Inside the Octagon 2 progress

[Gary Watson]

As many of you are aware, I have announced a new plan to solicit the support of MG enthusiasts in the completion of the definitive post-war MG video history, INSIDE THE OCTAGON 2, MG 1946 – 1980 (ITO2). This is the sequel to INSIDE THE OCTAGON, M.G. 1921 - 1945 that was completed in 1995. ITO2 was eventually put on hold indefinitely because of funding issues. For years I have been asked about the future of the post-war MG film and up until now I haven't been able to hold out any hope for seeing it completed. But now I have established a way the post-war film can be completed through the support MG entuhusiasts. INSIDE THE OCTAGON 2 has been accepted by the Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) (www.swamp.org) as a sponsored project. SWAMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit media arts organization and as a sponsored project, tax deductible (in the U.S.) contributions can be made to SWAMP to support the completion of ITO2. (See www.insidetheoctagon.net for details.) The cost of making a film like this is very high and although I've already spent enough money on ITO2 to have owned a first-rate classic MG, there's still about $100,000 of expenses remaining to finish the production. About half of that expense is the licensing fees for the use of archival materials. Most of the rest goes to photographing restored MGs and transferring the original interview footage to digital video for editing. Fortunately, much of ITO2 was filmed concurrently with the first film, including an extended irreplaceable 1992 interview with the late John Thornley. I recently had the pleasure of photographing HMGCC member Ed Rosenquist with his beautiful MGTC and MGTF for the film and I intend to be filming other HMGCC members with their cars as funds become available. Some years ago I filmed Bill Jones driving an MGA 1600 and Ralph Deibert driving an MGA Coupé for the production. I also did a sequence with Dave and Linda Renner in their MGB driving on the freeway near downtown Houston. People who donate at least $50 to the production will receive the first edition of the DVD when it is finished. A donor giving $100 or more will also be listed in the end credits of the film. The DVD will also have a photo album featurette. Anyone who donates $250 or more and provides a digital photo of themselves and their MG will be included in the photo album. This way they become part of this historical document. You can visit www.insidetheoctagon.net for details about how you can help. Thanks for your support! Gary Watson