Chris Messineo
Veteran
I'm reposting my own post, because I think it's important. I think it would be really great if we could get some MODs involved in whatever the next contest is.
UNDEAD FEST 2011 or WHY DVXFESTER'S FEST-BITCHING HAS BACKFIRED ON US
- Thread starter Matt Harris
- Start date
I'm reposting my own post, because I think it's important. I think it would be really great if we could get some MODs involved in whatever the next contest is.
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Personally, I've been attracted to the idea of it... but, as was pointed out in the o.p. there is an obvious perception of unfairness... either, that it is taking place behind the scenes, or b/c a mod is yellow, and thereby carries "more sway". Even though everything is on the up and up, it leaves an inescapable perception, and probably is not fair, for that at least.
I was having the thought that maybe we run a parallel mod fest with the dvxfests... where they can be part of the fests, and the whole process, and viewing and responding, etc... but, they compete in a separate category (for placement, prizes, bragging rights, whatever).... and, maybe even some sponsors would support the time the mods give to the site by chipping in for prize donations for their specific category as well...
and... if any of the "big boys" wanted to up their game, they could compete in the same category against the mods
I'm just spitballin'... I would like it, personally, if there was a way where the mods could participate as well (b/c most of them did before they ever became mods)... I feel it would be good all the way around, as long as we could somehow avoid any perceived, or possible unfairness in the process...
Great Thread. Expresses many of the thoughts I've had. As someone who has never actually submitted, I question my cred to offer an opinion, but as an avid "consumer" of the entries, here's my shot from the bleachers for what it may be worth.
+1 on having the mods enter - on a full and equal footing with any other contestant. The more talent the better. Kudos' to whoever set up the judging - seems totally fair to all.
+1 on maintaining a full Fest schedule. Nice call to be making from the cheap seats where it doesn't cost me anything to enjoy the fruits of the selfless labor of others (Mods). They do a fantastic job and we really do need to find more ways to honor their service.
I totally agree that 48 hr fests are a totally different animal. Sounds to me like being sentenced to watching hours of locally produced used car commercials, but that's only my opinion. I can appreciate that this type of production might appeal to some, if so then bring it on - hopefully as a stand alone and not in competition with our beloved Fests.
This site has evolved into one of the true treasures of the internet for anyone interested in film production. The Fests are a most treasured part thereof and represent a learning and collaborative tool without equal. To all that facilitate or participate, know your passion and sacrifice is appreciated.
From the Bleachers with best wishes to all - :beer::beer:
+1 on having the mods enter - on a full and equal footing with any other contestant. The more talent the better. Kudos' to whoever set up the judging - seems totally fair to all.
+1 on maintaining a full Fest schedule. Nice call to be making from the cheap seats where it doesn't cost me anything to enjoy the fruits of the selfless labor of others (Mods). They do a fantastic job and we really do need to find more ways to honor their service.
I totally agree that 48 hr fests are a totally different animal. Sounds to me like being sentenced to watching hours of locally produced used car commercials, but that's only my opinion. I can appreciate that this type of production might appeal to some, if so then bring it on - hopefully as a stand alone and not in competition with our beloved Fests.
This site has evolved into one of the true treasures of the internet for anyone interested in film production. The Fests are a most treasured part thereof and represent a learning and collaborative tool without equal. To all that facilitate or participate, know your passion and sacrifice is appreciated.
From the Bleachers with best wishes to all - :beer::beer:
Curugon
Well-known member
Sounds great to me. Maybe some kind of mix-up? Regular users write scripts that the mods have to shoot? Or vice versa?
Barry_Green
Moderator
To those who are unhappy with the 48-hr concept, I must ask -- have you ever seen the results of one of those contests? Because the type of things people are able to produce in 48 hours are usually really, really amazing. I don't know if there's any vault of past 48-hour fest winners, but I'd recommend googling around or attending the screening of one of those contests.
I mean, sure, you'll have some examples of horrible lameness, but to be fair we've had lots of those in our "full" festivals -- as with anything, there are those who will try hard, and those who will hardly try. But it's really impressive what a dedicated group can do with just 48 hours.
I mean, sure, you'll have some examples of horrible lameness, but to be fair we've had lots of those in our "full" festivals -- as with anything, there are those who will try hard, and those who will hardly try. But it's really impressive what a dedicated group can do with just 48 hours.
Chris Messineo
Veteran
I understand why the limitation on MODs entering was put in place, but I think it would be much cooler if they could participate on the same level as everyone.
As I said before, these are really talented filmmakers and I firmly believe "a rising tide lifts all boats".
Honestly, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want them to participate?
As I said before, these are really talented filmmakers and I firmly believe "a rising tide lifts all boats".
Honestly, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want them to participate?
Barry_Green
Moderator
The rule was put in place to avoid any potential appearance of any manner of impropriety. But yeah, look at the list of mods -- Jack Daniel Stanley, Jason Ramsey, Noel Evans, Zak Forsman, John Hudson, Brandon Rice, Isaac Brody, Timur Civan, Larry Rutledge, Neil Rowe, Luis Caffesse, Stephen Mick, and lots of others -- that's a lot of filmmaking power that was taken off the table when that rule went into effect...
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
But why? If memory serves they can still compete, even win! They just can't take home the prizes. Didn't Noel just help someone place recently?
I've said it before, prizes are nice but it shouldn't be what these festivals are about.
EDIT: Just wanted to add that I don't think they dropped out due to the prize rule, I assumed most of them got busy with bigger projects. I noticed threads started by a couple of the names on that list that never amounted to finished projects so I just assumed they were still allowed to enter, are they not?
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Chris Messineo
Veteran
That is an impressive list. Imagine if they were all in on a fest with the rest of us. It would be epic!
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
Again, I believe they have that option.
majikfraug
Well-known member
I'm sooo IN this fall fest. And sooo NOT in any 48 hour fest I guess I'm getting too old, as the fun and franticness don't outweigh the sub-par films produced (and I'm speaking of my own sub-par 48 hour films here).
I guess I'm getting too old, as the fun and franticness don't outweigh the sub-par films produced (and I'm speaking of my own sub-par 48 hour films here).
Darkline
Veteran
I have no problem mods competing along with the rest of us. That would be good for the fests. I think they should be judged exactly the same, but maybe mod entrants should take temp leave from mod duties once the upload/voting is open. (for perceived fairness).
vote here for an anonymous comments page on the film, for those that opt for it. That'll be more real world public feedback - and we can leave thread discussion open for peers/film-makers.
I'm sure 48 hours fests could be a great addition. Personally I struggled getting my last film made in months because I only had a crew of 2, so 48 hours wouldn't interest me, but it might be very popular. Maybe do a poll to see the interest?
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Jason Ramsey
Admin
my thinking on that would be the dvxfest mod section would be made invisible to any mods who had intent to participate. Also, Larry and myself would not be able to participate b/c we have access to, and follow the voting results. but, as far as I'm concerned all other mods could (if everyone was happy with a way of allowing that)...
but, honestly, don't want to turn it into a big discussion or debate again, or get anyone worked up over it...
Later,
Jason
Last one I did was Thrillfest - but with the prize restriction. And I did lend a guiding hand to Matt Bennett for On Our Terms in ...... To continue I wish all the mods would enter the next fest, the reality however is that I think many just dont have the time.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
I have an idea. And I might enter. 
We'll see.
We'll see.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
I'm telling you, once people hear that the organizers and the people running the show can walk away with prizes ... It's doubtful that will help gain interest. I'm not in it for the prizes, I still have my unused Kessler credit I won a LONG time ago. People should enter for the love of making films, not the prizes.
There's no reason that the Mods had to stop entering films, in fact, they didn't. I think Larry did WestFest, Noel did Fiction Fest, as a DP. And some on that list weren't making films back when they could still win prizes. Prizes will no doubt help draw in new blood but the fact that the Mods disappeared from the Festivals in the form of running them is more likely the cause of the declining interest.
Again, not bashing, they're very busy, but nobody was around the last few festivals. Mods, come back, get creative and start making entries again. We're always preaching that people need to "just shoot!". Well, let's get back to it.
Especially some of those names that haven't entered in many years. Yeah, I'm calling you out.
There's no reason that the Mods had to stop entering films, in fact, they didn't. I think Larry did WestFest, Noel did Fiction Fest, as a DP. And some on that list weren't making films back when they could still win prizes. Prizes will no doubt help draw in new blood but the fact that the Mods disappeared from the Festivals in the form of running them is more likely the cause of the declining interest.
Again, not bashing, they're very busy, but nobody was around the last few festivals. Mods, come back, get creative and start making entries again. We're always preaching that people need to "just shoot!". Well, let's get back to it.
Especially some of those names that haven't entered in many years. Yeah, I'm calling you out.
Michael Anthony Horrigan
More Cowbell Pictures
That was my assumption. I thought many had moved on to other projects.
Charli
cool little "title"
I figured Mods hadn't entered because they are involved in other projects or have a ton of things to do outside of their spare time running this forum. I do however agree if you are a member, you should be allowed to enter. The fests have declined in recent years and it would be nice to see more enter regardless of who they are.
I see where giving prizes to Mods may be looked upon as a conflict of interest, but I see no reason why they can't jump into the kiddie pool and swim.
I see where giving prizes to Mods may be looked upon as a conflict of interest, but I see no reason why they can't jump into the kiddie pool and swim.
AJ Brooks
Well-known member
Honestly, as a avid entrant to these fests, I would love nothing more than to be up against the best there is to offer on these forums. The "risk" that a MOD might be favored in voting is something I am more than willing deal with, and I don't think I'm alone here.
I just wanna see some awesome films in these fests. The MODS have good things to offer, for sure.