David versus Goliath, now that's a pay-per-view worth watching. David could represent the independent business owner, while Goliath could represent (who else) corporate America!!!!
I promised not to rant about the 'good ol' days' but every time I get out I'm constantly reminded. Okay, I get it, there's no more service at gas stations, unless you consider a finance window service. What about restaurants? I mean basically aren't all these fast food restaurants, diners, after hour wing spots all competing for the same dollar? And after the first beer don't all wings pretty much taste the same? So, how do we choose with so many out there?
Me, I like service. I like my beer cold, my water glass and coffee cup filled without sending out a search party for my waiter/waitress. Price is important but not so much. If they offer say a discount for industry professionals, I will seek them out....not because the ten or fifteen percent is that important, but I just want to show support for people who show support for us working class party animals. I understand there shouldn't be discounts on drinks (albeit Happy Hour does sound enticing tonight) but a discount on food makes sense. Even at my film festival (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/) I have certain restaurants offering a twenty percent discount for patrons of the festival who eat at their establishment.
The creative members of my film festival met at THE ORLANDO ALE HOUSE a few nights ago. We've been holding meetings their since my production company moved to Orlando in 1991. It is also located just off Disney property (or on it, I'm not exactly sure) where over sixty thousand industry related people work. Last night we were breaking in yet another waitress. We asked for our bill and mentioned our (industry) discount and she told us, we weren't eligible. When I said, "We were here just a few days ago, had the same order and it was fine. "Is this something that just started?" The waitress became frustrated because let's face it most waitresses are actresses without lines and without written lines they're at a loss. She explains that because we bought fifty wings all at once, we didn't qualify. However, if we had to ordered twenty, twenty and ten, we would have qualified (see what I mean). The others in my party started to point out about the obvious and I'm pretty sure she knew it added up to fifty. That was my problem. If she said sorry we don't give a crap about your business, I would have accepted this as an excuse. My wife decided we should speak with the manager. She does the books and as it turns out we spend almost two thousand dollars at this establishment during the fiscal year and that's just what's deductible!
The manager arrived and tried to explain to me that "THEY (when we asked, we were told 'they' are corporate) set the rules and even though he's the local manager, his hands were tied. Oh, by the way, we're talking about a total of $2.40!!! It appears that the ALE HOUSE has a rule that discounts can only be given on items their employees can get discounts. Which explains why the ten and twenty portions of wings are eligible but the fifty wing order isn't. I would assume that any waitress, bartender or busboy who could eat fifty wings in one sitting should receive something else besides a discount. Perhaps a plaque with his name up with that guy that eats all the hot dogs at Nathans on July 4Th. I tried to explain to the manager, who I can only assume gets rated by the amount of business his restaurant does, that by bringing more people into his establishment to drink non-discounted beverage is generating more revenue than an employee who is eating lunch or dinner and therefore should be valued differently.
Corporate will be proud, he didn't budge! Apparently, THE ORLANDO ALE HOUSE needs the $2.40 more than me. I paid it and didn't take it out on the waitress either, although she should pray she gets cast in something soon, as her waitress days are numbered (however, there is the discount on food). What did I expect? For starters, I would expect the manager to have some kind of power in his own establishment. If it was my place, I would have said; here's the policy set by those bastards at corporate but don't worry about it this time, I'll fix the check to show you ordered the wings in the corporately regimented series, smiled, and said, "We good?" and thanked him for his business and bid him "good night." Of course that was the way I did it as a waiter when I was an actor in New York. A person has to make a living and a person has to service the account or someone else will. That's why it's called the "service industry." My next meeting will be at either THE DOCKSIDE INN or KITTY'S. Both are PRIVATELY owned (no corporate bastards to deal with) and when I mention discounts to industry professionals perhaps they'll want our business a little bit more than THE ORLANDO ALE HOUSE.
......and cut!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
What's a Best Friend?
I got called on the carpet by my wife yesterday for referring to a person as her "Best Friend." It appears that although the Male Species has one best friend, the Female Species has more than one. I've never been one to toss around the "F-word" and consider friends as people you don't mind sharing time with outside of the work element and the rest as either co-workers, neighbors, or acquaintances. My "Best Friend" is someone I can rely on or talk to without question or embarrassment.
I've been told that my wife has at least two "Best Friends" who serve different purposes in her everyday life. One as a professional advisor and one who communicates daily and guides and advises from the heart. She's lucky in having two people to count on and listen to her frustrations and share her victories. I stand corrected and apologize for any misunderstanding as to who is my wife's best friend. Especially, when she follows my blog. Luv ya, Gus!
...and cut
I've been told that my wife has at least two "Best Friends" who serve different purposes in her everyday life. One as a professional advisor and one who communicates daily and guides and advises from the heart. She's lucky in having two people to count on and listen to her frustrations and share her victories. I stand corrected and apologize for any misunderstanding as to who is my wife's best friend. Especially, when she follows my blog. Luv ya, Gus!
...and cut
Thursday, June 11, 2009
To Scam or Not to Scam! What kind of question is that?
I got accused of scamming some film maker today. He enter our film festival and his film didn't get accepted. Our entry fees for featured shorts is forty dollars. Thirty dollars if you enter via http://www.withoutabox.com/ and we furnish a detailed critique giving reasons why any film is rejected. I became a scam when he didn't agree with our critique. "You're just like all the rest of them," he wrote, "You take our money and don't care about the film maker." This kid (and I'm assuming because of his demeanor) couldn't be further from the truth.
As a film maker myself, I've entered many a film festival and received generic form letters that say pretty much "Thanks but no thanks." I've often wondered how a film could enter a top twenty five festival and go on to win best picture but be rejected by several other film festivals? I've been lucky enough on a couple of occasions to win something or better yet just be accepted to attend film festivals. I have no understanding what other festivals look for in accepting a film. So I started my own film festival (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/). Not so that I'd have something to enter for myself but to give other film makers a place to showcase their work. I have a selection committee with different tastes. A writer, a director, an editor, a composer and a producer should give a fairly diversified review of each film. I personally want production value, some commercial value (would be nice), good acting, a strong script and some signs of creativity and not you're just going through the motions as a film maker.
From there the films are ranked on a scale of 1-10 in ten categories or 100 points being perfect and no points being Ed Wood caliber (although some of Ed's work would have scored in the 50's). we're a three day event with approximately eighty hours of screening time. We receive about one hundred and fifty films for consideration. Obviously I can't accept forty, two hour features, it would use up all the screening time. So, we are forced to place limits to how many shorts, features, documentaries, mini features and even 'Gay & Lesbian" films to accept and have a good representation in our program.
If a were scamming, I'd take the money, not give a critique, not show the submitted films to anyone and place a listing of accepted films on a website and never respond to complaints. The best way to avoid scams is to educate yourself. Do some research. Who are these people involved? Why do I care about their opinion? How will it help me or my film if I am accepted. Just because some hick town in Iowa is holding a film festival and loves your film, it doesn't mean that a major market should. All film festivals fight for their share of good films and we all wind up with our share of clunkers too. Did you know Sundance received five THOUSAND entries in their short program for only eighty-five spots? That's 4915 rejects! However, many of those rejects are excellent films in their own right. Those film makers have to find a festival willing to showcase their project. Fight the battles you can win and understand if you can't stand rejection you've selected the wrong industry and profession.
See you at the movies!
...and cut!
As a film maker myself, I've entered many a film festival and received generic form letters that say pretty much "Thanks but no thanks." I've often wondered how a film could enter a top twenty five festival and go on to win best picture but be rejected by several other film festivals? I've been lucky enough on a couple of occasions to win something or better yet just be accepted to attend film festivals. I have no understanding what other festivals look for in accepting a film. So I started my own film festival (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/). Not so that I'd have something to enter for myself but to give other film makers a place to showcase their work. I have a selection committee with different tastes. A writer, a director, an editor, a composer and a producer should give a fairly diversified review of each film. I personally want production value, some commercial value (would be nice), good acting, a strong script and some signs of creativity and not you're just going through the motions as a film maker.
From there the films are ranked on a scale of 1-10 in ten categories or 100 points being perfect and no points being Ed Wood caliber (although some of Ed's work would have scored in the 50's). we're a three day event with approximately eighty hours of screening time. We receive about one hundred and fifty films for consideration. Obviously I can't accept forty, two hour features, it would use up all the screening time. So, we are forced to place limits to how many shorts, features, documentaries, mini features and even 'Gay & Lesbian" films to accept and have a good representation in our program.
If a were scamming, I'd take the money, not give a critique, not show the submitted films to anyone and place a listing of accepted films on a website and never respond to complaints. The best way to avoid scams is to educate yourself. Do some research. Who are these people involved? Why do I care about their opinion? How will it help me or my film if I am accepted. Just because some hick town in Iowa is holding a film festival and loves your film, it doesn't mean that a major market should. All film festivals fight for their share of good films and we all wind up with our share of clunkers too. Did you know Sundance received five THOUSAND entries in their short program for only eighty-five spots? That's 4915 rejects! However, many of those rejects are excellent films in their own right. Those film makers have to find a festival willing to showcase their project. Fight the battles you can win and understand if you can't stand rejection you've selected the wrong industry and profession.
See you at the movies!
...and cut!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
"Straight" to the nut house!
This year the Central Florida Film Festival has added two categories. One "Mini Feature" was created for filmmakers that haven't quite learned how to edit down a piece to a watchable time frame or add enough footage to be considered a feature. Our other new category is "Gay and Lesbian" films. My Creative Director (yes, gay) mentioned that in the past few years our festival has received it's share of Gay themed films and although they may be excellent in their production value and content they've gotten lost in the shuffle of the other films. I agreed and give these filmmakers their own category.
I've just received my first "hate mail." It was sent from I guy I'll just call 'Mike' (because that's all he called himself). Now that I think about it didn't Liberace have only one name too? Anyway, Mike told me I was causing damage to the film industry by showcasing gay films and I'd be ruining the image of my festival if I proceeded to have 'them' at the festival. He went on to say that I would be 'sorry' for taking valuable time from REAL film makers.
I've got to admit I am pretty upset. I don't judge filmmakers by their race, color, creed, or sexual persuasion. I judge them by their work. I should be so lucky to get the next BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN or MILK to premier at my festival. Mike must have the above mentioned films confused with the 'gay porn' he must have sneaked a peek at every now and then to educate himself enough to express his opinion the way he did. You don't have to be a genius to know if you take the Gay people out of the film industry there won't be many films or television shows to watch.
On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Central Florida Film Festival (aka CENFLO) from one until five, will offer food, beverage, and music, poolside at the Courtyard Marriott in Ocoee for a celebration of "Gays in Film." I hear Gays like to eat and drink too and watch movies. At five sharp a block of several 'gay and lesbian' themed films will be featured at one of our festival screens, including, such features as COFFEE DATE, and A LOWER POWER and a few shorts. Actor/Comedian, Jason Stuart (Will & Grace") will be on hand to greet guests at the party and to perform a "Q & A" after the film COFFEE DATE. He will also show clips from his new DVD "Making it to the Middle." The world will not end, there probably won't even be a stir, just applause from a night of good film making. Gay or straight I hope to see you there. Tickets go on sale July 1, 2009 (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/).
Mike, if you'd like I'll show one of your films and let you perform a "Q & A" immediately following our regularly scheduled programing. Let me know!
...and cut!
I've just received my first "hate mail." It was sent from I guy I'll just call 'Mike' (because that's all he called himself). Now that I think about it didn't Liberace have only one name too? Anyway, Mike told me I was causing damage to the film industry by showcasing gay films and I'd be ruining the image of my festival if I proceeded to have 'them' at the festival. He went on to say that I would be 'sorry' for taking valuable time from REAL film makers.
I've got to admit I am pretty upset. I don't judge filmmakers by their race, color, creed, or sexual persuasion. I judge them by their work. I should be so lucky to get the next BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN or MILK to premier at my festival. Mike must have the above mentioned films confused with the 'gay porn' he must have sneaked a peek at every now and then to educate himself enough to express his opinion the way he did. You don't have to be a genius to know if you take the Gay people out of the film industry there won't be many films or television shows to watch.
On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Central Florida Film Festival (aka CENFLO) from one until five, will offer food, beverage, and music, poolside at the Courtyard Marriott in Ocoee for a celebration of "Gays in Film." I hear Gays like to eat and drink too and watch movies. At five sharp a block of several 'gay and lesbian' themed films will be featured at one of our festival screens, including, such features as COFFEE DATE, and A LOWER POWER and a few shorts. Actor/Comedian, Jason Stuart (Will & Grace") will be on hand to greet guests at the party and to perform a "Q & A" after the film COFFEE DATE. He will also show clips from his new DVD "Making it to the Middle." The world will not end, there probably won't even be a stir, just applause from a night of good film making. Gay or straight I hope to see you there. Tickets go on sale July 1, 2009 (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/).
Mike, if you'd like I'll show one of your films and let you perform a "Q & A" immediately following our regularly scheduled programing. Let me know!
...and cut!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Sharing the Wealth
My wife (Ginger) just returned from a talent convention in Chicago. She's an accomplished camera woman and editor and along with her best friend Amy (who's also an accomplished camera woman and editor) provided video for this convention. My wife was depressed as she was just able to break even over the run of the event. But what does 'break even' mean?
I explained to Ginger, she was able to purchase and rent equipment (cameras, video monitors, sound equipment, etc.), she rented a car, she put gas in the car, she stayed in a hotel and ate in restaurants. She also provided a commission to the talent show and paid salaries to Amy and herself. "You have to look at the greater plan," I said. Her gig, as small as the profit margin may have been, provided a boost to the economy. A cash flow was created and several businesses benefited. I believe this is how small businesses and especially production companies need to look at the overall picture in order to stay around. Kind of "a circle of life" in our own right. One business helps the others.
When a production company has a budget, no matter how big or small, they are in a position to help the economy. If your money goes 'on the screen' or into the project (an not in your pocket) you are still making an impact on our business. Budget carefully because what helps your bottom line also helps others.
I applaud my wife for a job well done. Breaking even is nothing to frown at, especially if you helped others to break even. I'm proud of you.
....and cut!
I explained to Ginger, she was able to purchase and rent equipment (cameras, video monitors, sound equipment, etc.), she rented a car, she put gas in the car, she stayed in a hotel and ate in restaurants. She also provided a commission to the talent show and paid salaries to Amy and herself. "You have to look at the greater plan," I said. Her gig, as small as the profit margin may have been, provided a boost to the economy. A cash flow was created and several businesses benefited. I believe this is how small businesses and especially production companies need to look at the overall picture in order to stay around. Kind of "a circle of life" in our own right. One business helps the others.
When a production company has a budget, no matter how big or small, they are in a position to help the economy. If your money goes 'on the screen' or into the project (an not in your pocket) you are still making an impact on our business. Budget carefully because what helps your bottom line also helps others.
I applaud my wife for a job well done. Breaking even is nothing to frown at, especially if you helped others to break even. I'm proud of you.
....and cut!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Festival Update
I've reprinted this from a notice sent out from withoutabox.com a festival source.
REPRINT: June 2, 2009 (withoutabox Festival Highlight)
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL - Orlando, Florida - USA September 4 to 6, 2009
The 4th Annual CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL (CENFLO) was established to showcase and support independent films, as well as to foster a national awareness of the plethora of production resources available around Central Florida. To this end, the Orland-based CENFLO is a valuable networking and learning event for both movie lovers and moviemakers.The Festival's programming has been picking up steam recently: Neil Mandt's LAST STOP FOR PAUL, winner of CENFLO's Best Feature Award, was picked up by Showtime after enjoying a limited theatrical release; 2006 CENFLO Best Feature BEAUTIFUL DREAMER went on to win many festival awards, with producer Chase Chenowith's next feature UNDERTAKING BETTY receiving worldwide theatrical distribution.CENFLO is a hands-on festival with an easy and casual accessibility to all of its directors and VIP guests. Organizers also take pride helping filmmakers; all films not accepted to the festival receive a detailed critique stating why, in the hopes of helping filmmakers improve their form and technique. There is no additional cost for this service, and many filmmakers have received useful, constructive feedback.
UPCOMING DEADLINE June 14, 2009 - Late Deadline
MISSION AND OBJECTIVE CENFLO provides exposure as well as an outlet for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work to the general public. At the same time, CENFLO attempts to put together an entertaining and thought provoking slate of films for the Central Florida community.
MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL - CENFLO offers seminars, panel discussions, guest speakers, screenings, and competitions featuring cash prizes for the best Documentary, Short, Mini Features, Feature length films, and a new Gay & Lesbian section. The Festival also presents awards honoring the best Florida film and best promotional trailer. Screenings will be held at the Festival's new venue, the West Orange 5 Theater. Filmmakers are eligible to win a range of awards, including plaques, a variety of goods and services, and cash prizes ranging from $250 - $500 USD. Winning filmmakers are honored at a glitzy Awards night ceremony, concluding the Festival. See for yourself why the Orlando Sentinel calls the Festival the "fastest growing film festival in Florida." Submit to Central Florida Film Festival today!
REPRINT: June 2, 2009 (withoutabox Festival Highlight)
CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL - Orlando, Florida - USA September 4 to 6, 2009
The 4th Annual CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL (CENFLO) was established to showcase and support independent films, as well as to foster a national awareness of the plethora of production resources available around Central Florida. To this end, the Orland-based CENFLO is a valuable networking and learning event for both movie lovers and moviemakers.The Festival's programming has been picking up steam recently: Neil Mandt's LAST STOP FOR PAUL, winner of CENFLO's Best Feature Award, was picked up by Showtime after enjoying a limited theatrical release; 2006 CENFLO Best Feature BEAUTIFUL DREAMER went on to win many festival awards, with producer Chase Chenowith's next feature UNDERTAKING BETTY receiving worldwide theatrical distribution.CENFLO is a hands-on festival with an easy and casual accessibility to all of its directors and VIP guests. Organizers also take pride helping filmmakers; all films not accepted to the festival receive a detailed critique stating why, in the hopes of helping filmmakers improve their form and technique. There is no additional cost for this service, and many filmmakers have received useful, constructive feedback.
UPCOMING DEADLINE June 14, 2009 - Late Deadline
MISSION AND OBJECTIVE CENFLO provides exposure as well as an outlet for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work to the general public. At the same time, CENFLO attempts to put together an entertaining and thought provoking slate of films for the Central Florida community.
MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL - CENFLO offers seminars, panel discussions, guest speakers, screenings, and competitions featuring cash prizes for the best Documentary, Short, Mini Features, Feature length films, and a new Gay & Lesbian section. The Festival also presents awards honoring the best Florida film and best promotional trailer. Screenings will be held at the Festival's new venue, the West Orange 5 Theater. Filmmakers are eligible to win a range of awards, including plaques, a variety of goods and services, and cash prizes ranging from $250 - $500 USD. Winning filmmakers are honored at a glitzy Awards night ceremony, concluding the Festival. See for yourself why the Orlando Sentinel calls the Festival the "fastest growing film festival in Florida." Submit to Central Florida Film Festival today!
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