Independence... Bring it back to TIFF.

Well after taking a glance through todays SUN newspaper and seeing the line up for TIFF one still has to think where this festival went wrong? Not wrong in making money. But wrong in the turn from a festival that was for independent films and them turning to the dark side and only promoting studio films that pawn themselves off as independent. Yet they have star power like Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Rachel McAdams etc Also the government funds TIFF. Something us indie folks have trouble getting. Try getting funding from our beloved(Sarcasm Alert) government for film at an indie level its almost impossible. But yet if your TIFF its no big deal. As brought up in a past blog we as "TRUE" indie filmmakers don't have funding and have to usually shoot on the fly. But yet the cities want to charge us for permits at a whopping $500 per location well watching you under their radar. Like also stated its fine if your blocking off traffic or a busy area. Most of us have to use guerilla style of filmmaking. We have to do what we have to do. But back to TIFF. Film festivals are for us indie folks. Not for the big wigs at the studios. Its so very hard to get into this festival. I commend those who try. If you watch a film called Official Rejection  it describes in detail about the process of film festivals like CANNES, SUNDANCE and TIFF.  Just it really confuses me and upsets me that its come to this. Gone are the days when true independence was TIFF.  Now TIFF pawns off studio films as independent so they can in turn bring in the cash. I mean HollyWood is really holding on to talent that should have been dropped(Namely Michael Bay). Thank Bay for destroying Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre and of coarse Transformers. Now move over he is set to destroy the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles next. I saw parts of the leaked script and my God its horrible. It should be left in hiding and never see the light of day. To many old talent out there its time for fresh blood and something new. There is so much talented indie filmmakers out there. I've seen some really good stuff.  I'm recommending a few short films out there that I'll list here that were very well done.

TELL & Losses 

Both Directed by Film Riot's Ryan Connolly

Alive in Joburg(How District 9 came to be)

Directed by Neill Blomcamp

THE RAVEN

Directed by Ricardo De Montreuil  

Lets talk cameras & editing software shall we.

Ok I've worked on 16 to 35mm to the RED camera and all cameras really have something in common. Its not the camera in the end its the person behind it. I've sen some really poorly shot films done with the RED camera as well as the Canon EOS C300. I personally would never join up on the whole DSLR craze as those cameras look and truly are made for photography not film. But in the end again its preference and ones choice on what he or she is comfortable using. I use the SONY NEX VG-10 and absolutely love it. It picks up the colours in an amazing fashion. My only complaint is SONY opted to bring out the SONY NEX VG-20 a few months later and the added the 24p feature on it and the VG-10 doesn't have that. Shoots at 30p at 1080p full HD plus 1920p.  So that was a huge complaint I had against SONY for short changing the consumer on that one. Its VERY easy to cut it down to 24p in post.   Now lets talk price here. Like discussed in my last blog us indie guys cant afford the RED epic(Even to rent it usually cost $4,000 a day) at the hefty price tag of $35,000 and that's just for the body. You see when the creators of the RED epic created this camera they didn't have the indie filmmakers in mind. They had their sights sets on the studios because all they see is dollar signs as well.  I'd like to see a big pro end model camera like the RED that is made for all to enjoy. 

Now onto editing software. I purchased FCP X a few months back as did a friend. I've worked off them all. From Adobe to Avid etc Even FCP 7 was in there. But I'm telling you that FCP X is NOTHING like iMovie. The whole interface is completely different and its a great piece of software. If you want complicated software then go with Adobe CS5. I'll gladly stick with my FCP X with a great price tag of $300. Compared to Adobe's CS5 over $1,000 price tag. Its very hard to make a film and you just want something simple in post that can handle your project. FCP X does that if you know how to use it and give it a chance. I'm fully standing behind FCP X. 

I've been asked how do you make a truly great horror film(By people wanting to make films). Well number 1 you need a great script. Its tough to scare people now a days but horror films are still one of the most popular genres out there. Plus the most fun to do.  But like any genre of film its not easy. I've had people try and crush my dreams in the past who I tend not to listen to because they are a waste of time and space. Believing that its not work. Well I've worked plenty of 9-5 jobs and labour work and trust me its a lot harder then that. Some films I was on set for 24hrs for. But why would I do that or anybody else in the biz? Because they have a love and passion for it. But first write a script. Make it interesting. Know who your target audience is. NEVER focus on the ones that won't support your work.  Because no matter what you do they will NEVER support you. Which brings me to things that have recently been happening right here in Canada. Some screenings being pulled because some people complained about a certain film content, name or a poster. These people don't matter. But some theatre owners side with them and end up pulling some films with out them getting a chance to show their stuff.  Its very hard in the indie film world and then it becomes even harder when things like this happen. So watch the venues you choose. Think smart and don't just dive into the water head first. You don't want somebody to hurt your film. In the end don't let anybody stop you from being you. Thats where your target audience comes into play.  Because always remember not everybody is going to like your work. So focus on the ones that will and do.

Indie film

Well the big studios continue to try and keep the little guys down. They have taken over the big festivals in that of SunDance, CANNES and TIFF. All three of these festivals have dollar signs in their eyes instead of knowing why festivals were in fact created. Namely for us independent filmmakers to get screened and to get our names out there to the mass media and public eye. But now a days the big studios have been putting together so called indie films under their smaller production and in the mean time using up washed up talent that brings forth the same things over and over again until we want to rip our hair out. I mean really. Enough with the 3D. The smarter people know that 3D is a scam for the studios to make more money. Take GI JOE Retaliation  which was to hit theatres June 29th of this year. But wait a minute. No they are doing post 3D conversion on it and in short wanting you to fork out more money for a guaranteed horrible movie.  The first instalment of GI JOE was a flop and one of the worst movies ever made. Then you have Titanic a drama that did 3D???? WHAT are you F'N kidding me. Titanic? Plus this filled the already greedy pockets of James Cameron with more money on a tragedy. Do you think Cameron gave any proceeds to charities. Hell No he took the money and ran. Then you have another drama The Great Gatsby. Another film that is being put in 3D. Why the Hell would anybody pay to see dramas in 3D????  But that aside true indie filmmakers cant afford big budget stuff and big name actors.  So when you see these films with name talent in them and in their trailers it says selected choice for CANNES, TIFF and SunDance, don't think of it as independent because its not. True indie filmmakers have to usually do guerilla style filmmaking(Means on the fly and cant afford permits so we pick a location, shoot and get the Hell out of there).  The best way is if you know somebody that has a business, equipment or even a place(House, Apartment, TownHouse etc). That way they'll let you use it and you won't run into any problems with permits. Some filmmakers will tell you that you need insurance. But again this cost money. Big money. So usually these two options are your best ways to do it. I myself don't get the meaning of permits as I pay taxes into the city, I can see if your stopping traffic and causing a 50 car pile up. But areas where nobody goes should be fine. You pay taxes. You pay for those roads so why should you be told you need a permit which cost $500 per location and they keep an eye on you.  Plus if your one of these indie filmmakers out there that think you cant make a film look like a big budget Hollywood film. Well think again. You just have to have the imagination(Which more REAL indie filmmakers do then the big boys). A good crew and cast(Preferably non union and non paid because REAL indie filmmakers don't have the money to fork out. Your not getting paid and your putting up the risk. So why should others get paid? Pay should only be presented if the film is successful). Plus all the software, gear and other fun stuff is available to us now. Working off 16mm to 35mm will cost you thousands. Digital is the only way to go now. A lot of great cameras for good prices. A lot of great editing software for dirt cheap now. You have the tools so work with it.  I'm a firm backer of true indie film. Not these ones that are disguised as independent film but are not. 

I think everybody should listen to my friend Lloyd Kaufman whose been doing this stuff for 40 years now. He doesn't run a big production. He knows whats he's doing though.  And has inspired such filmmakers as Tarantino, Jackson, Del Toro and more. Here is a link to him on an episode of filmnut....

http://youtu.be/784CjDLznd4

Here we go Again.

A while back I wrote about my thoughts on the end of the World. Well it looks like that was suppose to happen yesterday and I had high hopes of it ending only to be let down once again. Ok people that was a joke I really did NOT believe the end of the world was going to take place yesterday at all, you'd really have to be a complete moron to believe a guy that runs a $72 million dollar business. He trying to sell fear, and in selling fear business is good. The media loves to promote doom and gloom, Hell it sells more papers as well as books. The latest idiot to enter this fiasco is Harold Camping. Apparently he predicted the end of the world back in 94'. Really what is wrong with these people? Trust me they aren't crazy as the guy in fact did get people talking(Some believing his nonsense) about his end of the world prophecy that was suppose to occur yesterday at 6:00pm. As expected this DID NOT happen but it may have in fact caused some mentally disturbed people to commit suicide because they believed this idiots preaching. I'll be the first to say this world has gone to Hell in a high basket due to God being eliminated from the equation, I mean there really is no role models for kids anymore out there and the world has become a scary place, a place where good people are afraid to walk down the streets in fear for their safety. But that's another story, my belief is my belief and yours is yours, the bottom line here is that we have yet another false prophet shooting off at the mouth wanting to make money off your fear.

Sincerely'

Corey Sim

Indie film

Coming across several indie Productions over the years I've come to learn that some still don't get it? For instance I stuck up for an indie Production company and it's film because their freedom of speech was breeched. Just because one person had called in to complain to a theater that was hosting two films that he or she didn't agree with the theater yanked the films from it's line up. But I defended this film but also said personally I wouldn't really watch the one because it's not my taste, well the filmmaker or who ever came at me with childish comments like "I wont watch your movies then", now I'm writing this down and as I am I'm finding it lame, that comment alone has made me not support anything else they do now either. Now I'm a guy that sits back and watches independent horror films and fully support them, so much so that I'm wanting to bring TROMADANCE here to Canada and have been talking to Lloyd Kaufman about it quite a bit. Which really brings me back to what I said in my last blog about being careful who you screw over in the business, because you just never know. But I still see the same mistakes, other indie Productions bad mouthing other indie Productions, or nobody sticking together as this really is a WAR, the big boys even want to take over the Net and weed out real independence as we know it. Sure they throw out their versions of indie films but then again they really aren't independent, I mean they have a budget, they have a full crew, they even have star power in these so called indie films. Once in awhile some films will break through(Very rare) and make Hollywood take notice, but then they buy the film as their own. Take Harvey Weinstein for instance, this guy bought up films left right and center so he could make a quick buck, and he walked over people to get there. I mean really listen to what Lloyd Kaufman is saying people, he fights for independent art, so should all involved in the indie film business. Remember like I said Hollywood is a machine driven by greed, they want your money, that's it.

Here is a few misconceptions about indie films.

1) Because they are independent and don't have star power that most think the films will be lousy and not worth seeing.

2) That there won't be a good story. Most are under the impression because a film isn't under a HUGE studio that there won't be a good story being told. This in turn is far from the truth, if people would take the time and give independent films a chance the will be surprised. I've seen some indie films that Hollywood(Even in their dreams) couldn't capture the creativity and the visions of some of these films.

3) The main part is star power. Because most indie films don't have star power people won't give indie films the time of day. The truth is that independent filmmakers as well as people involved such as cast and crew really give it their all as well, just like Hollywood, most of us actually work harder because we want to at least make some money off our visions or at least get somewhere in the business.

4) Because indie film deals with a smaller budget, crew and sometimes cast people think that's a downfall against us. Not really, if you read some of the higher up filmmakers they'll tell you they rather work with a smaller crew and cast as it's easier to handle. When the credits roll for some of these big films I find myself saying "I don't think I'd want a crew that big", I'm happy working with a small cast and crew of people.

Anyway just a few things I wanted to throw out there.

Sincerely'

Corey Sim

Film Festivals, Friends and the business.

Hello All:

I was just browsing the pics from the CANNES film festival and I really must say that they have strayed away from what film festivals are all about? Okay here's what I mean in regards to that. All film festivals were meant for the little guys(Independent film), but CANNES, SunDance and TIFF have all lost their way and surround themselves with star power from the world of Hollywood. The studios have taken over the real last hope for independent film in passing off their supposed indie films at these three film festivals. Back in the day TIFF(The Toronto International Film Festival) hosted two up and coming indie filmmakers films, they were Quetin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez and they were showing their films Reservoir Dogs and El Mariachi, both these two were unknowns at the time. But where did these film festivals decide to turn their backs on what made them a success? One film(Official Rejection) that I have yet to see tells some of the story on what it's like with these three festivals.

With independent film we work just as hard if not harder due to less crew and cast then the big boys up in Hollywood. Mined you of coarse we all want to get there and be comfortable and happy doing what we do, mainly making films. But these festivals should wake up a realize that indie film harvest a whole lot of great talent out there that Hollywood can't duplicate. Now a days in Hollywood films they are to focused on spending a bunch of money and making crappy films, I couldn't really remember any great films last year that really stood out in my head, maybe one or two, but not many and this year they continue the trend with more remakes and sequels and simply put, just bad movies that are ridiculous and make you think "Why?". One of my favorite films has been re-made and I'm telling you the remake looks absolutely pathetic. I'm talking about Fright Night. A film that was fun, a film where the characters were believable and that you yourself could relate to, now the remake has butchered that. My main point here is that these film festivals need to go back to their roots and take a look at the talent out there, I mean there are so many great indie films that will never get seen because Hollywood has their own agenda in keeping their shadows over us little guys who just want a piece of the pie and survive in this world(Film Business) as well. See Hollywood is driven by money, the little guys aren't because really we don't have any. The two films I did had no budget really, minus food and stuff for cast and crew. But does bigger budget mean a better film? HELL NO! I've seen some really great true independent films in my time that surpass anything Hollywood can come up with. But to end this, please CANNES, SunDance and TIFF "WAKE UP" and give us a chance to shine.

On a little side note I never thought I'd be dealing with underhanded people yet again in this business. But people who called themselves friends(Who really aren't) think mainly about themselves. I think about the motto be careful who you screw over because you never know who you are going to run into on the climb up, I have a secret and don't believe in screwing people for my gain like some have done(That's not the secret, I'm keeping it Hush,Hush because I DON'T have an ego). Remember at this level(Independent) sticking together is the key, it's the most important element in this business. Remember friends actually want to know how one is doing and take the time out to find out about them, and when they give an opportunity you don't screw them over in the end. My secret will remain a secret for the time being, just grateful for an opportunity that has been offered to me.

Sincerely

Corey Sim

TIME KNOWS FILMS Productions

THAT UNLUCKY NUMBER 13:Directors Notes.

By Corey Sim:

Going into another film I was nervous but also excited to get it going. I mean we were going into this cold and didn't really have an idea where to take this film as well as so many dropping out from the get go. But then everything came together and we managed. I mean we found the greatest people to help work on this with us and it was nothing short of amazing. We have all become friends and I'm happy to call them my friends and so proud of everybody that's a part of this film in helping my vision as well as Meghan's vision come to life. The great thing here is that all involved are devoted to this, they all want to be here and make films or be apart of them. We all want to change the independent scene one by one and show that its worth taking a look at instead of focusing on the mainstream garbage that plagues the movie theaters.

I'd like to get it out there that mainstream Hollywood tries hard to keep down us indie folks because they have a lack of respect for the art of the independent film market. They create so called independent films but really they are the wolves in sheeps clothing, they play a game of cat and mouse. You see in a so called Hollywood indie film they have star power, take Black Swan, a great film no doubt, but still rely on name power with that of Natlie Portman within the film. The little guys, the REAL indie guys and gals have to work harder to get somewhere other then hiding in the shadows waiting to come out from behind the evil entity known as Hollywood. I'll use a quote from one of my inspirations in that of Robert Rodriguez... "Don't give me any money, don't give me any people, but give freedom, and I'll give you a movie that looks gigantic." This quote is very true. Trust me REAL indie work with out a budget, we don't need one, even to tell a great story.

Anyway my latest film That Unlucky Number 13 is coming a long great. So very lucky as well as happy to have great people apart of this. This film is a horror film with twist and turns and it's about a demented female serial killer(Meghan Sardesai). Meghan Sardesai who plays "Frankie" the killer is a close dear friend of mine who is a very talented actress, she was so into playing this character and it shows on screen, she gets right into it, it blows your mind just watching her.

So be on the look out for "That Unlucky Number 13".