No Budget Doesn’t Mean Bad Locations
July 2, 2008 by clive · Comments Off
by Cole McDonald
I’ve made a feature and 8 short films, but this hasn’t been done alone. I have a dedicated team of enthusiasts that I call upon every time I want to make a movie. We’ve even gotten to the point where they call me if they have an idea they want to produce. In Hollywood (the state of mind, not the location), this would mean paying all of these people. Now, while I would love to cut paychecks for all of the members of Y.A.F.I.:Underground, we are hobbyists and realize that this is either working toward becoming a paid gig, or an elaborate outlet for our creative needs. We don’t expect money. And, quite frankly, at this point, we don’t let anyone help us who needs it. We’re not snobs or altruists about how art should be free and all that garbage, we’re just not in a position where we can pay anyone. Read more
Don’t Screw The Pooch!
It’s Rantin’ Time!
On a good day, I can see the writing on the wall… and it says “The digital revolution” is going to transform the film industry; it’s going to open the doors to thousands of new and talented film makers; it’s going to open up niche markets, so people can make films that are daring, fresh and experimental.”
Then there are days like today, when I look at the same wall, and all I see are thousands of wannabes with camcordes making bad films, being given dubious advice on screenwriting by dolts and idiots.
So, today, I’m going to do the whole “how not to waste three years of your life in a bad project” thing in simple terms… and I’m going to do it in the style of a rant. What I lay out here, is what I believe to be true, based on my experiences so far… and I don’t apologise for any of it. Read more
Make Films, Not War
June 18, 2008 by clive · 2 Comments
The last couple of days I’ve been distracted, because I’ve been engaged in a heated and protracted slanging match with a Hollywood screenwriter over at indieclub.com.
On the surface the argument has been centered around our different beliefs re: the role of script consultants in the micro-budget filmmaking development process. His take is that script consultants are bad for a screenwriter’s development, because they’re all frustrated, failed, writers trying to scam a quick buck from us… and that they force writers to give up their unique voice in favor of formulaic approaches.
My argument is what it’s always been, if you’ve no contacts in the industry who can steer you in the right direction, using a credible and professional script editor is a good idea… especially if you can find one who is able to nurture your development. Read more
