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Making It Happen: We Made a Movie in India! Once upon a time, a great many of us were drawn to OTL to participate in a reality show. In the process, we discovered the possibility for creative collaboration with other like-minded artists, all finding each other through the magic of the internet. When it became clear that OTL was not the ideal playground for the necessary exchange of ideas, KarmaCritic was created to continue to nurture those collaborations born on OTL and to draw new artists. All of us desired to make movies. I am lucky enough to see these desires bear fruit: I recently returned from India after just such a collaboration. Dave Williams (videowilliams) and myself were invited to India to work with Shyam Madhavan Sarada (reincarnut) on the production of his film, “Onan” (this is a temp-title… a new title is being registered at this moment), an action crime drama. Shyam even pulled together the financing to fly us out and put us up for over a month. The trip was extremely successful and a marvelous adventure… never had I traveled outside the U.S. for that long and never to such an exotic land. My goodness, I flew half the globe! The story, interweaving the personal stories of players in the unfolding of a drug deal, was tightly written and compelling, while also designed for an improvisational acting approach: Shyam was the director, producer, DP, and actor; Dave Williams both worked the camera and acted; I was brought out to act, but also contributed story and production ideas, as did Dave. We had a delightful Indian cast and crew to work with. Shyam is a true collaborator. I must say, too, that after all the talk I’ve seen on the internet, Shyam proved, with out a doubt, that he can walk his talk. He expressed a desire for this project, and then proceeded to make it happen. This is the first time I’ve seen a project of this scale, partially derived from internet networking, come together internationally. Shyam has my deep respect. The film is in post now and planned to be completed by June. Shyam’s distribution plan is beautifully simple: in a country with a billion TV/film-mad viewers, hungry for content, he is already lining up interested buyers (their business model is different from the Hollywood corporate commercial based system). He plans to make enough profit (the word “profit” rarely being seen in the world of American independent filmmaking) to do this all over again, continuing our collaborations, and building a body of work. Dave and I may find our passports filled with Indian stamps… how awesome. He also wants to produce films in Sydney and Hollywood… or elsewhere. I will be uploading some vlogs, created by Dave and myself, documenting our adventure, (before, during, and after the trip)… I hope everyone at KC can enjoy it as much as we did making it. The whole experience was amazing. This is so tremendously exciting: not only do our initial dreams and intentions for internet relationships work, they come together to meaningfully create films anywhere in the world… not just in Hollywood or with people living within a few hour radius. All we have to do is believe and then just do it! Shyam has a favorite saying: Free. Your. Mind. I agree. Believe. Later addition: Shyam just sent the 1st teaser for Onan. I'm so excited!!!! Please enjoy: ONAN (Tamil/English) Sneak Peek #1
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Congrats
Can't wait to see you onscreen again, Dawn.
"Baffling the critics since 1971."
Thank you, kindly, Turzie!
The feeling is mutual!
Though it should be said: I love to act but don't enjoy watching myself onscreen... all I can do is think of how I can do it better next time!
yeah
I know that feeling.
"Baffling the critics since 1971."
Yes, yes, oh yes, oh yes, yes, YESSSSSS! *heavy panting*
This is proof of what I've been trying to say for months here. It's not just Hollywood. This industry exists all over the world. Those who would try to say that you aren't real, unless a part of their little group...are elitists.
So cool. A feature made in India. ACTA NON VERBA....right there. Cooperation, and showing that unlike Highlander, there can be more than only one. It just takes people working together, not beating each other down to be the biggest and baddest.
Very cool. I look forward to seeing the final feature.
Hollywood is NOT the be-all and end-all
Yes, yes... thank you, Eric. Very cool for you to bring these things up!
The people who think Hollywood is the only place to succeed are SMALL-minded with SHORT-sighted vision. Hollywood has alot going for it... but it is by no means everything. Much can be done in our shrinking world outside of Hollywood, outside of the U.S.A... its already happening in the form of film locations and special effects houses. Its only a matter of time before the entertainment industry disperses in more meaningful ways.
You're right, of course, about people working together and sharing a common goal. Another word for "cooperation" is "collaboration". A movie is not meant to be a one-man show.
This is just the beginning for Shyam... India is a place of unbelievable growth... and he has his eye on the rest of the world as well.
I can't wait for his movie to be finished too!
Good point
...the Bay Area is booming too.
Lot's of Places are Booming
Lot's of things can happen: Hawaii is a new favorite location cause of its environmental versatility; look at what Peter Jackson did to New Zealand with Weta Workshop.
It just takes people believing that great things can be done in their city or location and then making it happen!
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT EITHER!
Who represents the project? haha
And you're the star of the film? From India! I'm impressed.
Good lesson for everyone. When Hollywood doesn't give you a break cause you're too old or not that talented, what you do is go make movies in third world countries.
And yeah, it just is the beginning for Shyam. He hasn't done shit and nobody in the respectable movie industry knows who he is. I'm gonna write a script about you and everyone else at Wannabe Studios. It will be 115 pages. BLANK PAGES. haha
Don't lie. You want to work in Hollywood. Everybody does.
That's like any guy saying "no, I don't want to hook up with hot babes" They probably say that cause they never will be able and that's their way out of the "why can't you". That is your relationship with Hollywood.
It's sad that you come in here to fuck with the bee's nest. If you behave differently, maybe I'd cast you in one of my upcoming projects, but unfortunately, I don't like your attitude (which is probably why you don't have any real relationships with people in the movie biz) and I don't even know if I have a character called the "old chick".
Dawn. You know if you ring the bell, I'm coming out swringing. If some of you stopped being haters and would just listen to what I say, you might be doins something credible.
Everyone who has listened to me, or been cool with me, have all been hooked up. And a lot of times, not by me, but because they LISTENED to what I say. They've listened to what our radio guests have said. You on the other hand still pretends that vlogs are films that you're starring in.
And no, I don't rule this website. I'm very popular as always, and that's it. Know why? Cause I share valuable experiences, and for those that want to step up, I point them in the right direction or hook them up with not only encouragement, but sometimes introduce them to people that "really" work in the movie business.
For example. How old are you? And for how long have you been tirelessly going to auditons?
For example. One of my starletts from my film is from New York. Two months after we wrapped. She decided to move out to L.A. She did exactly what I told her what it was she had to do to start the climb. SHE JUST TURNED 25. And within the two months of her living out here, she's booking huge hollywood features and meeting with Michael Bay.
Is Ezequiel wrong?
Within three months of working with me, Marco is now recieving phone calls from huge hollywood producers.
Is Ezequiel wrong?
Another one of my starletts didn't need to hear what I say cause she thinks like I do and behaves like I do. At 24, she is now the star of a series soon to be released.
Do I have to say it again?
My star of ON A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT just finished a film with Megan Fox, and before that, Jennifer Connelly. And he recently just directed his own film. Guess how he got hooked up with the finances for that? haha
Do you get it yet?
____________________________
And of course a movie is not meant to be a one-man show. But guess, what, when I'm the director, it is my show and I demand respect cause I'm the captain of the fucking ship. And any other successful filmmaker will behave the same cause we're not here to play. My friend Matt Eskandari who just wrapped his film works the same way. He even said it on the air of our radio show. First thing he says to everyone is, "I'm the director and I demand respect". Oh yeah, he's only 24 and made his first feature starring Bai Ling. And you think I'm tough. One back mouth, will get you fired on his set.
____________________________
Now that you're back here at KC acting like a big shot. Guess what. I'm the one here with the cannons. haha
You're on our turf..
And there is a pirate brethren here that you have to consider. All it takes is one of the Captains to make a call to arms, and we will all shred you to pieces. And I don't want to make you cry.
All you have to do is be cool.
EZEQUIEL
I think everyone here
I think everyone here should make a foreign film. Think about it. That's where all the original ideas are coming from is other countries. America is running out of ideas, plus they aren't willing to risk money on original ideas.
And think of it this way too. When you make your foreign picture and it's a big success in other parts of the world, Hollywood will notice it's success, buy the rights off you to remake it, and you'll make even more money!
I read somewhere that Akira Kurosawa made more money off of Fistful of Dollars than he did on his own film Yojimbo.
Very insightful, Brendan!
Foreign films are some of the most interesting films. America is too locked into their commercial standards and arbitrary decision-making (please see discussion below). It's true that original and meaningful storytelling is happening more abroad than at home.
Ironically, sometimes Hollywood relies on the international audience to make money cause Americans are getting bored with their standards. And, yes, we are re-making ideas from other countries, sometimes not very well.
We, as individuals, can change these standards, if we so choose. Or we can adhere to them (please see discussion below) and languish in our own egos.
Congrats!!
First of all, major congrats on making a feature! That is absolutely worthy of respect!
Major congrats to all involved, hope to see trailer and clips and stuff around here!
Now just a note: I enjoy your vlogs, but they're not exactly "experimental" films like you labeled them, they're vlogs. So I hope you don't mind I filed them as such here in KC. This keeps our film library film-only.
Other than that, carry on, and best of luck in all things movies!
Marco, I disagree!
Why are you taking my little films and turning them into blogs? Do we
have some sort of snobby standard now that judges something not worthy of
being called a "film"?
That's presumptuous and pretentious!
At least 3 of those were edited together and all of them took thought and consideration by both Dave Williams and myself, who are working professionals.
Frankly, Eidolon's films were no different than the films I posted and which you labelled "films".
Your judgements are coming very close to looking like the dictatorship that was OTL...
Plus you're little shenanigans erased the work I, and others, had already
put into comments...
:-(
Sad to write this!
Similarities with OTL
Well, I did copy paste all comments to make sure nothing was lost, you may want to double check that.
And yes, we do have a standard for when a film goes into the film library, but that standard isnt new. Its me. I guess its open to debate whether that's snobbish or not, thats alright, I dont mind that discussion. Plus, reading the above quote you typed in this very blog, it seems you agree with my judgment call:
I will be uploading some vlogs, created by Dave and myself, documenting
our adventure, (before, during, and after the trip)… I hope everyone at
KC can enjoy it as much as we did making it. The whole experience was
amazing.
.
As they say, "emphasis added".
Anyway, OTL and I do have two similarities I can notice however: one is that neither gives a shit about being called a tyrant, and the second one, maybe, is producer Conrad Riggs.
Take care,
Marco
Then take "Eidolon" out of your "film" library
Or brand yourself a hypocrite!
As you wish
Done!
And hey, why choose? Hereby I label myself a hypocrite. Now you got the best of both worlds :)
Comments Erased
I did double check.
Unless you have them in a special file, there are missing comments from my so-called "blogs".
My so-called "blogs" had received some generous attention...
Did you try scrolling up?
Or down, as the case may be? The comments were copy-pasted to the body of the blog. That was the best I could do, no one lost karmapoints over deleted comments, though.
P.S. when you say "so-called" you mean "so-called by ones such as myself", as in this blog entry of yours above.
A "vlog" is a type of "film"
Or down, as the case may be? The comments were copy-pasted to the body of the blog. That was the best I could do, no one lost karmapoints over deleted comments, though.
I see them now... it's a bit messy, but thank you.
Karmapoints are not what I care about.
P.S. when you say "so-called" you mean "so-called by ones such as myself", as in this blog entry of yours above.
I repeat for emphasis: A VLOG IS A TYPE OF FILM.
This is all gray area, Marco.
Since you are the self-accepted, self-embraced tyrant, you get to decide what becomes black and white.
Just enjoy your hypocrisy while you're at it, Eidolon!
People like George Bush enjoy being hypocrites too.
Vlogs are a type of "film"
We are arguing semantics.
And as you control the site with no democracy, I guess you win... just like any foolish government that controls arbitrarily.
You disappoint me, Marco, after all your high falluting comments and attitudes I've read over the last year. You are now willing to be a hypocrite. Well, you get to live with it as well. I'm sure you'll find that okay too.
BTW... Eidolon is a "vlog". Make. No. Mistake. It is nothing more or less.
Dawn
vlogs are not films,
every problem has a solution,
if you want to let us know about your vlogs, please let a link about your vlogs,
and people who likes vlogs could see that,
but definetly, vlogs are not movies
that place is one of the best for filmmakers, becouse here, we are talking about movies...
storys, films...
no vlogs
otherwise, before reading all your posts, I want to say you, that you have an attitude in films
so rigth...
when you said, I don´t like to see myself in movies, it is becouse you need a good Director
to show you how to act...
then you will enjoy watching yourself...
you have all, but you need a director...a good one, to show to all the audience your real potential...
congrats for being in India filmming!!!!
you are a nice girl, and pretty one
you are a good actress
kepp your good manners!!
THE CAPTAIN IS RIGHT
Vlog are NOT FILMS! If you don't get that, then you should marry Dave Williams.
EZEQUIEL
WAH WAH WAH
At least three were edited together? What the fuck? So are wedding videos.
If you and Dave Williams want to hit me back. Hit me with something credible. Not shit about my height. Even though it is funny, that shit don't hurt me. I know that the perfect girl for me would be a female oompa loompa. haha
There is no contest. there never was and never will be.
Dawn. I will say it again.
BE
COOL.
EZEQUIEL
Fair enough
I'm a dissapointing self-accepted, self-embraced tyrant-hypocrite who governs foolishly and decides what is black and white, and just like George Bush, I enjoy it (or alternatively, I'm encouraged to enjoy it). And who had high-fallutin comments and attitudes for a year.
And vlogs are films, right. I hope Eidolon wins an Oscar in the new "Best Vlog" category, cuz the Academy, like you, knows that "vlogs are films". Too bad I deleted it, and all its dozens of comments from this site, but hey-what I can say, I just cant say no to a polite request.
Alright, hope I didn't miss anything. Glad you saw the comments. That was the last I'll be posting about this, now I'm going back to playing Oblivion. Good night.
Fine then, I'll accept the last word.
This is a fine discussion. You're obviously not taking any of this in. And thanks for the pat on the head. Do you discuss things with your wife this way? It's passive-aggressive.
I guess if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, that old dinosaur, is also your standard for decision-making, I'll add that you have no vision for the future.
These are SMALL-time judgements on your part. Bringing Hollywood's self-aggrandizing award system into the mix is entirely beside the point.
We all know why Eidolon was deleted: it was to preserve Eidolon's "mystery" at Youtube, even though some at Youtube had already figured you out, exposed you even.
Goodluck Marco. You'll need it when you come to L.A. and see the Entertainment Industry in full swing. You'll discover it's much more than you realized...
Kollywood Rising
Great blog, Dawn!
That's beautifully put.
I feel energized too.
We have a teaser for ONAN!!!
I just updated my blog cause Shyam just sent me his first teaser for ONAN!!! I can hardly contain myself...
And here it is in this comment... I hope you like it:
Art Imitates Life
How exciting to see that first bit of the rough cut!
And how ironic that the actor who played the owner of those passports ended up with visa problems in real life. For a few days after we shot, I didn't know if I'd be leaving India either...
SHIT TALK
I'm done with it. I won't comment on the clip. All I'll say is, hey, at least you went and did something.
EZEQUIEL
World Travel AND
World Travel AND Filmmaking? Does it get any better than that?
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