Any Stars Left?

 Did you watch the Oscars?

Question...did you see any stars?

I'm not talking actors. I'm talking STARS

People who just...are iconic.

The answer: no.

Stars are gone. And you have Hollywood to thank. For shooting themselves in the fucking foot.

A star is Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, George C. Scott, Robert Mitchum, Robert DeNiro and so forth.

These people stand out from the crowd. Though they made important films, the are stars.

Instead...who is Hollywood trying to shoehorn?

Couldn't tell you. I think Frances McDormand. Phenomenal actors.

Not a star.

But you know...movies don't need stars. True. But the world does sort of need them. Stars are whom you aspire to or can't stop watching. Can you stop watching Awkwafina? Duh...yes.

But the more Hollywood steps away from stars the more they will suffer.

The total viewing audience of the Oscars were 9.5 million (so I read). Not sure who was actually watching. I forgot they were on. I suspect they are from their own people. The workers and families. Think about that.

Stars make you LOVE movies. Such a shame the general public thinks most content is a blur. I certainly do. There isn't enough time in the day to watch everything.

What does Hollywood need to do to get America to watch anything? Do they care? No, their audiences are no longer America. Because most of Hollywood hates America. They think we're broken. They're idiots.

Should I Talk About The Oscars?

 Haha.

Nah.

My childhood friend texted to me ask if I was watching them.

To be honest...COMPLETELY forgot they were on. So...no, didn't watch. Movies today suck. They look like digital turd. They aren't cinema.

This use to be a big deal. But the more I think about these awards things, the more I agree with George C. Scott. It's a dog and pony show and the rest is just pretending there are the best of any year.

There isn't. The more you MAKE movies, the less you believe in awards.

In the past, it was to make money. A vote of confidence, really. So that would cause more people to go to the theater. Advertising if anything.

But now...I think most of the public simply ignores the "woke" choices.

The point is, make the best movie you can.

History of Oscars ended at "La La Land" for me.

Appropriately.

Big Boy Toys

I work with the studio productions.

I also work with the younger people.

They have a TON of new toys. You would be surprised how little that difference is.

But when you see big boy toys on younger people level, you start to wonder.

So awesome that they get to play in that sandbox. And quite honestly, sometimes I feel that they should be grateful.

Big boy toys are massive lights, expensive cameras, and huge production value. The thing with young people is...they want to show that they can roll with the big boys. So they use their toys.

Frankly, sometimes they use it better than the big boys. The deciding factor is their actors.

Big boys have big name actors.

If I were a younger person, the thing to do is to make a story someone will want to watch. Forget "the Star" Go for good story and good acting. Also, don't ever let technology hinder your ability to do anything.

Also don't let people lay in any guilt trip that one thing is better than another. For instance, me telling you that if you don't shoot it on film you're garbage.

I believe that. Doesn't mean you have to.

Be your own person. Don't always think you need the latest and greatest to kick ass. If you have a passion, it will show!

Oscars

 Not watching them.

Don't care.

Why don't I care?

Movies aren't made with content in mind anymore. They're made to "stick it to the Man" They don't even know who that is. It's a blur. And nothing looks remotely good. Not like the movies of the past that had...STAR qualities. And glamor. Even a film like "Monster" as ugly as it is thrives on glamor.

Those days are over.

I will tell you, the cinematographer who will win was my best boy electric back in 2004.

That's name droppin' for ya!

Enjoy.

I'll Never Be An Angeleno

 I know. 

Sounds ungrateful.

But to be honest....I just never felt right here. People here come as dreamers, I suppose. Kind beautiful people but they eventually become ugly people. The people who were born and raised here are really cool people. The people who are transplants are not. They're opportunist.

And it takes a little bit of time to conclude this.

It makes sense. Actors, directors, writers, etc.. They come to L.A. for the weather, sure. But they also come to pursue a dream.

The dream SHOULD include working your balls off. But for most, the truth is typically work. NONE of this is fun. Per se. It's a lot of grind. And most of this town has to deal with these people. The ones who work, anyway.

The place is a grind. And it should be. I warn everyone who thinks they can navigate this business to save themselves the work.

It reminds of that thing most people say...if you took this much effort in any other field of work, you'd succeed. In Hollywood/L.A. not so much. Well, not in entertainment anyway.

Which is why I encourage anyone who wants to work in the film industry to do it in their backyard. There you have massive support of the community that doesn't get to see it that often.

I get if you come here, get your learn on and then go back. That's the right way. But, people talk about opportunities all the time.

Here's the truth, EVEN if you come to L.A./Hollywood, you aren't guaranteed anyone will see your "genius" I've many friends who are massively talented aren't casted or haven't sold a script or made their movies. It happens ALL THE TIME. This becomes discouraging atop everyone telling you your project sucks.

I am NOT discouraging you pursue your passion. But it comes at a price. I am a VERY fortunate person and INCREDIBLY grateful for what I have been able to do. If I were in Ohio, I'm sure I would've made many more things. This time lost, I do regret.

Now, if you're a director or writer...shit man...it's all navigating the garbage of the town. And there's too many garbage people.

I promised myself when I first came out here that I wouldn't be that garbage person. The mover and shaker and say words like "We're in talks with their people" I think that was what I was trying to warn my protege. That if you must make something, YOUR hometown is perfect. Yes, it's a little more expensive, but people are more grateful there. People seem to want to conquer this town like it's the prom queen. To be honest, none of this matters. I can tell you I've worked on over 100 features now. Doesn't matter. It's the next thing. All the time.

To me, do what you need to do wherever you are. Enjoy the life you've been given. You don't need anyone's permission to get out there and KILL IT. Especially not Hollywood.

The Columbus Police Officer Saved A Black Girl

 Oh boy.

Here we go again. White Lefties riling up people to say that a police officer had killed a 16 year old kid.

What word did I leave out?

She was "armed". With a knife. And the cop saved the other girl who was about to be stabbed.

But that's not what the media is calling it. And these morons don't know we see the video.

The fight was insane. A domestic rumble between people that resulted in a man kicking someone in the head on the ground. And the 16 year old, in question, about to stab another girl in the head/throat.

This level of emotion is how people are murdered.

So the cop reacted by shooting the girl and killing her.

Here we go with the talk about how this is police brutality.

Uh-huh.

Hey idiots, we have the video.

And then the talk about how she should've been tased or tackled.

We have the video.

The Left are absolute retards when it comes to this. You CANNOT spin what our eyes see. You CANNOT re-define facts.

The Left sure like to think so. White Left.

And what's worse...I bet the girl the cop saved ALSO sues the police department.

This is the world the Left have created. A sense of lack of accountability.

Because here's the problem...the police were already there. The animals who were fighting...did...not...STOP. They acted like police don't exist. And wonder why they get the hose.

Now, I am from Ohio. And the state shouldn't play ball like the cowards in Minnesota.

While true we do not want a police state. But some people need people to make them learn how to control themselves. You've failed as parents if your stupid kid is wielding a knife in front of cops about to stab another person. As a parent, you should be ashamed. But that community doesn't seem to have any. And that's why it will never garner the respect they want.

Not from the Left or Right. Honestly. The Right, you can deal with. The Left believe you are children. Like the scene in "Glory" when the Captain watches a group of slaves run rampant in the streets, he snorts "look at them...like a bunch of children" You've proven him right time and time again.

The Left use this to control you. The MINUTE you openly condemn the girl with the knife, is the minute you get real respect. You show you don't tolerate animal behavior.

Instead...Media and mob rule

You White Lefty assholes must be bored.

The Balance Of Getting Your Story Told

 If you are reading this and want to make a movie.

Do it.

"But how do I get the money to do it?"

Fuck if I know.

All I can tell you is this...put your own ass on the line if you really believe your story is worth telling. But don't expect anyone to care.

Cynical?

Sort of. Personally, I have faith in anyone who goes forth in any endeavor to make a movie. Most of you who have come out here are just trying to survive. Live and eat in Hollywood whilst dreaming of stories to tell. Boy, does that get old fast.

Most of you are broke. Broke in the sense that you have no money, yes, but also broke in that all the efforts put upon you to survive have broken your will to do this profession. Because nothing is promised. And the hill becomes a mountain fast.

This is NEVER to discourage you from pressing forward. A lot of you are tone deaf and do wild things to survive. I know a few people who do what it takes to stay here and do things here (though I wonder why). The rest is that you have to work and people have to rely on you.

There are also people who cut ties with people simply because they are struggling. This is fine, but you will die on a very lonely hill. These are broken people who have no support. And don't want or need it.

I recall being something of a recluse shortly after I stopped being a cinematographer. I didn't really want anything to do with movies for a little bit. I would still study the trades (waste of time) or have thoughts of writing. Meanwhile, I had a steady job that sustained me. Los Angeles and Hollywood is NOT an easy place to live. Everything requires that you be mobile.

So when I see people on the streets or know people who do this to get further in the entertainment business, I do have a sense of "yeah! Go get it!" At the same time pity them, as I do know the odds.

The trick is to have something much more steady so you can do the things you want. Most people in our field think having a steady thing means you become complacent in the entertainment career. I know plenty in post who I am surprised had any aspirations to do anything. They become old, have families and they let that go. Though, they have a twinge of envy in their voice when you speak of your continued aspirations to make things. Envy or resentment? Who knows?

The idea is to keep pushing forward. Have something at the end of the day that you can look forward to. Write something that you know will never get made. Enjoy the accomplishment of finishing something. It really does feel good to have intellectual property that came from your brain.

Stop Being A Scumbag And Stop Doing Scummy Things

 Hi Folks

I'm back and screaming to the void.

Been really busy. Working on a short film with the coolest cast and crew I've ever worked with. They get what we are attempting to do and couldn't be more grateful.

The world of making movies is a gypsy one. You go from one project to another and you lose touch with people. And there are a lot of egos, especially now with social media. But this is the first time, people are separating themselves from that and wanting to just make things.

I was actually fairly surprised how fun this has been. Most likely because I'm lucky to have known people who know people. That's a lesson to any filmmaker (if I could be as bold). Surround yourself with the right type of people.

Too many times you come into town and make things...and you get total scumbags.

What do I mean by scumbags? People who are in the industry to a) make a quick buck b) become famous c) scam people into their projects.

Too many shitty projects.

What I suggest to most of you who want to make films...don't be a fucking scumbag.

Yeah, sometimes it works. Especially if you are an established scumbag (the Troma team tends to rub me the wrong way. But they're established). But most likely, you look like an idiot. And, I've seen WAY too much of that.

The other thing with actors...stop associating yourself with scumbags.

I understand if you're new, you can't sniff it out. BUT, follow your instincts. If it feels off or odd or people make these massive promises...STOP. There is no instant success. It's a longer process than you will expect. Actors think and do REALLY abusive things to themselves in hopes of capturing their dreams. And there are plenty of people to exploit that.

Just make good things and be involved with good people.