A Film by any other title would still be bad cinema!

The time has come to begin reading my judges ratings & comments for "Official Selection" at the Central Florida Film Festival (September 4-6, 2009). We are one of the few (maybe the only) film festival that will send the filmmaker a critique if the entry isn't selected into our program. We're not trying to be mean. We just thought the filmmaker should be told what our panel of judges liked and disliked about his film. Our thought is to make them better not pissed off. It also lets the filmmaker know that his entry was screened and watched. As a filmmaker myself I've always wondered about that.

At first we contact the highest rated films in several categories (Feature, short, mini-feature, gay & lesbian, and documentary) and congratulate them on becoming an "Official Selection" of CENFLO (www.CentralFloridaFilmFestival.com). We then take the lowest rated films and write them a "Sorry but..." letter with a critique on what was liked (if anything) and what was disliked by a panel of five industry professionals. I have a composer, director, editor, producer, and screen writer on the panel. This allows my panel to take a close look at their expertise and at the same time dabble in other areas of the film they may have thought needed work.

I thought this idea to be unique and helpful. I've made more than a dozen films and by the time I receive my critique it's a magazine critic who usually compares my product to films with much higher budgets. I don't mind, that's the path I chose and as long as my distributor liked the film who cares what the media thinks? Critics don't pay my mortgage! I believe we make films for three reasons, to make money, win awards, or fill an ego. Can anyone out there think of another reason?

The filmmakers who get into the festival contact me and praise the decision of the judges, saying "what a wonderful thrill it is to be selected." What else are they going to say? "Thanks but no thanks?" However, in many cases the filmmaker who doesn't get into the festival takes on a Jekyll & Hyde persona. They'll kiss your ass to get screened and in some cases plead a case why they should be included. These pleads are never about the quality or content of the film but that "Friends and family live in the area," or "we used to live somewhere in Florida and want to vacation there again." They pay their fee and their screeners are sent out to the selection committee. When the results come back and their critique is sent, they pounce like wounded animals. Claims of fraud, and insults come a flying. I find thirty percent of our critiques are received in the manner they are sent. We've gotten some excellent response and even some filmmakers have entered the following year with a genuine improvement. Most (about fifty percent) don't respond one way or the other but the other twenty percent become vicious.

Here's a copy of a form letter sent to our filmmakers that do not make the cut. Understand there is also a section in the letter where comments are made directly about the film we are critiquing. We try not to generalize;

COPY

I am sorry to inform you that your (Category) entry (TITLE) did not make the preliminary cut to qualify into the Central Florida Film Festival. A Jury of five industry professionals voted to not advance your project.

(According to comments and ratings) The judges were in agreement your production had a decent idea but the execution was well below average. Sometimes we lose sight of what we are trying to accomplish as filmmakers. What story do we want to tell and how can our cast help tell the story? A weak cast from bottom to top and a weak script were two of the main complaints from our panel. When making a feature you need to grab the audience in the first ten pages of your script. Sometimes preproduction is more important than production itself. What kind of money do I have to make this film and where can I skimp without hurting my production value? This is a question young filmmakers need to ask themselves when making a film either for the commercial market or the festival circuit. Cost to production value ratio is very important. Your weak script could have been helped by a better and more experienced cast. Plan your shot selection better. Be creative and don't just go through the motions to get the film completed.

(again form)
Don't take this critique personal. Film is art and art is subjective. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and as filmmakers we need to grow a thick skin. I edit and write what the judges have passed down to me and where possible hope it will help you become a better filmmaker. I am sorry the news couldn't have been better.

(In some cases - I write)
I've viewed your film as well and I have a distributor that may be interested. (Big Star TV) Contact Erik (Erik@Bigstartv.com) and tell him Bob Cook from the Central Florida Film Festival told you to contact him. He may be able to help and give you better advice. I wish you well and hope to see you at the festival where you can pick our brains and find out more about film making.

Regards,
Bob Cook
Executive Director

I don't see where I am attacking anyone. I give examples from their film and cite why it didn't make the cut. I wish every festival did this! Sorry, no I don't, because we are unique and want to make filmmakers better. I had one filmmaker who's feature didn't make the cut, and actually attacked my own films. "I know why you rejected our feature, I've seen the quality of your films and it explains a lot." Not that I need to defend myself but if you saw my films it means you paid to watch them. I make movies to make money! Twice I made a movie to win awards (1990 "Goin' to Chicago" and 2000 - "MovieVoyeur.com") and lost money in the process both times. But I've got those plaques on my wall. I often think to myself, do I like fun things or plaques? You know I like things better. I've made films for as little as twenty thousand dollars and for as much as a million dollars. The production budget doesn't mean a thing. It's how you spend your money putting it on the screen. Cost to production value is very important.

It's also whether or not the viewing audience is entertained. I've seen excellent festival pieces that I wouldn't pay ten dollars to see in a movie theater. However, they're terrific films and that's why festivals screen them and distributors don't. It comes down to dollars and cents or in the case of some filmmakers Dollars & Sense!

Just as I'm ready to consider taking out the critique portion of our program I receive two wonderful emails from filmmakers in Chicago and New Jersey (of all places) thanking me for taking the time to critique their films. They were able to take a step back and look at what we were trying to do and took it in the manner it was intended. I believe they will become better filmmakers. Because even when a media critic trashes my film, I take a step back and try to understand what he was trying to say. Filmmakers make many choices. The cast, crew and even the film itself lives or dies by those choices. That's why the director gets the biggest credit. Many of those choices are forced by restraints placed upon us by either the elements, locations, or production budget. How we overcome these restraints are what makes us better filmmakers.

I will continue to critique films that don't get into our festival. I believe even if we help only one or two filmmakers each year become better, then we're doing a good thing for our industry.

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Blah, Blah, Blog.....

It's been a tough couple of weeks and I have neglected keeping my blog current. Between my dad's cat (Felice) of sixteen years passing on, the air conditioner breaking down on the hottest day of the year here in Florida and Mother's Day, my time has been sparse.

However, I did find time to see the new STAR TREK movie and enjoyed every minute of it. We are hitting stride at the Central Florida Film Festival too. We've received confirmations from actor/comedian Jason Stuart, Producer/writer Chase Chenowith and (producer/director/writer Reuben Leder as special guests. Jason, who has appeared on such shows as "Will and Grace," "George Lopez." and "Fat Actess," is bringing a copy of his new comedy COFFEE DATE, which also stars academy award nominee Sally Kirkland. The movie is hillarious and Jason will perform a Q & A immediately following the screening. Reuben (Leder) and Chase (Chenowith) will join local writer/director Art Delasandro on a panel discussion about writing for film. Reuben is best known for his work on MAGNUM PI and Chase is an award winning producer of such films as "Undertaking Betty," "Beautiful Dreamer" and "One of Our Own."

I am currently working with industry vendors. My plan is to have as many vendors represented at the festival for filmmakers to strike film deals creating more work for Floridians. I should have a partial list at the end of the month. Currently, the festival has selected twenty films from five countries. Last year we selected fifty films representing nine countries and seventeen states. This year with the West Orange 5 Theaters on board we expect more than seventy films.

Remember to support independent films and exhibitors. They need our help!

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Lights, Camera, Stimulus (Part 2)

I reprinted this from an editorial that I wrote for In Focus Magazine. I know it's cheating but I want to make sure my point gets across. It's been a busy two weeks and I will write something a bit more industry related within the next few hours. I'm just over it and welcome any other comments or questions.

"Lights, Camera Stimulus"

Banks are being bailed out, the automotive industry is being bailed out, even delinquent home owners are being assisted by the Federal financial assistance. But how about the film industry? The other day I was depressed at everything I watched or read about in the news. So, what does one do to get out of a funk? Of course, I went to a movie. You know what? The movie was crowded too. Apparently, I'm not the only one that looks to the entertainment industry for relief and escape from reality. This is why I am concerned. While other industries are being bailed out or coddled, the film industry, especially here in Florida, is being overlooked. To start with, the state has cut film incentives by a whopping eighty percent. That's not a misprint. Eighty percent! How is that supposed to help the job situation? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, schools and other programs are being cut too. However, the film industry brings in millions to the economy and at the same time creates an escape from our problems. A much needed trip into the world of horror, action and comedy where you don't have to worry about a damn thing for about two hours.

Is there really an out of control economic problem or am I seeing the makings of a conspiracy movie on the horizon? Are corporate and Governmental bodies just using some middle class hard times as an excuse to make more cuts to create more profits? Less jobs but higher profits...hmmmm...it sure does feel like it.

I run a small film festival in Ocoee, Florida (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/). We're a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission statement is to help the film industry in Central Florida. We survive on donations, sponsorships, advertisers and entry fees. This past year alone we lost three large corporate sponsors. They all cited the economy and cutbacks as the reason for eliminating their support. The only problem was what they were giving in the first place. The Coca-Cola Company was providing us with twenty assorted cases of Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and Coke Classic. If I used a coupon in Sunday's paper this amounts to a total retail cost of $128. In turn, I had the festival provide the Coca-Cola Company with an advertising and sponsorship package worth $1500. Final Draft scriptwriting software was the exclusive sponsor of our screenwriting seminar. They provided four copies of their product in exchange for another $1500 advertising package. Finally, the Mini Movie Channel pulled out their sponsorship. However, of the three, they probably are in financial trouble but they were the only ones that had paid cash for their sponsorship!

Even filmmakers are using the economy in an attempt to get out of paying entry fees. "Because of the economy we have no more money and request a waiver," is a statement I receive once a day. However, I've been receiving them for more than four years now - when the economy was good! I never met an independent filmmaker that had any money. They usually beg for money for post and beg again for marketing and promotional funds. It certainly makes me question if they are even teaching these students how to budget their films.

So, how can the Florida filmmaking industry survive without an enticing incentive program or without the help of corporate America? There is no financial crunch. Cash flow problems, maybe. I believe some people have overextended and made bad investments on the bad advice of bad financial institutions. As sure as you're reading this, for every foreclosure there are twenty people lining up to buy the foreclosed property at a discounted price to turn a profit. This is old news. People have overextended ever since that ‘Jones guy’ moved in next door.

Michigan created a 40% incentive program that has producers from all over the United States flocking to their state at such a successful rate they don't have enough production personnel to keep up. Developers have built sound stages and schools are teaching laid-off autoworkers how to become gaffers, best boys, grips, and even production assistants. They are taking action and strengthening their economy. It's time for Florida’s Governments to wake up and take a long look at the positive economic impact the film industry makes on this state.

But for now, the only way the film industry is going to survive in Florida is by helping each other. Network, get out there and campaign. Create something, edit something, screen something and watch and learn. If you're a vendor, create packages that make sense and produce projects which generate jobs. If you're an investor, learn about funding films. Is film finance really a higher risk than the stock market? Actors need to work together by making themselves better. A better talent pool is an enticement to producers and makes for a better project. Learn the SAG contracts and how they can hurt or help your financial situation here in a 'right to work' state. Learn the difference between an Independent film and a studio film, as well as, an independent exhibitor versus a corporate exhibitor.

It all starts with us the filmmaker and film watcher. Show your support by checking out the latest movies, supporting local film festivals and producing the best film projects you can. You'll find the effort and results well worth it.

Damn Yankees! (Part Deux)

Just following up on my latest rant about the Yankees and their ticket prices. The Steinbrenners have actually notified season ticket holders "....there will be sizeable refunds given back." Apparently, they are lowering the prices of some seats and refunds are due fans that have already paid. Perhaps now they'll start selling out. Of course, it always helps to start winning too!

At dinner last night, my wife mentioned that Baskin-Robbins was having a thirty-one cent scoop night. Thirty-one cents for a scoop of ice cream...how could I resist? A pistachio/almond butter pecan, and rocky road scoop later, I was noticing that the place was packed tighter than a large sugar cone. People were everywhere. I thought to myself, 'I guess they made us an offer we couldn't refuse'. I've got to think Baskin-Robbins didn't lose money on the deal and it had to remind people there's an ice cream store in the neighborhood.

Now, what can I do besides support all the stores that put their goodies on sale. Pricing IS everything. Americans want a bargain. They're tired of paying the rising costs and would like to pay less somewhere. Recently, I have been researching the pricing of film festivals. These 'All Access' passes are pretty expensive. Some go for as high as twelve hundred dollars for two weeks of movie going pleasure. Most were in the range of six to seven hundred for a week to ten days. I thought, "how can the average movie goer afford that?" They probably can't. Sooooooo, as Executive Director of CenFlo (www.CentralFloridaFilmFestival.com) I've come up with the "$99 Stimulus Ticket". Three days of screenings, seminars, poolside chats, a vendor lounge, and of course parties, food, and even some free beer. Everyone likes free beer, right?

Ninty-nine dollars will let the general public rub elbows with more than fifty filmmakers and other assorted industry professionals. I also came up with a movies only screening pass for $65. Good from 10am to 11pm for all Documentaries, shorts, features, mini features, and even some "Gay & Lesbian" special programming. Think of it, "The film festival movie watchers can afford! What a slogan! What an idea! Thanks Baskin-Robbins, I think I understand!

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Down with the Prices!

Have you heard? The New York Yankees, who used to sell out the old Yankee Stadium, are having trouble filling the ridiculously priced seats in their new six hundred million dollar New Yankee Stadium. Of course we all know who they blame....the economy!

Did anyone ever think that perhaps the people of New York have a ceiling on the price they're willing to pay? There's quite a few other things they can do with the money they save and still root for their team on television. If businesses keep raising prices, buyers are going to find a better deal somewhere else. Even if they have to cut out certain luxuries such as dining out, movies and yes, baseball games.

So now let's talk about the movie industry. Ticket prices have been going up until a family of four has to make plans to see certain films during vacation times. It's cheaper for middle class Americans to stay at home and watch a "Pay per view" movie. I've done it and I consider myself an avid movie goer. Sure, the movie theater has a better sound system and the smell of over priced popcorn gets you in the mood. However, you can get an excellent sound system in your own home for a few hundred dollars and let's face it, popcorn is popcorn whether the theater makes it or the microwave.

Why can't we make prices affordable? Gas shouldn't be a high as it is, we all know the oil companies are making more than their share of profit. How much is too much profit? Is corporate America that greedy they don't see the need to price things in a manner that most Americans can at least THINK about purchasing? Stimulus this and stimulus that, where are the true savings? Coupons? Warehouse prices? Flea Markets? Businesses take notice! Come up with a plan to create your own stimulus. "Make them an offer they cannot refuse," and maybe middle class Americans will once again join in on the spending. Everyone likes a bargain. Remember, if you're a business, price reasonably. If you're a shopper, buy responsibly. And if you're the New York Yankees, lower your "Damn" Yankee prices and maybe you WILL sell out!

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