Jump to content

I can't crew-I must direct!


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 58
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

One criticism of the 'working your way up from the bottom' philosophy is people who excel in managerial positions often get stuck in technical work and aren't able to rise above it because it isn't where their aptitudes are...

 

A criticism of that philosophy is often I've worked for directors/producers (mostly first time) who have neither the managerial skills or the technical skills. Once again validating the statement others have made: If you have the cash; you can have the "dream." Unfortunately, others suffer because of it... But, then again a good day rate, catering and lodging will keep my mouth shut for months on end.

 

I think we all know a director can be the most helpful, inspiring person on a production or the most useless...

 

I think Nikki fits into the latter category. Good for us she doesn't have the cash. :D

 

...And I think you can blame a bored, frustrated individual's need for drama in their life as to the posts and threads she's originated here.

 

I actually feel guilty for taking part in them.... maybe I'm bored too? :unsure:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One criticism of the 'working your way up from the bottom' philosophy is people who excel in managerial positions often get stuck in technical work and aren't able to rise above it because it isn't where their aptitudes are...

 

One can argue that whoever has talent can rise as fast as his or her drive allows. This IS a meritocracy after all. If someone makes just one short that gets all the attention, that may be all its needed, or not. Of course, this short has to get seen by the right people and so on, but the opportunity is there for anyone to climb to the top as fast as their talent lets them. The harder one tries, the likelier it will be to hit pay dirt. But one still has to work the system and not "want to beat people down" as our infamous Niki would.

 

I know a bunch of older great camera assistants who are embittered when they find themselves having never made the transition to camera operators or DP's. Well, one could argue that if they don't have the drive to shoot their own stuff and pass it around, no one is going to want to lose an otherwise great 1st AC, as scarce as they can be! :P

 

Nothing ever beat some good up-man-ship, except when accompanied by over sized ego and overly ambitious and arrogant attitude.

Edited by Saul Rodgar
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Nate,

 

Yeah, I had the feeling I'd seen Niki's story before, then I remembered watching Troy Duffy self-destruct in the documentary Overnight.

 

What's really sad is to think that Niki's trying hard be the biggest azz in Los Angeles and--compared to Troy--he's not even good at that!

 

Niki--you're just going to have to try harder. :rolleyes:

 

-Fran

I've run across quite a few "Niki's" in my day. I think we all have. I used to try and help them understand, now I just ignore them. Altho who am I to say anything, I get 1 job a year, so hardly an expert on anything.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

This is word from the english language that we should never forget. It's a word that will always come around no matter what and won't stop for anything until what it's intended to do is settled. It is usually the last sign post an intelligent person would see before wanting to shoot their mouth off, or worse. It is a word to never be forgotten.

 

Below is the word and the #1 definition from dictionary.com

 

con·se·quences(s) /ˈkɒnsɪˌkwɛns,

 

1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Billy Furnett

With skill, time, networking and good judgment out of the mix, the path seems clear,

direct porn while dealing weed to the highest ranking members on non porn film sets, let them call you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Member

I think what confuses me the most is Niki's desire to treat a crew/cast badly and "throw her weight around." Being a struggling Director who finances all his own projects, I am extremely grateful of the people who work with me for little or no money in some cases. Obviously a Director may need to keep certain people "on track" but this is usually only needed when dealing with people who are new to the industry and may not understand set ettiquette or the direction that the project is going. If I went around being like Niki, I wouldn't have anyone working with me. I have found that when you show kindness to those that work with you (not FOR you), and you give them the respect to do their thing the way THEY do it (too many inexperienced Directors try to control everything when they should colloborate), not to mention feeding your people too, they can work exceptionally hard and do great work even for almost no money. Niki needs to make a few shorts on her own dollar to understand just why you SHOULDN'T be like how she wants to be.

 

Sorry for the run-on sentences.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

Forum Sponsors

Visual Products

Film Gears

BOKEH RENTALS

CineLab

CINELEASE

Gamma Ray Digital Inc

Broadcast Solutions Inc

Metropolis Post

New Pro Video - New and Used Equipment

Cinematography Books and Gear



×
×
  • Create New...