Out of curiosity, I checked out some of the older versions of Heart of the Beholder’s website and found some interesting stuff. Apparently they’ve been trying to make this movie since at least 1999. At some point last year, they had a songwriting contest (some of the entries include “The Jerry Falwell Waltz”, “Different Kinda Tickle”, and “Republicans Suck”) and a contest to be an extra in the movie. But the weirdest part is the “Buy a DVD or Video” link.

At this point, you’re probably thinking what I’m thinking : How do you sell a video of a movie that hasn’t been made yet? Is this some sort of scan? Well, here’s what the FAQ says :

Q. With all the BS email scams I get, how do I know this is for real?

A. You can’t unless you check things out. I currently work for one of the largest motion picture and television companies in the world as an executive. They have given me a written waiver to pursue the making of this film, as long as I don’t advertise that I work for them. A simple internet search for Darlene Lieblich should prove my credibility. If I don’t produce this film the way I say I will, then my 25 year career in Hollywood will be ruined. I am willing to answer any questions about this film project by email, phone or in person.

Q. On your home page, you say that members of the organizations listed have helped and supported your film. Why don’t you have official support from those organizations?

A. Because we were advised not to seek official support for legal reasons. On a daily basis, we get some sort of veiled legal threat from conservative forces. We know they will try to keep this film from being made any way they can. This is the first film that shows what goes on behind the scenes when religious zealots terrorize a family as well as how far they will go to get what they want. If we are sued, for whatever reason they can think of, we don’t want to give the opposition any ammunition where they could include groups that support us into any legal case. If others were drawn into a case, it would be monumentally expensive and time consuming dealing with depositions and a trial. The opposition has deep pockets and hundred of lawyers who would love to do nothing better then dig into those organizations.

Q. Why are you funding this film by pre-selling DVDs and videocassettes?

A. After years of fighting Hollywood politics and the religious right, the only way to get this movie made is to do it ourselves. Securities laws prevented us from accepting the thousands of small offers of investment from supporters. That left us with approaching only wealthy individuals. After countless business plans sent and meetings taken, we finally found a group of businessmen in August 2001. But before the contracts could be finalized, the 9/11 religious terror attacks soured the deal. With the stock market plummeting, the businessmen all bailed.

Q. If I pre-buy a Collector’s Edition DVD or VHS, when will I receive it?

A. You will receive your DVD or VHS before August 31, 2004. Hopefully, by that time, our film will have received critical recognition and possible awards from film festivals exposure. There is always the possibility that your DVD or VHS could become a true collectors item and worth much more that what you paid. In the film business, anything is possible.

Q. What is your marketing plan to sell the film or its distribution rights?

A. Our schedule is to roll film in October 2003 and complete post production to allow us to submit to the 2004 Cannes International Film Festival. We have a marketing plan if we make it into Cannes, as well as if we don’t. The basic plan is to showcase our film at the best film festivals possible to get the best exposure. Depending on the audience reception of our film will determine what paths we pursue.

Oddly enough, the one question I didn’t see listed was “What if the movie is so bad that it doesn’t even go straight to video?”