Final push for film editing fund campaign

A CAMPAIGN to raise enough funds to complete editing of a Forres-based film is nearing completion.

The team behind controversial feature ‘Bodkin Ras’ are attempting to raise £10,000 for use of a professional editing suite and soundtrack costs.

Editing is expected to be finish mid-July, soundscape and music added in August, then the finished work sent to international arts festivals from September onwards.

“The people of Forres can expect quite a buzz once the film is out,” said director, Kaweh Modiri.

“We are very happy with it so far and can’t wait to see the end result.

“Bodkin Ras will travel the world and bring much interest and curiosity about the actors and the town.”

The team’s £10,000 target will ensure that Kaweh and his team have enough time to finish the edit.

“Post production for films at this level is expensive,” said a Bodkin Ras spokesperson.

“We want to ensure that the finished product does justice to the cast and crew’s hard work and commitment.

“Money raised will also go towards the soundtrack, which is of huge importance in creating atmosphere.”

The team are currently working in Brussels with editor, Jan de Coster, who previously edited critically acclaimed documentary film, ‘Enjoy Poverty’.

The music for Bodkin Ras will be provided by contemporary Iranian musician, Mohsen Namjoo.

Word of the film is being spread in the production companies’ bases in the Netherlands and Belgium. Bodkin Ras will be the third production by Revolver and Inti Films together - their previous work did well at worldwide film festivals earlier this year.

Anticipation, in the Netherlands in particular, is growing where director Kaweh is a published novelist and artist.

The fundraising campaign has raised £570 so far, with large commercial contributions expected in the near future. Supporters have been promised copies of the script, artwork and the soundtrack with a download of the film on its completion.

Around 20 people have paid for the download in advance and three of 17 tickets for a planned VIP screening in Forres have also been sold.

“Kaweh and the team are very much looking forward to the VIP screening,” said the spokesperson. “They feel it is natural that the film is shown where it all began.”

An offer to enjoy “The Bodkin Ras Experience” at the Carlton Hotel and other local venues is still available to buy, and includes chats with the cast, crew and director and an invite to the screening.

A digital mashup competition launched in April allowing fans to edit their own trailers attracted 12 entries, to be judged by Kaweh. The winner will receive feedback from him, a consultation with a producer about their own film ideas, and a pass to the 2014 Edinburgh Film Festival.

“We were very impressed with the competition trailers,” said the spokesperson.

“Entrants not only displayed a good knowledge of editing techniques, but also seemed to grasp the concept of the film, which was a huge plus for us.

“The final decision will be a close one, but entrants have already benefited from the chance to edit with professional footage.”

See the professional trailer at http://vimeo.com/93116503 and the competition entries at https://vimeo.com/channels/737063