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Massawyrm updates us on CLOWNS -- One of the AICN Indie Indie Picks!

Hey folks, Harry here... Seems like one of the FILMS that Massawyrm took a look at and told you about a couple of days ago... well it looks like there was more to the story than what was on the tape. This is a film in limbo... unable to even seek out distribution. Completely and totally just out there somewhere, taking up space on a shelf, unseen by the eyes of man... well except for Massawyrm... but then he ain't just no ordinary man, he's... Well that's a closet for another day. Here's the M-man and an update from the world of Indie Indie horror stories...

Hola all, Massawyrm here with an ominous follow-up to to my weekly review. Apparently there was some miscommunication between myself and Joshua Shelov, the director of "Clowns". Although he expected feedback and possibly some good words to be mentioned about it on AICN, he did not expect his contact info to be listed.

Why is this Bad, you ask? Why indeed. It would appear (after a lengthy conversation this morning with Mr. Shelov) that his film is currently in limbo. The reason I received a copy of the Workprint is because the film has been confiscated by the backer, an executive producer who will remain nameless.

The story I received is this: Shelov was approached about directing a feature after a wealthy southern business man had seen some shorts he directed on ESPN 2. This was out of the blue and unexpected, but Shelov jumped at the chance to make his directorial feature debut. Although the backer had reservations about making such a controversial movie (read ballsy), he relented and was helpful while making the film.

After filming had run its course (a three week shoot no less. I get more and more impressed with this film the more I learn about it.) Shelov agreed to edit the film to save money. After several months in the editing bays, Shelov had almost finished what he believed was the final cut of the film. He sent it to the backer who replied with a communication stating "there's a better film in there somewhere" referring to the cut footage. It was no secret that the backer was not a fan of the ending (although, there is no other way the film could have ended and retained its brilliance. It would be like Reservoir Dogs ending with Mr. Orange surviving and killing Mr. White and Joe. It just wouldn't be the same film.)

Well, Shelov complied with what the communication ordered, to box up the footage and send it down for the backer to have edited by a professional editor. That was last summer. It has yet to be touched and the backer refuses to return Shelov's phone calls.

To the backer, if you're reading this, please release the rights to this film and if the content disturbs you so that you feel your name attached to it would be an embarrassment in your community, have it removed. Shop this around to distributors, because someone will be more than happy to shell out what you paid for this so you can recoup your losses and slap their name on in the Executive Producer slot.

To distributors, please please please seek this film out. Shelov is not legally able to show you the film on his own. Go through him, have him call the backer with your interest. I'm sure this guy doesn't want to just right off this much money. Ask him for a screening.

Oh my god, the thought of this film rotting on a shelf somewhere has tied my stomach in knots. This film is too damn good for that. The crew that put together this work of twisted genius deserves better than to think about their work in that box on that shelf. Somebody please help. This film can be your talked about piece at Sundance, your critical darling, and you will make best friends with an emerging talent that will owe you bigtime. Shelov really deserves his baby to be seen. On the big screen. By all of us who love film.

I'm smoking this Camel Filter in Honor of you Josh, with both fingers crossed around it.

Massawyrm out.

P.S. I forgot to put my address for where you folks could send your films. Here ya go, and here's hoping I dig what it is you got!

Massawyrm

3408 Red River

Austin, TX 78705

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