When voting on a film...

[armisiano]

So I wrote something in my film's thread the other day.

Twenty minutes after writing it I thought it was kind of stupid.

An hour after writing it and since then I've felt it really wasn't.

I wrote the following, "...I'm kicking myself in the head daily realizing I'll never be able to afford anything high def... I'm worried that people will judge some based on that, not the fact that it's standard def, that's a conscious notion, I mean the subconscious things, like the lack of picture clarity, and color quality you get with 4:2:2 sampling."

Do you think this is true? Do you think we tend to vote higher for films shot in high def simply because they're high def (and therefore have a better resolution/picture clarity, and often better color simply because of the camera's engineering)? And do you think because of that users submitting projects shot in SD will statistically suffer, though their technical disadvantage isn't really their fault or a reflection of their talent or skill, merely their pocket depth?

I'm very curious to hear peoples thoughts on this. Please share.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I hope that most people will judge your film based on the story.

Now, the last 3 festivals have been won by movies made with the RED camera. They were also pretty good films.
But... this is a filmmaking site for the most part. Therefore, members may be more slanted towards the quality of the image above everything else.

It's really hard to say.

I've managed to place as high as 5th or 6th in one Festival and I've also made the finals the last few times out. All with the HV20.
It may be HD but it doesn't compare to some of the other professional cameras used around here. I would like to think that the stories I've told are what's responsible for my placement. On the flip side, I've also been told to start using a "real" camera. :)

Maybe some of the big winners will be able to shed more light on the subject but I really think it's all a matter of opinion.

I personally would love to see the public vote come back. I want to know who keeps giving me crappy ratings! :grin:

MAH

[Rodney V. Smith]

Personally I vote according to storytelling ability and how a film makes me feel, more than the actual image. If a film is able to make me relate to the characters and root for them... hell, even boo for them, then they;ve struck a chord in me somewhere that I;ve managed to forget for a short while that I'm watching a 6 minute short film.

Some people are unable to look past how many gigapixels there are supposed to be seeing in a movie. I had seriously considered just lying and saying that I was shooting on the RED, just to see how that would skew views and ratings. Then I said screw it: I would just make sure that enough people KNEW about my film this time around.

Some of the results definitely skew towards the big cameras, but coincidentally, the same guys who entered using the RED were also excellent storytellers, good directors, DP.. whatever... or they simply had higher production values. One of the things I've noticed is that the ones with higher production values have better thought out stories, longer development processes AND they have longer shooting times. So some serious effort is going into some of these projects, as well as cash to pay for cast, crew and locations, but moreover, for production design.

Until some of us can afford to use the RED, the best we can do is ramp up our production quality by following some of the same development (story and otherwise), production timelines, and post-production processes, that some of the other productions are. It really does help to get a much better film in the end, one that people will forget for a time that wasn;t shot on RED.

[Richard J. Johnson]

Time fest 3rd place was a dvx I believe. SD can still look great in the right hands. Some Twilight fest films shot in SD were fantastic. I firmly believe that the voters on this site pay more attention more important things than image clarity.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Actually Dustin just made his film on the Panasonic Lumix, just for kicks, and how he used that camera to frame his shots was very effective. Yeah, I got the sneak peek at it and I actually encouraged him not to even MENTION the camera.. just to see what people would say. Hopefully they'll be commenting more on the story and the "wtf" nature of it all, than on the camera itself.

Now as for the haters... well some people are just out to drag others down, out of their own insecurities of jealousies or whatever, so we will see some voting that will make us go "wtf?", but the voting system is supposed to protect against spite and other people like that. As to whether it works or not... well that discussion has already been had. A LOT. so let's not go there once again.

[Richard J. Johnson]

After watching "a little mouth to feed" I believe the HVX can hold up with the best of em. That films looks amazing. That was an HVX correct?





Some of the results definitely skew towards the big cameras, but coincidentally, the same guys who entered using the RED were also excellent storytellers, good directors, DP.. whatever... or they simply had higher production values. One of the things I've noticed is that the ones with higher production values have better thought out stories, longer development processes AND they have longer shooting times. So some serious effort is going into some of these projects, as well as cash to pay for cast, crew and locations, but moreover, for production design.

Until some of us can afford to use the RED, the best we can do is ramp up our production quality by following some of the same development (story and otherwise), production timelines, and post-production processes, that some of the other productions are. It really does help to get a much better film in the end, one that people will forget for a time that wasn;t shot on RED.

[clarkage]

This is a topic that always loops back around. I believe that HD subconsciously draws people closer to your film. Then again, some people like to see that you can make something really amazing in SD. I mean if the Mona Lisa was created out of really dull crayola crayons wouldn't it just be that more impressive?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

After watching "a little mouth to feed" I believe the HVX can hold up with the best of em. That films looks amazing. That was an HVX correct?

hvx200 + prototype Letus Extreme + Macgregor

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

hvx200 + prototype Letus Extreme + MacgregorLOL! I was going to say something about that but I bit my lip.

You had me at Macgregor. :grin:

[Rodney V. Smith]

Macgregor is an instant +20 damage. No saving throws.

[warau]

Because this is a filmmaking forum, I think most people are more aware of picture quality than the public in general. What this means is that although we might try to focus on the story, we can't help but see the things we are trying so hard to avoid/ add to our own films. And I believe it does affect our impression of the film. Personally I believe this is not a problem. If you want a balanced view of how the world at large will view your film, have several test screenings with a good cross-section of people represented. If you want to see how your film technically compares with other filmmakers - join the next fest!

Just my thoughts on the subject. But then, I am new to this so what do I know?!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Something to consider too

There may be a which came first the chicken or the egg phenomenon with these films that are winning first with Red.

Are the films using Red winning because they were shot on Red? Or are they shooting on Red because they are making a winning film.

In other words, does the fact that the entry was shot on Red have something to do with how dedicated / professional the team was using it. I mean take O2, Fat Monster went nuts with that. People flying in from all over the country, getting a hold of a soundstage with a spaceship set on it, hiring professional actors, etc.

I'm not saying that teams that don't use Red aren't dedicated, but shooting on Red could just be one thing in a long laundry list of things that the teams using it weren't willing to compromise on, or set the bar extremely high for. Then in every other area of production they shot for equal heights.

Now temper that with the fact that Jason won 2nd in Love Fest (after a piece shot on Red) with basically one camera set up and an HVX.

Temper that with the fact that other films shot on Red place lower than films shot on other cameras.

So I think there is NO question that a film shot on an HVX, DVX, HV20 can win. It's just that teams using Red are likely pulling out ALL the stops possible.

All things being equal, I'd love to see Zak walk away with this one with the D90. Just to show it can be done. Because it can.

If we can find the clip of Mark Johnson and I on the set of the spaceship from Dustin's time fest entry you can compare HVX and Red. It was a gag shot shot on the HVX for Dustin while the rest of the crew was off shooting with the Red. Little attention was paid to lighting, and except for some latitude at the very high end of the spectrum, it holds up fairly well at 1080 and even better on the web. The fact is that the HVX is simply ENOUGH. It's enough for a high quality striking image that draws you in to the story and doesn't make quality a concern or issue.

For the web I would say the same for the DVX.

Is there a difference. Will that difference be extreme in some forms of presentation? Yes. Is there still a difference online? Yes. Is it enough for a mediocre story to pull ahead of a great one? No.

So again, it all comes back to content.

THere's just no doubt in my mind that a WELL SHOT* film with stronger content shot on HVX, DVX, HV20 would beat the pants of a well shot film with lesser content shot on the Red

*well shot, meaning in a way that serves the film/story.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Well stated. Kinda what I was goign for but with more words and things added in. :grin:

[Drew Ott]

I vote based on the camera used.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I vote based on the camera used.

I KNEW it! I sad to myself: "self, Drew Ott is behind all of these shenanigans.."

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

All things being equal, I'd love to see Zak walk away with this one with the D90. Just to show it can be done. Because it can.

Just thought I would touch on this.

Zak made IFHY with the HV20 and it failed to place in LoveFest.
Yet it did fantastic in the regular festival route and everyone around here seems to really love it now. Still, it didn't even place in the top 3 at the time. Odd?

Makes me wonder why? Especially due to its popularity.

Not trying to play Devils advocate, just "Things that make you go Hmmmm...."

I also thought that Winter Lilacs was overlooked so maybe there's something to be said for pimping your thread or just general popularity within the forum.

Either that or my taste in films is vastly different and misguided. :D


MAH

[Mark Harris]

Just thought I would touch on this.

Zak made IFHY with the HV20 and it failed to place in LoveFest.
Yet it did fantastic in the regular festival route and everyone around here seems to really love it now. Still, it didn't even place in the top 3 at the time. Odd?

Makes me wonder why? Especially due to its popularity.

Not trying to play Devils advocate, just "Things that make you go Hmmmm...."

I also thought that Winter Lilacs was overlooked so maybe there's something to be said for pimping your thread or just general popularity within the forum.

Either that or my taste in films is vastly different and misguided. :D


MAH

Winter Lilacs got into SXSW, to support your point...

[Rodney V. Smith]

Another reason I'm pimping the hell out of my films this time around. In Twilightfest it didn't feel like that many people even SAW my film. SO I;ve made a concerted effort this time around to promote the hell out of both of my films, not just here but outside on Facebook and on my own website. That alone is a good exercize in itself and provides a lot of the deliverables that some film festivals will ask for later down the line, in terms of production stills, BTS footage, etc.

I LIKE the new aspect of promoting your film outside of DVXUser and I can only hope that more people will start doing it.

At least this time around there's a higher visibility and the more people watch my film, well the more people will actually rate it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Winter Lilacs got into SXSW, to support your point...

Now THAT rocks.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Just thought I would touch on this.

Zak made IFHY with the HV20 and it failed to place in LoveFest.
Yet it did fantastic in the regular festival route and everyone around here seems to really love it now. Still, it didn't even place in the top 3 at the time. Odd?

Makes me wonder why? Especially due to its popularity.

Not trying to play Devils advocate, just "Things that make you go Hmmmm...."

I also thought that Winter Lilacs was overlooked so maybe there's something to be said for pimping your thread or just general popularity within the forum.

Either that or my taste in films is vastly different. :D


MAH

I didn't like IFHY much at all in Love Fest.

I liked the after Lovefest cut.

The Love Fest Cut was 6 minutes and felt rushed and undeveloped and was crazy shaky cam through out.

The post Love Fest cut is nothing short of brilliant with an extra three minutes that have more content and better pacing and allow for a bit more variety in the way the film is shot, so the shaky cam is less daunting.

The film, like much of Zak's work (all?) is about the magnitude of small personal moments and in a rushed cut those moments hardly get the chance to shine that they deserve.

Whether you agree with my assesment of the work or not, the post LoveFest cut is a different movie than the Lovefest cut, and the film was in the top 5. It placed 4th.

So what it did after love fest and what it did during love fest is kind of a mute point IMH0. It's definitely a different movie, and for my viewing experience, it's a VERY different movie.

Ironically. Several people thought that it was shot in Red, BTW.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Winter Lilacs got into SXSW, to support your point...Good for them! That film was damn near perfect for me.
Nailed the theme as well. :thumbup:

[Drew Ott]

I liked the after Lovefest cut.




I agree. Zak's 6-minute cut seemed to be all about the song, whereas the 9-minute cut gave it a melancholy tone with moments of comedy.

[Drew Ott]

Good for them! That film was damn near perfect for me.
Nailed the theme as well. :thumbup:


Agreed. It's my favorite DVXFest film.

[seductivepuppy]

Content is king!

[Robbie Comeau]

I usually vote on the story/acting/crew's skills.....But mostly, the "look" the film comes out as (filmic, 24p, etc...)

Might be a bit bad...Haha. This fest I'll try to be more professional.

Robbie

[Zim]

If I know the film was shot with a RED camera I take off points!!

I'm just kidding,,,,,,,maybe

[Zak Forsman]

All things being equal, I'd love to see Zak walk away with this one with the D90. Just to show it can be done. Because it can.

I do not expect my entry to place this year :) and that's fine. It's an honor just to lose to Matt Garrett.

but I do have a goal in mind and that is for all the Red One users to complain in subsequent fests that the D90 users have an unfair advantage.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Trust me, as I'm still shooting on a dvx-100a (although my friend just invested in a RED One, so I might get to play with that), I have the fear that my work will be looked at with lower regard than all of the more crisp HD renders that will be uploaded.

The bottom line: this is a load of crap. If dvxuser were a place in which people would judge my work because I'm still back in the SD world, I would be out of here in a heartbeat. Nobody needs that kind of belittlement and ridicule. If the story, acting, editing, and blocking are good, then the quality of the film will always be less important. JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD SOUND! Sound is SO important.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

If I know the film was shot with a RED camera I take off points!!

I'm just kidding,,,,,,,maybe

Honestly, I'm right there with you in a way. A lot of films I've seen that were shot on the RED One have ranged from mediocre to fair. The Twilight Fest winner was pretty solid, but, honestly, was a bit of a cop out in the end. Stunning amount of production value, GREAT lead actor, and a good brand of beer, but it felt just a little pastiche and unresolving.

I'm glad it placed since it covered the theme of the fest and all other aspects of filmmaking very well. But I can't help feel that there is a certain stigma attached to those who are still faithful to the dvx while those who shoot on the D90 or the RED will get unparalleled attention. It's kind of scary sometimes. :(

But, I'm just looking forward to seeing a good festival. Bring on the films!

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Some of the results definitely skew towards the big cameras, but coincidentally, the same guys who entered using the RED were also excellent storytellers, good directors, DP.. whatever... or they simply had higher production values. One of the things I've noticed is that the ones with higher production values have better thought out stories, longer development processes AND they have longer shooting times. So some serious effort is going into some of these projects, as well as cash to pay for cast, crew and locations, but moreover, for production design.

Until some of us can afford to use the RED, the best we can do is ramp up our production quality by following some of the same development (story and otherwise), production timelines, and post-production processes, that some of the other productions are. It really does help to get a much better film in the end, one that people will forget for a time that wasn;t shot on RED.

Precisely. Those who have, in a way, a fixed crew and high production value will more often than not fare better at these festivals because of the time, energy, and cash they can dedicate to the project. This has always intimidated me a bit, which may be why this is only my second attempt at a dvxuser fest. I'm confident in my film this time around, but there will always be a tinge of apprehension for me coming into something like this, and it's primarily because of the normative values and beliefs that float around here occasionally. Some of those values praise precision HD video, 35mm adapters, and kino flos. I have NONE of those! But I have been playing with the dvx for years and have recently been getting exquisite stuff from it for what it is. If you don't believe me, check out the edits for my "Reggio/Glass project" on vimeo (shameless plug: http://vimeo.com/user511902/videos).

You know, this almost makes me wish there were just a couple more categories/brackets that films could fit into; something to establish the type of productions, levels of professionalism involved, etc. Because there are always more amateurish films (don't worry, I don't mean that to be denigration, amateur means to do something for the love of it!) and those of higher production value, it seems silly to place them in the same running. It's a double standard, sort of like what women experience in patriarchy in which they must be supremely talented AND beautiful as a sex object to climb to the top of the status mountain.

And Freud would say this all stems from my unconscious desires to make good films and my unconscious fears of being given poor ratings for my work. But what did he know, anyway? :beer:

[Richard J. Johnson]

To me there are just too many factors that place one film above another. I Thought RPDM was a better movie than O2. But the technical aspects of 02 were astonishing. when I first saw Broadcast I said "this is gonna win" and I thought it should have won. Was it because of the RED? I don't think so. It was just a good movie. If that was not in the mix Antidepressence was king and teachers pet was prince IMO. I think Anti that was DVX100A if I remember right.

When I first joined I thought it was a popularity contest. then after my first fest I quickly learned the most notable filmmakers on this site can lose to anyone. The voting system can work for you or against you depending on how many people know you.

I think there are just wat too many factors to determine how films place, But at the end of the day I'm happy we have this arena to do battle in.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

To me there are just too many factors that place one film above another. I Thought RPDM was a better movie than O2. But the technical aspects of 02 were astonishing. when I first saw Broadcast I said "this is gonna win" and I thought it should have won. Was it because of the RED? I don't think so. It was just a good movie. If that was not in the mix Antidepressence was king and teachers pet was prince IMO. I think Anti that was DVX100A if I remember right.

When I first joined I thought it was a popularity contest. then after my first fest I quickly learned the most notable filmmakers on this site can lose to anyone. The voting system can work for you or against you depending on how many people know you.

I think there are just wat too many factors to determine how films place, But at the end of the day I'm happy we have this arena to do battle in.

All valid points. I do, on the other hand, think that there are a certain amount of specific factors that tie into a film's placing in these contests outside of their storytelling and technical merits. It's not that I'm saying it's a popularity contest. Because as you already said, underdogs with less attention can take top spots. I guess I just wish that all who vote pay extra attention to be as objective as possible and try to forget how many times they gushed over someone's film in their individual film promotion thread and decide: did this film engage me? Was it exciting to watch? Were the actors good? Did they use music, and if so, was it effective? Are the sound and picture tight? If we could do that, we would most certainly eliminate some bias from the ratings.

But hey, bias will be involved in almost anything unless you have complete strangers pick the winners. And even then, something in their own life will make them bias toward one film or the other. Thus, being objective is really subjectivity, and I just neutralized my whole argument, haha.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

P.S. This is a fun conversation. Very stimulating. :thumbsup:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

One thing that I also take into account when voting.... have I seen this film before? There are a few films in every Fest that are just remakes of films we have all seen before. Some almost direct copies. I tend to rate those lower.

Originality counts in my book. :thumbup:

Others may and do disagree. :D

[Lawsuit_Boy]

One thing that I also take into account when voting.... have I seen this film before? There are a few films in every Fest that are just remakes of films we have all seen before. Some almost direct copies. I tend to rate those lower.

Originality counts in my book. :thumbup:

Others may and do disagree. :D

I completely agree. But then we also have to make sure that we recognize that the film, if borrowing a thematic element or stylistic element from another film, still probably deserves credit somewhere.

This is a problem I had with Broadcast. It was a tremendous piece of work, but it just felt so influenced by 28 Days Later specifically, and a few other post-apocalypse films indirectly. But, that's all part of the genre.

It happens in the professional world as well. Lots of highly-regarded works that I can think of off of the top of my head borrow a lot from other films. So it's more or less about finding the balance between a trite, pastiche rip-off, and something that pays homage to a great film and changes the elements to make it something different.

[Tim Joy]

To me there are just too many factors that place one film above another. I Thought RPDM was a better movie than O2. But the technical aspects of 02 were astonishing. when I first saw Broadcast I said "this is gonna win" and I thought it should have won. Was it because of the RED? I don't think so. It was just a good movie. If that was not in the mix Antidepressence was king and teachers pet was prince IMO. I think Anti that was DVX100A if I remember right.


Thanks for your kind words.
Anti De Presence was shot on the dvx100b (with adapter), and combined with my lack of CC skills, the choice of red/orange colors and other things, I wasn't very pleased with the final image quality, and the movie is definitely lacking in that department.

This Technical-Art that we pound our heads around trying to perfect is one of the most challenging there is. I think we should take into account all of the aspects of the movie when voting, but I'll still take a flick with a great story over one that looks good any day.

Good luck everyone! (Maybe all the entries shot on RED should get a 1 star deduction....:Drogar-Evil(DBG):)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

So it's more or less about finding the balance between a trite, pastiche rip-off, and something that pays homage to a great film and changes the elements to make it something different.Yes, I don't mind films that borrow as long as they make it their own. :beer:

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Yes, I don't mind films that borrow as long as they make it their own. :beer:

Right there with ya, then. :beer:

[armisiano]

but shooting on Red could just be one thing in a long laundry list of things that the teams using it weren't willing to compromise on, or set the bar extremely high for...
Now temper that with the fact that Jason won 2nd in Love Fest (after a piece shot on Red) with basically one camera set up and an HVX...
All things being equal, I'd love to see Zak walk away with this one with the D90. Just to show it can be done. Because it can....
If we can find the clip of Mark Johnson and I on the set of the spaceship from Dustin's time fest entry you can compare HVX and Red...

Notice something here? This thread developed into, "Well maybe the HVX can hold up to the Red" sorta thing. That's not my point. All of these things are out of my financial league. You mention the HVX and the D90, others the HV20, all of which shoot HD.

You're busy comparing HD to the Red, which is not my point at all.

[Rodney V. Smith]

my line of thought has always been production value: what you put in front of the camera is going to pay for itself. If you have great set design, good actors, good script, everything coming together to make a good film (as well as great cinematography), then the camera doesn't matter at all. You could shoot on Hi-8 and it would still be effective.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Notice something here? This thread developed into, "Well maybe the HVX can hold up to the Red" sorta thing. That's not my point. All of these things are out of my financial league. You mention the HVX and the D90, others the HV20, all of which shoot HD.

You're busy comparing HD to the Red, which is not my point at all.

And once again, there's still a bias, since a lot of people will probably like to see Zak and the D90 walk away with the top prize. There are a lot of films that have a huge following which, of course out of fear, makes me feel that my film will easily be overshadowed and tossed aside. Kind of nerve-wracking going up against such well known filmmakers. :(

There really is something to the psychological treatment of a film depending on whether it's presented in HD quality or SD. Sure, if the SD film is shot well and the HD isn't, that makes a HUGE difference, but the pressure is still there.

*starts a regressive revolution toward analog video and 8mm film*

[Lawsuit_Boy]

my line of thought has always been production value: what you put in front of the camera is going to pay for itself. If you have great set design, good actors, good script, everything coming together to make a good film (as well as great cinematography), then the camera doesn't matter at all. You could shoot on Hi-8 and it would still be effective.

That's the theory, but there are still those who are captured by seeing the words "high definition" or "RED camera" attached and assume it will be of higher/better production value, thus conditioning them to set that film's merits ever so slightly higher than they may actually be. Does that make sense? (hope I'm not trailing off)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Notice something here? This thread developed into, "Well maybe the HVX can hold up to the Red" sorta thing. That's not my point. All of these things are out of my financial league. You mention the HVX and the D90, others the HV20, all of which shoot HD.

You're busy comparing HD to the Red, which is not my point at all.Not to get off topic but the HV20 is dirt cheap when compared to even the DVX. :)

If the argument is just SD versus HD.... the 50MB compressed videos look good but they don't look THAT good. :) That should help you narrow the gap a little.

Not saying that you can compare with the look of a RED, just that you can still compete with most of the pack.

MAH

[Rodney V. Smith]

That's the theory, but there are still those who are captured by seeing the words "high definition" or "RED camera" attached and assume it will be of higher/better production value, thus conditioning them to set that film's merits ever so slightly higher than they may actually be. Does that make sense? (hope I'm not trailing off)


You make complete sense. Robbie Comeau even admitted as much a couple of posts ago, so you know there are a few other people who are easily impressed by flashy bright lights and big names. It's unfortunate, but it's true. Hopefully they're balanced out or negated by people looking for substance rather than flash...

[ZazaCast]

my line of thought has always been production value: what you put in front of the camera is going to pay for itself. If you have great set design, good actors, good script, everything coming together to make a good film (as well as great cinematography), then the camera doesn't matter at all. You could shoot on Hi-8 and it would still be effective.

...so if you shot the same film...at the same time on both Hi-8 & a RED... same edit, same sound, same everything...people would (in theory) like both equally?

....I don't think so (but it was a nice thought).:beer:

Remember, a bicycle will get you from point A to point B the same as a BMW....but most people would choose the beamer!

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Not to get off topic but the HV20 is dirt cheap when compared to even the DVX. :)

If the argument is just SD versus HD.... the 50MB compressed videos look good but they don't look THAT good. :) That should help you narrow the gap a little.

Not saying that you can compare with the look of a RED, just that you can still compete with most of the pack.

MAH

Exactly. Hv20 is much cheaper than my dvx and yields much higher resolution, but we've just got to work with what we have. And darn my friend for getting his RED immediately AFTER I finished shooting this film. Argh.

I think all of us in the lower category HD brackets and even those like me still in SD will fare just fine as long as we don't foul up the compression. As long as the competition stays "fair and balanced" (to rip off the abject Fox network), we'll all be ok.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

You make complete sense. Robbie Comeau even admitted as much a couple of posts ago, so you know there are a few other people who are easily impressed by flashy bright lights and big names. It's unfortunate, but it's true. Hopefully they're balanced out or negated by people looking for substance rather than flash...

Right. And it's not exclusive to dvxuser, this sort of thing happens in every festival. People are drawn to that which is recognizable and that which has at least a little "hype." It's all a competition, and that's the key word. There's still the push to be the best one; the king of the mountain. So while it's great that we all get to come together collectively and exhibit our blood, sweat, and tears, we all still, somewhere in our minds, want to win.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Exactly. Hv20 is much cheaper than my dvx and yields much higher resolution, but we've just got to work with what we have. Yes, but the DVX is a professional camera with many other advantages.

In the end, it's not about the look for me. Story is key.
That's how I'll be voting.

MAH

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Yes, but the DVX is a professional camera with many other advantages.

In the end, it's not about the look for me. Story is key.
That's how I'll be voting.

MAH

yeah...personally, I'd take the dvx over MANY cameras. I was just trying to even the playing field. ;)

I'm with you. Story is my #1 concern. Everything else is supplementary.

[Drew Ott]

I think the bias is something that is good for everyone. In the search for distribution, one's film needs to have a strong audience. That's why name actors are so important in getting a film sold. We won't be able to complain to a distribution company that our film is great even though it was shot on a bad camera. Things like blu-ray are directly affect sales and it's because they make the viewing experience better.

I'm just playing devil's advocate. There are many success stories that contradict my statements, but they are still in the minority.

[Zim]

Well I don't vote for the camera. I think that is stupid. Does the story entertain you? Some of the winning films I didn't like. After one of them won first place I went back and watched it again. I still didn't see why it was picked. I guess it was the RED.

But some of the people here have more money and more of a group of people to work with to make better films and some of us don't. But they idea is to make films. I enjoy it and don't care what camera people are using. It can be a good film with whatever camera is being used.

When can I upload my film made with a DVX100b?

[Robbie Comeau]

It's quote central in here.

Robbie

[Lawsuit_Boy]

I think the bias is something that is good for everyone. In the search for distribution, one's film needs to have a strong audience. That's why name actors are so important in getting a film sold. We won't be able to complain to a distribution company that our film is great even though it was shot on a bad camera. Things like blu-ray are directly affect sales and it's because they make the viewing experience better.

I'm just playing devil's advocate. There are many success stories that contradict my statements, but they are still in the minority.

Like any other system of privilege, bias is good for those that it gives advantages to, and not the other ones. Sure, people are working hard to find more unsung indie heroes of the film world, but there are still plenty of occasions where a film might be passed up and sent to a lesser distributor because another film of equal or slightly inferior quality has bigger names attached.

It's all still tied to the free market and selling a product. It's where the line between artists and businessmen really thickens.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

When can I upload my film made with a DVX100b?

I was wondering the same thing, haha.

Very true what you said though, Zim. I think we can all agree that we want to see interesting, fun, provoking, or enticing stories told. And if they're told in a visually striking way, then alright!

Now let's get this festival started. :)

[Zim]

I've got mine ready to go. I guess it will be later tonight.

[Zak Forsman]

And once again, there's still a bias, since a lot of people will probably like to see Zak and the D90 walk away with the top prize. There are a lot of films that have a huge following which, of course out of fear, makes me feel that my film will easily be overshadowed and tossed aside. Kind of nerve-wracking going up against such well known filmmakers. :(

don't worry about the popular thread thing. my film is going to appeal to maybe 10% of the people that view it. besides, films like broadcast, anti-de presence, winter lilacs and quite a few others were from filmmakers i'd never come across on the dvxuser boards before and have rarely seen since. and despite a series of wildly successful frat house style threads, it took fat monster a long succession of fests to achieve the success they had with their last two efforts.

and here's the thing. the key to not being one of the films that get no/few comments is to participate in the fest, participate in the dialogue around the fest, and establish an active presence in other filmmaker's threads -- all of which you are doing. viewers like to know their praise, comments and insults will not fall on deaf ears.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Notice something here? This thread developed into, "Well maybe the HVX can hold up to the Red" sorta thing. That's not my point. All of these things are out of my financial league. You mention the HVX and the D90, others the HV20, all of which shoot HD.

You're busy comparing HD to the Red, which is not my point at all.
Well my point was taking the argument in degrees. RED vs. HD, HD vs. SD and by the transitive property then - Red vs. SD. If you read a little further I get to SD, and make the point that for the web, with good shooting and content it has more than a fighting chance.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

and here's the thing. the key to not being one of the films that get no/few comments is to participate in the fest, participate in the dialogue around the fest, and establish an active presence in other filmmaker's threads -- all of which you are doing. viewers like to know their praise, comments and insults will not fall on deaf ears.

It's certainly a human condition. Regardless of my anxieties of acceptance, I'm super excited to see all of the films (especially yours). It feels very good to actually be able to participate for once.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Ok, so i vote on if I finish the film, if I can't finish it it it looses alot of stars. then I look at the look of the film, edits, audio, pretty much if I finish it you already have 5 stars. now it goes up from there. if my interest was kept and I cared if the dog lived or died then thats another couple of stars. But if I didn't care if the 1969 Nova with tricked out rims splattered Sparky...then you don't get any stars added on. (that is unless you have a hot chick in the passengers seat wearing barely anything, that gets points...lol)

now I used the Panasonic Lumix for my short, semi inspired by Zak's use of the d-90...kinda suiting...the D-90 kicks ass (what I think Zak does) and the Panasonic Lumix (not so much...kinda like me) so I hope you don't judge by the camera used but the man behind the camera and what he does with it (or she)

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

....and what he does with it (or she)

Rogan

So you;re a chick now Rogan?

[Dustin R. Rogan]

So you;re a chick now Rogan?

outta all that i just wrote...thats what you picked up on...sheesh...i saw in the other thread you and Frank are getting hitched, now thats precious!

Rogan

[Richard J. Johnson]

After watching "a little Mouth To Feed" I now believe that the HVX can hold up to RED and the Sony cams. Sorry, I had to put that out there.:beer:

Please continue on.

[SparkyZa]

After watching "a little Mouth To Feed" I now believe that the HVX can hold up to RED and the Sony cams. Sorry, I had to put that out there.:beer:

Please continue on.

you're just saying that because you own an HVX! :)

[Lawsuit_Boy]

you're just saying that because you own an HVX! :)

I wish I had an HVX. :(

I take it back...I wish I had either an HVX-200a, a Sony ex-3, or any variation of RED camera set up. Perhaps an Epic brain with 617 sensor? :thumbsup:

[SparkyZa]

I wish I had an HVX. :(

I take it back...I wish I had either an HVX-200a, a Sony ex-3, or any variation of RED camera set up. Perhaps an Epic brain with 617 sensor? :thumbsup:

I still think the DVX produces some of the finest images I've ever seen....that's my story & I'm sticking to it!

I still find it funny that people want higher resolution, sharper images...only to then endlessly tweak the color and add filters, etc. to get the 'film' look. We've watched it happen in the audio industry too...mp3's anyone?

[Richard J. Johnson]

you're just saying that because you own an HVX! :)

LOL! Stop exposing my favortism.

That film looks very close to RED to me.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

I still think the DVX produces some of the finest images I've ever seen....that's my story & I'm sticking to it!

I still find it funny that people want higher resolution, sharper images...only to then endlessly tweak the color and add filters, etc. to get the 'film' look. We've watched it happen in the audio industry too...mp3's anyone?

haha, so true, so true. It's a funny little method many of us have adopted.

And I agree about the DVX. A fine camera. Here are some raw images from the camera that I snagged in the fall for a project:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Lawsuit_Boy/glass_13.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Lawsuit_Boy/atwood_1.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Lawsuit_Boy/atwood_3.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Lawsuit_Boy/glass_9.jpg

[SparkyZa]

Beautiful!

[Richard J. Johnson]

Oh I still have DVX100A in the company. The cam that changed it all.

[Dick Campbell]

at least vote. I think if you enter, you owe it to your competitors to watch all the films, and perhaps comment. not everybody does.

[Richard J. Johnson]

I watch and vote on all the films. That's the only fair way to give everyone a chance.

I don't comment on them all. But I try to. Last fest I commented on all but 3. I want every single viewer to watch and comment on my films so I try to the same.

[ZazaCast]

I watch and vote on all the films. That's the only fair way to give everyone a chance.

I don't comment on them all. But I try to. Last fest I commented on all but 3. I want every single viewer to watch and comment on my films so I try to the same.

I watched, commented (real comments, not just a "good job") & voted on every film the last two fests...thinking the favor would be returned....it wasn't for the most part. I worked hard on two films for Twilightfest and was disappointed on the lack of constructive comments & opinions. Afterall, that's the main reason most of us enter these fests. It's those critiques that help make us better filmmakers. I will be very selective this time out and might not even vote until the finals have been chosen.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

I watched, commented (real comments, not just a "good job") & voted on every film the last two fests...thinking the favor would be returned....it wasn't for the most part. I worked hard on two films for Twilightfest and was disappointed on the lack of constructive comments & opinions. Afterall, that's the main reason most of us enter these fests. It's those critiques that help make us better filmmakers. I will be very selective this time out and might not even vote until the finals have been chosen.

I understand your frustration, but that's no reason to quit now. We all need all of the votes we can, and since there have been lots of discussions about this (some that were heated), it seems that a lot of people are going to make great efforts in voting on as many films as possible.

Once again, I get why you wouldn't want to. But in order for this to be a somewhat fair festival, we all need to pitch in. Be selective if you must, but I know I'm surely going to continue voting. I've also done it for everyone's films in the past few festivals (even when I didn't enter). You're not alone.

[ZazaCast]

I understand your frustration, but that's no reason to quit now. We all need all of the votes we can, and since there have been lots of discussions about this (some that were heated), it seems that a lot of people are going to make great efforts in voting on as many films as possible.

Once again, I get why you wouldn't want to. But in order for this to be a somewhat fair festival, we all need to pitch in. Be selective if you must, but I know I'm surely going to continue voting. I've also done it for everyone's films in the past few festivals (even when I didn't enter). You're not alone.

Yes... I agree...I put that great effort in and tried to appeal to others to do the same. Most people thought that 70 films were just too many to watch & comment on. I didn't think so. I'm a one-man show and am lucky if I can find one other person to help out & I know there are a bunch of us here. People put their hearts and souls into these 6 minute productions, months of work & worry. As a member of this community I think we could at least give them the honor of 6 minutes of our time and a few honest words...and get the same in return.

Just checked my TwilightFest entry threads...didn't see any comments from you and I can only assume you didn't vote either (unless you changed your name)? So...feel free to go watch my movies, leave a critique & we'll see what happens this fest.

Twisted - http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411)
An Enchanted Twist of Peccadilloes - http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411)

You watch mine...I'll watch your...deal? :)

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Yes... I agree...I put that great effort in and tried to appeal to others to do the same. Most people thought that 70 films were just too many to watch & comment on. I didn't think so. I'm a one-man show and am lucky if I can find one other person to help out & I know there are a bunch of us here. People put their hearts and souls into these 6 minute productions, months of work & worry. As a member of this community I think we could at least give them the honor of 6 minutes of our time and a few honest words...and get the same in return.

Just checked my TwilightFest entry threads...didn't see any comments from you and I can only assume you didn't vote either (unless you changed your name)? So...feel free to go watch my movies, leave a critique & we'll see what happens this fest.

Twisted - http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411)
An Enchanted Twist of Peccadilloes - http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411 (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=141411)

You watch mine...I'll watch your...deal? :)

I'm not sure I saw yours. I had a busy semester and tried to get through all of them. I do apologize for it. There were I think three that I didn't get to with Twilight fest, which was unfortunate. But that's not bad for someone that didn't even enter, I suppose.

I will most certainly watch all of the films this time around and vote/critique.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I have to agree that Twilightfest was a disappointment especially in terms of feedback. I was astonished to see how few comments there were, especially given how vocal people had been in the past fests. I'm still gunning for a Kholi review, and honest words from memebers of the community about what they liked or just plain hated about my movies. This kind of feedback stings a little at first, but its usually because it's something you realized at first but didn't want to look at directly. After all, by a cerrain point you get sick of looking at yout film, listening to it.. whatever...

Personally I am a little sick of looking at my films, especially knowing I still have the long edit of KOTL to master. I'm sure we are all very sick of seeing these things and can't wait to share them, pimples and all, just so we can get some good constructive feedback and feel good about the things we DID manage to get right.

We can kick ourselves privately about the things we screwed up on. Then at some point if we;re so inclined, go out and fix it.

I think I lost my train of thought somewhere along the line...

[Rodney V. Smith]

Hey Zaza, you got me on your list right?

[ZazaCast]

I'm not sure I saw yours. I had a busy semester and tried to get through all of them. I do apologize for it. There were I think three that I didn't get to with Twilight fest, which was unfortunate. But that's not bad for someone that didn't even enter, I suppose.

I will most certainly watch all of the films this time around and vote/critique.

LMAO! Now THAT is funny.... I guess you just proved my point.
:dankk2:

[ZazaCast]

Hey Zaza, you got me on your list right?

Puck...you're on the top of my list!:beer:

[Lawsuit_Boy]

ZaZa- I left you a critique of Twisted on its thread. It's late in the game, and you've probably already heard my response from someone else, but better late than never, I suppose.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

LMAO! Now THAT is funny.... I guess you just proved my point.
:dankk2:

Well thanks for being a brat about it. Listen pal, I didn't have time to catch them all for serious and personal reasons. I do my best to catch as many as possible, and in the past I have seen them all. The only festival I tried to enter was Lovefest and we didn't get to finish, but I still viewed and voted on most, if not all, of the entries.

I proved your point because I genuinely care about giving feedback and I feel bad that I didn't for yours. So if you're going to be a child about this, I don't think there's anything else we can do here.

[Rodney V. Smith]

You know I did try to get out and comment on every film last time around, but real life caught up with me, especially since I do try to be as fair as possible and offer a good honest critique. Honestly, the thing that seemed to work best was a blow by blow review as the film played. This requires at least 2 viewings of course, so my strategy this time is to watch them back to back.. one for enjoyment, and the other to write my thoughts down.

What strategies work best for the rest of you guys?

I've found that too long between viewings and something pops up that is more urgent. And then you never get around to writing that review you;ve been meaning to do for the past 5 days.... even when the fest is over, a review can still be given.

The 2 word reviews "Good job" in no way help and are so non-commital. I hope those guys are at least rating the film after viewing....

[Rodney V. Smith]

I proved your point because I genuinely care about giving feedback and I feel bad that I didn't for yours. So if you're going to be a child about this, I don't think there's anything else we can do here.

I wouldn't worry about it. Zaza IS a bit of a brat, but he means well. All in good fun, and not the poke your eye out with a sharp stick kind of fun either.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

You know I did try to get out and comment on every film last time around, but real life caught up with me, especially since I do try to be as fair as possible and offer a good honest critique. Honestly, the thing that seemed to work best was a blow by blow review as the film played. This requires at least 2 viewings of course, so my strategy this time is to watch them back to back.. one for enjoyment, and the other to write my thoughts down.

What strategies work best for the rest of you guys?

.

This has always been my strategy, and possibly why it takes me so long. I'm constantly doing more than one thing at a time, so I give critique as I watch the film, and then go back and watch again to make sure my comments are valid.

It seems to make the feedback better, but I'll cover more ground with just one viewing. And apparently, I'm on some shit lists.

Puck: I don't want to be on bad terms with ZaZa, but I genuinely try, each fest, to view as many as possible, if not all of them, and vote. It's important, especially with such a flawed rating system.

And I'm preaching this more now than ever because it seems like everyone's bringing their A-game to this fest.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Not to brag but I watch and comment on all of them. :D
Rate them all as well.

I can understand that not everyone has the time to do so though. It sucks, but some people are busier than others. Don't take it personally.
I'm still waiting for Harris to tell me what he though of CFTFB. Or maybe I don't want to know! :evil:

MAH

[Rodney V. Smith]

Not to brag but I watch and comment on all of them. :D
Rate them all as well.

I can understand that not everyone has the time to do so though. It sucks, but some people are busier than others. Don't take it personally.
I'm still waiting for Harris to tell me what he though of CFTFB. Or maybe I don't want to know! :evil:

MAH

Mike: you;re a machine. A. Machine.

Worth emulating, yes. But you;re a machine.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Not to brag but I watch and comment on all of them. :D
Rate them all as well.

I can understand that not everyone has the time to do so though. It sucks, but some people are busier than others. Don't take it personally.
I'm still waiting for Harris to tell me what he though of CFTFB. Or maybe I don't want to know! :evil:

MAH

Michael, I returned your PM. (and I DID vote on Calls From the Fuhrerbunker). I just probably didn't critique it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

It seems to make the feedback better, but I'll cover more ground with just one viewing. And apparently, I'm on some shit lists.

Puck: I don't want to be on bad terms with ZaZa, but I genuinely try, each fest, to view as many as possible, if not all of them, and vote. It's important, especially with such a flawed rating system.
.


peace dude. We're all passionate about it, but some of us are disheartened by the lack of response and the sometimes cavalier attitudes of others. For us participating, we're putting alot out there. The best we can do is support each other.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

peace dude. We're all passionate about it, but some of us are disheartened by the lack of response and the sometimes cavalier attitudes of others. For us participating, we're putting alot out there. The best we can do is support each other.

And I completely agree. This film, though small, has taken a lot out of me and kept me away from my studies elsewhere for a while. So I certainly understand that people want the criticism.

I just figured that since I saw and voted for most of them, and everyone else made great effort to critique, I could just let it slide and get back to studying.

I vow to try harder this fest to give concise feedback on all films.

Also: is there a reason why I feel so backed into a corner right now, or is it just fear of losing acceptance around here? I guess I just want everyone to know that I respect them immensely. We're all in the same boat.

[Blaine]

I will watch and rate every entry. I will try and give some feedback to most of them. What I will be most concerned with will be story, acting and production value in that order, though they all play together.

I will take into consideration the technical aspects, too. But if the story, acting and production value aren't there, I don't care what camera you're using, you won't get my top score.

I pulled a JDS on this post. It was about a page long and I lost it. Damn. This will have to do since I can't remember everything I wrote in the first one.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Michael, I returned your PM. (and I DID vote on Calls From the Fuhrerbunker). I just probably didn't critique it.

LOL! No problem. I PM'd you back using one of the PM's from this morning. I think we've gone off topic. :beer:

[warau]

Just to add the perspective of a newer member, I wonder if a lot of people aren't like me and feel totally inadequate to critique someone else's film. I am still learning about the process and sometimes truly can't say much more than, "Good job!" :beer:

I am going to watch them all and make an effort to give some kind of intelligent comment. Might be a stretch for me though...:Drogar-Dum(DBG):

[Lawsuit_Boy]

LOL! No problem. I PM'd you back using one of the PM's from this morning. I think we've gone off topic. :beer:

Heh, a little bit. Everything was going well and then I was hit in the spine with a curve ball. Always nice to be chopped down.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Also: is there a reason why I feel so backed into a corner right now, or is it just fear of losing acceptance around here? I guess I just want everyone to know that I respect them immensely. We're all in the same boat.

No reason to feel backed into a corner. I'm just trying to be a voice of reason before all of the tension and stress we;ve been carrying for the past 3 months comes boiling out inappropriately... we all need to get some beer and just chill for a week (after uploading of course) and then get excited about the fest all over again.

I'll be busy this week creating some promo spots for Myspace, youtube and facebook, but that's just my way of relaxation....

[Rodney V. Smith]

the first critique is always the hardest one... just be honest about what you liked and the things you didn't like, well try to think of what you would have LIKED to have seen. It's an opinion and a different perspective. Helpful no matter what way you look at it.

[ZazaCast]

Well thanks for being a brat about it. Listen pal, I didn't have time to catch them all for serious and personal reasons. I do my best to catch as many as possible, and in the past I have seen them all. The only festival I tried to enter was Lovefest and we didn't get to finish, but I still viewed and voted on most, if not all, of the entries.

I proved your point because I genuinely care about giving feedback and I feel bad that I didn't for yours. So if you're going to be a child about this, I don't think there's anything else we can do here.

Although I do SO enjoy being called a "Brat", "Pal" and a "Child"...I really didn't mean to get under your skin. I just thought it was funny that you stated you watched, commented & voted on all the films...then changed that to missing 3 films (two of which must have been mine!). Come on... that IS funny.

I understand how life gets in the way, but there really is plenty of time to watch all the films. I also (for the last fest) created a nice PDF list I made available to everyone that listed the username, film title, rating and comment columns to make it easier. I find writing down comments and rating as I watch the film works best for me...then I spend an hour visiting the threads and leaving comments. Time management is key.

So, in my brat-child-pal voice (whatever that might be) I say, sorry I tweaked your nerve...but just think, you have time to redeem yourself by following the links to my TwilightFest enteries, watching the films and leaving me a comment or two (not that they won't be jaded by now...but what the hell)!

...and be sure to watch Puck's films...they are quite enjoyable!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

No reason to feel backed into a corner. I'm just trying to be a voice of reason before all of the tension and stress we;ve been carrying for the past 3 months comes boiling out inappropriately... we all need to get some beer and just chill for a week (after uploading of course) and then get excited about the fest all over again.

I should run out and film something this week just so I can be on the same page. :Drogar-Smoke(DBG):

[Rodney V. Smith]

...and be sure to watch Puck's films...they are quite enjoyable!

Zaza says the nicest things sometimes. It's cooler when he means it, so I might have to quote you on the DVD somewhere, Zaza. :grin:

You up for shooting something quick and dirty Mike? I have a really good location in Toronto. Just used it for a music video shoot this past weekend.... Come on down! We have time...

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Although I do SO enjoy being called a "Brat", "Pal" and a "Child"...I really didn't mean to get under your skin. I just thought it was funny that you stated you watched, commented & voted on all the films...then changed that to missing 3 films (two of which must have been mine!). Come on... that IS funny.

I understand how life gets in the way, but there really is plenty of time to watch all the films. I also (for the last fest) created a nice PDF list I made available to everyone that listed the username, film title, rating and comment columns to make it easier. I find writing down comments and rating as I watch the film works best for me...then I spend an hour visiting the threads and leaving comments. Time management is key.

So, in my brat-child-pal voice (whatever that might be) I say, sorry I tweaked your nerve...but just think, you have time to redeem yourself by following the links to my TwilightFest enteries, watching the films and leaving me a comment or two (not that they won't be jaded by now...but what the hell)!

...and be sure to watch Puck's films...they are quite enjoyable!

Well sir, I did once watch and vote on someone else's film when they thought I didn't (not you, MAH :beer: ), so I thought it was odd that I missed yours.

I just really dislike having someone get snarky with me and try to make me look like a fool. I don't do that to people on here, and since I've been here, only one person has ever made me feel like one on here.

Just be careful in the future and try to be a little more polite. Sure, I made a mistake, but I attempted to correct it and give you the feedback you deserved (which I did). So let's leave it at this. I'll make sure to get to the next film soon and give you feedback. But I am in school and have a lot of work to do on top of finishing a film, so it might have to be tomorrow. But I left you what I thought was a fine response to Twisted. So check it out if you're actually interested.

[ZazaCast]

Just be careful in the future and try to be a little more polite. Sure, I made a mistake, but I attempted to correct it and give you the feedback you deserved (which I did). So let's leave it at this. I'll make sure to get to the next film soon and give you feedback. But I am in school and have a lot of work to do on top of finishing a film, so it might have to be tomorrow. But I left you what I thought was a fine response to Twisted. So check it out if you're actually interested.

I am nothing if not polite (I believe I was the first one to welcome you to this fest in your film thread) and gladly accept your apology. I also value your critique of my films as I do all others.

I'm really looking forward to your film. Do well at school cause it only gets crazier once you're out. I know about pressure. I'm a single Father caring for my 2 daughters (one in college, one in High School...talk about pressure!), dealing with the ex-wife, running my own business and watching my retirement disappear with the stockmarket (and the ex!)...and if you can believe it, make films for fun.

Hang in...you're doing fine...:beer:

[jasonthewho]

Yay for happy endings!

[Rodney V. Smith]

happy endings? when was the massage parlour involved?

[jasonthewho]

Just glad that it seems Lawsuit Boy and Zaza have made up. Perhaps they could both use a trip to the massage parlor...

[Rodney V. Smith]

yay for happy endings.

[ZazaCast]

Just glad that it seems Lawsuit Boy and Zaza have made up. Perhaps they could both use a trip to the massage parlor...

No worries Jason...headed to Vegas for NAB next month...plenty of happy ending in that town!:beer:

[Lawsuit_Boy]

I am nothing if not polite (I believe I was the first one to welcome you to this fest in your film thread) and gladly accept your apology. I also value your critique of my films as I do all others.

I'm really looking forward to your film. Do well at school cause it only gets crazier once you're out. I know about pressure. I'm a single Father caring for my 2 daughters (one in college, one in High School...talk about pressure!), dealing with the ex-wife, running my own business and watching my retirement disappear with the stockmarket (and the ex!)...and if you can believe it, make films for fun.

Hang in...you're doing fine...:beer:

You are, and yes you were. I just felt very threatened by your "LMAO now THAT's funny. You just proved my point. *thanks sign*" comment. believe it or not, it was an honest mistake and I thought I had seen your films. There are so many that come and go and even though I've been here for years, I still barely know anyone around here. Once again, I do apologize for the confusion.

And I understand that I'm only 22, so I really don't know pressure like you do, especially raising two daughters. My hat's off to you for that, especially being a single father in the society we live in. Heck, I just read an article the other day about single fatherhood (I'm an English/Sociology major, by the way), so I certainly have an idea of what sort of complications arise. And I commend you on being able to do everything you do.

And I appreciate the kind words, it means a lot to me.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Just glad that it seems Lawsuit Boy and Zaza have made up. Perhaps they could both use a trip to the massage parlor...

I'm glad too. With all of the stress I've been under lately, that really shook me up. Don't worry, the mind's back in working order.

[Drew Ott]

My dad always offers me happy endings... what does he mean?

[Rodney V. Smith]

My dad always offers me happy endings... what does he mean?

I can;t think of anything funny right now so [insert your own clever joke here]