Filmmaker Magazine - Latest Comments

Re: UNUSUAL CAMERA MOVES WITH THE ALEXA M

Mr. Milich — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:10:15 -0000

James Cameron got the first delivery of these a little while ago.

Re: TRAILER WATCH: RIDLEY SCOTT’S “PROMETHEUS”

HorrorGeek333 — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:36:11 -0000

@Myjestik Ridley Scott filmed it in 3D

Re: THE ‘BLUE VELVET’ PROJECT, #113

Nick — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:36:43 -0000

Thanks Matt--I appreciate that. BV reveals more of its mystery with each viewing at the same time that it offers more mysteries....

Re: THE ‘BLUE VELVET’ PROJECT, #113

Matt — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:31:37 -0000

Thank you so much for The Blue Velvet Project! Blue Velvet is my favorite movie of all time and I love reading your analyses!

Re: GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALLER PACKAGES: LARGE-SENSOR CAMERAS, ONE YEAR LATER

DPLloyd — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:49:49 -0000

Why would anyone want a full frame camera with DSLR inspired ergonomics? The DSLR form factor is one of the least desirable traits of the DSLRs. It's the cause of the huge flood of adapters, cages, viewfinders, and bridge plates to correct poor ergonomics that make up most of the 3rd party market.

Also, larger than super 35, full frame Depth of field, though beautiful, is too shallow for cinema. The only value of this extreme shallow DOF is that it somewhat compensates for the slower, non-cinema, still lenses that are mostly used.

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Mark Stolaroff — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:10:37 -0000

Hey Alex, I'm glad you "wasted our time with this petty anti-LA dialectic." This was a very inspiring story, about how you can get energized by an environment, find a like-minded team of collaborators, and not wait for permission to make your film. It sounds very close to what you did on "Midnight Kiss," which as you know, is a favorite of mine. Can't wait to see this new one!

I think it's clear that LA is like the proverbial elephant to the blind man and it is what you make of it. I would agree with just about everything said here, (except of course with VerujioS's somewhat misreading of this story), even though so much of what's been said here conflicts. While you can clearly find a community here interested in making something challenging and not obsessed with box office as Zac suggested, there is certainly that contingent in full display. I'll never forget the blind date I had a few years ago with woman who was (and still is) a studio executive. Her first question for me was "what do you do?" I thought that was a no-no on blind dates. She certainly wasn't impressed when I told her I make little films and teach no-budget filmmaking. Then there were the series of parties I used to attend, thrown by a rich guy I knew from Texas. He wasn't in the film business, but his parties contained all the fakes and stereotypes everyone here has referred to. I was kind of shocked. I hated the parties, but went as a kind of social study. They were as fascinating as they were depressing.

So yes, as much as I hate almost every new club that opens up down the street from me in Hollywood, I also really love the dog park up the street in Beachwood Canyon. While shooting on the street or in someone's house is still a pain in the ass, there are talented people all over the place, and 200 foot sand dunes only 2 hours away. It's amazing and frustrating all at the same time.

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

FollowMyFilm — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:44:41 -0000

"There's plenty about Los Angeles that remains a daily trial. But the opportunity here is what you make of it." - I completely agree with you, Zak!

My main beef with LA filmmaking pilgrims is the naivety you commonly see regarding the belief that LA is some kind of magical filmmaking haven. You may have read my article, "Los Angeles Won't Make Your Movie" http://bit.ly/vjjrfY

You have a very healthy and realistic take on the role LA can play in the career of an indie filmmaker; however, I believe you are an exception. Too many folks come here thinking the environment, resources and all the goodies you speak of will rally together for their movie's sake, as if the city wants them to come and make their indie movie here. However, I argue it is the opposite.

The filmmaking infrastructure here is based on the multi-million dollar studio model, thus, indies with little funds are, generally speaking, pariahs, even law breakers! (http://enews.filmla.com/?p=113...

Even worse, as Alex suggests with his thoughts on iPhones and box office, the creative and mental atmosphere in LA is primarily big-budget/studio-esque. Thus, those operating outside the system a la MIDNIGHT KISS tend to be ostracized, pushed aside, and discouraged.

In the end, it all depends on whom one connects with; the people you surround yourself with. But, as a lifelong LA resident and indie filmmaker, my testimony is that it really is tough finding kindred spirits...

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

FollowMyFilm — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:26:49 -0000

Ever since I heard you speak at Mark Stolaroff's No-Budget Film School a few years ago (post MIDNIGHT KISS), I've been thinking about you, Alex!

Honestly, you were rather worn and seemingly on the verge of burn-out that day. I really appreciated your candidness in sharing how taxing the studio system had been on you. You clearly are a genuine man, which is why I've been hoping for nothing but the best for you.

So to hear about your great experience thus far abroad made me so happy. I can't wait to hear/see more of your film and to continue to follow your career!

Re: FIVE QUESTIONS WITH “EXCISION” DIRECTOR RICHARD BATES JR.

Real Queen of Horror — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:55 -0000

I cannot wait to check this film. It looks like it's going to be amazing!

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Zak Forsman — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:06:32 -0000

Thanks for clarifying, Alex. My personal experience in LA hasn't quite lined up with the one you described in the interview. I can't say I know anyone who talks about box office as a significant point of interest; the friends and artists (and artist-friends) I pal around with here rarely, if ever, bring up the subject of finance as something that informs their creative process. These LA stereotypes, which I imagine are something that exists because they *must* be true to someone, aren't present in the circles I run in. I don't see them in the places I go or the people I've befriended.

This city repeatedly gets labelled as "fake". And it's like fingernails on a chalkboard to someone who lives and loves here. Those stereotypes, I feel, probably belong to some high profile niche, a niche they make reality shows about, but are hardly representative of this city as a whole.

The LA I know has a restaurant named Rascal near Wilshire and La Brea. And every time I walk in I'm greeted with a hug by the owners, Sandy and Rebecca. I'm nothing more than a (repeat) customer. But I find that kind of genuine warmth all over the city. From the staff at the New Beverly to the building manager where my offices are located to the woman at Joom who giggles every time I order yellow curry with chicken (because it's all I ever order there). I've even found it at the DMV in the form of a compliment and a smile when I aced the test for my license renewal.

Regarding: inspiration. I recently had an experience like the one you describe in the interview, though smaller. Last year I travelled home, to the east coast. I'd set some time aside to write a new screenplay to be inspired by some of my dad's smuggling activities in the seventies. In the basement, I dug through the artifacts of his life – interviews he'd done, scraps of paper he'd made notes on, a hollowed out decorative rolling pin. Understand my dad is long gone (cancer) and I haven't seen him since I was 19, and left for LA shortly thereafter. But almost two decades later, I rediscovered him in the basement of my mother's home. And in my adult self, I saw that I'd grown to be much more like he was. I saw the echoes of his unique brand of life philosophy in my own pursuits. This shaped a renewed drive to make the most of my brief time on this planet and to do it all surrounded by good people. I returned to LA renewed, re-inspired and refocused on making my next movie with people I cared about. A movie my dad would be proud of.

Inspiration can be fleeting and difficult to locate, let alone harness. So all this leads me to say, I'm very happy you've found it again. And that you are pushing forward with new work. We are all looking forward to seeing it.

A fan.

Re: GRANT GEE, “PATIENCE (AFTER SEBALD)”

Kevin faulkner — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:01:43 -0000

But actually it's only a mould reproduction of Browne's skull which Sebald encountered while recuperating at hospital. 'I was born in the planetary hour of Saturn' -Sir T.Browne Melancholy seems to be a big theme of Rings of Saturn also.

Re: 15 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER YOU FINISH YOUR SCRIPT

Accessible Horizon Films — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:46:31 -0000

I totally agree with the thing about budgeting for a low-budget film. But the thing is, with low-budget filmmaking, it's usually the other way around. You don't create a budget and schedule for something like this. Because at the outset you 'know' how much you can(or will be able to) actually spend for your low-budget film that you've written and want to direct. So everything WILL have to fit in within that because you don't have any other option do you? It's not like, you go about this process formally because everything about a low-budget film is as chaotic as it can get.
Of course, the in-kind budgeting is what Indie filmmakers mostly would resort to coz they don't have the monetary resources to back them up. It's how much you're 'capable of pulling in' as Scott said. With our ultra-low-budget Indian film '500 & 5' that we are about to complete, I must say we were very fortunate to have over 100 people contributing(time and effort) towards our production. And the thing is, 90% of them were people who knew nothing about filmmaking. And it's not like we were looking for a 100 people to help us or that we promised them anything in kind, just that people were excited to be part of something, that they just didn't care about money, because they were already making enough from their corporate and Govt. jobs. And the best thing is, we budgeted only for about 20 or so because that's what we could afford to.
- Raghu.

Re: KICKSTARTER IS PEOPLE!

Koo — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:46:29 -0000

Thanks for the mention! Yes, Kickstarter is not magic, but that hasn't stopped some people from launching projects and just expecting money to roll in:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/katien...

I dont want to traffic in schadenfreude, though, so I'll also say that when strangers back your campaign it's somehow extra special. You know they're not doing it out of obligation. But that depends on a good video that inspires, yes, people, to pass it on.

Re: WHY FILMMAKING CANNOT BE A HOBBY

Lee Storey - StoreyVision — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:21:45 -0000

Thanks Paul for a great article on my Tax Court win.

Regards, Lee Storey.

@storeyvision

http://smiletilithurts.com

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Colleen Yorke — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:38:03 -0000

I fly back and forth between Berlin and Los Angeles. Berlin is "home" to me. A city that never sleeps. More than 200 museums and theaters, three operas, several music halls: The performances and exhibits affordable to all. Affordable housing. Health care. Communication with strangers on a daily basis, because you'd just run into them. Los Angeles on the other hand...well, I did try putting the city Los Angeles into writing.

"Los Angeles is a city I love and despise. A city with too many highways and cars,
overpriced houses, closed shutters and doors, roll-out carpet grass and
dandelions out on the front lawn, and nobody home. A city crowded with
angels and imaginary friends. Not to mention the unhappy campers living
in tents by Ontario. A city divided by class and
race, religion and politics (....)

I am meeting a friend for lunch, and I am feeling watched. My friend, a
regular face on a number of TV shows, is recognized despite his gruffy,
unshaved look. While we are at lunch, my friend gets a call from his
agent. It is about a "gig". My friend tells his agent: "I can’t. I am busy
right now. (pause) No, I am not nuts." Fifteen minutes later, his agent
calls again, cutting our lunch short. Hollywood buys souls, every day
this city puts its sticky thumb on fresh, beautiful, new faces.

How can I possibly grasp this rare,
mysterious and obvious city? This city of dreams and of nightmares? This
city of fame and money, and of broken hearts and minds?

Well, in the end, the story isn’t really mine to tell."
(http://www.colleenyorke.com/20...

Re: MUSIC VIDEO: “THE VIEW, LOU REED/METALLICA DIR. BY DARREN ARONOFSKY

Metallica Sweet Amber — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:35:31 -0000

Lou Reed and Metallica may be getting pummeled elsewhere, but the one fan they have is perhaps the only one that matters -- Darren Aronofsky. The visionary directeda video for Loutallica's "The View," which IFC premiered

Re: FCP X – FIRST MUSINGS

photos of desi girls — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:44:18 -0000

Excellent Review

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Alex holdridge — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:04:58 -0000

Hi Zak. I do agree with all that you said. I spent 8 years living there, making a film and writing many scripts. It offers all you said and more. As a point of clarification of course I will be going to LA frequently to meet with actors and people in the industry. In fact, part of the new film takes place in LA. I simply needed new inspiration and for me it was time to get away, so I don't plan on living there now. Personally I am pouring every penny into this new film and pulling the efforts of talented friends. My whole interest right now is doing all I can to hopefully make a good film. East coast, west coast riffs are not on my mind. Biggie and Tupac are both on my iTunes.

So I offer you eight things I genuinely do miss in Los Angeles that you didn't mention:
1. The amazing comedy scene - Groundlings, UCB, Largo. It is a comedy lover's paradise. That mix offers the most ridiculously creative and funny community I know.

2. Downtown - In spite of it all, I am still in love with that part of town. My office was there, and I roamed those streets daily. The Downtown Historic Theater Foundation is incredible and offers tours of the theaters on the weekends. Great group. Support them. They need it!3. The public library (Downtown and in Santa Monica). Movies, books, photo archives, free wifi, great setting. Script writer's paradise.4. The Metro Expedition line. I was obsessed with this, but it wasn't finished before I left. I can't wait for it to run all the way to the beach and ultimately change the city, and specifically my part - downtown.5. The incredible Mexican food - Alegria in Sliverlake is sorely missed.6. Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center productions. Great organization, and they put together fantastic plays and comedy shows to raise money. It is amazing.7. Light that is magic to film.8. Largo. For music and comedy. Following Sarah Silverman's twitter feed is great, but it's not the same as seeing her live at Lago. Likewise for Andrew Bird.Best Zak.

Alex

Re: SAM GREEN’S LOVE SONG AT SFIFF

Kontent Films — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:18:45 -0000

What a thoughtful review. Did you know Sam also directs commercials and web films? Check out Sam's work for Kontent clients large and small. http://www.kontentfilms.com/ab...

Re: 15 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER YOU FINISH YOUR SCRIPT

Tommustric — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:35:19 -0000

I was presented a first draft book for an interest toward producing a script.
However, the first chapter has many errors in logic, grammar, and presentation. What kind of prices do other script doctors charge for making corrections? Thanks. tommustric@yahoo.com

Re: THE MICRO-BUDGET CONVERSATION: THE END

Jwomaha — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:35:35 -0000

I sure wish there was more coverage of micro-budget filmmaking in the print edition of Filmmaker. I'm know putting famous directors/actors on the cover probably sells more copies, but wouldn't it be neat if one day an unknown microbudget director graced the cover? Or an entire issue of Filmmaker was devoted to no/low budget filmmaking/marketing/surviving? I can dream, right?

Re: PATENT LEATHERED

Ke$Ha Take It Off — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:22:38 -0000

Everything was backcombed, hairsprayed, box-jacketed, skinny-tied,patent-leathered, overproduced, overlit, garish, loud, greedy, and right wing. In the USA, Bret Easton Ellis smirked thinly at what he saw around him

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Zak Forsman — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:02:10 -0000

Reasons why I love living in Los Angeles. Some great actors live here, known and unknown. There is an infrastructure of hungry, talented fellow filmmakers who have many opportunities to hone and use their talents professionally – maybe not doing what they want to be doing – but I think it positively influences professional conduct and professional results on our local indie productions. What else? I can apply my tradecraft as a freelance editor to make some serious money between movies. I don't think I could maintain the same level of work in any other city.

Then of course, everything you could wish for as a resource is here. Locations? You've got the city, suburbs, the beach, the desert, the mountains, forest, snow, almost any kind of terrain imaginable... including standing sets you can rent cheaply for the day. Need gear? Throw a rock. Time for an agent? They're all here. About to take the leap into attaching name actors, papering int'l presales and debt financing half your budget? You're in the right city. Everyone you need to talk with is here.

I'm not arguing against other cities, obviously. There's plenty about Los Angeles that remains a daily trial. But the opportunity here is what you make of it. As it is with anything else.

Re: 15 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER YOU FINISH YOUR SCRIPT

FollowMyFilm — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:51:01 -0000

Thank you for the reply, Scott. Great point regarding budgeting. I totally understand what you mean about "a service that is easily bought" and "established rules and rates that apply." There definitely is a way of doing things, a protocol, thus, working within it definitely streamlines the process, versus juggling a bunch of freebies, favors, etc.!

And you are so right about the script, which is why I am writing my currently feature script with a professional film consultant!!! Man, the last thing I want to do is work my ass off fundraising and directing a crappy script! What a waste...

Once again, I sure hope you go forward with the advice column idea. In fact, I'm going to email you a topic you might want to consider...

Re: ALEX HOLDRIDGE: “I’LL NEVER GO TO LOS ANGELES AGAIN”

Flash — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:09:06 -0000

I think the bottom line is that a new city/country fills you with possibility and inspiration. And that’s just as true whether you are leaving LA… or arriving.