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Flying High on Fame (Plus a Monday Movie Meme) #atozchallenge #IndieFilm
Monday, April 7, 2014 at 5:10PM 
Actress Amy Smart at World Premiere of TYLER PERRY´S ´The Single Moms Club´ presented by Lionsgate in Los Angeles.There are two reasons why I believe someone would make a movie to aid in their pursuit of fame; because he (or she) either craves attention or wants to feel important. Both of those objectives might apply in some instances, depending on the person. Having come across some famous people and observed what they go through, I don’t understand why anyone would want to make movies just to be in their shoes.
People are yelling at you, shoving cameras and microphones in your face and shining bright lights in your direction – what person in his or her right mind would actively pursue the hardships of life as an independent filmmaker, just to have such an experience?! That’s not to say I think there’s something wrong with wanting those things; to each, his own. I just believe film is not the best way to go about getting noticed or feeling like you matter – for many reasons but let’s just start with the basics.
1. Making films to quench one’s thirst for attention is a costly endeavor. It's cheaper to buy a luxury vehicle, become a mascot for a sports team or radio jockey. Better yet, get a tattoo -- that will bring attention real quick!
2. Making films because you want to feel important requires more effort than necessary for something that can be achieved through simpler means. Being in magazines, riding in limousines, walking red carpets and having your name up on the big screen are not the only ways you can feel important. Plus, this gets old really quickly and people aren't going to want to be around you -- except for maybe those who are also seeking a feeling of importance themselves; then it becomes a competition that creates conflict over whose interests are more important than the next man's/woman's. That’s an annoying cycle to be wrapped up in.
Tinseltown is fancy and we all become giddy over shiny things – I get it. However, we need not concern ourselves with these things if the work is are our priority. Once upon a time, a newspaper columnist did a write-up on one of my projects and I was not only flattered but also proud to have some legitimate press that could help bring attention to my work. On another occasion, I also appeared as a guest on a radio show when I was in high school and am currently making plans to be on a local NY-based television show, to promote ABYSS: THE GREATEST PROPOSAL EVER. Yet, I have no interest in ever becoming a household name. Save that for the birds!
Given that today is Monday, share on your blog or in the comments section, the first movies that come to YOUR mind when you think of the word FAME or the concept of someone trying to be FAMOUS. Here is my one selection for this week’s meme….since it’s theme song (by Irene Cara) was stuck in my head while writing this post:
Fame (Circa 1980)
Can YOU have success without fame?
Is fame an unavoidable side effect of a career in the arts?
Also, read yesterday's post about Entertaining the Idea of Giving it EVERYTHING You've Got if you missed it!
*Photo of Amy Smart at Premiere by Eric Charbonneau/Invision. Courtesy of Lionsgate/AP Images
Reader Comments (8)
I also thought of Fame.
If I understand your post correctly, you're saying that some people make films only to get famous. Are they usually lousy movies? Are they the ones that go straight to "video"? Though I can think of some movies that I saw at the theater that were lousy. For instance, the caveman movie with Jack Black and that actor who was the kid in Arrested Development. I don't think they made the movie to remain famous. It was just a bad movie. Anyway, this was an interesting post. Got me thinking.
The View from the Top of the Ladder
Fame, I wanna live forever...the old t.v. series comes readily to mind. I wouldn't mind learning how to fly, but I don't need to be famous to do it.
MJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
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Effectively Human
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I have been wondering about M.Night Shamalon. I don't think he makes movies to be famous but he is famous and his last few movies have been ....confusing to say the least.
I wanted to be a writer because I always thought if I was good at it people would love my work and I could just stay in my jammies in my office and write.
I was terrified of book signings, readings etc...I feel better about them now but still prefer the writing part.
Ooooh... this isn't something i know a lot about, I have seen Fame, and I guess it would be any film about people wanting to be actors... but can't think of any! Oh, my husband just suggested 'All About Eve'. He is an old movie buff.
He is also a BBC film editor, so any time i want stuff made about poetry he can do it, but I am a very reluctant actress/poetry reader in front of a camera!
~Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
great A to Z posts - you are making us think a lot. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr.DeMille" - Sunset Blvd That came to mind immediately in regards to the idea of fame
and now I've got that darn Irene Cara song in my brain............darn you
Hmmmmmm.
People have a number of reasons for doing what they do. I think, perhaps, that fame follows success and no, one doesn't need fame to be successful. Being successful without fame is probably more rewarding and a lot easier lifestyle.
There are many successful people who never reached or ever will reach fame. When I think of the word FAME I don't think of just one movie but of several that have made the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie list.
Cheryl http://pluckingofmyheartstrings.com