...CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

OGDEN: As Hollywood outsiders, how did you get the funding for such an expensive, lengthy endeavor?

Marc Adler: It wasn't easy. Fortunately, we were able to rely on the experience, knowledge and reputation of Macquarium as well as their expertise in selling ideas and promoting them. We pitched numerous investors in creative ways and ultimately found several people who believed in the project enough to finance it – though the tremendous successes of Pixar and Dreamworks certainly didn’t hurt either.

OGDEN: Where have you gotten your production team?

Jason Maurer: Our artists come from all over the globe. We primarily find people via special CGI forums on the Internet and through referrals from our existing staff – great people usually know other great people. I’m very proud of our team. They are very talented, professional and never cease to impress me with their ideas and abilities.

ADVERTISEMENT

OGDEN: In what ways do you feel your production team is organized differently from that of a Hollywood animation or film studio? (Or is it modeled on those studios?)

Jason Maurer: I can't speak in detail about other studios not having worked with them, but I do think we're similarly organized, only smaller and with more autonomy.

OGDEN: What do you think the success or failure of Delgo will mean to the world of independent animation?

Marc Adler: I believe we are already successful just by producing a full-length CGI feature outside of the studio system. Hopefully, we will enjoy a great theatrical success as well, but the commercial potential of Delgo and other independent films like it is clear. There are so many talented people out there creating their own projects for film, television, and the Internet; I think we're only seeing the beginning of what is possible in the future.

OGDEN: Where do you think animation is headed -- as an Art form, as a business, and particularly as it regards independent production?

Jason Maurer: The sky is the limit when it comes to animation as an artform and a business. Technology continues to make more and more possible for less money, with a smaller staff and in less time. I think we're going to see many more independently produced features in the future. It’s only a matter of time until a single person will be able to create an entire feature by themselves and release it on the Web for the entire world to enjoy.

OGDEN: How long will Delgo have taken from the start of production to the end? (And how much of that was in preproduction?)

Marc Adler: The pre-production process took a considerable amount of time. Our development phase began in late 1996 when we created the initial story treatment and commenced research and development. We sought and secured funding in 1998 with sample animations and a full script. We assembled our staff and designed the characters, creatures and worlds in 1999/2000, then cast the film in 2001 and began production. We expect to wrap production at the end of this year and complete post-production early 2005.

OGDEN: How did so much big name Hollywood talent become attached to this film? How vital is the involvement of those big names to the success of a film like Delgo?

Marc Adler: We were fortunate to receive early media support. Because of this, agents and managers had heard of us and started to take our calls – many even contacted us. Once we had contact with the agents, securing the celebrity voice talent really came down to the work our artists did in our mock-trailer. As rough as it was, the actors were able to visualize the look of the film when they read the script and get excited about the project.

Having celebrity actors is one of those rules critical to drawing an audience for your film. Even when you're bucking the system, you have to play by some of the rules. Not only do you need talented actors who can express a range of emotion with just their voices, but if you want a major theatrical release, you need their marketable star power to secure distribution. Marketing and promotion is a major part of filmmaking, especially today with movies aspiring for that big opening weekend, and having respected, credible talent promoting your film can increase interest in the film.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A LARGE DELGO POSTER (200K)

OGDEN: What role has the internet played in your publicity and public relations strategies?

Marc Adler: Certainly as a means of reaching our audience, the Internet has been critical. It is necessary to creatively promote your film, any film, on the Web, but the Internet has also helped us to develop a community around Delgo. Because Delgo is an original story, we don't have a built-in audience like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. The Internet has helped us build that audience through our Website’s Digital Dailies and media support. It has also been vital in all facets of our production process. When Jason and I are travelling, we can still be involved in the production through our proprietary web-based collaboration tools. From anywhere in the world, we can see each artists' most recent work and offer our comments. Because of this, we never have to worry about slowing down production just because we’re not in the office.

OGDEN: When do you expect the film to be released?

Jason Maurer: As you know, we have partnered with Hollywood agent, Ken Kamins. Ken is no stranger to independent films and filmmakers. He worked for a year with Peter Jackson to secure the trilogy deal for The Lord of The Rings, among many other accomplishments. He is advising us of our many options. We expect to have news on our distribution partner in the coming months and are looking at a release date next year.

OGDEN: Are there plans for more films in the works at Fathom?

Marc Adler: Absolutely. We're not just making a film, we're building a studio. It's our hope that Delgo is the first of many films.

OGDEN: Thanks for talking to us today!

Marc and Jason: Our pleasure! Thanks for helping spread the word.

Special thanks to Fathom's Jennifer Jones in helping us gather the assets for this Feature and for arranging the interview.