I'm currently wrestling with a producer/director who has quoted the following sources to me (I kid you not) as ideas for what she wants the film to be like:
Butch Cassidy Jaws Witness The Outlaw Josey Wales The Deerhunter
So a buddy movie, thriller, love story, western, drama, war movie? It's like trying to hit a constantly moving target. Every time I do a new outline based on her latest ideas she hates it.
I have the feeling that if we could get someone else involved who could help pin her down to exactly what she wants, we have a great story waiting to break out.
When it works well, the collaborative aspect of film is one of the best parts of the business, but when it doesn't, it's pure hell.
Thanks for the article reminding us of that.
I am sorry that this project is hell for you, but for what it's worth, your post made me LOL!! It seems at some point that's all you can really do, right? I think I'd find it hard not to laugh in those meetings. (In fact, sometimes when I've encountered a difficult director or an art dir that...
Expand commentI am sorry that this project is hell for you, but for what it's worth, your post made me LOL!! It seems at some point that's all you can really do, right? I think I'd find it hard not to laugh in those meetings. (In fact, sometimes when I've encountered a difficult director or an art dir that can't make up their freakin' mind, changing tact and making absurd suggestions, I do end up laughing. So far, I've never been fired for it. So far. ha!) There's such complexities and irony to it all, I just don't know how laughing's not the only option when it gets as ridiculous as that. And hey, you're in the game, and I hope that for what that's worth, that still puts a smile on your face! And you've got an awesome story to tell now too! All the best with it, Donald!