Just a little piece of info....

[Jason Ramsey]

We will be posting the rules in a day or two...

Don't go hog wild on your personal threads yet. If you are anxious to get one started that is fine...

But, just know that we are implementing a couple of things that will need to you meet qualification guidelines from the very beginning before being given the "green light".

This is not some hardcore thing we are doing here, so don't think that the overall model of the fests has changed. Still open to all... But, we are bringing a bit more of "the business" into the process. It will be in good fun, but will require you to do something in the very beginning. This is also hopefully to encourage folks to really bring some great stuff to the table.

Stay tuned... don't go crazy on your threads yet.. :)

later,
jason

[Zak Forsman]

intriguing.... :)

[Jason Ramsey]

in otherwords... no one is "officially" greenlit yet :)

later,
Jason

[Rodney V. Smith]

slowing down my jets... cooling all turbines... lookign innocent...

[Zim]

you are going to tell us that then make us wait a couple of days!!!

[Jason Ramsey]

I could do it now... .but then the rules wouldn't get the fixes they need :)

Later,
jason

[Larry Rutledge]

We could delete the whole deal and re-release it later as a completely different fest :grin:

[Zim]

Take your time,,,,,

[Jeff Anderson]

Interesting indeed... looking forward to it. Will keep my thread at bay for now... Probably should go update my lossfest thread with some news since we got around to wrapping this weekend :)

[Jason Ramsey]

ah... well, I guess I can tell you that part...

Basically, you must "Pitch your story idea to the studio" (the mods).

The studio is NOT interested in deciding whether or not they think your idea is good or not.

But, before the studio will greenlight your film, they want to know that you can give them a clear, brief synopsis of your idea and how it embraces the theme that they want for their next picture.

So (don't do this yet, b/c you don't know the rules or our definition of the theme. You can be thinking about it though)...

Write a brief synopsis to show the studio that you have a clear vision of your idea and can clearly express it. Also, in your synopsis, explain to the studio how your idea fully embraces the chosen theme they desire for their next round of pictures.

that's pretty much it.

Again... We are NOT interested in pre-screening entries and approving them based on whether or not we think it is a good idea. We will NOT be doing that.

Our only interest is to see that you can clearly express your idea and explain how it embraces the theme to the fullest. That is all. If you can send us a nice clear paragraph.... a "pitch", then the "studio" will give you the greenlight to go ahead with production.

Our goal is to encourage you to think about "selling" an idea, and also to really encourage folks to make the extra effort to grab the theme by the balls and really wrap your story around it.

Still, though... make sure you guys read the rules when posted. things will be different, and we will be trying some stuff for the first time. Changes may effect you from the very beginning all the way to what file format you will render and upload, etc... Just depends on how much of this we will be able to implement by the time viewing goes live.

later,
jason

[Jeff Anderson]

Now that's an idea I like! really helps encourage people to start with a solid base too I think. Interested to see the new rules and changes too.

[Zim]

Has there been much of a problem in the past. So really the mods,,,sorry studio can pick or chose the films that make it in the fest?

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Has there been much of a problem in the past or is this just more of a way to weed out the smaller people?

Did you actually read Jason's post? they aren't screening people

[RodThompson]

I have chills. CHILLS!

[Rodney V. Smith]

I have chills. CHILLS!

and these "chills"... are they multiplying? Are you "losing control"?

[Rodney V. Smith]

So where do we actually send out pitches then Jason?

[RodThompson]

and these "chills"... are they multiplying? Are you "losing control"?

Do you feel the power - I'm supplying. IT'S ELECTRIFYING!

[Robbie Comeau]

Wow, this is really professional now and it feels like the real deal.

Will get people/me the experience of what it's like in the real world, and it will motivate us more.

It'll help me with my professionalism as well :)

Robbie

[Rodney V. Smith]

Wow, this is really professional now and it feels like the real deal.

Will get people/me the experience of what it's like in the real world, and it will motivate us more.

It'll help me with my professionalism as well :)

Robbie

Only if you join the sing-a-long Robbie... now join in! You know the words!

[Zim]

Did you actually read Jason's post? they aren't screening people


Do you know what it means to "pitch an idea"

This is what I'm wondering. If they don't like the "pitch" then are you not in the fest?

Maybe they just want to be more business like.

[Robbie Comeau]

Rodney I have no idea what you meant by that.

Robbie

[Jason Ramsey]

Has there been much of a problem in the past. So really the mods,,,sorry studio can pick or chose the films that make it in the fest?

No. we will not bee selecting who does and does not get into the fest. We have never done this, and it's one of the things that sets us apart from most other fests...

We were a little concerned that folks might take it this way, but let me reiterate. we have absolutely NO desire to do that.

but, at the same time, it's kind of a fun exercise that encourages the inclusion of other aspects of filmmaking. In this case, marketing and selling your idea.

also, it allows us to encourage folks to really put some extra thought into the theme and build their story around it, rather than think of the theme as an after thought. It should be central.

It will NOT be some rigorous screening process. Again, we just want to see that you can express a clear and concise vision of your film as well as illustrate to us how it embraces the theme.

At worst, most we will probably tell you to go back to the drawing board and try again... Meaning, we didn't get it.... think about it some more, and pitch it to us again a little more clearly.

Make sense?

---

Details on where and how to pitch your idea will be included in the rules, which I am working on now. Stay tuned for that. I'll try to get them up tonight, but if not, then tomorrow almost for certain.

later,
Jason

[Zak Forsman]

i don't mean to speak for the mods, but i presume no one will be screened out. but to qualify, you must present your idea in the form of a pitch in order to enter the fest. and the purpose, is to help entrants focus their ideas and embrace the theme. i believe there is a sense out there that the theme of "loss" was not embraced by the filmmakers to the degree that it could have been?

edit -- nevermind. jason has it covered.

[Jason Ramsey]

Do you know what it means to "pitch an idea"

This is what I'm wondering. If they don't like the "pitch" then are you not in the fest?

Maybe they just want to be more business like.

yes, but please read the definition of the "pitch" that I included... don't complicate it... it's not meant to complicate things. We aren't screening you. Just asking you to tell us about your story and how it embraces the theme. If you can do this clearly, it will tell us you have a strong vision and you will get the go ahead.

If you give us something like "Uh... well, there's this dude... and he meets this girl, and uh... they go on this journey together, and in the end they fall in love".... well, we'll tell you to think about it some more and come back with a pitch that is more clear.

hope that makes sense... don't freak out about it just yet. Details to come with the rules, and there will be plenty of time to ask and answer your questions.


Think about it like you are writing the back of your DVD cover for your film... something like that.

later,
jason

[Zim]

Ok thanks Jason. That doesn't sound bad. I think the freedom that this fest has is what is giving it so many good films.

To many rules suck!!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Jason are you also going to be clarifying what kind of marketing materials are allowed? I know podcasts and BTS footage are encouraged, but personally I'd like to have a clarification of exactly what's allowed for trailers and teasers.

Myself and Armisiano created trailers that were filmed completely separately from the actual film, but were also planned as part of the marketing. If you can address this issue that would be great.

Also, I know one thing that really helps in the marketing department is a good poster for the movies. Especially on Myspace and Facebook. Probably a bad place to bring it up especially in the rules, but just wondering if there isn't a way to encourage the use of posters for each film. It only helps the visibility and credibilty of the fests as well as the entrants...

[Jeff Anderson]

I'm sure the rules will include this but can you give an example of what and how much information the synopsis should include as well as an appropriate length (approximate of course) for those of us who have never done this. You guys are probably already covering this, just wanted to check as I'm really not sure what a pitch such as this should be like.

Thanks and keep up the good work Jason and the rest of the mods! You guys have really rocked this last fest - its always been awesome but it seems like the behind the scenes working of Loss Fest has been even more effecient than past fests. Nice work!

[Zak Forsman]

if i can just offer a piece of advice and some thoughts on the whole trailers thing.... I don't think we need them. for my money, putting out a podcast or series of casts that introduce you and your project are a lot more effective at garnering interest than a teaser. they encourage a dialogue and pull your potential audience toward joining the emerging community hovering around your film. especially if you're engaging them with questions and really trying to get them to participate in some way. we've all seen teasers for indie shorts and features before and they're usually pretty lousy. most of us can't compete with what is thought of as a tight and polished trailer. and I don't think they reflect the passion and enthusiasm behind the production the way a more personal behind the scenes piece does -- one that addresses the audience directly and gives them reason to participate and invest. my 2¢.

[Rodney V. Smith]

if i can just offer a piece of advice and some thoughts on the whole trailers thing.... I don't think we need them. for my money, putting out a podcast or series of casts that introduce you and your project are a lot more effective at garnering interest than a teaser. they encourage a dialogue and pull your potential audience toward joining the emerging community hovering around your film. especially if you're engaging them with questions and really trying to get them to participate in some way. we've all seen teasers for indie shorts and features before and they're usually pretty lousy. most of us can't compete with what is thought of as a tight and polished trailer. and I don't think they reflect the passion and enthusiasm behind the production the way a more personal behind the scenes piece does -- one that addresses the audience directly and gives them reason to participate and invest. my 2¢.

Coming closer to the time of the viewing witht he correct timing, the release of a trailer could help to drive new viewers to the fest, build excitement from people now hearing about the projects or the festivals. I'm thinking in terms of the last month or 2-3 weeks before viewing opens.

On Facebook for example we had a lot of people join the groups early on, but later, numbers had dropped. Peopel lost interest from the time the project was announced to the time of the actual viewing.

If we had a planned series of trailers designed to regain their interest as well as get new viewers... hell, even something you could send to a magazine liek Videomaker or whatever... its instant information about who what where and when all delivered in 30 seconds.

Maybe we should be looking at a marketing campaign for the festival instead of for individual films.. but interest in a single film and a follow through on that to come to the fest... that can be of benefit to us all....

[Jason Ramsey]

I will include all of this information and will attempt to clarify everything as much as possible.

i'm undecided on trailers. My concern about trailers is that they open up a bit of gray area, and there was some confusion with that this time around. Partly b/c it was the first time we allowed it, partly b/c we did not phrase it properly, and partly b/c folks didn't read the rules clearly enough, or ask for clarification when necessary.

I am undecided. but, as Zak said there are lots of other ways to get bts and promotional material out there... Your teasers could simply be bts interviews, etc...

I'm working on the rules right now. I haven't gotten to that part yet. You guys can feel free to calmly throw out your ideas here for the time being, and I will consider them.

later,
jason

[DChang]

lol when you said "the business" I thought you meant the online video business, I imagined all entries being required to insert an advertisement in their entries, after the leader before the entry. :laugh:

I wonder how many "paragraphs" the mods will read until they regret it.

[Darkline]

My 2p worth would be trailers should be allowed if the rule was they were bespoke.

So no footage from the film, no alt takes, it has to be shot specifically for the trailer. Look at the teasers for AI or T2. No shots from the movie are used, but they generate a vibe and give the audience a taster. Perhaps we can use the same sets, actors even, but nothing that's part of the 6 min story. A time limit of 30 seconds or something to level the playing field?

because we only have 6 minutes to tell a short, there's really a lot of scope left to convey the world in which it is set. A mood setter, a question asked or a statement of intent. something like that.

I guess the question is what harm could a trailer do? how could it make the playing field uneven? and then address those issues before you decide if or how to implement it.

The downside is some movies may get more views based on the trailers. Some might use it to add an extra 30 seconds of backstory for their short/world which gives them an unfair advantage (unless everyone made one); but I certainly think there are more pluses to minuses, especially when it comes to outside promotion and keeping interest maintined. You could even set a date for trailers to go live which would be another tier of excitment to the build-up. And of course have a set dvx outro to go on each one. then they could be posted anywhere - youtube, vimeo, it all leads back to a date and this site.

[Larry Rutledge]

Regarding the pitch concept, let me add a little clarification. When you upload your entries the first thing we do is watch every entry and make sure you include the required element(s) (when we have them), make sure it is within the allowed TRT, make sure it is not over the required file size, make sure you followed all the provided rules including proper inclusion of the theme within your story. If you did not encompass the theme within your entry then we DQ your entry and/or make it a non-compete.

What we are doing now is taking the "does the story encompass the theme" part and moving it to the front. If your story does not fully encompass the theme we tell you before you start production, thus allowing you a chance to re-work the story or start a new one and complete production prior to submitting your entry.

That's how you should view our review of these pitches. We are not trying to pre-screen entries and prevent them from entry. On the contrary, we want everyone in who wants to participate.

But the charter of these fests is, and has always been, to get you out from behind your keyboard talking about filmmaking and out behind a camera MAKING a film. DVXuser and DVXfest has a goal of teaching and training filmmakers via peer instruction/review.

So the fests encompass many of the important aspects of filmmaking. The individual threads and outside promotion allow you to exercise your marketing muscles, now we are adding a new skill to the training process. You are querying the studio looking to get your film included in that studios slate of projects for the coming release cycle.

In this case, the query/pitch is detailing how your story fits the theme this studio (DVXuser/DVXfest) has dictated for their upcoming slate of films.

So make sure you see this as an opportunity to grow and to learn and don't worry about us ever trying to find ways to keep you out.

[Zim]

LARRY this is different than telling you were the time element is or a glass of wine. If you mods don't like the idea or think it needs something else you reject it. It goes back to the drawing board, whatever. Call it whatever you want too. Now the film is what the mods think it should be not the filmmaker. Also someone can write up a nice pitch, but is that what your going to get?

Sorry guys I think this is a bad idea.

[Methane]

I think this is a fine idea. It might be a lot more work for the mods, but it will lead to more clear stories, which is what film making is all about. I've seen a lot of fest entries that were almost uninteligable, especially for Twilight Fest. Some people thought it was make-a-bad-horror-scene-with-no-storyfest.

[Zim]

Also Larry you just want people to "start a new one" Not that easy for some people.

For the most part it seems to work pretty good.

Maybe just charge $50 to enter, then the mods can watch the films and toss the ones they don't like before the are viewed like other film fest.

[Larry Rutledge]

Zim - I think the piece you are missing, or we are not explaining clearly enough, is that we already do this. We just currently do it at the time of upload and are now moving it to the beginning of the process.

At present, if "we the mods" feel a film does not meet the theme then we dq it. As you can see from past fests we strive to be inclusive, NOT exclusive. At the moment I can't think of a film that was DQ'd for not fulfilling the theme. All we are asking is for you (the entrant, not you specifically) to clearly state how your story fits the specified theme.

It is first a benefit to the entrant as they have more time to make sure their story fits the theme; and, second, a chance to practice another skill, pitching your story idea.

It's not meant to be difficult, just another way to grow and improve as aspiring filmmakers.


We are not requiring them to "start a new one". We are allowing them the chance to further refine the idea they already had, or if they chose to go in a different direction.

This is the rule, sorry if you don't like it. But if you want to enter a film it is what we require for this fest. If it doesn't work, then like other things that haven't worked in the past, we'll revise or remove it.

[Blaine]

Trailers for a 6 minute film seem a little ridiculous to me. Not only that, but it has been a long standing rule to show no advance footage of the film to be screened. It would seem that trailers could warrant their own fest...TrailerFest. Just my 2¢.


EDIT: If a filmmaker is having a hard time creating a pitch, it might be a good time to collaborate with someone who is comfortable writing one. I'm sure there are people on the site who would love the opportunity to hone this skill...though you should probably learn it yourself. It is a skill that is going to be required of a producer, a director and a writer. It's a sales game and the sooner you learn it, the better.

[Zim]

I guess I'll wait for you guys to finish all the rules. But I hope you see what I'm saying too. This is a great fest and to many rules will screw it up.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I think it's a great idea as well. It gives you time to really set an outline to the story, set the important points down and believe it or not, this actually helps the writing process, not hinders it and makes sure the writer stays on point.

Some studios will ask for a 1 page synopsis, or even worse, a full treatment of the story and this is before they even read the script. You can get rejected based on a bad synopsis without anyone ever actually reading your script. As it is, the mods aren't even requesting a 1 page synopsis or a treatment to reject you out of hand. They just want a very basic synopsis, probably not even a very long paragraph, and this will actually help us as filmmakers.

I think its a fair price to pay. Not all contests like the DVXFests are free and the free onses certainly don't offer any prizes. It's one hell of a trade to make sure you;re going to produce a film that's actually on point and not missing the theme entirely like some entries seem to have done.

Edit: as a point, most times you have to pitch in person, and that can screw up even the best script ever written if the director is not a good pitch man.

[ZazaCast]

It's one hell of a trade to make sure you;re going to produce a film that's actually on point and not missing the theme entirely like some entries seem to have done.


If an entry entirely missed the theme...it wouldn't have been in the fest. Were there a lot of rejections in LossFest?:huh:

[Rodney V. Smith]

As for trailers, they're a brilliant marketing strategy if used correctly and given set marketing guidelines and materials. For example, on Sci-fi channel, they had some Battlesstar Galactica contests where they provided some set graphics, a couple of clips of ships blowing up and stuff.. and sent contestants off to create their own content. If we had something similar for the beginning of the trailers and then the end to point them back here, where the look is consistent, this will go a long way towards making a better and more site focused trailer.

And yes, no footage from the movies, or scenes... but something set in the same world should be the only footage allowed. "Bespoke" as Darkline so eloquesntly stated.

[Rodney V. Smith]

If an entry entirely missed the theme...it wouldn't have been in the fest. Were there a lot of rejections in LossFest?:huh:

I just completely contradicted mmyself. I'll restate that line properly.

The theme of loss was a little more vague to nail down in some entries is all. Yours in "the Dare" was very plain to see. In a film like "Placebo" the loss was a little more abstract and a clearer statement of what was lost would have been useful. Especially before they started production on it.

[Zak Forsman]

what do you think about holding trailers until the day viewing opens? i've come to feel that trailers are more or less worthless unless the viewer can act on it immediately. if we release them early, where do they go? to some strange forum where they don't fit in? i think it would be better to release them the same day they can watch some films and comment? just some thoughts...

i'm still hesitant on them being used to game the system. a good teaser is going to have story elements. even a :30 one. and people might release teasers that are effectively "prequels" that more or less extend their running time.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Zak, that is a BRILLIANT idea! Absolutely BRILLIANT!
Drive the viewers directly to the fest where they can now really get involved. Nice!

[Zak Forsman]

it would mean the trailers need to be screened by someone familiar with the corresponding shorts to make sure it doesn't violate the rules.

[Drew Ott]

I like the idea of prequels to the fest.

I also like the pitching idea. I think it'll help us have clearer ideas and also practice pitching.

[Rodney V. Smith]

it would mean the trailers need to be screened by someone familiar with the corresponding shorts to make sure it doesn't violate the rules.

I'm sure there's a way we can figure it out... just ask the Mod Squad (that's you mods)

[Blaine]

it would mean the trailers need to be screened by someone familiar with the corresponding shorts to make sure it doesn't violate the rules.That sounds like a bit of a logistics nightmare.

[Mattykins]

Here's my say. For what it's worth being a long-standing member here.

I was around when they wouldn't allow any cameras aside from a DVX into the fests. A short story synopsis should be easy. Hell, you are writing the script for the short - you should know your theme and synopsis.

Maybe this is because I am in the heat of development myself working with some really great people. I get this idea thrown at my head daily. I write coverage on scripts multiple times a week getting an entire script, or sections of scripts in development, down to a few lines. It's tough. That is hard work.

I know, for a fact, the mods won't push people away. I have my disagreements with the DVXuser mod board from time to time, but I think they are totally in the right.

I've started to notice that people totally disregard the constraints of the fest in fests past. Maybe the idea is kinda-sorta-not-really there, but it's allowed in. And I come out of watching the film thinking...way to totally disregard the theme. Now this isn't the case with all films - but it is certainly there. And by no means am I condoning entering genre cliches to tell your story and keep it to the theme cliches to make it work. But you at least need to touch upon the theme.

As for trailers, can I just say, why? Focus your attention on the film. This fest there were still a lot where I just couldn't push myself to keep watching. Work on your entry. Make it tight. Make it seamless. Work your ass off to make an outstanding product. Something that will make me say "wow - I want to see what else you have up your sleeve". Focus on the film itself, and not all the goodies.

I think the facebook group failed because I found myself thinking "why do I care?" Marketing 101. There was nothing there that was different. When content dries up and updates stop. People stop following. Because no one cares.

Trailers won't help that.

The mods here are doing something great I think. They are streamlining this process. And I for one want to see a fest that I can actually end up watching most if not all of the entries all the way through. The rules aren't here to hinder you. They are here to make sure you are actually thinking about the film you want to make. And if anything they go to spur your creativity.

I can assure you, you won't find this type of creative freedom anywhere else. And the amount of people who watch and comment is outstanding (myself not included in those numbers - I was way to busy. I tried to watch them all and comment, but I ended up failing). We are a forum of creative individuals. Throw in some ego and some idiots and you have our group. But in what area will you be free from ego and idiots. All-in-all, we are a forum of creative individuals and these fests are designed to foster that creativity.

But a simple insert of a rule, a cross-check almost is dropped in, and people start complaining.

Think of it this way. Imagine if this was a legit studio/film-maker social construct. And you are given x-guidelines. And then your product that was returned didn't follow x-guidelines. Such as leaving out a required element or just barely grazing the theme. This is something to check on your from the very beginning of the creative process and have you think about what you are doing.

And it sounds like it is less than a paragraph. Much less than my post here. I say the mods are right. And I am behind their ideas firmly.

[Rodney V. Smith]

That sounds like a bit of a logistics nightmare.

Depends on who's dreaming...

[ZazaCast]

In a film like "Placebo" the loss was a little more abstract and a clearer statement of what was lost would have been useful. Especially before they started production on it.

???? huh... you're saying the second place winner wasn't clear on the theme? How did they win then?

If they had to write a paragraph & pitch the mods, they would have what... won first place?

I'm not trying to be a pain, but isn't the idea of creative filmmaking subjective? Some one might like it and others might hate it...it doesn't make the film any better of worse....just different to different people. There are tons of really bad films out there, but yet, a 'studio' approved their script and the movie was made. (it's my understanding the studio funds the film too!:))

I tend to agree with Zim. Some of us (I think) make films for the fun of it and have no "visions of grandeur". This isn't to say we don't want to get better at it, but I'm personally not interested at all in the marketing aspects. I was VP of Marketing & Sales for a software development company for years... been there, done that.

Ultimately, it's the viewer who decides if the film fits the theme and is successful.:) (o.k., let the Zaza-hating begin...)

[Zak Forsman]

here's an idea...

maybe what we need is one "agnostic" teaser that uses 1 compelling second of footage from each film for a rapid fire teaser that we can push out the day after the fest starts. i'll cut it. larry and jason will approve it, then it will be released publicly the day after the fest starts. then there's no onslaught of additional media to wade thru. just one cut in the spirit of puck's lossfest teasers using twilightfest footage.

[Zak Forsman]

I think the facebook group failed because I found myself thinking "why do I care?" Marketing 101. There was nothing there that was different. When content dries up and updates stop. People stop following. Because no one cares.

the facebook group was actually very successful. it wasn't intended to replace the dvxuser threads with discussion, posters and trailer links -- despite having that stuff there. it's purpose was to get our friends on facebook who were interested in seeing some short films to join the group so we could notify them all when the fest was underway. it worked like a mailing list. 363 people had joined during the previous three months. when the fest started I sent out alerts at each milestone -- opening, round two, last day of voting, etc. and i have an inbox full of "thank you's" from people who likely would have missed the fest completely.

so the group didn't fail us. to take it a step further, anyone who failed to invite their facebook friends to join it, failed the group. haha! :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

here's an idea...

maybe what we need is one "agnostic" teaser that uses 1 compelling second of footage from each film for a rapid fire teaser that we can push out the day after the fest starts. i'll cut it. larry and jason will approve it, then it will be released publicly the day after the fest starts. then there's no onslaught of additional media to wade thru. just one cut in the spirit of puck's lossfest teasers using twilightfest footage.

Nice and simple and not a nightmare. See: Zak was the one who was dreaming. i was about to suggest a similar thing, so glad to see we're thinking along the same lines.

Hell, if you can't cut it, you know where to find me. i'm about to start cutting the wrap up of LossFest so wish me luck...

[Rodney V. Smith]

???? huh... you're saying the second place winner wasn't clear on the theme? How did they win then?

If they had to write a paragraph & pitch the mods, they would have what... won first place?

I'm not trying to be a pain, but isn't the idea of creative filmmaking subjective? Some one might like it and others might hate it...it doesn't make the film any better of worse....just different to different people. There are tons of really bad films out there, but yet, a 'studio' approved their script and the movie was made. (it's my understanding the studio funds the film too!:))

I tend to agree with Zim. Some of us (I think) make films for the fun of it and have no "visions of grandeur". This isn't to say we don't want to get better at it, but I'm personally not interested at all in the marketing aspects. I was VP of Marketing & Sales for a software development company for years... been there, done that.

Ultimately, it's the viewer who decides if the film fits the theme and is successful.:) (o.k., let the Zaza-hating begin...)


Dude I LOVED "Placebo", LOVED it, but I still had to go back and watch again objectively this time, because it was more of an action piece and the loss was more of an abstract... the loss of sanity, reality... etc. It was definitely there, just not immediately obvious.

[Jason Ramsey]

ok... guys... I've got the rules draft done... sending them ahead for extra sets of eyes...

I'm going to go ahead and close this down so it doesn't get off track, and in preparation for posting of the rules.

Don't worry... nothing crazy. mostly a lot of clarifications to make sure everything is as clear as possible from the get go.

p.s... I kinda like the idea of someone cutting a 1 second of footage from each film trailer to promote the fest when the films go live... mod pre-approved of course.

Perhaps, we can include an add'l section where when folks upload their film, they can upload an additional 1 second clip of a pre-determined format for the trailer.

i dont' know... we'll see about that down the road... plenty of time for that later.

later,
jason