Is it me or do some people that write reviews on this site know what it takes to make a film, especially on your own?

Do they have any consideration for the filmmaker?

Do they realize what he or she did to put this little piece of themselves on the site or has everyone whose written a meaningless review which states how the movie "sucked" already won an Academy Award?

For me personally, if you have nothing constructive to say, or if you don't even know what you are actually writing toward the filmmaker, perhaps you should just maybe, not write it at all.

Or, should I even bother sending my work to the site, to share with others, because it really discourages me to read some reviews for something you burn yourself on making.

To all those who this applies: KNOCK IT OFF!!


Thank You.

Dude, I peed in your coffee.

We should support one another because we are apart of the same community rather than bash on eachothers work. I mean sure we should tell the movie maker the posistive and negative aspects of the movie but don't say only negative things which discourage the artist from doing what he loves the most. Remember this is a STUDENTFILMS site. We are still in the learning process of film and should be supportive of one another.

Happy Film Making,

-Jake Fishbock

hey, kubrick, you know when you're making a short film who it's intended for and who it's not intended for.

You have people that genuinely want to see your work and who give you thoughtful, constructive criticism, and then you have the a-holes that go out of their way to antagonize, as if they're getting some personal benefit from it or something. They're idiots. They don't matter. Stop caring what they think and stop being pissed off when they act like morons.

You personally should know if your work is good or not. You may not know all the extra little tips and whatnot that the good reviewers will provide, but you at least know if the project can stand on its own or not. So when you get a review like "this sucks so bad... Hey thanks for stealing 4 minutes of my life. I hate you." just shake your head and move on. Stop being concerned about it.


--Alan

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http://www.alandenton.com
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" You can please some of the people, some of the time, but..."

This is all that needs to be said. Not everyone one will like your stuff. As far as not bothering to send stuff here, let me take that just one step further. If you cant handle un educated, imature, negative criticisim... dont bother making another film. Dont bother attempting to work in this industry. Seriously, what you hear on this site is NOTHING compared to what people in the "bizz" will tell you. They can make Simon on American Idol seem like a sweet old lady. If they cant get anything out of you, they will do their best to burn you down.
Immature, and poorley thought out reviews happen in newspapers all over the world, written by so called "film critics" The top such critic in my area gave "Braveheart" 1/2 a star, out of 5, called it his "dog of the week." Later, after winning best picture, and best director, when it came out on video, it was his rental pic of the week. Jackass. But what are you going to do. I have had bad reviews actually cost me possible money, and success. OH WELL! I didnt whine about it, i just moved on.
I understand you worked hard, but to be frank, lots of people work really hard on a pice of crap, and considering (as Robert Rodriguez put it) we all have 10 to 20 bad films in us, learn from your experience, and move along.
Guess what, your first movie IS crap, as is your second, and third, ect. Every film should get better. The difference is, some peoples "crap" is better than others bests. So, eithere take it with a grain of salt, or get off at the next stop. Dont mean to be harsh, but sometimes a reality check is simply in order. I hope you make the right decision, and good luck.
R. Michael McWhorter

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

I agree with Tizzy & Alan Denton. Filmmakers need to have tough skin. As I stated before, I very much liked you latest film Kubrick. However, you seem to have a somewhat fragile ego which will only hurt you in the long run. People recognize a jackasses' review when they see one so you shouldn't feel the need to defend yourself against them. It is the mark of a professional to roll with the punches, learn from valid criticism, and only acknowledge the worthwhile stuff via future work. It's a losing battle complaining about the nature of opinion and expression. It's a beast that is bigger than you and I and Tizzy put together (Like Voltron).

Nota "This post sucks, I'm a dumb loser and owe all people who read it their time back" Mono

I always wanted to be Voltron!!
R. M.

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

Not everyone is going to like our films. You need to stand by your work if you believe in it and weed through all the negative reviews to find the ones that are constructive and can give you advice so that you can move on. Take each film as a lesson and progress from there.

I've received a bunch of bad reviews for MY films on my own site. (and lots of good ones too) But hey...can't please them all.

Of course there are reviews that I will NOT tolerate (personally bashing or lewd ones) and they'll never make it onto the site for anyone's film.

Your films are great. Do not lose heart.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Hey kubrick (are you the next? hmmm?) some advice....


Wake the hell up, Dude! You think Hollywood folks are gonna be gentile with you? Walk you through this on a metaphorical pillow, pacify you with unending adulation? Get real. The bottom line (here in LA) is it's f#cking brutal. Get ripped on now so you can deal with it when it matters. People in LA will f#ck with you just to see if you can take it... You need to be strong and not take anything personally. What do you think people in Hollywood are on easy street or something? I'll tell you man, this is where it gets "REAL" in a hurry. It's not a profession for the faint of hart..... Believe that!

To answer some of your questions directly:

quote:

---

Is it me or do some people that write reviews on this site know what it takes to make a film, especially on your own?

---

Who cares what you went through to make it, I don't. That is the reality.... is it good or not. Period! Who are you to tell them that they are wrong? That is one of the problems with you ng f ilm makers, they think because there is an image on a screen that it is a "FILM". No, a film is a great story..... prove me wrong, and thank me later. Also wait to get an ego until you at least have an AGENT... you follow? That's the thing that trip s me out with some of you guys, I see some of these films and they are straight crap but there's this enormous ego? And yet I'm at some party talking to Forest Whitaker and Benicio Del Toro (or whoever) and they have half the ego that some of you ha ve. Doe sn't make sense now does it.....

quote:

---

Do they realize what he or she did to put this little piece of themselves on the site or has everyone whose written a meaningless review which states how the movie "sucked" already won an Academy Award?

---

That is an ab surd point. Have you yourself won an Academy Award? You are being judged by your pears. I hope you are not insinuating that only Academy Award winners are deemed fit to give an opinion on your flick, that would be very presumptuous fo r a new bie film maker who has done next to nothing. Why should these people even look at your film.... they've paid their dues, you have not.


That's the real world........ Good luck! k

[This message was edited by jay888 on February 15, 2003 at 01:44 AM.]

Well, I thought my response sounded harsh....,. and then I read Jay88's. LOL

Still, harsh, but true. You have to learn to roll with the punches. Most amatuer, aspiring, student film makers wont get anywhere. A major factor, is not being able to handle the swings that come with this business.
Just grin and bear it man. There are good reviews of your stuff, and you should concentrate on those. Plus, try and figure out why people didnt like it. What was wrong with your film (to them) Is it something you can correct, or just a matter of taste? Im being repetitive. I hope you dont quit, but dont bother continuing unless your prepared for ALOT of hard times ahead. All the best man.
R. Michael McWhorter

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

Tizzy- I'm just telling it like it is. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders.



KUBRICK ------->



Well I watched "HEIST" and "PORTRAIT".....

Here's a minimal and honest review of each:

Heist- Was very amateur. There was 'no' story and the performances were terrible. You need to have the foresight to realize when you are getting a bad performance (as a director) and demand more from the actors (although the actors in this film probably gave their best effort). Tip, chose people that have a good acting voice, for some reason it's just more believable... The story is really what doesn't work here, thou gh. Go deeper. Why? "Why are these moments on screen happening?".... that is the question to ask yourself. You've got to make me care. Why s hould I care what happens to these people in this short? You follow?


Portrait- Was an attempt to take me somewhe re very dark but did not. Have you seen "Henry Portrait of a Cereal Killer"? Again, it's all about story, you are just not going deep enough. This piece was very "surface", It didn't put me inside the killers mind. Some of your shots felt too long and didn't push the story (what is this shot trying to convey?) My overall tip is "work on the story" go deeper, much, much deeper. It's a short get to the point. There's no time to freeze shots in a short...


Other thoughts on this short: The sound design in the beginning was bad. (1) I heard birds and many many children... Where are they? I don't see them. And where is this church bell coming fr om? (2) The use of black and white comes across as very presumptuous (people in Hollywood "HATE" black and white un less it's there for a reason.... that is a fact). I would say not to use it unless it's a period piece that calls for it.


This may not be what you want to here but you need to here it at some point. It will only help you if you really think about what I'm saying to you. You will be in for a big surprise coming to LA if all you have is praise from your friends, classmates, and pears, with no other point of view. If you are seriously considering a career in film making (a Hollywood career), my advice is "move away from violent themes", or at least tell them in an unusual way. Do not do anymore shorts using a gun, or knifes etc. If you like "dark", think of a dark
subject mater that is not so obvious, then write an amazing "character driven" piece. I love dark, but it's got to be "different". Don't be yet another student film-ist doing bad gun flicks with no story. Elevate yourself. Find a m ore mature subject matter. Of all the shorts I've seen (where the director is being pursued/tracked by Hollywood) no ne of them have guns and an over use of the word "F#CK"....

STORY is #1 ...... do not forget that.


Last piece of advice (AND REMEMBER T HIS ONE)

Hollywood people 'WILL' forgive bad shots, bad lighting, bad sound, low budget etc. But they "WILL NOT" forgive a bad script.... Write, write, write!


Don't let my words discourage you, they are here to push you to the next level. You'll understand in a few years what I mean. Good luck!›;

Yeah...I agree with the whole "story" is number one theme and I also agree that there is a serious ego problem out there in the student film world, plus too many gun flicks...yes indeed we gots us some guns for sure on this site(not all are bad).

Although, to compare Hollywood and "story" makes me fall the **** out my chair. I’ve seen maybe two or three Hollywood films in the last year that put across a really good story and I use "good" by the strict terms you used in your post Jay. Well there was Spider Man and then again there was James Bond too...yes I'm joking.

I would also never say not to make a black and white. Young student and most especially starters should make a silent black and white...why? Well because you can concentrate on telling a story with straight up images for one, and not use all that unnecessary dialogue that many beginners tend to use. Second, you don't have to worry about a Boom Mic. or color as much as you would with a colored talkie. This will help many starters to get what they want out of a film. Next...who ****ing cares about the Academy Awards, like real artist even make it there, well in comparison to all the rest of the world...very rarely.

This is just me though, take it or leave it. Then again I don't have a wife who works in Hollywood while I sit at home and play with my music. What "Hollywood" movies did I hear your music in again??? Oh yeah I didn't. Keep filming!

PS- Damn am I being too harsh? Oh who cares that's what Hollywood does so rip peoples' art apart...it's all good right? LOL...

Psssss- I've read too many of your stupid post to keep silent...sorry, I get upset...I took a listen awhile back to a sample of your work too...yeah...not that great. John Williams and Danny Elfman, don't worry guys your jobs are safe.

"I don't have time for film school...I'm too busy making movies" lol

[This message was edited by THE MIND on February 18, 2003 at 01:28 AM.]

The Mind-

Good, I'm glad you have an opinion! Take mine or leave it as well. My comments are for those with Hollywood goals, not career indie guys. Do what you want though, I'm just letting you know ways to stand out, but if you guys wanna keep doing the same things, fine. You rip on Hollywood, but student films are like their own little hollywood. I mean, using the same story over and over... brake away! You make fun of various 'Hollywood' movies but at least they made it to the screen, that's hard as h ell to make happen (i mean for established people).

Obviously I've had some success if I can afford a studio like I've got, if you catch my drift. I obviously don't make most of my money from student film makers ;-). That's fine that you don't like my music, no big deal. BTW.. I'm doing 14 episodes for a certain "thing", that's where I make my money... I do this on the side.


You guys need a harsh voice around here, someone to tell you how it really is out here (some of you guys are in fantasy land... not all, some). Look, you may think you can change the world with your great film (maybe you can?), all I'm saying is be smart if you're gonna come to LA! Even if you're not, someone's gotta watch it.... make it good!

If anything you should appreciate me posting a perspective from a hollywood point of view. That is the reality here, like it or not.... Would yo u rather I sugar coat what I say? I know some of you are very young, and I also know some of you want to make it in Hollywood (whether you admit it to me or not), I'm trying to give you tips now so you can bypass things that are a waste of time. If you wa it to write a script till you arrive in LA, you're gonna be way behind the curve. If my harsh words cause you to re-think a loose script (or to write one in the first place)....... GREAT!


Like I've said in my previous posts; "It's tough talk"


Maybe everything coming out of "Hollywood" sucks (to you), but to get your first break 'you' have to do something great....

If you don't here it from me your gonna here it from someone..... Trust me (or don't?)



Good Luck!!

I have this philosophy about art and cinema and their relationship to censorship and commercialism etc, but I have never been able to put it into words so I won't really go there.

I will say that in the past 2 1/2 years I've had 2 different producers approach me to shoot B&W (One feature and one short series). There seem to be increasing masses of B&W music videos, commercials and even theatical films since as recently as the mid-90's so I would agree that that is not something to really worry about these days.

Nota "Wonders if Ted Turner will colorize 'Portrait'" Mono

Nah, Ted will colorize the farm scenes in THE WIZARD OF OZ and black and white the color dream scenes . . . because all dreams are black and white!

Mark M
Scooter Productions

My first short just went up and I think the feedback was awsome. Most everyone gave great reviews about the good and the bad, and I feel most were very thought out...thank you to all those people. Although...and maybe I shouldn't even bother but some reviews like the one by"DAV23" were almost funny...maybe it's just me ...here is the review.

"What a self-important pretensious piece of crap. "Choice" -- oooh, woooow. Choice. Day 1--nothing happens. Day 2--nothing happens. Day 3--nothing happens. Day 10--Choice! But still, nothing happens. Don't people want to make projects in which something actually happens? And what's with the constant cheesy music? It's just lazy and ineffective. If it's going to be 12 minutes maybe some dialogue or perhaps a sound effect or two. Sheesh."
- Dav23

Dave who are you?(screen name) I would like to ask you a few questions if possible...maybe I can clear a few things up with you...I found it funny that you did not leave your e-mail...maybe you forgot? Oh well let me know man. I'm just curious about a few remarks, don't worry I didn't take it personal...I truly look forward to feedback to improve myself.

This was a film from last year though and made with little equipment, so camera shake was problem realized at the time.

"I don't have time for film school...I'm too busy making movies" lol

Who is dav23?

"I don't have time for film school...I'm too busy making movies" lol