated goods and services for free and local acting talent took small parts for no fee. This good will and support was integral to getting the film made.
Shooting on digital video took place right throughout Sept' 2001 and over various weekends right up to March 2002, a total of 39 days. With no money left to hire an editor and at the same time holding down a full time job meant that Patrick had to edit the film at home on a PC with a prosumer-editing package in the evenings and at weekends. An application for completion funding was submitted to the IFB with a 20min edit, this too was turned down. Still with no money for an editor, Patrick continued as before. A first assembly edit was achieved Nov 2003 and another application for completion funding was sent to IFB. In April 2004, their application was granted.
With this cash injection the project was taken to Kevin Hughes of Wallslough Studios Kilkenny. Kevin took on the job of turning a 150min first assembly into a 98 min finished feature working closely with the director. With this same funding Gregory Magee was commisioned to compose and record music and a deal was struck with Reelgood Facilities in Dublin to work on the sound.
The film was finally completed and mastered on 11th April 2005 and is now ready for the festival circuit. There is no more difficult way to make a film than without adequate resources and budget. While Patrick and Damien believe the experience was worthwhile, it is also one they hope will never have to be repeated. Next time out, they intend to have a budget.
