Welcome to Middle Earth
Project Proposal
Title: Welcome to Middle Earth
Production team: Fritz Boonzaier, Alex Schlenker, Angel Valverde, Liam Stacy
July, 2021
Category: Documentary
Themes: travelers, communities, megadiversity
Duration: 60 - 70 minutes
Project Outline
The goal is to make a film that promotes Ecuador's natural beauty, biodiversity, geographical locations, and cultural diversity; unusual in a country this small. In doing so the film will stimulate tourism and global interest in one of the most megadiverse countries on Earth.
Synopsis
Welcome to Middle Earth is a 60 - 70 minute feature length documentary consisting of the following elements:
The film’s driving force, though it should not be obvious, is to attract travelers of all ages and financial means. This is a boost to any economy that few countries can do without at this time. To succeed, the film has to appeal to world travelers who will come and share their experiences with like-minded individuals. It is difficult to adequately express the true market value of initiating a viral cycle that achieves this. Ecuador has to be reaffirmed as a major and premier world travel destination. Whoever gets out ahead of this concept post-pandemic will reside at the forefront of world travel for a long time to come. Currently, the small market pool is really confined to the most ardent travelers. It is therefore essential to do this as soon as possible. After years of working in advertising and marketing in Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver, our team is uniquely positioned to create this film.
A broad approach to the film will be necessary. The film will showcase the differences among the people of various regions, as well as the wide range of accommodations and cuisine offered. This holds true for coastal, jungle, cloud forest and highland areas.
The film must feel like an international collaboration in every respect. By it’s very nature, Ecuador attracts a broad range of ex-pats who land up making this country home. This is a true win economically for any country. The value of capital brought in from other countries, both by new residents and travelers cannot be overstated. This will, however, require a deft touch and brilliant marketing carefully disguised within the film. Done properly, the effects can be wonderful. Handled by the wrong team, the film could be an abject failure artistically and financially.
What distinguishes us from other documentary filmmakers is, firstly, the fact that we actually live in Ecuador. As residents, we know the country better than filmmakers who live abroad. Logistically, our schedule is also far more flexible than someone living in England, for example. We are not subject to the whims of a flight and return schedule where bad weather, or other unforeseen events prevent us from getting the actual and best material we need.
The film has to be viewed by the broadest community possible. Therefore it will be essential to follow up with appropriate distribution.
Expected outputs
Output 1: Completed film in English and some interviews done in Spanish, where English speakers are not available. Subtitles will be available in both languages
Output 2: Free dissemination through Netflix, National Geographic Society's venues, Apple, Amazon, and Hulu. Netflix would get first distribution rights considering its diverse and vast audience. Should Netflix require exclusive distribution rights we recommend that as still the most favorable path to the widest viewership.
Output 3: Submission to North American and European film festivals.
Output 4: Free dissemination to Ecuador´s tourism bureau.
Budget
Completed film $330,000 US
This does not include distribution costs such as festival application fees, air travel, ground transportation costs, travel insurance, hotel accommodations, and meals, as well as business lunches or dinners with relevant studio executives.
Disclaimer
Gobi Pics representatives will charge no further fees for the time used in the distribution process.