In too Deep – Ideas on Irrationality from an Independent Filmmaker #AtoZChallenge #IndieFilm

l-r: Filmmakers Susan Buice and Arin Crumley. Check out their feature film 'FOUR EYED MONSTERS.'You've probably been there; unhappy with your choices in what you're doing. Maybe you no longer love it because it's a constant pain in the ass but you suck it up and stay because you've spent way too much time on it, used up way too many resources on it, endured way too many expenses for it, called in way too many favors to see it through to the next phase; and now you want a return on your investment -- at least to break even because you owe it to yourself to see something come of your efforts. I've been there too and even return to that place every now and then. It's not just about financial investments, although that does play a huge role in it. More often than not, it’s about being stuck in an unhappy, unfulfilled spot that you refuse to move out of until you get results.

At this point, you don't even know, or even care, what the ideal goal or end game looks like; you're just grabbing at anything that looks promising, to see what sticks, whether you actually want what you receive or not. That is not a fun place to be and life is too short to keep subjecting yourself to a career path that no longer brings you any joy. If it's causing more problems than solutions, then it might be time to re-evaluate what you do want and try to improve where you’re at, or throw in the towel and find something that you’re not going through the motions with just because of all you've put in.

What was the last situation where YOU felt like you were in too deep?

Have YOU ever invested more into a goal or interest or relationship or job or career than what you eventually gained from it?

While you're reading away, check out yesterday's post Heaven Help the Hollywoof Hopefuls if you're so inclined to find out if tinseltown is all it's cracked up to be.

The Gratification of a Few Good Men #atozchallenge #IndieFilm

"I think movies can change people.  I want to make films that can change people. I have always been drawn to stories that help us relate to people we might feel we have nothing in common to.  Movies allow people to walk a mile in another man’s shoes." - Ted Hope

Narrative feature film WHITE SHADOW by Noaz DesheArtists who create change, stir controversy or have a large impact with their work, show me time and time again that filmmaking can be a worthwhile endeavor when one’s motivation is bigger than the project itself. Some people aren't making movies just for the fun of the process or the entertainment factor it brings audiences.

Instead, they use the medium as a vehicle for fostering change or understanding among people who view it and their industry peers. This is a reason that I can get behind, because there is a force sustaining one’s commitment to stay the course through the turbulent and uncertain times of making movies. The work makes a difference -- either by calling out a problem or by challenging people to view topics from a perspective that they would otherwise not consider. 

While the most common and obvious place to find a few good men is among Documentary filmmakers, there are many narrative films helmed by people who are shedding light on important matters. Israeli director Noaz Deshe is one of these people. His feature debut “WHITE SHADOW” is about a young albino boy named Alias whose survival continues to be plagued by witch doctors and other locals who are hunting him for spare parts. Deshe’s movie is inspired by the modern-day underground trade of albino body parts in Tanzania, Kenya and Congo – where people are chopping off limbs of albinos, said to be worth thousands of dollars; in these regions, albino body parts are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and cure for illness.

The logline for “WHITE SHADOW” sums up its story of a child with a price on his head:

There is a saying in Tanzania 
"Albinos don't die they just disappear"

- WHITE SHADOW, written & directed by Noaz Deshe

As this movie currently enjoys a well-received run on the film festival circuit, I’m glad that Noaz Deshe and writers/directors like him have found stirring reasons to make movies. When his production crew contracted malaria, they kept moving forward on “WHITE SHADOW.”

When a lion was shot by local military after it killed ten people in the area where Deshe and his crew were filming, they continued to work towards completing this film. The disturbing realities of albino hunting made him do it. We get to become more aware of the world around us, thanks to Deshe and the few good men – and women – whose efforts cause people to pay attention, and for good reason!

Here are the upcoming showtimes for “WHITE SHADOW”...

• NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL:

(Competing in the New Directors category)

April 23, 2014 – 8:45 p.m. – Green Hills Cinema – Theater 4

April 25, 2014 – 12:00 p.m. – Green Hills Cinema – Theater 15

• SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

May 4, 2014 - 6:30 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema
May 6, 2014 - 6:15 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema
May 8, 2014 - 8:00 p.m. - Sundance Kabuki Cinema

 While you're here, you might as well check out yesterday's post about Flying High on Fame. Also, stay tuned for more observations on why we make movies!

Flying High on Fame (Plus a Monday Movie Meme) #atozchallenge #IndieFilm

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