Young Adult Movie Screening

One of the amazing things about living in a big city like San Francisco is that movie studios pander to the city relatively frequently. Growing up in New Albany, Indiana you just didn't have the opportunity to see artists talk about their craft live and in person. So when that happens here, baby-sitter permitting, I jump at the chance particularly when it involves movies.

A few weeks back, the amazing Sundance Kabuki theater hosted a Pop-Up Secret Screening of the new movie Young Adult with a Q&A post with cast and crew. You weren't told what movie you were seeing until you were let in the theater which is kind of exciting but honestly kind of pointless. Cast and crew that were there included Jason Reitman, Diablo Cody, Patton Oswalt, and Charlize Theron. Jason Reitman, the director, explained that they are taking a grass-roots marketing campaign with this movie as it is going to be a tough sell to the general movie going public. It's amazing how much technology has changed in the last few years as he specifically asked the audience to talk about the movie on Twitter. They over-book these screening to ensure a packed house and we were the second to last people to be let in the door...

I agree that the movie is going to be a tough sell as the main character is completely unlikeable. In fact, during the Q&A Charlize Theron said that at one point the director told her to be more "cunt-y." She is that kind of character. The thing that really surprised me was how great Patton Oswalt is in the movie. I found myself waiting for him to show up again when he wasn't onscreen. Not surprising was how entertaining he was during the Q&A. He was incredibly funny and quick-witted.

If you are a filmmaker or a movie-nerd in general these type of events are both entertaining and educational. Lots of talk about the making of the movie and the marketing. Of course there is a lot of self-promotion but that is the point of the screening. Now if my two year old son could start watching himself, I could attend a few more of these events.

*The gorgeous poster at the top of the post was made specifically for this screening and was numbered and handed out to the audience members. Score!

What I've been digging as of late: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, Community TV Show

To answer your question...

When I won the audience award (yes, I am bringing that up again) at the BHOC, I didn't realize that entitled me to screening my short again. Evidently, they ask the award winners back to screen their films and to participate in a Q&A session post. Fast forward to last Tuesday and I am on my way to standing in front of a live audience and fielding questions about filmmaking. Surprisingly I wasn't all that nervous. I contribute that to a few things: the crowd, while it was standing room only, was only about 50 deep; I had about 6-8 friends in the crowd for better or worse... ; I love talking about film. Seriously, I could and can talk about films and filmmaking for hours.

There were a total of three shorts screened but only two of the filmmakers were present. The first two screened and I brought up the rear. The big speedbump of the night is that a rough cut of my short was shown on accident. This rough cut had no music, no sound balancing, no color correction, no opening titles or closing credits, poor editing, etc. Mind you, this is a rather large speed-bump, and I'm still bothered that most people in the room were introduced to my work for the first time through this. It looked and felt amateurish. Seriously bothered by it. Woke up thinking about it the next day. Throughout the day I kept telling myself "Let it go... let it go." Hah and ugh.

After my screening, I jumped up and fielded questions. That portion went off really well! As far as I can tell... I completely forgot to ask my friends how they thought I did. Speaking of which, thanks to all that came out and supported me! I was asked questions about my film and films in general. Some lesser known filmmakers were brought up (Bertolt Brecht & Eric Rohmer anyone?!?!) which shocked me. But in hindsight, I guess it shouldn't have as this audience is the type that go to film festivals so I assume this type of film-goer would be more knowledgeable in regards to film and film history. I think my Q&A session only lasted about 10 minutes. I think.

Next up... well I am not too sure. Still waiting to hear back from some other film festival and in the meantime I am writing and editing. Both of which are incredibly solitary, but I will save that for another entry. I know you are excited about that...

What I've been digging as of late: BBC. BBC. BBC. Lots of great shows airing on BBC America right now. Downtown Abbey, The Hour, Whitechapel, Dr. Who, and I am getting ready to tackle Dead Set.