tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post115819712989221577..comments2024-02-04T20:57:58.093-08:00Comments on Sex In A Submarine: Smoke & Mirrorswcmartellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075242897910568801noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158882235294087902006-09-21T16:43:00.000-07:002006-09-21T16:43:00.000-07:00Audio commentary:Funny you should mention that, as...Audio commentary:<BR/><BR/>Funny you should mention that, as I once planned some audio classes that would be like a study guide for movies like ROAD WARRIOR, etc.<BR/><BR/>And I thought of doing a CD commentary that I could package with my films - but the 80 minute thing kind of screwed me up... and I still don't know exactly how to handle the *film's* audio elements (on a normal commentary the film audio track fades in and out - allowing people to comment on dialogue, etc). This is on the horizon, though - and maybe having MP3s online might be the way to go.<BR/><BR/>Thanks.<BR/><BR/>- Billwcmartellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18075242897910568801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158811269752187822006-09-20T21:01:00.000-07:002006-09-20T21:01:00.000-07:00Repped by WMA on bullshit alone?Wow. I gotta try t...Repped by WMA on bullshit alone?<BR/><BR/>Wow. I gotta try that one.<BR/><BR/>Screw writing scripts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158773898782117072006-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:002006-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:00first time i've read your blog, bill, and one of t...first time i've read your blog, bill, and one of the best pieces i've read, smoke & mirrors. honesty. dunno how or when, but i expect to see your name honestly on an A picture. <BR/>-ObiDonWanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158518923218789422006-09-17T11:48:00.000-07:002006-09-17T11:48:00.000-07:00I only wish the bullshit was limited to the Hollyw...I only wish the bullshit was limited to the Hollywood area. It seems to be spreading across the country.Aric Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15988520977827917569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158498466159514412006-09-17T06:07:00.000-07:002006-09-17T06:07:00.000-07:00Great rant, Bill. Tom and Katie are with me (we'r...Great rant, Bill. Tom and Katie are with me (we're working together on a BIG project) and they agree.<BR/><BR/>--Joe UnidosAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158481843767473252006-09-17T01:30:00.000-07:002006-09-17T01:30:00.000-07:00Lost my virginity... They aired one of your babies...Lost my virginity... They aired one of your babies on TV last month. Late night here is B-Action territory (or porn. Apparently, some flicks are both). The moment it started I thought "I know this... but I haven't seen it, I'm sure. WTF?" Sure enough I'd read the treatment/sp on your site.<BR/><BR/>Yep, it was THE sex-in-the-sub movie, <I>Crash Dive</I>. You got your residual cheque, right?<BR/><BR/>Dudikoff way cute. Basic-Instinct-terrorist-babe way too ugly for pretty boy victim. That shower scene OMG. I could have done without that Sleepless-in-Seattle sub as well, but what the hey.<BR/><BR/>They also aired Freefall (with cutie patootie Eric Roberts) and some other flick with the ugliest cast ever. Both were very clunky when it came to their weird-ass "romantic" and (second flick) C-porn scenes. <BR/><BR/>Made me wonder if they should use writing teams. <BR/><BR/>Freefall felt as if even the editor didn't want anything to do with the steamy scenes and cut them together without looking. Continuity? Mind-boggling.<BR/><BR/>So your baby was one of the cuter ones. Fun to know beforehand what you said about the script/production. ;)<BR/><BR/>"Sold" movies definitely need to be on the CV.<BR/><BR/>Re: the b.s. It's refreshing to have a personality - that may stick out from all the white noise generating b.s. folx.<BR/><BR/>Re: Bike. Remember your first agent? Remember the car he drove vs. the car you were looking for when you arrived at the airport? Yep. Some of the non-verbal things you actually *do want* to communicate. It's like setting up your character. Once established via certain car, certain watch, certain shoes etc. you may say whatever you want.A. M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03377852337454923971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158416473661592812006-09-16T07:21:00.000-07:002006-09-16T07:21:00.000-07:00I think you make the right decision to tell the tr...I think you make the right decision to tell the truth. It is your honesty and self deprecating humor that I like.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158343296781547802006-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:002006-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:00What a great post, Bill. I am on the road writing ...What a great post, Bill. I am on the road writing (currently in the Tulsa Hilton lobby) and I am taking a break to read. If I had to choose one of your scripts from your site to read (of the ones available) what is the "best" one in your humble opinion? I have some time to kill and like reading in my down timeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158343150260033702006-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:002006-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00Agree. Outstanding post! :-)Agree. Outstanding post! :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158274643654737022006-09-14T15:57:00.000-07:002006-09-14T15:57:00.000-07:00Great post!"Next thing you know, he’s actually bei...Great post!<BR/><BR/>"Next thing you know, he’s actually being interviewed in magazines as one of the new hot writers in Hollywood. He hadn’t sold a script, optioned a script, or even made semi-finalist in a contest. He just hired a PR firm."<BR/><BR/>Practically everything that's published in the media (and I'm talking about the traditional media) is stuff that's been handed to them by PR firms of some sort or another. <BR/><BR/>Ok -- "practically everything" is a slight exaggeration. But it's a fact that talented bullshitters and hype-artists can certainly reap rich rewards by careful manipulation of the media. For a spell, at any rate.<BR/><BR/>To change the subject slightly.<BR/><BR/>Several weeks ago I met an old acquaintance who is enjoying a fair amount of success internationally (as an actor). He told me that his film is going be produced by a reputable Hollywood prodco. A script is in place -- or couple of drafts have been written and the writer was still writing -- and the shooting will commence in late 2006 or early 2007. <BR/><BR/>I thought this was wonderful news because I know this project means a lot to him personally (I knew about this project beforehand). Naturally I was also keen to know about all the the nut and bolts, how he'd actually achieved all this. So I asked him a lot of questions which he readily answered. By the end of our conversation I was wondering to which extent he was bullshitting me and to which extent deluding himself. <BR/><BR/>My conclusion was that he was mostly deluding himself. But it's also possible, even likely, that he wasn't totally deluded as regards the chances this project has. It has already gained him considerable media attention which is is a purpose in itself. <BR/><BR/>Anyways, and because this is threatening to be a totally pointless story. The only thing I vividly remember from our long conversation is the guy's attitude towards film scripts. Or to writers.<BR/><BR/>At one point I had innocently asked if the writer they'd hired was a WGA member and he said no -- acting all horrified like. He told me WGA rates are totally outrageous. Noone in his right mind hires WGA writers.<BR/><BR/>So apparently this Hollywood proco is not a WGA signatory. Which is all fine and dandy. Except for the fact that this film is not low budget. He'd described the story to me in lush detail (actually I already knew the gist of it, from him and from other sources) and it is inherently biggish budget. Not for one or two reasons but for several reasons. The actual budget of the film reflects this. It's big. So you've got these budget-artist who are of the opinion that WGA rates are totally outrageous.<BR/><BR/>This guy's attitude towards writers is memorable because he evidently thinks that the actual writing of the script is a relatively minor matter in the whole enormous undertaking. Practically a side issue.<BR/><BR/>The story is the actor's (and personally I think the story is very interesting, unique even).<BR/><BR/>Talking to him it became evident to me that his view of the screenwriting process is extremely uncomplicated;<BR/><BR/>Story is king. If you've got a great story you simply hire someone (who has experience in the field) to convert your great story into script-form to make it shoot-ready. It's as simple as that.<BR/><BR/>But to wholly change the subject:<BR/><BR/>You are clearly determined to keep a manly black blog (instead of a sissy white background one). <BR/><BR/>Oh, well.<BR/><BR/>My son taught me a nifty trick the other day (which I suppose only works for macs).<BR/><BR/>Press Control + Option + Command + 8 and the whole screen goes negative, colour-wise. <BR/><BR/>Cheers, AnnaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158265915551533792006-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:002006-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:00"Now I’m left in the same position as some serial ..."Now I’m left in the same position as some serial killer’s mom - they’re my kids and I love them... but I’m sorry for the pain they may have caused you."<BR/><BR/>I actually "Laughed Out Loud" at this. No bullshit. Thnx BillJim Bradshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02912420233727092571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158265328694922242006-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:002006-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:00Bill,Absolutely superb.Coming from the same kind o...Bill,<BR/><BR/>Absolutely superb.<BR/><BR/>Coming from the same kind of background, I tend to be modest about achievements. After all the years working in the entertainment industry in one form or another, it amazes me the levels people go to big themselves up.<BR/><BR/>When it comes to tireless self promoters, who have a body of work behind them, I'm envious of their drive. (Although that tends to come from a shitty childhood).<BR/><BR/>But the bullshitters... I've learned to laugh at their absurdity and obvious insecurity.<BR/><BR/>It was either that or be waiting for my date with the electric chair.<BR/><BR/>As for being stung... I helped someone out by designing a program for an event years back. It was done for cost and, because I was being hammered by deadlines, wrote the copy and delivered page layouts but not final artwork. When I was given a copy of the finished thing, the guy had credited himself as the designer, with text by me. <BR/><BR/>Of course, he did the whole thing the next time and it was a complete abortion.<BR/><BR/>However much bullshit the bullshitters shit, it catches up with them.<BR/><BR/>Earlier this year I was the ghostwriter for an actress, writing close to 70,000 words in just over three weeks to meet the deadline. Before the people at the publishing company had finished reading the book they offered another book. She immediately texted me. I said I'd do it for more money.<BR/><BR/>In the meantime, the actress has got a literary agent, from the look of it got a book deal. Although, somewhat cryptically, her last email mentioned that they think she's a laugh, but have asked her to start again.<BR/><BR/>In the end, the bullshitters get bitten in the ass. Well, we can hope. While we sleep well at night.Good Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10789861569691613179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158262580881505252006-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:002006-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00Being self-deprecating is no more honesty than bei...Being self-deprecating is no more honesty than being a bullshit artist. It may be more ethical, but it's not anymore right.<BR/><BR/>You need to learn how to be proud of your work in a way that makes people understand that you did your best, and it's better than they see of the screen. Make people believe that if they see something they like in a film of yours, it's to your credit, and if they find something they don't it's the producer/directors fault. It's something you believe anyway, right?Erikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15262262198754010247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158251627844207972006-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:002006-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00Great article. Thanks for the great read.Great article. Thanks for the great read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158249504640350882006-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:002006-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00''On the other hand how many writers go on press j...''On the other hand how many writers go on press junkets?''<BR/><BR/>Oh they go. But nobody notices them. lolEnglish Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04686490554533309973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158248390121766452006-09-14T08:39:00.000-07:002006-09-14T08:39:00.000-07:00That was a treatise (is that spelled right?) on bu...That was a treatise (is that spelled right?) on bullshit. Nice.<BR/><BR/>I have a friend I love dearly who is just like that. He teaches with me, but he writes really gory yet pretty good horror films. He has me read them on occasion because I'm a dynamo at finding errors. He was a Nicholl semifinalist once.<BR/><BR/>He's always telling me about the managers and agents and producers who are looking at his scripts. He told me he wanted to pass one of my scripts on to this manager who loves him, but I don't want a manager, do I? He almost got an agent, but decided he didn't really want one.<BR/><BR/>An unproduced writer doesn't want an agent? My ass.<BR/><BR/>Then he said he was working a deal to executive produce a TV show and that he'd certainly bring me on as a staff writer. He still hasn't figured out that I know much more about the way TV works that he does. I could smell the bullshit coming off that story for miles.<BR/><BR/>But just in case, I told him thanks and that sounds pretty damn exciting. Congrats.<BR/><BR/>Because that's the Hollywood way too. Never burn your potential bridges.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158228126078325812006-09-14T03:02:00.000-07:002006-09-14T03:02:00.000-07:00Great post Bill. If you don't mind I'll plagiarise...Great post Bill. If you don't mind I'll plagiarise the idea for my own Blog for us UK'ers.English Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04686490554533309973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158214647626527542006-09-13T23:17:00.000-07:002006-09-13T23:17:00.000-07:00Better than outstanding...out-fuckin-standing stuf...Better than outstanding...out-fuckin-standing stuff!<BR/><BR/>I have waded through that bullshit off and on for the past eight years, and it got to the point where I had to step back for a bit, just to breath. You hear about it, but until you've tried to navigate it...man.<BR/><BR/>Yet there are those who love it, thrive on it, and get films made. Gut wrenching. But the reality. If you want to swim with the sharks, you have to find some way to deal with the bullshit. I'm still figuring out how.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for getting several sold/made and still remaining someone..."Though not from the mid-west, my parents brought me up to tell the truth and be modest about my accomplishments."<BR/><BR/>And honesty is always the best policy.wcdixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06511429457006302795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158210234331110372006-09-13T22:03:00.000-07:002006-09-13T22:03:00.000-07:00Bill,Well said, highly introspective, and totally ...Bill,<BR/><BR/>Well said, highly introspective, and totally "on point".<BR/><BR/>Reminds me of my own "horror stories" in the Biz, but heck, too many think "That's just ShowBiz!"<BR/><BR/>Maybe it is, and maybe the "Bullshit Factor" pegs the boards, but it doesn't make it any easier to stomach.<BR/><BR/>Funny how one usually never hears or reads about this BEFORE they get into the Biz, but it's no secret that the town is permeated with a layer of bullshit so deep that they ought to be able to grow mushrooms.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Oscar Snarque<BR/><BR/>PS: And for once, my post is shorter than yours, by a long shot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158203417650617662006-09-13T20:10:00.000-07:002006-09-13T20:10:00.000-07:00The guys who repair my car are impressed by my bod...The guys who repair my car are impressed by my body of work.<BR/><BR/>- Billwcmartellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18075242897910568801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158201567789635942006-09-13T19:39:00.000-07:002006-09-13T19:39:00.000-07:00There's bullshit everywhere. A few years ago, I h...There's bullshit everywhere. A few years ago, I had a guy try to tell me he was drafted by the Red Sox out of high school.<BR/><BR/>Without the Web (not invented yet), I contacted the Sox office and had them fax me a list of draft picks. Robin wasn't on it - no surprise. <BR/><BR/>Still, I figured the guy might have had some germ of talent on which to base the fantasy, so invited him to sub for my softball team. <BR/><BR/>He had an arm on him, granted, but I don't think he managed to put bat on ball even once.Webshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17877918422921900328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20291006.post-1158200627887549742006-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:002006-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:00Outstanding "trenchy" (is that a word?) stuff!I wa...Outstanding "trenchy" (is that a word?) stuff!<BR/><BR/>I was at one of your seminars a little over a year ago and I distinctly remember you apologizing for your movies... LOL.<BR/><BR/>What you probably don't know is that several of them have become "cult favorites" among truck drivers.<BR/><BR/>I've been at several FLYING J truck stops over the last couple of years and there's always some DVDs of your movies in the bin and I've actually overheard truck drivers recommending a few of those DVDs to other truck drivers.<BR/><BR/>Now at first, you might think this kinda sucks but I think it's fucking outstanding! These are REAL PEOPLE taking the time to recommend those movies to their friends.<BR/><BR/>No bullshit.<BR/><BR/>UnkAMERICAN RESTOPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04494241660914270458noreply@blogger.com