l-r: Skyy John with models Raychel Gregg, Keziah Okonkwo and Kristina from the YouTube show 'Tipsy Bartender.'After meeting various actors, directors, film students and producers over the years, I get the impression that some people who make movies are not so much trying to create motion pictures as much as they are reaching for a place in Hollywood -- and all its trimmings – to call their own. By this, I am not exactly referring to fame, but rather, one’s attempts at being associated with the scene.
It’s also common to find someone in the independent film community who wants those perks without him or her actually doing anything substantial that warrants such an entry pass into all that glitters. “That’s unlikely to happen,” says Skyy John, an actor based in Los Angeles who hosts a widely popular webseries called TIPSY BARTENDER on YouTube.
Having appeared in films and Emmy-winning CBS shows including “COLD CASE” and “THE YOUNG and THE RESTLESS,” Skyy John’s advice for filmmakers who dream of sipping martinis by the pool with George Clooney and hobnobbing with the Olsen Twins, offers a healthy dose of reality for such a pursuit. ”That’s unlikely to happen. It’s possible but that’s not the way most filmmakers live,” he says and continues “Being good at what you do usually requires a lot of work, so stars that are talented ain’t sittin’ by the pool – they’re working!"
l-r: Rapper/Comedian Timothy DeLaGhetto and model BOBBi Dean with Skyy John on the set of 'Tipsy Bartender.'Have you ever spotted a filmmaker who constantly longs to hang out with superstars like Brad Pitt, indulge in orgies with Charlie Sheen, have personal assistants at their beck and call, and party all night with Lindsay Lohan? Although there’s nothing wrong with these interests, if they’re the main reason why someone would make a film, then there’s no point in even bothering with all the obstacles popping up during development all the way through the distribution stages of projects.
Folks who are chasing after Hollywood use films as a pawn to get an in to all of the (seemingly) cool spots and crowds, providing them with a pass to feel proud of being affiliated with the good life. I don't know about anyone else, but the mere thought of having to keep that up is exhausting!
Unfortunately for us, many producers fall into the category of Hollywood hopefuls, as do groupies, fanboys (and fangirls) who just want to be in a position where they can say "me too" to be granted an invitation to the party. Oh, and let’s not forget the money-hungry leeches who like to claim that they contributed more to a project than they actually did. Hollywood is not the problem. Making movies for the purpose of living out one's false perceptions of making it – whatever that looks like -- is a cause for concern. It also seems like a hell of a lot to go through just for a home in the hills.
If YOU were given 24 hours to sip martinis by the pool with any Hollywood star (actor or director) of your choosing, who would it be and what would you drink with him or her?
SkyyJohn’s new book Tipsy Bartender "I'm having a girl over"
Also, be sure to read yesterday's post about the Gratification of a Few Good Men, in case you missed it!