"Too Stupid To Know Better"

I hear a lot of people say that, that they were too stupid to know any better, especially from those who made a splash into the film industry as directors. They take chances and use unconventional means to finish the job, because they are forced to. It's often why their first film remains their best, too. I wonder if I suffer from a little of that stupidity. People tell me I'm expecting to much of my first feature. But I can't see how. Are there little things that I don't notice right now that will trip me up? Definitely. But really, does a person need anything other than passion and drive to make a project happen? It's funny, when I worked in construction all those years, there was a saying amongst the foreman and big boss-Make It Happen. Don't have enough time to finish? Make it happen. The sheetrock wasn't delivered? Make it happen. Over and over again, the reply was basically NO COMPROMISE. Proceed as planned, because there is no other choice. I used to roll my eyes after hearing it spewed out by my foreman, who is an ex-marine. But years removed, I think it is exactly what I am doing now. The reason it never resonated before was that I didn't believe in what I was doing, and I didn't take a personal interest. It was a job I loathed much more than I loved. But now that I care about something, I can see I follow that advice on a daily basis. When I get turned down, I bitch and hate the world, but I don't give up. I find an alternate route.

Friend: How the hell did you get Metallica and Adidas to sign off on a clearance for this tiny movie?
Me: Um, I don't know really. And it's not tiny-it's budget unknown.
Friend: You know it's not normal, right?
Me: No, I don't know that.
Friend: So, how did you do it?
Me: Two emails, and two phone calls.
Friend: What?!
Me: Anyone can do it.
Friend: I don't think so. You got them for free. Why don't more people do it then?
Me: I don't know. All I did was call.

Too stupid to know whether or not this is the way things work. I just Made It Happen Whether this is normal or not is not the point. The point is, I don't know if it is or not. It's called drive.
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I saw this in action in film school. Everyone wanted to be a director when the class started. After our first project, I would wager 50% wilted under the pressure and changed their aspirations accordingly. They gave up over one weekend, a 48 hour film contest, and that was that. It was a shame really. There were some real talented people who just didn't have that passion, or drive to finish one measly project. I stayed up 44 of those hours filming and editing, and didn't win a thing except some laughs from the crowd when we screened it. That kept me going though. I bet there were 300 people enrolled in my class. I would say 250 wanted to be directors. 6 months in, it probably dipped to 100. By graduation, I don't think it's crazy to say only 25 ended up sticking with directing as their main interest. Out of that 25, 10 will finish one feature film. 2 out of that 10 will attempt another. And it all comes down to making it happen.

I suppose there are certain personality traits that one must possess in order to have that stubborn drive, and I can't necessarily fault someone for a lack of those traits. I think you either got 'em, or you don't. I have a strong red personality. I'm stubborn, and I have innate leadership skills. I am also quite mean, and can almost become a God in my own mind overnight. Thankfully, I have a very big case of horrific self doubt immediately after to keep me grounded. Some people constantly pass the responsibility of the smallest jobs on a set to someone else(on amateur productions). Some have a chance to take charge and don't for fear of stepping on toes. Other's are content to be a grip for their entire life. And all of that is okay. But I'm not one of those people, and I think that's what will make this film a successful endeavor. I will just Make It Happen.

Denied!

IMDB denied my application for a page twice! Their reasoning? I'm not far enough into pre-production(Funny, I feel knee fucking deep in it)), and I don't have a third party site announcing my film. Well guess what? Horrorbrain has put my press release on their front page! Go visit horrorbrain, which is part of the IGN network and take a gander! Extra thanks to Brandon(aka Gorefan), the head honcho over there, who graciously accepted my press release without trying to crush my little independent ass...as most horror sites have done.

Just to throw a tidbit out there-I may be gaining the right to use Black Sabbath's Solitude for my film. We'll see how this one shakes out!

Generator Update Part 2

Adidas have allowed us to use their clothing for the lead actress, for free once again. Metallica and Adidas are going to get very special thanks from Damage Done Productions, that's for sure.

She will be sporting a green Adidas, 80's style jumper/track suit.

Generator Update

#1) Metallica have kindly given us clearance to outfit one of the main characters in Generator with an...And Justice For All T shirt. Damn nice of them too, as I was expecting a 'no', or a huge charge. So that's awesome. (Intellectual property garbage is a pain in the ass-you can't have anything in your film without an okay...yes even clothes.) Justice is perhaps my favorite album of all time, bar none. Yeah ye yeah!!

#2) I created the Generator page for IMDB, and it's been submitted. I am currently awaiting approval, which I assume will be forthcoming. I offered all the information they ask for, with the exception of Distributor, Official site and a third party site link. Since I listed it as being in pre production, I don't think it should be a problem. And since it's truly in pre-production, I would hope they would allow it. So that just about kicks ass. Can't wait to lure private investors in through IMDB. (Hint: Professionals you may approach about investing are easily impressed by an IMDB listing-it makes the film real, even if you haven't shot one inch of footage! One of their first questions is "are you on IMDB?" Now I can say YES. Thank you Eli Roth for that one!) Now all I got to do is take some freaky stills to submit, and create a trailer. What a great day today was! I wish it was Groundhog Day!

Gah Dang It

I just came up with the best opening credit sequence for Generator. It's so damn perfect, I wish I could film it tomorrow! Arg! The locations are all set, as are the crew and actors...the film is about ready to go! (If I ever finish those infernal storyboards!)

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I'm moving back to the mothership around the 20th, and I can't wait. Then I can really dig into preproduction. I can actually go to the location, instead of going off memory. I can meet with a special FX person instead of exchanging emails. I can test them to see if they can do a head cast. (and really, there's nothing better than that!) I can meet up with Chris the composer and show him the deal-take him out for a few beers and explain my vision.(we'll have to work out arrangements sir) So much excitement!

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Bye Bye Florida, I hardly knew ye, and the little I do know left thou with a bitter taste in thy mouth of thee...um, yeah.

Best things about Florida: 70 degrees in Winter. 24 hour beer supply. No pigs bothered me. All fast food joints take credit.

Worst things about FL: English is an antiquated notion apparently. The roads are like Thunderdome-anything goes! No discernible speed limit-left lane is evidently not for passing in this state. Horrible recycled water smell when sprinklers turn on, which is basically 4 times a day for 11 3/4 months. Yet, they don't require any other recycling-for shame. Violent crime is either the worst of any city area, or the news only covers violent crime. Either way, it's scary and depressing...and Taxi Driver persona inducing. Too many idiots who want to race their Hyundai. Too many idiots who want to race their Honda Civic. Too many idiots that want to put loud mufflers on toy cars. Not nearly enough idiots dead on black top.

Question

Has anyone heard of Movie Jigsaw? It's a website that allows screenwriters the chance to choose a project idea they would like to develop from a pool of story ideas. The story ideas come from other members who aren't screenwriters, but I guess have story ideas they would like to see developed. Anybody heard anything about this place? It sounds like an okay idea in theory, but so does communism. You kind of bid on a property you're interested in, say, writing credit and 30% from final script sale, and if it's accepted, they hammer out a deal through an entertainment attorney before work is started.

I find it oddly enticing to work on another individuals story. What do you guys think?