Ford Thompson's Page

FSU Film Community



I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to a film project underway in Northern Ireland based on "The Troubles" and the theme of Conflict Resolution. It is my goal to align the project with alumni of FSU interested in a j oint venture to bring t his project into the develpment phase.



At this point I am flexible as to how to approach any potential partnership.


Roy Disney who lives part time Ireland reviewed this project as an IMAX venue. I was sent to LA to meet with his top studio executive Dick Cook. Cook told me on the face of this he liked the subject matter, the screenplay needed more work however IMAX at that time (2000) would not allow for a profitable distribution. Not enough critical mass of theatres. He said infact they had looked long andhard atr buying IMAXS but couldn't see the return eventhough it fit their culture of film entertainment. He left the door open if I changed the format.



I have begun discussions with a independant film producer in NI as this will allow for funding grants from UK Media and other organizations in NI.



As you can see below, my main involvement is not in film. I do however have a strong business backgroud, knowlege of the "Toubles" and inner workings of grant fundng and the government of Northern Ireland.



If after reading the overview you have interest in th is project, or feel you could recomend any individuals who could assist, I would be geatly appreciated



Thank you for your interest



Ford Thompson







* * * * * * * * Sample Overview * * * * * * * * * * *

I did wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to a project titled Father & Son written by Belfast screenwriter, Martin Lynch. I began this project just following the Northern Ireland approval of the Good Friday Peace Accords in 1999.



At that time the progress that has now been witnessed was not present and the commercial climate for a large format film docu-drama was not ready for the project as it now stands today.



Background;



While I do not consider my self a “filmmaker” I do have significant experience studying the IMAX/Large format film Industry and specifically the history and issues of Northern Ireland. Professional filmmakers, creative talent from Northern Ireland and the cameramen from IMAX industry will be contracted to do the large format portion of the production. It is our goal that where at all possible, employment of the local N.I. community will play a key role in the production of this film.



My personal goals are to remain with the project as a producer, assist with distribution and act as a liaison with the Northern Ireland community and the production company.



My initial interaction with N.I. came through tracing my family history and an interest in Northern Ireland.



This first opportunity came on a European business trip as I was working on a contract for Siemens AG. After two years of trips back and forth I have been fortunate to have met Shamus Dunn, founder of UNCORE, Martha Pope, Chief of staff to George Mitchell, the chairman of the Stormont talks along with many prominent community leaders on both sides of the sectarian issues. One member of the community took special interest in the project and that was Belfast’s’ noted playwright Martin Lynch. Martin was a former IRA member who has taken a leadership role in renouncing the violence and has gone onto win numerous literary awards for his work documenting the “Troubles” He has produced a first draft - work in progress screen play. (Detailed below) I have also had numerous meetings with the Irish singer/songwriter Mary Black. She has sent a letter of support and did agree to collaborate on the music once she approved and saw a final screenplay. Other musical groups I will approach will be Belfast’s prominent band ensemble Different Drums and folksinger Richard Gaughan.



A future appointment has been set with actor and Northern Ireland native Liam Neeson. Mr Neesom is a friend of Martin Lynch and a former actor at the Lyric Theater in Belfast. We will be asking his support for this project. Mr. Neeson has experience with IMAX as a narrator on the movie Everest. In all honesty, due to our projected budget, the most we could hope for with my Neeson would be perhaps some narration, a cameo appearance. Most importantly the clout his support would carry in the community would be great.



Father & Son received a preliminary small grant from the British Lottery Arts Council back in 2000. These funds were designated for the screenplay and initial development of the film. As such, this film will qualify for additional grants once it goes in to production. It is our hope to find a nominal grant to bridge the initial development with the production of the film.



Film Overview:



After a visit to Derry with Seamus Dunn with UNCORE, I felt that a well produced docu drama on “The Troubles” of Northern Ireland would be a compelling way of demonstrating how the ethos UNCORE teaches that: “All society has degrees of conflict, conflict will never go away. However, by taking the violence out of the conflict, it will assist in establishing a more peaceful society”. This has now proven itself to be true as it relates to the sectarian issues in N.I.



This will be a film with both a non-profit and commercial venue for the film. We plan to produce “in tandem’ with large format a 35mm version of the film for normal theater release, a 35mm vesion. The schools and non profit theaters & institutions will be for the Foundation & non profit side of the prject. There will also be a student study guide to go along with the film. The non-profit film would be released following the commercial run in IMAX , large format and other commercial venue theaters.



New developments on the large format scene include the following:



Current new docu-dramas produced for the IMAX / L-F venue are now doing well, ... i.e. acceptance by the industry including the museum theaters. (see Dark Night below)
THE DARK KNIGHT: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE, from Warner Bros. Pictures, will feature six sequences filmed with IMAX® cameras. This marks the first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras, marking a revolutionary integration of the two film formats. – Warner Bros Pictures

There now exists a larger number of international theaters and newer generation smaller IMAX/L-F auditoriums which have created more of a "critical mass" for film distribution.
150 New IMAX screens planned by 2010 – New York Post, (October 25th 2008)

Last but not least, a positive and improving outcome from recent political and social changes in N.I lends credibility to the concept of eliminating the violence produces a more peaceful society.


Screenplay:



The film begins in New York where a young reporter Tim Monroe receives an assignment to report on progress on the aftermath of the Troubles. Monroe’s father was killed as NY Times photographer while covering The Troubles in Derry during "Bloody Sunday". Monroe’s inner conflict with this assignment acts as a metaphor for the overall conflict issue in the film. In his search for who his father was, and what the underlying issues created the Troubles, he faces his own questions on how conflict and violence affect society.

Through this journey the and use of the IMAX venue, the audience will experience in a unique way all of the beauty, culture and examples of music offered by visiting Northern Ireland.



At this time the screenplay is undergoing a second draft. We will be pleased to share the draft in its current stage if there is serious interest in pursuing a joint partnership.



Example of Project Funding Opportunities:



Grant from Northern Ireland Screen ( Formerly NIFC)
Possibility as a “Destination Film” for Belfast’s IMAX theater
Northern Ireland (& Irish) Tourist Boards
Lottery Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Sponsorships from Ireland and U.S./ Irish Corporations
UK MEDIA Funding


Thank you for your time and consideration of this project. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts and answer any questions you might have at your convenience.



Sincerely,



Ford Thompson



Washington, DC * Phone: US 703 323-9148