It’s hard to bend my brain around the reality of it all: IT’S BEEN A WHOLE, ENTIRE YEAR since the Kickstarter.com crowd-fundraiser for The Price successfully came to a close on December 1st, 2010.
Wow. Time, as they are wont to say, truly does fly … and that’s particularly true when you are fortunate enough to spend that time realizing a 6-year dream of bringing one of your very favorite stories to cinematic life!
In light of the Thanksgiving season and to celebrate this anniversary of so much genuine kindness and goodwill, I’ve put together a quick Videoblog to update everyone on the current state of things, and to express how very grateful I am to all of the wonderful backers who made it possible.
That gratitude is especially extended to Mr. Neil Gaiman (also a backer), whose generosity, trust and cooperation have created real magic in my life, as well as in the lives of so many others.
WARNING: This video contains a brief but rather gory special make-up effect, so be ready to cover your eyes if you’re the squeamish-type! 
I also want to thank Cat Mihos, Rob King, Ryan Peterson, Dave Laub, Zain Effendi, Christian Perry, and many others on my team who are putting their hearts and souls into this project right along-side my own.
And most of all, I want to publicly thank my very best friend/overwhelmingly-supportive wife Glynis, and all of our truly amazing kids who have (more or less) cheerfully put up with Dad’s incessant ramblings and countless hours locked-away down in his basement dungeon!!!
Because of all of you, The Price is moving forward, making its way from somewhere deep inside my heart and mind and onto the screen — thank you all SO MUCH!!!
Wow, it really has been a year, hasn’t it? Despite that, I’ve yet to grow impatient or anxious about the project…the glimpses I get with your videoblogs let me know that the time is well-used. I know that the end-product will be worthwhile and done right.
That said, I’m excited to see it, so don’t take *too* long 😉
You know, it’s pretty awesome that you’re able to have such great control and flexibility in your project. It’s one of the things that I discovered I love about Kickstarter…it removes those requirements (barring the court of public opinion) and allows the artist to bring their unfettered vision to the world, and to the fans who bought into that vision. I’m excited at the precedent you are helping create.
Looking forward to seeing *your* vision at the end of this road!
You’re so right, Ed; as important as having the financial resources to work on the film are, it’s having the time and creative control to realize what I’ve envisioned that I truly value. Kickstarter is a simply marvelous platform for an artist to launch from!
Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful journey you are on with all of us! While I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished product, watching the progress is a real joy. Having a small part in the funding just makes it that much more fun.
Keep up the great work.
You are so welcome, Stephanie! We will all continue to do our best!
A whole year into it, and still your passion for this project just radiates off you. I guess that\’s what putting your dream out there and having the world appreciate and support it does for an artist. Gets me all excited for the film all over again.
One question I\’d like to pose: You mentioned early on that Zoë Keating was lined up to do some music for the film. Has that plan fallen through? I don\’t mean to disparage Zain\’s work by any means; he seems to be doing great from what you\’ve shown us. It\’s just that that link is what got me listening to Zoë and made me a fan of hers, and I\’d quite like to hear what she would cook up for this film.
Keep up the good work!
Magnus; that is one seriously awesome name you’ve got there, my friend! And yes, I remain extremely hopeful that Zoë and Zain will be able to work together on the score; she is just such a tremendous talent!!!
For me, to think that it’s been a year is crazy. It seems both like such a long time ago and only yesterday. So much has happened, so much remains the same.
I love to see these, though, as they remind me of why I worked so hard to raise the money I did for the project. Christopher, your enthusiasm really comes alive with your talent, and it’s inspiring to see you guys at work, even if you can’t show us much. While I loved Neil’s story and it always meant a lot to me, what ultimately convinced me to support your project, and I know what ultimately convinced the others who helped me do that, was your belief and excitement, your desire to see that dream come to life.
Congrats on year one of the project. Howevermuch time it takes to complete, we’re all here behind you and eager for the future. At a time in our history where the future doesn’t always seem to herald a lot of bright promises, it’s good to have something so rich to look forward to.
Ah Michael … as always, I take great delight in reading your comments; you really should consider writing professionally! 😉 How are things going, btw?
The continuing support from you and others who gave so much to help this film into existence has been creatively nourishing beyond my ability to convey, and never fails to buoy me up on those ‘harder’ days!
Honestly, take as long as you want… make it brilliant! That’s why we have the backing of so many people, we believe in you and what you can do for this marvelous piece of work. Nice to see you again
Thank-you, Jill; I will certainly do my very best!
Excellent update! I love how you\’re still so enthusiastic about everything =)
The year seems to have whizzed by. I can\’t wait to see the finished result, but I\’m glad you\’re taking your time to get everything right! Thank you for keeping us posted!
Well, people keep mentioning that, but really, I can’t help but stay pumped; I get to work on one of my very favorite stories by one of my very favorite authors, all while making a movie! What project could possibly be better than that, right?
It\’s been a year already? Wow!
For my girlfriend and me, while we can\’t wait to see the finished product, we do want you to take your time and make it perfect. And let\’s hope this is your ticket into the industry, and you get to make a lot of movies.
Also love your choice of background music for this blog.
Thanks Jon — and I’m glad to hear you like the ‘tunes!’
The Social Network soundtrack is just remarkable!
I was watching the extras for Simon Peggs’ latest,”Paul,” and it was interesting how much time and effort they took to get Paul just right. As the character was developed you could see that it was worth it; the final Paul was well nigh perfect. I’m excited to see the final product, but good digital animation takes time so go for it. Also money.. Tony Scott said it was cheaper to buy a train and blow it up than use CGI! It’s amazing what quality work you are doing on your budget.
Thank-you Lynne; each person working on The Price is giving it their all, and doing some of their best work at far below their regular rates. I get to take all of these wonderful pieces and put them together, polishing and buffing everything until it’s ‘just right’ (to quote a certain flaxen-haired youth), and I work way cheap!
Love the toilet flush — you definitely keep it real. 😉
Can’t wait to see the finished product (except that I can wait, and I will — as long as you require — I have total faith in you and know it is going to be awesome).
One thing I learned from another Kickstarter film project I am backing is that some film festivals require that films be unreleased — meaning you may have to delay the DVDs even after the film is completed in order to be considered for festival inclusion. Not sure if any of the festivals you’re looking at are like that (I think this was for Berlin), but just an fyi. Doesn’t bother me, but will potentially be a delay you’d have to communicate with fans in the future.
Ah, yes … the joys of indoor plumbing …
I very much appreciate the festival info; it is interesting how each have their own unique criteria!
You are such a geek! And I mean that in the best possible way! Thank you so much for working so hard on this project and taking the time to do it right. I feel priveleged to be a backer on this project, and, like so many others out there, I look forward to its completion with great anticipation. An anticipation that is oddly very enjoyable in the case….
I’m glad you’re able to find some joy; I’m really not trying to keep you all waiting any longer than necessary! And I do take pride in my geek status, thank-you kindly!
I’m glad this is coming right along, it’s going to be a fantastic film because it’s such a fantastic story in the first place, and you seem to have the right idea of where to take it visually. Good luck as you continue with your progress and I look forward to more updates.
PS Loved the mind blowing bit.
Just wait ’till you see it … (I just got some render tests today of “Neil’s” skin & eyes that have got me giddy as the proverbial school boy)! And so glad you enjoyed the gory indulgence (I laughed the whole time I was working on it … I’m sure there’s something fundamentally wrong with that).
This year has just flown by, hasn’t it? I’m glad you and your team are taking the time to do this in a way that stays true to your vision for it. We are all so looking forward to seeing the end result! But in that sense, I’m also really grateful that you’ve been careful to not show us too much. I’m one of those people who rarely watches movie trailers anymore because they often tend to give so many things away. So thank you! This is going to be AMAZING.
Also, my own black cat passed away earlier this year (no mysterious nightly battles, just a stroke) but I think I’ll always associate him with this project. Every time I hear an update it reminds me of him in the best possible way.
That is so very kind of you, Grace! And so sorry to hear about your cat, but glad that The Price is a positive thing for you; thanks so much for sharing!
Great update! I love how you’re still so enthusiastic about this project and that you really are living the dream! As a fellow artist still at the beginning of her own career, all I can do is cheer you on! I still have the poster from the Price and I hung it up in front of my desk at my last studio job so that I’d have something to inspire me. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks Jean — I appreciate the cheering, believe me!
The year has gone by quickly, and my anticipation hasn\’t waned a bit. Some things are worth waiting for, and I have no doubt The Price is one of these!
I appreciate your attention to detail and wanting to get it right. I wish I could have given more to support this wonderful project, but I\’m glad to be a small part of it.
Your dream in some ways has been an inspiration for some of mine.
Eagerly awaiting the finished work (like a child on Christmas morning),
Suzi
So glad to hear it, as I worry sometimes that people may tire of waiting; and every bit counts, so thank you again for your kind support and positive thoughts!
Oscars? Bring it on! Let it take the time it needs Christopher, Kickstarter is there to let people live the dream, and that\’s what you\’re doing, and we\’ll all be just as excited when it finally arrives. Can\’t wait to see the film – yet absolutely can wait at the same time.
Enjoy the dream, you worked hard to get here and we know you\’re working hard now x
Well, that’s the dream: get The Price to the Oscars & then out to the whole, entire world!!!
Thanks for your very kind words, Adele!!!
I feel truly blessed and excited to help just a little in this adventure. Thank you to your team. The updates are fun; it seems that the entire process has allowed the each team member to revisit why they do what they do–for the sheer thrill of crafting a world to get lost in for a moment. The story tellers of our world no matter what their medium: writing, music, paint, film etc ) are a great gift that often get taken for granted. Today, they just maybe more important than ever! Let intuition and instinct lead you and your team to a well crafted end…
I agree with you wholeheartedly about the vital role of artists (and art) in our society; thank-you for your encouragement!
oh my GOSH! i cannot believe you blew yourself up! you are HILARIOUS! I am back from tour and have been the busy little elf, prepping Neverwear orders and healing up my broken rib (was actually hit by a car and lived to tell the tale-) The Price cat must be protecting me too, because I am not in traction or –worse–in heaven–
Xtopher, what an informative update, and i do love to see your video posts, esp. charmed by the *toliet flush*!!
So i am off to one more round of post office purgatory, before flying east to see my oh-so-cute parents for the holidays (incidentally they are also backers, I think we will have a family night of watching all the updates, and I will show them my little videos of you directing from the cherry picker, high above Castle Gaiman) Thank you, Mr. Salmon. What a talent you are. xoxo Kitty Cat
sound like what dreams are made of… can’t wait to see the film
Thanks Mark … and this whole experience has most definitely been woven directly from the fabric of some of my very best dreams!
As so many others have said before me, I’m happy to see you take your time with this project as I know it will be worth the wait. All I wanted to say has already been said before, so I won’t repeat it again. Well done to you and your team!
And reading the comments above mine, I just wanted to wish Ms Mihos a speedy recovery!