Thoughts on TimeFest

I got some really good, honest reviews (thanks)... but I think what happens is the first few reviewers catch everything and nobody wants to beat a dead horse so to speak.

Too bad there's not a way (unless you PM the filmmaker) to keep all the reviews private? ...or maybe I answered my own question....
 
I took a look back at the last few fests. To put things in perspective, LoveFest probably had the most good entries. This one lags a bit behind it, but it is WELL ahead of All Hallows Fest (probably one of the weakest overall) and SPYFest.
 
Blaine said:
I understand what you're saying. If I can't find something good to say, I'm not going to go in and thrash someone but I think it's doing a disservice to just stroke someone. And I'm not saying that everyone's doing that, I'm just seeing more this time around. I haven't seen any Kholi-style reviews...even by Kholi. His reviews could be tough, but a lot could be learned from reading them.

I'm at fault, too. I've been a lot less critical than I was three or four fests ago. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone but...
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I think I am just stroking, No more bullsh#t I'm gonna post how I feel about each and every movie. They can always take it or leave it.:thumbsup:

I had this fear and you make a good point.
 
I'm maybe 1/3 of the way through (stupid Comcast had me offline for a week).

So far I've noticed a few things:
-80% of the entries need to constantly rewatch Barry's new audio DVD
-Way too many dudes. DVXUser is naturally a sausage fest but more girls would be nice.
-Ditto to more age appropriate roles
 
shawneous said:
I'm maybe 1/3 of the way through (stupid Comcast had me offline for a week).

So far I've noticed a few things:
-80% of the entries need to constantly rewatch Barry's new audio DVD
-Way too many dudes. DVXUser is naturally a sausage fest but more girls would be nice.
-Ditto to more age appropriate roles
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Do you mean girl filmmakers, or girl actresses?
 
ZazaCast said:
I got some really good, honest reviews (thanks)... but I think what happens is the first few reviewers catch everything and nobody wants to beat a dead horse so to speak.
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This is exactly how I feel. I usually err on the positive side, no doubt.

Telling someone that their sound sucked twenty times over is not being constructive.
 
Blaine said:
I understand what you're saying. If I can't find something good to say, I'm not going to go in and thrash someone but I think it's doing a disservice to just stroke someone. And I'm not saying that everyone's doing that, I'm just seeing more this time around. I haven't seen any Kholi-style reviews...even by Kholi. His reviews could be tough, but a lot could be learned from reading them.

I'm at fault, too. I've been a lot less critical than I was three or four fests ago. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone but...
Click to expand...

I'm doing my best to offer some critiques for every entry. Not that I'm trying to find things to criticize if they don't stand out at me, I just think there are enough people offering positive feedback already, and negative feedback can be a lot more helpful in most cases. I don't care if I come off as an abrasive asshole (I'm used to it), I'm just hoping that someone might get some insight out of my feedback, especially since it's taking me forever to offer in-depth critiques on every film.

Also, I'm intentionally not taking the standpoint of, "man, that was awesome for a short film." I'm reviewing them as an objective observer, answering the subjective question, "did I find this film entertaining enough to recommend it to my friends?"

I do wish people wouldn't be afraid to be more harsh on the entries. While it's certainly great to get the ego boost of everyone telling you your film is awesome, we don't improve by repeatedly overlooking our blunders because no one had the heart to point them out to us. That said, if someone's entry truly is terrific, we shouldn't shy away from letting them know.

twocents.jpg
 
Some final thoughts from me...
Having watched from the sidelines for a while and now being a bit of a regular of DVXFest I'm usually tougher on the top dogs.
I expect the most from them.

I find that there are enough people telling the first timers what their mistakes were that I don't have to.
For them I usually try and spot something special and comment on it.

Still, it seems that they are clamoring for it so have at them! :D

Cheers,

Mike
 
Chris, don't regret this thread, you brought up plenty of good points. People will always agree or disagree. As far as feedback I try to be nice, I don't want to step on any toes (that has happened before in different situations - sorry Mark :() so I give criticisms but with a happy tone (or at least I try to).
 
I have to admit that I've been reluctant to post comments. I still consider myself kind of new around here as this is only the second fest that I've been around for and I only competed in the last one.

That being said, there were some outstanding films and I liked quite a few of them. I might make some comments though because the best thing about Love Fest was all of the feedback and criticism that I got which I can use to get better.
 
Blaine said:
I haven't seen any Kholi-style reviews...even by Kholi. His reviews could be tough, but a lot could be learned from reading them.
.
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I was actually lookign forward to having my film brutally savaged by Kholi. His critiques are the most insightful and straightforward. Where the heck was he for this fest anyway?
 
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