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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
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How hard is it to make movies these days?
#18838479 - 09/13/13 07:58 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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I'd really like to write and direct my own films. I'm at the point in my life where I'm trying to secure myself financially so I can pursue my creative interests and not starve, it's going pretty well actually, i'd say in about two years I'll have enough money saved up as well as a couple of steady incomes to keep me afloat and fund my shit.
I have so many great ideas I don't even know which to start with. I have two sci-fi screenplays that are both about half finished, I also have another that is floating around in my head but hasn't made it to the word processor yet. I feel the sci-fi genre is really bland and lacking in originality these days, I think I could freshen the genre up a bit, bold words I know, the ideas aren't really mine though, the two half finished screenplays were both given to me by the Muse during a few different LSD trips, or at least the basic ideas. They just came to me peak trip, already fairly in tact, of course I had to do all the heavy lifting afterwords and actually start writing the meat of it.
I also have a few ideas for a couple of short experimental films. One of them would be shot in 12 hours, everyone involved (actors, director, tech people etc etc) would be on LSD, there would be a combination of improvised dialogue as well as scripted events. It could be great or (more likely outcome)complete nonsense, but hey it would be cheap to make and pretty fun. I also want to do a surrealist short as well as this other sci-fi short i've been bouncing around in my head.
I'd really love to make a western as well, better yet an epic western trilogy. It'd be mostly for my own amusement, probably a bit little self indulgent, but damn do I really want to make a western.
So how hard do you think it is to make films? I feel like sci-fi movies are REALLY expensive. Where the hell do I find actors? I don't really plan on pitching my ideas to any major producers, I want to keep it independent, I really just want to get the vision in my head right on the big screen with as little bullshit in between as possible. Are independent film fests still a viable option for new directors? Damn I have more questions then I care to write out. If anyone has any advice/input It would be very much appreciated.
I should also mention I've never been to film school, but I took a film class in high school. Everything else I've taught myself, I know my way around a camera, angles, lighting, color, editing all that good stuff. I'd say I'm fairly competent in the technical aspects of film making.
So what do you guys think? If I make some movies would you guys watch em? Shit I'll probably just release them for free, I'm not in it for the money.
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lazyfingers
grrr

Registered: 08/07/09
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838497 - 09/13/13 08:02 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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that's a great idea, if you take it slow and get the right take then it'll all work out, when in doubt, montage.
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
Last seen: 8 years, 3 months
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: lazyfingers]
#18838519 - 09/13/13 08:07 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
lazyfingers said: that's a great idea, if you take it slow and get the right take then it'll all work out, when in doubt, montage.
Thanks dude Yeah I'm trying to figure out which ones are most realistic to start with and start from there. There are so many things I want to do but movies are probably at the top of the list. I feel like film is such a superior medium, I'll find myself thinking about a book idea and then I'll be like "Shit...this could be so much better in movie form."
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Burke Dennings
baby merchant

Registered: 11/29/04
Posts: 81,641
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: lazyfingers]
#18838538 - 09/13/13 08:11 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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It's pretty difficult man. It takes a lot.
If I were to set out on making a movie, I'd probably follow the Dogme 95 methodology, as it is just as powerful (in many cases, moreso) than any high-budget films and much cheaper.
Which filmmakers would you say are big influences on you?
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lazyfingers
grrr

Registered: 08/07/09
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: Burke Dennings]
#18838557 - 09/13/13 08:15 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Fellini, I learn from mistakes too (not Fellini's), I don't think most directors are free enough, and modern films rely too much on special effects beautiful women and music. music should only accent the scene and not dominate it, at most it should drive it along.
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: Burke Dennings]
#18838585 - 09/13/13 08:21 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Burke Dennings said: It's pretty difficult man. It takes a lot.
If I were to set out on making a movie, I'd probably follow the Dogme 95 methodology, as it is just as powerful (in many cases, moreso) than any high-budget films and much cheaper.
Which filmmakers would you say are big influences on you?
Hmmm thanks for the link! That might come in handy, I skimmed the wiki. I'll look into getting one of those manifestos, looks like they have some stuff on amazon. Powerful is good, I want to move people with imagery.
Well I'd have to start with Kubrick. And then in no particular order, Scorsese, Copolla, David Lynch, Danny Boyle, Hitchcock, Tarantino, I could go on and on. I pull stuff from everywhere though, writers, history, life etc etc.
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: lazyfingers]
#18838622 - 09/13/13 08:26 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
lazyfingers said: Fellini, I learn from mistakes too (not Fellini's), I don't think most directors are free enough, and modern films rely too much on special effects beautiful women and music. music should only accent the scene and not dominate it, at most it should drive it along.
I couldn't agree more, it seems to be heading farther and farther into the ditch, as far as big budget, mainstream cinema goes anyway, I find myself having to dig deeper and deeper to find good movies. Music is a huge factor for sure, when just the right amount, kind, etc etc is used it's really an experience to be had.
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


Registered: 08/28/09
Posts: 82,455
Loc: Onypeirophóros
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838638 - 09/13/13 08:30 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Hollywood just sucks ass. there are still wicked movies though. Antichrist by Lars Von Trier is a larf. dead fetuses!!
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: akira_akuma]
#18838658 - 09/13/13 08:33 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
akira_akuma said: Hollywood just sucks ass. there are still wicked movies though. Antichrist by Lars Von Trier is a larf. dead fetuses!!
Dude I was about to watch that like two days ago, I was really going back and forth on it reading reviews, then I read something about someone getting their dick crushed by a log and female genital mutilation and I was like mmmmmmm i dunno about this. It seems like the kind of movie I would like though....should I watch it tonight?
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


Registered: 08/28/09
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838670 - 09/13/13 08:36 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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haha, yes. of course you should, who wouldn't want to see... oop, shit, no more spoilers if you might see it soon. yes, watch it, it's fucked. 
and a bit... sad, I guess.
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: akira_akuma]
#18838694 - 09/13/13 08:40 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
akira_akuma said: haha, yes. of course you should, who wouldn't want to see... oop, shit, no more spoilers if you might see it soon. yes, watch it, it's fucked. 
and a bit... sad, I guess.
Oh jeez, It seems like something that is right up my alley, but I'm almost scared to watch it at the same time...ah fuck it I'm watching it, I'm sure I've seen worse on my travels through the internets.
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Burke Dennings
baby merchant

Registered: 11/29/04
Posts: 81,641
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: lazyfingers]
#18838703 - 09/13/13 08:43 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
lazyfingers said:
music should only accent the scene and not dominate it, at most it should drive it along.
Oh man. You should actually watch some Fellini films with scores by Nino Rota and then tell me that the music isn't so important. I agree that the music doesn't need to dominate, but NOTHING should; a movie should have all it's components nicely balanced such that a great score is every bit as important as the lead actor or the cinematography.
Mr. Sandman: Those are all great people to draw inspiration from, but based on what you're telling me, I think you might want to look to some earlier directors who worked the beginning years before everything got so crazily massive. I'd start with Fritz Lang, F.W. Murnau, and Ingmar Bergman, moving right along through to Billy Wilder, John Huston, etc. Hitchcock is a great example of what a director can do with any given technology of the day; he's made like a hundred or so films, so start looking at movies like 'Sabotage' and 'The 39 Stairs' for inspiration. Guys like these made some of the best films of all time without all the high-tech shit that's going on these days. I'd say study on the older techniques, see what they did right, see what they did wrong (look for ways to improve), and innovate and cultivate your own styling from groundwork already laid.
Also, I can't even begin to tell you how important a solid screenplay is; it's the framework around which the whole film becomes fleshed out. Without a sturdy frame, it's all gonna fall into a pile of crap.
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Burke Dennings
baby merchant

Registered: 11/29/04
Posts: 81,641
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838707 - 09/13/13 08:44 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Antichrist is a very potent film; it's not for the squeamish. For an easier intro to Dogme 95, I'd say go with 'Dogville'.
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ChinChiller



Registered: 07/03/10
Posts: 3,270
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838713 - 09/13/13 08:45 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
MisterSandman said:
Quote:
akira_akuma said: Hollywood just sucks ass. there are still wicked movies though. Antichrist by Lars Von Trier is a larf. dead fetuses!!
Dude I was about to watch that like two days ago, I was really going back and forth on it reading reviews, then I read something about someone getting their dick crushed by a log and female genital mutilation and I was like mmmmmmm i dunno about this. It seems like the kind of movie I would like though....should I watch it tonight?
Saw it at a 1 dollar movie when we all closed our eyes and randomly picked it, my friend nearly walked out during the scene where she does the self-mutilation. Good movie though...
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gunzoid
Stranger
Registered: 09/13/13
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: ChinChiller]
#18838722 - 09/13/13 08:47 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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There have been some good documentaries lately. Room 237 ws awesome if you're into Kubrick
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: ChinChiller]
#18838724 - 09/13/13 08:48 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Well less than a minute in and we already have a full blown penetration scene.....interesting...
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MisterSandman
Neo Nazi



Registered: 03/23/13
Posts: 2,936
Loc: Meth
Last seen: 8 years, 3 months
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: Burke Dennings]
#18838755 - 09/13/13 08:53 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
Burke Dennings said:
Quote:
lazyfingers said:
music should only accent the scene and not dominate it, at most it should drive it along.
Oh man. You should actually watch some Fellini films with scores by Nino Rota and then tell me that the music isn't so important. I agree that the music doesn't need to dominate, but NOTHING should; a movie should have all it's components nicely balanced such that a great score is every bit as important as the lead actor or the cinematography.
Mr. Sandman: Those are all great people to draw inspiration from, but based on what you're telling me, I think you might want to look to some earlier directors who worked the beginning years before everything got so crazily massive. I'd start with Fritz Lang, F.W. Murnau, and Ingmar Bergman, moving right along through to Billy Wilder, John Huston, etc. Hitchcock is a great example of what a director can do with any given technology of the day; he's made like a hundred or so films, so start looking at movies like 'Sabotage' and 'The 39 Stairs' for inspiration. Guys like these made some of the best films of all time without all the high-tech shit that's going on these days. I'd say study on the older techniques, see what they did right, see what they did wrong (look for ways to improve), and innovate and cultivate your own styling from groundwork already laid.
Also, I can't even begin to tell you how important a solid screenplay is; it's the framework around which the whole film becomes fleshed out. Without a sturdy frame, it's all gonna fall into a pile of crap.
Right on, I feel ya. We actually watched a lot of those older films back in my high school film class and they kind of threw me off at the time, being like 17 and all, a few of them damn near put me to sleep. I've actually been wanting get into some older stuff now, I'll start with those movies you suggested and go from there. Thanks for the advice man, you seem to know your stuff
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Burke Dennings
baby merchant

Registered: 11/29/04
Posts: 81,641
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: MisterSandman]
#18838795 - 09/13/13 09:03 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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Haha, I watch a lot of movies. Also, any time I enjoy a film, even just a bit, and there's a commentary on the DVD, I listen to it. You'd be shocked at how much info you can glean about filmmaking just from those commentaries. On that tip, if you own any of the 'Star Wars' movies, they have some of the most informative commentaries you can get because it's usually Lucas, the director (if Lucas didn't direct, as is the case with Episode 5) and then an actor and sometimes an editor, some times a sound or light director and other technicians. They really get into the technical aspects.
I have a whole thread dedicated to a movie project I started that you can read here: http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/16382614/page/1/fpart/1
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something super extreme
NIGGA YOU A FUCK NIGGA!


Registered: 10/29/12
Posts: 17,397
Loc: TURNT UP!
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Re: How hard is it to make movies these days? [Re: Burke Dennings] 2
#18838806 - 09/13/13 09:05 PM (10 years, 4 months ago) |
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I love it when you talk film.
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Konyap

Registered: 06/30/07
Posts: 33,945
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Safety Not Guaranteed was good. Very Minimalist i think.
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