Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
I agree that story is key. It also has to be told clearly enough that it doesn't leave 90% of the audience wondering what happened. Unless that's what was intended.Which I do too... and as long as you're "normal" enough, a lot of people SHOULD like it... but, here's the thing... you have to make a film that has a good story... not something that just looks cool... I keep harping on this, because I feel it's so important, and a lot of young guys seem to forget this...
I've seen so many young filmmakers creating shorts around cool scenes, or cool shots, and not on a great, engaging, intriguing story... which is what you have to have first! I think a scene can spawn that story, but you cannot just create something built around that....
Story is key... and if you make a film with a story that grips and moves YOU usually people will be on board... also, be sure to make it understandable... the audience doesn't have the insight you do... it's a balance of holding their hand, and letting them fill in the blanks.
I like to put it all out there but I also like to leave little bits for the audience to find. Especially on second or third viewings. The key is to make something interesting enough for them to want to watch it again.
A few examples... The Watchman's list contained some information showing just how adamant he is about what and when he does certain things but I only showed it briefly. Including the portion that shows a set time for watching the neighbours. It's there, but you have to look at the list closely.
Also, a few people asked about how he came up with the six minute window of time. The flashback at the end shows him spying on the spouse walking the dog, he is keeping track of the times and duration. The Director's Cut will show this in much greater detail.
Now getting people to like the story enough in the first place to start noticing some of these things is key. I'm still working on my storytelling.
BTW, I took Brandon's young filmmakers as a comment directed at their experience, not age. I could be wrong. I'm probably old enough to be his Father but I've only been making movies for 2 years or so. :thumbsup:
Back on topic, I thought Push was quite good and I can easily see it excelling in an ActionFest of sorts, no doubt. It was definitely a great action film.
Maybe some people expected something different for TimeFest. I won't speak for others though.
Cheers,
Mike