Well, no denying Saturday was a downer day in the film things department, BUT, as Michael Caine famously said as Alfred in Batman, "Why do we fall sir? So we might learn to pick ourselves up." So, being a big batman fan (at least of the Nolan batmans) I'm going to listen to Alfy.
I'm not going to let having a week of losing at video contents and not taking awards at film festivals get me down.
It's back to writing Choke Hold. I've finished Act I and am onto act 2.
Act 2...in true Dr. Who fashion...will have lots of running. Except, not really in Dr. Who fashion, 'cause he doesn't like guns. We leave the urban into the rural and forest for (hopefully) simpler and cheaper shooting...and hopefully story explanations that make reasonable sense. :D
I'm also working on a new youtube channel to see if I can build a following with animal videos. There's the market for it, and I can put out videos consistently no problem, so that's my latest experiment. To check it out go to: youtube.com/briansanimalvideos and be sure to subscribe!
Anyway, have a good night folks. More on Choke Hold and other films coming soon!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Random Thoughts, Frustration, and Festivals
I think, if there's a part of film making I really hate, it's that I have to compete with other film makers in festivals and contests. I'm a collaborative sort of person...but also fiercely competitive if I put myself in those situations.
Really though, the challenge is, when faced with defeat after defeat after defeat, is not to doubt the creative compass that I've got. I've never won a video contest or taken festival awards (I know, I'm 22... still got time), but in a world where technology is making everything so much more accessible... getting noticed is incredibly difficult, and there are more talented people - or at least people with more resources than me - able to put out some really good stuff.
Not, before I get sounding like I'm griping too much, I'm more saying, I just don't like dealing with the competitive side of things - as generally it seems judges and I don't get along. Film critics and I don't get along.
Not actually sure if I'm trying to say anything or make a point in this post, mostly just processing the frustration of within a week getting shut out of several Tongal.com idea phase contests and ICFF awards. And I process by writing. And I figure, why not give people an insight into what goes on in a crazy artist's head?
Part of me wonders if I've got it in me to be a filmmaker, because taking criticism (especially unspoken implied criticism) is a challenge - because I don't understand from an objective perspective what my films failed at. Was it just that I can't afford a crane and slider and someone else can, or I couldn't shoot 4K RAW and so my film wasn't as "cinematic", or was the cut not tight enough for an attention deprived generation? (I won't bring up acting, because pretty objectively I can say in all the entries I've watched in the festivals I've been a part of, my actors stand out as some of the best.) It's frustrating to not know what's turning people off my films. What am I missing? And can I even fix it in future projects?
I read in a handy dandy little book called something like "What they don't teach you at Film School" that the hardest part about being a director is you have to believe in your story on an incredible level - be passionate about it - and put that out there for people to see. You've got to be vulnerable and say "I care about this story - and I don't apologize for it". And that that's why a lot of people don't make it as, or realize that they in fact don't want to direct.
But the reality is I DO want to direct. I HAVE stories I'm passionate about, and I seem to at least be something enough to intrigue actors enough to deal with my lack of crew, pay, and high quality gear that they want to work with me and bring these stories to life.And hopefully, despite consistent shutdowns from any paying or awards sources they'll continue to see that - and a crew and equipment will follow, and we can make something that pays off for us.
I know one of my deepest frustrations as a film maker, is to not be able to pay actors in particular. They work incredibly hard on the projects I have - because I come up with demanding characters for them to get into. And not being able to make any money at film work essentially means I'm stuck not paying them right now - or not doing any film work period.
Anyway, I've totally degenerated off topic. If you've read this whole thing through, I'm impressed. If you've made sense out of it, I'm even more impressed.
Anyway, have a good night and a good Sunday tomorrow folks!
Really though, the challenge is, when faced with defeat after defeat after defeat, is not to doubt the creative compass that I've got. I've never won a video contest or taken festival awards (I know, I'm 22... still got time), but in a world where technology is making everything so much more accessible... getting noticed is incredibly difficult, and there are more talented people - or at least people with more resources than me - able to put out some really good stuff.
Not, before I get sounding like I'm griping too much, I'm more saying, I just don't like dealing with the competitive side of things - as generally it seems judges and I don't get along. Film critics and I don't get along.
Not actually sure if I'm trying to say anything or make a point in this post, mostly just processing the frustration of within a week getting shut out of several Tongal.com idea phase contests and ICFF awards. And I process by writing. And I figure, why not give people an insight into what goes on in a crazy artist's head?
Part of me wonders if I've got it in me to be a filmmaker, because taking criticism (especially unspoken implied criticism) is a challenge - because I don't understand from an objective perspective what my films failed at. Was it just that I can't afford a crane and slider and someone else can, or I couldn't shoot 4K RAW and so my film wasn't as "cinematic", or was the cut not tight enough for an attention deprived generation? (I won't bring up acting, because pretty objectively I can say in all the entries I've watched in the festivals I've been a part of, my actors stand out as some of the best.) It's frustrating to not know what's turning people off my films. What am I missing? And can I even fix it in future projects?
I read in a handy dandy little book called something like "What they don't teach you at Film School" that the hardest part about being a director is you have to believe in your story on an incredible level - be passionate about it - and put that out there for people to see. You've got to be vulnerable and say "I care about this story - and I don't apologize for it". And that that's why a lot of people don't make it as, or realize that they in fact don't want to direct.
But the reality is I DO want to direct. I HAVE stories I'm passionate about, and I seem to at least be something enough to intrigue actors enough to deal with my lack of crew, pay, and high quality gear that they want to work with me and bring these stories to life.And hopefully, despite consistent shutdowns from any paying or awards sources they'll continue to see that - and a crew and equipment will follow, and we can make something that pays off for us.
I know one of my deepest frustrations as a film maker, is to not be able to pay actors in particular. They work incredibly hard on the projects I have - because I come up with demanding characters for them to get into. And not being able to make any money at film work essentially means I'm stuck not paying them right now - or not doing any film work period.
Anyway, I've totally degenerated off topic. If you've read this whole thing through, I'm impressed. If you've made sense out of it, I'm even more impressed.
Anyway, have a good night and a good Sunday tomorrow folks!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
International Christian Film Festival
Both "The Trigger" and "Resolve" were accepted into the International Christian Film Festival! This is exciting news, as it'll get them seen by a much wider audience than they've been seen by. Quality wise, I'm not surprised they got in. The dedication of the actors to top notch performances, as well as the solid work of everyone behind the camera (including the long, long hours I spent from scripting to the final post production of both films) made them work very well.
Content wise - the ICFF is less staunch than I thought they'd be in terms of violence and (given a couple other entries I've watched) language, which works for me.
I've seen all the short film entries I'm competing against, and my honest opinion is there are 2 or 3 that clearly had big budgets and have strong production value and I actually really enjoyed. A lot of them were lacking in some way - usually acting and story. Most people who know me, know I hate the cheesy, pull the bible out and there's a metaphoric glowing light (or literal) and people magically change scenes - which there are a lot of here. That's my personal taste, and I'm guessing the judges may feel differently.
Unfortunately several entries weren't uploaded properly and their sound wasn't synced or the video shorted out (this isn't the case for either Resolve or Trigger) but I was bummed that those few I couldn't finish.
But rather Resolve and Trigger take home any awards, it's been an enjoyable experience seeing the many different films. People have a lot of different ideas and views and seeing them expressed is interesting.
I'll know on Saturday for sure if any awards are handed out. There are cash prizes, software, and a Black Magic Cinema camera, as well as airtime on some different Christian networks. All things that would be cool and helpful (especially the cash prize or BMC Camera. I'll definitely be buying its little brother come July.
Content wise - the ICFF is less staunch than I thought they'd be in terms of violence and (given a couple other entries I've watched) language, which works for me.
I've seen all the short film entries I'm competing against, and my honest opinion is there are 2 or 3 that clearly had big budgets and have strong production value and I actually really enjoyed. A lot of them were lacking in some way - usually acting and story. Most people who know me, know I hate the cheesy, pull the bible out and there's a metaphoric glowing light (or literal) and people magically change scenes - which there are a lot of here. That's my personal taste, and I'm guessing the judges may feel differently.
Unfortunately several entries weren't uploaded properly and their sound wasn't synced or the video shorted out (this isn't the case for either Resolve or Trigger) but I was bummed that those few I couldn't finish.
But rather Resolve and Trigger take home any awards, it's been an enjoyable experience seeing the many different films. People have a lot of different ideas and views and seeing them expressed is interesting.
I'll know on Saturday for sure if any awards are handed out. There are cash prizes, software, and a Black Magic Cinema camera, as well as airtime on some different Christian networks. All things that would be cool and helpful (especially the cash prize or BMC Camera. I'll definitely be buying its little brother come July.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Titling Films: Working on "Drug Syndicate"
I'll be honest, I hate coming up with names for films. From the very beginning it's been a challenge. Five Hitmen was... a story about 5 hitmen. Blood Running was a title that one of my actors came up with and I latched onto for what at the time of production was just called "The Zombie Movie." "Dust" was a movie about the Dust Bowl. "Middle East Poverty Movie" - my worst title to date, is exactly what it sounds like.
More recently, "The Trigger" was actually intended just as a working title for the project, but I called it The Trigger through pre production and into production and it just became the title.
Resolve was a lot of brainstorming between my mother and I, and in the end she actually came up with it and much like Blood Running, I just embraced it.
Now I'm working on coming up with a title for "Drug Syndicate."
My ideas and why are as follows:
No Way Out (the idea presented by characters in the script that there is no escaping the Syndicate or the past. The title sounds kind of pretentious to me, even though I admit I like it and I like pretentious titles.)
Death Grip (same sort of idea, that addiction and violence creates a death grip on you.)
Choke Hold (similar to death grip, but Hold is slang for a drug dealer, so there's a double meaning I rather like)
Break the Dice (dice is slang for cocaine)
When it Rane's (rane being a slang term for cocaine)
Dice in the Dark (a title representing both the cocaine and the darkness that is in the story)
Those are the best ones...none of them feel quite "it" yet. Some are definitely a little pretentious...but I'll keep playing with it. A title is incredibly important, because it's usually the first thing potential audiences and investors will hear about a film. Anyway, that's my latest news.
More recently, "The Trigger" was actually intended just as a working title for the project, but I called it The Trigger through pre production and into production and it just became the title.
Resolve was a lot of brainstorming between my mother and I, and in the end she actually came up with it and much like Blood Running, I just embraced it.
Now I'm working on coming up with a title for "Drug Syndicate."
My ideas and why are as follows:
No Way Out (the idea presented by characters in the script that there is no escaping the Syndicate or the past. The title sounds kind of pretentious to me, even though I admit I like it and I like pretentious titles.)
Death Grip (same sort of idea, that addiction and violence creates a death grip on you.)
Choke Hold (similar to death grip, but Hold is slang for a drug dealer, so there's a double meaning I rather like)
Break the Dice (dice is slang for cocaine)
When it Rane's (rane being a slang term for cocaine)
Dice in the Dark (a title representing both the cocaine and the darkness that is in the story)
Those are the best ones...none of them feel quite "it" yet. Some are definitely a little pretentious...but I'll keep playing with it. A title is incredibly important, because it's usually the first thing potential audiences and investors will hear about a film. Anyway, that's my latest news.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Script Drafting: The Way
The Way is an allegorical Christian fantasy story based on Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Back in 2008 I scripted a version of it I was intending to produce, but truth be told, it is not a microbudget type film. I estimate a minimum of $10,000 for extensive makeup and basic prosthetics as well as a fight/stunt choreographer for hand to hand combat that will be in the film. And that would be for a 20-30 minute short version, which would make it an even riskier financial endeavor right now than attempting a feature for that money.
I put together two teaser trailers for the 2008 version of the script.
The Way Trailer from Brian Elliott on Vimeo.
The Way Trailer # 2 from Brian Elliott on Vimeo.
The challenge with the story, is that I want to ground the characters in our reality, but lead them to walking onto the way. Creating a transition that isn't overly cheesy, or at the least makes sense within the world has been the script's biggest challenge. Recently, in my experimentation with non linear storytelling in Resolve, I've found some new ideas for making it possible.
I'm also contemplating different characters of different ages, as I'm no longer limited to high school friends like I was during the original drafts. I actually know REAL people.
"The Way" is a film that's probably a few years out given all the challenges, but it is in the works and I think will be (hopefully) a unique film and a different sort of twist on stories like Dante's Inferno and Pilgrim's Progress.
Back in 2008 I scripted a version of it I was intending to produce, but truth be told, it is not a microbudget type film. I estimate a minimum of $10,000 for extensive makeup and basic prosthetics as well as a fight/stunt choreographer for hand to hand combat that will be in the film. And that would be for a 20-30 minute short version, which would make it an even riskier financial endeavor right now than attempting a feature for that money.
I put together two teaser trailers for the 2008 version of the script.
The Way Trailer from Brian Elliott on Vimeo.
The Way Trailer # 2 from Brian Elliott on Vimeo.
The challenge with the story, is that I want to ground the characters in our reality, but lead them to walking onto the way. Creating a transition that isn't overly cheesy, or at the least makes sense within the world has been the script's biggest challenge. Recently, in my experimentation with non linear storytelling in Resolve, I've found some new ideas for making it possible.
I'm also contemplating different characters of different ages, as I'm no longer limited to high school friends like I was during the original drafts. I actually know REAL people.
"The Way" is a film that's probably a few years out given all the challenges, but it is in the works and I think will be (hopefully) a unique film and a different sort of twist on stories like Dante's Inferno and Pilgrim's Progress.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Script Drafting: Drug Syndicate
Over the past 2 weeks I've been working on a script idea that rather hit me in the face and said "write me, Brian. Write meeee!!!!"
Its working title is "Drug Syndicate". Right now it's like to be about 50 pages long in the first draft, though I'm considering expanding it to either a webseries or feature film format (or possibly write to work as both).
Since this is the first post I have mentioned it in, and the first draft isn't even complete, I don't want to give too many details, but I will provide an overview.
The film centers around a small group of cocaine dealers headed by Jade, known to most simply as "Ma'am" or "the Boss". She uses children to get her drugs out to other children and create early and powerful addiction. Under her Claire and Derrick, her two most trusted, oversee operations, but when Derrick's conscience gets the best of him he takes a 13 year old girl, Elli, and runs with her to try and escape. Derrick and Elli are pursued by Claire and others.
The story's concept evolved from two key sources, watching some different Creative Actors perform some different mob/gangster scenes, as well as a very long standing desire to take the best elements of middle school short, Five Hitmen, and turn them into a story that has a strong emotional backbone with overtones of faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVkz51-NdRE .
The first draft of the film, still under the working title of "Drug Syndicate" is very close to completion, with only the climax and conclusion left to write. The second draft will focus on fleshing out characters more and tightening up and reworking some of the action.
Its working title is "Drug Syndicate". Right now it's like to be about 50 pages long in the first draft, though I'm considering expanding it to either a webseries or feature film format (or possibly write to work as both).
Since this is the first post I have mentioned it in, and the first draft isn't even complete, I don't want to give too many details, but I will provide an overview.
The film centers around a small group of cocaine dealers headed by Jade, known to most simply as "Ma'am" or "the Boss". She uses children to get her drugs out to other children and create early and powerful addiction. Under her Claire and Derrick, her two most trusted, oversee operations, but when Derrick's conscience gets the best of him he takes a 13 year old girl, Elli, and runs with her to try and escape. Derrick and Elli are pursued by Claire and others.
The story's concept evolved from two key sources, watching some different Creative Actors perform some different mob/gangster scenes, as well as a very long standing desire to take the best elements of middle school short, Five Hitmen, and turn them into a story that has a strong emotional backbone with overtones of faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVkz51-NdRE .
 |
| Dirk (Brian Elliott) in Five Hitmen during a gun battle. |
The first draft of the film, still under the working title of "Drug Syndicate" is very close to completion, with only the climax and conclusion left to write. The second draft will focus on fleshing out characters more and tightening up and reworking some of the action.
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