This forum is a bit slow.
What are you working on? Who of us are actually working on our dream(s)?
I am:
* Prepping a short I'll be shooting in February.
* Working on an idea for another short.
* In the early stage of writing a feature (damn, it's hard).
* Thinking about studying philosphy.
Doing bit rewrites on what should be my first feature.
Finishing sound edit/mix on my newest short.
Writing the treatment of a short film for my buddy to direct.
Helping the same friend finish the first draft of his Pirate Epic script.
Slowly picking away at a rewrite of what will be my dream project script (hopefully the one that will win me a Palme D'Or :) ), but this shan't be done for at least a year or two...
-Sending off my short to a script contest
-Trying to finish my three year old script
-Trying to find a new job (it's putting a damper on my writing productivity)
-Preparing for a trip out of the country (again with the damper)
-Writing a short story that will eventually become a short
-Transfering all my files over to a new computer.
Quote from: Raikus-Writing a short story
I'd like to do more of this. You can go places and do stories you could never if you knew you'd be filming it.
* Doing revision on feature (per director's notes)
* Negotiating pitiful fee for a non-WGA writing assignment
* Page-one rewriting two spec scripts
* Looking for a manager
* Beginning work at a crappy video store b/c I'm woefully in debt (free rentals is the only thing that keeps me sane)
* Trying to catch up on all the movies I've missed in the past 6 months
And yet I have entirely too much time to surf the forum :?
* Trying to watch as many movies as possible, especially ones I should have seen but haven't, plus anything generally odd.
* About quater of a way through first draft of first feature screenplay (a twisted rom-com between a nymphomaniac and a conspiracy-theorist), which hope to make on shoestring summer 2006.
* Still working on story for feature about a boy who befriends a prostitute.
* Trying to work out how the fuck I'm gonna get any money to attempt both of the above.
Quote from: kotteQuote from: Raikus-Writing a short story
I'd like to do more of this. You can go places and do stories you could never if you knew you'd be filming it.
It's weird. I've always been a literature writer and I thought transitioning to screenwriting would be pretty easy. However, I still find the easiest way to complete a screenplay is for me to write the story version of it first and then base the screenplay on it. I've been slaving through my primary feature script for three years now and just can't seem to break through it. I may have to go back and write it as a story first. :x
Good for all of you.
I'm having a production meeting tonite for my feature film. I wrote it and plan on directing it. It's not an oscar or Palm script...but you'll never get started if you're always waiting for everything to be perfect. I'm getting quite a bit of help and some location resistance...but that's normal. We plan on shooting to start around March 22.
I'm also writing a short play in the style of Neil Simon...mixed with a little "his girl friday".
Quote from: RaikusQuote from: kotteQuote from: Raikus-Writing a short story
I'd like to do more of this. You can go places and do stories you could never if you knew you'd be filming it.
It's weird. I've always been a literature writer and I thought transitioning to screenwriting would be pretty easy. However, I still find the easiest way to complete a screenplay is for me to write the story version of it first and then base the screenplay on it. I've been slaving through my primary feature script for three years now and just can't seem to break through it. I may have to go back and write it as a story first. :x
If you've been working on it for three years without break-throughs, why not just put it on ice and move on? If it matters this much to you (you've been on it for this long) you shouldn't toss it out but it obviously deserves som time alone :)
* Watching as many movies as I can. Currently on a Mike Nichols frenzy
* Doing a lot of uni work. New semester: new projects
* Trying to find inspiration to do a new short over christmas, but starting to become a bit frustrated with minidv.
* Trying to find a 'rug' to tie it all together, so to speak.
Quote from: ®edlum* Trying to find inspiration to do a new short over christmas, but starting to become a bit frustrated with minidv.
Anyone who haven't shot on film. Do it!
Save up for a few months, it doesn't have to be that expensive. Nothing can compete with the feeling and energy of a
film set. Anyone who's ever heard "camera rolling" understands. :)
I know I really want to, if someone could give me a break down of pricing - I'd really appreciate it. Start on B&W 16mm I assume. Is the equipment that difficult to operate? (I guess that should be a new or existing thread, really. Or maybe a PM).
Quote from: ®edlumI know I really want to, if someone could give me a break down of pricing - I'd really appreciate it. Start on B&W 16mm I assume. Is the equipment that difficult to operate? (I guess that should be a new or existing thread, really. Or maybe a PM).
I'll PM you. I know 16mm... :)
I'm currently...
*logging footage in preparation for going out of town on Friday to begin post production on a new feature.
*writing short stories (it's a great change of pace).
*trying to figure out where to go on the second draft of a feature script I've been working on for a while now.
*still working a 'regular' job (projectionist).
*trying to find a different 'regular' job.
I'll give it a go:
-Just got done taking Photography. Never actually worked with any kind of camera before, so I figured this is as good a place to start as any. I mean, Kubrick started out snapping pictures, right?
-I recently finished a short story/treatment version of film I want to make. I've been sitting on it. It deffinately needs work, but I just haven't gotten around to working on it. So, no idea if this one'll ever come to fruition.
-Just recently started Creative Writing. I've been having problems writing lately, this class should help. Had to come up with at least 3 ideas, write a thumbnail for each of them, then submit them to the other students. Should also help me develop my ideas.
I want to be a writer/director someday. While I've heard good things about what I've written before, there's always room to grow, room to improve, so I'm trying to grow as much as I can.
i'm still in high school so my pursuing hasnt fully started yet, but here go:
i write constantly - im trying to write THREE different features right now, though im focusing heavily on one more than the other two
i'm watching and buying as much as i can
im learning a ton from being on xixax
i start film class on friday so that'll be good
right now im basically just lovin it so here's to the future i guess
Quote from: eward
im learning a ton from being on xixax
Me too. That's one of the reasons why I love this place.
Damn, you guys make me feel lazy. :(
Ok, i've been gone for a while so i'll start as of a month ago...
* Finished up writing and directing a humorous public service announcement (you can see it on my site).
* Casting and doing general pre-production for a new short in March.
* Starting graduate school in a few days.
* In pre-production for a spec commercial.
Quote from: Slick ShoesDamn, you guys make me feel lazy. :(
tell me about it.
f*ck.
Quote from: ranemaka13I mean, Kubrick started out snapping pictures, right?
Yes, but the man wasn't just a guy snapping pictures. He was a natural photojournalist.
Quote from: kotteQuote from: RaikusQuote from: kotteQuote from: Raikus-Writing a short story
I'd like to do more of this. You can go places and do stories you could never if you knew you'd be filming it.
It's weird. I've always been a literature writer and I thought transitioning to screenwriting would be pretty easy. However, I still find the easiest way to complete a screenplay is for me to write the story version of it first and then base the screenplay on it. I've been slaving through my primary feature script for three years now and just can't seem to break through it. I may have to go back and write it as a story first. :x
If you've been working on it for three years without break-throughs, why not just put it on ice and move on? If it matters this much to you (you've been on it for this long) you shouldn't toss it out but it obviously deserves som time alone :)
The three years takes into account two such ice ages. I'm about to enter the third. I let it sit for about four months and then go back to it. I just need to hammer through it. I'm at the crucial 80 page range and just need to get finish my third act and then start revising. Oh well, maybe in June...
Quote from: CinephileQuote from: ranemaka13I mean, Kubrick started out snapping pictures, right?
Yes, but the man wasn't just a guy snapping pictures. He was a natural photojournalist.
Yes, yes. I just meant that even he started out small.
Shooting more documentary footage.
Then working on an experimental animation.
After that, a short fiction piece. I gotta busy year ahead of me.
when you are writing, do you have everything figured out in your head, or you come up with things and characters as you go on?
It's about half and half for me. I'll create a basic story and outline on most and let the character development and interaction happen as the story goes along. Other times I have just come up with a situation and started the story without any real thought as to resolution. It's fun because you're tagging along with the character and it allows you to get a better sense of his/her thoughts/feelings/attitudes.
I'm sure this is different for different writers though.
-Putting a shot list together for a short I plan to shoot before the summer.
-Constantly working on one production or another for university. Got an experimental, a studio production and trying to sell the above mentionned project as my final.
-Constantly trying to get the team members I have to work with to use my ideas but not massacre them by insisting on making something the teacher will like.
-Freaking out over a portrait/documentary short I have to shoot tomorrow which I haven't done nearly enough preparation for.
-Trying to re-edit a 60 second video I shot last semester and use it as my demo reel.
-Trying to get out of my dead-end job as a projectionist and get a job in a production company somewhere. But I'm starting to think I might wanna work in a video store. It'd be fun for a few months.
Quote from: mollywhen you are writing, do you have everything figured out in your head, or you come up with things and characters as you go on?
I'm not sure... I've tried a couple of different approaches. For example, on one I've planned out every scene before hand; on another I have the basic story and detailed characters worked out; on another I've just started writting to see where it goes. I think the best approach, for me at least is a combination of all. I think it's good to have the basic story worked out, to write the first draft, and then go back and improve it all in re-drafts. Story and all.
I am:
- Working on the second draft of a feature-length screenplay, which will no doubt wind up being my feature debut.
- Working on the rough cut of a short film.
- Writing a number of shorts for school [see below].
- "Studying" film and television at University [in reality, I'm actually using their equipment to complete my own projects, but still].
[/list:u]
uploading the footage i shot to the editors...it sucks. (documentary)
i am:
trying to write a short script with the idea of a boy and a girl reciting poetry to each other
trying to learn as much as i can with film and watching hella lot of them
helping my sister with her story which she wants to turn into a short about the life and love story of our grandmother
trying to get better each time i play the guitar
all these and at the same time, STRUGGLING to become a doctor :-D
you're studying medicine?
well im still in premed but technically i am going to be studying medicine...
my mom would never allow me to major in film or something like that heheh and i dont have any other thing in mind besides medicine coz i was brainwashed ever since to take up medicine. so all i can do now is learn as much as i can by watching films and reading up on books and the internet.
it's not that bad, you have extended field of experiences, a littlebit different
I'm having an audition tomorrow (monday) for the 35mm short I'm shooting this saturday.
It's been an intense pre-production period. Fuji will part sponsor the film, giving a 65% discount on film stock. My DP is truly amazing.
:yabbse-thumbup:
Good luck, kotte!!
Quote from: SoNowThen:yabbse-thumbup:
Good luck, kotte!!
Thanks...
Quote from: SoNowThen:yabbse-thumbup:
Good luck, kotte!!
I agree with this, you're a lucky SOB.
Here's my list...
- See more movies. There are always more.
- Write and edit more, never lose inspiration.
- Film more of what I'm writing. It almost make me seem like I'm all talk and no walk by just writing, even though I know there are just screenwriters. The problem is, my visions are pretty specific.
Hey, do any of you actually go to film school? And, if so, how much does it set you guys back?
this thread has been slow for a while
i am continuing to write my horror script that is my first script ever and that is coming along quite well
Your guys are so accomplished compared to my self.
I am.
Currentlly thinking about thinking about writing.
I have final draft, unused right in front of me. A nice sony dv cam, a laptop with premiere. yet im always too busy to ever shoot or write anything. being an adult sucks.
That's why I adamantly refuse to grow up.
i'm shooting a movie now that has to be done in a week. UH OH!
it's about a transvestite whore who lands a lead role in a romantic comedy.
I am
* Doing some post-production duties.
* Writing a feature.
* Writing another short.
* Thinking about what film school I want to go to.
* Watching films.´
* Saving up money.
and I'm
* Living life. It's tough.
Kotte, you are one ambitious individual. I praise you.
Quote from: StefenKotte, you are one ambitious individual. I praise you.
You need to be in this business...
I'd like to be more productive though.
What's happening out there?
Keep this thread going, it's good for motivation.
* Looking for a shotgun with blanks for my new (very) short. It's hard. People should trust firearms and rifles to uknowns more.
* Looking through my monitor footage...A shot from the film as the monitor recorded it. (http://members.chello.se/kotte/monitor.mpg)
* Still searching for a film school.
* Having huge huge stomach pains over a feature script.
Great photography.
I'm looking to get into films school myself. be sure to leave some advice on my thematic dossier thread. Please!
* casting and all pre prod. On my short to begin shooting July
* still writing my feature. (Over a year and a half now and still not ready)
* short script (34 pages) is compeeting in filmmaker's short gem screenplay competition
[/b]
I am currently:
-Workshopping my [short] story (that "Lillian Harper" thing, but it's totally different now) for which I hope to one day make a film version of (and so I'm basically writing it for that end). Workshopping is good.
-Taking Narrative Illustration right now. Should help me tell a story/series of events visually, which is something new for me. Never realized just how difficult it can be until now, but it's cool and it's fun.
-Remember cbrad's short story, "How to Make Love to a Woman"? Yeah, I'm really jonesin' to make a short out of that. Was hoping that my uncle had the right kind of DV camera, but I'm afraid he doesn't. So, I need money and time to do that.
-Wanting to just move to California or somewhere....
Just finished the fifth draft of my second screenplay (feature). This Saturday night the script will be read out loud with various folks in attendance. After studying with a script doctor from L.A. for awhile- I have learned a lot. My first feature script, only one draft, needs tons of work. I'm too focused on the new one, I need funds. The script is in the hands of one group of investors, but it's a long shot. I've heard nothing from them in over a month. So my funding adventures are moving into high gear, I feel the script is good and hope I can make it.
still not a cotdamn ting.
Quote from: bigpermJust finished the fifth draft of my second screenplay (feature). This Saturday night the script will be read out loud with various folks in attendance. After studying with a script doctor from L.A. for awhile- I have learned a lot. My first feature script, only one draft, needs tons of work. I'm too focused on the new one, I need funds. The script is in the hands of one group of investors, but it's a long shot. I've heard nothing from them in over a month. So my funding adventures are moving into high gear, I feel the script is good and hope I can make it.
best of luck with that project.
what is a script doctor? I gather it's someone who helps you with the script, but how exactly?
The gentleman I was working with graduated form UCLA film school way back. Since he had come to Austin to live. I took an introduction class from him and met him that way. Then learned more and so on.
A script doctor, to me, works correcting and proofreading scripts. That's the wee version.
He has sinced returned to L.A. to write for television, an upcoming show that as far as I know has been picked up for next fall.
Pubrick, don't hate me. :lol:
Sorry glass, to further explain and maybe someone else can do it more justcie, a "doctor" help with re-writes, formatting issues, dialogue you name it. I understand some are brought in to completely re-do scripts, it all just depends. So that is a bad explanation. . . or still vague
Oh, I get it.. like a thesis orientator?
I'm studying for my big test next monday a test that will put me, if I pass with a reasonable grade, studying audiovisual technology next year, so that's kind of important and can take me closer to the dream of movie making.
As soon as I finish that test, I have a couple of short story ideas that I want to write, another short film in mind and an ambicious project of mine for a long time, which is something like a series of comic short-films, all interconnected that would work great, I think, as a web saga... It's hard to explain, but I'll be working hard on writing it and I'm sure I'll come up with something that's worth it.
Quote from: bigpermPubrick, don't hate me. :lol:
He hates everybody.
it was a (good) joke about the thread, not directed at anyone.
Quote from: ElPandaRoyalHe hates everybody.
what kind of random shit is this? way to turn sumthing good into sumthing bad, guy.
The phantom Scribbler is goin on work experience for a week on the set of the irish television (RTE)mini drama/series The Clinic.
The phantom scribbler doesn't know wat he'll learn but it will be the first proffessional set the phantom scribbler will ever have been on
The Phantom scribbler has struck again
Quote from: PubrickQuote from: ElPandaRoyalHe hates everybody.
what kind of random shit is this? way to turn sumthing good into sumthing bad, guy.
Awww, c'mon, I was joking. Maybe it was not understood and if you took it as an offensive comment, I'm really sorry. Last thing I want is to make people mad, ok Pubrick? :) It was not for you to get pissed at all.
out of couriosity and compassion -- how is everyone's dream shaping up? if you have one, that is...
This has been my year:
...Coming off of a disastrous holiday (the money from my last gig ran out, a bonafide career-making deal blew up in my face... I now have a monstrous 'souvenir' contract on my desk that mocks me), I was forced to come back to LA and find gainful employment-- to support said dream. I got a crappy job, and at first, things were okay. I had some money in my pocket, movies to watch, all was well. Once the job became tiresome, I was suddenly offered a development/writing job at a company (basically: creative monkey) through an old connection. The deal was generous in some ways. A salary, benefits, an office... way better than my current place of employment-- and it was in the business! BUT... the job entailed a binding contract which would force me to relinquish my creative soul for some time. With much hesitation, I declined the 'real' gig and kept my crappy one. Immediately following this, I took a promotion at the crappy job (needed the money), and I happened to land some management for my writing. Things were looking up with the career, the job was getting tolerable. But that didn't last long... the job began to take it's toll-- 'politics' began to take hold, and I couldn't agree with my management on what I should be doing idea-wise. Depression entrenched itself, and I often considered throwing myself in front of a bus, or just saying 'fuck this,' and bolting town as a plan B. Suddenly-- quite out of character for me-- I quit the crappy job. I scraped together some funds to live off of for a while, and dove head-first back into my work. I may be unemployed, unshaven, and unshowered... but I've got some tangible writing to show. One's being revised to go out as a spec, and the other I'm hell-bent on directing. The spark has been rekindled...
if you dont mind me asking, what was the nature of this career making deal?
My dream has actually taken considerable physical form, moreso in the last year than ever before -- but in the past two months, its progress has slowed so considerably that I frequently forget where I am (which is still nowhere, but only mildly so).
In the meantime, I'm given courage by Weak2ndAct's post -- I left my barely-tolerable job in February and have been barely eking by, financially, since then. Lately it's gotten really tough, and I'm probably gonna have to get a 'real' job very soon (it's almost Christmas time, after all, gotta buy presents), but it's always encouraging to hear that other people are suffering for their art/integrity.
Quote from: cowboykurtisif you dont mind me asking, what was the nature of this career making deal?
I wrote a movie, talent got attached, a studio wanted in, and then deal terms between business affairs and all the representaion was a nightmare (I can't count the number of people involved and the confusion that ensued). The movie is hardly a sure-thing-hit, so with all madness, the money walked. The deal would have gotten me a nice sum of loot (just re-reading the terms makes me shudder), my name in the trades, and it would have gotten the proverbial ball rolling.
im sorry man -- if you've gotten that far once, it's bound to happen again. as trivial as it sounds, everything happens for a reason, one may not see why at first, but it will all work out for the best in the end, i truly believe that -- keep doing what you're doing -- i wish you the best of luck.
Quote from: cowboykurtisas trivial as it sounds, everything happens for a reason
When I read that, I almost spit my coffee on the screen. Those are the EXACT words that a family member of mine constantly invokes when anything good/bad happens in my life. It's become a joke of sorts amongst the rest of us, we yell it constantly. Still though, thanks for the kind words.
It's been close to a year since the last post. I'm curious what people are doing now...
Myself? Post-producing a short (download teaser (http://members.chello.se/kotte/tortellini.mov)), writing a feature and pre-producing a music video.
Would be more exciting if I wasn't stuck in Writer's Block Hell.
Currently in pre-production (casting) for my short film, Thomas Edison (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7116&start=30).
I've been circulating the final draft of it to see how it reads for all types of people, and so far the reception has been pretty great. As my first attempt to making something great, I'd say it's the beginning of my dream. I'm going for broke on this one.
And the hits just keep on coming:
I laugh rereading my October post, because what happened soon after wasn't pretty... So my time unemployed was fruitful for a bit, but I became horribly depressed. My management and I could not agree on a script for me to work on-- they were definitely pulling me towards a direction way more 'commercial' than I was used to. Out of some bizarre notion of politeness (and huge heapings of self-deception), I agreed to write an idea they presented me. Things were okay for a bit, but the fraud revealed itself, and I was stuck with a piece of crap that I committed to delivering. I did the best I could for a while, but it didn't take long for me turn to heavy drinking and the constant shifting of deadlines. And worst of all, the cash was vanishing quick-- time to get a new job. Out of the blue, my old work called and offered me my job back-- it seemed the bitch I hated got fired. When it came to put-up-or-shut-up on my script delivery, I just flat out told the truth: I hate the idea, I've been shitfaced for months, and you know what? I'm gonna write something that I LOVE and I'm not going to tell you what it is. You'll just see it when it's done. So I put down the bottle and got to work. A month later, I had my new flick done, and I was convinced it was my best work yet. I sent it over to 'my people' with the note that said 'oh yeah, I'm directing this too, no ifs ands or buts. Their response? Dismissal on the ground of being 'too edgy' and 'independent.' It was not the Meet the Fockers they were expecting. Now-- in the past, situations have risen, where someone tells me I'm wrong, this needs to be done differently, there are plot holes, etc.-- something inherently wrong with the basic math of the script. But that wasn't the case this time. It truly was a matter of taste. There was no denying that the work was good, and that variables added up into a cohesive whole-- it was just whether or not they were willing to put in the work to get this going. The Me of a couple years ago would have just shelved the material and moved on, but I said 'Fuck This,' and walked. Away from everyone. I know I'm right. I've never been so sure of anything. So I'm back at square one in a way, meeting people and trying to find someone who shares the same enthusiasm I do. So far so good, I've gotten some good responses, and some people have offered a helping hand. We'll see how it goes. And oh yeah, irony alert: after walking, I randomly came up with my most 'studio' idea yet, which I've started working on.
Quote from: Weak2ndActAnd oh yeah, irony alert: after walking, I randomly came up with my most 'studio' idea yet, which I've started working on.
http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7232
The dream I'm working on at this moment is a good one; it involves a new movie - a better one - hopefully a great one. It takes place in outer space.
Also: a short.
Good movies, I've learned, may not be great in and of themselves, but they do serve as great platforms.
Quote from: matt35mmCurrently in pre-production (casting) for my short film, Thomas Edison (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7116&start=30).
I've been circulating the final draft of it to see how it reads for all types of people, and so far the reception has been pretty great. As my first attempt to making something great, I'd say it's the beginning of my dream. I'm going for broke on this one.
Is casting underway in Los Angeles?
Where/when will you shoot?
I have been unable to stop thinking about your short.
That means it has nice upside or just really bugs.
I'm leaning toward the former, not the latter.
I know a few actors who would absolutely shred this material.
Posting casting info would bring rain drops of talented love.
No pm's please...referred actors will not mention how they were referred.
don't work on your dream...nor dream of your work...simply be...be your work...be the dream...be them all...be them all danny.
Quote from: atticus jonesQuote from: matt35mmCurrently in pre-production (casting) for my short film, Thomas Edison (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7116&start=30).
I've been circulating the final draft of it to see how it reads for all types of people, and so far the reception has been pretty great. As my first attempt to making something great, I'd say it's the beginning of my dream. I'm going for broke on this one.
Is casting underway in Los Angeles?
Where/when will you shoot?
I have been unable to stop thinking about your short.
That means it has nice upside or just really bugs.
I'm leaning toward the former, not the latter.
I know a few actors who would absolutely shred this material.
Posting casting info would bring rain drops of talented love.
No pm's please...referred actors will not mention how they were referred.
don't work on your dream...nor dream of your work...simply be...be your work...be the dream...be them all...be them all danny.
Thanks. I'm flattered by the interest. I am in San Diego County, actually. Casting is currently going on between two high schools. If I don't find what I want there, I'll open it up wider, but I've been involving these two schools, so they have dibs on the auditions. If no one wows me, don't worry, I won't settle. I'll keep it posted in the Thomas Edison thread, and so if after these auditions I'm not satisfied, I'll post casting info.
Weak2ndAct and matt35mm, more power to you both. I wish I could be in your positions. I just graduated from film school and I'm suffering from the "hopelessly-sending-resumes-to-everyone-with-little-results" virus. I've done a few day jobs, but damn I really need to get working before my laziness really sets in.
(Fingers crossed) My dream seems to be manifesting. I've always writen films and now, with our local filmmakers group up and rolling, I'll be making them too. We've been lucky to get some real talent involved in the group; from people that have done this thing before, to film school graduates that never got to apply their love for the craft rightly, and even a former Hollywood producer that lives in the area.
We're beginning preproduction on the first short in May with shooting to begin in August. The goal is to produce about 4 film projects a year varrying from festival quality shorts to docs to features (in the future).
It's been some hard work organizing this (and the actors in the area along with supplimental talents--musicians for scoring, artists for storyboarding, etc.) but it's come together nicely.
I'm excited. And I guess at this point, that's as good as you can get.
Quote from: Weak2ndActAnd the hits just keep on coming:
I laugh rereading my October post, because what happened soon after wasn't pretty... So my time unemployed was fruitful for a bit, but I became horribly depressed. My management and I could not agree on a script for me to work on-- they were definitely pulling me towards a direction way more 'commercial' than I was used to. Out of some bizarre notion of politeness (and huge heapings of self-deception), I agreed to write an idea they presented me. Things were okay for a bit, but the fraud revealed itself, and I was stuck with a piece of crap that I committed to delivering. I did the best I could for a while, but it didn't take long for me turn to heavy drinking and the constant shifting of deadlines. And worst of all, the cash was vanishing quick-- time to get a new job. Out of the blue, my old work called and offered me my job back-- it seemed the bitch I hated got fired. When it came to put-up-or-shut-up on my script delivery, I just flat out told the truth: I hate the idea, I've been shitfaced for months, and you know what? I'm gonna write something that I LOVE and I'm not going to tell you what it is. You'll just see it when it's done. So I put down the bottle and got to work. A month later, I had my new flick done, and I was convinced it was my best work yet. I sent it over to 'my people' with the note that said 'oh yeah, I'm directing this too, no ifs ands or buts. Their response? Dismissal on the ground of being 'too edgy' and 'independent.' It was not the Meet the Fockers they were expecting. Now-- in the past, situations have risen, where someone tells me I'm wrong, this needs to be done differently, there are plot holes, etc.-- something inherently wrong with the basic math of the script. But that wasn't the case this time. It truly was a matter of taste. There was no denying that the work was good, and that variables added up into a cohesive whole-- it was just whether or not they were willing to put in the work to get this going. The Me of a couple years ago would have just shelved the material and moved on, but I said 'Fuck This,' and walked. Away from everyone. I know I'm right. I've never been so sure of anything. So I'm back at square one in a way, meeting people and trying to find someone who shares the same enthusiasm I do. So far so good, I've gotten some good responses, and some people have offered a helping hand. We'll see how it goes. And oh yeah, irony alert: after walking, I randomly came up with my most 'studio' idea yet, which I've started working on.
out of curiosity - who are you repped by - you can PM me if you dont want to publicly announce - what kind of buedget are you looking at for this feature?
QuoteQuote from: matt35mmCurrently in pre-production (casting) for my short film, Thomas Edison (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7116&start=30).
I'm going for broke on this one.
I am in San Diego County, actually. Casting is currently going on between two high schools. If I don't find what I want there, I'll open it up wider, but I've been involving these two schools, so they have dibs on the auditions.
how does one with such "going for broke" aspirations come up with an idiotic plan to cast a project in San Diego?...you are either still in high school or just plain dense...did you hawk your car trying to create this beast?...I know I am being harsh but my intention is not to be rude...I care enough to take the time to send you this wake up call...I actually mentioned your project this evening to an acting friend of mine and his wife laughed her ass off when I told them it was being cast in S.D....I have a piece of her fine cheek meat to prove it...young man...do you realize you are two hours away from arguably the largest acting talent pool known to man...what's the deal?...two high schools?...in San Diego?...can you swim...come on in...the waters fine
parting advice...if you do not cast experienced, trained, los angeles/ny actors 25-35 yrs old to play early twenties...you are pissing in the wind...the answer my friend is not blowing in this wind...you might be wet behind the ears but youre acting like your all wet...dry yourself off...turn the ignition on...and head north so your project doesnt go south...
friendly words of wiz dumb
Quote from: atticus jonesQuoteQuote from: matt35mmCurrently in pre-production (casting) for my short film, Thomas Edison (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=7116&start=30).
I'm going for broke on this one.
I am in San Diego County, actually. Casting is currently going on between two high schools. If I don't find what I want there, I'll open it up wider, but I've been involving these two schools, so they have dibs on the auditions.
how does one with such "going for broke" aspirations come up with an idiotic plan to cast a project in San Diego?...you are either still in high school or just plain dense...did you hawk your car trying to create this beast?...I know I am being harsh but my intention is not to be rude...I care enough to take the time to send you this wake up call...I actually mentioned your project this evening to an acting friend of mine and his wife laughed her ass off when I told them it was being cast in S.D....I have a piece of her fine cheek meat to prove it...young man...do you realize you are two hours away from arguably the largest acting talent pool known to man...what's the deal?...two high schools?...in San Diego?...can you swim...come on in...the waters fine
parting advice...if you do not cast experienced, trained, los angeles/ny actors 25-35 yrs old to play early twenties...you are pissing in the wind...the answer my friend is not blowing in this wind...you might be wet behind the ears but youre acting like your all wet...dry yourself off...turn the ignition on...and head north so your project doesnt go south...
friendly words of wiz dumb
By "going for broke," I mean that I would go to LA if I had to. But I am not really an LA kind of guy, and I prefer to search for talent elsewhere. There ARE trained actors in San Diego, many with experience. Also, I need actors that are younger than 25-35. The characters' ages are 17 and 18, and that's not changing.
Mostly, I just don't believe that all the talent is in LA and NY. But I am only starting with two high schools, and then going to a third and fourth and branching out until I find the right actors. If I'm proven wrong, and it turns out that the right actors don't come along until LA, then I guess I'll have learned a lesson.
But why cast teens?
There is a reason why 25-30 yr olds are cast as late teens.
Quote from: kotteThere is a reason why 25-30 yr olds are cast as late teens.
And for the most part, it's not particularly believeable. I know I certainly heard the laughs when James Van Der Beek and Luke Perry were playing teenagers.
But I know the difference between a good actor and a bad actor (and if I didn't, then it really wouldn't matter whether I looked in LA or elsewhere), so my method of searching for actors really doesn't matter so much as the actors that I find. And what I say now doesn't really matter, which means that I'll have to let the final film speak for itself. I know what I want, so I feel comfortable in fumbling around as much as I need to in searching for it, and it'd be fine as long as, in the end, I get what I want.
Quote from: DodgeballWeak2ndAct and matt35mm, more power to you both. I wish I could be in your positions. I just graduated from film school and I'm suffering from the "hopelessly-sending-resumes-to-everyone-with-little-results" virus. I've done a few day jobs, but damn I really need to get working before my laziness really sets in.
Seriously, resumes are not gonna get you jobs in film. Make something yourself or visit Mandy.com (http://www.mandy.com) (great place to find work on productions)...and get the ball rolling.
When I was in NY I had work on sets all the time thanks to Mandy.com.
Quote from: matt35mmQuote from: kotteThere is a reason why 25-30 yr olds are cast as late teens.
And for the most part, it's not particularly believeable. I know I certainly heard the laughs when James Van Der Beek and Luke Perry were playing teenagers.
But I know the difference between a good actor and a bad actor (and if I didn't, then it really wouldn't matter whether I looked in LA or elsewhere), so my method of searching for actors really doesn't matter so much as the actors that I find. And what I say now doesn't really matter, which means that I'll have to let the final film speak for itself. I know what I want, so I feel comfortable in fumbling around as much as I need to in searching for it, and it'd be fine as long as, in the end, I get what I want.
that's because flames van der geek and puke scarry are shitty actors...wise up young man...
aj's girl (27) just finished a week on csi playing (19)...sho creator loved it
alison lohman was (23) when she played (14)...very well i might add...
knowing the difference between good acting and bad acting has relatively little to do with actually locating talent...i'm afraid your free advice now comes to an end...
the holes in your flawed defense lead me to believe the game might be in jeopardy...
go deep...you need a score
trying to be a good boyfriend, while also trying to be good to myself...trying to learn logic 7 so i can become the next kayne and hopefully go west young man....experiencing and seeing because it is believing making my dreams into a reality
drinking. heavily.
Quote from: mdgo west young man....
I was randomly proud of myself for getting this reference.