Pete Jones' Column

[Chris Gore]

So, Pete Jones of last year's Project Greenlight show is documenting the making of his new indie movie "Doubting Rilely" in a new column on Film Threat. If you thought that "Stolen Summer" dealt with some difficult subject matter, this one goes even further dealing with issues involving family, religion and homosexuality. So, what do you think of the new column or Project Greenlight or Pete Jones?

Pete Jones will be reading these posts and if he has time, he might even respond. (You know, if you're nice.)

Here is the first column:
www.filmthreat.com/Features.asp?Id=743

[Rory L. Aronsky]

The new column is pretty kick-ass. It's nice to read Pete Jones' column and actually get the full skinny (I've waited a while to use that phrase) on him filming a movie and not having it conveniently edited on "Project Greenlight" to project any "hardships". It just goes to show you that he has problems, you all have problems, and I'm pretty sane. So basically, I think that you're all after me and I'd better run like hell. Heh, just kidding.

[mynameisnobody]

If I were Pete, I personally would have done something a bit more commercially viable right now...and then down the line...I would have done this as a side project. There are two reasons why I would have chosen something different right now (i.e. something a bit more commercially viable). First, is so that you could build up your repertoire...build some steam up behind your name within this industry...because you write quite well. The second is that...a new USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll revealed that only 48% of the public believes that homosexuality should be legal...it's fallen from 60%. This is something that should be taken into consideration...now, this might work for you (there are various television shows such as, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," etc...that have been performing quite well)...or against you...it will depend....the individuals surveyed within this poll will be your potential audience. Within this script, I would probably concentrate moreso upon the father / son connection (that most will be able to identify with)...rather than the homosexual aspect. That's just my marketing side coming out.

I'm not too confident this feature will be picked up for theatrical consumption (distribution)...but, it should do decently on video, DVD...and television (Sundance, IFC, etc.)...and since it's a low-budget film...the break-even is low...so, that means I'm sure Pete will eventually recoup his costs...so he doesn't have to worry about his family disowning him. :)

I personally feel movies should meet one of four criteria to attract an audience. These would be to entertain, to be thought-provoking, to inspire, and to capture one’s imagination. It seems Pete is trying his best...and I wish him the best.

-mynameisnobody

[Rangrfan]

this movie will fail.

[Chris Crosby]

This movie will be the highest-grossing film of all time.

Especially if Mr. Bean appears in it. Then it will make over $100 million BEFORE IT EVEN REACHES OUR SHORES.

Pete, can you get a camera crew to document the filming for the DVD, like a PROJECT GREENLIGHT UNPLUGGED sort of thing? It'd be the bestest bonus feature EVER.

[LetaMoore]

hey ya pete (and crew!)

great to see you are still working with some of the old crew.
ahem . . . please pass on to my favorite piece of fruit that i miss his witty emails.
and if daddio is on this project tell him this padre island hussy misses him too!

anywhoo. . . am dee-lighted to see/hear that you got this project up and running.
best of luck to ya doll and keep us posted.

BTW-- this is an awesome site!

[Rangrfan]

Pete Jones is a loser

[mynameisnobody]

Originally posted by Rangrfan
this movie will fail.

Hey Rangr, where can I find a copy of your film?

[Lilwolf]

I wish Pete Jones luck but the subject matter is a hard sell. Wait I take that back its not that hard to sell but Pete playing the lead will be. I thought you were a writer, you did say that was all you were in the first season, right? Then you were forced to become a director, which is cool, most writes would love to direct. But now you’re an actor? I think that and the subject matter will be the downfall of this movie. Not saying you wont make you money back because I think you will. You have a name that a lot of people know and I think you should have used that to your advantage. A movie written and directed by Pete Jones about a fun loving Irish Catholic guy who shocks his family by coming out would be good to see. A movie written, directed and staring Pete Jones about a fun loving Irish Catholic guy who shocks his family by coming out is kind of scary. What now you’re a triple threat? Please prove me wrong by being a good writer, good director and a good actor.

[lovelee1]

I think the movie concept is interesting. I was unaware that Michael McDonald was in the film as well. I love Mad TV. Hey Pete, if you by chance do read this if need any extra help I would be willing to volenteer my services in any way possible!

[sirius]

I really like The Pete Jones column. It's great to see that he just didn't sit around waiting for someone to give him another shot at directing. I'm curious to see what distributor will pick up his film as he says the majors passed on it.

[Philo Bedo]

http://www.apedrapefilms.com/pictures/byallmeans.gif

The one thing that Project Greenlight has proved is that making changes to your film based on the "notes" from the producers & marketing trolls is the same as ordering some nice pasta w/a garlic marinara sauce, and getting egg noodles w/ ketchup.

Hopefully, Moore, Affleck, & Damon will get to live the rest of their lives like a couple of schnooks.

Or, maybe if they shelled out the dough to have William Goldman do an uncredited rewrite on Stolen Summer & Shaker Heights, everyone would have a few more trophies on their shelfs.

I'm interested to what Pete does with out all the Imperial entaglements.

Sorry for the bad Goodfellas & Star Wars paraphrase. I had to do it.

-philo

[I still wonder why film students babble on about Orson Welles or Howard Hawks. When they ignore... Russ Meyer & Herschell Gordon Lewis... their relatively unheralded sucess outside the Hollywood system should give hope to any independent director starting out today... Russ Meyer is the Eisenstein of sex films.]xxx[/John Waters]

[whatismoving]

Way to go, Pete. I've been following your columns and am pulling for you.

[mynameisnobody]

"For example, when Kyle and Efram sat down to rework a scene. Film is a director’s medium. And it is within their job description to change a scene in any way they see fit. I’m not saying they have the authority to rewrite a script, but to fix a scene to better fit their vision? I have no problem with that. And then the next day, their day is hectic enough, but to have to deal with the writer and the producers over changing a few things. That’s bullshit. And that’s when I finally realized that Greenlight is bullshit. (Source: Diary III by Pete Jones)"

Sorry, Pete...I respectfully disagree.

The whole deal with the script being changed by Kyle and Efram was incredible. They stood there and...grossly exaggerated...to Chris and Erica by saying they ran out of time, etc. when in actuality they made the changes the night before at a diner (for ~ 3 hours). They should have phoned Erica and invited her to the diner to help collaborate (including her in the process)...then they should have shown the changes to Chris and he would gotten the studio to approve them...but, no. There is a both a chain of command...and set procedures...when making script changes (especially within the studio system)...and Erica (at least within this contest) was to be involved...when making any changes. The fact of the matter is Kyle and Efram knew they would get some flak for making the changes...they didn't care...they knew all they had to do was apologize...that there weren't going to be any immediate repercussions for their actions. Kyle and Efram were determined to get the changes made...they had this planned for quite some time (i.e. asking Jeff if they could secretly copy the "working draft" off of Erica's computer).

[filmsmyth]

Pete,

I watched the first Project Greenlight with enthusiasm and empathy. I finally got to see "Stolen Summer" on Starz or Showtime (not HBO... LOL) and I thought you made a good film.

Having said that...

I would NOT have shelled out $7+ to go see it.

WHY?

Because when I go to the theater to see a film, I want to be entertained and more importantly, I want to feel GOOD after the film ends.

I thought "Stolen Summer" was done as well as it could be... I'm sure the screenplay was a good read or you wouldn't have won... But as a financially VIABLE film... i.e., a film that makes its money back, I never thought the subject matter and the film would accomplish that.

Had the "HOOK" of "Stolen Summer" been exploited more... Maybe the film would have done better...

Now you have "Doubting Riley" and I feel like it's "Stolen Summer" all over again... i.e., a NON FINANCIALLY VIABLE film. With absolutely NO OFFENSE to gays and lesbians, I have to ask you...

WHY this movie?

Is it because we are being literally BOMBARDED with magazines, books, television shows, movies, and celebrities that try to tell us that being gay or lesbian is okay?

What's the HOOK of this film? --Is it that Riley tries to tell his family that he's gay and they simply don't listen or take him seriously?

Assuming you complete the film... Why should we go to this movie? Why should we plop our money down for your film over some other film?

Are we supposed to identify with the character or the family? Or both?

These are just some of the questions that I have to ask when it comes to go seeing a movie.

I have no DOUBT in my retired military mind that you've written a good script... And, I have to assume that you learned a hell of a lot about filmmaking and directing after "Stolen Summer" so I'm equally certain that the film will be a good film-- Not my cup of tea perhaps, but a good film.

My real sense of doubt here comes down to demographics... I understand being an artist... And, if you were paying for the entire film, hey... MORE POWER TO YOU on making YOUR FILM YOUR WAY.

But reading your column makes me wonder why you want to "risk" what was it... $700K of your family's money to make a film that doesn't seem to fit into the demographics of the movie ticket buying public.

Taking it a bit further... I just watched something on television that says gay and lesbians make up approximately 10% of the general population.

I have no idea how true this is but I have to believe that the number is in the ballpark. To give you the benefit of the doubt, I would venture to say that quite possibly, gays and lesbians may very well want to see your movie but what about the rest of us?

So far I have heard no "HOOK" that makes me want to dig into my pockets for ticket money. Why is your film different from other films depicting gay and lesbian storylines?

I am not writing this long winded post to make you feel bad or to put you down in any way shape or form... What I am asking is why this film? Why this film now?

Surely you could have written a script that fits more into the demographics of the movie ticket buying public. I'm sure this film will have something to say but without anyone fairly "BANKABLE" behind it or in it, I have to wonder if you are being a little foolish or even naive with your family's/investor's money.

So what if the film breaks even... Even if it does, will your family and investors want to take another chance with you again?

I too am a filmmaker and I am trying to put myself in your place... And no offense... but $700K??? I will be the first one to acknowledge that $700K is certainly a low budget for a film... But for this story, it seems like you could have done it a lot cheaper and at a lot less risk to your family and investors.

Unless you can create a "HOOK" for your film before shooting is over, I think it's going to be a wash although I sincerely wish you success with it.

By HOOK I mean something about the story that will SOMEHOW create desire in the movie going public to go see your movie. You gotta have a HOOK to make me and all my friends go see your movie.

Good luck Pete...

filmy

[3ldfilms]

While I have no opinion on Pete's script whatsoever (since I haven't read and barely know anything about it) I am curious why he didn't find a more commercially viable project that he could get backing for.

I know most filmmakers always a have a few project they want todo, so why not pitch one that the studios (since he obviouslly has a strong in with them) would be more interested in.

Or was this project so important to him that it was the only one he could work on right now?

[aelliott76]

If Pete and his producers want to get their film made independently they should shoot it in San Francisco. Indies dealing with gay and lesbian themes get financed quite easily and the community fully supports these type of narratives. Just something to consider.

Andrew

[bennettk]

The title of the movie escapes me, however has anyone seen the preview to an new movie from the producers who brought you "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

It bears a striking resembelence to Pete's Plot. Hey there's a title for a movie: Plotting Pete. Fogetaboutit!

It's about an Italian American family who have to deal with their son the fag. (No offense intended, that's the tag. Tee Hee)

Well?

BENNETT

[3ldfilms]

Yeah, it's called Mambo Italiano.

It's actually a Canadian film. Kind of funny since Greek Wedding was created by a woman from Winnipeg, Canada.

Are we becoming the country that produces the Big Fat Insert Culture Here Wedding movies?

[Magneticleather]

Why in the world would someone want to make a piece of art if they thought that they wouldn't make any money? Or if it would make people think? I mean that's just silly. I just don't understand why someone would create something with themes that are important to them . Or something that would exclude the "majority". It's like making a movie starring black people or something. I mean, don't the filmakers understand that they are making a movie that excludes the white majority?

Ok... so maybe I am just a little sarcastic.

I just wanted to say "kudos" (which is a funny word) to Pete Jones. I think that the idea of religion and how it effects ones veiws on sexuality are important. And also extremely difficult to explore.

It takes guts to do a project like this that it on the "sidelines" on the majority. So, regardless of the outcome of the movie, it just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know that Pete is out there doing his darndest to make a movie that is important to him.

Hoo-rah.

[bennettk]

Thanks for the update 3ldfilms,

So whattya think?

Similiar plot line...Should Pete be quaking in his booties and bra strap (making out with a guy and all..Not that there's anything wrong with that...)

Let's get this rolling folks...

I'm sure enjoying Pete's diary entries, but man does this guy got big balls or what.

I'm telling ya. I'm a writer, but the day I have the jewels big enough to ask Mom & Dad for 700k to produce my movie about a Gay: Not a Comedy - Not a Drama Movie....

I think I'll be parentless.

P.S. 3ldfilms, you say Canadian Film. How so? Directed, written or produced???

[3ldfilms]

If you mean Mambo, all of the above (it was also a stage play). If you meant Greek Wedding, it was a stage play by Nia Vardalos (whose from Winnipeg) and she wrote the screenplay and starred in it.

Both of the above I think were set in the states, to be more "universal" for distribution purposes.

[bennettk]

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz A Bear.

Warm & Fuzzy or Cold and Prickly.

Does any of that "Good for him" shit really mean anything when it comes down to brass tax.

Hey Mom, hey Dad. I love you. Could I borrow 700K.

Oh, cause I want to make a movie that's about a gay guy and his family.

What..How could you say no.

Oh, by the way it's being directed by Steven Spielberg.

Really, gee thanks. Sure I'll take cash.

Oh, by the way did I mention Steven's doing another film. One that's going to make barrels of money. But it's okay, I'll pay you back when my film go's to VHS in Uraguay.

BENNETT

[Brian Mix]

When I first read that Pete had cast himself in a movie about a closeted gay man I thought “What, didn’t he learn anything on PGL?”

Then I started to re-think that. What is the most important thing to sell a movie? “A good script” I hear you say. WRONG. That’s what’s most important to make a GOOD movie. To sell one you need names. Names people recognize. And even though he took his lumps, Pete is now a name. I have reservations about directing his second Feature with himself as the lead, but it’s a good marketing move.

What’s the second most important thing to sell a movie? A niche that wants content. If you think that a gay film is not commercial then you haven’t been paying attention. Gay film fests are dying for content and there are more of them than any other genre, except maybe horror. No, it wont show at your multiplex next to T3, but almost no self-funded indie’s do.

This film will sell. Will it make it’s money back? Who knows. I think Pete needs to revisit his budgeting process. 700K seems high, but I haven’t read the script. Doubting Riley may be fraught with peril, but as far as marketing. It’s a winner.

[Philo Bedo]

To quote Chuck D:

"Here it is! BAMN! And you say, GODDAMN! This is the dope jam!!!"

The fat man has summed PROJECT GREENLIGHT up better than anyone else so far.

"You get the sense of too much input, too many bright ideas, too many scenes that don't belong in the same movie. Odd, how overcrowded it seems, for 85 minutes. Here's an idea: Next year, Miramax picks the winning screenplay, gives the filmmakers $1 million and sends them off in total isolation to make a movie with absolutely no input from anybody. The HBO series could be about how the Miramax marketing department sees the result and figures out how to sell it. - Roger Ebert - Chicago Sun Times 08/29/03

By All Means,

-philo

www.apedrapefilms.com (http://www.apedrapefilms.com)

[mynameisnobody]

"The Battle of Shaker Heights" opened in some new cities today. Needless to say, the critics didn't like the film (For instance, the Chicago Tribune and the Dallas Observer).

[LetaMoore]

hang in there Pete!

I yakked with steve for a bit about the shoot, he said things are going great. also it was mentioned on that *other* board that some poster talked to biagi -- i believe at the church shoot the other day.

tell the peach i said hello and remember buddy build it and the nonsayers will come -- just look at all the interest you've already created!
;)

[Corona Joe]

Pete,
Good for you on moving forward with this project. It sounds like a good story line and I wish you much success. I'm interested in viewing your acting skills in this role, but... maybe it's not an act. Hmmmm.

Anyway let me know if you need anymore extras for your Chicago filming!

[Fieryellow]

so I posted a message but I hit new thread instead of reply, so my post is in the middle of nowhere. Now I know where I am, and I'm going to write my message again.

I had fun as an extra on saturday and I wish you the best of luck because the whole crew and everyone were wonderful and fun to work with. Best Wishes!

E.R.

*It's been 6 months in Chicago, from Boston, and I'm still alive, on my own and doin' fine*:cool:

[wanderingsoles]

I think all of the talk about this film not being financially viable, are wrong... it doesn't have to be a feel good film... Irreversable made good money, and it never had a Feel Good sense about it... Doubting Riley has an interesting concept, and if he creates a good little film, Pete can look forward to riding it (and his name) into many film fests next year, and I am sure a small arthouse run will easily earn his money back... let's face it, he has connections, even if he doesn't realize it... hell, just getting this thing off the ground like he has, proves it. So Pete... good luck and I hope you make yourself a good, little film.

And to those people who only go to Feel-Good movies... you are missing out on many great films!

[rrfrankie]

Seems to me Pete Jones could have saved his investors some money by simply going on a gay cruise and sucking dick with wild abandon.

[DonLewis]

You can't stand to see yourself on the screen, eh? Well....I don't think anyone else is going to want to see that either. I side with the person who wrote that you're trying to do WAY too much by writing, directing AND most importantly, ACTING in your movie.

Here's a fact...sad but true. The project greenlight people made Pete Jones look like a fool in that first season. He made a VERY good movie and (I've met him) he's a very cool and a VERY nice guy. HOWEVER....I don't think fans of PGL: Season One think he's cool. They think he's a goober! So selling himself as the lead in this film ain't gonna fly I don't think.

I don't mean to be a dick and I hope "Doubting Riley" takes off like wildfire and makes everyone who passed on it feel like idiots. However, every week I read Pete's (excellent) journal, I find myself wondering how and why he was "forced" to cast himself. The money spent on a *real* actor would likely draw enough fans of said actor to pay for his involvement.

I do wish this film all the best and will watch it with an open mind. Furthermore, it's good to see Pete didn't just give up or take some lame ass screenwriting job, beefing up dialogue in Hollywood movies.

[whatismoving]

They think he's a goober! So selling himself as the lead in this film ain't gonna fly I don't think.
As a director, I think there are two ways of looking at this. 1) I don't care what other people think of my great idea. 2) Several people think this is a bad idea, maybe they're right.

Who do you think is going to become the better director?

[LetaMoore]

hi ya pete!

just read the diary for this week. sounds as if things are moving right along.
so.... was making out with a guy as bad as you thought it would be? i mean, i wouldn't get to upset if i had to make out with a girl on film . . .:D (settle down peach) anyway, seems like you are on schedule and plugging the scenes out. btw thanks for that heads up on the HD -- the pros and cons.
keep up the good work!

smooches to the crew.

[DonLewis]

Originally posted by whatismoving
As a director, I think there are two ways of looking at this. 1) I don't care what other people think of my great idea. 2) Several people think this is a bad idea, maybe they're right.

Who do you think is going to become the better director?

whatismoving-
Clearly you didn't read what I wrote. I have ZERO issue with Pete writing and directing this film. I applaud him for doing so. My beef is with his choosing to put his face out there as the star of the picture.

Although I disagree with your sentiment that a director also shouldn't listen to the people around him, *my* point was that Project Greenlight created an "unlikeable character" in Pete Jones. I know that in real life he's a cool guy, but to the millions who watched the first season of Project Greenlight, they think of him in another way. Pete knows this too because he's mentioned several times that season one was edited in a way to make him look bad.

If you don't think public opinion of a person matters when trying to sell a product, ask Michael Jackson, Janine Garraffolo, Roman Polanski and others how easy it is to get people to like your stuff when they don't like YOU.

Again, I'M not saying I don't like Pete. Read carefully. I just think public opinion of him is low and as such, people might be hesitant to watch him onscreen as the star of a movie.

Hey, I could be wrong and I hope I am.

[mynameisnobody]

Comparing "Doubting Riley" to Gaspar Noé's "Irreversible"...is like comparing apples to oranges. "Irreversible" was an incredibly controversial film (sexually graphic scenes which caused critics to faint, etc.)...which helped the film to gross ~$792,200. "Doubting Riley"...the concept...sounds very bromidic. I wish Pete and all those involved with the project...the best.

[mynameisnobody]

Originally posted by LetaMoore
hi ya pete!

just read the diary for this week. sounds as if things are moving right along.
so.... was making out with a guy as bad as you thought it would be? i mean, i wouldn't get to upset if i had to make out with a girl on film . . .:D (settle down peach) anyway, seems like you are on schedule and plugging the scenes out. btw thanks for that heads up on the HD -- the pros and cons.
keep up the good work!

smooches to the crew.

By reading Pete's comments...it's obvious he's not very familiar with 24P. The image quality is great and you do shoot faster. Shooting film is like shooting in the dark...with 24P you see exactly what you're getting...there's no guessing or waiting for dailies. Also, 24P is much more cost efficient.

Here is a rough break down...comparing the two.

35mm | HDCAM 24P
Stock Eastman 5293 EXR 200T | Sony BCT-40HD
Feet 400 | 791
Minutes 4.45 | 50
Cost $220.20 | $79.95
Stock Cost/Minute $49.48 | $1.60
Developing/foot $0.14 | $0.00
Developing/Minute $12.58 | $0.00
Video Dailies/foot $0.09 | $0.00
Video Dailies/Minute $8.09 | $0.00
Total Cost/Min $70.16 | $1.60
Digital Savings 98%


Here is a great article that addresses the medium...

http://www.theonionavclub.com/avclub3829/avfeature_3829.html



Go see this film if you want to see the quality...

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/onceuponatimeinmexico/

[beerchillerguy]

Pete,
As a fellow entrepreneur (www.beerchiller.com) I understand how you are trying to do many things at once and sometimes the most obvious things you forget about until someone reminds you. That said, almost every movie that comes out has a Web site, and especially if this might be a straight to video release or you try to do some marketing of it on your own, you need at least a basic site to promote your efforts. So to help you out I registered www.doubtingriley.com for you at register.com. It cost just $35 and it's yours, just email me at admin@beerchiller.com and I'll transfer over the domain name to you.
All the best,
BCG

[ailina7]

Hi Pete!!

Looking forward to checking out this movie, always looking for something more original! Ok, confession time, I actually got turned onto this film because of your casting Nathan into it - great choice BTW! :) But I can't wait to see the shiny final project! (was gonna head down to Chi-town to check you guys out, may still do so if you're about on Saturday) Take care!
Love the updates - keep 'em coming!

-Aileen

[Chris Gore]

Hey, Gore here. Some of you have asked what Pete Jones is actually doing in the pool surrounded by all those built guys in speedos, other than enjoying himself in new ways. Heck, I was wondering the same thing myself! Pete usually sends in his column to me on Monday or Tuesday and the pics come later and I never know what I'm gonna get. Since Pete doesn't really talk about what he's doing in this pool in his story, I asked him and here is what he had to say. PETE SAYS:

"It's a gay fantasy Esther Williams sequence. It's a funny, weird, gay scene. This movie is all over the place. Got some great humor, some great drama, and some weird stuff. It's going to be a tonal nightmare but if I find the right beat, it might just really work."

Okay, so now you all know. And it's about time that a film had a "gay fantasy Esther Williams" pool sequence because that's exactly what I thought was missing from "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace." Cool!

[ailina7]

Well, this sure is getting more and more interesting as time goes on...Thanks for the updates. Gotta love them! Perhaps I will need to use a scene like that for my film if I ever get it up and running! LOL! Naah, this one has to be an original! :p

[camopdp]

from an earlier post...

"Shooting film is like shooting in the dark..."

I think you just inadvertently offended any competent DP that reads this board...

experienced "film" shooters know this is a myth...what the eye sees, the film sees...

cinematography is a craft for both mediums...film and tape...
and i'm not trying to start a "film vs tape" discussion...

[mynameisnobody]

"what the eye sees, the film sees..."

If that's the case...why check your dailies? You see the acting through the viewfinder...you're checking to see if the film came out okay.

If you're offended that easily...before moving on from your student shorts...you better develop thicker skin before entering the business. Film is like shooting in the dark...any DP that has professional experience...knows exactly what I'm talking about. Film vs. Hi-Def...is like Vinyl vs. CD. Those who stick by film nowadays...do it purely for nostalgic reasons. I've shot both...good luck.

[petejonesfan]

Where is the second part of Article VI? I always come to Film Threat every Wednesday for my Pete Jones news - and only half of it is online!

Please put it up so we can read the rest of the article! And Pete, if you're reading this, I'd love to read about the shoot in even more detail. Have you looked into setting up that website that was mentioned previously on this board?

PeteJonesFan!

[Chris Gore]

I was in the middle of posting the Part 2 to Pete's Wednesday piece when our site shut down for about 12 hours. We scrambled to fix everything, but when we came back live, only part one was up. I've just now posted part 2 and it's on the front page as of Thursday, a day late. My apologies to everyone who looks forward to the column on Wednesdays. We're back on track. And wait until you read next week's column. I already have some amazing pictures. Pete is a wild man!

[beerchillerguy]

Pete,
To echo the words of PeteJonesFan, you should launch a Web site, include things like latest news and media clips, a message board, the trailer or footage from behind the scenes, a blog, etc. Just email me and I'll transfer the domain doubtingriley.com over to you right away.
All the best,
BCG

[Thirdover4]

I also don't want to start a film vs tape argument, but the concept that 24P is easier than film is hogwash. My experience has been that it is much harder. Yes you can see the image, but you are seeing it usually under less than optimal conditions, if at all, since you can not always be connected to a 50lb high deph monitor. If you don't have experience with film, than some aspects of 24P may seem easier, but very few cinematographers would consider the overall experience easier. As far as cost is concerned, any savingings in production are erased as soon as you go to a digital color correction and output to film. 24P is more difficult to work with, and therefore more time consuming, because it greatly lacks the dynamic range of film. If you over expose a scene on 24P by a stop, you might as well schedule it for your reshoots, cause it aint there on the "Negative." Robert Rodriguez, bless his soul, has a vested interest in the technology, and therefore is doing all he can do to promote it. Some of what he says must be accepted for what it is.

Quality and art are not about technology.

[Dubya]

Alright I will try this again. It appears that some of you don't get what this is all about. I have heard a couple of times now people say Pete needs to sell his movie in these journals. He does not. Pete is just telling us how it is making this movie. Yes, he does get some advertising by saying the name of the movie, but he does not have to make you want to come see Doubting Riley, in his journals. If his journals make you want to come see the movie than see it. If they don't than don't. It's up to you.

If you want to be "sold" on the movie wait until it gets picked up and the previews start coming out. But, if the average, straight, white guy, needs Ebert and Roeper to tell you what to watch, than shove both your thumbs up your ass and question your sexuality. Only you can decide if you want to see this movie, Pete should not have to "sell" it to you here.

GO CUBS!

[petejonesfan]

I know that Pete's rocketing towards the Sundance deadline, which might explain why he hasn't sent in his column yet this week... On the other hand, I know that he's probably spent at least a few hours playing X-Box, so that's probably not a really good excuse.

Hopefully Chris can convince him to write a longer, more in depth message when it's all finished, where he talks about what he learned from this shoot, what he'd do differently, what his release plans are, etc. The columns he writes now are great, but they're so short! I want more Jones!

PJF

[DonLewis]

Now that you got "Doubting Riley" ,in the can i just wanted to wish you the BEST of luck! I hope my earlier comments weren't seen as some hope that you would fail...they weren't. They were just my opinions and thoughts on this whole production.

I can't wait to see the film and I hope everything works out for you. What's next?

[petejonesfan]

I just looked over the sundance lineup, and unless I'm mistaken, it looks like Pete Jones's new movie won't be playing.

Has there been any official word from Pete on this? What other festivals has he applied to? Wasn't he supposed to write a post-sundance announcement column?

Is there a website yet for the movie? A trailer? Has he secured any distribution? Will it be released straight to video? So many questions, and only one man can answer them - Pete Jones.

PJFan

[beckiwitheye]

OK Pete-
I actually get HBO out here in Iowa but I found both Project Greenlites too painful to watch-kinda like frog dissection in sophmore science class. Just'show me the movie!'.
However, your column in Film Threat was fun to read. I'd rather read about your filming ups & downs and project my own movie in my head with your words than see it on premium cable. In one of your columns you self-proclaimed yourself a whore for the $$$.But just once,right, to pad the bank account and then go back to your good stuff. I think the best thing you have going for you in Doubting Riley is your supporting cast. The guys from MAD TV and Daddy Day Care have been fun to watch in the past. I hope they'll pull thru for you here.
Hopefully Nathan Fillion has ALOT of airtime.
If not, work hard on involving him in your next project, as the star.
He's got a loyal TV fan base all the way back to One Life To Live(that helps)and he can ACT!!He also looks like a reincarnation of Ted Shackleford from Knot's Landing. That should rope in all the older broads-like me.
GOOD LUCK,xanax in moderation mite help... Becki S

[GiGi]

I just wanted to say I thought "Stolen Summer" was a great little movie and I enjoyed watching it. I think Pete had some poopy stirrers on his crew and wondered if it would turn out well at all because of it (the ONE guy...you all know who I mean). Look forward to seeing his next flick.

[beerchillerguy]

For all two or three of us that still check in on this message board you might find the article in the latest Fade In magazine (Billy Bob is on the cover) interesting. It's entitled "Good Script Hunting? What Matt and Ben Don't Want You to Know About Project Greenlight." Inside the mag the opening headline for the article is: Opportunity Sucks and goes on to say how the aspiring filmmakers were all set up to look as bad as possible by the editors for the sake of good TV and how Kyle and Effrem in the latest incarnation are basically screwed of ever working in Hollywood from the experience.

[MotleyCool]

OK Pete, what's the latest? I haven't heard much about Doubting Riley for some time so I thought I'd rattle your cage. Give me an update when you can.
Mot

[petejonesfan]

Come on Pete Jones, please give us an update!

I wrote to Chris Gore a few weeks ago, and he said he'd ask Pete to write an update column. So far, there's been nothing!

What happened with Doubting Riley? I want to see it! We know it didn't get into Sundance, but has it played at other festivals? Have there been any public screenings of it? Is it going to be released theatrically? If not, can I buy it on DVD?

I'm very interested in seeing this movie! Pete, I'm a big fan, and it's killing me to not know what's happened with this movie! The last update was in the summer!

Please, please, please, find a moment to let us know what's up!

PeteJonesFan

[petejonesfan]

To Pete: Thanks very much for the update! I know that everyone has been eagerly anticipating some news from the "Outing Riley" front.

A few comments on your post... I like the new title, though I also thought "Doubting" Riley was good. I guess you're really just taking away a D and a B. "Outing" is definitely a more direct title that explains what happens in the film, so I think it's a change for the better.

Sorry to hear that you had to make cuts, that's always painful. Hopefully we'll be seeing those extra scenes (or even an alternate director's cut) on the DVD when it's eventually released.

Congratulations on getting the film done! I hope that you get a huge distribution deal.

A few questions:

1. Will you be setting up an "www.outingriley.com" website? Something with images from the film, the poster, etc. would also probably be helpful when trying to sell it. (I assume - I'm just a fan who's interested in the movie!)

2. Have you started writing a new script yet? Do you have any idea what your next project will be?

3. Is a copy of the script available for sale anywhere? I'd love to read it.

[Dubya]

Finally, the movie will make its debut in Chi-town. It will be playing at a couple of theaters downtown. Check out the Chicago Film Festival's website for dates and times, I think it is chicagofilmfestival.org. I just moved to L.A. so I can't see it. Whoever gets on here that lives in Chicago, go see it and post what you think. I'd love to find out!

C'mon Cubbies!!!!

[rbswang]

I was at the "Outing Riley" world premiere at the Chicago Film Festival and I really liked this movie. I felt it was a great subject matter, but probably not the type that will be picked up by a major company. I feel it would do well if it just got a few good reviews behind it...maybe Roger Ebert would like to help out...he was once a struggling filmmaker. Anyway, from talking with teh group of people I saw the movie with, we concluded the following:

1. As a narrative, this movie did get slightly cliche (style only)

2. The story had a lot of great twists

3. The movie was hilarious, and not just "gay jokes" but other witty humor too

4. The dialogue amongst the brothers was REAL. Nothing was skewed to be "Hollywood Friendly" but instead it was exactly what you would say around your buddies while having some beers

Yes, the movie was lacking what it would need to go mainstream right away, but it has a good enough story and enough humor to make it if someone would support it...The only thing I am unsure of is if you could build a trailer that could make people want to see this movie...all I can picture in my head would be just like some of those really bad trailers from the eighties...

In conclusion, go see this movie if you have the chance. I know I'm planning to buy the DVD.

[petejonesfan]

Has anyone heard anything about this movie besides the Chicago Film Festival?

I'd like to see it! Any distribution? Any DVD release plans?

Come on Pete, don't let us down! How about an update, at least? Please?

Thanks!

[Dubya]

If you Google "Outing Riley" you'll get some info about what's going on. I found two different blogs that talk about the movie. One was a guy saying that he saw the movie some time at the end of March and that he really liked it. Another was a guy that says he knows Pete and that if anyone wanted to go see a screening of the movie he could get them tickets. That was in Pasadena, also at the end of March or beginning of April. Had I seen it in time I would have gone. But at least we know that the movie is still alive. If anyone knows about another showing post it on here!