Why Do You Make Films?
- Thread starter Blaney
- Start date
To tell stories that I think/hope are interesting, and will make people think - but without beating them over the head with morality or lectures.
I spent decades doing a job just to make a living, and now I like to tell stories. That's why I produced 2 features that I also wrote.
My focus currently is on the writing end - both stories of my own and helping other people tell theirs. One guy I've been working with for several years is getting close to having his first feature produced and I'll be absolutely thrilled if that happens.
I spent decades doing a job just to make a living, and now I like to tell stories. That's why I produced 2 features that I also wrote.
My focus currently is on the writing end - both stories of my own and helping other people tell theirs. One guy I've been working with for several years is getting close to having his first feature produced and I'll be absolutely thrilled if that happens.
I haven't done much in the last few years but i'm trying to turn that around and be productive.
Get my life back on track.
I think that with more practice this is something I could be good at.
At this point I've committed so much to it that I need to at least write a couple features and see if they're any good.
Or at least put all of my knowledge into a single film.
Like my last film was all handheld.. did not do a single fancy shot in it. wrote it 5 years ago lol might release it this year.
i suppose the answer is to finish what i started
Get my life back on track.
I think that with more practice this is something I could be good at.
At this point I've committed so much to it that I need to at least write a couple features and see if they're any good.
Or at least put all of my knowledge into a single film.
Like my last film was all handheld.. did not do a single fancy shot in it. wrote it 5 years ago lol might release it this year.
i suppose the answer is to finish what i started
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You are the very definition of a success. You've made something - well actually 2! So belated congratulations. That's something a lot of people dream about, but most never achieve. And you've achieved it twice! As I was taught by my good friend Marc Zicree, most people fail for one simple reason - they simply give up. And as I get older I see that's so true. But if it's in your very blood, giving up simply isn't an option. And I'm glad your friend is close to getting their feature produced.
BTW have you links to your films, or their trailers? Love to see them.
You're absolutely right, the answer is to finish what you started. Doesn't matter if it takes you 10 years, just eventually get it finished. Not having the luxury of someone else paying for your film's production (like a regular Hollywood or major-indie film) means most of us have to finish our films in-between the distractions of 'life.' You know, like having to work, raise a family etc. So it does take years. But it doesn't matter as long as you're moving forward with it. In life the only one we're racing against is father time (or mother time). You get the idea.
Thanks @Blaney !
The first one was Surviving Family.
The trailer is Surviving Family trailer
The movie itself is on Amazon Prime: Surviving Family movie and on Tubi Surviving Family on Tubi
The second one was DETOURS
Trailer is here: DETOURS trailer
Amazon Prime: DETOURS Amazon Prime
Tubi: DETOURS on Tubi
DETOURS is also on a few smaller free streamers like BlumeTV and Filmzie, and both movies are available on Vimeo on Demand.
The first one was Surviving Family.
The trailer is Surviving Family trailer
The movie itself is on Amazon Prime: Surviving Family movie and on Tubi Surviving Family on Tubi
The second one was DETOURS
Trailer is here: DETOURS trailer
Amazon Prime: DETOURS Amazon Prime
Tubi: DETOURS on Tubi
DETOURS is also on a few smaller free streamers like BlumeTV and Filmzie, and both movies are available on Vimeo on Demand.
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Just watched both trailers. They look like solid movies, beautifully shot and performed.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
When I was growing up, my next door neighbor was a director, and some of his movies were (and still are) among my all time favorites (Shepherd of The Hills, Lives of the Bengal Lancer, North To Alaska, True Grit). And it looked EASY, so I figured "heck, ANYBODY can be an astronaut" and aimed for different stars. It wasn't the first time such foolish ideas filled my mind.
mlesemann, I started watching Detours (I haven't been able to finish it yet with all the interruptions), and you had me laughing my once-fine-bony-white-ass off at "My husband likes dicks!"
mlesemann, I started watching Detours (I haven't been able to finish it yet with all the interruptions), and you had me laughing my once-fine-bony-white-ass off at "My husband likes dicks!"
I like how I learn things about myself each project. It really teaches you about yourself, your subject, the world, and humanity.
I've been humbled, humiliated, taught, and coached. But each time I go back, I learn something new about myself and others.
It's a window into a persons dreams and thoughts in physical form. Nothing else like it.
I've been humbled, humiliated, taught, and coached. But each time I go back, I learn something new about myself and others.
It's a window into a persons dreams and thoughts in physical form. Nothing else like it.
Thanks! I'm proud of both movies.
My own husband was a little shocked (initially) at that line
It's one of my personal favorites.
I make films because I have to. It's a passion that cannot be satisfied except to make more films.
Since my first days learning to grip on AFI student films I have been in love with the process. I love the set and the sense of family that emerges on it -- for a short while. What a unique industry.
To be clear, I have had some of the most awful personal interactions with people working on films (as opposed to my time in the corporate world), but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Shooting is very often grueling and boring. Writing and editing can be lonely activities and expose me to bouts of anxiety when deadlines loom. That said, I can't quite explain the high I get being part of a film project, be it large or small.
There are so may aspects to filmmaking. There are the big pieces like writing, directing, cinematography, acting... and then there are all these little pieces necessary to make a film. I read somewhere a person saying he can teach the basics of just about any piece of filmmaking in about 10 minutes (how to set a c-stand, how to set the white balance on a camera, how to read a call sheet), but it's the hundreds and hundreds of these little things that takes a lifetime to put together and master to make a good film. I have deep knowledge in a few different areas and a good working knowledge in most areas, but I still spend time every week learning something new or deepening my knowledge. It never gets old. I personally don't believe people have to get knowledgeable in every aspect of filmmaking to make great films. There are many examples of great directors that knew very little about camera, but understood acting and storytelling well enough. But, that's not me. I really want to know as much about everything I can (my hero is Kubrick).
I make films because I have to.
Since my first days learning to grip on AFI student films I have been in love with the process. I love the set and the sense of family that emerges on it -- for a short while. What a unique industry.
To be clear, I have had some of the most awful personal interactions with people working on films (as opposed to my time in the corporate world), but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Shooting is very often grueling and boring. Writing and editing can be lonely activities and expose me to bouts of anxiety when deadlines loom. That said, I can't quite explain the high I get being part of a film project, be it large or small.
There are so may aspects to filmmaking. There are the big pieces like writing, directing, cinematography, acting... and then there are all these little pieces necessary to make a film. I read somewhere a person saying he can teach the basics of just about any piece of filmmaking in about 10 minutes (how to set a c-stand, how to set the white balance on a camera, how to read a call sheet), but it's the hundreds and hundreds of these little things that takes a lifetime to put together and master to make a good film. I have deep knowledge in a few different areas and a good working knowledge in most areas, but I still spend time every week learning something new or deepening my knowledge. It never gets old. I personally don't believe people have to get knowledgeable in every aspect of filmmaking to make great films. There are many examples of great directors that knew very little about camera, but understood acting and storytelling well enough. But, that's not me. I really want to know as much about everything I can (my hero is Kubrick).
I make films because I have to.
I agree 100% about the family aspect - it's something I've only ever felt when shooting a film.
As a side note I love Kubrick's work too (though mainly his earlier work). Just don't replicate his willingness to take credit for things he never did! - lol
I'm constantly thinking about this. When in the middle of a project I wonder why I put myself through this shit and then I eventually finish it and I'm ecstatic to share it with others and hope that I can stir a conversation that the audience that carry on with each other. It can be an adrenaline rush. I think filmmakers, photographers, writers, musicians, and painters all feel this at some point until it's time to start a new project. Then the dread comes rushing back.
i was always a dreamer but also a hard worker. in elementary school already everyone wanted to hear my essays. stories simply come. writing is a good way to record them but movies are much better. i never made any money with my short films but i simply like to make them. also using myself as an actor gives me the chance to live in a fantasy land. live your dream. here is a sample for you.
sci fi fantasy short film "soul, the guardian of dreams"
a yuppie finds a magic sword which makes the dream come true he didn't know he had. he first desperately tries to get back to reality but eventually he accepts his dream and follows it.
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