September 5, 2010: The Sunday Morning Supplement: The Fair-Weather Fan VS the Die-Hard Fan
The fair-weather fan and the bandwagon jumper have a lot in common, if not, they are the same person. He only has time for his team when things are going right and when the team is winning. The fair weather fan as opposed to the die-hard fan knows no pain. When things go awry on the field for any length of time he has found something else to interest him. He knows the bandwagon will not leave the terminal and he is free to move on.
The die-hard fan on the other hand, has nothing but contempt and loathing for the fair-weather fan. He takes umbrage at his last minute arrival to the party and detests him for jumping on the bandwagon. The philosophy being, if you have not grinded it out and suffered your whole life through the hard times, you have no right to enjoy the good times. As much as it sticks in the craw of the die-hard, there is nothing he can do to stop the bandwagon from picking up peripheral partiers.
What is a bandwagon for, if not to jump on? That is the essence of the bandwagon. It comes around the corner hooting and hollering, playing music and having a grand old time. Why wouldn't you want to jump on the bandwagon? I will admit, even though frowned upon in some circles, I am a bandwagon jumper. If I see a party coming down the street I just can't help myself but to jump on board. That’s the beauty of the bandwagon, everyone is invited, the only criteria is to enjoy the celebration.
I have put my hand out to some curb dwellers while riding shotgun on the bandwagon. Heck, I even pulled over and asked them to come aboard. I have found that some people would rather lie in their own misery then enjoy any happiness you could offer them. After receiving a resounding “NO!” we would lash the horses and be on our merry way, leaving some miserable sod, under a street lamp, on the side of the road, crying in his beer and cursing at us. It is his choice, of course.
September 4, 2010: Manzo Update: Deadlines Make Great Motivators
I am feverishly trying to finish my film. There is nothing like a deadline to light a fire under one’s pants. I am trying to make the September 21st final cut-off for Sundance. Having less than three weeks is cutting it close, but the last thing is the music and it should be done next week. The Park City fest is a long shot for any filmmaker, but why not go for all the marbles. One can only hope the person in charge of viewing my movie hasn’t had a domestic squabble the night before. Skill is important, but a little luck couldn’t hurt.
In other big news I started my fifth and possibly final draft of my book Above the Line. This book chronicles my life in the business, the movies I’ve worked on and the crazy and bizarre experiences I’ve had over the last twenty years. Working in every facet of the industry has allowed me to see the business from every angle. The book is filled with movie information, eyewitness accounts and my perspective on the inner workings of the industry.
It has taken me a little longer than expected to complete this task. I knocked out the first draft in just over three weeks. The re-writes have been time consuming, but of course necessary. I don’t have a hard date yet, but the end of the fall looks promising for a release date. I will keep you updated with my progress. I have several projects stacked up on my desk, but that is where they must rest until the book release later this year. The future is looking good with my two major projects coming to completion this year. If everything goes right next year I will be …
September 1, 2010: DVD Pick: Bullets Over Broadway
Bullets Over Broadway aptly titled as the mob comes to the theater in the roaring twenties. Woody Allen does everything right, helming this great early 90’s comedy. As usual, he puts an all-star cast together with John Cusack in the lead role as an aspiring playwright finally getting his work produced.
The production is not without its price, the local mob boss backs it on the condition that his no-talent girlfriend Olive, (Jennifer Tilly) has an integral role in the play. Cheech, (Chazz Palminteri) is assigned the duties of looking after the boss’ girl while at the theater. Cheech is bored and spends time giving young David Shayne (Cusack) pointers on his script.
Time passes and Cheech’s writing prowess improves. The script is getting better, which excites older woman / leading lady Helen Sinclair, (Dianne Wiest) so much so, that she & David begin an illicit affair. There is much more melodrama, which creates the backdrop for great comedy. I especially enjoyed Ms. Wiest’s role as the over the top harlot / starlet.
Allen has had quite a career and has many great films to enjoy on a Saturday night, but I don’t need to tell you to see Annie Hall or Manhattan. Bullets Over Broadway is one that got by many aficionados. This is a guaranteed laugh riot farce. If you’re a Woody fan, I’m surprised you missed it. If you’re a movie fan, I’m still surprised.
August 28, 2010: A Must Read for any Serious Filmmaker: Think Outside the Box Office, by Jon Reiss
Think Outside the Box Office is an indispensible tool for filmmakers who want to get their film out to the public and be financially successful. The old paradigm of going to a festival in hopes of securing a distribution deal is long since dead and buried. It does happen, but there are also people who hit the lottery, they play it, but certainly don’t count on it. I’m not telling you to give up on the festival route. It is still part of the overall package. If your movie is placed in the right festival it could create a significant buzz. What do you do with that buzz if you fall short of getting a deal?
The first thing you should do is pick up this book. In today’s film market the up-coming filmmaker needs to make her own way. If there isn’t enough money, the modern producer must don many hats, such as publicist and marketer, in order to get noticed. Think Outside the Box Office is a guide that will bring you up to speed, let you know what your options are and show you alternative ways to get your film out to the public.
Knowledge is king and as more movies are being made the competition is only increasing. Today’s producer must be his own distributer. Jon Reiss has organized the process and created a system to follow, along with different options depending on what type of film you have to sell.
One may read it cover to cover, but it also may be used as a reference book. Jon Reiss’ book is essential to distribution in today’s movie market. The book will help you figure out your strategy for distribution and the necessity to begin the distribution process before shooting the movie. If you have completed your film it is still a must read. There are many ideas and tips to help you push your movie toward financial success.
If you are serious about breaking into the overly competitive movie market, you must have the right tools. Making a good movie is the hardest part, but without proper publicity and marketing your movie will collect dust on the shelf. It is time to be pro-active, and if you haven’t read this book you are probably still living in the dark ages.