Originally posted by REDking:

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.
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Isn't entertainment the whole point of making a film? Why not go right to the source (the audience) and let them decide who they want to see in the end? In the end...the American people in today's society are going to tear all of the hard work that filmmakers have done for all their lives and throw it down the drain. But we still have to do it. The audience are the one's who control everything.

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I'm going to enter it cause I really do believe that Spielburg is actually going to be in the reviewing process. I mean, he's the producer, and I think this was his idea. I think it would be pretty sweet even if i didn't make it to think that he watched my film!

quote:

Isn't entertainment the whole point of making a film?

No. Well not for me, I guess it is for some folks. It's more about communicating an idea, a feeling, a mood. You can do so in an entertaining way buy it's not the point.

It's part of the deal but not the point. The audience ultimatly will bestow praise and worth on something it likes but when the audience becomes the content then we a truly self centered culture. a Youtube generation that no longer listens to each others viewpoint but busily spews their own. Ultimatley if the audience is put in charge of what it wants to see it will only want to see itslef.

I'm a believer that only a select few can tap into something greater than themselves and comment on the human condition in a meaningful way. Everyone else posts their freinds falling down the stairs on Youtube.

As for the show, more power to those who enter and I hope we can support our SF folks who enter, but don't forget the REAL point of any TV show is to sell ad time, and in doing that they will put you and your work into some very comprimising positions.


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

Like I've said before, I think this is a joke because:

A. Shortcuts are always bad ideas
B. This is run by people who want to make lots of money off you using ads and exploitation, with yur prize basically working for people who do the same ****.


I think films or any other artform NEED to entertain. It is a necessity. By entertain I mean keep your interest. Any piece of arts has got to have some way to communicate to its audience, even if that audience is a specific group of people. Otherwise, what's the point? No one will give a **** about your thoughts and statements if you aren't stimulating them. The point of a movie? Maybe not THE point, but it certainly should be one of the goals.

I don't understand what the problem is to be honest. If you win, you get a $1,000,000 deal to work for DreamWorks with Steven Spilberg. if the film you direct and produce sucks, who cares? At least you got where you were just like that whereas for some people it takes all of their lives to get to that point and even that doesn't cut it for them. I think these type of shows, this one, and Project Greenlight gives those who have the raw talent their big break without going through the process. Just my two cents!

But unless you just want to make money, wouldn't you want to struggle? Wouldn't you want to get to where you are through, knowledge, experiences, hard work and just you know...MAKING FILMS, regardless of quality of budget? I'm not trying to sound hokey. I love making movies. If I make movies for the rest of my life and get no acclaim and no one believes in my work enough to finance it and make it more accessible, then I guess I don't deserve it.

If your goal is to make movies accesible to everyone like Spielberg, then I guess this is the contest for you. Then again, if you're as good a director as spielburg, you won't need this contest. Do you see what I'm trying to get at here? The only possible people who need this contest are people who don't deserve it.

Do you really want to achieve your goals through a reality show on Fox? I mean, Jesus. Maybe I'm naive and old fashioned.

quote:

Originally posted by Nervous Larry:
Wouldn't you want to get to where you are through, knowledge, experiences, hard work and just you know...MAKING FILMS, regardless of quality of budget?

The more I think about it, I think working for Dreamworks would be a great experience. If you do win the competition and get the million dollar deal, you know either the producers and other employees are not going to take you seriously and try to baby you along the process, or they will set strict limitations on everything you could possibly do. Either one of those negative experiences would really give you a better appreciation of and a desire for your own indepence in filmmaking.


And A Little Prediction Of My Own:
You know the first film the contestants are going to have to make is a black and white silent film using only the original Cinématographe. Its FOX. Its predictable. I can't see them starting the show any other way.

quote:

Originally posted by Nervous Larry:
But unless you just want to make money, wouldn't you want to struggle? Wouldn't you want to get to where you are through, knowledge, experiences, hard work and just you know...
If your goal is to make movies accesible to everyone like Spielberg, then I guess this is the contest for you. Then again, if you're as good a director as spielburg, you won't need this contest. Do you see what I'm trying to get at here? The only possible people who need this contest are people who don't deserve it.

First, who would want to rather struggle, than just bypassing the system and still doing what you love doing? I understand how you feel. You want to make it with experiences, knowledge, and hard work...but what about those who has experience, knowledge, and hard work and have been striving to get there all of their lives but can't?? You think they just don't deserve it?? There could be amazing filmmakers out there that are even more amazing than Spielberg, but just haven't been found. The filmmaking process is unfair. You have to have connects to tell you the truth. Having a major, getting a degree in film gets you know where in the industry. It's knowing people. What better than a show that has those people and those people are even wanting to find that special filmmaker.
Even a student can be an amazing filmmaker. I don't think that the only people who need this contest are people who don't deserve it. It's like someone cuts in line at amusement park. But the only difference is that the people in charge of the ride says it's ok. Go ahead and take the chance.

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that my submission is up on the site now.

http://films.thelot.com/films/4419

If you could check it out and give me a review that would be great. I had to cut the 13 min version that's on this site down to 5 mins.

Thanks! And good luck to anyone else on here who submitted!

I have to say...I've been on this site for a little while and since then moved on to other filmmaking forums. Now I realize why I've moved on. The mentality on this board is so childish and as a matter of fact, quite ridiculous.

"Don't sell out!" "Stick it to the man!"

...Come on, if any of you were given a job to work at Dreamworks, would you really turn it down? If so you're either already rich, doing film as a hobby and have another passion or you're just plain stupid. Experience at Dreamworks? No no, it's more getting experience to WORK at Dreamworks.

If you have any higher ambitions, its usually starting your own production company. Maybe I'm being too critical, but I'm just surprised at the views of students nowadays.

-Kegan

I'm not sure there's anything wrong with questioning the intentions of the producers on this Idol-like show. When looking at their track record in terms of acts like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken it dosn't seem like a good idea to me. I don't think history will look kindley upon them interms of musical signifigance.

As for joining the show it's just a question of why you're in this industry, what you're willing to do to get "your name" out there (puke) and how easily your dignity can be broken. Is filmmaking a personality contest?

I don't have the stick it to the man mentality, and have nothing against working at dreamworks or gaining some valuable experience. Unfortunately, there is a 100% chance the people at Fox would completely exploit you and your work. I wouldn't even be opposed to this contest or it's prize if it wasn't publicized as some circus-like show on Fox. While I think competition in art is sort of an oxymoron and stupid, I would agree something like an internship at Dreamworks would no doubt teach you plenty of important stuff. However, a show that manipulates student filmmakers and the artform with the prize being something many aren't ready to handle is dangerous and would probably end not as good as it sounds.

filmmaking isnt a personality contest. Thats the big mistake that hollywood and TV are responsible for.

Hey, why's everyone gotta hate?

Honestly. Let's look at this objectively. Let's take off our "Pretentious Film Student Glasses" that we always seem to wear when talking about this subject that's precious to all our hearts.

First off, why is it such a big deal that this is happening? Is someone here worried that film is maybe getting - don't say it - sensationalized? Well, I'm afraid to say that film was BORN out of sensation. It was a gimmick.

Let's say this show takes off and becomes the next American Idol. Are any of you honestly suggesting that this is going to hurt YOU? If you don't want to submit, don't submit! But some of you are acting like this show is somehow going to be the end of your careers, whether you participate or not. Why? Do your thing, let everyone else do theirs. Why you gotta hate?

Now let's presume you submitted to the show. Let's say you made the best film you could, the way YOU wanted to do it. You upload it online, and it gets passed over.
So what?
A TV show that passes over what you have to offer as a filmmaker isn't the kind of show you want to be a part of anyway. So go on with life. You tried, move on.

NOW let's imagine that you actually make it on the show. You're one of the 16 contestants on what, as many have mentioned, is - let's face it - a way to attract people to the ads.
But let's set that aside.
You're on a show with:
- Practically unlimited funds
- The resources of the best in the industry
- Everything from writers to editors, all industry professionals, at your disposal
- The option to ignore all these professionals and do it yourself (trust me, I asked)
- A week to make a film that will screen in front of millions
- A panel of industry people that will tell you what they really think - allowing you to get a feeling for how you will be received in the film world
- The votes of America, which, like it or not, determine everything in this industry from technology to storytelling

How can that be bad? You'll likely lose - you have a 1 in 16 chance - and you'll walk away with experience, perhaps contacts, but most importantly, you just had a lot of fun at Hollywood's expense! Everyone will likely forget what who you were anyway.

Now let's say the unthinkable happens and you actually WIN.
The "million-dollar deal" is likely a development deal, meaning you help them develop a script. That doesn't mean you get a job. That doesn't mean Spielberg's your pal. That doesn't even mean that anyone will know who you are, show or not.
But you know, you came in with the attitude of, hey, this'll be fun! And so you haven't lost anything.

Am I missing something here?

The WORST that could happen is you get made into a character on TV. If you're worried about your image that much, you've got bigger fish to fry.

Attitude is everything. If you go into filmmaking, On The Lot or not, with angry feelings about the industry or "artsy" films or anything that's not the way YOU like it, you're likely going to be unhappy all your life. There's room for all of us here! We can all co-exist and make films and be happy. What's so bad about that?

Do what YOU want in this industry, with this art. To hell with what everyone else thinks. If that means submitting to a reality show, do it. If that means sitting in a dark room pumping out emotionally charged drug dramas, by god, do it.

Why's everyone gotta hate?

Do you think that you will be worse off if you do this and you aren't an ass on tv?

Well said, MM.

quote:

Why's everyone gotta hate?

Sweet it's 1998 again. Hey can I start saying "oh snap" and "word" again?

I get your point and I commend yuour blinding optimism. Let's go through your list.

-----You're on a show with:
- Practically unlimited funds

What are you kidding? They break off a little cash but they arn't greenlighting a neverending budget for these yahoo's.

----Everything from writers to editors, allindustry professionals, at your disposal

I'm sure they are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of a bunch of teenagers and their Tarantinoesque sensabilities. They'll be lucky to get the scraps; somehow I don't think Walter Murch will be splicing away on this one. Well let's hope not.

--------A week to make a film that will screen in front of millions

A week huh. That pretty much points out how much they care about the actual movies.

---------A panel of industry people that will tell you what they really think - allowing you to get a feeling for how you will be received in the film world

This is the real point of the show, to put you up on a post and take potshots.

-----------The votes of America, which, like it or not, determine everything in this industry from technology to storytelling

It's the votes of Americas who would fall for this drivel. I don't know about you but I didn't pick up the last Katherine Mcphee album.


Ok so I'm dripping with a negative attitude here but I'm waiting for people to start getting pissed off again about this kind of thing. There's so much going on and it's such a great time to be a filmmaker that the idea that people would enter a personality contest to put themselves over under the guise of being a filmmaker just pisses me off. BUT YES IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY AND ONE TALENTED PERSON COULD REALLY PROVE ME WRONG! I hope so.

I guess some folks want to make films and some just want to be filmmakers.

Poopysniffles.

quote:

Originally posted by REDking:

quote:

Why's everyone gotta hate?

Sweet it's 1998 again. Hey can I start saying "oh snap" and "word" again?

I get your point and I commend yuour blinding optimism. Let's go through your list.

-----You're on a show with:
- Practically unlimited funds

What are you kidding? They break off a little cash but they arn't greenlighting a neverending budget for these yahoo's.

----Everything from writers to editors, allindustry professionals, at your disposal

I'm sure they are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of a bunch of teenagers and their Tarantinoesque sensabilities. They'll be lucky to get the scraps; somehow I don't think Walter Murch will be splicing away on this one. Well let's hope not.

--------A week to make a film that will screen in front of millions

A week huh. That pretty much points out how much they care about the actual movies.

---------A panel of industry people that will tell you what they really think - allowing you to get a feeling for how you will be received in the film world

This is the real point of the show, to put you up on a post and take potshots.

-----------The votes of America, which, like it or not, determine everything in this industry from technology to storytelling

It's the votes of Americas who would fall for this drivel. I don't know about you but I didn't pick up the last Katherine Mcphee album.


Ok so I'm dripping with a negative attitude here but I'm waiting for people to start getting pissed off again about this kind of thing. There's so much going on and it's such a great time to be a filmmaker that the idea that people would enter a personality contest to put themselves over under the guise of being a filmmaker just pisses me off. BUT YES IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY AND ONE TALENTED PERSON COULD REALLY PROVE ME WRONG! I hope so.

I guess some folks want to make films and some just want to be filmmakers.

Poopysniffles.

Ok...so my response to that response---

----Everything from writers to editors, allindustry professionals, at your disposal

I'm sure they are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of a bunch of teenagers and their Tarantinoesque sensabilities. They'll be lucky to get the scraps; somehow I don't think Walter Murch will be splicing away on this one. Well let's hope not.
MY RESPONSE----- I really don't think they care either way if they are teenagers or not...just as long as they are getting paid. It's their job. Wether they think that the filmmakers are a bunch of smucks, I think they could care less if they are getting paid either way.


--------A week to make a film that will screen in front of millions

A week huh. That pretty much points out how much they care about the actual movies.

MY RESPONSE-----I think a week would be great for that. I mean, people have made amazing films at the 48 hour film festival. It really comes down to the filmmakers passion and drive to make the best film. It can be done, you know.

---------A panel of industry people that will tell you what they really think - allowing you to get a feeling for how you will be received in the film world

This is the real point of the show, to put you up on a post and take potshots.

MY RESPONSE----I believe that panel of industry people will actually tell you the truth of your potential. If those in the industry who are "are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of a bunch of teenagers and their Tarantinoesque sensabilities", then I think they will tell those no and tell the one's who they like...yes.

-----------The votes of America, which, like it or not, determine everything in this industry from technology to storytelling

It's the votes of Americas who would fall for this drivel. I don't know about you but I didn't pick up the last Katherine Mcphee album.

MY RESPONSE----Well, Taylor Hicks was the winner. And he is big

He he well we'll agree to disagree, best of luck to those who entered! We'll be supporting you! Maybe you all could f*ck things up from the inside! And I believe Speilberg likes 2 creams with his coffee.

Where the hell is the anger of the youth culture? Instead we have all these young adults scrambling for recognition and shortcuts while being processed and spun out by bi*tch*tit waggling babyboomers. It's becoming more important to "break in" than it is to have a something to say.

Maybe punk is dead.

So will the filmmakers be able to use script ideas that they already have had laid out for years, or will the genre/film-topics be so specific as to eliminate that possibility?