I don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but I caught a glimpse of a commercial for a new reality show coming to FOX called "On the Lot". Produced and I guess overseen by Steven Spielberg and some other *******, as well as his "Dreamworks Team" (Whatever the **** that means), the show is basically a filmmaker version of American Idol.

Every week, the filmmakers are assigned a genre and have one one week to make a short film. One hour long show showcases these films, America VOTES, then the next night is the results show, and the kid with the least votes is ousted. JUST LIKE IN REAL LIFE! The winner gets a million dollar deal with Dreamworks, whatever "million dollar deal" actually means (a nice vague phrase).

Look, I mean, obviously this is a terrible idea for filmmakers unless you just want to break into the business and make money. But if you're looking to be a real, artistic, actually independent filmmaker, this is just another pointless exploitation of an artform (like American Idol). America's most popular vote is usually the dumbest one.

I doubt this will catch on and probably will only be on one season (unless FOX can inject enough XTREEEEEME DRAMA into the show). I'm just expecting to cringe when I hear dumbasses talking about independent film or some fake bull**** after they see this show. These kinds of contests are terrible, and at best weed out the most boring, lifeless crap. Look at the failure fest of Project Greenlight. It turned out standard, safe, mediocore-at-best dribble before crashing and burning after 3 seasons.


I know it sounds like I'm being cynical and maybe naive, but I really believe **** like this sets people like us back farther. I don't actually consider myself an actual filmmaker, it's not my career yet. I'm simply a student, and a fan of art and artists who do what they want and what they believe in. Not trying to jump in on some BS shortcut gameshow. What will the winner get? A deal with Dreamworks making movies they want made. A huge stigma as the "winner of that fox reality show" wherever he goes.

If anyone wants to actually attempt to be on this show, they're taking submissions until Feb. 16.

http://www.thelot.com/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,

quote:

'm just expecting to cringe when I hear dumbasses talking about independent film or some fake bull**** after they see this show.

You don't cringe already? One of my biggest pet peeves is when people simply describe a movie as "indie" or "artsy" wtf? How are those descriptions for a movie? With how many times I've heard, "Man that movie was awesome it was sooo indie" or "That movie was artsy, I liked it so much," it really makes me sick. Expecially artsy, I don't know why but that word just really bothers me.

From penis town, no doubt.

It's ... um ... interesting sounding.

I'm not attractive enough to make the cut.

Speilburg is probably far far away from this project. I'm sure he just received a large pile of money to allow his name to be around it.

All of that aside, I think anything that opens the door to the real world of film making is good. Odds of this flopping are pretty high, but if just ONE person gets a job directing from it, it could be considered a success.

Yeah but that person is probably going to get stuck directing the next Stomp the Yard or equally bad movie that keeps getting made somehow.

Sorry I'm in a really negetive mood tonight, lol.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Heliotrope,

I have a very hard time believing that being on this show
would do anything but good for your career. You may not believe in the principles behind reality television, but if you want to be an industry filmmaker, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by entering.

If you hurt your career on this show it would be your own damn fault for being an arsehole.

If I finish my film in time i'll submit.

well see id enter but i dont even own a TV. And i certaintly dont wanna be a ***** (Even tho i am one) But even if i did try to be on it you know you'll never be picked cause you know its absolute bull****! So you dont do it and you pursue making a film to firebomb the show with. Theyll call you the angry kid who didnt get on the show.

I think it could be an entertaining show. I'm looking forward to it.

The hardest part about any big career is getting your foot in the door.

The problem here, which is a problem we poor deal with when it comes to the rich, is I will bet you big time they've already got the group picked. The auditions are going to be just a formality.

Hollywood kids.

Argh! The show's concept really points out the dark side of the filmmakers mind. So many are more interested in being famous filmmakers than good filmmakers that they would put concerns of career over concentrating on making good films.

If Speilberg was really concerned about fostering talent he wouldn't be taking advantage of kids desperate for success by running them through the mill and selling ad spots while doing it.

well when i heard the add , it was "get off my bed" good . i emidetly got exited about entering and mr mclellan , your right theres nothing to lose plus i kinda like steven spielberg, so im will definatly eneter

quote:

Originally posted by REDking:
Argh! The show's concept really points out the dark side of the filmmakers mind. So many are more interested in being famous filmmakers than good filmmakers that they would put concerns of career over concentrating on making good films.

If Speilberg was really concerned about fostering talent he wouldn't be taking advantage of kids desperate for success by running them through the mill and selling ad spots while doing it.

You assume that quality filmmaking and famous filmmaking are mutually exclusive. I do not.

Well I agree that often famous filmmakers are so because of quality filmmaking! (Take that semiotics!)

BUT for this show, contestants are given a week to make a genre film so america can pick it apart and then sh*t all over their work. Someone who cares about their work would demand more time and effort, someone wanting to put themselves over would happily try to get it done.

The ultimate goal for these contestants is to get a career going, not to make quality work and for that I dismiss the entire premise as self centered and in no way a proper use of the medium. The show will ultimatley be about the personalities of the contestants and not their talent or vision. So f*ck em.

Buy Product
http://studentfilms.com/film/view/play.do?id=2325

If you can get a career going and THEN make quality work with your new-found resources, does that make you really clever?

You will eventually have to answer to somebody if you want to make films that are seen outside of your family. This is an extreme example of that I'll acknowledge, but I fail to see how this could hurt you.

its funny how people are criticizing the show before it's even started. That's not very fair.

All you know about the show is the concept... not the show itself.

This has nothing to to with answering to someone, that is a seperate issue that I agree with you on, yes there are rules and accountability on all levels of life.

The conversation is in regards to this show and the implications of whoring out desperate wannabees to sell ad space.

But wagner is right we shoulkd probably wait and see. But I bet that the show won't even give full time to the shorts created. It will flash a minute of each piece and then get caught up in the canabalizing film student squabbling.

And what ever happened to project green light!

quote:

Originally posted by Daniel McLellan:
I have a very hard time believing that being on this show
would do anything but good for your career. You may not believe in the principles behind reality television, but if you want to be an industry filmmaker, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by entering.

If you hurt your career on this show it would be your own damn fault for being an arsehole.

If I finish my film in time i'll submit.

There is a huge learning process involved in getting a place in the industry. Taking a shortcut like winning this competition will plop you in the middle of it, way over your head. You'll make your crappy $1 million movie, it won't go anywhere, and no one else will hire you after that because they'll know you just won the competition based on votes and not talent. Like others have said, a celeb-wannabe.

You're wrong. Entering this competition, and especially winning, could devastate your career. No one will ever take you seriously.

I think its a great short cut for someone who would already have succeeded under the right circumstances. Your point is very true for any one else.

Basically, I've been trying to say what funkbomb pointed out, but have been too tired/angry.

It's like that cooking reality show. People win a million dollar restaurant, and then probably run it into the ground.

And with something like filmmaking, the first time you get recognition pretty much establishes your character. You may reject some much needed funding from say, MTV, because you don't want them twisting your story into somthing else. Then you make your film on a much lower budget. People won't view you as proud, they'll view you as resourceful, and that you have artistic integrity. They'll respect you more, and realize you can't be pushed around or bought out. It sounds naive, but plenty of independent directors have done it and they're successful. Maybe not incredibly famous, but who cares? My goal is to have final say on what my movie is and gain knowledge and experience with each film I make. Something like this just leads to more people working at MTV because they bit off more then they could chew.

yeah you have a chance at flopping and not being taken seriously... but if you win and get the chance to make a movie then you also have a chance at suprising and amazing everyone... yeah its a risk but if you really want it you should be willing to take a chance