[NEohioPAL]All Hail Film Czar and Film Prophet

Fri Nov 25 17:12:45 PST 2005

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Bill Johns wrote:

=20

The real reason is no one wants to work on someone else's film. You see,
most of the people that comprise the indie scene here in Cleveland are
writer/producer/directors and we're all working on our own projects. And
guess what. I'm not all that interested in spending my valuable time =
working
on someone's project which I consider to be crappier than my own. I can =
just
as easily be spending my time and resources creating my own crap.

=20

Sure everyone would like to think there's a benevolent brotherhood of
filmmakers; a selfless society where everyone submits ideas and work =
samples
and then the members vote on what script to do and who to direct it. The
community is presented with the proposal and since it bears the backing =
of
so many filmmakers, the businesses get involved and support the project =
with
services and finances. The best actors come from all around to have a =
part
in the project and a glorious motion picture is produced that wins the =
Oscar
for Impossible Dream...=20

=20

That would be a good plot for a fantasy picture, but in the real world,
writers will lose interest if their script isn't picked. Directors will =
bail
if they can't direct and actors will walk away if they can't be the =
lead.
And you guessed it the end product would probably be... well, I don't =
need
to say it again. (though I really want to)

=20

Usually, I don't write to these groups because I usually insert my foot =
into
my mouth.. BUT

=20

One reason I like Bill is I've found him to be honest and to the point.=20

=20

But what gets my goat is that the Club has the talent and the resources =
to
do what they want. I have never been able to attend because I am usually
working somewhere on something (surprising I know), but I know the group =
has
all the ingredients (I know many of you). You have the flour (writers), =
and
you have the eggs (talent). You have the milk (costumers, make-up), and =
you
have the butter (the crew). You have flavoring (fx) and you have stove
(directors), BUT it seems no one knows WHAT to make. cake, brownies, a =
pie.

=20

TOO MANY COOKS. TOO MANY EGOS.

=20

To be successful in anything we have to 'win' (I know I'm not PC. I =
believe
in competition as a tool for improvement). In REAL life. there ARE =
winners
and there ARE losers. the losers 'quit' while the winners NEVER do). We =
have
to be willing to 'lose' and to 'learn' by growing from our mistakes.

=20

I'm far from being the actor I want to be. and I constantly throw myself
against those who are far superior. I lose roles to them. I DON"T LIKE
losing but I keep doing it.

=20

WHY?

=20

My motivation is selfish. I want to surpass them. I want the roles they =
get.
I learn from them. I take classes to learn. I read to learn. I work to
learn. My desire is to learn and work hard enough that the next time our
paths cross . I win the role. I EARNED the role.

=20

One director I truly admire once told me, "If a person wants to be a =
better
tennis player, they 'play' with better tennis players. If you want to be =
a
better actor (in my case). work with better actors."

=20

If you can't play with better players because it 'hurts', maybe your =
heart,
your passion is not where it should be and you should question why =
you're
doing what you're doing in the first place.

=20

NOW.

=20

 There are three types of 'COOKS' in the arts, those who does it for =
'arts'
sake, those who do it for 'rewards' and then those who do it for both =
(which
I'm part).

=20

Those who do it for the 'art', from my experience, DO NOT CARE what =
anyone
else thinks. It is their project and they may share it (if they do) but =
not
for our 'approval'.

=20

Those who do it for 'reward', do it for recognition, money, fame. =
whatever
'reward' motivates them.

=20

And the last 'group'. or why I do it. because we don't want to do =
anything
else (need of the 'art') but have responsibilities (need of the =
'reward'). I
think most of us fit here.

=20

Having retired from the 'business' world after 30 years, and knowing I =
need
to pay a mortgage, need to feed two small sons who eat like they're 19, =
and
need to afford a tank of gas, 'reward' plays a REALLY BIG part. I need =
to
improve to meet my obligations.

=20

Now the 'business' of 'reward' changes the equation.=20

=20

A company, person, or persons who want to invest money expects to get
return. Even if it's an investment in an unknown (example: research and
development), they want to see that return.

=20

Which means. they want the best!

=20

WE ALL CAN'T BE THE BEST! The question is how 'we' get BETTER, to make
ourselves the logical choice.

=20

My opinion for the IndieClub.?

=20

First work as a 'group'. even if the 'group' sets itself up as a =
corporation
or LLC.

=20

Find the BEST screenplay (that actually CAN be produced. no "LORD of the
RINGS stuff) from your group, select the BEST director for that type of
screenplay from your group, find the BEST actors for that type of =
screenplay
and director from the group, find the BEST everything.. AND DO IT!

=20

Those who were not the BEST at that moment. swallow your pride. work =
with
those who were determined to be the BEST (if you wish) for THAT =
particular
project and 'learn'. Learn from the strengths and weaknesses observed.

=20

But the BEST always needs to listen and learn from the others. you might =
be
surprised what is learned. No one knows more than everyone else.

=20

 The President/CEO at the corporation I worked (over $500 million/year =
in
sales) told me once, that he still talked with the janitor every day. =
Why?
Because the janitor knew what was going on. he saw the trash every day.
heard what people were talking about (Oh. he's just the janitor). Every
person at every position is important. NO ONE is more/less important =
than
another. We just have different jobs and responsibilities.

=20

Then do it for 'arts' sake or for 'reward'. whatever.

=20

BUT if the project succeeds. EVERYONE DOES at some level. Then start =
another
project.=20

=20

If the projects fails. no one does. everyone learned. Then start another
project.

=20

The network becomes stronger, trust becomes stronger. the work becomes
better BECAUSE everyone has learned something about the business. about
themselves.

=20

Find a good 'cook', a good 'captain', a good LEADER. Have faith in your
choices in theirs, work hard, and learn.=20

=20

If nothing else comes of the project. you'll be better.

=20

Put the egos away, take pride in the work. Learn everything you can, but =
be
willing to teach.=20

=20

GAWD!!! I sound like a 'parent'

=20

With deepest respect to you all,

Rick

=20

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<div class=3DSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Bill Johns wrote:</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>

The real reason is no one wants to work on someone else's film. =
You
see, most of the people that comprise the indie scene here in =
Cleveland
are writer/producer/directors and we're all working on our own projects. =
And
guess what. I'm not all that interested in spending my valuable time =
working on
someone's project which I consider to be crappier than my own. I =
can just
as easily be spending my time and resources creating my own =
crap.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>

Sure everyone would like to think there's a benevolent =
brotherhood of
filmmakers; a selfless society where everyone submits ideas and work =
samples
and then the members vote on what script to do and who to direct it. The
community is presented with the proposal and since it bears the backing =
of so
many filmmakers, the businesses get involved and support the project =
with
services and finances. The best actors come from all around to have a =
part in
the project and a glorious motion picture is produced that wins the =
Oscar
for Impossible Dream...

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>

That would be a good plot for a fantasy picture, but in the real =
world,
writers will lose interest if their script isn't picked. Directors will =
bail if
they can't direct and actors will walk away if they can't be the lead. =
And you
guessed it the end product would probably be... well, I don't need to =
say it
again. (though I really want to)

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Usually, I don’t write to =
these
groups because I usually insert my foot into my mouth…. =
BUT

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

One reason I like Bill is =
I’ve found
him to be honest and to the point.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

But what gets my goat is that the =
Club has
the talent and the resources to do what they want. I have never been =
able to
attend because I am usually working somewhere on something (surprising I =
know),
but I know the group has all the ingredients (I know many of you)… =
You
have the flour (writers), and you have the eggs (talent). You have the =
milk
(costumers, make-up), and you have the butter (the crew). You have =
flavoring (fx)
and you have stove (directors), BUT it seems no one knows WHAT to =
make…
cake, brownies, a pie…

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>TOO MANY COOKS… TOO MANY =
EGOS…</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

To be successful in anything we =
have to
‘win’ (I know I’m not PC… I believe in =
competition as a
tool for improvement). In REAL life… there ARE winners and there =
ARE
losers… the losers ‘quit’ while the winners NEVER do). =
We
have to be willing to ‘lose’ and to ‘learn’ by =
growing
from our mistakes.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

I’m far from being the actor =
I want
to be… and I constantly throw myself against those who are far =
superior.
I lose roles to them… I DON”T LIKE losing but I keep doing =
it.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>WHY?</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

My motivation is selfish. I want =
to surpass
them. I want the roles they get. I learn from them. I take classes to =
learn. I
read to learn. I work to learn. My desire is to learn and work hard =
enough that
the next time our paths cross … I win the role. I EARNED the =
role.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

One director I truly admire once =
told me,
“If a person wants to be a better tennis player, they =
‘play’
with better tennis players. If you want to be a better actor (in my
case)… work with better actors.”

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>If you can’t play with =
better players
because it ‘hurts’, maybe your heart, your passion is not =
where it
should be and you should question why you’re doing what =
you’re
doing in the first place.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>NOW…</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> There are three types of
‘COOKS’ in the arts, those who does it for =
‘arts’ sake,
those who do it for ‘rewards’ and then those who do it for =
both
(which I’m part).</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Those who do it for the =
‘art’,
from my experience, DO NOT CARE what anyone else thinks. It is their =
project
and they may share it (if they do) but not for our =
‘approval’.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Those who do it for =
‘reward’,
do it for recognition, money, fame… whatever ‘reward’
motivates them.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

And the last =
‘group’… or
why I do it… because we don’t want to do anything else (need =
of the
‘art’) but have responsibilities (need of the
‘reward’). I think most of us fit here.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Having retired from the =
‘business’
world after 30 years, and knowing I need to pay a mortgage, need to feed =
two
small sons who eat like they’re 19, and need to afford a tank of =
gas,
‘reward’ plays a REALLY BIG part. I need to improve to meet =
my
obligations.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Now the ‘business’ of
‘reward’ changes the equation.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

A company, person, or persons who =
want to
invest money expects to get return. Even if it’s an investment in =
an
unknown (example: research and development), they want to see that =
return.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Which means… they want the =
best!</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

WE ALL CAN’T BE THE BEST! =
The
question is how ‘we’ get BETTER, to make ourselves the =
logical
choice.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>My opinion for the =
IndieClub…?</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>First work as a =
‘group’…
even if the ‘group’ sets itself up as a corporation or =
LLC.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Find the BEST screenplay (that =
actually CAN
be produced… no “LORD of the RINGS stuff) from your group, =
select
the BEST director for that type of screenplay from your group, find the =
BEST
actors for that type of screenplay and director from the group, find the =
BEST
everything…. AND DO IT!

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Those who were not the BEST at =
that
moment… swallow your pride… work with those who were =
determined to
be the BEST (if you wish) for THAT particular project and =
‘learn’.
Learn from the strengths and weaknesses observed.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

But the BEST always needs to =
listen and
learn from the others… you might be surprised what is learned. No =
one
knows more than everyone else.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

The President/CEO at the =
corporation
I worked (over $500 million/year in sales) told me once, that he still =
talked
with the janitor every day. Why? Because the janitor knew what was going
on… he saw the trash every day… heard what people were =
talking
about (Oh… he’s just the janitor)… Every person =
at
every position is important. NO ONE is more/less important than another. =
We
just have different jobs and responsibilities.

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Then do it for ‘arts’ =
sake or
for ‘reward’… whatever.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

BUT if the project succeeds… =
EVERYONE
DOES at some level. Then start another project…

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

If the projects fails… no =
one
does… everyone learned. Then start another =
project…

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>The network becomes stronger, =
trust becomes
stronger… the work becomes better BECAUSE everyone has learned =
something
about the business… about themselves.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Find a good ‘cook’, a =
good
‘captain’, a good LEADER. Have faith in your choices in =
theirs,
work hard, and learn…

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>If nothing else comes of the =
project…
<u>you’ll</u> be better.</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

Put the egos away, take pride in =
the work.
Learn everything you can, but be willing to teach… =

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

GAWD!!! I sound like a =
‘parent’

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>With deepest respect to you =
all,</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'>Rick</span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> </span></font></p>

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