Posted by Neil at term3-020.speakeasy.net on February 24, 2000 at 02:13:04:
In Reply to: neil posted by JACKFROST on February 23, 2000 at 22:24:17:
: Neil everyone film maker in history has copied everyone else.
Are you suggesting that NO ONE innovated? That BIRTH OF A NATION wasn't a breakthrough in storytelling? That BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN wasn't a breakthrough in it's use of montage? Or any of dozens of other examples?
: You think that the close up is a new idea.
You're being absurd.
In an ideal world a good film should be a unique use of a variety of pre-existing film devices. The special few will innovate whole new filmmaking methods, and hopefully as many as possible will come up with new ways to use the existing methods.
: Were just trying to get down basic techniques. This is the best way that we could think of.
How about a very simple story that focuses on a certain tone or style? You can look carefully at people who have made similar pieces, but don't directly imitate it.
Seriously. I know that all filmmakers learn from the work of other filmmakers, but very few learned them through direct imitation.
: By doing this we get practice in acting, directing, lighting, camera work...all that shit...can you think of a better way to do it
Look. I don't have a huge problem with this plan, but, yes, I certainly can.