I'm a firm believer that first impressions are everything. So, as you may have caught on, my name is Chris and I have waffles in my pants.
SHOOT! I blew it already.

Anyway. I've been making home movies with my twin brother ever since we got our hands on our parents' camera when we were 10. I'm 18 now, so I have very extensive knowledge of the the film industry from working on big-budget productions ($200 was my biggest. Imagine!). And by the way, sarcasm is best taken in verbally, not in text.

The name of our "film company" (I wouldn't call two 10-year-old kids a company though) has varied...originally it was Soylent Beanz, and then there was Piebot Pictures...and now I just use Crowded Void Entertainment for everything I create regardless if movie, video game, comic book, etc. Obviously (obviously) as I mature...so do the names. Dare I say in a few years I'll be using "Commendable Hyperdermic Weather Balloon" as a name? (...hm.)

I've made a lot of garbage as you can imagine. Oh, I've also made some horrible films. But every new film project brings a wealth of experience. My first fairly okay movie was something I whipped up to scare the pants off of friends at my annual Halloween party last year.


Basically it's the whole. 'Show a movie and at the end have the killer from the flick burst into the room and everyone wets their pants' gag. It worked pretty well. I got a bit nervous though when one guy dressed as a samurai drew out his real Katana in fear. But I was relieved when he stumbled over a chair and got the prank.

You can see my whole fabrication of the party and movie at this address: http://members.cox.net/whitelagomorph/bennettween

The movie itself suffered from speedy production and poor commitment from some actors, but it served its purpose which was to scare th' bejezus out of 'em. Even the actors who played in the movie were scared. To this day they won't go out at night to our filming locations. No greater compliment nor feeling.

I like entertaining...and I know I'm still learning, but the feeling I get from having someone enjoy any of my work is priceless. And I'm sure you can all relate.

I also draw, act, and sing. I changed my major from Game Art and Design to Film/Theater recently, which really is just for personal satisfaction.
Overall I just like to create. I have lots of ideas. And the majority are pretty bad ones at that. But I'm young. Plenty of room to get good ones.

I always like to see what other filmmakers are working on, so feel free to e-mail me and let me know about your projects in detail!

My own upcoming projects include the filming of my girlfriend's script about an Indian curse and an undead Confederate General, a Musical set in the Apocalypse, and a corny zombie movie.

I'd post a link to my film website. But nothing would be very interesting as it's amateur and groan-worthy. Henceforth...I also never made a website for my films. But if I did the above would definetly apply.

Instead, you can check out my online art gallery and my 'under-construction' personal website. Thanks for reading all this jibber-jabb! Hope to speak to you again soon!

-Chris


My Art: http://whitebunny.deviantart.com

My Personal Domain: http://www.crowdedvoid.com

My Webcomic: http://www.crowdedvoid.com/abnormal

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Twisted Rabbit,

Welcome Chris

It's funny, video game design seems to be an interest which many of us share - me included.

I'm going to check out some of your stuff! See you around!

You remind me of a lot of other young filmmakers that have been doing this for a long time. Although the waffle gag reminded me of a schlub, also by the name of Chris that I went to high school with.

Nice to meet you Chris, I am also currently on a Games Computing degree and am currently having alot of second thoughts after completing the first year (mainly due to the fact i know i dont want to do this my entire life). I have recently become extremely intrested in film and have really been debating a course change, however, I have no previous experience in film. I am abit like you, but I have been programming\designing since I was 10. I guess what im trying to ask you [or anyone] is: 'Is it possible for me to get on a film school regardless of previous experience?'

Regards.
Justin

Hey Justin and the rest. Nice to meet you alL!

Yeah, I dropped out of Art School (first year luckily) to pursue acting/directing, and I do have prior experience in doing films...but really that's not saying much.
Am I right to say that us student filmmakers really just do it for the passion? I mean...I don't see anyone "teaching" you how to make films. You go to film school for experience. To learn the tools of the trade.
But like any art it's practice practice practice in your own fiddling-around.
I don't think you need any prior knowledge for film school, but if you were to take some community college courses it wouldn't hurt your chance to get in, plus...obviously you had prior knowledge for Games Computing- some motive or small passion that made it enjoyable/easy for you to do. So this amateur's best advice is to just get out and film.
I wish the best on whatever major you decide to pursue, but if you're definetly sure you don't want to go on in Games, don't waste any more of your college fund to sit through another year of Games Design. It'll just get harder and less-practical to get out as I'm sure you're well aware. x_x

And I'm still having second thoughts on whether I did the right thing. But the passion for film is there, so I'm going for it.
I first realized that this was a potential career for me when I started acting in High School and got some lead roles with my brother. Then I realized I could sing after getting the lead in a Musical. So my head was big for a while. Obviously it hasn't shrunken much, otherwise I probably wouldn't have changed my career choice.
But just like my art, I'll inevitably realize that there's better, more experienced people out there. And feeling that let-down and like you're really not that great at something is priceless. You'll strive to improve and be really hard on everything you do.

Anyway, I'm on a rant Justin. But I am glad there's other "schlubs" in my position too! Thanks for your warm welcomes everyone! I hope you all enjoy the garbage I make.

Thanks for the reply. I suppose you are right, it's just an internal debate, between me and my heart at the moment.

On the one hand, I could stay on this course, and do film on the side [perhaps in a group or society]. Purhaps offering me the possibility of a much broader range of jobs once i've left university. I also suppose that if i completed this degree i would have a original perspective on aspects of film\animation\simulation\etc and other such subjects, so i could bring something unique and exciting to the table.

The other idea would be to do a film based course perhaps in film\media or animation. However, I have so many commitments to my current university that it is a sobering thought.

I am not the kind of person to change intrests or goals quickly which is why this situation is so wierd for me. I haven't touched a game for a long time and have become increadably passive about them. Whilst film has been steadily becoming more and more important.

Oh well. I'm ranting aswell now... Heheh.

Just as a side note: If anyone would be able to either point me in the right direction for film resources, etc that would be extremely appreciated!

Thanks for your time.

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