Should they allow a broader time period??

[darkrequiem1134]

I don't know about anyone else, But I personally feel like there is to much of a restriction on this fest. The fact that so far it seems to need to be set in the old west time period is something only film makers of a more professional caliber, or have a ton of cash to throw at their entry will even have a chance.

Now if say we were able to open up the setting a bit, and be allowed to do a story set at any point in time, then i could see some possibilities. People would be able to do space or futuristic westerns (not unlike the hit series Firefly), or even do some modern day westerns, (something like No Country for old men)

Id like to see what everyone else thinks about it...in passing i know some other people share my thoughts on the matter.

[Gohanto]

The fact that so far it seems to need to be set in the old west time period

If you read the posts, you'll find that's NOT the case at all. In fact, just like with all fests, they're encouraging people to think outside the box.

[seanmcleod]

There is no rules posted yet so you coming to this conclusion at this point is based on nothing... you and everyone else outside of Arizona (myslef included!) need to chill until the official rules are posted. If they say it has to take place in Old West of America, well then get out your soap box... but right now its all just gossip!

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

There is no rules posted yet so you coming to this conclusion at this point is based on nothing... you and everyone else outside of Arizona (myslef included!) need to chill until the official rules are posted. If they say it has to take place in Old West of America, well then get out your soap box... but right now its all just gossip!

Even if one were to take the 'official' span of the "Old West" (and there's a debate there as well...), but say between 1830 to 1910 (so "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"(1969) would still be a 'official' Western...), any place that has landscape that looks like any place 'west of the Mississippi", ranging from flat grass land, tree-ed mountains, to 'desert', to ocean coastal, could be used.

The only requirement there is to get scenic shots, if that's required, of 'untouched' landscape...

If the action of a film takes place in a "INT. <ROOM> -- NIGHT" there is only the period set dressing and costumes to worry about.

For those in England, recall that during the 19th Century the US looked to England for 'fashion', and so, in many cases old photos show people living in the West sporting bowler hats, waist coats with watch chain, and single and double breasted coats, as well as some long coats for riding in bad weather...

The 'style' of western wear that people now associate with 'Cowboy', actually was a development of the 1930-1950's.

For example here's a famous shot from the afore mentioned film...

http://slowlygoingbald.com/images/bsposter.jpg


Here's a contemporary shot of Wyatt Earp and friends... note the flat brimmed hats and bowlers, as well as the lack of side arms...

http://www.co-ventures.com/images/wyatt earp.jpg

[Jordan_S]

Every trail has puddles, son. Just don't squat on yer spurs.

[seanmcleod]

Even if one were to take the 'official' span of the "Old West" (and there's a debate there as well...), but say between 1830 to 1910 (so "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"(1969) would still be a 'official' Western...), any place that has landscape that looks like any place 'west of the Mississippi", ranging from flat grass land, tree-ed mountains, to 'desert', to ocean coastal, could be used.

The only requirement there is to get scenic shots, if that's required, of 'untouched' landscape...

If the action of a film takes place in a "INT. <ROOM> -- NIGHT" there is only the period set dressing and costumes to worry about.

For those in England, recall that during the 19th Century the US looked to England for 'fashion', and so, in many cases old photos show people living in the West sporting bowler hats, waist coats with watch chain, and single and double breasted coats, as well as some long coats for riding in bad weather...

The 'style' of western wear that people now associate with 'Cowboy', actually was a development of the 1930-1950's.

For example here's a famous shot from the afore mentioned film...

http://slowlygoingbald.com/images/bsposter.jpg


Here's a contemporary shot of Wyatt Earp and friends... note the flat brimmed hats and bowlers, as well as the lack of side arms...

http://www.co-ventures.com/images/wyatt earp.jpg

Oh I agree anythings is doable, I was just pointing out that there is nothing set in stone yet so no point in getting worked up.

[David Jimerson]

OK, this is NOT an official pronouncement. This is NOT meant to be taken as an indication of the way the rules are officially going, or even how the prevailing discussions are going. This is just a couple of thoughts, with no official weight whatsoever.

There's something to be said for restriction. It can make you dig down and come up with things you never would have otherwise. It can make you look at things from a perspective which never would have occurred to you. It can push you to use to your resources in ways you previously would never have imagined.

What's a movie generally about to begin with? Usually about someone overcoming obstacles, which get harder and harder along the way. If those obstacles are too easy, the movie is usually boring and unsatisfying. But overcoming something hard, even "impossible," in an ingenious and exhilarating way? That's worth watching. And you never get to that climax if the hero just gives up because he thinks he can't do it.

The filmmaking process (or pretty much anything else in life) can be very much the same way -- if you stop worrying about what you DON'T have and start finding ways to use what you DO have brilliantly.

[CallaghanFilms]

...The filmmaking process (or pretty much anything else in life) can be very much the same way -- if you stop worrying about what you DON'T have and start finding ways to use what you DO have brilliantly.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IA7LFzZ19IQ/RyqGDMcpKNI/AAAAAAAAABg/XIxsG4xsLzw/s320/jules_winfield.jpg
Correctamundo!!

[Rodney V. Smith]

The filmmaking process (or pretty much anything else in life) can be very much the same way -- if you stop worrying about what you DON'T have and start finding ways to use what you DO have brilliantly.


Damn skippy! You don;t need some huge budget. the point is to MAKE a MOVIE! Not a documentary. The audience will believe what you say it is, if you do it convincingly enough.

Marlon Ladd didn't have a horse in "Lawless" but they talked about the horses and we believed them...

[Jaime V]

The enemy of art is the absence of limitations. - Orson Welles.

Plus no rules have been posted yet.

[Nemesis TS]

I agree with the folks who are saying work with the restrictions and get it done.

Seems like a lot of griping going on about this fest is that normal?

[Tom Shortridge]

Seems like a lot of griping going on about this fest is that normal?

Totally normal. I remember one fest where the required element was there had to be a shot of a ball somewhere in it. It didn't have to be used as a prop or anything, it just had to be seen at some point in the film. Discussions on that, people trying to figure out ways around it, went for over a dozen pages, I think.

[David Jimerson]

Yeah, and we'd like to see a little less of that kind of thing. :) Why not just embrace the theme rather than trying so hard to outsmart it? If all that creative juice went into the film instead of first trying to come up with rationales for getting around the rules . . .

[Captain Pierce]

Well, first off, I'm a guy who never has (and if I'm being completely honest with myself, probably never will) entered one of these fests, so maybe I should just STFU, but...

It's one thing to try and twist the rules to your own advantage once they've been posted. It's quite another to try and interpret the rules before they've even been posted.

That said, I have to ask--is it really a good idea to announce the fest before the rules are ready? If I may paraphrase myself: it's one thing to expect people not to try and twist the rules to their own advantage once they've been posted. It's quite another to expect them not to try and interpret they rules before they've even been posted. With this history of people trying to dodge the rules, why make it tougher by allowing this much speculation?

[seanmcleod]

http://www.co-ventures.com/images/wyatt earp.jpg

Quick side note... think that guy on the far left felt like a bit of a dick being the only one with out a moustache?

[jasonthewho]

.....wow.....god i love ignorance... obviously none of you have read the wiki page that the administrators put up....i was told by the administrator himself to go to that for reference on what i could expect in the rules.. so excuse me all to hell for allowing my mind to dwell on what may be in the future of this fest ..less i forget thinking is a sin. the only reason i put up this thread was to see if anyone else would like to be able to do futuristic or modern westerns but obviously that thought didn't occur to all u feeble minded peons.



.........let the lashing begin......

So, you read the wiki page, but missed this?

"Science fiction Western
These films introduce science fiction themes or futuristic elements into a Western setting. Examples include Bravestarr, Back to the Future Part III, Westworld, Wild, Wild West, Firefly, and the film Serenity based on it. "

[Ki-Ki]

None of us are doing any justice here.

Let's keep our cool and lashes in our undies draw.

It looks like everyone's just unpurposely antagonizing each other.

I'll be the first to admit I pointed out what the topic starter did when I heard 'WestFest'.

But why not all agree on something to chuck shoes at?

I heard the rules were going to be up the night before last. :)

But I'm not complaining about it, from someone whose not enterting. Again. ;)


Response Prompt:


Piss off Ki-Ki!!!

[MrFluffy]

There's something to be said for restriction. It can make you dig down and come up with things you never would have otherwise. It can make you look at things from a perspective which never would have occurred to you. It can push you to use to your resources in ways you previously would never have imagined.


I would agree with that. But I would add that Stu Maschwitz recommend that you make the movie for which you have resources.

I know what resources I have, but I dont know what the rules are. So I cant combine the two and make a film.

I dont understand why there are no rules yet. For all the other fests the rules wre up withing a day or two of the anouncements, this has been over a week!

[Jordan_S]

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/Eagles_Take_it_easy.jpg

[MrFluffy]

I'm not upset, just eager and frustraited!

Mummy, I dont understand?

[David Jimerson]

Well, first off, I'm a guy who never has (and if I'm being completely honest with myself, probably never will) entered one of these fests, so maybe I should just STFU, but...

It's one thing to try and twist the rules to your own advantage once they've been posted. It's quite another to try and interpret the rules before they've even been posted.

That said, I have to ask--is it really a good idea to announce the fest before the rules are ready? If I may paraphrase myself: it's one thing to expect people not to try and twist the rules to their own advantage once they've been posted. It's quite another to expect them not to try and interpret they rules before they've even been posted. With this history of people trying to dodge the rules, why make it tougher by allowing this much speculation?

I only meant in general, not specific to this. :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

@DarkRequiem... dude, NOT a good way to start off in the fest. You want to get people to actually be interested in your film, not hate you and your film suffer for it. I don't even begin to understand how you can post a response like that... wow.... :shocked:

[MrFluffy]

David,

I assume that the moderators have good reason to delay the rules, rather than just to irrate us and cause us to argue. Any chance that we can be enlightened? It might calm things down a little.

[David Jimerson]

I would agree with that. But I would add that Stu Maschwitz recommend that you make the movie for which you have resources.

And the creative part is how you make them into the same thing.



I know what resources I have, but I dont know what the rules are. So I cant combine the two and make a film.

I dont understand why there are no rules yet. For all the other fests the rules wre up withing a day or two of the anouncements, this has been over a week!

We are hashing them out, taking everyone's needs and comments into consideration.

[MrFluffy]

[quote=David Jimerson;1944985We are hashing them out, taking everyone's needs and comments into consideration.[/quote]

Lets hope its not too long as things are turning nasty and soon ther'le be a lynchin. Plus, HorrorFest 2010 is gettng pushed past Haloween :)

[Ki-Ki]

Someone round these 'ere parts came up with the bright idea that when the next fest get's announced, it shouldn't be done unless the Rules are already locked for that next festival.

I think everyone could openly welcome that Idea for future consideration..

Those painful weeks between knowing the next fest, and not getting the rules aren't healthy for a man, & the forums.

[Rodney V. Smith]

The idea is to get us THINKING and doing so creatively. Not sit around and complain that we don;t know what's going on. Go ahead and be creative or worry about the rule.s The rules have never been exclusionary. EVER (except for when they were limited to camera, but that's a long time ago). This theme is a bit of a change so if they need time to tweak the rules, I'd prefer they have that time rather than rushing to put them out and then have people bitch about something they they deem as unfair.

Go and write your scripts, develope your cencept instead of wasting time here. You're filmmakers. Now go create something.

[Ki-Ki]

This theme is a bit of a change so if they need time to tweak the rules, I'd prefer they have that time rather than rushing to put them out and then have people bitch about something they they deem as unfair.

I think the only thing that's 'bitching' and unfair so far is the fact that half the users are turning on each other in a narrow corridor of waiting for delayed rules. I'd prefer in the future for announcements to wait until rules have been decided, par Autumn Season, where everyone gets the general jist of Halloween.. I think. And I'm only speaking for myself - again. What do I care? I'm not making a flick. One doesn't have to be making a film for entry in order to comment on what's going on. But this is all getting out of hand.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Posted this in the other thread for Fluffy.




Here's the basis for YOUR story.

It opens up with a tight shot of a cowboys face, we can see his eyes and the brim of his hat. He's sweating, nervous. The camera pulls back. He's sitting bareback on a horse, a noose around his neck tied to a thick tree branch above him.

A couple of cowboys stand around him. They are arguing about whether or not he deserves to die. One wants him dead, the other doesn't.

Now go from there. if you want him to die, one cowboy slaps the horse.

No guns needed. They can have holsters and you can make fake gun handles that come out from the top, no need for a barrel. No need for replicas.

MAHThere are ways around any limitations that you think you may have. The only reason I added a horse in the above scenario is because he said he could get one.

Come on, guys. Try embracing the idea behind the Fest.

MAH

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I think the only thing that's 'bitching' and unfair so far is the fact that half the users are turning on each other in a narrow corridor of waiting for delayed rules. I'd prefer in the future for announcements to wait until rules have been decided, par Autumn Season, where everyone gets the general jist of Halloween.. I think. And I'm only speaking for myself - again. What do I care? I'm not making a flick. One doesn't have to be making a film for entry in order to comment on what's going on. But this is all getting out of hand.
Maybe they are using the feedback in this forum as a guideline for what the final rule set will be. Ever think of that? :happy:


MAH

[Rodney V. Smith]

Maybe they are using the feedback in this forum as a guideline for what the final rule set will be. Ever think of that? :happy:


MAH

Yeah, like no griping and bitching during the fest about the rules becasue you've already had your chance. That would be a good rule.

I'm out. I have a script to complete and polish and then throw out so I can write another one until I get it right. I already know I'm submitting.

Have fun guys.

[Ki-Ki]

Maybe they are using the feedback in this forum as a guideline for what the final rule set will be. Ever think of that? :happy:


MAH

Nothing serves as a reason to destroy 'community spirit', or as a better phrasing. To put it straight to the lips - People are frustrated, and the foul stench of attitude flowing around this 'West' board lately isn't normal. It doesn't feel like merry olde 'dvxuser'. I just hope it all get's better when the Rules are announced.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nothing serves as a reason to destroy 'community spirit', or as a better phrasing. To put it straight to the lips - People are frustrated, and the foul stench of attitude flowing around this 'West' board lately isn't normal. It doesn't feel like merry olde 'dvxuser'.
I don't agree at all. DVXuser actually values the input of the forum members. So much so that they are looking at how people feel about the idea BEFORE posting the rules.

Aside from a very small handful of people complaining, the rest of us are working out script ideas and looking into resources. If you are on the other side this may be why you have yet to ever enter.

Come on, be more positive and make it happen already.
No more excuses.

MAH

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

PS- If they made Medieval Fest you wouldn't hear me bitching and complaining about not having access to a castle. :)

[David Jimerson]

Nothing serves as a reason to destroy 'community spirit', or as a better phrasing. To put it straight to the lips - People are frustrated, and the foul stench of attitude flowing around this 'West' board lately isn't normal. It doesn't feel like merry olde 'dvxuser'. I just hope it all get's better when the Rules are announced.

There's no need for anyone to be cranky about this. Chances are, the deadline is going to be sometime mid-July, as usual, and that's 3 1/2 months away. There's plenty of time.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Actually, there are only 2-3 people who seem to be cranky about this. I hope that means we're going to see some fantastic films from them. :)
Exactly. :happy:

[Ki-Ki]

Hold on a minute.. electric just cut off my reply.

@ Anthony, your totally right. There is only a sparked handful of people worrying about the Theme.

But please don't get me mixed up with being one of them. :)

I'm trying to clearly say that I just don't like the way people are responding to the 'continuous complaints', it doesn't make me feel very homely as dvxuser normally tends to do. It's understandable and expected to get pissed off. I was the first one who questioned the theme. But I don't want to tread on toes. That's what we thrive off, this forum stands out from the rest. On a side note - who needs to wait for Medieval fest, If I wanted to do something historic. Could have easily have fit that into the theme of Betrayal, Hallows or Love. Choosing not to however is something bigger.

On Deadlines.. my guess first week of July. Usually is.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Ki-Ki

I'll just speak for myself here, I think I'm just getting tired of hearing some people making excuses for not making a film. Hell, make it Space Fest and I'll come up with something.

I've said my peace so I'll move on. Hope to see all of you in the Fest.

MAH

[Zim]

Not sure why people are wasting time writing or doing anything until we know the rules. Which I thought they said was going to be last night

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Not sure why people are wasting time writing or doing anything until we know the rules. Which I thought they said was going to be last night
I already have one script written a few ideas based on the wiki link they provided. Never hurts to be prepared and it's always nice to be creative. Scripts can be modified if need be.

I had six scripts written for Betrayal Fest and I didn't even enter that one.
The funny thing is, I can probably alter one or two of those and turn them into West Fest scripts if the rules fall as I think they will.

If not, it's still good practice. Definitely doesn't hurt, surely not a waste of time.

MAH

[Zim]

Ok not a waste of time if you are a good writer like you are, but so far all we have is a link to wikipedia and i'd like a little more to go on. I watched some Chinese or Japanese western on Showtime last night. it is was weird because I was thinking about that at work to cast all Asian in a western.

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/Eagles_Take_it_easy.jpg

There's nothing more likely to induce me into a state of rage, than the Eagles, references to the Eagles, or insinuations that some how the Eagles are appropriate for any context...

You can take that and stuff it through the front door of your western style Hotel California.

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

PS- If they made Medieval Fest you wouldn't hear me bitching and complaining about not having access to a castle. :)

Yeah, you'd have to hang out at a Society for Creative Anachronism Konklave... just horrible... Horrible...

How about, "A California Cowboy in Uther Pendragon's Court"...

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Ok not a waste of time if you are a good writer like you are, but so far all we have is a link to wikipedia and i'd like a little more to go on. I watched some Chinese or Japanese western on Showtime last night. it is was weird because I was thinking about that at work to cast all Asian in a western.

Just replace the Charles Bronson and Ursala Undressed characters in "Red Sun"(1971)...


http://www.leninimports.com/ursula_andress_red_sun_dvd_cover.jpg

[Jason Ramsey]

complain about the rules (that aren't posted), complain about the rules not being posted, complain about the people complaining about the rules, complain about the people complaining about complaining about the rules....

people will always find something to complain about, when they want to :)

rules will be up today.

[Chris_Keaton]

complain about the rules (that aren't posted), complain about the rules not being posted, complain about the people complaining about the rules, complain about the people complaining about complaining about the rules....

people will always find something to complain about, when they want to :)

rules will be up today.


I feel I must register a complaint about this post. It has gotten just to silly.

Yours Truly,
I.P. Freely
Onyourhead

[lambert]

I bet you could craft a western that keeps in the spirit of the fest that could be shot in England.
Gangs of New York fits the period and most of the fighting is with knives and cleavers and teeth.

[movieman711]

complain about the rules (that aren't posted), complain about the rules not being posted, complain about the people complaining about the rules, complain about the people complaining about complaining about the rules....

people will always find something to complain about, when they want to :)

rules will be up today.


Today as in before 12 midnight eastern time or WESTERN time http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/icons/icon7.gif

I know not funny!!

Roy

[David Jimerson]

Ok not a waste of time if you are a good writer like you are, but so far all we have is a link to wikipedia and i'd like a little more to go on. I watched some Chinese or Japanese western on Showtime last night. it is was weird because I was thinking about that at work to cast all Asian in a western.

Even under a very strict interpretation of Western, Asian characters would be totally appropriate.

[ugafan]

the broader the time period the better.

for example: cowboys vs. dinosaurs.

pure awesomeness.

[Scott F]

There's nothing more likely to induce me into a state of rage, than the Eagles, references to the Eagles, or insinuations that some how the Eagles are appropriate for any context...



"I had a rough night and I hate the f*&^ing Eagles"

http://rickischultz.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/the_big_lebowski.jpg

[Blaine]

I watched some Chinese or Japanese western on Showtime last night. it is was weird because I was thinking about that at work to cast all Asian in a western.Here ya go:
-81VrzGAlkQ

[ugafan]

rules will be up today.

you lied to me! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/696639/)

[MrFluffy]

you lied to me! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/696639/)
You must have missed it. Its here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HrSN7176XI)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

you lied to me! (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/696639/)
That's hilarious! :grin:

[Jordan_S]

There's nothing more likely to induce me into a state of rage, than the Eagles, references to the Eagles, or insinuations that some how the Eagles are appropriate for any context...

You can take that and stuff it through the front door of your western style Hotel California.

...just tryin' to create a 'peaceful easy feeling...'

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Here ya go:
-81VrzGAlkQ


Hey, is that some sort of anti-Mexican propaganda... shooting an eagle that's picked up a rattle snake???