Comments for A Filmmaker's Journey http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com The story of getting a film made....again! Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:45:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Bitches Coven by The Times We Live In | Sibling of Daedalus http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/bitches-coven#comment-105 The Times We Live In | Sibling of Daedalus Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:45:48 +0000 http://afilmmakersjourney.com/?page_id=9#comment-105 [...] More about ‘Bitches Coven’ (“shot in a day on a budget of a grand”) from its very talented director, Mr Patrick Kenny, here. [...] [...] More about ‘Bitches Coven’ (“shot in a day on a budget of a grand”) from its very talented director, Mr Patrick Kenny, here. [...]

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by Fiachra http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-104 Fiachra Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:41:49 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-104 I'm all for low-rent knock offs made here - as long as they make money! But of course they don't. If our filmmakers have nothing to say then Irish film will never find a voice as movies don't travel internationally just because the script is great or the cinematography is amazing. Taking risks doesn't involve making an expensive movie on the cheap or having an actor dance along the Cliffs of Moher on a windy day! Rather, for example using long takes, or actors improvising, or having no music on the soundtrack. Stuff that's interesting and different to what's made here. Also, to make a name as a filmmaker you really need to be completing a feature film every two or three years. Very few people in this country are doing this because they need to raise more funds, apply to the Film Board, or improve their script. I’m all for low-rent knock offs made here – as long as they make money! But of course they don’t. If our filmmakers have nothing to say then Irish film will never find a voice as movies don’t travel internationally just because the script is great or the cinematography is amazing.
Taking risks doesn’t involve making an expensive movie on the cheap or having an actor dance along the Cliffs of Moher on a windy day! Rather, for example using long takes, or actors improvising, or having no music on the soundtrack. Stuff that’s interesting and different to what’s made here. Also, to make a name as a filmmaker you really need to be completing a feature film every two or three years. Very few people in this country are doing this because they need to raise more funds, apply to the Film Board, or improve their script.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by admin http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-103 admin Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:26:21 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-103 It's kind of strange the way Irish film hasn't really found it's voice among world cinema the way many other countries have done and it's not like there's not much to comment on. Independent film should be about taking risks and as you say not about low rent knock offs of more successful mainstream fair. I'm more than a little excited about the emergence of online access to independant film as heralded by Kevin Smith last year with his film Red State. It's only a matter of time before less well known indie filmmakers will develop a way of sustaining their work. That in itself should be truly liberating as indie film lovers won't pay money for knock offs and unoriginality and at the same time filmmakers won't be attempting to please the distributors and sales agents, but rather the audience. Interesting times. It’s kind of strange the way Irish film hasn’t really found it’s voice among world cinema the way many other countries have done and it’s not like there’s not much to comment on. Independent film should be about taking risks and as you say not about low rent knock offs of more successful mainstream fair.

I’m more than a little excited about the emergence of online access to independant film as heralded by Kevin Smith last year with his film Red State. It’s only a matter of time before less well known indie filmmakers will develop a way of sustaining their work. That in itself should be truly liberating as indie film lovers won’t pay money for knock offs and unoriginality and at the same time filmmakers won’t be attempting to please the distributors and sales agents, but rather the audience. Interesting times.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by Fiachra http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-102 Fiachra Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:07:53 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-102 No problem, a reason the attendance figures are so low is because most of our films are better suited to TV3! There's a certain 'polish' or 'slickness' to Irish films that turns audiences off. They're too crafted and lifeless (Parked) or fast-paced and overdone (Perrier's bounty). Great for creating jobs and getting 3-star reviews in the papers but failing to put Irish cinema on the world stage. There's also a lack of alternative or independent cinema here. I know most Irish films are 'independent' but I mean made outside of the state system and different. Stuff that appears individual, offbeat, unusual, memorable, and controversial. Those are the kind of films that stand out in the long term. No problem, a reason the attendance figures are so low is because most of our films are better suited to TV3! There’s a certain ‘polish’ or ‘slickness’ to Irish films that turns audiences off. They’re too crafted and lifeless (Parked) or fast-paced and overdone (Perrier’s bounty). Great for creating jobs and getting 3-star reviews in the papers but failing to put Irish cinema on the world stage. There’s also a lack of alternative or independent cinema here. I know most Irish films are ‘independent’ but I mean made outside of the state system and different. Stuff that appears individual, offbeat, unusual, memorable, and controversial. Those are the kind of films that stand out in the long term.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by admin http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-101 admin Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:45:37 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-101 Hi Fiachra, Obviously there is some truth in your criticism of Irish film, otherwise the attendance figures at the box office would be a lot healthier. I've worked with script editors in the past and it hasn't always been a bed of roses, one in particular was a dreadful experience. The guy had some good things to say, but couldn't deliver it without a ton of attitude. Incidentally, I should point out that he didn't come to me through IFB. This time round the process has been very beneficial to the project because the editor listens to what it is you are trying to do and then guides you in doing just that. I am now expected to deliver to IFB exactly what I got support to deliver which is the story I applied with. No one has made any suggestions to me to throw in a few drug dealers to give the film some edge and I never expected that they would. Thanks for your comments. Hi Fiachra,

Obviously there is some truth in your criticism of Irish film, otherwise the attendance figures at the box office would be a lot healthier. I’ve worked with script editors in the past and it hasn’t always been a bed of roses, one in particular was a dreadful experience. The guy had some good things to say, but couldn’t deliver it without a ton of attitude. Incidentally, I should point out that he didn’t come to me through IFB. This time round the process has been very beneficial to the project because the editor listens to what it is you are trying to do and then guides you in doing just that. I am now expected to deliver to IFB exactly what I got support to deliver which is the story I applied with. No one has made any suggestions to me to throw in a few drug dealers to give the film some edge and I never expected that they would.

Thanks for your comments.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by Fiachra http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-100 Fiachra Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:57:44 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-100 I never said our state funded films are bad. A lot them these are quite well made. Rather, they're unoriginal, bland, boring, conservative, lifeless, predictable, dull, derivative, tedious to sit through, closer to TV than cinema, and too middle-class. Worst of all they are forgettable. Sure a small handfull are quite good but the majority are awful. Seeing recent acclaimed titles such as Savage and The race in the XtraVision bargain bin for a fiver each says it all! Following the Irish Film Board route is a good way to make one feature per decade. Script editor? That sounds like the IFB are interfering with your project before it's even got made? Will there be a subplot involving drugs delers to give the film some 'edge'. The IFB seems to like that nonsense. A lack of confidence is a problem with Irish cinema. Most filmmakers here need official approval, awards, script editors, quality cinematography, post-production effects, composers, etc. Most true movie fans hate that stuff in low-budget cinema. I never said our state funded films are bad. A lot them these are quite well made. Rather, they’re unoriginal, bland, boring, conservative, lifeless, predictable, dull, derivative, tedious to sit through, closer to TV than cinema, and too middle-class. Worst of all they are forgettable. Sure a small handfull are quite good but the majority are awful. Seeing recent acclaimed titles such as Savage and The race in the XtraVision bargain bin for a fiver each says it all! Following the Irish Film Board route is a good way to make one feature per decade. Script editor? That sounds like the IFB are interfering with your project before it’s even got made? Will there be a subplot involving drugs delers to give the film some ‘edge’. The IFB seems to like that nonsense. A lack of confidence is a problem with Irish cinema. Most filmmakers here need official approval, awards, script editors, quality cinematography, post-production effects, composers, etc. Most true movie fans hate that stuff in low-budget cinema.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by admin http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-99 admin Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:01 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-99 Hi Fiachra, It's been a while since I posted any updates on "Miles To Go" and I take the rap for that. The fact is that I have been making solid progress with a very good script editor who has brought clarity to what I'm trying to do with the script. It's been a good experience and the project has benefited and I aim to complete this draft by the end of February. I don't think it's true to say that all films made with the support of state funding are bad and all those made otherwise are great, even you would admit that's way too simplistic. So far I've had a good experience developing this project with IFB support and I've no reason to believe it will remain that way. Thanks for your comments. Hi Fiachra,

It’s been a while since I posted any updates on “Miles To Go” and I take the rap for that. The fact is that I have been making solid progress with a very good script editor who has brought clarity to what I’m trying to do with the script. It’s been a good experience and the project has benefited and I aim to complete this draft by the end of February.

I don’t think it’s true to say that all films made with the support of state funding are bad and all those made otherwise are great, even you would admit that’s way too simplistic. So far I’ve had a good experience developing this project with IFB support and I’ve no reason to believe it will remain that way.

Thanks for your comments.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by Fiachra http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-98 Fiachra Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:28:33 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-98 Calling a movie 'Miles to go' and wondering why it's taking so long to get made? It's your own fault for getting caught up with the Film Board. It always amuses that Irish directors think they can make good cinema by receiving state funding. Being part of the system and then wondering why there's no audience for your film? State-funded films should only exist in North Korea! Most quality directors work OUTSIDE of the system. Those American directors from the 1970s worked outside of the studio system. The French New wave directors worked outside of the state system. Those Dogma 95 directors worked outside of the Danish system. But here in the ROI our filmmakers have to suck up to the Film Board and wait their turn. Then they wonder why their 'masterpiece' receives minimal recognition. How much these days does it cost to make a video feature? Very little. We need directors making one feature film every year. If the local multiplex won't screen it so what? Put it out on DVD. If it's any good it will receive recognition from real film fans. Not fools like the IFTAs. But these filmmakers don't exist here because they've all been brainwashed that their project isn't good until it receives official approval from our Film Board. Calling a movie ‘Miles to go’ and wondering why it’s taking so long to get made? It’s your own fault for getting caught up with the Film Board. It always amuses that Irish directors think they can make good cinema by receiving state funding. Being part of the system and then wondering why there’s no audience for your film? State-funded films should only exist in North Korea! Most quality directors work OUTSIDE of the system. Those American directors from the 1970s worked outside of the studio system. The French New wave directors worked outside of the state system. Those Dogma 95 directors worked outside of the Danish system. But here in the ROI our filmmakers have to suck up to the Film Board and wait their turn. Then they wonder why their ‘masterpiece’ receives minimal recognition. How much these days does it cost to make a video feature? Very little. We need directors making one feature film every year. If the local multiplex won’t screen it so what? Put it out on DVD. If it’s any good it will receive recognition from real film fans. Not fools like the IFTAs. But these filmmakers don’t exist here because they’ve all been brainwashed that their project isn’t good until it receives official approval from our Film Board.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by admin http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-97 admin Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:24:18 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-97 Hi Tom, You're right, it has been a while and that's one of the huge frustrations about filmmaking and funding and all. I'm working on a script right now called "Miles to Go" and if all goes well, I should be shooting this year. I'll keep this blog updated on developments. Why not sign up for email updates on the home page. Pat. Hi Tom,

You’re right, it has been a while and that’s one of the huge frustrations about filmmaking and funding and all. I’m working on a script right now called “Miles to Go” and if all goes well, I should be shooting this year. I’ll keep this blog updated on developments. Why not sign up for email updates on the home page.
Pat.

]]> Comment on Indie Film Distribution – A Way Forward by Tom http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/indie_film_distribution-a-way-forward#comment-96 Tom Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:36:24 +0000 http://www.afilmmakersjourney.com/?p=602#comment-96 Very interesting Perspective on Indie Model. When are you planning to complete your next movie ? Its been 2005 since " Winter's End ". Very interesting Perspective on Indie Model. When are you planning to complete your next movie ? Its been 2005 since ” Winter’s End “.

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