(I originally posted this in the CV mag forum, but I couldn't believe that so few people were interested!)
I've just finished my first Motorsport Video. I'm not a Pro producer, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning throughout the project.
I'd now like to try something with actors, just to learn what's involved with camera positions creating atmosphere, and music and stuff like that.
Maybe CV Mag could write a script that would be ideal for a short 5 minute scene, that allows plenty of interpretation and diversity. Being 5 mins long, people will be able to upload it to websites and everyone will be able to view each others' creations and see how different they all are. As a follow up, CV could critique various methods, and create a fascinating series of articles...
Don't forget to write it with maybe 3 actors max, and simple scenery that will make it a virtually zero budget shoot!
Whaddayouthink?
Chris.
P.S. This seems such a good idea, I think I ought to say Copyright Chris Coulson 1999.....(Just in case I should!)
Great Idea! I'd be up for that.
Maybe CV mag could give a first prize of £10,000 
Seriously though, it would be a great way to showcase our talents and learn a shed-load of tricks & techniques along the way. There could even be a number of different categories (as we're all quite diverse with our movies) but I like the idea of a pre-written script for one category.
Action!
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Christian J. Lett
[email=clett@nationalexpress.co.uk]clett@nationalexpress.co.uk[/email]
Good idea, but, sorry it,s already been done please see
vit.u-net.com/hto.html
and see Spaghetti Hero
That IS a good idea - throw in a script and see what people make of it! I'm downloading that spaghetti thing (from the link above) now to have a look.
Who will write it? And will it be open to all or just CV readers?
Having looked at the v.i.t. site am I correct in pointing out that this seems to be a completely different concept than the one being proposed? The spaghetti western is an editing comp`/exercise ,I stand to be corrected, but as I understand any participant in the proposed competition would start with ONLY the basic script and no other material, therefore having overall control of interpretation,shooting,editing,etc,etc.
Who`s going to write the script?
Dare I suggest another competition!!!
Regards.
MP.
I would like to see a bare script to be interpreted and shot as each person wishes. Running time should be limited to a few minutes with other rules in there etc.
As for an official competition & prize, I'd be happy if someone posted a script to work on! Great experience!
It doesn't seem that the CV Magazine people are that interested, so why don't we create something jointly, here? - It would be quite an interesting collabaritive project!!.
Just to start things off, the first question might be:
What's the setting?
Bearing in mind that we want to have something that has potential, but could easily be created by most people reading this for minimal budget...
1. Two people sitting at a desk (either side).
2. Something using a car as a prop (people sitting in it, maybe a third outside...
Any other ideas?
Chris.
Okay, let's do it. If we come up with a script (5 minutes is a good length) which is the extreme bare bones (so that even locations and actions can be up to the filmmaker), the results will be really varied and more interesting. We could organise the competition rules and then get together in a few months to see the results.
I'll get my thinking cap on.
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Christian J. Lett
[email=clett@nationalexpress.co.uk]clett@nationalexpress.co.uk[/email]
Who will write the script then? It shouldn't be too long or too complicated and it must be have the flexibility to be interpreted in different ways...?
Who will write the script then? It shouldn't be too long or too complicated or too high budget (nil!) and it must be have the flexibility to be interpreted in different ways...? Also it should be open only to amateurs. I've never done anything like this and I'd not like my efforts to be shadowed by a Spielberg!
>>>Dave,
I agree about the concept . But I ask you to think again about excluding the more experienced readers of CV. My reasoning is that as less experienced "film" makers, trying to produce material to as high a standard as possible, we need to set our goals to a height, as yet above our present level, so that we can see our target. The aim is to stretch ourselves not set targets that we can reach now with ease.
The only reservation I would have would be the use of "professional level of equipment" i.e.. effects that can`t be done on "amateur equipment".etc.
We stand to gain more than we loose after all it`s the taking part not the winning that matters.
Regards.
MP.
Just read through the thread. Great idea....like the thought of being able to do the shoot anywhere.....so yes, a dialogue between two two characters would be ideal.
How about trawling for ideas on the subject of the script first?
Could a consensus then be formed as to the most popular idea? Then people asked to submit scripts. Where to is the problem.
Any ideas Bob?
Tez
I've been reading this string with interest.
I wouldn't mind having a go at a purely dialogue script - to allow flexible filming. Any preferences on genre? Comedy, drama etc. etc.
I can't guarantee you'll like it though!
;) and it may take me a while. Kinda busy at the moment.