Onboard Diary

Good news with a bitter aftertaste...

This is one those long post that is worth reading to the very end.

Why? Because we have received a grant of 99.595€, that has filled us with happiness, but it hasn't made us burst with pride. And we would like to tell you the reason why.



1. The correct way of telling how we feel about this particular grant is to explain, in general terms, our position regarding film grants. The long version has been published in this article, written for Subbabel. The short summary:

• Subsidy for conventional products should cease to exist. The market is based on supply and demand. If there is not a demand for certain type of movies, then we should not supply the market with those kind of movies. At least, not using money from public funds.
• These grants should only be given to those products that are difficult to commercialize, those that can not be generated on a industrial level or be profitable on easy terms. Experimental cinema, up and coming directors and niche cinema.
• In any case, these grants should be considered a loan instead of a gift. This would lead to a much better comercialized marketplace for the distribution of films that needs to obtain the necessary money to pay off the movie.

And that's the position we are in now. We are trying to make a commercially viable product, that could fund itself because of the potential support of the audience (we always wind up telling the same anecdote, but 50% of the movies produced in Spain that premiered on local Spanish theaters do not reach a thousand spectators... while we, on the other hand, have support from more than 2200 producers who will watch and re-watch the film).



We are trying to create a economically viable model in which, if a product does have a demand, it could be supplied.

This, evidently, implies trying to finance the movie through the uses of: crowdfunding (microinvestors), investors, TV presale, cinema and DVD and also with brands. But never by means of grants.



2. Why have we applied for it?

Because it was not a grant for a film, movie project, or an amortization. This was a subsidy for those projects that had technology as their main platform.

This year is the first time it has been offered by ICAA, who prohibited those projects that ended up in the big screen or on T.V. Nevertheless, usual movie grant restrictions concerning copyright issues and distribution had been eliminated so The Cosmonaut was eligible.

That is why we are presenting one of the biggest parts of The Cosmonaut: The transmedia project united to the film.

Photographs made by the characters of the movie...a series for the cell phone...an ARG...micropieces for the Internet...alternative audio...books that enrich the story of the film...and definitely, a universe of The Cosmonaut, as rich and deep as the spectator chooses it to be.

And that is what we called: Fly me to the Moon (The Cosmonaut files)

There are few transmedia projects in Spain, even though they are playing an ever growing role throughout the world. This is the first time the government has given a grant for this type of project.



3. So now, where does this leaves us?

Here comes the bitter taste. That bitter aftertaste is to accept the grant. It is bitter because, even though we are still fighting for the rest of the funding, we would've rather preferred getting it without the means of the grant.

It is true that we had argued untill we were exhausted. Some members of the team leaped out of their seats when they heard the news. Some of them, were stuck at a crossroad. Others have even put on the table the idea of rejecting the grant.

Finally, for a lot of reasons, being one of the main one, you guys: our audience and, second, a team composed of thirty people working in this project for more than two years, we have decided to accept the grant and keep moving forward.

Be aware that this will be a important push to get the rest of the funds. Beware of what it means, for good or bad. Bear in mind what we are rejecting, and, if we turn out to be victorious, something we are completely sure, victory won't be as sweet as it could have been, but it will be a victory, and that is what really matters. 



So, having said of all the above, the only thing left to do is to thank all of you for being there, with us, with your movie. We would like to remind you that now is the time where we most need your help to finance the rest of the money that is needed for the movie (as it is easier now), which we needed to make this adventure come true.