Hewlett and his producing team, made up of real life fiancée Jane Loughman and Stargate SG1 producer John Lenic, spent last hiatus shooting a little independent comedy that is making big waves in Hollywood. Their micro-budgeted "A Dog’s Breakfast" has not only sold to MGM Studios worldwide, but spun off a pilot development deal with NBC/Universal.
Hewlett and Loughman showed a clip of the movie to a packed room of Stargate fans at San Diego's Comicon in July 2006. Blown away by the response -- and having just read Chris Anderson's "The Long Tail" -- Hewlett decided to test the waters with YouTube.com. The clip had over 20,000 viewings in a matter of hours.
However, the "hyper-drive" engine for "A Dog's Breakfast"’s real world success is a $8 a month Joomla web hosting account. After receiving quotes from designers that were "tens of thousands of dollars more than we had" Hewlett dedicated his hiatus from Stargate to creating www.adogsbreakfastmovie.com. Using free and donation basedsource software, the website has lead to thousands of members, fan posters, promotional and merchandising campaigns and over 2,000 screening requests. MGM and NBC/Universal couldn't help but hear that kind of buzz. The deals lead to international recognition in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen International and television spots on KNBC and Entertainment Tonight, not to mention the thousands of online, news, video and blog entries.
Hewlett's advice to filmmakers? "Find your niche, get to know your market and then make sure that you include them in the process. If people connect with you and your film, you don’t need to sell them anything. Just welcome them along for the ride!
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Written by stargateSG147 on 2007-05-12 18:19:24
so is MGM going to make A Dog's Breakfast DVD or what? |
Written by Captain Peregrine on 2007-02-10 02:12:18
Whoot!
That says it all I think. :D This has been an awesome project to watch come into its own and I am just so excited that I could at least tag along for the ride.
Congrats, also, on becoming "fiancée ". :D |
Written by rac76 on 2007-02-02 21:41:04
Congrats! Hard work does pay off with big rewards!! Can't wait to see the movie and the tv show.  |
Written by kamelion on 2007-01-24 19:33:23
SWEET. You just can't beat that. |
Very cool!
Written by Powerbean21 on 2007-01-23 21:11:09
Keep up the good work  |
Keep the momentum going :)
Written by chynadoll on 2007-01-23 11:08:59
Glad all the hard work is paying off for all of you.
I just perused the digg page, and it cracked me up when a "regular" from there in their lame attempt to trash the postings, commented, "Why don't you just use word of mouth advertising?"  This -is- word of mouth advertising! What an elitist bunch. And now that that's out of my system, congrats again, and keep it going! |
Written by Erynn on 2007-01-22 23:34:52
Has anybody mentioned recently that you're made of awesome? Because they should. And you are. |
anyone need a spare shovel??
Written by teknikal on 2007-01-22 15:50:16
digg!!!!!digg!!
anyone who disses is jealous of the awesome-ness that is the unbeatable team of you,jane the whole adb crew and the whole population (yes population) of dgeek!!!!
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OMG WOW
Written by sissi on 2007-01-22 13:09:15
Congratulations David!
And the thanks should all go to you for allowing us to have a seat on this read :D
We squirrells maybe a WEIRD WEIRD bunch but we stick around where it matters. |
Written by LaClau on 2007-01-22 06:44:00
What a ride! I never have been involved in something like this before. Be proud... or scared =D
*running to Digg It* |
Great Stuff
Written by Netty on 2007-01-22 02:44:40
This is great news. Great to hear word of the movie is spreading far and wide!
Also great to know theres so many people at Dgeek.com
Just proud to know that us lil squirrels have accomplished so much for our beloved Lord D!
*bow down to the Master*
Im so happy for David and the Gang on their success and I wish you guys all the best!
Just waiting to see the movie now!
 |
Where do you want me to click next?
Written by watcher652 on 2007-01-21 22:59:34
David, you've got me registered in more places I've never heard of. It's been an education, for sure! I get strangely excited when you direct us to another place to talk about the movie. It's like A Dog's Breakfast belongs to all of us. You could probably write a book about this and get even more publicity about this puppy.
You only pay $8 a month for having this site hosted? What a deal!
Where to next? |
We're having a ball here...
Written by nlgatefan on 2007-01-21 19:35:19
Feeling like we're playing a tiny part in the success, not only of the movie, but also of the "thinking outside the box" way it's been marketed. You're doing something unique with this, and without doubt making some traditional marketing types sit up and take notice. Yay! That $8/month was a very sage investment! Thanks for taking us along! We really are having a ball! |
Front page material
Written by Jan on 2007-01-21 19:29:45
You already made Digg's front page... let's see what more we squirrels can do!
** scurries off to register **
NB -- It is so darn cute to see Jane mentioned as a 'real life fiancee'. What an adorable couple you two make! |
We
Written by nlgatefan on 2007-01-21 18:59:42
|
Written by Red Phoniex on 2007-01-21 18:03:48
READ THIS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE NEED OUR SPUIRREL POWER OVER ON THE DIGG SITE!!!!! Comment there and show those annoying people who haven't even heard of the film that we're not just crew and friends of David posting. Show them our true numbers by posting a comment and Digging it!!!!!!!!!
WE NEED YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!! |
Written by Red Phoniex on 2007-01-21 17:26:56
David and Jane, you deserve this for everything you do for your fans. You didn't have to do this, you didn't even need to create a blog, but because of it we are able to tell you how great you really are and that you're one of a kind. Can't wait till P2 and seeing ADB. All the best
Red Phoniex
Sarah Hardy |
The King of Squirrels hath spoken...
Written by purple_dragon on 2007-01-21 16:33:24
As I said on the "digg" site, this is soo utterly awesome and I can't wait to see this at the London screening (the 6.30pm one *g*) :D
And David, thanks for saying thanks *g*, you'll never have to worry about support for any film/tv show etc. from this squirrel
I hope this only the beginning of a fabtastic ride for you, and all the other wonderfull people who'll be working on Starcrossed (and other things with you). Mind if us squirrels tag along? 
purple_dragon |
Force to be reckoned with
Written by Aten on 2007-01-21 15:42:43
It's what we are. It's so amazing to see what a little link can do. It was a little link that brought all of us here in the virtual sense, and it's a little link of devotion that holds us here still. Perhaps it isn't so "little" after all.  |
Great news and good idea
Written by MdGateFan on 2007-01-21 14:36:28
Great news...not that we didn't already know this, but it good to let the masses in on it. I hadn't realized that the mainstream press had gotten wind of this story. That is really good to hear.
Off to put this in my blog and all ready sent a link to a friend who writes for SyPyPortal... The second will spread the word far wider I am sure.
we |
Naughty!
Written by 11nine73 on 2007-01-21 13:39:23
You had me confused for a moment... right until I clicked the "Digg" button.
Bad boy.
lmao
Helen x |
Written by Night Spring on 2007-01-21 13:19:22
David, you are a wicked, wicked scoundrel, and you know it!
Aaaand, we all love you fot it! :D |
Written by zwild1 on 2007-01-21 10:59:12
How cool is this! Go you! Go us! Keep it up. |
Written by Luna the Moonmonster on 2007-01-21 10:35:25
Wow, that's pretty impressive. Who needs big corporations when a handful of dedicated fans make all the difference. Go you! |
Written by Becky S. on 2007-01-21 09:15:16
Registered and "dugg". And for the squirrels' next trick.... |
WEEEEEE!
Written by windshieldbug on 2007-01-21 08:56:22
Whoever said that fans don't make a difference?!
David, you have no idea how proud we all are of you, Jane, and the rest of the cast/crew. ADB is going to be a big indie film.
Btw, I'm going to be contacting the "Screening Room" in Birmingham, AL on Monday. We'll see what it takes to get a screening down here.
Here's to $8, baby!! |
Written by APM on 2007-01-21 06:50:59
just noticed ... you have to actually click on the "digg it" button on the top left corner near the article title... not just leave a comment. |
Written by APM on 2007-01-21 06:47:58
I have "digg" their article... erm. How about we try and crash their web site with the number of posts and "diggs" we make? registration on the site is free and all you have to do is click on a button! |
Written by casey on 2007-01-21 06:05:59
Congratulations! Looks like a fantastic year to come and many more exciting things |
Written by Rebeccasaurus on 2007-01-21 05:43:36
$8 thriftiness fun! |
Written by rosiewook on 2007-01-21 05:40:11
It is our honor and pleasure to be able to play on your $8/month site.
And I have gone on to Digg to "dig" your story. Free registration folks. The more digs it gets, the more notice the film gets! |
Written by SeiyaTheLeaper on 2007-01-21 03:38:50
Cool article!
What's this "Digg it" thing? |
Written by Muffin on 2007-01-21 02:59:21
I'd ditto some of the comments...never underestimate the power of the squirrel. We may look cute and furry but we our nuts |
Made of the Awesome!
Written by Jen the Fangirl on 2007-01-21 02:53:33
And that's what you are, David! :D I think it helps bunches that you're a fan yourself. That lets you understand us more than most Hollywood corporate types out there.
This is fantastic! The goodness keeps on happening for you! Congrats! *squeedance* |
Written by Pandora on 2007-01-21 02:51:17
Congrats on all the hard work that you and the rest of your compadres have put into making ADB all that it could possibly be and more. Thank you for allowing us, your loyal and admiring friends and fans to take part in helping to propagate your dream. I am proud to be a squirrel and I know deep in my heart that this is only the beginning for you. |
Written by Zerocool on 2007-01-21 02:09:08
RESULT!!!! |
Yay!
Written by Trialia on 2007-01-21 01:13:46
Go you! ^_^
Hey, any chance of a screening at Polaris in July? *g* Please?? *flying across the Atlantic to go* |
Written by archae_ology on 2007-01-21 00:31:58
*blinkers* WOW. And thank you, for everything! |
Power in numbers!
Written by tmac72 on 2007-01-21 00:31:57
You have your own little army of squirrels backing you 100%. |
Written by Shawna on 2007-01-21 00:29:20
Great article. "Thousands" on here, you say? How about a member counter or something? Then again...actually knowing the number might shatter our feeling of a small, intimate forum. |
Bravo
Written by AylaMc on 2007-01-21 00:28:08
Niiiice. Keep up the hard work, it's obviously paying off!
And do a screening in Halifax! {i do realise I'm driving this point probably a little too far, but really. I have no way to get out of the province. Please come? -finds a picture of neeko -the resident dog- giving his pitiful begging face} |
Written by darklock on 2007-01-21 00:26:50
Heeeyeah. Thanks for the ride. I'm enjoying it. |
Written by s_aurius on 2007-01-21 00:26:20
A big thank you to you David for allowing us to be so involved. It's been such a blast and this is just the beginning! |
Written by Carron on 2007-01-21 00:20:39
Never underestimate the power...of the squirrel. |
Written by ZoniDuck on 2007-01-21 00:00:13
Hee! Fiancée! How cool is that?
And never before has $8 a month provided so much happiness to so many people. |
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