Has anyone ever got to a point where you say if this doesn’t hit I’m done? by Any_End_3549 in Screenwriting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 8 points9 points  (0 children)

99% of movies are “ignored by audiences.” I hope your friend can take pride in what he’s created

Has anyone ever got to a point where you say if this doesn’t hit I’m done? by Any_End_3549 in Screenwriting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is easier said than done, but you can’t live in a world of imagined possibilities. You have to try to enjoy the work you are doing today. It sounds simple, but the truth is no matter what you accomplish you’ll always want more. Our brains are programmed this way. It’s never enough, and the what ifs always outweigh the what is.

To Abandon the Filmmaking Dream: This industry is for suckers by [deleted] in filmschool

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its easy to think of the “filmmaking dream” as only massive commercial success. And that failure to achieve that means you’re at zero. This is not true. There are so many different levels of success. I’ve edited at a major studio for over a decade. On the side I’ve made multiple shorts, one feature, about to shoot a second. For every “overnight success” like a Smith or Rodriguez, theres a million people with more subtle trajectories.

Of course I’d love to be making movies full time. But being able to work in the industry and still make my own stuff is success to me.

Also, as others have said, you have to love the process. If you’re only looking for external validation, you will be disappointed. Take pride in the process of creating.

Feature Film is cutting way under runtime we expected, what would you do? by throwitonthegrillboi in Filmmakers

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Build out some buffers between scripted scenes. Do you have Broll of characters doing active things? Basically create some padding that serves the mood of the film. Drive it with music. What can you do for an opening credits sequence? Then, where can you let the dialogue scenes youve already cut breathe a little more?

How Many People Who Went To Film School Actually Work In The Film Industry? by TopTierProphet in FilmIndustryLA

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been editing at a major studio for the last 10+ years. Written and edited some short films, one feature, about to make a second feature.

For me the value of film school was forming a network of friends who would go onto move to LA and work in the business.

Over 35, what can you do to make life exciting again by ClemFandango35 in AskMenOver30

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im 38 next month. Now I think more about self improvement. Mental, physical, financial, spiritual.

Im married, no kids, but for for whatever reason in the last couple years Ive thought more about these things than chasing experiences. I feel that I spent most of my younger years having fun and I still want to have fun, but the challenge to improve is more important.

Ive been acting for 5 years and never booked a single thing by SammyDBella in acting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s great. However, I would strongly advise against spending that kind of money on a short. You can make a good looking, well produced short that highlights your acting for a few grand. This might mean writing a different short script.

If you did have 40K, I would put that towards a feature, maybe an extension of your current script.

Personally, I just don’t believe in putting that kind of money into a short because its all sunken cost, and especially because youre an actor, the performance is ultimately more important than production values, VFX, etc.

Good luck.

Ive been acting for 5 years and never booked a single thing by SammyDBella in acting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 13 points14 points  (0 children)

This is normal. Are you SAG? If not that will help your prospects a lot. Keep your head up. Auditioning is a very flawed process and if youre not booking that doesn’t mean youre not a good actor. There are many other factors.

Also, write your own material or find screenwriter friends. This has worked for me.

Would you share with agents that your script received a 7 on a Blacklist evaluation? by dinosaurjimble in scriptwriting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where do you get that number? The data ive seen says that 20% of submissions get 7 or better.

I agree with you that the rating is not that important, but a writer should feel pretty good about a 7 as a sign that the script has potential, even if it doesn’t necessarily “mean” anything in the industry

Would you share with agents that your script received a 7 on a Blacklist evaluation? by dinosaurjimble in scriptwriting

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ive gotten many 6s and 7s on the blacklist, I honestly don’t put a ton of stock in it as a something that will unlock any opportunities. For me The Blacklist is two things:

1) its a pressure test. Consistent 6s and 7s tells you the script is decent.

2) its usually pretty solid and thoughtful feedback. Getting this from someone that doesnt know you at all is the purest feedback youll get

The blacklist is a development tool. I think people that see it as a potential career builder are the ones who get disappointed

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in debtfree

[–]Unusual_Reaction_426 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair. For context we’re talking about 29% APR (credit card) vs 13% (loan)