Filmmaking / Directing : Filmmakers are flaky by Doug Nelson

It's too bad that that is the only conclusion you can draw. Sorry to see you throw in the towel.

Thumbs up, Doug! ive met flaky filmmakers of every age group. my unbiased conclusion- they ain't that many great filmmakers or stories, . my cousin's Wedding video is more interesting.

Very interesting; I called out the indie filmmakers among you and no one rose to the challenge. I rest my case.

I'm young and new to all this, but my opinion is that it's hard to find these kind of things for us filmmakers. I live in Atlanta, so my films wouldn't apply to the Northwest (unless you're willing to accept outside the region, then I'd love to talk with you). If there were something like that down here I would grab at the chance (there might even be one but I haven't found it yet). I think if you want to find new kinds of films you can try to put your showcase more out there. Both parties, filmmakers and distributors, need to work together and that makes it better for everyone. I'd say don't quit just yet, you may find the film and non flaky director you're looking for soon. There's gotta be some out there.

Doug Nielson, I produced two micro budget films, and neither was a slash horror. I don't think I'll ever producer a horror, unless you're talking "Bride of Frankenstein." One was a romantic comedy about a couple who is about to break up and invite a hypocritical marriage counsellor, the other a documentary on America's foreign policy via Ukraine. My target audience for the first film were British and Mormon and Catholics, mainly gen x and boomers, but I made sure it was child friendly too. The target audience for the second film are mainly conservative Gen X and Boomers, patriots, independents and libertarian, as well as Ukrainian and East European expats. For our next film, we are looking to raise money. I took a break to write a novel (aimed at pre-teenage girls, like my daughters), because I wanted to prove that something was mine. I dislike working with people who have no patience, because a rushed attitude is the biggest barrier to quality. I work with talented people, but yes, with a tiny crew, sometimes the production values aren't perfect. So, I take forever in post production to fix things. At the moment, the films are offline because I was upset with Vimeo for calling on clients to lowball filmmakers (they had a list of "suggested prices" that were insults.) And, there are other things I dislike about Vimeo on Demand. However, if you think you can do something for my films, and you're interested in finding out more, let me know. Future films will hopefully have larger budgets, I'm preparing for that now.

Gabriel and Vasco; I hope that both of you find some channel to some audiences somewhere but neither of you are in my back yard. I do more than just televise films. I also promote the filmmakers and invite them on set to discuss their films. I can't believe that I'm the only filmmaker here in the Northwest U.S. - but maybe so. Best wishes.

Doug, Why don't you troll film schools and community colleges as they turn out projects on a regular basis. Copyright for music is a consideration but most schools are taught to obtain written clearance. I am sure you could find some awesome talent and also have the satisfaction of introducing new "Spielberg's' or "Jodi Foster's"

James; good idea – been there, tried that. I’ve offered free award winning scripts to university film study departments; I’ve offered to fund student productions; I offered to teach (for free) screenwriting and film production at the university and our community college but they were more interested in their union agreements and budget considerations. I even offered to set up an entire film school in the CATV studio for free. All to no avail. We just don’t have any live people out here.

Well, Doug, there is an "Ivory Tower" element to these institutions but i wouldn't write them off too quickly. Digital media is making it easier to tell their stories ( in short form), perhaps, the education should go into showing how to market their films after they are made. Perhaps this lack of business "savvy" is what is being construed as" flaky". In Toronto, they have the Worldwide Short Film Festival ( WSFF) and I have seen some pretty good shorts exhibited there. They would make the basis for a good "Up and Coming " television programme and interview session.

What you say is very true. As a reviewer and judge for a couple of larger film festivals out here in the West; I’ve seen some really excellent short films. Unfortunately, the filmmaker often only provides an e-mail for contact – which they never respond to. They just don’t get it nor do they seem to want to learn about marketing – now, that’s just downright flaky to me.

Doug, I'm inclined to agree with you. I don't understand why a filmmaker would go to all the trouble to shoot and finish a project and then not followup. I always thought- that was the point. I guess the world needs ditch diggers too

James - I don't understand it either.

Hay Doug, I kind of agree, but I am on the fence. I find the biggest problem with little to no budge newbie filmmakers is that they spent so much time and money on the production and post, they forgot about marketing and distribution; sometimes because they don't know. Now they're broke, they might only submit to the cheapest festivals, don't win and become depressed. Atleast that's one scenario, others might just lose interest and do something else. I try to give filmmakers the benefit of a doubt, because given the difficulties and obstacles to make a film, when they get one in the can it's an achievement in itself. Getting it out there is a whole nother horror story.

I agree to Gabriel. Widen the circle, introduce indies from everywhere, make it more international. Not at once, but step by step. There are millions of indie filmmakers who would love to know someone like you. Most international films have English subtitles so the language is no problem. I think you are doing a great job with your "Independent Filmmaker's Showcase" and I bet you may at least show a trailer of films which are not from the NW and give a hint (like 'check the internet') to let the viewers know where they can find and watch the movies of a certain filmmaker - and maybe you can even broadcast your little tv show additionally in an online podcast on the tv station's website so that everybody can check you out and get an idea. As I said... widen the circle. Good luck for you show and all the best!

@Elisabeth Meier Disagree. You can't be everything to everybody. I think Doug should continue to promote films and filmmakers in his local area. I have no interest in going to a small local film festival only to find that few of the entries and none of the winners are local filmmakers. I attend/participate in local events because I want to meet and network with local talent.

I just saw this. Doug, I understand your disillusionment. The fact is most directors just want to direct or write, they want to be in craft mode not hustle mode. I've known a few talented directors with great products that just put them on the shelf once they were done and made virtually zero effort to get the movie out there. They're out going to revival movies or outlining a new project when they should be milking everything out of their last movie. I'm partially guilty of this so thanks for reminding me of an area I need to work on! It's very hard to find the relentless self-promoter gene mixed with the true artist gene in one person - when it is found that generally tends to be the success stories we hear of. I'm in New York, but I lived in Seattle, I would move there if I could make movies easily there. I would love to hear what you think of my film "Hits" - it's on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phSz2idWtnI

@JD Hartman. I understood that he is looking for talents he can present in his tv show and as screenwriter and filmmaker I'm mainly interested in good work, well told stories and great films no matter where they come from. But I've lived at many different places so maybe this is why I'm influenced different and have a different point of view which is being more open to the world and far away from always running the same ways in the same old shoes. That different are people which you have to accept as well, JD.

Dave- just saw your trailer, "Hits." that is tight! Luv that shit! Brooklyn represent! Good luck!

Thanks a lot Dan! I appreciate it

Hey all; I started this “filmmaker call-out” in the hopes of starting a debate but I get the impression that most of you agree with me to varying degrees. Okay let’s forget the combative debate and put our heads together to find a solution. I keep it local, but the NW is still pretty large (for comparison – we have counties out here that are larger than some of those little NE states). The basic concept is to not only showcase short indie films but to promote the filmmaker too – all for free to the filmmaker. It’s not likely that I have anything to offer filmmakers in the East. The same for Foreign films and if I don’t speak the language, it’s hard to watch the actors and read the subtitles (many are small, in white on light backgrounds, and fleeting). So let’s find a solution.

Doug - By way of reference, you and I used to go back and forth occasionally on another website back when we were kids (like five years ago), so my ears perk up whenever I see one of your posts. But I digress... Yes, most of us filmmakers ARE flaky, with very little understanding, experience, insight or interest about business, marketing, distribution, promotion, organization and funding, let alone monetizing our creative efforts - you know, all the non-creative stuff. But why should we? Filmmaking is tough enough...even given all the great technology available. But if SOMEONE doesn't consider the non-creative side we will remain Weekend Film Warriors. Hobbyists. Until we aren't anymore and our equipment and dreams gather dust on a top shelf of our basement closet. But you in the Northwest and I on the East Coast, HAVE thought about it. You with NIFS and me with FIFO (Fade In/Fade Out) - a non-profit filmmaking consortium in the Lehigh Valley, PA.Our approaches might be different but our goals are the same - cultivating filmmaking and filmmakers while providing exposure for their work. FIFO bends the traditional filmmaking paradigm by focusing less on Hollywood and more on personal and professional growth through production, education, promotion and development. We've devised a revenue stream to fund our efforts and are attracting outside filmmakers - even from Hollywood - so we can learn from them and raise our game. So I, for one, am intrigued by your efforts and NIFS and would like to learn more about how it works. Who knows...maybe there's a possibility for collaboration.

Bill – I apologize for not getting back sooner (it’s been a little hectic here.) I only vaguely recall our prior back-n-forth, but moving on: It does sound as though you and I are of similar mind in promoting the emerging independent filmmaker corps. I noticed that your FIFO organization has its own film festival (how’s that working out?). I don’t have a festival going yet because I’m a reviewer for some local festivals. I’m in the process of selling our home and relocating to a nearby university town that may lend itself to having a festival. Basically my NWIFS provides a television platform to exhibit short films and brings in the filmmaker/writer/actors to promote their film and themselves. I operate under a nonprofit umbrella so there is no income stream as yet. The project is on hold right now until I get relocated and settled at which time I will either abandon it or go for it under a full head of steam – it’ll be one extreme or the other.

Doug - Before you decide between balls to the wall or bolting, get back in touch again. I like your strategy re: a university/college setting - having left one to come east, I know they often have a vibe or energy that can be inspiring. I will let you know how the film festival goes - this is our inaugural year so naturally has its challenges. Be well...

Wilco ...(if I remember)... over & out for now.

Doug Nelson : I took the tag thinking and seeking that I would say what you did. It takes tremendous skill across multiple domains to do a one-reel indie with any effectiveness. I went to one interview with couple whom were just out of film-school and doing their 1-st feature, which they were sure they could get on A&E: I handed them a release informing that I wanted to make one suggestion on Stunts: They were nearly in shock at that and asked me where did you get the release? Actors whom can deliver and set-directions that does not step on what they can do. Product that will sell—or fulfills viewers 1-st interest and doing all this with anything other than interested persons—whom for that matter I would think that they could be found and any university film-school—is not just a minor challenge. I am working a concept now with others and will certainly see what you have if I get enough working but rather than throw it on the wall; just lower the pace of expected material and keep in on a maintenance level of activity as I have leaned: Use it or lose it. There is plenty to do with life other than taking a hickey on it like it sounds like you are doing.

Hi Nicholas, I agree wholeheartedly that the ability to produce 1-reelers is a dying art (maybe already dead.). Next time I attempt this sort of thing, I'll remember to bring my own willow switch to my caining. I read your tag-line; very good indeed, I can imagine the poster already.

Its possible that some of them might think it’s just too good to be true, I myself am a filmmaker who’s very interested in the business and marketing of my own work and looking for niche audiences, one thing I’ve learned is there are a lot of people blowing smoke or trying to rip people off, while I agree that tons of filmmakers are Indeed VERY flaky I think they just might not believe that you’re really just trying to help them out. That being said, I’m glad that you are out there and that someone is wanting to help artists rather than take advantage of them, if I was located in the area you advertise no doubt I’d be responding haha.