how do you deal with reviews?

[Arman Bohn]

Originally Posted by Lisa Shofner

One other question. If 200 people watch your movie and nobody give you any critiques good or bad -

What if 1,056,586 people view your movie and you only get one comment?

http://crackle.com/c/Shorts/Planet_E...26fu%3D2238526

Click on the info tab and it'll tell you that over a million people have viewed my movie. This is really strange.


As far as reviews go, take the good with the bad. Listen but keep going. Most people here are just doing this for the love of making movies, so when someone jumps on your case because your film isn't up to Hollywood snuff, they are missing an opportunity to talk directly with the filmmaker. This is an incredible chance to learn the motivations and intentions behind personal film making. Everyone has their own baggage and expectations about films. At least on this forum, people have to use their real names!

[Bert Smyth]

Lisa, I agree with Brian, and I think when you reach that stage where the criticism doesn't burn you so much, you'll get much more from it and really grow as a film maker. After all, you don't want to be like Donald Trump (me? hey, my hair looks great!). Another element to all this is try and work with lots of people, and listen to what they offer. George Washington was a great leader this way, because he always listened to the opinions of the people around him, and felt by doing so he would make better, more informed decisions.

"The Plan" does drag a little bit, and there are probably a lot things that could make it more punchy, not excluding reworking the story a little. But you know what? You have a real shining moment at the end where he's sitting at the table with knife and answers "in the kitchen". The choice of lighting and camera angle, plus the directing (the line delivery, the fact we don't see her off screen) was all great. For me that moment of the film really worked well. Keep hacking at it, if someone gives you a negative review about your film, try to keep the emotions out of it. Is there anything they are saying that could make you a better filmmaker? Take that, forget the rest.

[Lisa Shofner]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your help in this issue. I decided to take some advise and remaster my film "The Plan". I think it turned out a lot better this time, and I've learned some new techniques since I first made it. If you want to check it out for yourself (on YouTube), follow the YouTube link off my signature link.

Thanks again everyone for all your advise.