Movie News, Reviews, and Discussion Super-Thread

[The Fake Shemp]

Way to hold out for artistic integrity, let me know how that pans out for you.

I'm selling out the first chance I get. Hollywood doesn't care if your script got torn to pieces by some insensitive suit, they just care about delivery, numbers and content. I've given up hope that my first "real" project will be any good, it's all a stepping stone to something greater...

... CANDY LAND.

But the likelihood is that The Projectionist is going to be independently financed is increasing with each day, so I won't have to worry about that stuff. Hooray, for a long, drawn out street fight to get the necessary funding for our pipedream!

[Cheebs]

You could have had sex with Dakota Fanning.

Think about it

[Fresh Prince]

I actually prefer the struggling artist lifestyle. The fact that something of mine might sell, and that we're inching ever closer to something tangible scares the crap out of me.

My favorite times as a non-existent filmmaker is sleeping on the floors and second-hand couches of my friends in Los Angeles, going to test screenings, watching demo reels and discussing film. At the end of the month, we can only hope to scrounge up enough money to pay the interest on our credit cards, rent and utilities.

If there is some money left over, we might go watch a matinee.

I totally dig that, actually.

What kind of Jew are you?

[The Fake Shemp]

Let me say this: if you have any desire to be a writer-director and you don't live in Los Angeles, you're stupid.

The only reason I can get away with it is that I'm properly represented in Los Angeles and travel there accordingly. My business address and office line are both Los Angeles-based, though.

If you have someone there pitching your stuff, which is unlikely since you want to be a director, I could understand that. Otherwise, haul ass to Los Angeles and live the good life.

[drew]

holy hell, and i thought art kids liked to ramble

[The Fake Shemp]

Although, I think you're based in Jew York, so I could see that.

... also, drew, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule of pitying yourself to make a constructive comment.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

The difference is I'm perfectly content to merely circle the Hollywood system than actually work in it. Eeking out a living and making respectable indie films for a variety of producers sounds fine by me. I don't particularly care if the logo that runs before my film is one for Fox Searchlight or Magnolia; I just want to make the damn film.

EDIT - And yes I'm based in NY. I know plenty of filmmakers who live in NY and merely travel to/are represented in LA. The idea that you have to live there to get any attention is a myth tons of LA waiters have bought into.

[brob]

You "intelectuals" and you're integrity. smh.

[The Fake Shemp]

Again, easier done in Los Angeles than not. You think my desire is to be branded by the U or Warners? Absolutely not.

Everyone's preference is to make the indie film. Good luck finding a lot of producers and private investors that will assist you and don't live in Los Angeles. Just because you live there doesn't mean you have to start sucking out Alan Horn's cornhole tomorrow.

EDIT - And yes I'm based in NY. I know plenty of filmmakers who live in NY and merely travel to/are represented in LA. The idea that you have to live there to get any attention is a myth tons of LA waiters have bought into.

Like I said, I could see being based out of New York. But you'll never convince me that your odds are better there than Los Angeles, and this is coming from someone who was just recently in New York (and based on the East Coast) at an investor's meeting for a project.

[Fresh Prince]

You "intelectuals" and you're integrity. smh.

I think it's 'artistes'

[The Dark Shake 3000]

There are tons of NY based producers, and tons of agencies and studios etc. have offices in both NY to LA. Like I said travelling there is a must, of course, but living there is not a necessity.

[Cheebs]

Shake could never move to LA, he fears letting Scorsese down.

[The Fake Shemp]

I think you're a sincerely selling yourself short if your desire is to be a director by not relocating. If an agency or production company have offices in both cities, you can bet the following:

- The guys that handle the money are in Los Angeles the majority of the year.
- The investors certainly are.

... If it was any other gig, like say you wanted to be an editor or something, I could totally understand being permanently based out of New York. You seem to want total creative control, and that will hinge on your effort to pitch yourself and the project: both of which will be easier in Los Angeles unless you happen to eat lunch with Marty Scorsese.

And if you do, don't hold out.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Scorsese, Woody Allen and Spike Lee would all agree moving to LA is an absolute must.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Like I said I would be willing to travel to LA in a heartbeat but I know enough filmmakers -- both "big guys" like the ones I listed above and a shitton of indies -- how manage it perfectly well. Nicholas Winding Refn, one of my favorite filmmakers, has made it work perfectly well for like a decade

[drew]

... also, drew, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule of pitying yourself to make a constructive comment.

im just bustin your balls

[Fresh Prince]

haven't heard of him must be shit.

[Cheebs]

Willco move to Michigan, the home of Sam Raimi and a little film called Evil Dead was created and  filmed there. Clearly the home of cinema. He wrote drag me to hell in his family home in Michigan

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Sam Raimi, Hollywood bigwig, lives in fucking Michigan of all places

On an unrelated note, I'm watching An Education right now and king of underwhelmed. It's not bad at all but I literally have no reaction other than a mental shrug while watching it.

[TakingBackSunday]

Sam Raimi also made SM3.  I will always hold that over his head, studio involvement or no.

I'll be moving to L.A. most likely during my senior year for possible internships for writing or music supervision.  Hope to land a good one.

[Cheebs]

my dad went to college with him   same freshman year at msu

[The Fake Shemp]

Nobody lives in Los Angeles, but Raimi most certainly works in Hollywood.

... I'm not discounting the fact you know some people (although if you knew Allen, Lee and Scorsese, what's the hold up?) that have made it work in New York - that's not the point. The point is that your odds are better in Los Angeles, especially as a writer/director. You're determined to do it the hard way, so I commend you.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

my dad went to college with him   same freshman year at msu

Your dad is also a huge Kevin Smith fan. Kevin Smith, who established himself for years working out of New Jersey (NY's asshole) before finally moving out to LA. It all makes sense.

[The Fake Shemp]

I'll be moving to L.A. most likely during my senior year for possible internships for writing or music supervision.  Hope to land a good one.

If you're doing music or sound stuff, let me know, I'll forward you to some folks.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Like I said, Raimi was able to make it work without having to actually live in LA. And I'm not discounting living in LA entirely, but for now I'm fine in NY, a city I prefer infinitely more than LA. I would rather be happy with where I live and do a bit of travelling than live in a city that would make me homesick for NY :'(

[The Fake Shemp]

Willco move to Michigan, the home of Sam Raimi and a little film called Evil Dead was created and  filmed there. Clearly the home of cinema. He wrote drag me to hell in his family home in Michigan

Michigan has not been ruled out of the list of possible shooting locations for The Projectionist due to its tax incentives, but is a long shot. No way in HELL would I move there, though.

[The Fake Shemp]

Like I said, Raimi was able to make it work without having to actually live in LA. And I'm not discounting living in LA entirely, but for now I'm fine in NY, a city I prefer infinitely more than LA. I would rather be happy with where I live and do a bit of travelling than live in a city that would make me homesick for NY :'(

I can also point to several people that were able to make successful films in their backyard and stay based out of their hometown and work in Los Angeles, but - guess what? - they're in the minority.

I mean, if you can legitimately say you're going to shoot The Evil Dead in whatever city you live in and gain traction as a legit director in the Hollywood system as a result, sign me up for your bandwagon.

[Cheebs]

Willco move to Michigan, the home of Sam Raimi and a little film called Evil Dead was created and  filmed there. Clearly the home of cinema. He wrote drag me to hell in his family home in Michigan

Michigan has not been ruled out of the list of possible shooting locations for The Projectionist due to its tax incentives, but is a long shot. No way in HELL would I move there, though.

Yeah we get lots of movies here now. The drew barrymore directed movie starring Elen Page, whip it filmed in my town and I was able to see the set and see Barrymore direct. Not my first choice  for a movie but yeah.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Next to LA, NY is clearly the best place to be for film production. Then maybe like Vancouver or Austin, Texas (if you want to get Robert Rodriguez's coffee). All are major production capitals, but one could totally make it work living and working primarily out of NY and flying to LA occasionally. Like, for instance, Darren Aronofsky and his wife Rachel Weisz

[The Fake Shemp]

Vancouver is a horrible place to live for film production. It is, however, a great place to live for television production. Texas is still a joke.

... and yes, Shake, one could make it work living out of New York and flying to Los Angeles occasionally.

BUT OUT OF HOW MANY?

(That is my point.)

[Cheebs]

David Lynch works and lives in LA. 

[The Dark Shake 3000]

How many failed actors/directors/screenwriters/* live in LA, serving you coffee and begging actual film people to read their scripts while handing them their checks? There's always a risk factor. I'm just saying it's not unheard of to make a living in the film industry living outside of LA, and especially not if you live in NY. It's not like I'm trying to set up shop in Alaska.

[The Fake Shemp]

David Lynch works and lives in LA.

I know this, because we both have a deep, burning passion for the same Bob's Big Boy. Lynch has good taste in milkshakes and food.

How many failed actors/directors/screenwriters/* live in LA, serving you coffee and begging actual film people to read their scripts while handing them their checks? There's always a risk factor. I'm just saying it's not unheard of to make a living in the film industry living outside of LA, and especially not if you live in NY. It's not like I'm trying to set up shop in Alaska.

You're right, Los Angeles is not a foolproof destination for filmmakers. But if you're a director, unless you truly think you've got the talent to be the next [enter filmmaker here that does what he wants], then your safest bet is to play the odds. If you can't understand that, MAYBE YOU REALLY ARE SCORSESE JR.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO WORK FOR YOU.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

I plan to ambush Scorsese the next time he leaves the house and force him to finance my first film

And I've actually seen Spike Lee around, and my aunt who lives in Brooklyn has bumped into him at least a dozen times in the last few years. I could definitely kidnap him and force him to work with me.

[The Fake Shemp]

Yes, Spike Lee seems like the kind of guy that'll work for a white suburbanite that kidnaps and enslaves forces him to finance a film.

[Joe Molotov]

The trick is not to give him a choice.

[Cheebs]

Shake you say you see bill o'reilly all the time. Ask him for a job.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Yes, Spike Lee seems like the kind of guy that'll work for a white suburbanite that kidnaps and enslaves forces him to finance a film.

If he refuses I'll hook him up to a Ludovico machine and force him to watch the last 5 minutes of Bamboozled on an endless loop.

[youtube=560,345][/youtube]

[The Dark Shake 3000]

Shake you say you see bill o'reilly all the time. Ask him for a job.

  Yeah, him and LL Cool J are practically neighbors oddly enough. O'Reilly used to come to the movie theater I worked at all the time and I've bumped into LL like three times at the drugstore. But if I wanted a job those are the last two people I'd turn to.

[The Fake Shemp]

My personal dream is to write something obscure enough that James Cameron will rip it off ten years from now and call it original.

[Cheebs]

Shake you say you see bill o'reilly all the time. Ask him for a job.

  Yeah, him and LL Cool J are practically neighbors oddly enough. O'Reilly used to come to the movie theater I worked at all the time and I've bumped into LL like three times at the drugstore. But if I wanted a job those are the last two people I'd turn to.

Cast them in a buddy comedy, you know where they live and their names will ensure the funding. Your breakthrough is here!

[The Dark Shake 3000]

I'm gonna shoot a shot-for-shot remake of Cop Out, but starring Bill O'Reilly and LL Cool J.

It'll make at least as much as the original did, I assure you.

[The Fake Shemp]

CopOut 2

O'REILLY    COOL J

"It's THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK of Kevin Smith-penned comedies!"

[The Fake Shemp]

Shake beats me by about 30 seconds.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

CopOut 2

O'REILLY    COOL J

"It's THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK of Kevin Smith-penned comedies!"

No, James Cameron is "adapting" it.

[TakingBackSunday]

I'll be moving to L.A. most likely during my senior year for possible internships for writing or music supervision.  Hope to land a good one.

If you're doing music or sound stuff, let me know, I'll forward you to some folks.

That would be tremendously cool of you especially how much of a bitch I've been.  Yeah, it'll be in a few years and I have to slut it up in Nashville for internships before I can even smell the idea of getting to L.A., but I should be able to do it.  I'd love to work with the creative folks of a show or movie to get the rights for a perfect song for a scene.  Want to see if I can get into writing as well, but I'm doubtful.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

In a few years Willco will be taking James Cameron to court for ripping off Fart Police: If It Smells, Kill It

[Cheebs]

Shake didn't your mom once yell at bill o'reilly in public or something?

[The Dark Shake 3000]

She wanted to, but she didn't have the balls

[Ichirou]

In a few years Willco will be taking James Cameron to court for ripping off Fart Police: If It Smells, Kill It

oh my god

Shake didn't your mom once yell at bill o'reilly in public or something?

Shake's mom

[The Fake Shemp]

That would be tremendously cool of you especially how much of a bitch I've been.  Yeah, it'll be in a few years and I have to slut it up in Nashville for internships before I can even smell the idea of getting to L.A., but I should be able to do it.  I'd love to work with the creative folks of a show or movie to get the rights for a perfect song for a scene.

I know a few guys that work sound, one composes and moonlights as a music supervisor. I'm always more than happy to forward people to appropriate contacts.

Want to see if I can get into writing as well, but I'm doubtful.

Don't need anyone's help to do this - just write.

In a few years Willco will be taking James Cameron to court for ripping off Fart Police: If It Smells, Kill It

That asshole will even steal my log line of "BUDDY COP MOVIE IN 4D, SMELL IS THE FOURTH DIMENSION!"

[Ichirou]

Im actually just trying to get you to name a character after me in the movie.

I don't even know your first name! And Solo is not really appropriate for the screenplay I'm writing. Maybe when Lucas dies and I get the chance to remake all the shitty Star Wars prequels, you'll finally have a shot!

Its nowhere near as scandalous as Miles, Maurice, or Jose, Im afraid. It's Chris.

Pretty gay-sounding name. Might as well rename yourself "Pat" and cut off your genitals.

[The Fake Shemp]

Just for that, the slightly distinguished mentally-challenged foreign exchange student that is brutally sodomized will now be named JOSE

[Ichirou]

I downloaded a copy of the original draft and looked over it. It's barely a grade above Monsters and Madmen, which even I admit was horrible.

Most likely they were taken by the logline, realized it was a concept they could work with (Zatoichi meets Road Warrior? We can do that!) and paid Whitta off to take his script and tear it to pieces in favor of their own studio-approved version.

And yet they're collaborating with him again on Akira, so they must've gotten along pretty well.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

He's already testing new stereoscopic camera systems to animate fart clouds with human characteristics.

What a fucking artiste

[Solo]

Im actually just trying to get you to name a character after me in the movie.

I don't even know your first name! And Solo is not really appropriate for the screenplay I'm writing. Maybe when Lucas dies and I get the chance to remake all the shitty Star Wars prequels, you'll finally have a shot!

Its nowhere near as scandalous as Miles, Maurice, or Jose, Im afraid. It's Chris.

Pretty gay-sounding name. Might as well rename yourself "Pat" and cut off your genitals.

If you spell it with a K its mad homo, no doubt.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

I downloaded a copy of the original draft and looked over it. It's barely a grade above Monsters and Madmen, which even I admit was horrible.

Most likely they were taken by the logline, realized it was a concept they could work with (Zatoichi meets Road Warrior? We can do that!) and paid Whitta off to take his script and tear it to pieces in favor of their own studio-approved version.

And yet they're collaborating with him again on Akira, so they must've gotten along pretty well.

Eh? Could've sworn I read that he was off Akira and they were bringing in there own people to write a completely new script. Either way it'll probably suck :tbslol

[The Fake Shemp]

Yeah, Whitta is firmly entrenched in the studio system and has a number one box office hit to his name. He won't be going hungry any time soon.

[Ichirou]

The script I heard about takes place in NEO MANHATTAN. :tbslol

I wonder if it will actually resemble the original Akira in any way other than futuristic motorcycles, 'splosions, and dystopian futures.  I'd be surprised if they even cast any asian actors.

[The Dark Shake 3000]

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1729428/

He's not on Akira iirc. The writers of Iron Man and Children of Men replaced him, according to an article I scanned very breifly.