Re: Guerilla Festivals
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 4:34 pm
There seem to be two types of film makers, the lone worker usually making documentaries, Michael's films being a fine example of this approach and the team worker usually making narrative films and the needs of each are quite different. I know that Michael is a member of a club but he does not need a club (apologies here Michael for making an assumption), I work mainly on narrative films and need to be a part of a team so need some form of grouping. "Club" implies a hierarchy, organization, management, structure which is fine if it is aimed squarely at the club's raison d'etre which is to make films with social activity as a secondary objective. I like the analogy of a band; if you are a musician then you want to be part of a functioning band, great to have a beer and chat and listen to other bands but this is not what it is about, it's all about playing, developing skills by applying them, finding an audience. I am surprised that John continues to be a member of a club that apparently does not meet his expectations and suffers from production paralysis.
Perhaps the failure of clubs is not so much to do with age as to do with not making many movies. Perhaps Paddy's idea should be applied via the IAC, clubs must submit at least one major film per annum or lose their affiliation. If a "Video Club" is not making movies in a structured way, themes, deadlines, internal contests, audiences, community participation but listening to visiting experts over tea and biscuits then it has a different objective than film making.
Yesterday we started shooting "Refuge from the Storm", written by a local doctor for the TSB screenwriting contest. We have a large crew who have volunteered via a post on Facebook. The camera department, sound, props, costumes, continuity, stills, catering etc. all staffed by enthusiastic people who want to be part of the film making process. Although age is irrelevant it ranges from 20s to 80s and is not an issue. They will work on this project, many will work on future projects and many will start their own projects. We plan to have the film at BIAFF. There will be a wrap party and we will all meet again but to make film, not to have an evening together in a dusty church hall.
ned c
Perhaps the failure of clubs is not so much to do with age as to do with not making many movies. Perhaps Paddy's idea should be applied via the IAC, clubs must submit at least one major film per annum or lose their affiliation. If a "Video Club" is not making movies in a structured way, themes, deadlines, internal contests, audiences, community participation but listening to visiting experts over tea and biscuits then it has a different objective than film making.
Yesterday we started shooting "Refuge from the Storm", written by a local doctor for the TSB screenwriting contest. We have a large crew who have volunteered via a post on Facebook. The camera department, sound, props, costumes, continuity, stills, catering etc. all staffed by enthusiastic people who want to be part of the film making process. Although age is irrelevant it ranges from 20s to 80s and is not an issue. They will work on this project, many will work on future projects and many will start their own projects. We plan to have the film at BIAFF. There will be a wrap party and we will all meet again but to make film, not to have an evening together in a dusty church hall.
ned c