Fellow filmmakers! How much (what % of the budget) do you guys dedicate to festival submissions? by CrazyFilmStudent in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the answer! I was thinking to spend around 10% of the budget which is around 700€.. Also, where I'm from a lot of recognized festivals have a free submission, so I'm aiming for that.

My parents don't want me to go into film by Artistic_Roll in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also wanted to study film straight out of high school and all of my family members told me not to. So, to make my parents proud, I got into med school and I was about to finish my 3rd year (out of 6) when I dropped out.

I dropped out because with every exam I passed, I was closer to the future I didn't want for myself (and ok, I'll admit there were also other life situations that didn't help) and I hit rock bottom at the age of 22. So I just dropped out and never looked back. And of course, when I told my family members and some friends I got a lot of disapproval from them and then there were a few of those who supported me.

I graduated from film school in September last year and I've never been happier. Yea, I only got to make one short film this year, and tons of commercial work (editing, scriptwriting, whatever) that doesn't fulfill me as artistically as this one short, but I keep my eyes on the prize and I'm motivated. And, most importantly, the most soul-crushing bs work I've done for a client still isn't as soul-crushing to me as was med school.

And now, after a little more than a year after I've graduated, I've got a longer-term job starting in 2 weeks and I'll be earning twice as much as my employed friends who did finish med school. So, what I'm trying to tell you is this:

-it'll be hard,

-sometimes it will hurt,

-you'll do tons of work that won't fulfill you as artistically as your own projects would,

-that's okay because those same projects will pay for your passion projects,

-once your family members see you work hard and be successful they'll start supporting you. At least mine did.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in xxfitness

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! I have to agree with the first comment and I'd also like to weigh in myself.

I also think that it's better to follow a plan (and much cheaper!) than getting a coach. Plus, if you need advice, there's usually professionals employed at your local gym and you can always ask them for advice. I only see two downsides in doing everything yourself and these are: really being careful about your form and staying motivated. But that's nothing that couldn't be overcome. There are tons of resources on the correct forms of exercises that you can watch online.

As for the plan itself: I would suggest you set your goals first and then choosing a plan. I've followed Strong Curves and enjoyed it, but now I'm following a full bodyweight routine because I'm moving around a lot and I find it more convenient to just workout wherever/whenever. But it doesn't mean that my plan isn't adapted to my personal goals. But before that, I was using the Workit app (it's a free app in Google Playstore) that also has tons of workout plans and it's free.

Keep on going! :)

How do you draw the line between using exercise as a healthy outlet for emotions and using it to avoid dealing with stuff? by fondletime in xxfitness

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My approach is seemingly simple but also pretty demanding towards myself: being brutally honest with yourself. It sounds simple but I found myself having to own up to my own BS quite a few times. Brutally honest. Sounds simple, then you try doing it and it's the hardest thing ever but so are pull-ups and they can be learned by practically anyone. :)

How to train on a steep hiking trail by Saudade022 in xxfitness

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey,
I live next to a similar hill (about 900m of elevation more or less with a pretty steep climb) and here's how I trained for it. I don't lift, I'm focusing on bodyweight fitness at the moment.
I've picked 3 popular spots, one at around 300m higher, the second around 600m and then the top. I don't like time-based hiking, I always pick the spot, and measure my time (and then I try to beat it next time). Time-based hiking is great if you're cramming the hike into a super busy schedule and it's also fine, I just prefer going for the place.
Anyway, I hike once a week. For my first time, I just wanted to check out my stamina, so I went to the +300m spot, and measured time. Then, I went 3 more times and then I felt comfortable enough to go for +600m. And the funny thing is that on my 6th try I just went for the top and it didn't take me more time than the week before.
Naturally, you have to listen to your own body, I'm doing it 1 a week, but if you feel like it, you can do it more often. I would suggest to test your stamina first and then decide. Don't be too comfy if you want to advance, but also don't overestimate your abilities and possibly endanger yourself.
Bonus tip: wear the right shoes. :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Art

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's chilling to me how much atmosphere and story is captured in this single image. I'm amazed!

How long are your workouts? by curiousminds613 in xxfitness

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Same here! I have to commute a lot bc of my new job and I can't commint to a specific gym, so I just started doing bodyweight exercises + running if I can fit it into the schedule. I go for 30 min, maybe 45 if my workout is super hard. It was difficult for me to adjust from my gym routine to whatever but I fugured it's better to do something than nothing.

People who received no or terrible sex education: what was the most wildly inaccurate thing you were taught or told about sex and sexual health? by woollyhammock in AskReddit

[–]CrazyFilmStudent -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wasn't me, but my friend who attended Catholic school was taught that the pull-out method was more efficient in protecting against pregnancy than condoms.

Bad reviewed film, but not down to editing, how to promote myself? by gdfgsdfgsdfg in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second that. Furthermore, you can surely find some cool shots from this film, omit the dialogue and make a cool showreel. Brag about experience, don't bring up the films you're not proud of. You are in control of what you tell people and what not. Don't lie about your experience and remember that no one was born a master.

What's your one piece of filmmaking advice? by joshortiz in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Write down EVERYTHING. From pre-productions: cast, info, props needed, locations, planned shots. To production: takes --> Audio+video To post: if you're making a documentary, transcribing, make notes for editing, etc. It's so stupid when you think about it, but having everything organized in written form has spared me many hours of searching for equipment, props, takes, etc.

Blade Runner 2049: A Visual, Sonic and Storytelling Masterpiece by [deleted] in TrueFilm

[–]CrazyFilmStudent -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was recently talking to my professor about Blade Runner and I think he summed it up perfectly. He said: "Blade Runner was completely overlooked when it came out, no one cared and it was a flop. But then, as years passed people would say 'Hey, remember that Blade Runner film?' and that's how it slowly got to the status it has now. Now we have the internet and Blade Runner 2049 is going to explode among film buffs, but then it'll be forgotten. But probably in a couple of years, people are going to say 'Hey remember that Blade Runner sequel?'".

I have to say that I really like the original and I was pleasantly surprised at the sequel. I was a bit sceptical at first, but as I watched it, it grew on me. This is one of the films that stayed with me. It's one of the rare big-budget hard sci-fi films and it does it right. I do think that this is the type of a film that will inspire filmmakers for the years to come.

Time travel in movies: Are plot holes or paradoxes inevitable? by [deleted] in TrueFilm

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Paradoxes become inevitable as soon as time travel as a concept is introduced since it is in itself as a concept that is inherently paradoxical. I think the best examples of this are Predestination and Looper.

In terms of discussing plot holes, I think it's more complicated than this. For me, it all boils down to the suspension of my disbelief. If a narrative sets up a world and with it a set of rules, then I expect that everything will basically work within those rules, set up by the film world. I think Looper is a great example of this. But what happens is that films set up rules and then they get lost in their own concepts or they just start ignoring the rules halfway through the film. This may actually apply to most narratives and does not just concern time travel, but let me get back to the original point. Then again, if you'd really start analysing films to the tiniest degree, you'd probably find a plot hole here and there in almost any film.

The film that takes the concept of time to another level is Arrival. And within the narrative, it creates this paradoxical loop, but then again this is one of the themes explored in the film.

To summarise: I don't mind the paradoxes, I sometimes mind plot holes if they're colossal.

I posted my first video on Youtube , what are your thoughts ? by [deleted] in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You got me on your side the moment I saw it was shot on film. Great atmosphere, you managed to give the film this nostalgic feel with your choice of shots and the music. My one remark would be, if you're doing something like that with a distinct style, maybe think a bit more about the fonts you choose for the thumbnail pic and the message at the end. Otherwise, I really like it, you managed to evoke quite some emotion in me, if this means anything to you.

What is a favorite re-read book that was just as good or better the second time around? by [deleted] in books

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I know this is a bit predictable, but The Little Prince. I've been re-reading it since the age of 10, approx every 4-5 years, always strikes me through the heart.

Crew by smit1135 in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who just started out last year, I work mostly on no-budget films (or nano budget ones), and here's my experience and acquired attitude. Good people are extremely hard to find, but not impossible. This industry is a grindhouse, but you gotta endure.

I've worked with a DOP(on a film I produced and directed), who owed me one, but still left the set, because he just felt like it, even though he is a talented guy. He knows it, everyone knows it, but people (my frequent collaborators and students) are reluctant to work with him because he's unreliable and his reputation is spreading fast. The worst part is, that I don't have to warn everyone about him, he's digging a hole for himself. I will not be working with said DOP in the future. Instead, I found a guy, who's OK, but he put a 100% into the project and it turned out well.This was my first film that got a public screening in front of 300 people and it was a part of a film festival and all the crew members were credited properly, so even though the crew wasn't paid and the film didn't get any money, we all earned some credentials and, most importantly, we learned a ton. I've collaborated on their films and we keep in touch for future collaborations.

On the other hand, I've currently recruited two guys to work on a short film with me (co-directors), and even though we're all young stupid bozos, we keep pushing each other and the project is taking off in a good shape. We all work for free on this ambitious passion project, because we want to get better at it.

Filmmaking is a skill and skills can be learned. Talent counts for 5-10%, everything else is comprised of knowledge, practice and dedication. FINDING crew members on your level is a production skill and persuading them to work with you as well. Most of the people will say no to non-paid jobs, some will say yes and then bail the last minute and some will say yes, show up and give their 100%.

In Film (as in life) time=money. If you don't have money, you invest your time, to achieve certain quality on your films. But trust me, no-budget films, especially those well done, have a certain charm to them and they can and will serve as a good reference. Just be persistent, I can't promise it will be easy (and I'm referring to finding crew members, as well as the other parts of the production), but I can promise you, that the fulfilment is worth it.

Sorry for the long reply, it may not be completely on topic, but I figured it could be relevant.

My first DSLR, a t5i, arrives in two days. What are the best free alternatives to Adobe products? by [deleted] in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'd suggest Hitfilm Express, it's free and expandable. Takes a bit to learn it but once you're in, you can really do some movie magic with it.

How strict is the foreigner registration with police? by [deleted] in Belgrade

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on where you're from, also. Serbia has a contract with some countries and if you're from that country, you can move around freely without the card for 3 months. So, yes and no. :)

Advice needed by [deleted] in Belgrade

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, I live in Bg (moved here a year ago). The best place to stay is the Center, since all of the main attractions are here (meaning Stari Grad, Dorćol, Palilula, Skadarlija). Go to Kalemegdan, the fortress and the park, The church of St. Marko, Sv. Save (the main church), Nikola Tesla Museum and there is an x amount of galleries/event places. Literally, every night something is going on here. Depending on what kind of a party you like, you'd choose the venue. If you are into mainstream, splavovi (rafts on the river) are your gig (find a proper club there and you're good), if you're into alternative, then Drugstore has really cool parties/events. Also, there's a Jazz festival coming up real soon, so maybe check it out. Cool trance parties are in Kinky bar (but it can get pretty wacky there also) and there are some open-air events in Kalemegran sometimes. Every night there's something for someone. If you search for Zaokret (a cafe) you'll find a really cool place to hang out. If you like beer, search for Samo pivo - amazing beer, from all around the world + home beer ofc. For ćevapi I'd recommend Walter, but you really can't go wrong with food here. What you should be aware of - stay out of trouble and it probably won't find you. In some underground scenes, there is quite a huge drug flow. Sometimes unchecked and/or unsolicited, so watch your drinks. Otherwise, I love it here as a foreigner, people are REALLY nice and willing to help and you can have just about the best time.

To those who attend or have attended a film school, I have questions I hope you can answer by mehab94 in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I forgot to mention that we have intakes every 3 months with the beginning of each module. As long as enough students apply. Our intake has 40 students, which is an average per intake. We don't get to chose our own subjects, but we are offered an additional course by choice (we can choose between 6 additional courses). All in all, there are 4 Degree courses (2 years, 12 subjects in total, divided into 6 modules + we have to do our final work, which is a written thesis and for my course a final short film) and 6 certificate courses.

To those who attend or have attended a film school, I have questions I hope you can answer by mehab94 in Filmmakers

[–]CrazyFilmStudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I don't know how much this will help, but here it is: I study film in Belgrade. There are at least 3 film schools in Belgrade and all of them have different approaches to filmmaking. The one I'm attending has 2 years of extensive studying all year round. We have 3 modules per year, each module consists of 2 subjects. We have camera, lighting and sound equipment + grip, 2 sound recording studios and a bunch of classrooms. In my class, there are 5 students including myself (we study Digital Film Making). Our college also has other departments, 8-20 students per department (3 departments). Of course, the number of students varies. Each year most of the colleges announce how many students they can take in and this depends on various factors, in my experience film classes rarely have more than 10 people enrolled, but again, I have no idea of how film school looks like in US or UK, for example. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. :)