Writer, producer, director Neil Mandt is a realist. When he
set out to create Last Stop for Paul with his brother Michael and
cinematographer Marc Carter, he had visions of television broadcast and DVD
release. But by using the Web, he was able to generate considerable interest in
the film. Its festival track record includes more than 30 awards, making it one
of 2007’s most successful independent films. And soon, Last Stop for Paul will
see true theatrical release.
The “film” — shot on DV over five weeks in Europe —
chronicles the adventures of two friends who travel around the world to scatter
the ashes of their recently-deceased friend. Their travels introduce them to
interesting characters and lead to numerous crazy adventures.
According to Mandt, the entire project was shot by Carter
and himself using just one Panasonic 24p AG-DVX100A camcorder. No crew, no
lights, and little budget. All of the adventures are based on true stories and
are designed to stand on their own as two- or three-minute shorts. Several
appear on the Web (www.laststopforpaul.com) and have helped create the film’s
buzz. Narrative links the dozen or so chapters together, creating the longform
piece.
“Going into it, we had no aspirations of getting a
theatrical release,” Mandt recalls. “I’ve made a few movies in the past… and it
financially does not make sense to put a small movie out in theaters unless
it’s one that you are positive people will show up for.”
As a partner in Mandt Bros. Productions, Mandt was able to
post much of the film in- house using Symphony systems connected via Unity.
Media City Sound handled audio post, ensuring the sound never risked sounding
low-budget. And music was acquired through Web searches, further helping with
budget restrictions.
The film has a real message of friendship that connects with
audiences, says Mandt. He has looked into having prints made and will most
likely be working with Efilm, providing them with a Digi Beta to create the
35mm negative. “I’m the first person to say I am surprised,” he says of the
film’s success. “I never imagined it. You hope for the best, but you never
expect it.”