Byron 'Giggsy'’s Comments (group member since Aug 31, 2009)

Byron 'Giggsy'’s comments from the Philip K Dick group.

Here are some Questions to start with. I'm not sure if they will email answers back or log on here, but PLEASE ADD SOME OF YOUR OWN QUESTIONS!

1) Did you consult or add anything to the screenplay from VALIS or Exegesis or did you keep it strictly RFA?

2) What is some of the positive and negative feedback from the film festival circuit?

3) Is the kickstarter campaign the last hope to get distribution? What challenges have occurred with getting distribution?

4) Tell us about your casting choices. Did you get your first picks for each character?

5) Did the small budget inhibit creating your vision of the film?

6) You've also written a script for Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said. Why is RFA being made first? What are the chances we'll have a Flow My Tears movie in the future? What other PKD movie rights do you have?

7) John, did being Producer, Director, and Writer make your job easier or more difficult?

8) Did anyone associated with the film ever meet PKD in person?

Here are the details on the Kickstarter donation levels. Kickstarter fundraising is All or Nothing. If the goal is met, the project goes forward and you get the items for your pledge. Otherwise, the project gets no funding, and you are not changed anything.

Some of these are pretty cool, and some is items many of us would buy anyway, so here is a chance to help the film get released.


Pledge $5 or more
MINORITY REPORTER - Thank you for joining our grass-roots Movement! You’ll get personal tweets from the team, Facebook mention, listing on the RFA Website and exclusive content only for backers.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013

Pledge $10 or more
BLADE RUNNER - All of the above plus Hi-Res Digital Photo from the movie and email from the director. You choose which character you want in the frame. Or we'll follow PKD's example and let the I-Ching decide for you!
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013

Pledge $25 or more
RADIO FREE ALBEMUTH INSIDER - All of the above plus RFA Digital Download! For anyone planning on owning the movie anyway, your donation now helps us raise the money for distribution. VALIS will shine its pink light on you! Download outside the U.S. may be at later delivery date.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013

Pledge $35 or more
TOTAL DICK-HEAD - Digital Score, Digital Poster and pdf of Screenplay. If you are a PKD fan, you’ve probably got his novel Radio Free Albemuth on your bookshelf. Now own the screenplay - with the director’s essay on the challenges of adaptation. Plus all the above.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013

Pledge $50 or more
ARAMCHEK CELL LEADER - All of the above. Plus - Be the first to own the DVD! Your own “SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION” copy personalized with inscription by writer/director John Alan Simon. Signed and numbered. Delivery outside U.S. may be at later delivery date.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US

Pledge $70 or more
RFA REPORTER - Extra! Extra! In addition to the limited edition DVD and all of the above - Add an actual prop from the movie! Newspapers created for RFA with headline “ARAMCHECK ALERT’ OR “RUSSIANS SHOOT DOWN ALIEN SATELLITE.” Suitable for framing.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US

Pledge $75 or more
ARAMCHEK ARTISAN - For One-Sheet collectors. Radio Free Albemuth poster (27 “x 41"– standard poster size.) Suitable for framing, autographed (if you want) by RFA Team. PKD fans love Christel Thompson’s design. Now you can hang it on your wall. Plus TOTAL DICK-HEAD Package.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $35 to ship outside the US

Pledge $75 or more
PHILIP K. DICK’S FOOTSTEPS - In addition to the DVD, you’ll experience PKD's Berkeley haunts with a guided walking tour by noted PKD scholar David Gill (totaldickhead.blogspot.com). Includes all premiums in ARAMCHEK CELL LEADERS. Does not include travel to San Francisco.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Add $10 to ship outside the US

Pledge $85 or more
ARAMCHEK BIBLIOPHILE - Collectors item for your library. Limited Edition bound book of Radio Free Albemuth screenplay with original hand painted color ink or watercolor artwork insert by writer/director John Alan Simon. Each one is unique. First 26 receive LETTERED with C.O.A. (Certificate of Authenticity). After that, NUMBERED with C.O.A. Includes all the perks in TOTAL DICK-HEAD Package.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Add $25 to ship outside the US

Pledge $100 or more
RFA CONSPIRATOR - See your name on the big screen, DVD and downloads in “SPECIAL THANKS” listing in the end credits. (May even boost your rating on IMDB!) Includes TOTAL DICK-HEAD package. Plus a personal thank-you phone call from one of the producers.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013

Pledge $250 or more
ARAMCHEK CONNOISSEUR - Collector’s Item from the set. One of only two beautiful mounted 27” x 40” poster with the Progressive Records logo from the company where Nick Brady (Jonathan Scarfe) and Silvia Aramchek (Alanis Morissette) work. Design by art director Prisciilla Elliot. Includes ON SCREEN and Social Media thanks, Website listing, digital poster, script, score and Digital Download of RFA.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $40 to ship outside the US

Pledge $350 or more
PHILIP K. DICK FANATIC - The Shirt off Philip K. Dick's Back. Worn by Phil (Shea Whigham) in the movie on the night he’s arrested . size: XL. Plus ON SCREEN and Social Media thanks, Website listing, digital poster, script, score and Digital Download of RFA.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $15 to ship outside the US

Pledge $350 or more
ALANIS/SILVIA EXCLUSIVE - Black satin vest OR green blouse worn by Silvia (Alanis Morissette). This one’s for for the Alanis fans. .Size: Small. First to pledge chooses which item. Photo still included. Plus ON SCREEN special thanks Credit. Includes Social Media thanks, Website listing, digital poster, script, score, and digital download of RFA.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
Add $15 to ship outside the US

Pledge $350 or more
ASHLEY EXCLUSIVE - Blue blouse worn by Ashley Greene in RFA. One of a kind. Size: Small. Photo still and COA included. Plus ON SCREEN special thanks Credit. Includes Social Media thanks, Website listing, digital poster, script, score, and digital download of RFA.
Add $15 to ship outside the US

Pledge $350 or more
DIRECT VALIS COMMUNICATION - Hour-long one-on-one skype conversation with RFA producer of your choice: Director John Alan Simon, Chip Rosenbloom, Steve Nemeth, Elizabeth Karr. We’ll do our best to make your first choice available. Talk about Radio Free Albemuth, Philip K. Dick, writing, producing, directing, acting, philosophy of life – or even yourself. Plus ON SCREEN special thanks credit. Includes Social Media thanks, Website listing, digital poster, script, score, digital download of RFA and DVD.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013

Pledge $400 or more
PROGRESSIVE RECORDS CEO - Private Master Class two-hour session with Radio Free Albemuth composer Ralph Grierson at his studio. Discuss the scoring of RFA – or your own film project with composer/musician whose credits include Half Nelson, A Bug’s Life. Includes ON SCREEN special thanks credit. If you can’t get to LA, you can meet via skype. Plus Includes all premiums in ARAMCHEK CELL LEADERS - DVD!
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013

Pledge $500 or more
RFA INNER CIRCLE - Hollywood Lunch with director John Alan Simon or producers Steve Nemeth, Chip Rosenbloom, or Elizabeth Karr. Radio Free Albemuth picks up the check. You need to get yourself to Los Angeles. We’ll do our best to make your first choice of lunch host available. Includes Special Limited edition DVD and all of the above except limited number items.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013

Pledge $500 or more
PRESIDENT FREMONT OVAL OFFICE “PORTRAIT” - Exclusive One of a kind! Large 5’ x 4’ mounted poster of Pres. Fremont/Scott Wilson as seen on screen. There’s only one and it can hang on your wall. If Fremont is one of your favorite PKD villains – or you’re a fan of Scott Wilson as Hershel Greene in ‘The Walking Dead’ or his Golden Globe nominated performance in “The Ninth Configuration” and ‘In Cold Blood,’ vote quickly for this one! Plus Special Limited edition DVD and all of the above except limited number items.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013
Add $100 to ship outside the US

Pledge $550 or more
ARAMCHECK SECRET SUMMIT - Exclusive Private Party at Composer Ralph Grierson’s house with director John Alan Simon and producers and surprise special guests in attendance. Listen to RFA composer virtuoso play the score on his grand piano and discuss the director-composer collaboration. You need to get yourself to LA! Includes ON SCREEN special thanks Credit, Social Media thanks, Website listing, TOTAL DICK-HEAD package, and Special Limited Edition DVD.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013

Pledge $600 or more
FREMONT PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM PATRON - Exclusive one of a kind plaque as seen in the movie! Wood framed, (2’x 3’) glass-enclosed pictorial of the President’s (Scott Wilson) boyhood (2’ x 3’). There’s only one and it can hang on your wall. Includes ON SCREEN special thanks Credit, Social Media thanks, Website listing, TOTAL DICK-HEAD package, and Special Limited Edition DVD.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013
Add $100 to ship outside the US

Pledge $750 or more
 2 backers Limited (48 of 50 left)
VALIS LIGHT ANGEL - Movie Premiere and Party! 2 tickets to the NYC or LA premiere of Radio Free Albemuth. (Travel and accommodations not included.) Hang out with the RFA team on this big night. Includes ON SCREEN special thanks Credit, Social Media thanks, Website listing, TOTAL DICK-HEAD package, and Special Limited Edition DVD.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013

Pledge $1,000 or more
PROFESSIONAL TORTURER EXCLUSIVE - Alanis Morissette Lyrics for “Professional Torturer.” 30” x 48” cue card signed by Alanis. From the set, shooting the vision sequence night club scene. This was a personal gift from Alanis to the director, who wants you to have it as special thanks for helping release RFA in theatres.. Plus ON SCREEN special thanks Credit, Social Media thanks, Website listing, Total Dickhead package, and Special Limited Edition DVD.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013
Add $40 to ship outside the US

Pledge $2,500 or more
A PROJECTION DARKLY - Host a private screening of RFA in your own home or other private venue of your choice for you and your closest friends with director John Alan Simon personally in attendance for special Q&A. Plus all of the above (except limited items).
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
Add $1,500 to ship outside the US

Pledge $5,000 or more
VALIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCER - Associate Producer credit on a Philip K. Dick movie! ON SCREEN and submitted to IMDB. Plus ALL of the above rewards except One of a Kind and props. You get Premiere screenings with Cast and Crew, one-on-one lunch and Skype session, autographed Script, Limited Edition DVD, RFA Poster, Party.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013

Pledge $10,000 or more
VALIS CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Co-Executive Producer credit on Radio Free Albemuth. ON SCREEN and submitted to IMDB. Plus ALL of the above rewards (excluding One of a Kind and props)… Premiere screenings with Cast and Crew, lunch & Skype session, autographed Script, DVD, RFA Poster, Party. * If you'd like to give more than 10K, Message us personally and not only will you be our hero but we'll custom create incentives for you that will be out of this world wonderful.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2013

The filmmakers of Radio Free Albemuth based on PKD's semiautobiographical novel of the same have agreed to do a Q&A with our group.

This is also a critical time for the film. A Kickstarter campaign is under way to help get the film distribution. We can help, and donations meet various reward levels including some very rare and neat collectibles as well as pre-purchases of advanced copies of the film, screenplay, soundtrack, posters, etc... stuff so of us would buy anyway.

Interview is with John Alan Simon (Writer, Director, Producer of the film and Katherine Karr (Co-Producer and small role actress)

Check out concerning the film:

http://www.radiofreealbemuth.com/blog/

RFA Facebook

RFA book wikipedia

RFA film wikipedia

Kickstarter funding compaign

Radio Free Albemuth has been hailed as the most faithful PKD adaptation and Best adaptation of PKD to the screen by many festivals, fans and scholars.

The filmmakers have created a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a hybrid distribution, with a small theatrical release combined with the new digital model of offering the release through various satellite, broadband, and internet methods.

AND THE BIG NEWS IS - I have received response from John Alan Simon (the writer/director/producer) and Elizabeth Karr (co-producer) that they are willing to field questions from our group. Still working out the details, but if you are interested and don't log in daily, you may want to keep an eye out for this and your chance to ask questions of the filmmakers (who naturally are huge PKD fans)

for now check out:

http://www.radiofreealbemuth.com/

http://kck.st/16hqmU7

I'm also intrigued by the ways you can categorize this book. Most often, it gets the "Science Fiction" tag because that is what PKD mostly wrote - and I'm fine with that tag. But it is also "semi-auto-biographical". And since it doesn't throw science down your throat, you can even consider it general literature, or "transgressive fiction" if you want a more specific label. And why can't this be part of the "dirty realism" movement? Is it not an extremely realistic portrayal of a drug users journey from casual user to hopeless addict and burnout where the original self is now all gone?

And I really wish this title was taught in grade schools. In the US, it seems very little literature after 1950 is taught. Maybe 1984, Farenheit 451, Catcher in the Rye, Catch 22, or Slaughterhouse 5... but those are all also on banned books lists and being taught less and less. There is no Stephen King, Charles Bukowski, Don DeLillo, Hubert Selby Jr, and nothing Science Fiction taught. I could add many more to that list. Oh, I did read Kate Chopin's Awakening though. Books I've read by the above have changed me, changed how I view the world, view people, my philosophies. Most of the books I read in school took 10 hours of my life away.

not only is the film the closest PKD adaption to the original, I think this has to be one of the closest book to film adaptions of all time... and I think the choice of rotoscope making it cartoony is a key reason why, so I still have to disagree with Mike. Let's not forget the director is quite accomplished and someone that doesn't need tricks. Keanu and Winona are a little bland in the film, but would you really rather see them in full high resolution color over rotoscope? Downey Jr does a great job bring Barris to life with both humor and sociopathic behavior. And Cochrane does a good job as the paranoid burnout. Keanu is strong when there is confusion over whether Arctor & Fred are the same or different... and an not sure Keanu could have pulled that off with a traditional film style.

not sure where the flat-chested comes from, but PKD was born a twin, and his pair was a female brunette that died at 6 weeks old. I know one of the DVD documentaries covers this some and I'm sure some of the book biographies do, but I know experts often point to these odd brunette characters as Dick's manifestation of his sister into an adult life.

I didn't dislike it, but it falls towards my least favorites of what I've read. But the worst Dick is still a good one. It almost seemed too typical of a PKD work. I enjoyed seeing the recurring themes, like Paul mentioned: bad marriage, drug abuse, time travel, fast & effortless travel, back n forth between Earth and Mars, and of course the robot/android and simulacra/clone, and also the leader/President being an imposter or clone.

In the end, it was all so familiar for me the read didn't really expand my Dick universe.

I'm 24% through.. This is another title that doesn't start off bad, but does start off making wonder where the heck Dick is going with this. I must admit I haven't read a synopsis of this book, so I don't even know that basics of what it is about. Typical Dick so far.

I love the title of this book. Its both a classic Dick title and a classic Sci_Fi in general title.

this thread dedicated to thoughts/questions when reading the first 3rd or half of the novel. Avoid spoilers (mark them if you have to include them). There will be a final thoughts thread allowing spoilers.

Final thoughts after reading?

We've got Now Wait for Last Year queued up for a group read from September 1 to 25. Have any pre-read expectations to share or questions to ask?

I liked Taverner and Alys in Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said

I just watched the movie last night on blu-ray. Wife got a blu-ray player for her birthday in October, and got me A Scanner Darkly on blu-ray. I wasn't sure what the blu-ray versus dvd updgrade would bring, but it was actually worth it, even though its rotoscope, it did look much nicer on blu-ray, the increased sharpness seemed to help the depth percepeption and make it look less cartoonish

A Scanner Darkly is the chosen group read for Jan 2013 for the Beyond Reality group on goodreads, in case you want to join in on that one. Feel free to discuss it in that group or bring your thoughts here.

I was thinking January.. but there is another group I'm in voting on a January group read and A Scanner Darkly is currently leading the vote. So I may have us piggyback on their read and move our next to February.

Since the whole group is PKD, we can read and discuss anything anytime. 3 group reads a years seems good to me, but we can certainly do more if that's what members want.

Mohammed wrote: "Byron 'Giggsy' wrote: "I've yet to read The Man in the High Castle.

I've been trying to save a few of his top titles later and delve into the lesser known works too. I've actually own just about every novel now, and hope to have all of them read within 4-5 years from now.

I've yet to read The Man in the High Castle. It's a little interesting as it sounds like this is a major step down overall as well as in the areas the novels are similar. High Castle was written in 1961 and published in 62; The Simulacra was written in 1963 and published in 64.

Someone else I'm noticing in his novels that take place in a future USA, is how small the country or world can seem, especially in terms of travelling. Typically there is mention of some sort a flying machine that has replaced cars, and naturally it would be faster, but I find it amazing how fast characters can move from Cleveland, to San Francisco, and then to Berlin and back to San Francisco. At times it appears to be same day movement. A character in London hears about something major going on, so they jump in a sky taxi and later than day they are in San Francisco.

maybe I just underestimate how fast he envisions sky travel in the future, but sometimes they jump in the car too and make some serious distance without stopping for sleep.