Chris Gore - Let's Talk

[Chris Gore]

Okay, if you'd like to talk to me for any reason and you think others may benefit by joining in the discussion, here's where to do it. Yeah, that's right, if you want to talk to me, Chris Gore, this is the place. So, what do you want to discuss?

[Bryan]

Hmmm let's see, how's filming going on My Big Fat Independent Movie?

[Chris Gore]

Okay, here's what I can tell you about "My Big Fat Independent Movie." Basically, after writing several screenplays that "almost" sold, I decided the next script I wrote, I would produce since it would be the only way that I would ever get the film made. After two years of hard work, "My Big Fat Independent Movie" began shooting on October 7th, 2003. It's a spoof comedy like "Scary Movie" and it includes references to some of the indie film world's most renowned movies such as "Pi," "Memento," "Secretary," "Pulp Fiction," "Magnolia," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Amelie," "Slacker," "The Good Girl," "Swingers" and more. I like to describe it as a "low brow comedy, for the high brow crowd." But in the end, it's also a love letter to the independent film community and those that take the kind of risks that Hollywood traditionally avoids.

We wrapped principal photography on October 30th and have been cutting ever since. We'll see a rough assembly any day now. I want to tell you a lot more, but I'm saving it. I wrote a production diary during the shoot that came in at over 25,000 words. I plan to run this production diary on the FilmThreat.com web site soon, I've just been so busy with so many other details of the film like shooting some second unit celebrity cameos that we planned, the musical score, the digital effects and the cartoon animated title sequence which our animator has been working on since January 2003. It's an extremely ambitious movie based on the budget and I really hope the Film Threat audience likes it since I really made it for them. We'll see. I don't want to give away too much about it, since I feel like I'm still in the thick of it, but I can't wait for you to see it. I don't want to spoil the surprises which happens so often on the web these days. Hell, it happens in the trailers that Hollywood cuts!

One thing I'll give away -- Bob Odenkirk came in and did a scene and he's hilarious, when he is on screen, he steals the show. Also, Clint Howard plays a small, yet pivotal role that I think you'll love. It was so funny talking to Clint because he is totally aware that his career is partially based on his oddball looks. There are a lot of others in bit parts that I think totally work, but we'll see. I'm getting nervous about a test screening we plan to do in January of the rough cut. I just don't want anything leaking out too soon.

In any case, if there's anything else you want to know, let me know. I hope that answered your question.

[Ellen M.]

Sounds like "MBFIM" is all coming together. Can't wait to see it, so keep us all posted on your progress, release date, etc., since you know your loyal FT fans will be supporting this!

Just curious what you think of this year's ISA nominations...
How does a film like "21 Grams" get special recognition, but doesn't qualify for an actual award? And how did they over look 2 great docs like "Capturing The Friedman's " & "My Flesh & Blood"? I don't get it!...

Ellen

[Chris Gore]

I care so little about awards, I don't even pay attention. Sorry, I just have no opinion one way or another on anything having to do with awards.

[Bryan]

Here's a new question. I was trying to view your rants on your homepage, but all of the links seem to be dead. Can this be fixed? Heh, anyhow, just wanted to let you know.

http://www.shemco.com/clients/chrisgore/rants.html

[BuckyMcSatan]

Terribly sorry - server issue. The rants are back in action.

shemco

[truepictures]

Chris Gore,

So, I've made one short using Canon XL and GL cameras. Now, I'm going to be working on another short on probably Canon or Sony's DV cameras. But, will this be enough for me to get a gig in mainstream Hollywood?

I have no idea how to operate a film camera. How long does it take to learn a film camera. What can poor aspiring filmmakers do to learn film cameras?

I'm so frustrated that all my work will go to waste if I don't know how to work a film camera, it's almost depressing. I don't want to direct a TV show, ever.

-Frustrated Mini-DV User

[Lune12]

Let your DP (director of photography) handle that for the most part. Cinematography & photography is a visual art that takes years to hone. If you wanna be a DP… take one of those cam workshops in Maine.. Their DP (and producer, director, art director etc.) bootcamps are held over about 2 intense weeks. Or that thing called film school works well too if you have more time and want a degree.

[candleboy]

Hey Gore,

I read your piece in that film festival magazine (the name of which escapes me, but it's "Film Festival Something"). It was well written and quite helpful, actually. I've just finished a short and I'm starting down the festival road. There was some good advise in there--thanks.

What do you know about withoutabox.com? It seems too good to be true. Is it?

-Bill

[Chris Gore]

It's pricey, but convenient and it works. I actually used it on a film I co-produced that I am attempting to get on the festival circuit. It still does not replace the actual research that you must do to decide which festivals are right for your film. That you have to do on your own. Many fests use WAB just to take the hassle out of their own submission process and it makes sense. It's your call. If you're going to enter more than 25 festivals, I recommend it. Any less, you can enter on your own.

[candleboy]

Thanks for the WAB info. Here's another question:

So I have a short that I'm begining to send to festivals. The total run time of the film is in the neighborhood of 20 minutes (it's actually three short films back-to-back... same script, 3 different directors). I'm composing the end credits and it looks like they are going to run over 2 minutes (a side effect of having 3 films to credit). Is that long? Do festival shorts intentionally limit credit length to affect their TRT? Should I make a cut of the film that has a really truncated (like 30 seconds) end-credit time, or am I over thinking this? I guess in the end, my question is: is there a big difference from a festival programmer's POV between a 20 minute and a 21 minute TRT?

-Bill Simmon
www.candleboy.com

[Zebo]

Not hate mail, but...

What are the possibilities that we'll be seeing an updated festival guide book from Mr. Gore in the near future?

[Chris Gore]

Funny you should ask, I am working on it as we speak. In fact, I am interviewing a bunch of filmmakers from the recent Sundance Film Festival. The book will feature updated listings and a lot of new sections. I am supposed to turn in the final draft in March and it should be out sometime in late June or July. I'll let you know on the site.

[Zebo]

My pleasure to provide the segue for that plug. :)

I look forward to picking up a copy this summer.

www.froghair.biz

[Jason]

Chris Gore - I am curious what many of the short films are like at bigger festivals. I have been working on a short film, and was curious how it may stack up. The only short films I have managed to see are ones from personal links on web pages like these, or on atom films and ifilm. On some festival sites they have names of short films but no links or previews for them.

[GiGi]

I fear brown-nosing worse than cancer, but I have to brag on Chris Gore a bit here. I got his Festival book, finally, and have read it twice. What a GREAT book! Great info, dry tongue in cheek humor, and explains things like a friend discussing film stuff with you over a beer while being intellegent! Had a lot of fun reading it. See ya'll at a festival SOON!:D :D

[Chris Gore]

Thanks a lot for your compliments on my festival book. I'm working on the 3rd edition at the moment and it should hit stores in June/July. I wrote that book to help filmmakers learn all the things they don't tell you in film school. I was so sick of meeting talented filmmakers who just didn't know what they were doing at a fest.

As for what shorts are like at big fests, the range varies. What you've seen on iFilm is probably a good representation of what is out there. There's so much variety -- animation, doc, narrative, experimental -- it's impossible to describe what is typical. I will tell you what works and what is most popular. Comedy narrative shorts under 10 minutes shot on film. Those tend to get programmed first since all audiences respond to comedy, under 10 minutes is just the right length and if it is shot on film, it can be shown before a main feature. That's how Philip Zlotorynski got his short "Walkentalk" programmed in front of "The Cooler" starring William H. Macy at the Hawaii Film Festival. His short is funny as hell, 10 minutes with credits and he has a 35mm print. That always seems to be the winning combo. Good luck!

[Chris Gore]

Yep, I'm comin' to Austin, Texas! Eric Campos, Don Lewis, Pete C. Vonder Haar, Austin native Merle Bertrand and myself (Chris Gore) will be at the SXSW Film Festival March 12 - 20th. Expect intense coverage of all the movies playing at SXSW with reviews, interviews and party coverage. Get all the info about SXSW at the official site at:
http://www.sxsw.com/film/

There are two films playing at SXSW you really need to know about and I’ll tell you how to get a FREE DVD if you just get to the end of this longwinded note.

I would like to invite everyone at SXSW to the U.S. Premiere of “Straight Into Darkness.” I am the co-producer and it deserves your attention for the simple reason that the issues raised by this movie need to be discussed in the media. The film is an existential Monte Hellmanesque journey set during World War II. What the film delves into is children being used as instruments of war. It’s filled with heart-wrenching action, it’s brutal and I believe important. Please take the time to see it and listen to director Jeff Burr as he tells you about this global concern.

“Straight Into Darkness” screens on Saturday, March 13, 10 PM @ Arbor and on Monday, March 15, 10 PM @ Arbor located at 9828 Great Hills Trail. You can get more info and view the trailer at:
http://www.straightintodarkness.com/

The other film is a little work in progress screening for "TBA 3.0." I don't want to say anything more except that it's still a work in progress.

SXSW PANELS
Look for me on these panels at SXSW. In fact, I think I'm moderating all these panels. Actually, I'm not quite sure. I should read the program guide. I'll do that when I get into town. Anyway, look for me at the panels below...

SAT. MARCH 13
HD For Indies
11:00am - 12:30pm - Rm. 12AB
There are thousands of dollars worth of filmmaking toys at your disposal. Or are there? Find out how independent filmmakers can become a part of the HD revolution.

From Script To Screen
1:30pm - 3:00pm - Rm. 18D
From casting to catering, the producer has a big job in front of them to stay true to what the screenplay envisions. How do you turn a great script into a great film? And what if the script is simply mediocre?

SUN. MARCH 14
11:00am - 12:30pm - Rm. 18D
Use The Web Before The Web Uses You
Many film fans think the Internet is the best way to download the new releases. The truth is, there are many more possibilities available to the informed artist. How can filmmakers and film companies best utilize the Web? (I think Eric Campos may replace me on this panel. I might be a little hungover on Sunday morning. Remind me to mention this to Eric since he doesn't know yet.)

MON. MARCH 15
The ABCs of DVD
1:30pm - 3:00pm - Rm. 18D
The sky seems to be the limit with the DVD business. It is now one of the best ways in which filmmakers can get their work out into the rest of the world. Learn how to take advantage of this relatively young medium.
(I'll be making a really cool announcement about Film Threat DVD at this panel, so be there. And I'll be recovered from my Sunday hangover. Man, Sixth Street rules!)

GET A FREE DVD
Film Threat has a booth this year at SXSW and we'll be selling all of our DVD titles including three brand new titles that are just hitting stores, "Ligeia," "Getting Out of Rhode Island" and "Hacks." Come by the Austin Convention Center and meet the Zellner brothers, David and Nathan, who will be selling their DVD "Frontier." Don't be shy, just c'mon over and say "Hi!" If you come by the Film Threat booth at the Austin Convention Center and say something like “Gore said to give me a FREE DVD,” then the lovely Megan will give you a FREE DVD. But be nice. Megan may just make you beg for that FREE DVD! On your knees! Just come by the Film Threat booth and say hello to Megan, Eric Campos, the Film Threat crew or myself.

Also, if you are still in town on Tuesday, March 16th, here's a smokin' hot tip -- you should stop by ExoticDance. It's a chance to see a documentary that won't be screening at SXSW, and, hey, it's a party! Get the details here: http://www.itsachick.com/exoticdance/

Drop me at note at the Film Threat box in the press office and I’ll see you at the screenings, panels and parties. Oh, and stumbling around on Sixth Street. See you in Austin!

[mondoshane]

Hey if you wanna see more zombie movies check out this link and sign the guest book and I will make sure you get a copy.



http://www.geocities.com/howtodigyourowngrave/


Thanks!

[Chris Gore]

On Friday, April 2nd at 7 PM you can take the "IFC Ultimate Film Fanatic Challenge" hosted by yours truly. Yes, I am going to Wisconsin to do the show LIVE at the Wisonsin Film Festival! I'm sorry to admit I have never been to Wisconsin but I love the cheese and the Packers. Well, I should say I am a big Brett Favre fan, but what NFL fan isn't? Anyway, I am coming out there Thursday the 1st of April and the game takes place on Friday. Anyone looking to hang out and talk film, I'd like to enjoy the fest with like-minded film people, so drop me a line and let me know what there is to do around the fest. I'll also be at the official party on Friday at 11 PM.

Anyway, here's the copy from the official WFF web site:
Okay, film buffs and movie geeks--do you have what it takes to be the Ultimate Film Fanatic? Find out with IFC (The Independent Film Channel) at this special Wisconsin Film Festival event--a live "IFC Ultimate Film Fanatic Challenge." Watch or join in as contestants from the audience face off to answer the ultimate film trivia questions. Stop by between films or stay all night--this game will take place on Friday, April 2nd from 7 to 10pm, with four contestants chosen for each round. If you've got the answers, you'll win a prize. Those who don’t win still get something just for playing. And it's FREE! Get details on the official site:
http://www.wifilmfest.org/

And here's the direct link to the event itself:
http://www.wifilmfest.org/talk_details.asp?id=974

[GiGi]

Hey Chris! When you are up there, can you find out what happened to the Mark doode from "An American Movie: the Making of Northwestern"? He is from Milwaukee right? I was wondering if he ever got to do his big film. I'm rooting for him!

Good luck in Wisconsin, where the milk flows like beer...

[Chris Gore]

I think he's still working on his movie "Midwestern." No clue really, but I was on a panel with him at TromaDance a few years ago in Park City. He was drinking on the panel. I was so disgusted that he was not taking the panel seriously, that I joined in and ordered a beer myself. It was fun. I think the panel was actually tapes and appears on one of the Troma DVDs.

[GiGi]

Very cool, Chris! He is a different individual. Why can't I find documentary subjects like that? If you do run across him, how about an "where is he now" interview at FT? hehe

Go on, have all your fun while I sit here and rot in Southern Illinois. ;) We can atleast live through you!

[vince_henriquez]

Hey Chris how ya doing? My name is Vincent. I was just curious if you had any info on when the show would be airing?

[Chris Gore]

Hey Vincent,

The show begins airing on IFC starting July 9th at 10 :30 PM and will be on every Friday night at 10:30 PM leading up to the final show 8 weeks later.

It's going to be cool! IFC is planning a national tour promoting the show, so stay tuned.

[Chris Gore]

Hey gang-

I just wanted to let you know that I am doing a weekly DVD review segment on G4TV every Tuesday. The show is called "The Screen Savers" though I am told that it will have a new name very soon. It airs daily at 7 PM East Coast time.

My segment is called "DVDuesday" (clever, eh?) and I'll be reviewing the latest DVDs every week. This week I am pulling out some cool hard to find DVDs, so you may want to check it out. It's live TV and a lot of fun.

You can get more info at their web site:
http://www.g4tv.com/

See you every Tuesday. Er, I mean, DVDuesday.

Cool!

[bronsonseven]

Finally I can view something you had a part in on a channel I actually get. Sweet. Look forward to it.

[Renfield]

ok Mr Gore, i've been holding this in for years, and now i've finally got my chance to vent my bloated spleen....

I subscribed to the Film Threat mag just after it was given the new look (after the Buscemi cover) and I never recieved a refund of my hard earned canadian dollars. I sent a letter regarding this, but never saw a reply.

I've since become very jaded and unable to muster the will to ever subscribe to anything again. You stole my innocence!

[Chris Gore]

Yeah, well, we almost went belly up when some distributors filed for bankruptcy and didn't pay us money we were owed. It's a long sordid tale. Suffice it to say that you lost a small sum, but what myself and my family suffered over that ordeal almost tore my life apart. It's not something I joke about or even like to discuss.

But look at it this way, you have gotten to enjoy the content on this web site free for years!

[Renfield]

thanks for the quick response, Chris.

Sorry to hear it got so bad, i was just funnin' - but as cool as this site is, i really do miss the old mag. There hasn't been anything since even remotely close to its goodness. Despite all that happened, do you ever see the market and other factors changing enough that you would give it another go?

Incidently, will there be a stop in Denver for the next Fanatic search?

[GiGi]

I think everyone should pass the hat :)

[Malkaris]

Should I post this here??
At the risk of being killed, or perhaps banned (for driving Chris mad)...

Mr. Gore, what's happening with the SITD site?
The little message thingy says "server cannot be found."
Are the servers down...because it's being turned into a super-site!!!! :cool:
Or are gremlins tearing out all the wires in your equipment. :eek:
Or just some other techie problem? :confused:

I tried emailing you, but that...didn't work. :(