Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
I'm sorry, but while I concede Jeff's point, re: Bob Brooks recent posts don't exhibit the wit that I reference -- I will have to just -- (somewhat rudely, I admit) -- presume that Jeff's posting, reading history and possibly his length of membership at MoPo -- is far too limited (just for now) -- to know what I'm talking about. Bob's background, profession and video satires have been known to some of us at MoPo since the 1990s. I'm confident that Jeff's ignorance -- due to his lack of history -- (and not because of any limited capacity by him to store knowledge) -- will recede. And so will my ignorance about Jeff, for whom I only know about through his theories that rocks -- unlike movie paper -- never change over millions of years. -kuz. Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:39:32 -0700From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wit? if those few posts are what you consider razor wit i think you need a sharpening. On Jul 22, 2008, at 9:51 PM, David Kusumoto wrote: ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Good Lord, this is so far afoot from the original question! Craig makes the point that 'Low Budget' is a relative term and arguing it is absurd because it is relative to the original proposition of the post. Can a MAJOR DIRECTOR shoot an 'epic' on a low budget? Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A-Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? Enough with the 'devil in the details' of who knows what, etc. Docs are generally cheaper to make, which is no sin, but to compare an 'epic' type drama to a doc or the 10 zillion films made in the last quadrillion years doesn't answer the question. I suppose what's inherent in the original question is have these titans become too fat and are incapable of filming on a diet? I think it would be fantastic to get three or four A-List Directors, give them each $500,000 and have them make separate films then compare the outcomes. What you have to understand is that Tom Hanks will show up for free just like your pals will show up and do something gratis. Those are the perks of being in their positions. Okay, Hanks would show up for nothing 'up-front'...lol It might be called TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 8:42 PM, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed there - just from the last 6 months (and they only list a fraction of all the movies made - very few student films, foreign films, ultra-low- budget films, etc...). I guess I should be expecting an apology?... - Original Message - From: Craig Miller To: Robert D. Brooks Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? You're missing the point. You're wrong about the number of movies made. Your numbers all seem to be wild guesses and you haven't specified if you're talking about feature length films or including all lengths and formats. I can only believe you're doing the latter because your numbers are just way, way off for the former. (And what makes you think each film festival gets applications for a completely different group of films? Sundance requires it hasn't been shown anywhere else before them but most festivals have no such rule. And they don't say films can't play other festivals after them.) Please don't insult us by suggesting that only you are so smart as to know about films not made by the Hollywood studios or that we don't know about low budget films. I assure you, that isn't the case. And if you think the super low budget filmmakers all make wonderful movies, you clearly haven't seen a significant enough percentage of them. A large percentage of the indies are godawful. As are the majority of studio pictures. But they don't suddenly become good because they're made with low low budgets. I've been in this business over 30 years now and I've worked with and seen pictures at all different budget levels. The budget -- high or low -- isn't what makes them good. Craig. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Dave, I can only point out one very significant issue with your post. Verna Fields was the Oscar Winning Editor on Jaws. Spielberg would be the first to tell you that she saved his ass on that one. She was a great lady and may she rest in peace. Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 9:51 PM, David Kusumoto wrote: ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. I will say though, that while more films are being made than ever before -- the truth is -- more films were RELEASED by major studios and distributors from the 1920s to 1946 than they are today. They had a monopoly and even owned the theaters to show their OWN films. Movie attendance since 1946 has never been eclipsed, thanks to TV. Foreign films -- more prevalent today -- were near unavailable to U.S. audiences outside NY and LA before 1960. Most small towns never saw ANY films with subtitles. ** Meanwhile, switching gears back to Jaws and it's so-called cheap rubber shark -- good and classy response by Rich in the U.K.; I'm glad you clarified your earlier remarks. That 1975 picture introduced the blockbuster mentality to Hollywood, opening in more theaters on opening day than typical for most studios at the time. The disaster genre wave preceded it and some say Jaws just blew down the doors faster. ** Jaws was a big-budgeted film for the 1970s -- with everything riding on the skills of a 26-year old novice -- who hadn't yet demonstrated a track record of success in the U.S. Jaws began production before the 1974 release of his theatrical debut, The Sugarland Express. Most famously, Spielberg ditched the domestic melodrama of the ultra-popular Peter Benchley novel and turned his film into a high-seas adventure, with a triangle character structure involving Shaw, Dreyfuss and Scheider. ** Most memorable were comments by actor Richard Dreyfuss, who dissed the film (and Spielberg) throughout its production. Following historic sneak previews in Dallas and Long Beach, and an exhibitor's preview in New York, Dreyfuss was mobbed. (Like many people, he had underestimated Spielberg's skills as an editor and storyteller -- and had no idea what the assembled film would look like with John Williams' legendary score). Dreyfuss went bonkers, telling everyone he was dead wrong, that he was embarrassed by his remarks, that Spielberg was a genius, that the picture would be big for everyone. For many people, Jaws remains Spielberg's best film -- and for collectors, probably his best film poster, next to the bicycle and moon image in E.T. ** After Jaws, Spielberg would always have final cut. He made enemies quickly. Many critics (except the late Pauline Kael) disdained Spielberg's reputation as a populist director (akin to how they treated Hitchcock, another commercial director whose legend grew anyway, esp. after his death in 1980). After the disaster of 1941, Spielberg's rep for sentimental big-budget entertainment was sealed when he returned with the first Raiders picture in '81. I know my appreciation for Spielberg's craftsmanship is a minority view at MoPo. He's not highly regarded nor beloved as Scorcese or Ridley Scott or Eastwood among living directors -- yet it's not difficult for anyone to predict that Spielberg will indeed be considered legendary -- for good and for ill -- by future generations (just not mine) -kuz. Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:32:24 +0100 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Stand corrected, must read up on my history. Point I meant to make, but failed badly with this example, I'd rather have a tale well told, with tension due to what you don't see, but are scared you will, rather than a film choc full of the most mind blowing effects. (Which I don't equate with a rarely seen, obviously rubber, albeit expensive, shark.) Regardless of the setting, I'll do without the water, just settle for a shower. Cheers, Rich Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
What an amazing editor she was. I like Spielberg's films especially Jaws, ET, Close Encounters, Indiana Jones, and Munich. I still think the opening to War of the Worlds was amazing. Let's see what he does if he gets to buy Dreamworks. Toochis - Original Message From: Patrick Michael Tupy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:10:18 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? Dave, I can only point out one very significant issue with your post. Verna Fields was the Oscar Winning Editor on Jaws. Spielberg would be the first to tell you that she saved his ass on that one. She was a great lady and may she rest in peace. Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 9:51 PM, David Kusumoto wrote: ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. I will say though, that while more films are being made than ever before -- the truth is -- more films were RELEASED by major studios and distributors from the 1920s to 1946 than they are today. They had a monopoly and even owned the theaters to show their OWN films. Movie attendance since 1946 has never been eclipsed, thanks to TV. Foreign films -- more prevalent today -- were near unavailable to U.S. audiences outside NY and LA before 1960. Most small towns never saw ANY films with subtitles. ** Meanwhile, switching gears back to Jaws and it's so-called cheap rubber shark -- good and classy response by Rich in the U.K.; I'm glad you clarified your earlier remarks. That 1975 picture introduced the blockbuster mentality to Hollywood, opening in more theaters on opening day than typical for most studios at the time. The disaster genre wave preceded it and some say Jaws just blew down the doors faster. ** Jaws was a big-budgeted film for the 1970s -- with everything riding on the skills of a 26-year old novice -- who hadn't yet demonstrated a track record of success in the U.S. Jaws began production before the 1974 release of his theatrical debut, The Sugarland Express. Most famously, Spielberg ditched the domestic melodrama of the ultra-popular Peter Benchley novel and turned his film into a high-seas adventure, with a triangle character structure involving Shaw, Dreyfuss and Scheider. ** Most memorable were comments by actor Richard Dreyfuss, who dissed the film (and Spielberg) throughout its production. Following historic sneak previews in Dallas and Long Beach, and an exhibitor's preview in New York, Dreyfuss was mobbed. (Like many people, he had underestimated Spielberg's skills as an editor and storyteller -- and had no idea what the assembled film would look like with John Williams' legendary score). Dreyfuss went bonkers, telling everyone he was dead wrong, that he was embarrassed by his remarks, that Spielberg was a genius, that the picture would be big for everyone. For many people, Jaws remains Spielberg's best film -- and for collectors, probably his best film poster, next to the bicycle and moon image in E.T. ** After Jaws, Spielberg would always have final cut. He made enemies quickly. Many critics (except the late Pauline Kael) disdained Spielberg's reputation as a populist director (akin to how they treated Hitchcock, another commercial director whose legend grew anyway, esp. after his death in 1980). After the disaster of 1941, Spielberg's rep for sentimental big-budget entertainment was sealed when he returned with the first Raiders picture in '81. I know my appreciation for Spielberg's craftsmanship is a minority view at MoPo. He's not highly regarded nor beloved as Scorcese or Ridley Scott or Eastwood among living directors -- yet it's not difficult for anyone to predict that Spielberg will indeed be considered legendary -- for good and for ill -- by future generations (just not mine) -kuz. Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:32:24 +0100 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Stand corrected, must read up on my history. Point I meant to make, but failed badly with this example, I'd rather have a tale well told, with tension due to what you don't see, but are scared you will, rather than a film choc full of the most mind blowing effects. (Which I don't equate with a rarely seen, obviously rubber, albeit expensive, shark.) Regardless of the setting, I'll do without the water, just settle for a shower. Cheers, Rich Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A-Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? No, of course it's no epic (the 82 minute film was shot in less than 5 days). It wasn't even supposed to be a movie (we shot it as a free internet video). It's actually a mockumentary (so I guess that's a pretty good sign if it fooled you into thinking it was real). I wasn't talking about epics per se, just what constitutes a low-budget! If I had between one and five million dollars, I could probably shoot an 'epic' that was at least close to Oscar-worthy (and I know lots of other directors that could do that too, but will never be given the chance to try). But, I guess it all depends on what you mean by 'epic?' If you're talking epic, as in Lawrence of Arabia or Ben-Hur, you couldn't even shoot those for $500 million nowadays. Anything on that grand a scale would be far too expensive now. Just try finding 15,000 racing camels and the jockeys to ride them - heck, just try finding the insurance to cover the production! They'll shoot those scenes in CGI instead, and it won't look quite right or feel like a true 'epic,' since you can't really move the camera in a CGI shot without it looking horrible. We'll never be able to return to the epics of old (not for a couple decades anyways, until either the world's economy collapses or computer graphics technology gets much better)... But, then, if you're talking 'major director' as well, most of them are too used to the Hollywood way of doing things (the ridiculously expensive way) that they'd never be able to shoot a true epic on a low budget (what, no private trailer complete with personal chef, automatic cocaine-dispenser and crew of assistants???). You're probably more likely to get that epic out of a new or younger director... But, then again, it's hard to compare. If Spielberg shoots a $1 million movie, he'll still have his choice of the best actors and crew-members in the business (willing to work for nearly free) - any other director with the same amount of money, won't have nearly the same amount of resources, so it's hard to really compare... Night, Bob - Original Message - From: Patrick Michael Tupy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:03 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? Good Lord, this is so far afoot from the original question! Craig makes the point that 'Low Budget' is a relative term and arguing it is absurd because it is relative to the original proposition of the post. Can a MAJOR DIRECTOR shoot an 'epic' on a low budget? Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A-Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? Enough with the 'devil in the details' of who knows what, etc. Docs are generally cheaper to make, which is no sin, but to compare an 'epic' type drama to a doc or the 10 zillion films made in the last quadrillion years doesn't answer the question. I suppose what's inherent in the original question is have these titans become too fat and are incapable of filming on a diet? I think it would be fantastic to get three or four A-List Directors, give them each $500,000 and have them make separate films then compare the outcomes. What you have to understand is that Tom Hanks will show up for free just like your pals will show up and do something gratis. Those are the perks of being in their positions. Okay, Hanks would show up for nothing 'up-front'...lol It might be called TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 8:42 PM, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
At 10:41 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. I'll pass your critique along: he only shot movies like X-Men II, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Fantastic Four, Elf, Paycheck, etc... oh, and the Canadian classic Hookers on Davie! I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear your thoughts... And, what kind of quality do you expect for an 80+ minute film shot in less than 5 days??? I'm confused. X-Men II's DP was Newton Thomas Sigel. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' was done by John Bailey. For Fantastic Four it was Oliver Reed. Etc. Etc. Why does your DP use all those aliases when he works? Craig. - Original Message - From: Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:54 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? IMDB is a wonderful website. It's invaluable. But they don't only list feature films. They list TV episodes (actually series, but with listings for each episode). And they list short films. One minute. Two minutes. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes in length. I'm discussing feature films. If you include everything, of all lengths, designed for any and all mediums, than yes, your number isn't some wild ass guess with no basis in fact. It's still a guess but it's closer to reality. If you're talking about actual feature length films made with at least the hope of a theatrical release, then your number is way way way off. Even if we accept the IMDB number as being accurate, and double it for the rest of the year, it's only half the number you first gave and only an eighth of the number you later increased it to. But, of course, we can't really accept the IMDB number because it isn't only feature films. And while this film you give as an example might be feature length -- I'll take your word for it, since what's on YouTube is just 10 minutes long -- it's also apparently soft-core porn, which can be made very very cheaply. The acting, from the couple minutes I watched, is hardly top quality; the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. For a Troma direct-to-DVD, it's fine, but it isn't theatrical quality. And I'm guessing I must have missed the parts that qualify it as being much better than what comes out of the studios. Oh, and if you want to throw credits back and forth, I've worked on major studio films and independent films. I've been a guest speaker at film festivals and distribution markets in the US, the UK, France, Italy, and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (an organization of independent film producers) just asked me to come speak at their conference in November. (I've even been on panels with Lloyd Kaufman.) I've worked with George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Jim Henson, Tom Hanks, John Boorman, Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Ken Russell, Anthony Shaffer, Robin Hardy, Richard Lester, Richard Donner, Howard Gottfried, Danny Melnick, Frank Oz, Frank Marshall, Luigi Cingolani, John Carpenter, Oliver Stone, Ed Pressman, etc. etc. etc. So I do know what I'm talking about. Craig. At 08:42 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed there - just from the last 6 months (and they only list a fraction of all the movies made - very few student films, foreign films, ultra-low-budget films, etc...). I guess I should be expecting an apology?... - Original Message - From: Craig Miller To: Robert D. Brooks Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? You're missing the point. You're wrong about the number of movies made. Your numbers all seem to be wild guesses and you haven't specified if you're talking about feature length films or including all lengths and formats. I can only believe you're doing the latter because your numbers are just way, way off for the former. (And what makes you think each film festival gets applications for
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Where did I say he was DP??? I said he 'shot' those movies, meaning he was the one holding the camera (fyi, the DP hardly ever touches the camera). Although I'm sure he was probably DP on at least one of those as well... - Original Message - From: Craig Miller To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:31 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? At 10:41 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. I'll pass your critique along: he only shot movies like X-Men II, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Fantastic Four, Elf, Paycheck, etc... oh, and the Canadian classic Hookers on Davie! I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear your thoughts... And, what kind of quality do you expect for an 80+ minute film shot in less than 5 days??? I'm confused. X-Men II's DP was Newton Thomas Sigel. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' was done by John Bailey. For Fantastic Four it was Oliver Reed. Etc. Etc. Why does your DP use all those aliases when he works? Craig. - Original Message - From: Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:54 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? IMDB is a wonderful website. It's invaluable. But they don't only list feature films. They list TV episodes (actually series, but with listings for each episode). And they list short films. One minute. Two minutes. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes in length. I'm discussing feature films. If you include everything, of all lengths, designed for any and all mediums, than yes, your number isn't some wild ass guess with no basis in fact. It's still a guess but it's closer to reality. If you're talking about actual feature length films made with at least the hope of a theatrical release, then your number is way way way off. Even if we accept the IMDB number as being accurate, and double it for the rest of the year, it's only half the number you first gave and only an eighth of the number you later increased it to. But, of course, we can't really accept the IMDB number because it isn't only feature films. And while this film you give as an example might be feature length -- I'll take your word for it, since what's on YouTube is just 10 minutes long -- it's also apparently soft-core porn, which can be made very very cheaply. The acting, from the couple minutes I watched, is hardly top quality; the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. For a Troma direct-to-DVD, it's fine, but it isn't theatrical quality. And I'm guessing I must have missed the parts that qualify it as being much better than what comes out of the studios. Oh, and if you want to throw credits back and forth, I've worked on major studio films and independent films. I've been a guest speaker at film festivals and distribution markets in the US, the UK, France, Italy, and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (an organization of independent film producers) just asked me to come speak at their conference in November. (I've even been on panels with Lloyd Kaufman.) I've worked with George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Jim Henson, Tom Hanks, John Boorman, Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Ken Russell, Anthony Shaffer, Robin Hardy, Richard Lester, Richard Donner, Howard Gottfried, Danny Melnick, Frank Oz, Frank Marshall, Luigi Cingolani, John Carpenter, Oliver Stone, Ed Pressman, etc. etc. etc. So I do know what I'm talking about. Craig. At 08:42 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed there - just from the last 6 months (and they only list a fraction of all
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
bob, i was looking on imdb.. with all your commentary here. are you the same Robert D. Brooks who did something called THE DILDO SONG in 1999? jeff On Jul 22, 2008, at 11:44 PM, Robert D. Brooks wrote: Where did I say he was DP??? I said he 'shot' those movies, meaning he was the one holding the camera (fyi, the DP hardly ever touches the camera). Although I'm sure he was probably DP on at least one of those as well... - Original Message - From: Craig Miller To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:31 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? At 10:41 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. I'll pass your critique along: he only shot movies like X-Men II, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Fantastic Four, Elf, Paycheck, etc... oh, and the Canadian classic Hookers on Davie! I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear your thoughts... And, what kind of quality do you expect for an 80+ minute film shot in less than 5 days??? I'm confused. X-Men II's DP was Newton Thomas Sigel. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' was done by John Bailey. For Fantastic Four it was Oliver Reed. Etc. Etc. Why does your DP use all those aliases when he works? Craig. - Original Message - From: Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:54 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? IMDB is a wonderful website. It's invaluable. But they don't only list feature films. They list TV episodes (actually series, but with listings for each episode). And they list short films. One minute. Two minutes. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes in length. I'm discussing feature films. If you include everything, of all lengths, designed for any and all mediums, than yes, your number isn't some wild ass guess with no basis in fact. It's still a guess but it's closer to reality. If you're talking about actual feature length films made with at least the hope of a theatrical release, then your number is way way way off. Even if we accept the IMDB number as being accurate, and double it for the rest of the year, it's only half the number you first gave and only an eighth of the number you later increased it to. But, of course, we can't really accept the IMDB number because it isn't only feature films. And while this film you give as an example might be feature length -- I'll take your word for it, since what's on YouTube is just 10 minutes long -- it's also apparently soft-core porn, which can be made very very cheaply. The acting, from the couple minutes I watched, is hardly top quality; the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. For a Troma direct-to-DVD, it's fine, but it isn't theatrical quality. And I'm guessing I must have missed the parts that qualify it as being much better than what comes out of the studios. Oh, and if you want to throw credits back and forth, I've worked on major studio films and independent films. I've been a guest speaker at film festivals and distribution markets in the US, the UK, France, Italy, and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (an organization of independent film producers) just asked me to come speak at their conference in November. (I've even been on panels with Lloyd Kaufman.) I've worked with George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Jim Henson, Tom Hanks, John Boorman, Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Ken Russell, Anthony Shaffer, Robin Hardy, Richard Lester, Richard Donner, Howard Gottfried, Danny Melnick, Frank Oz, Frank Marshall, Luigi Cingolani, John Carpenter, Oliver Stone, Ed Pressman, etc. etc. etc. So I do know what I'm talking about. Craig. At 08:42 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed there - just from the last 6 months (and they only list a fraction of all the movies made - very few student films, foreign
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
You're right Patrick, that IS significant. One could arguably say Verna even MADE Spielberg's career. Spielberg, like other directors, mostly hover over their editors, especially early in their careers until they gain confidence. And in 1975, Spielberg was indeed a baby. I often wonder, for example, what Scorcese would be like if he didn't always have Schoonmaker in his back pocket. -kuz. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:49:42 -0700To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], I can only point out one very significant issue with your post. Verna Fields was the Oscar Winning Editor on Jaws. Spielberg would be the first to tell you that she saved his ass on that one. She was a great lady and may she rest in peace. Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 9:51 PM, David Kusumoto wrote: ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. I will say though, that while more films are being made than ever before -- the truth is -- more films were RELEASED by major studios and distributors from the 1920s to 1946 than they are today. They had a monopoly and even owned the theaters to show their OWN films. Movie attendance since 1946 has never been eclipsed, thanks to TV. Foreign films -- more prevalent today -- were near unavailable to U.S. audiences outside NY and LA before 1960. Most small towns never saw ANY films with subtitles. ** Meanwhile, switching gears back to Jaws and it's so-called cheap rubber shark -- good and classy response by Rich in the U.K.; I'm glad you clarified your earlier remarks. That 1975 picture introduced the blockbuster mentality to Hollywood, opening in more theaters on opening day than typical for most studios at the time. The disaster genre wave preceded it and some say Jaws just blew down the doors faster. ** Jaws was a big-budgeted film for the 1970s -- with everything riding on the skills of a 26-year old novice -- who hadn't yet demonstrated a track record of success in the U.S. Jaws began production before the 1974 release of his theatrical debut, The Sugarland Express. Most famously, Spielberg ditched the domestic melodrama of the ultra-popular Peter Benchley novel and turned his film into a high-seas adventure, with a triangle character structure involving Shaw, Dreyfuss and Scheider. ** Most memorable were comments by actor Richard Dreyfuss, who dissed the film (and Spielberg) throughout its production. Following historic sneak previews in Dallas and Long Beach, and an exhibitor's preview in New York, Dreyfuss was mobbed. (Like many people, he had underestimated Spielberg's skills as an editor and storyteller -- and had no idea what the assembled film would look like with John Williams' legendary score). Dreyfuss went bonkers, telling everyone he was dead wrong, that he was embarrassed by his remarks, that Spielberg was a genius, that the picture would be big for everyone. For many people, Jaws remains Spielberg's best film -- and for collectors, probably his best film poster, next to the bicycle and moon image in E.T. ** After Jaws, Spielberg would always have final cut. He made enemies quickly. Many critics (except the late Pauline Kael) disdained Spielberg's reputation as a populist director (akin to how they treated Hitchcock, another commercial director whose legend grew anyway, esp. after his death in 1980). After the disaster of 1941, Spielberg's rep for sentimental big-budget entertainment was sealed when he returned with the first Raiders picture in '81. I know my appreciation for Spielberg's craftsmanship is a minority view at MoPo. He's not highly regarded nor beloved as Scorcese or Ridley Scott or Eastwood among living directors -- yet it's not difficult for anyone to predict that Spielberg will indeed be considered legendary -- for good and for ill -- by future generations (just not mine) -kuz. Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:32:24 +0100 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Stand corrected, must read up on my history. Point I meant to make, but failed badly with this example, I'd rather have a tale well told, with tension due to what you don't see, but are scared you will, rather than a film choc full of the most mind blowing effects. (Which I don't equate with a rarely seen, obviously rubber, albeit expensive, shark.) Regardless of the setting, I'll do without the water, just settle for a shower. Cheers, Rich Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Hi all, If you want to see a wonderful low budget film, put your money where your mouth is. The Wackness just opened in NYC, LA and is scheduled for a wider release. It was a crowd favorite at Sundance and has been playing the festival circuit (SF). See Ben Kingsley channel Ringo Starr as a psychiatrist who learns a thing or two from his depressed high school drug dealer patient. You have to see the wackness in life, to see the dopeness, Michael, Cinecityposters P.S. As I've already seen, I'll be at X Files 2. /HTML Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] FS 40x60s
Good morning, Just wanted to let you know that I have a few gorgeous 40x60 posters available: Tron, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Conan the Barbarian. They can all be seen herehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/. If you're interested, please drop me a line, and I can give you more detailed information including condition and prices. All are in fantastic shape, near mint. Thanks for looking! Steve Zammar [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.dsonesheets.com 303/478-3973 Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
I have a question about all these numbers being thrown around about movie budgets (e.g. $5 million, $10 million, etc). Do those figures include the *buyers premium*, and should that amount be included when talking about the *cost* of the movie? Bruce On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 2:51 AM, Michael Wong [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all, If you want to see a wonderful low budget film, put your money where your mouth is. The Wackness just opened in NYC, LA and is scheduled for a wider release. It was a crowd favorite at Sundance and has been playing the festival circuit (SF). See Ben Kingsley channel Ringo Starr as a psychiatrist who learns a thing or two from his depressed high school drug dealer patient. You have to see the wackness in life, to see the dopeness, Michael, Cinecityposters P.S. As I've already seen, I'll be at X Files 2. /HTML Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
I thought the BP was the outrageous ticket prices for some of these dreadful films being foistered upon us! Phil - Original Message - From: Bruce Hershenson To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:30 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? I have a question about all these numbers being thrown around about movie budgets (e.g. $5 million, $10 million, etc). Do those figures include the buyers premium, and should that amount be included when talking about the cost of the movie? Bruce On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 2:51 AM, Michael Wong [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all, If you want to see a wonderful low budget film, put your money where your mouth is. The Wackness just opened in NYC, LA and is scheduled for a wider release. It was a crowd favorite at Sundance and has been playing the festival circuit (SF). See Ben Kingsley channel Ringo Starr as a psychiatrist who learns a thing or two from his depressed high school drug dealer patient. You have to see the wackness in life, to see the dopeness, Michael, Cinecityposters P.S. As I've already seen, I'll be at X Files 2. /HTML Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
I have a question about all these numbers being thrown around about movie budgets (e.g. $5 million, $10 million, etc). Do those figures include the buyers premium, and should that amount be included when talking about the cost of the movie? That's called the sales-agent, the completion-guarantor and EO insurance (interestingly around the same percentage as most buyers premiums when combined), and yes, you include those in the budget (except for the sales agent, who goes more on the income statement)... It doesn't matter what industry, there's always someone with their fingers in the pot... Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Alas, what Phil says here is absolutely true. Film enthusiasts have some idea about some of these things - writers, directors etc - and there are many film lovers. But most people HAVE NO IDEA and DON'T CARE. It's like myself and SPORT - I know about fifty guys and a few gals in sports - and that's it! After that I'm in the wilderness. I HAVE NO IDEA and I DON'T CARE (very much.) K. On Jul 23, 2008, at 12:27 AM, Phil Edwards wrote: Gee, I dunno. I think Spielberg is one of the best and smartest directors the medium has ever given us. I'm hard pressed to think of another director who ranges across genres with the panache he does, and has so appreciably matured with his craft so effortlessly that the art simply emerges. Of course some films are better than others, some have wider appeal than others but as a real movie director and extremely smart producer of other directors' works, he's hard to beat. His biggest problem is that there are so many people who think it's not cool to like a Spielberg movie, or Tarantino movie, or whatever. Couple of weeks back, someone I know watched the first 10 minutes of PLANET TERROR and said I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE CRAP. ANYTHING DIRECTED BY TARANTINO IS CRAP! A... BUT HE DIDN'T DIRECT IT. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DID. And there followed a YES HE DID/NO, HE DIDN'T. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DIRECTED SIN CITY AND THAT WAS A MASTERPIECE HE'S A GREAT DIRECTOR. TARANTINO IS CRAP Yes, yes... I know. They saw the credits... again OH, MAYBE I BETTER TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE WHOLE MOVIE THIS TIME, THIS LOOKS LIKE IT MIGHT BE GREAT! RODRIGUEZ IS VERY COOL! A survey was done a few years ago about people coming out of various movies, or lining up for various movies. Some staggering % had NO IDEA who the director of the film was they had just seen or were going to see and yes, in this straw poll, one of the films was a Spielberg movie. Most people could not give a monkey's toss about who directed a film. Most people don't even think about it. Quick, and without looking at the IMDB, name 5 films directed by Robert Aldrich. Too easy? Name 10 films directed by Robert Altman. Okay - really easy ones - name 5 films directed by Raoul Walsh, or Michael Curtiz, or William Wellman. How about 10 films directed by John Ford? And as for writers, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people I know who might look at a film title and be excited by the name of a writer credit. Phil - Original Message - From: David Kusumoto To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 2:51 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. I will say though, that while more films are being made than ever before -- the truth is -- more films were RELEASED by major studios and distributors from the 1920s to 1946 than they are today. They had a monopoly and even owned the theaters to show their OWN films. Movie attendance since 1946 has never been eclipsed, thanks to TV. Foreign films -- more prevalent today -- were near unavailable to U.S. audiences outside NY and LA before 1960. Most small towns never saw ANY films with subtitles. ** Meanwhile, switching gears back to Jaws and it's so-called cheap rubber shark -- good and classy response by Rich in the U.K.; I'm glad you clarified your earlier remarks. That 1975 picture introduced the blockbuster mentality to Hollywood, opening in more theaters on opening day than typical for most studios at the time. The disaster genre wave preceded it and some say Jaws just blew down the doors faster. ** Jaws was a big-budgeted film for the 1970s -- with everything riding on the skills of a 26-year old novice -- who hadn't yet demonstrated a track record of success in the U.S. Jaws began production before the 1974 release of his theatrical debut, The Sugarland Express. Most famously, Spielberg ditched the domestic melodrama of the ultra-popular Peter Benchley novel and turned his film into a high-seas adventure, with a triangle character structure involving Shaw, Dreyfuss and Scheider. ** Most memorable were comments by actor Richard Dreyfuss, who dissed the film (and Spielberg) throughout its production. Following historic sneak previews in Dallas and Long Beach, and an exhibitor's preview in New York, Dreyfuss was mobbed. (Like many people, he had underestimated Spielberg's skills as an editor and storyteller -- and had no idea what the assembled film would look like with John Williams' legendary score). Dreyfuss went bonkers, telling everyone he was dead wrong, that he was embarrassed by his remarks, that Spielberg was a genius, that the picture would be big for everyone. For many people, Jaws remains
[MOPO] Linen backing/restoration inquiry
Just writing to see if anyone has used the services of Poster Conservation in Stamford CT and can they give a review on their dealings with them? I have a 3 sheet that needs some work and I would like to travel somewhere locally (I live in Massachusetts) to have the work done by someone who will do great work. Thanks. Louie Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] I Saw The DARK KNIGHT Tonight-- no spoilers, but think before reading
Hi, Freeman and Channing, I'm afraid I'm weighing in with Channing's minority on this one-- the most overrated film since the last Ledger starrer, Brokeback Mountain. The irony is that Ledger will be screamed about by fanboys for this role--- a Hannibal Lecter-type that a fine actor like Ledger (or, as admitted by him, Hopkins) could telephone in-- when he will be remembered by truly respectful folk as that tragic cowboy in Brokeback -- as Hopkins is for his equally difficult introverted butler in Remains of the Day. What a disappointment this dark, dark, DARK film is after Nolan's first Batman effort. Sorry, Freeman. I believe you are right about the target audience--- but I believe you got the ages wrong: it should read ...meant for adults 12-30. After all, it was our generation that stopped trusting anyone over 30, wasn't it?? Joe B in NOLA --- On Tue, 7/22/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [MOPO] I Saw The DARK KNIGHT Tonight To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 2:26 AM and Channing you aren't the target audience which I believe makes a difference. Its meant for adults 12-65 :) Author's note: said with tongue firmly in cheek and in no way disparaging Channing's mirority opinion. He is certainly entitled to voice his opinion in that its given weight and merit on these boards to which I am usually the first to fist bump. I am merely attempting in equal parts humor, cynicism, and bitchiness in equating his lack of appeal to, and appreciation to what most people, myself included (DARK KNIGHT is now the #1 film by subscribers on IMDB besting, well everything.), is a brilliant piece of commercial movie-making, with astonishing depth and pungent social commentary the likes of which have not been seen in years (continue here my equating what I am doing after the aforementioned run-on sentence) to possibly all of us approaching those Golden Years where a more genteel form of entertainment might be better digestedits just Channing is getting their first... freeman fisher Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
This debate is now officially silly. Yes, DPs aren't their own camera operators (especially when there's more than one camera at a time going). But some do still operate the camera. We were about to do a preliminary shoot for a project with Andrew Lesnie (DP on Lord of the Rings trilogy, etc.) in Australia last month when Night Shyamalan stole him away from us with a bigger contract. He was going to operate his own camera. And when someone brags about the guy who shot a list of pictures, they mean the person in charge, who designed the shots, who came up with the plan, and who's responsible for the way the picture looks. Not the guy who held the camera. His job is important, too, but he isn't considered the person who shot the movie. It's the DP who shot the picture, not the (or one of the) camera operators. One of the biggest problems with low budget independent films is they are just that: low budget. The producers frequently don't spend enough on important elements like lighting and sound. You can make a movie seem 10 times more expensive by spending just a little more to get those elements right. Craig. At 11:44 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: Where did I say he was DP??? I said he 'shot' those movies, meaning he was the one holding the camera (fyi, the DP hardly ever touches the camera). Although I'm sure he was probably DP on at least one of those as well... - Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Craig Miller To: mailto:MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDUMoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:31 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? At 10:41 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. I'll pass your critique along: he only shot movies like X-Men II, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, The Fantastic Four, Elf, Paycheck, etc... oh, and the Canadian classic Hookers on Davie! I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear your thoughts... And, what kind of quality do you expect for an 80+ minute film shot in less than 5 days??? I'm confused. X-Men II's DP was Newton Thomas Sigel. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' was done by John Bailey. For Fantastic Four it was Oliver Reed. Etc. Etc. Why does your DP use all those aliases when he works? Craig. - Original Message - From: Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:54 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? IMDB is a wonderful website. It's invaluable. But they don't only list feature films. They list TV episodes (actually series, but with listings for each episode). And they list short films. One minute. Two minutes. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes in length. I'm discussing feature films. If you include everything, of all lengths, designed for any and all mediums, than yes, your number isn't some wild ass guess with no basis in fact. It's still a guess but it's closer to reality. If you're talking about actual feature length films made with at least the hope of a theatrical release, then your number is way way way off. Even if we accept the IMDB number as being accurate, and double it for the rest of the year, it's only half the number you first gave and only an eighth of the number you later increased it to. But, of course, we can't really accept the IMDB number because it isn't only feature films. And while this film you give as an example might be feature length -- I'll take your word for it, since what's on YouTube is just 10 minutes long -- it's also apparently soft-core porn, which can be made very very cheaply. The acting, from the couple minutes I watched, is hardly top quality; the lighting and camera work also leaves a good deal to be desired. For a Troma direct-to-DVD, it's fine, but it isn't theatrical quality. And I'm guessing I must have missed the parts that qualify it as being much better than what comes out of the studios. Oh, and if you want to throw credits back and forth, I've worked on major studio films and independent films. I've been a guest speaker at film festivals and distribution markets in the US, the UK, France, Italy, and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (an organization of independent film producers) just asked me to come speak at their conference in November. (I've even been on panels with Lloyd Kaufman.) I've worked with George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Jim Henson, Tom Hanks, John Boorman, Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Ken Russell, Anthony Shaffer, Robin Hardy, Richard Lester, Richard Donner, Howard Gottfried, Danny Melnick, Frank Oz, Frank Marshall, Luigi Cingolani, John Carpenter, Oliver Stone, Ed Pressman, etc. etc. etc. So I do know what I'm talking about. Craig. At 08:42 PM 7/22/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
At 03:49 AM 7/23/2008, Robert D. Brooks wrote: I have a question about all these numbers being thrown around about movie budgets (e.g. $5 million, $10 million, etc). Do those figures include the buyers premium, and should that amount be included when talking about the cost of the movie? That's called the sales-agent, the completion-guarantor and EO insurance (interestingly around the same percentage as most buyers premiums when combined), and yes, you include those in the budget (except for the sales agent, who goes more on the income statement)... It doesn't matter what industry, there's always someone with their fingers in the pot... Of those, only EO insurance applies to major studio films. Craig. ~ Craig MillerWolfmill Entertainment [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~ Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Alien advance, fake or not?
his location says oklahoma, but his store is in california.? I am suprised everyone does not recognize this persons id.?? he has been a seller of minty whites for years and years.?? -Original Message- From: dsonesheets [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 2:54 am Subject: [MOPO] Alien advance, fake or not? Just saw this on eBay.? http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-ALIEN-TEASER-1-sheet-unused-rolled-misprint_W0QQitemZ310067677157QQihZ021QQcategoryZ2322QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Far be it from me to judge a poster based solely on the auction's description, but I would think anyone that starts out his description defending it against possible reprint trademarks is a bad idea.? And it has stamps on the back!!? Where have we seen this before?? Oh, and not only is it original, rolled, and in absolutely perfect condition, but it's also a misprint, which makes it even more valuable?? I mean, come on. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before a perfect white, rolled copy of this beloved, rare poster cropped up.? It commands upwards of $1500+ when an original does surface, so it only makes sense that this one would be put on the old printing press.? I could of course be wrong, so I am just asking for opinions. Steve Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
[MOPO] mopeo - Make a MOvie In Toledo and michigan- CHEAP!!!!!
heres the answer to making Movies Folk,s jeff Daniels is 30 miles awy from me.. and is a dreamer and understands the economic factor La director Robert Kurtzman moved bacjk to OHIO and started Precinct 13 entetainment because of the low cost of making films// You can rent a park in Ohio for 200 a day Please read Todays WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE where Danials has made a sweet deal to film in michigan, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121676821087175231.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] I Saw The DARK KNIGHT Tonight-- no spoilers, but think before reading
I went to the late show after work last night. The popcorn was the best part of the visit. I applaud that the movie could be done without a lot of obvious CGI effects. I really felt that Batman was the weakest character of the film. I don't think Christian Bale has the Batman jaw line and he was just too oh woe is me in this film. The person I have enjoyed in the past two films though has been Morgan Freeman. The Joker Two Face did their part, the various types of Mafia dudes did fine but Batman was almost unmemorable for me. My two cents (plus applicable tax) Rick www.ilovefilms.com - Original Message From: Joseph Bonelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:25:03 AM Subject: Re: [MOPO] I Saw The DARK KNIGHT Tonight-- no spoilers, but think before reading Hi, Freeman and Channing, I'm afraid I'm weighing in with Channing's minority on this one-- the most overrated film since the last Ledger starrer, Brokeback Mountain. The irony is that Ledger will be screamed about by fanboys for this role--- a Hannibal Lecter-type that a fine actor like Ledger (or, as admitted by him, Hopkins) could telephone in-- when he will be remembered by truly respectful folk as that tragic cowboy in Brokeback -- as Hopkins is for his equally difficult introverted butler in Remains of the Day. What a disappointment this dark, dark, DARK film is after Nolan's first Batman effort. Sorry, Freeman. I believe you are right about the target audience--- but I believe you got the ages wrong: it should read ...meant for adults 12-30. After all, it was our generation that stopped trusting anyone over 30, wasn't it?? Joe B in NOLA --- On Tue, 7/22/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [MOPO] I Saw The DARK KNIGHT Tonight To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 2:26 AM and Channing you aren't the target audience which I believe makes a difference. Its meant for adults 12-65 :) Author's note: said with tongue firmly in cheek and in no way disparaging Channing's mirority opinion. He is certainly entitled to voice his opinion in that its given weight and merit on these boards to which I am usually the first to fist bump. I am merely attempting in equal parts humor, cynicism, and bitchiness in equating his lack of appeal to, and appreciation to what most people, myself included (DARK KNIGHT is now the #1 film by subscribers on IMDB besting, well everything.), is a brilliant piece of commercial movie-making, with astonishing depth and pungent social commentary the likes of which have not been seen in years (continue here my equating what I am doing after the aforementioned run-on sentence) to possibly all of us approaching those Golden Years where a more genteel form of entertainment might be better digestedits just Channing is getting their first... freeman fisher Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
I never saw the Masters of Horror TV show, but it had episodes directed by Stuart Gordon, Tobe Hooper, Joe Dante, Jon Landis, John Carpenter, etc. -rk On Jul 22, 2008, at 11:03 PM, Patrick Michael Tupy wrote: Good Lord, this is so far afoot from the original question! Craig makes the point that 'Low Budget' is a relative term and arguing it is absurd because it is relative to the original proposition of the post. Can a MAJOR DIRECTOR shoot an 'epic' on a low budget? Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A-Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? Enough with the 'devil in the details' of who knows what, etc. Docs are generally cheaper to make, which is no sin, but to compare an 'epic' type drama to a doc or the 10 zillion films made in the last quadrillion years doesn't answer the question. I suppose what's inherent in the original question is have these titans become too fat and are incapable of filming on a diet? I think it would be fantastic to get three or four A-List Directors, give them each $500,000 and have them make separate films then compare the outcomes. What you have to understand is that Tom Hanks will show up for free just like your pals will show up and do something gratis. Those are the perks of being in their positions. Okay, Hanks would show up for nothing 'up-front'...lol It might be called TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 8:42 PM, Robert D. Brooks wrote: So, if $20 million is a 'low budget,' this is what I did with about 1/8th of 1% of that amount (meaning I would have to make this movie almost 1,000 times - just to have a budget high enough to be considered 'low')... Although, I'll warn anyone that dares click: NSFW (it is a Troma-film after all, so don't come crying to me if...)! ;o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMoKB9Zk0E Cheers, Bob PS. Note to Craig: You may just notice a couple names in the credits there: one is currently the chairman of the Independent Film and TV Alliance and the other is the head of the oldest independent film studio in existence, so while I may not have your 30 years in the business (only about 20 here), understand that I do know what I'm talking about! And, just to prove I'm right: http://www.imdb.com/List?year=2008 You'll notice that there are about 12,000 movies listed there - just from the last 6 months (and they only list a fraction of all the movies made - very few student films, foreign films, ultra-low- budget films, etc...). I guess I should be expecting an apology?... - Original Message - From: Craig Miller To: Robert D. Brooks Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:20 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? You're missing the point. You're wrong about the number of movies made. Your numbers all seem to be wild guesses and you haven't specified if you're talking about feature length films or including all lengths and formats. I can only believe you're doing the latter because your numbers are just way, way off for the former. (And what makes you think each film festival gets applications for a completely different group of films? Sundance requires it hasn't been shown anywhere else before them but most festivals have no such rule. And they don't say films can't play other festivals after them.) Please don't insult us by suggesting that only you are so smart as to know about films not made by the Hollywood studios or that we don't know about low budget films. I assure you, that isn't the case. And if you think the super low budget filmmakers all make wonderful movies, you clearly haven't seen a significant enough percentage of them. A large percentage of the indies are godawful. As are the majority of studio pictures. But they don't suddenly become good because they're made with low low budgets. I've been in this business over 30 years now and I've worked with and seen pictures at all different budget levels. The budget -- high or low -- isn't what makes them good. Craig. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Hey, Bob, I thought it significant that you note that with 1 to 5 million you and others could shoot an 'epic' that was at least close to Oscar-worthy. But doesn't that support the argument that $$ is central to a great film? Granted, you are still speaking of very low budgets by Hollywood standards, but the emphasis of your post was sort of an if only I had the money... which is just the opposite of the original question posted, which could be summed up as If these great Director's DIDN'T have the money they're used to, could they... I hope some of that made sense. Bottom line, in MY OPINION, most every great director could make a film on a small budget as they likely have had to in the past which is what made them notable and commercially viable as a film storyteller in Hollywood (true, many came out of commercials and Music Vids as well). Now, it wouldn't be their first choice but they certainly didn't start out with massive budgets. But, with all due respect, it's insane to say that the reverse is always accurate: that a low-budget filmmaker, who has not caught the eye of commercial Hollywood through the years could instantly make a hit or possibly win Oscars due to a budget of 5 or 100 million +. It could happen, but it's not automatically a two-way street. If they're truly great filmmakers, it shows at all budget levels. However, if they're not great filmmakers, money won't automatically make them so. And as you SO rightly pointed out, it's not all about the money...it's the quality of the story, and it's the quality of the Writer. Patrick On Jul 22, 2008, at 11:28 PM, Robert D. Brooks wrote: Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A-Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? No, of course it's no epic (the 82 minute film was shot in less than 5 days). It wasn't even supposed to be a movie (we shot it as a free internet video). It's actually a mockumentary (so I guess that's a pretty good sign if it fooled you into thinking it was real). I wasn't talking about epics per se, just what constitutes a low-budget! If I had between one and five million dollars, I could probably shoot an 'epic' that was at least close to Oscar-worthy (and I know lots of other directors that could do that too, but will never be given the chance to try). But, I guess it all depends on what you mean by 'epic?' If you're talking epic, as in Lawrence of Arabia or Ben-Hur, you couldn't even shoot those for $500 million nowadays. Anything on that grand a scale would be far too expensive now. Just try finding 15,000 racing camels and the jockeys to ride them - heck, just try finding the insurance to cover the production! They'll shoot those scenes in CGI instead, and it won't look quite right or feel like a true 'epic,' since you can't really move the camera in a CGI shot without it looking horrible. We'll never be able to return to the epics of old (not for a couple decades anyways, until either the world's economy collapses or computer graphics technology gets much better)... But, then, if you're talking 'major director' as well, most of them are too used to the Hollywood way of doing things (the ridiculously expensive way) that they'd never be able to shoot a true epic on a low budget (what, no private trailer complete with personal chef, automatic cocaine-dispenser and crew of assistants???). You're probably more likely to get that epic out of a new or younger director... But, then again, it's hard to compare. If Spielberg shoots a $1 million movie, he'll still have his choice of the best actors and crew-members in the business (willing to work for nearly free) - any other director with the same amount of money, won't have nearly the same amount of resources, so it's hard to really compare... Night, Bob - Original Message - From: Patrick Michael Tupy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert D. Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:03 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? Good Lord, this is so far afoot from the original question! Craig makes the point that 'Low Budget' is a relative term and arguing it is absurd because it is relative to the original proposition of the post. Can a MAJOR DIRECTOR shoot an 'epic' on a low budget? Bob, I hardly think you are suggesting that your Doc is an epic (though I certainly appreciate the epic nature of all filmmaking and the problems therein). Still, what is YOUR opinion on the issue? Do you believe a Spielberg or another A- Lister could make an 'epic' on a low budget? Enough with the 'devil in the details' of who
[MOPO] FA BOWERY BOYS LOOSE IN LONDON Orig 1953 US 1-SHT ON LINEN + 35 MORE AUCTIONS!
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[MOPO] Phil
Phil: I thought your story about Spielberg/Tarentino/Rodriguez was hilarious. Your comments about how it's hip for some to hate Spielberg mirror those I wrote in May to MoPo when I claimed the new Indiana Jones movie does not stink, e.g. -- ** Finally, I think there will always be a great reservoir of resentment that makes it almost fashionably cool to hate Spielberg. Some will never concede he's good at anything except making money -- and feel they must always qualify their praise -- that is, if must give him a prop for anything he does well – they must also take something away that has the sum effect of giving people the impression that he's is the purist definition of being overrated and/or the personification of mediocrity in Hollywood. The new Lucas/Spielberg effort was about an 8 on a 1-10 scale -- and thank goodness -- it was NOT the Phantom Menace disappointment I feared. It will be forgotten in a few months -- but it accomplishes what it sets out to do. More wonderful -- was seeing hundreds of children in the audience, many with their parents, thoroughly engrossed with the film. I always love to see this. Not every scene must be filled with breath-taking action. There was even applause as the end credits rolled. I also agree w/you and Kirb that only film buffs notice or care about the names of directors of most films. That's OK. It helps us sift the wheat from the chaff to determine whether something is worth spending $$ and a few hours to see while the rest of the public is lured by captivating movie trailers or big ads in newspapers or on TV. I wrote yesterday that my admiration for Spielberg is a minority view on MoPo -- because when I write about him, I get more blowback from people telling me he's overrated, lousy, etc. -- than from people who think he's darn good. Many take issue with my belief that he is a living legend. They hate it. And I understand why. People's feelings about him are truly mixed, and here in CA, it those feelings border on being manic-depressive because he is loved AND feared. At any rate, yours was a great post. -d. Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:27:58 +1000From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Gee, I dunno. I think Spielberg is one of the best and smartest directors the medium has ever given us. I'm hard pressed to think of another director who ranges across genres with the panache he does, and has so appreciably matured with his craft so effortlessly that the art simply emerges. Of course some films are better than others, some have wider appeal than others but as a real movie director and extremely smart producer of other directors' works, he's hard to beat. His biggest problem is that there are so many people who think it's not cool to like a Spielberg movie, or Tarantino movie, or whatever. Couple of weeks back, someone I know watched the first 10 minutes of PLANET TERROR and said I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE CRAP. ANYTHING DIRECTED BY TARANTINO IS CRAP! A... BUT HE DIDN'T DIRECT IT. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DID. And there followed a YES HE DID/NO, HE DIDN'T. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DIRECTED SIN CITY AND THAT WAS A MASTERPIECE HE'S A GREAT DIRECTOR. TARANTINO IS CRAP Yes, yes... I know. They saw the credits... again OH, MAYBE I BETTER TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE WHOLE MOVIE THIS TIME, THIS LOOKS LIKE IT MIGHT BE GREAT! RODRIGUEZ IS VERY COOL! A survey was done a few years ago about people coming out of various movies, or lining up for various movies. Some staggering % had NO IDEA who the director of the film was they had just seen or were going to see and yes, in this straw poll, one of the films was a Spielberg movie. Most people could not give a monkey's toss about who directed a film. Most people don't even think about it. Quick, and without looking at the IMDB, name 5 films directed by Robert Aldrich. Too easy? Name 10 films directed by Robert Altman. Okay - really easy ones - name 5 films directed by Raoul Walsh, or Michael Curtiz, or William Wellman. How about 10 films directed by John Ford? And as for writers, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people I know who might look at a film title and be excited by the name of a writer credit. Phil - Original Message - From: David Kusumoto To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 2:51 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? ** I know enough about Bob Brooks to not wanna tangle with him, especially his razor wit, which comes out when he's not even trying. I will say though, that while more films are being made than ever before -- the truth is -- more films were RELEASED by major studios and distributors from the 1920s to 1946 than they are today. They had a monopoly and even owned the theaters to show their OWN films. Movie attendance since 1946
[MOPO] New Topic: Who Do You Compare Spielberg To?
Dave, I'm no Spielberg 'is God' fan by any means. For the '...credit belongs to the man in the arena as Teddy Roosevelt so aptly put it. But Spielberg has proven himself in many different genres and by any measure as one of the truly great filmmakers. Sure he's more commercial than Welles, more prolific than Coppola and more versatile than Hitchcock. But still, too many find fault in success, not in technique, not in style, not in ability, but in the very fact that someone has risen to such heights makes them the easiest target. I am far more a fan of the esoteric, the Wellesian grandness, the theatricality of the supernatural offerings of a Guillermo Del Toro, Alejandro Amenabar or Juan Antonio Bayona. Still, I will not even consider an argument on this issue; Steven Spielberg is far and away one of the most influential filmmakers in history and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to do some research. Hmmm, what other Director in history would you compare Spielberg to...? Patrick On Jul 23, 2008, at 2:15 PM, David Kusumoto wrote: Phil: I thought your story about Spielberg/Tarentino/Rodriguez was hilarious. Your comments about how it's hip for some to hate Spielberg mirror those I wrote in May to MoPo when I claimed the new Indiana Jones movie does not stink, e.g. -- ** Finally, I think there will always be a great reservoir of resentment that makes it almost fashionably cool to hate Spielberg. Some will never concede he's good at anything except making money -- and feel they must always qualify their praise -- that is, if must give him a prop for anything he does well – they must also take something away that has the sum effect of giving people the impression that he's is the purist definition of being overrated and/or the personification of mediocrity in Hollywood. The new Lucas/Spielberg effort was about an 8 on a 1-10 scale -- and thank goodness -- it was NOT the Phantom Menace disappointment I feared. It will be forgotten in a few months -- but it accomplishes what it sets out to do. More wonderful -- was seeing hundreds of children in the audience, many with their parents, thoroughly engrossed with the film. I always love to see this. Not every scene must be filled with breath-taking action. There was even applause as the end credits rolled. I also agree w/you and Kirb that only film buffs notice or care about the names of directors of most films. That's OK. It helps us sift the wheat from the chaff to determine whether something is worth spending $$ and a few hours to see while the rest of the public is lured by captivating movie trailers or big ads in newspapers or on TV. I wrote yesterday that my admiration for Spielberg is a minority view on MoPo -- because when I write about him, I get more blowback from people telling me he's overrated, lousy, etc. -- than from people who think he's darn good. Many take issue with my belief that he is a living legend. They hate it. And I understand why. People's feelings about him are truly mixed, and here in CA, it those feelings border on being manic-depressive because he is loved AND feared. At any rate, yours was a great post. -d. Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:27:58 +1000 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget? To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Gee, I dunno. I think Spielberg is one of the best and smartest directors the medium has ever given us. I'm hard pressed to think of another director who ranges across genres with the panache he does, and has so appreciably matured with his craft so effortlessly that the art simply emerges. Of course some films are better than others, some have wider appeal than others but as a real movie director and extremely smart producer of other directors' works, he's hard to beat. His biggest problem is that there are so many people who think it's not cool to like a Spielberg movie, or Tarantino movie, or whatever. Couple of weeks back, someone I know watched the first 10 minutes of PLANET TERROR and said I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE CRAP. ANYTHING DIRECTED BY TARANTINO IS CRAP! A... BUT HE DIDN'T DIRECT IT. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DID. And there followed a YES HE DID/NO, HE DIDN'T. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DIRECTED SIN CITY AND THAT WAS A MASTERPIECE HE'S A GREAT DIRECTOR. TARANTINO IS CRAP Yes, yes... I know. They saw the credits... again OH, MAYBE I BETTER TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE WHOLE MOVIE THIS TIME, THIS LOOKS LIKE IT MIGHT BE GREAT! RODRIGUEZ IS VERY COOL! A survey was done a few years ago about people coming out of various movies, or lining up for various movies. Some staggering % had NO IDEA who the director of the film was they had just seen or were going to see and yes, in this straw poll, one of the films was a Spielberg movie. Most people could not give a monkey's toss about who directed
Re: [MOPO] New Topic: Who Do You Compare Spielberg To?, etc.
I actually would compare Spielberg to directors like John Sturges, George Stevens, Frank Capra and John Ford. Directors who worked at their field day in day out and were successful directing films of all genres successfully and having the occasional Oscar caliber film as well as the very successful blockbuster money maker while I can understand who some people don't care for Spielberg, there can't be any doubt that he is a talented director that makes films different demographics can enjoy. maybe you won't watch Jaws, but you'll watch Private Ryan and Munich, or you like Catch Me if You Can and Sugarland Express, or you like Jurassic Park War of the Worlds.. something for everyone.. I will admit also that while I did not care for WOTW when I saw it in the theatre, I did pick up the dvd and watch it last week.. not one of steve's best.. but the reasons I didn't like it may have been more personal than cinematic Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
that was good Freeman Howevere Ive sat here trying to think of the equivilent Of Spielberg and I have to say. he to me is a Original and uncompared to anyone Ive seen.. past or present... He is the master of heart tugs and spooky jolts... and off what ifs, and painting with light.. and audio wizardy hes taken no-name actors and has them in our hearts forever... like Eliot and E.T. . truly the dream master of story tellers. hes the only director whos film Schindlers list I refuse to see even on video.. as I suspect I would leave my seat soaked with tears .. and i dont want to even visit that place( the soundtrack makes me swell up) No I find myself constanly saying spielbergish as many copy his use of diffused light tactic that he created so well.. and the ability to build up excitement in say Indiana Jones .is just a art form that has been copied but never surpassed in My humble opinion// Back when I staed my business in 1977 to films opened... almost it seemed at same time... Star wars and Close encounters of the third Kind these films basically resusitated the entire Movie Biz as I see it, and took us to the next level. Sure there are also great like Scorsese, Coppola, Rodreguiz, Dante, Zemekis, and many others,, However Spielberg is in his own originla Class like Kubrick and Hitchcock, and Capra.. There are trademark elements that are embedded in much of the work.. even Color Purple which SHOULD have been a Oscar winner I still believ was so memorable and took us to a place we had never been... I once wrote Steven and George a Letter . and told tem how I would just like a day with them to hang out as I fely I was that curious Kid that would have been around them when were kids watching them make home movies and I could puicture me wide -eyed as they would be making films/.. Steven is said to make the best Matzo bowl soup in the world so.. I have never tasted it ,, just in case i ever meet him and he wwould make me a bowl.. Plus I hear his mom makes the best Tuna fish sandwich in the world... so I want one of those from the Milkyway restraunt if its still there, anyways Spielberg is like Coke or Ford or Microsoft.. hes a industry it itself yet... oddly peole dont collect on hi, much... always has boggled my mind/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: SPIELBERG tips a hat to MICHAEL CURTIZ Partial list...this guy could do it all..and 25% of American could even recognize the nameif that high. 1. King Creole http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051818/ (1958) 2. The Proud Rebel http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052097/ (1958) 3. The Helen Morgan Story http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050494/ (1957) ... aka Both Ends of the Candle (UK) ... aka Why Was I Born? (USA: alternative title) 4. The Best Things in Life Are Free http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049002/ (1956) 5. The Vagabond King http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049909/ (1956) 6. The Scarlet Hour http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049718/ (1956) 7. We're No Angels http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048801/ (1955) 8. White Christmas http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047673/ (1954) 9. The Egyptian http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046949/ (1954) 10. The Boy from Oklahoma http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046804/ (1954) 11. Trouble Along the Way http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046463/ (1953) ... aka Alma Mater 12. The Jazz Singer http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044765/ (1952) 13. The Story of Will Rogers http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045198/ (1952) 14. I'll See You in My Dreams http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043669/ (1951) 15. Jim Thorpe -- All-American http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043687/ (1951) ... aka Man of Bronze (UK) 16. Force of Arms http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043553/ (1951) ... aka A Girl for Joe (USA: reissue title) 17. The Breaking Point http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042281/ (1950) 18. Bright Leaf http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042285/ (1950) 19. Young Man with a Horn http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043153/ (1950) ... aka Young Man of Music (UK) ... aka Young Man with a Trumpet (Australia) 20. The Lady Takes a Sailor http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041573/ (1949) 21. Flamingo Road http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041373/ (1949) 22. My Dream Is Yours http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041671/ (1949) 23. Romance on the High Seas http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040745/ (1948) ... aka It's Magic (UK) 24. The Unsuspected http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039941/ (1947) 25. Life with Father http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039566/ (1947) 26. Night and Day http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038776/ (1946) 27. Mildred Pierce http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037913/ (1945) 28. Roughly Speaking http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038038/ (1945) 29. Janie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036970/ (1944) 30. Passage to Marseille http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037166/ (1944) 31.
[MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr000520) Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] Can a major director shoot an epic on a low budget?
Hey Everyone, Guess I should clarify... I always assume everyone in the movie poster business works in the film industry (perhaps it's only 90% of us). Yes, you do need money to make a movie! A LOT of money. As I mentioned, there are tens upon tens of thousands of movies made every year (just because someone here is still living in the 1980's, doesn't make it any less true). So, Hollywood has a vast selection in front of them, so they get to pick and choose. It basically comes down to this. They don't want movies, unless they have the following: 1. The proper, Hollywood cookie-cutter story (I won't go into it here, as I'd literally ruin every movie for you from this point forward - let me just say that Hollywood is far, far, far less original than anyone thinks, every movie follows a very exacting pattern from start to finish that 99.99% of viewers don't even realize). 2. Stars. Doesn't matter if they can act, they just have to be somewhat famous. You can do number 1 on a low budget, somewhat. But, only a few hundred people in the world know the exact pattern and how to use it properly (about 50% of Hollywood writers don't seem to know it). Number 2, however, is impossible on a low budget. I was at AFM last year. I wasn't selling a movie, so I just got to observe - and everyone was freaking out how nobody was buying anything. All the buyers were doing was going from room to room, asking what stars were in each movie, then turning around and leaving. And, to give you an idea of how many films are made each year... AFM takes over two hotel towers on the beach in LA. Every room in the entire hotel is reserved for a different distributor (we're talking hundreds if not thousands of different movie distributors). Buyers walk room to room and make deals for the movies that are in each room (each distributor has from around half a dozen movies - up to hundreds or thousands - and remember, multiply that buy hundreds of rooms). None of the movies are big budget and none of them are really low budget. They're all mid-level, straight to DVD type fare (the only memorable title being 301 a spoof of 300 - typical of the kind of film at AFM) - not one of the movies being one you will ever hear of again! Just the worst movies ever made (yet, oddly, a lot of them have big stars). Virtually every single one is a movie that you would never watch in a million years. Only a few hundred movies get major releases each year - so the competition is utterly staggering. To give you an idea of just how ridiculous the competition is for lower-budget films - this whole thread should give you an idea! Craig claims to have worked with the best directors in the business for decades - and he can't even comprehend how many movies are truly out there! The numbers are so huge, that he can't even believe it - and that's someone who's in the business! Now, I should point out that AFM is mostly US movies, so they are by no way representative of ALL the movies that are made on Earth (and, as I mentioned, the movies there mostly fall into one thin category of direct to video). And, there are different shows like that all over the world, all year long (so, for instance, if you miss AFM, you go to Cannes instead), so AFM will only have a tiny fraction of all the movies that are available. So, back to the question at hand... To make a movie, you have to have a crew of at least 20 (preferably closer to 100). You need to rent equipment that costs at least $10 or 20 thousand a day (bare minimum, unless you're shooting on cheap video). You need at least 30 days of shooting. And, if you want a chance at ever selling it, you need stars. But, when you hire stars, all of a sudden your entire production becomes unionized (with the lowest position on set above PA getting $350+ a day) So, yes, you do need money. You don't need as much as Hollywood spends (unless you're shooting a sci-fi or action movie - there's absolutely no reason why Hollywood dramas should cost $65 million nowadays), but you still need some (preferably $1 mil and up). And, that's what makes me so frustrated with the system. A $30,000 movie sells for $20 - the exact same price as a $100 million movie. So, people compare your $30K film to Hollywood movies - when there's no way you can compete. Just producing something that's close is quite the coup in itself. How could you ever compete - when they get to spend $5,000 for every $1 you get to spend? Of course your movie's not going to look anywhere as good. It's not a level playing field... I have absolutely no desire to ever work for Hollywood (I've had chances and turned them down). I'd much rather make crappy little indie films for the rest of my life. But, of course, Hollywood has so thoroughly (and illegally) removed all their competition from the marketplace, and the competition is so fierce to begin with, that it's
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
It is hard to compare Spielberg with directors such as Michael Curtiz and Howard Hawks, who were undeniably great but who were working under an entirely different system. One of the things that is so great about them is that though working under a studio boss, they managed to stamp their own imprint on each film, and also to succeed at making films of all genres. Spielberg can't be denied his greatness however, despite THE COLOR PURPLE and a couple of other stinkers. How can we deny the director of JAWS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, E.T., SCHINDLER'S LIST and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN the label great? Answer: we cannot. Richard Richard Del Belso Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:42:59 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
[MOPO] OT, somewhat. The Glitch That Ate Sellers Buyers
A friend in the US was listing some stuff on e*ay the other night and after he took a break came back to do some more, then discovered something odd this blog explains better than I can what it was. and you will see that Bruce Hershenson has some cogent comments to make here as well. What's interesting, is that it is not only sellers who are fed up with it all, but more and more buyers also like to have an option on how they pay for something. Read on http://blog.auctionbytes.com/cgi-bin/blog/blog.pl?/pl/2008/7/1216742995.html Phil Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
[MOPO] WTB: Lisa and the Devil one sheet
Looking to purchase a one sheet for Lisa and the Devil with Savalas and Sommer. Please let me know, Debi Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
[MOPO] Hud (Paramount, 1963) MINT Lobby Card Set
I am looking into prices on a MINT 1963 lobby card set of eight 11 x 14 card's from Hud with Paul Newman. Thank's! Best, --Tom Pennock **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr000520) Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com -- Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
I'd say Hawks, too, was the best model. Like Spielberg, he made defining films in almost every genre... although I can't think of too many Hawksian dames in Spielberg's films and Spielberg has left the Western to Eastwood to handle it seems. Don't see Fleming in the running though, despite his name on some big pictures, the best of which were really producer projects or journeyman studio jobs. Phil - Original Message - From: Dave Rosen To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:52 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
Isn't anyone going to vote for Robert Wise? I'm having a Tom Martin moment. Somebody broke into my shed today and stole my lawn mower and weed trimmer -- probably so they could sell them for $30 at the pawn shop for drug money. By the way, does anyone know what page Tom is on? -rk On Jul 23, 2008, at 9:01 PM, Phil Edwards wrote: I'd say Hawks, too, was the best model. Like Spielberg, he made defining films in almost every genre... although I can't think of too many Hawksian dames in Spielberg's films and Spielberg has left the Western to Eastwood to handle it seems. Don't see Fleming in the running though, despite his name on some big pictures, the best of which were really producer projects or journeyman studio jobs. Phil - Original Message - From: Dave Rosen To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:52 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
Roger, Robert Wise was indeed a gifted editor and filmmaker. Still, I don't think he shows the broad and consistent efforts that Hawks or Curtiz showed in so many different genres. And, of course, being the Welles lover that I am, I cannot under any circumstances condone his filming a new 'happy ending' to tack onto MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, which certainly made it far less...magnificent. Patrick On Jul 23, 2008, at 9:38 PM, Roger Kim wrote: Isn't anyone going to vote for Robert Wise? I'm having a Tom Martin moment. Somebody broke into my shed today and stole my lawn mower and weed trimmer -- probably so they could sell them for $30 at the pawn shop for drug money. By the way, does anyone know what page Tom is on? -rk On Jul 23, 2008, at 9:01 PM, Phil Edwards wrote: I'd say Hawks, too, was the best model. Like Spielberg, he made defining films in almost every genre... although I can't think of too many Hawksian dames in Spielberg's films and Spielberg has left the Western to Eastwood to handle it seems. Don't see Fleming in the running though, despite his name on some big pictures, the best of which were really producer projects or journeyman studio jobs. Phil - Original Message - From: Dave Rosen To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:52 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
Yeah, I'll vote for Wise, too. As for his re-cutting AMBERSONS well, you know, he was employed by a studio and was just doing what he had been told to do. What sort of drugs does $30 buy you these days? Phil - Original Message - From: Roger Kim To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:38 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Isn't anyone going to vote for Robert Wise? I'm having a Tom Martin moment. Somebody broke into my shed today and stole my lawn mower and weed trimmer -- probably so they could sell them for $30 at the pawn shop for drug money. By the way, does anyone know what page Tom is on? -rk On Jul 23, 2008, at 9:01 PM, Phil Edwards wrote: I'd say Hawks, too, was the best model. Like Spielberg, he made defining films in almost every genre... although I can't think of too many Hawksian dames in Spielberg's films and Spielberg has left the Western to Eastwood to handle it seems. Don't see Fleming in the running though, despite his name on some big pictures, the best of which were really producer projects or journeyman studio jobs. Phil - Original Message - From: Dave Rosen To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:52 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG?
yeah, well re: Wise...'was just doing his job... excuse, ...Keep in mind that he wasn't doing what his Director wanted him to do, and in fact he knowingly was directing and adding scenes to Welles' film and doing it without the knowledge, much less, approval of Welles. Not to mention that if the studio had bothered to actually read the Booth Tarkington book that Welles was being quite loyal to in his adaptation, they would have expected the eventual decline of the family and 'downer ending' that the Pomona, CA test audience had trouble accepting. There is great beauty and some staggeringly great filmmaking in AMBERSONS, but it is unequivocal that none of that beauty or superior technique was displayed by Wise's happy ending. Please forgive my 'hard line' on this issue, I just would have really liked to have seen what Welles originally had in mind for the ending of AMBERSONS but that's impossible to know now. And Wise was, however innocently coerced, partly responsible for this situation. Might have been 'wise' to keep the footage cut away and give it to Welles or keep it himself. Now, on to more important issues, Phil. You forget that both machines were fueled by by gasoline which likely doubles or triples the take for having taken them. Patrick On Jul 23, 2008, at 10:23 PM, Phil Edwards wrote: Yeah, I'll vote for Wise, too. As for his re-cutting AMBERSONS well, you know, he was employed by a studio and was just doing what he had been told to do. What sort of drugs does $30 buy you these days? Phil - Original Message - From: Roger Kim To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:38 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Isn't anyone going to vote for Robert Wise? I'm having a Tom Martin moment. Somebody broke into my shed today and stole my lawn mower and weed trimmer -- probably so they could sell them for $30 at the pawn shop for drug money. By the way, does anyone know what page Tom is on? -rk On Jul 23, 2008, at 9:01 PM, Phil Edwards wrote: I'd say Hawks, too, was the best model. Like Spielberg, he made defining films in almost every genre... although I can't think of too many Hawksian dames in Spielberg's films and Spielberg has left the Western to Eastwood to handle it seems. Don't see Fleming in the running though, despite his name on some big pictures, the best of which were really producer projects or journeyman studio jobs. Phil - Original Message - From: Dave Rosen To: MoPo-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:52 PM Subject: Re: [MOPO] WHO COMPARES TO SPIELBERG? Both Hawks and Ford occurred to me as well. Hawks in particular because of his versatility in being able to work in virtually any genre. Victor Fleming might be in the same category... Dave Posteropolis www.posteropolis.com As far as mastering different genres, I don't believe anyone compares to HOWARD HAWKS. His films are among the greatest Gangster films (SCARFACE), Comedy films (TWENTIETH CENTURY, HIS GIRL FRIDAY), Adventure films (ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS), Mystery films (THE BIG SLEEP), and Western films (RED RIVER, RIO BRAVO). Marty Davis Vintage Film Posters 38732 N. 10th Street Desert Hills, AZ 85086 623/551-6655 tel 623/551-6622 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] OneSheet (eBay Screen Name) www.vintagefilmposters.com Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com__ _How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com___ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing ListSend a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-LThe author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com___ How to
