FEATURE: STEP OFF (was "Battle") - Narrative Feature

[tieuellegacy]

"What kind of camera did you use and how did you capture sound?" (see there are scenes in which characters are shot from afar with many people in the foreground yet we don't hear the people close to the camera we hear the conversation of the two character perfectly clear) Director says that he shot some kind of Sony camera that the star had already been shooting with, a camcorder and that mics were rigged on the cameras...Yeah right. Was my thought.

A woman asks, "What are you trying to say with the movie?" The director shrugs, "I don't know"...

Then comes another audience member, who basically expresses displeasure with the film "I'm so tired of seeing movies like this..." So, that goes on for a few minutes and the original white dude responds with a dismissive, "Then don't pay your money to see it, then"... The Atlanta Film Festival moderator tries to move on.

Another audience member asks, "What genre is the movie?"

-Martin

That first part is the sign. We all know what audio sounds like when people aren't mic'd up. As filmmakers, we definitely know when something was staged. I'm trying to figure out why the crowd didn't know that. Was the footage degraded to make it look like a palmcorder? Compare it to Gangtapes which is on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gangtapes&aq=f

It doesn't help that the director won't answer anything intelligently. If he had 5 fans by the end of the film, he probably only had 1 at the end of his Q&A.

So did any of the scenes look like they could've been filmed by the star? b footage or anything?

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[tieuellegacy]

Big Box May Not Mean Big Profit

Big Box May Not Mean Big Profit

This is the link to the budget (supposedly) of a huge WBrothers film if you care to take a look. This shows how a film that can make almost a billion dollars can still be considered in the red. One lesson learned. Taking backend money ain't always the way to go. Any questions, feel free to ask. It can be tough to interpret what everything means sometimes. Martay and others with DVD/theatrical deals can probably pick this apart also.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/io9/2011/01/harry-potter-net-profits.jpg

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[tieuellegacy]

Okay,

Madea's Happy Family vs. Jumping the Broom
Well, here's two movies with a lot of similarities and a lot of differences...Tyler Perry delivers more of the kind of comedy that his fans (and frankly his critics) expect from him...However, this film proved to be more subtle and nimble covering its subject matter and definitely even STRONGER faith based than Tyler Perry's movie...I really hope this movie does well...Hard not to like Paula Patton, so no complaints there.

It was at times amusing and touching and really worked.-Martin

I haven't seen the TP movie yet but I'm thinking that it will be like Madea Goes to Jail. Maybe the only one that I haven't seen from start to finish. I do agree that some parts of his comedies are monotonous. Still as a filmmaker I think that he's doing very well. Hopefully he has other things up his sleeves Martay.

Jumping the Broom was a kinda like the Best Man with a few added surprises. When I thought that I knew what was gonna happen, they threw me off a couple of times. Glad they did. Movies like the Best Man and Love Jones will continue to have a following, I thought this one was a good one. Made more sense for Tracy Edmond (Our Stories) to release this instead of "Where's My Caddy?" years ago (disclaimer: I never saw Caddy so it could be a great one). The crowd that I saw it with was one of the most boring crowds that I've been around. I was a little surprised so I'm not sure if they liked it overall or not.

Martay, weren't you allowed to have a few screenings? Were you nervous by the response of the crowd or were they pretty tuned into what was going on? That was another thing that I meant by shock value. Silence at the end of a movie with 100 or more people in it can be scary.

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[Martay]

Martay, weren't you allowed to have a few screenings? Were you nervous by the response of the crowd or were they pretty tuned into what was going on? That was another thing that I meant by shock value. Silence at the end of a movie with 100 or more people in it can be scary.

We did a screening for cast & crew and some friends. So, of course the audience was very receptive and dug it.

I was at the festival last week and a lot of local films screened to big crowds and I was a little jealous, frankly. I mean, more people I know would have seen the movie had we screened at the Atlanta film festival. Otherwise, they've been slow to tell me that they've seen it.

I wouldn't trade distribution for a festival screening but I have to admit I was envious of my friends in the festival who at least got to see it with a crowd.

I was still nervous at the cast and crew screening, as I hoped they all liked it and were proud of the movie. However, it wasn't the same as having a public screening and getting a blind audience's response.

-M

 

[jls4]

@TieuelLegacy - I'm about done with this topic. At this point I'm more concerned with what's happeneing with Step Off than debating the ins and outs of filmmaking. I'll simply say I've been around for a long time not only in research (which I've done tons of) but in practical knowledge and experience on set. So were saying a lot of the same things and really arguing over 2% differences and picking on small bits of information. I do hope you pay attention to some of what I have to say - for there is a lot of knowledge in it.

You have the path given to you and I have mine. I hope your projects do well in the future for you.

 

[jls4]

We did a screening for cast & crew and some friends. So, of course the audience was very receptive and dug it.

I was at the festival last week and a lot of local films screened to big crowds and I was a little jealous, frankly. I mean, more people I know would have seen the movie had we screened at the Atlanta film festival. Otherwise, they've been slow to tell me that they've seen it.

I wouldn't trade distribution for a festival screening but I have to admit I was envious of my friends in the festival who at least got to see it with a crowd.

I was still nervous at the cast and crew screening, as I hoped they all liked it and were proud of the movie. However, it wasn't the same as having a public screening and getting a blind audience's response.

-M

You still had probably more people than me and already having your Dist in the bag means you can open your minds to other things. I'm still anxious to see it. I think me and the wife will probably FINALLY get a netflix subscription this month so we can catch up on our movies. Both of the blockbuster stores near us closed down :-( I really rather go into the store - I guess in that way I'm old fashioned. Anyhoo - I'm ready to finally Set Off the Step Off! LOL

 

[tieuellegacy]

We did a screening for cast & crew and some friends. So, of course the audience was very receptive and dug it...

-M

Lionsgate basically cut your ability to do independent screenings around the country, didn't they?
You all REALLY went straight for distro without much of a screening process or test screenings. That can be just as tough as trying to get into fests. Did any of the distros that you connected with offer things that they wanted reshot, cut, or added which would sway them to acquire Step Off?

I can see how the screenings would be very different. Of course the stars and crew would create diffferent reactions than the people that weren't as tied to it. I don't always go on during the first weekend but when I do I hope for something that will give me an idea of what people think. I feel the same about any film that I do because your loved ones don't always have the most informative critiques.

In Jumping the Broom people were mostly silent with the exception of shots with Mike Epps or Loretta Devine. When I thought that people might applaud, the room was silent. There was no applause at the end either. So I'm not sure what they thought of it. With Fast 5, it was definitely different. Even in the silence, I could hear the air being sucked out of the room along with the ewwws and ahhhhhs during many of the stunts. And of course the women around me seemed to have a decent time with the males onscreen. I'm not sure if the audience liked the end of the cut before the credits but I from the looks of it, they are digging the film as a whole.

Any luck in getting in contact with other bloggers and podcasters for added promo? Other than the couple that I mentioned, Blog Talk Radio has quite a few. I'm thinking that you can "cold call" any of them for interviews. I'm not sure if Elvis Mitchell still does his podcast but it couldn't hurt to get the film in front of him and a few of the others somehow.

Out of the user film threads that I've seen on DVXuser, I wondered how many user films were actually being seen by the users here. There are several popular threads on here but each one seems to have users that are waiting for other people to see the films rather than venturing out. I first noticed that on Deuce of Spades. As many compliments as she received on the stills and clips, people either didn't have the money to purchase it or they were waiting on critical responses. I think that it's a tough room to sell to but it is cool to see the really good information when it is provided. I'm wondering if getting into Redbox or other kiosks would help her numbers at all.

Keep pushin' Martay!

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[Kholi]

Out of the user film threads that I've seen on DVXuser, I wondered how many user films were actually being seen by the users here. There are several popular threads on here but each one seems to have users that are waiting for other people to see the films rather than venturing out. I first noticed that on Deuce of Spades. As many compliments as she received on the stills and clips, people either didn't have the money to purchase it or they were waiting on critical responses. I think that it's a tough room to sell to but it is cool to see the really good information when it is provided. I'm wondering if getting into Redbox or other kiosks would help her numbers at all.

Keep pushin' Martay!

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

It's funny, because a long time ago a short film (can't remember the name of it for the of me, made by Alex someone on DVXuser) sold a buttload of DVDs to users and other filmmakers. It included a filmschool, etc. But, at that time, we were shooting on DVX100's or HVX200's, so it was still a bit of an elusive "how do you get the filmlook!?" deal. Now, everyone's got access to a DSLR so it's no longer a big deal.

Seems like people aren't up to spend money on something no matter the trials and tribs unless it fits their tastes and looks really good. I haven't even purchased MONSTERS yet, as much as I talk about it, because what I saw of it put me to sleep quite literally. Also haven't seen Tiny Furniture, I'll see if either are on Netflix.

It is a tough crowd, honestly. I'm one of 'em, but it goes beyond fellow filmmakers and more into the realm of a paying audience. If it's on Netflix, I'll catch it.

 

[tieuellegacy]

Monster Furniture

Monster Furniture

It's funny, because a long time ago a short film (can't remember the name of it for the of me, made by Alex someone on DVXuser) sold a buttload of DVDs to users and other filmmakers... Now, everyone's got access to a DSLR so it's no longer a big deal.

Seems like people aren't up to spend money on something no matter the trials and tribs unless it fits their tastes and looks really good...
QUOTE]

Good info Kholi. I saw something about Monsters and I believe that I was thinking about the Monster's Inc animated film. Looks like something I'd like to check out. I'm thinking that I heard about Tiny Furniture from looking at the SXSW winners also. They've been posting interviews on Youtube for the last few weeks so maybe the filmmakers are on there. Didn't know that Ebert reviewed it at all.

I'll see if I can find that short film on here as well. Thanks.

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[tieuellegacy]

It's funny, because a long time ago a short film (can't remember the name of it for the of me, made by Alex someone on DVXuser) sold a buttload of DVDs to users and other filmmakers... Now, everyone's got access to a DSLR so it's no longer a big deal.

Seems like people aren't up to spend money on something no matter the trials and tribs unless it fits their tastes and looks really good...

Good info Kholi. I saw something about Monsters and I believe that I was thinking about the Monster's Inc animated film. Looks like something I'd like to check out. I'm thinking that I heard about Tiny Furniture from looking at the SXSW winners also. They've been posting interviews on Youtube for the last few weeks so maybe the filmmakers are on there. Didn't know that Ebert reviewed it at all.

I'll see if I can find that short film on here as well. Thanks.

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[Martay]

Lionsgate basically cut your ability to do independent screenings around the country, didn't they?
You all REALLY went straight for distro without much of a screening process or test screenings. That can be just as tough as trying to get into fests. Did any of the distros that you connected with offer things that they wanted reshot, cut, or added which would sway them to acquire Step Off?

Any luck in getting in contact with other bloggers and podcasters for added promo? Other than the couple that I mentioned, Blog Talk Radio has quite a few. I'm thinking that you can "cold call" any of them for interviews. I'm not sure if Elvis Mitchell still does his podcast but it couldn't hurt to get the film in front of him and a few of the others somehow.

Out of the user film threads that I've seen on DVXuser, I wondered how many user films were actually being seen by the users here. There are several popular threads on here but each one seems to have users that are waiting for other people to see the films rather than venturing out. I first noticed that on Deuce of Spades. As many compliments as she received on the stills and clips, people either didn't have the money to purchase it or they were waiting on critical responses. I think that it's a tough room to sell to but it is cool to see the really good information when it is provided. I'm wondering if getting into Redbox or other kiosks would help her numbers at all.

Keep pushin' Martay!

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

No, the distributors didn't have specific notes on any edits. They did want it to be shorter. We compromised and cut it back about 7 minutes from the cut they saw. They wanted it cut back about 7 more minutes just for an arbitrary time thing. However, it wasn't a dealbreaker and we really weren't contractually obligated to cut the 7 minutes that we did. We were trying to show good faith as we know they wanted it shorter.

Working on added promotions. Got a few more articles coming out and a couple podcasts upcoming. As always, once confirmed I'll post that information here.

Elvis Mitchell does a podcast for a radio show. I should get at him. Tried to drum up some interest from Roger Ebert and Wesley Morris to review it but no dice on those so far.

There will be more press soon, it's a little late in the game but it all helps.

Yeah, it's not just hard to get fellow DVXers to see it, it's hard getting anyone to see it.

I mentioned the film festival going on and I can't tell you how many friends were congratulating me on the release but hadn't checked it out. Most were still vague on when the release was...MARCH 15th! And that can be dissappointing. I do make an effort to see all local projects that find release and I actually do the same here at DVXuser. However, I have to admit that I rent them 1st. So, the only ones I haven't seen of the more popular threads are Duece of Spades and Stricken since they haven't come to be available in my area or via rental as yet. So, I always encourage folks to at least Netflix it or RedBox it ($1) to check it out. That doesn't seem like too much of a burden in my opinion.

But, it is what it is in that regard.

-Martin

 

[Martay]

It is a tough crowd, honestly. I'm one of 'em, but it goes beyond fellow filmmakers and more into the realm of a paying audience. If it's on Netflix, I'll catch it.

Yeah, if it gets to Netflix, there's not really an excuse I can't catch it.

Funny, because some people will ask me if it's streaming. Like "I won't put it to the top of my queue, but if it was streaming" Really? That much trouble to watch a movie? Yet, the same folks are begging me to come to this screening or that screening (and pay) or support this IndieGoGo or Kickstarter effort to raise money for a SHORT? And I have donated and went to screenings, etc. and they can't put Step Off to the top of their queue or get their butts to a Walgreens and use a $1 at RedBox? Crazy.

-M

 

[jls4]

Yeah, if it gets to Netflix, there's not really an excuse I can't catch it.

Funny, because some people will ask me if it's streaming. Like "I won't put it to the top of my queue, but if it was streaming" Really? That much trouble to watch a movie? Yet, the same folks are begging me to come to this screening or that screening (and pay) or support this IndieGoGo or Kickstarter effort to raise money for a SHORT? And I have donated and went to screenings, etc. and they can't put Step Off to the top of their queue or get their butts to a Walgreens and use a $1 at RedBox? Crazy.

-M

That's how it is though. One of my best friends knew I was making a movie - she had an in at a film festival since she was like Vice President - when I finally sent her a DVD. I called her 2 months after I sent it to her to see if she watched it, she didn't. Then she asked "Who's in it?" And i'm thinking we've been like good friends - I mean good friends for over 9 years and that's the treatment I got.

Heck I had family members that refused to watch my first movie. LOL It comes with the territory. But once you make that big Steven Speilburg money/movies then everyone will be on you. Saying how they supported you and what not. I know I'm personally ready for all the "invisible support statements."

 

[Martay]

That's how it is though. One of my best friends knew I was making a movie - she had an in at a film festival since she was like Vice President - when I finally sent her a DVD. I called her 2 months after I sent it to her to see if she watched it, she didn't. Then she asked "Who's in it?" And i'm thinking we've been like good friends - I mean good friends for over 9 years and that's the treatment I got.

Heck I had family members that refused to watch my first movie. LOL It comes with the territory. But once you make that big Steven Speilburg money/movies then everyone will be on you. Saying how they supported you and what not. I know I'm personally ready for all the "invisible support statements."

You're right.

Had to lend a DVD to MY PARENTS for them to watch it. They had missed the screening because of bad weather but I'm like..."Mom and Dad, you know, It's available ON DEMAND!"

Seems completely strange to me still. I can't imagine not actually supporting friends' movies at least by seeing it.

-M

 

[Kholi]

Lol the parents thing surprises me! But, what you and Jls4 are saying about others watching? That doesn't reply surprise me at all. At the end of the day your friends, family, and peers are all still audience members too. Without a significant hook there's little motivation to view. Whether that's a star or the overall premise.

For peers, the hook can just be seeing what others are doing, I know I feel like I can get that all from a trailer now so I don't buy outright, and if it's not in my personal interest I won't watch either. I'm gonna watch Step Off since we have Netflix now, for me it's honestly about seeing what Lionsgate is buying from my peers so that's my hook.

Otherwise, it's not my genre or content preference. More interested in the technical process.

Adversely, this stigma should act as a gauge I think. If it's hard to get your friends interested then how will a paying audience react when you're competing against other properties for their time an dollar?

 

[Martay]

Adversely, this stigma should act as a gauge I think. If it's hard to get your friends interested then how will a paying audience react when you're competing against other properties for their time an dollar?

Well, I think there is a bit of a phenomenon that people who know someone personally means there is less of their work being "special". I mean, "yeah, you made a movie, and yeah it got picked up by a distributor I've heard of...but...Still....never heard of your cast, didn't see any commercials for it on TV, etc."

It's sad, but yeah, they'd still rather see Fast Five than Step Off. It is what it is. Now when Vin Diesel does Step Off 2, then I might get friends and family to pay for a seat.

-Martin

 

[Kholi]

Well, I think there is a bit of a phenomenon that people who know someone personally means there is less of their work being "special". I mean, "yeah, you made a movie, and yeah it got picked up by a distributor I've heard of...but...Still....never heard of your cast, didn't see any commercials for it on TV, etc."

It's sad, but yeah, they'd still rather see Fast Five than Step Off. It is what it is. Now when Vin Diesel does Step Off 2, then I might get friends and family to pay for a seat.

-Martin

We're kind of saying the same thing, though. You're competing with Fast Five, at the end of the day, and competition is steep. Without the hooks and draws that other features, television shows, and even video games have... it's a least likely scenario. Sucks, but that's what we all have to face as a reality in today's market.

 

[CRProductions]

I've been sitting back and observing most of the convo for the past few days because I didn't have much to add, (however I did love Jumping the Broom)...

But I feel compelled to speak on this latest subject of supporters. My roommate and I did a fund raiser on indiegogo for the Blood Thirsty short film, it was for 4k, that would cover EVERYTHING we needed for the short...we raised 1k..largely from strangers.

My roommate (who is also my business partner) was EXTREMELY pissed at our friends (I kinda was too but I think, or I like to think, that I understood where they were coming from). I told him that it takes a LOT to convince friends that what you're doing is "legit". He feels like, man these dudes have seen us trying to make it and wanting this **** since well, since they've known us, it was doubly insulting for the people who constantly say "put me on when you make it" to not even donate a dollar. But then we realized, or are trying to realize..that people who have seen your ups and downs, are less likely to support your "up" because they feel like "yea yea, I'll believe it when I see it". They have a notion of you, as the buddy, not as "the next Will Smith" so they think supporting you is pointless in that regard. "I've never met someone that made it big, so I know this dude aint gonna make it either".

Where as when you meet strangers that only see you as the budding film maker with a promising vision, they feel compelled to support you in the off chance that you make it and can return the favor, or at the least they can say they helped with your humble beginnings. I wait tables, there was a guy that asked me to work for him, offered me 30 dollars..I said, tell you what, I'm not pressed for cash right now, just donate that to the indiegogo page and I'll take your shift....dude just laughed and walked off! That let me know the mentality of people right there.

It's not about spending the money, it's about supporting something that seems like it can't possibly happen. Now when you finish a film, get LIONSGATE to pick it up and distribute it, and still don't get support from friends, that's just rubbish. I told my roommate about Step Off (and Superseeds) and we plan to enjoy viewing both. Not for any other reason than to support people like us, I don't care if any of you ever become Spielberg, or if we all stay where we are right now in life..I respect you guys, and I WANT to see you do well, so I plan to view your films (The Joneses as well). I won't lie, I didn't see Corrado, wasn't my cup of tea, but I thought about it, and I haven't seen DoS either, Im not a fan of period pieces AT ALL. But I'm also not invested emotionally into those film makers...but I do look to support people that I know worked hard to create something, for no other reason than to entertain me.

My mom didn't donate to the short until after time had passed, money is tight, and I think my parents see me as a kid with a dream taking a camcorder in the backyard and making a video with my buddies. (That is until word started getting back to them via my cousin who's in the film)...but I just know that some people keep that view of you no matter what...but the greatest feeling will be when those people start calling, texting, emailing you etc saying "Dude I caught your latest movie on opening day and it was ****in Bananas, hit me back man!"...because once you can convince them to watch and support via trailer etc, the rest of the world is chopped liver!

 

[tieuellegacy]

No, the distributors didn't have specific notes on any edits. They did want it to be shorter...
Elvis Mitchell does a podcast for a radio show...Yeah, it's not just hard to get fellow DVXUsers...However, I have to admit that I rent them 1st. So, the only ones I haven't seen of the more popular threads are Duece of Spades and Stricken ...

-Martin

Those general cuts can be difficult when they don't specify anything in particular. Many times execs/reviewers say a movie is about 10 minutes too long meaning they got bored somewhere or their minds may have wandered. Other laid people just say that it's long. Interesting differences. But you can have a Dark Knight or Curious Benjamin... that plays almost 3 hours each. It just depends on the person.

Looks like Elvis is still doing the Treatment. http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/tt
I'm thinking that agents or your marketing people are the ones responsible for getting people like the ones you mentioned. If you don't have a relationship with them, it's really a numbers game like with some of the local grassroots stations that you may interview with. Send a press release and a copy of the film. It may get kinda costly but still cheaper than the fest route in many cases. Still hoping to get you a shot at the Double Down Film Show. Tonight is the last ep for this season though so you may get a chance next time around. I would contact them if I were you. Both guys are bleeding the block for their projects as well. Pete went through the same things with his feature although he did go the fest route. He landed Premium with Codeblack years ago. Now watches how the distro changes the marketing material for the most current releases of his film. Check them out tonight from 8pm to 9pm CST/9pm to 10pm EST on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doubledownfilmshow/2011/05/12/episode-72-ladies-night.

I haven't read about Stricken yet. However, I do believe that if at all possible indie filmmakers should make it a point to look at other indie filmmakers. I've been at the point where I didn't buy many films and CDs so I know how that is. I think that the following of indie filmmakers and enthusiasts can make a pretty nice difference. It may not be millions but it's gotta help. Instead of people saying "I haven't seen that", they may say "Yeah I saw it, why didn't you?". Ebert tends to get movies early in the release stage so I don't know how that will pan out but there are people that catch films while they are making REAL indie movies (not the majors with an indie branch to it).

FYI. Ava Duvernay is one of the people that the Double Down will mention tonight. She came on the show about "I Will Follow". She previously did "My Mic Sounds Nice". Neither Double Down nor Ebert review her "My Mic Sounds Nice" film (I don't think) but they both highlighter her for "I Will Follow". An interesting tidbit is that Ebert met Ava when she was a little kid years ago but he didn't realize that it was the same person. That leads me to believe that her movie came about without him knowing her at all. By the way, "I Will Follow" was one of the AMC Independent releases (as you or someone else might've stated here before). "Mooz-lum" was another but I'm not sure that he rated "Mooz-lum". If so, then AMC pushed those reviews. If not, it's another source. Khoi or someone mentioned the "Tiny Furniture" review so I read it last night. I think that it was before IFC picked it up but after SXSW or Sundance in 2010. So he's not even only reviewing pics with distro either.

Some of these smaller distro companies ask the filmmaker to choose the amount that they will allot for marketing. I saw one or two direct to DVD comps that asked specifically ($50k or $100k, check the box). They don't mention what will be included in those packages though. I can't help but wonder 1) whether they are using the amounts that the filmmaker selects and 2) whether or not any of that goes to distributing films to reviewers and critics. Did Lionsgate give you any idea on how they would market?

Tieuel Legacy! Motion

 

[tieuellegacy]

You're right.

Had to lend a DVD to MY PARENTS for them to watch it. They had missed the screening because of bad weather but I'm like..."Mom and Dad, you know, It's available ON DEMAND!"

Seems completely strange to me still. I can't imagine not actually supporting friends' movies at least by seeing it.

-M

We're in the minority man. I watch films, buy films, and send release info to my email groups like as well. I just hope that one day more people will do the same in return...I mean do it more than they do it now. I also hope that people would not only view the films but leave constructive comments. It helps for people to see views and comments sometimes. I try to, at least, leave a mark to say that I stopped by, keep pushin', or sumn. Same thing with screenings that we used to do several years ago. When Spike's short film was coming to screen, EVERYONE knew it. It was in the papers. That was the biggest reception we had. For the other filmmakers, they have to be the main source of marketing to bring people. I see that at these other fests too. Read another guy that went to Slamdance and how he had to do more hand to hand flyers and kissing babies to get people to see his film.

I find that parents are tough to get. If I can get my Mom to laugh at something then I might have a pretty good idea on my hands. However, I'm thinking that the struggle to be a filmmaker that is constantly working is a bit much for friends and family. They see you at your worst. When most people meet a filmmaker, they typically treat them like they are stars though (from what I've seen). It's not until they find out that you are scraping nickels to put a film together that they see you go through tough times. (disclaimer: I can speak for myself and many others that I know. That sentence ain't directed at you superstar directors at all.)

Tieuel Legacy! Motion