Anything Goes

One of my absolute favorite movies is an anthology -- Wild Tales (2015) dir. by Damián Szifron, which features six standalone shorts with a common theme of catharsis, violence and vengeance. So so so so good. Also Paris, I Love You! Mwah chef's kiss

I like the idea of Bumble's new AI Dating Concierge. Surely the AI can fire off better one liners than i can to get all the compatibility questions out of the way, can't it? Can't it???

Despite a cast packed with comedy luminaries, "Unfrosted" is a wholly unfunny disaster well past the point of embarrassing. Like, WTF embarrassing!

Bailed after ten minutes. That stay was five minutes too long.

Agree, Ms. Langley!

Thanks, Jed. So does "Slate."

https://slate.com/culture/2024/05/jerry-seinfeld-unfrosted-netflix-movie...

Jerry Seinfeld is a curious case. Of course revisionist history will tell you that Larry David made Seinfeld and built his entire persona - greatly aided by the nature of syndicated broadcast TV at the time. Which feels true given how incredible Curb has been for the last 25 years. But also Seinfeld was genuinely as great performer and artist for a long time in his own right too. Saw him do standup a while ago and he's legitimately hilarious in person. At this point, most of Seinfeld's works this century have been vanity or passion projects, so his foray into filmmaking is forgivable given he just took a swing at a movie he felt was interesting. Given the legacy brand (Pop Tarts) piece of it probably got the movie funded, can't really fault him for that either. It's not a memorable movie, but Seinfeld wasn't bad with his performance. It was just kind of a boring, corporate branded piece that obviously does feel soulless at times given the dry nature of corporate-driven "content". Could've been better but definitely had funny moments

https://youtu.be/27gnGgjYFiw?si=IFjlTSYUgAOTbvXI

Sad news, Geoff Hall. Art does have power to change people, communities, governments, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing "The Seed of the Sacred Fig."

Wow, that's crazy. Going to go out of my way to see this film now

Pat Alexander yes Pat, it does have that effect. You'd think the trolls of the Iranian Government would understand that's what happens, wouldn't you?

I actually don't think they'd understand that lol. Iran is a very serious country. Don't see much broad comedy coming out of Shiraz or Tehran historically

I've never heard of 13Horror.com, but as a horror writer and enthusiast, I'll have to check it out!

Thank you, everybody. I just had a look back at my conversation with Lamourie. She wrote very long messages and asked for 775$ USD for the Cannes thing and 1000 for a full month.

Tom Norton Hi Tom, the saying is correct. Never give money to those you don't know. Basically, that $775 dollars would appear to cover her costs of getting a Marche Badge. The early bird badge was 449 Euros and today it would cost 600 Euros. Plus maybe a few viewings. I would say No to any approach from a stranger. And don't worry - THERE IS NEVER A STUPID QUESTION to be asked in the Lounges. Just be wary of people offering to represent you, when they don't know you or your work.

She's listed on imdb pro as an actress/publicist. Her webpage emphasizes the publicist angle and says she's a regular at Cannes. Her phone suggests she's based in Toronto. Seems like a pretty pricey ask for something as vague as "representation," but she lists 3 credits that you could investigate what others think of her.

Vague is the word. I must admit that I don't know what it means to have an agency representing me at a film festival/film industry market. What exactly is the service and how much should it cost? I have only been represented by acting agencies and they have meetings, photo sessions and interviews before doing anything. And are of course free. There are six million people with credits on IMdB and most people in the industry have been in Cannes sometimes, so those things don't really mean anything.

Never ever ever hand over money to anyone in exchange for vague services based on tenuous internet clout. There is so much impersonation these days, you've always gotta double check random inquiries. But chances are if they're indiscriminately reaching out to you and making big promises, then they are likely scamming

Great tip, Geoff Hall! I read the dailies, but sometimes I miss some of the articles. Thanks for the tip!

Maurice Vaughan thank you, Maurice.

You're welcome, Geoff Hall.

Really, truly surfing Deadline or Hollywood Reporter is so informative to what's moving and shaking across the market. We welcome any cheatcodes to help in keeping up!

This is the right place to post this, Tom Lapke. The Anything Goes Lounge is for general discussion. I think influencers and content creators have had a huge effect on our industry. Influencers and content creators are getting movie deals, show deals, etc. Like RackaRacka with "Talk to Me." I'm pretty sure studios, production companies, and networks like working with influencers and content creators because of the sizes of their fanbases. It makes sense financially. And huge fanbases aside, platforms like TikTok allow creatives to showcase their work (promotion video, sizzle reel, etc.) quickly.

The early returns on influencer acting has frankly been poor. Not many influencer-led movies have made any money. However, there are some influencers like King Bach or Lilly Singh who have showed a lot of promise in supporting roles, as they learn to master their craft and really hone in on what's a completely different performative skill. However, for filmmakers and writers, there are a ton of transferrable skills to basic content creation like influencer videos for TikTok and YouTube that are easy to see could improve/bolster indie film projects. So can't fault a great creators for hustling projects into existence

This is my first time hearing about "Hitman," Fran Harris. It looks fun. Looking forward to checking it out.

I will have to check this out when it comes out in June! Thanks for sharing Fran :)

Glen Powell is so handsome I will watch anything he's in!!

This is also my first time hearing about "Hitman," Fran Harris It looks great. Looking forward to checkin it out.

Well one is like a miniseries but could be a film special. I have a spec script/story outline.

Another is an idea I got inspiration from Disney's Once Upon a Studio, Remembering, and brought tears to my eyes when I thought of it.

Firstly, full scripts are required. The reason is no one , no studio, is into buying ideas. A fully written script that is at its highest level carries more value than an idea. You can write these scripts by yourself or find a writer to work with. Writing takes time, it’s the long game you are in. So go write the scripts, get notes and feedback , revise your scripts until they are ready to go. Then find a manager whom can represent you to submit to Disney. There are no short cuts.

I know, that but do you know anyone? A writer who could work with me?

I don't. You'll have to check your area for writers, and then expand your search.

Hey Kevin, it's inspiring to see your passion for your ideas! I would say step one is to get your ideas out on the page. If you're not a writer, the Stage 32 jobs page might be a great place to seek help scripting your idea into something physical everyone can evaluate! There are also writers for hire or available on sites like Fiverr or Reddit who could help you express all your ideas in a screenplay :)

Stephen Notley: I hope that S32 is exactly the right place for work sharing, etc.! What I have a problem with is people pretending they're others--in fact, ripping off others' identities--in order to reach out. I don't know what you find confusing about that key distinction. But I'm on board with what you say, and have befriended quite a few awesome fellow writers here in a short time.

Elaine Chang Ah! Okay, I see the distinction. It's not that people are reaching out to you with interest in your work, but that they're pretending to be something they're not, posing as agents and producers, etc. Got it! And very much agreed: liars are LAME!

I was curious about the same thing. I have had several people approach me that look legitimate, only to see them suspended a couple of weeks later. I was wondering how to avoid this. I don't want to waste my time with scammers!

Hi Laurie Woodward. I don't know if this will work in all cases but it worked for me with one scammer pretending to be a Spanish producer. I wrote back with no info about my work, said I looked at his impressive IMDb page and would love to know what kind of screenplays he's interested in. When he didn't respond, I saw his (stolen) Stage 32 handle had been suspended. It would be great to screen them without responding, but I don't know how. Maybe others have ideas?

Great idea, Elaine Chang. Researching people is one way to find out if they're legitimate or not, Laurie Woodward. And suggest having a video meeting. That way you'll be able to see if they're the real person or not.