Questions about the Hero Fest

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Larry R said:
Kholi - I don't know why you would be PM'd for negative comments....in my mind that is the whole point of this festival. I was anxiously awaiting the "negative comments", not because I like to hear negative things...but I knew it would be honest and fair.

Peace!
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You're a good man, Larry. It's good to see you had another goal outside of winning, which was to learn and get some feedback on how you could improve yourself.

I did get PM'd by some people after I left comments in a thread. Although I think I was abit on the harsh side (I think?), I was just being honest about what I had seen and it was my first time really commenting on something.

At the same time, I got the chance to watch the same short in it's lengthened format and it was a completely different movie. Going on to say as well that the creator now has a big project coming up this summer and is improving every time I see something that he's created. That's truth.
 
Hell yes, we are down for the "Horror fest"
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Be very afraid.
 
I wasn't disappointed by the films this time, but by the number of films... I know, I shouldn't be talking. I wasn't able to get one done either, but SO many people dropped out. Many more than sci-fest. I actually think the quality is VERY good overall. Many less HORRIBLE films than sci-fest.

And Kholi, I think there's a way to give negative critique. Its about being gracious with your opinion of someone's work and being able to give direction of HOW it could be better.

I think spidey's comment was out of line, but you did mention some films you did like. Look... I didn't like the film you did for sci-fest spidey. Does that mean I did not respect your talent, and think it was a darn fine effort? No. There is something to appreciate about someone who went and made a film (unlike myself) and that is something we can always be positive about.
 
well theres a few things I must say.

Before I had to stop a week before I had to shoot a feature I spent 1200 dollars on my short. I was pulling money I didn't have just so I could compete. CPU was shot with only 300 dollars, So I figure time money and effort times even more would be better but was halted. I was devistated.

I've critised harshly. I always do. I havent seen your yet larry. I'll give you feedback once I watch it. I enter this to compete and to show work. I assure I had everything ready I'm dying because I didnt get to enter. But you should enter each contest "in it to win it" mode; if not what are you showcasing?
 
spidey said:
well theres a few things I must say.

Before I had to stop a week before I had to shoot a feature I spent 1200 dollars on my short. I was pulling money I didn't have just so I could compete. CPU was shot with only 300 dollars, So I figure time money and effort times even more would be better but was halted. I was devistated.

I've critised harshly. I always do. I havent seen your yet larry. I'll give you feedback once I watch it. I enter this to compete and to show work. I assure I had everything ready I'm dying because I didnt get to enter. But you should enter each contest "in it to win it" mode; if not what are you showcasing?
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Seriously, though. If you aren't shooting for the stars, then why are you shooting?

I feel horrible, as well. I had 3k potentially invested into my hero-fest script, and it was ready to go. Then, got down to the weekend..and.. well.. arG. It's eating me up inside. I get your ail.
 
to be honest spidey all i see here is some one who is complaining without giving specific or usefull feedback, while you yourself did not enter, IMHO. Chanel that frustration and dissapointment into helping everybody else who is not worthy or not up to your standards. thats what this is all about, not hating...

alex
 
but I have gave comments to those I've seen. I havent got to all. but i been telling them how it is.
 
I totally agree, I entered with the goal of winning. I wanted to make the best film I possibly could. But I also am aware of my limitations/lack of experience and so had an ulterior motive of learning.

For me to get fair, honest feedback is as great as getting any prize I could win by having the best entry.

Sure, I want to win...everyone that enters wants to win. And that goal should drive us to the highest peak of our experience and talent....but baring that, if I don't win, then I want to know why. What did I do wrong? What was I missing? What would make it better? How could I improve this so next time I can win?

That's what I mean. I hope you do watch my film and I hope you enjoy it, but more than that I want to know, honestly and fairly, what didn't work in your mind and what could/should I have done differently.

Looking forward to your comments.

I also agree with briceman, there is a right way and a wrong way to share criticism. You can tell people the truth and what you honestly believe/feel without making them feel like they are idiots and losers. If I have zero talent, then tell me; but if I have even an inkling of talent showing through then treat me like there is the possibility of improving rather than making me feel like I am in the wrong "business".

Peace,
Larry
 
Originally posted by LarryR
It is great to hear people applaud you, but I don't think anyone here enters for that goal exclusively. This is supposed to be (at least I thought it was) a site dedicated to the exchange of knowledge and expertise...why can't that extend to the festivals?

Along with that, I think the "international quality" films you all refer to had larger than $400 budgets and more experienced cast/crew and more than 3 months from concept to release.

Kholi - I don't know why you would be PM'd for negative comments....in my mind that is the whole point of this festival. I was anxiously awaiting the "negative comments", not because I like to hear negative things...but I knew it would be honest and fair.

Please understand, I'm not upset at the comments and ideas suggested in this thread. And I am in no way feeling defensive because my film was not one of the favorites. I just want to make sure everyone remembers this is supposed to be a place to grow and to help others grow.
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I agree Larry. That's why I said that those international films are in a different league ( budget, professional crew, SAG actors, time). And hence my surprise, if we did get to that point. Yet, it is the gold standard for many.

Maybe, this thread shows that there are competing agendas in these fests, which is not necessarily a bad thing . For many it's an opportunity to learn and grow, and for others they are wanting to produce festival worthy films, which requires a higher level of both skill and critique. I can see where both sides have valid points. Personally i find it gratifying to see artists improve, and I want to be totally constructive. But on the other hand, I have a different front that I'd like to judge/help get the participants to - festival worthy. It's a conundrum, for me.

Sort of like Kholi, I don't want to get into arguing over the quality of a film with the filmmakers. I try and be as positive and constructive as can be, where i feel I can help, but sometimes that's too much, I guess.

Either way, I applaud all those who shot something...good bad...sucked...rocked...rolled...and I don't care if that's pussy footing.

This community is a unique place. Like i said, rising tide. that's what I'd like to see. So in these fests, one day, we're arguing over whether it's good enough for Cannes, or just Palm Springs :beer:
 
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yeah but theres too many better luck next time critics and not many harsh one. if you dont prepare for the hard critics then what? you're gonna get eaten up and feel worse than ever. im only trying to make people better film makers.
 
B man/Bricemane is right, it's all in how you say it. I need to work on how I present criticism.

And above, once again, Spidey is right. You guys, the real critics are going to rip you to shreds when you get to that level. Preparing for it now will give you the thick skin that you need to survive such things. Because, they aren't your friends-- and they don't care what you have to say in return. It's just their brutal honesty and that's that.

LoL. ANd that would be a funny arguement... "Dude.. no... Cannes? I mean.. almost.. . but you're better off trying Palm Springs.".
 
I mean if the movie is gonna be screened in LA, do you think there will be alot people lined up to see one man epic? doubt it. anyway I have to go. cya tomorrow.
 
1. Making the film is hard. There is something to be said for any one who crosses the finish line. These damn things take so much of you life to finish that when some one starts talking smack, it can hurt. Thick skin starts to grow where, at first, there were injuries.
2. You have to make a portion of it for the people. Many of us have OUR vision. No one wants to stray from THIER vision. It's theirs after all. You need to know your audience and entertain them. If you don't care what they think, why show it to them.
3. No one piece of work will be liked by all. There is simply no way to hit that mark.
4. Winning something like this, as we now know, takes dedication, sacrafice and a hell of a lot of thought. Some take that very seriously. I can even see how some, after working their asses off, could get offended by the level of slack others put into their films.

Its a nasty fight to stay on top of the water. Many drop off, few can make the whole run.

For those of you just starting. Be a hard ass, give it your all, get back up if you fail, fight the giant, but don't, for the love of God, make a chunk of crap and then try to upgrade it by calling it art.

New folks and young up starts, you only have to be that as long as you keep yourselves there. Watch you competion, learn their skills and kick their asses.

Be down.
 
Just a thought, a couple thoughts. Out of 25 entries Spidey listed six good entries, I would count between 7-8 really great entries. 30-40 percent of the films in competition were solid really good films. People may think it's terrible, but that's actually a very good figure. Of the seventy odd films in sci-fest, the ratio of good to bad was much much lower.

Secondly, you've gotta take into account that most people making films for fests have other responsibilities besides their film. Sure you might have four months to complete a film, but maybe you work forty hours a week and only have the time after work and on the weekends to get things rolling. Or maye you're busy moving across country. If you're lucky you're you've got overlap between work and your film.

Last, I think it's possible to be honest about what's wrong with a film without tearing people down. I'll critique a film but I won't judge the person. It's easy for people to take things personally when you tell them their film sucks. I don't care if you think a film sucks, but I care if you don't tell a person why their film sucks. There's no room for improvement with one line reviews or giving an A to F review of films.(Remember Coltrain?) I like it when there's honesty about what does and doesn't work. That's the only way to get better. But just keep in mind that people have fragile egos. Telling a person their film sucks, and telling them their direction is weak are very different. Basically, be a tactful asshole if you can.
 
This site is supposed to be about critique and encouragement, I think. Sometimes those compete. And the fests are one of those times, IMO.

BTW Spidey, i don't line up for ANY movie:laugh: Except during a festival, where its inevitable. WKW's especially.

There are probably ten posts in front of me, and this makes no sense now, but I'm gonna post it anyway :beer:

Cheers.
 
If you don't mind me sayin', you just have to use all that theory you've been studying.
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Thanks :/

I know, I know .... Damn it.

No excuses. I am in for Horrorfest and I have high expectation's for myself. Too much talk and not enough action from my azz in a long while
 
John_Hudson said:
No excuses. I am in for Horrorfest and I have high expectation's for myself.
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:thumbsup: Look forward to it, mate.





Time to go throw some T-bones on the grill (no cheese steak for me Briceman :)). Adios.



Cheers.
 
haha... well, I agree with Isaac. The ratio of good to bad is much better this time, and I have seen a HUGE improvement for some over their sci-fest films. I hope to get a horrorfest entry going. A lot of the future is unshure for me right now, so I can't promise anything. But, I look forward to it nonetheless. Especially since Hudson is in! :)
 
John_Hudson said:
not enough action from my azz in a long while
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I agree you lazy sod! :)

Can't wait for the Horrorfest it's time to sort out the men from the boyz.

Spidey, it's good for our art to get slated. This business is built on rejection. I'd have it no other way.
J
 
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