The People in the Trees - crowdfunding

If you have a few coins to spare for one of our own, Eric Dickson. The crowdfunding campaign for The People in the Trees began today. It's a found footage horror indie featuring scream queens Cathy Podewell (Night of the Demons), Camille Keaton (I Spit On Your Grave), Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), and Marian Sing (Halloween 2018). Check out the teaser and if you like what you see, throw 'em a couple bucks.

- Don

Links:

The People in the Trees Indiegogo Site
Erick Dickson - IMDB
Discussion board discussion of the script The People in the Trees

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The People in the Trees (was The Creeps) by Eric C. Dickson - Horror - Four graduate film students join aging B-movie actress Kim Stiles as they venture into the woods to shoot their micro-budget thesis film. The plan was simple: Scout some locations. Find inspiration. Shoot the movie. By morning, only one of them will be left alive. And their masterpiece will be complete. 91 pages - pdf format

Writer interested in feedback on this work

Sounds good and reader friendly. I'll try to check it out. Is this Dickson the same one from back in the day?

It sure is. I've been out of the writing thing for awhile, dealing with real life. This one was put together quick in response to a few "cabin in the woods" ads I saw.

Bad News:

Log line is generic and dull.

The name is reasonable, but is neither enormously enticing nor enormously relevant to the survival theme of the story.

The front end, like many found footage stories, tried the patience a tad.

Good news:

It worked as a script and as a film concept. It would make an enjoyable film as it is. With a little extra development where we see the group really forced to choose against each other, I think it could be really good.

Great effort. Production worthy.

Thanks for taking a look guys!   I am taking a couple days before I start some re-writes.

As you mentioned the idea of them turning on each other more...

I do think the whole idea of "choosing who lives and who dies" should be more prevalent earlier on in the story.  Perhaps through dialogue when Scott and friends are scouting locations and Scott discusses the idea that "everyone should stick to their roles".  This makes him look a bit like the selfish one of the bunch.

They should argue more about what film they are doing and who's doing what.  Sort of show the competitive nature of these so-called best friends.  As that tension builds, it will make more sense when they are given the choice of saving each other or themselves.

I do think the character Perry is the most hungry to make a film and his annoyance with the camera in everyone's face makes him out to be the one most likely to turn.  I like that he doesn't turn and makes the choice to save his friend Scott.

Perhaps the head Creep should tell Perry that they spared his life because they want him to complete his film.  And then he chooses sides and saves Scott.  Only for Scott to turn on him and shoot him.

Your suggestions have already planted seeds for the rewrite.  I appreciate it.

Eric D.

Almost forgot...

When Perry booby traps the floor with vegetable oil, he and Scott don't slip and hurt themselves after running back inside. There's definitely some holes in the story that need fixed.

I'd like to add Scott slipping and landing face first into the carpenter nails. And Perry has to slowly pull it out of his cheek. Or maybe his lip. A nice visual.

Quoted from ericdickson

I'd like to add Scott slipping and landing face first into the carpenter nails. And Perry has to slowly pull it out of his cheek.

I was planning on taking a look at this tonight, but now I almost want to wait for the rewrite...

I'm already obsessing over this re-write.

I've added a lot of tension between the characters  Particularly between Jerrod, the alpha male, and Scott, the self appointed boss and writer/director.

I also added some heated discussion in the woods concerning the direction of the script and Scott's refusal to share his ideas.  Jerrod calls him out for not including the rest of the crew in the screenplay's direction.

I can't see showing too much of the crew turning on each other since they "die" and disappear at different points in the story.  But I did add dialogue during Chewie's death scene that proves how she deliberately turned on Kim and chose to save her own tail.

The only other death we don't WITNESS is Jerrod's.  I think I'd be giving too much of the plot away if I show his actual interaction with the killer.  We already have a dialogue heavy scene with both Chewie and Perry.   And we already know what happened with Jerrod because Scott tells us later, in the end.

Yeah, I think I'll wait for the re-write too.

You still got those scripts in your sig? I wouldn't mind checking them out.

All my stuff is still on Amazon Studios. I made a bunch of changes to CREEPS already if you're interested. I just can't upload until the 15th.

Thank you, Will, for your careful notes. As of now, the latest draft (not on SS) is being looked at for production in LA. If it sinks, I'll be taking your notes into careful consideration for the rewrite. I'll probably do another couple drafts anyway.

I have since done a rewrite and sold to West Sixth Films. Looks like some Elm Street alumn may be on board to star. I should know official cast in a couple weeks

Awesome news, man. I hope to see it soon.

That's far out, man!!!! Sorry I haven't read it yet. Been super busy, but I'm happy for ya, man.

The coolest part of this news is that you might have someone from Elm Street in your film! That's fuckin' rad!

Tuesday Knight confirmed. Still waiting to hear about a couple other cool names.

Quoted from ericdickson

Tuesday Knight confirmed. Still waiting to hear about a couple other cool names.

For which role, Kim? Wouldn't she be over 10 years too old for that?

I was intrigued to read this not from the logline or title, but the comments from this thread.

The beginning is loaded with tell, in-movie camera directions (which I get due to the film) and not much horror or creep at all up to finally finding a house at about page 26. What would be interesting to film, the characters filming themselves on the way to film something unscripted? While the dialog is not bad at all, the characters seem cliche and almost token racially planted. Also, you seem to overuse the (beat) pause in your dialog, IMO.

I'm not really getting a feel for who the protagonist is, nor anybody I'd consider interesting enough to carry the first half hour.

Back to the house where you have the characters explain a beautiful nature scene, but they are creeped out by the house that you haven't given much description to and we're already past the first third of the story.

What's the deal with the BNB AIR thing? Are you promoting this?

Pg 59-60 would make a great opening scene with a variation of anonymity.

Your last third of the story cranks things up a bit. Not sure if I care enough about any characters to hope for their survival.

I think overall you back loaded this story. Add more in the start. Nothing really clear as for motive. Thia almost feels like a short.

I think that if you really believe in this story, you should add more house backstory and flesh out your characters a bit more.

Good luck and hope to check out the rewrite.

Tony

Yeah, it's been rewritten a couple times over since this upload. Added more "in the house" scares, gave the killer's more to do and added much needed conflict between characters. The basic concept was to send some film students into the woods without having any clear idea of what they wanted to film. As things happen, one of them takes advantage by recording the strange goings on in the house. This becomes their "film without a script".

I think them not having a script to follow (thereby "no set schedule") is hurting the beginning of the movie. They need a deadline and things to overcome, which could serve to drive the first half of the film.

Hey, Eric
Nice. Solid. Logline. Some sense of the main character (crew member/student), inciting event issues while filming, and intrigue something in the basement. Page count seems short for a feature but filming could fill that.

Peeked and didn’t seen anything sticking out like a sore thumb, no huge blocks of narrative description, breaks in dialogue with description, and only camera direction comes from the character’s in the story.

I see from the comments that this is no longer the most recent draft, congrats on the sell!! Still going to look. Keep us in the loop.

BLB

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6658702/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1

No more Tuesday Knight. Replaced with Angie Stevenson. We also landed Ricky Dean Logan and Bryana Salaz. Production starts next week.

Very noice! Best to you on this

This was very good, very well written, well paced, made for a fast read and was easy to follow and understand. It kind of reminded me a little bit of "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2" at the beginning of it, and then I got a vibe of "The Crazies" as well, but could be because of the title. Not that it's a bad thing either, I personally like both movies. Anyway, congrats on getting this script sold!! Can't wait to actually SEE it come to life!

Cool, man. Thank you! I am just now seeing this. Appreciate it. Although, something weird is hoing on. Alan N. Smithee is taking directing credit for this one now (The Night Watchers) but it was Brian Farmer and his company who filmed. Very confused by whats happening.

Quoted from ericdickson

Do you not have contact with anyone to ask?

Alan Smithee is a fake name when Directors have their name removed from the film because they weren't able to maintain creative control.

The reality, regrettably, is that it means it's shit and no-one wants their name on it.

That's a pity. It was a good script.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Smithee

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

Ouch, that sucks... I agree, it was a good script.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

Wow - didn't know that - thanks. Kind of makes me want to write a script based on the life and times of Alan Smithee

Quoted from eldave1

Wow - didn't know that - thanks. Kind of makes me want to write a script based on the life and times of Alan Smithee

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Alan_Smithee_Film:_Burn_Hollywood_Burn

Someone beat ya to it lol

Quoted from Tyler King

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Alan_Smithee_Film:_Burn_Hollywood_Burn

Someone beat ya to it lol

And ironically that film written by Joe Estheraz (probably spelled wrong) ended up sucking so bad the director took his name away and it ended up being an Alan Smthee film itself.

Quoted from Anon

And ironically that film written by Joe Estheraz (probably spelled wrong) ended up sucking so bad the director took his name away and it ended up being an Alan Smthee film itself.

Yeah I saw that, haha, thought that was pretty funny. ;D

Alan N. Smithee is aka Mr. Lobo from Plan 9 and the tv show Cinema Insomniacs. For some reason, he is taking directing credit.

This must be terrible. No trailer. None of the cast have aknowledged its existence. Oh well. Its only my career and life. :(

Terrible news, brother.

Is there no way you can get the script rights back, and give someone else a go?

Sorry to hear that. Just remember, if you wrote one good script, your next one will probably be even better. Keep writing!

A near miss. We all have them. I suppose the further along the production trail it gets the harder it hits when things don't work out. Hopefully, you get the script back.

Quoted from RodriguezFruitbat

Sorry to hear that. Just remember, if you wrote one good script, your next one will probably be even better. Keep writing!

After the director took his name off the project and ditched this one altogether, I've retained the rights to the screenplay if anyone's interested in shooting this thing.

None of the cast and crew have bothered to return any emails or messages. I still think this would make a nice little found footage flick.

Can't believe this conversation happened two years ago.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

Can't believe this conversation happened two years ago.

I remember looking for a thread I wrote once.

Found it.

I'd written it in 2006.

Is this the latest version, Eric? Or do you have another one somewhere?

I'd like to read it.

I re named it The People in the Trees and it's on Script Revolution. I honestly don't remember which draft is which. The director took some stuff out, added some other stuff that doesn't make sense. But it's on that site if you wanna check it out.

Eric

Is there any platform where I can see the film? Would love to read "The People in the Trees" script you have on Script Revolution and compare it.

-- Michael

The director never completed post and cut contact. I've never seen any of the completed footage. I spoke briefly with Angie Stevenson and she too hasn't heard back since they wrapped production. Who knows.

Okay getting remade by Stacy Langenkamp and Marian Sing under the title The People in the Trees. This thing will finally get its due. No more screwing around!

https://www.facebook.com/peopleinthetrees

Congrats, Eric!

And a belated Happy Birthday for yesterday.

I see you've already gained 'from the mind of' status.
M. Night Shyamalan eat your heart out. :D

Cathy Podewell from Night of the Demons officially signed on to play Kim.  A few more casting announcements in the coming weeks.


https://www.facebook.com/peopleinthetrees

https://www.facebook.com/peopleinthetrees/videos/697276471152179

The first of several new cast interviews.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/peopleinthetrees/?multi_permalinks=701543563743218%2C700633627167545&notif_id=1612031055130507&notif_t=group_activity&ref=notif

Indiegogo campaign starts in 4 days! The cast includes Terrifier's Jenna Kanell, Cathy Podewell, Camille Keaton and Marian Sing.

Live Q and A will be held on Facebook, Saturday the 13th at 11am and will feature Director Stacy Langenkamp, as well as producers Braden Norton-Spingola, Mikey Manschot and actress and Executive Producer Marian Sing!

Congrats on this Eric, glad that someone else picked it up!

Quoted from Kirsten

Congrats on this Eric, glad that someone else picked it up!

Thanks, Kirsten. Let's hope this one works out. If it doesn't, it's not like I haven't been down that road before :D

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