The probability of failure

[krd]

Many directors like to work exclusively with non-actors and manage to get wonderful performances. Again, that's where talent comes in.

This is going to sound insufferable, but I used to think that way too, and would sagely quote Bresson to doubters.

Then I got some actual directing experience. Under some circumstances, and with the right material, you can indeed get wonderful performances from "amateurs" -- or, more accurately, from non-professionals with extraordinary potential and great on-camera instincts, or just an uncanny grasp of the role. But, trust me, it's exceedingly rare. You can look for months, before finding that person.

And for a highly stylized Tarantino script -- forget it. It would take a miracle to bring that one off, unless you're a ventriloquist. The artless "acting" seen in Bubble won't work for self-conscious, theatrical material. Try to imagine the "real" but affectless characters in Bubble talking like John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Samuel Jackson. No amount of coaching, cajoling or sense memory is going to create those movieland, stylized performances.

 

[M Most]

Dov Simens has stated that he has made several dozen films in the role of production manager and other roles dealing with finance and other functions unrelated to the creative aspects. He has also stated that he is recognized as a bondable production manager for purposes of obtaining a completion bond. I have no reason to doubt what he has said. If there is information to the contrary that I should be aware of, definitely let me know.....

Does what he said conflict with what you've seen?

Aside from not revealing any actual credits? Or the fact that he hasn't done anything but teach for the last, oh, 20 years? No.

I have nothing against Dov Simens, but I do tend to doubt the accuracy of those who purport to know about things they don't actually do. And those who claim to have worked on "numerous productions," yet won't reveal any of the names of those productions. And as there have been somewhat monumental changes in the business side of the industry over the last 10 years, not to mention the last 20, I would also tend to doubt the accuracy of what someone who has been out of that industry for almost 20 years has to say about how it works. Anyone who claims to be able to teach you how to "beat the system" should have a verifiable track record of having done it themselves. I don't know of such a track record in this case.

 

[Joe Carney]

Geez, now that I think about it, maybe this is all just a pipe dream and I should cancel my rez.
No F#ckin way.

My goals are a little different than what many are aspiring too here at Reduser.
Yes I want to produce and direct. But I also love to take a camera out on a weekend drive and just shoot what ever comes my way. Virginia is a beautiful place to do that.

I've been taking camera courses, not to become a DP, but to learn how to have an intelligent discussion with one.

I've been studying production issues so I can learn to budget a feature.

I've been reading everything I can on lighting and even acquired a few DYI lights for low budget stuff. Not to be a gaffer, but for the same reasons I'm taking camera courses.
I'm almost deaf in one ear, so audio will have to be handled by someone else, but I know enough to know how important it is and what I want, and I can handle a boom pole with the best of them.

I take PA jobs to learn, and I ask questions. It turns out people love to share their knowledge if you're willing to show them respect and courtesy.

I'm reading and learning from Stu Maschwitzs' DV Rebels Guide, because it's fun and informative.
I studying and struggling through Michael Rabigers' "Directing Film Techniques and Aesthetics", perhaps one of the most daunting and demanding books out there on the subject. If I can stick it out and finish it, I'm confident I'll be able to handle just about anything that matters.

I'm studying fund raising techniques.

I want a RED because I plan on making more than one film.

I want a RED because I want professional SAG actors, and telling them I'm shooting with a Red will be the same as telling them I'm shooting 35mm. Yes folks, format does make a difference to a lot of people, even if you plan on direct to Broadcast or Blu-ray or what ever.

I want a RED because it will attract better behind the camera talent than with HDV. Besides considering how shots will have to be set up, there will be no room for the clueless and talentless.

Having professional talent both above and below the line will help greatly in getting financing.

Now if I can only find a writer who will join me in my endeavers.

Preparation, preperation, preparation.

Joe C.

p.s. Yes I'm scared, but that never stopped me before. hehehe

 

[mdo]

Aside from not revealing any actual credits? Or the fact that he hasn't done anything but teach for the last, oh, 20 years? No.

I have nothing against Dov Simens, but I do tend to doubt the accuracy of those who purport to know about things they don't actually do. And those who claim to have worked on "numerous productions," yet won't reveal any of the names of those productions. And as there have been somewhat monumental changes in the business side of the industry over the last 10 years, not to mention the last 20, I would also tend to doubt the accuracy of what someone who has been out of that industry for almost 20 years has to say about how it works. Anyone who claims to be able to teach you how to "beat the system" should have a verifiable track record of having done it themselves. I don't know of such a track record in this case.

I don't have any interest one way or the other in promoting Dov. but I do feel that I have a bit of a responsibility to offer some bits of info in his defense, since I brought his name up. To that end, I have included some quotes made by others that are posted on his site. Maybe the quotes were uttered ten or fifteen years ago. Personally it doesn't really matter to me one way or the other:

"INSPIRATION…Why waste 4 years at a film school? I got Dov's…Film School, shot 'Reservoir Dogs" [and] "Pulp Fiction," and launched my career as a writer who controls his scripts."
- QUENTIN TARANTINO,
Writer & Director of "Kill Bill"

"ENLIGHTENING…After the 2-Day Film School was given in London, I partnered with Matt Vaughn and Trudy Styler [and] launched my career...Thank you, Dov."
- GUY RITCHIE,
Director of "Snatch,"
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"

"SUPERB…The course is great. I thought I knew filmmaking but my partner-agent had me attend the 2-Day Film School…and now I really do."
- WILL SMITH,
Yes, the Will Smith

"Bad-ass training. Helped me immensely…After one weekend with Dov, my acting and producing career was launched."
- QUEEN LATIFAH
Oscar-nominated actress

"I've produced and distributed over 400 films and have never known anyone who teaches filmmaking better than Dov."
- ROGER CORMAN


I would proffer that if you dismiss someone like Dov Simens as having nothing of value to offer, you might be missing out on important insights that could make your life easier.

But, if you're determined that he has nothing to offer you. That's fine. His advice provided only a minor contribution to the present discussion. Let's move on.