If?

[BlackArtsProductions]

If what half of what some people in here say is true and that film-making is for everyone. Why then are some films obviously better than some others? Apart from great shots, composition, colour, script, storyline, cast etc etc is their something that sets one from the other. Is it as simple as the saying goes, you can't buy style. Or, is it as blatant (correct spelling i hope) as some poeple have it and some don't have it, to the point where they never had it at all, thus creating the elite few that can actually create entertainment? I leave it to you.

[Thousanth]

First off filmmaking is for everyone. I think everyone can create good, entertaining films (although the two don't always go hand-in-hand), but for some people its hard to let their creative juices flow. Sometimes the film just doesn't work and there's little you can do about it.
As proved time and time again you can't buy style. Style in film is somthing that is created from the combined effect of a slick plot, good writing, invintive camera work, editing and good acting, it doesn't just appear beacuse 150 million dollars and Steven Spielberg are thrown at it.
Some films are better then others beacuse they are. Some films were ment to be bad from the start, and no one could save them. Most good films are good beacuse the people working on them know what they want and what they are doing. When you know what you want its easier for it to move from you to the camera. When your a muff, your vision gets lost in the void between you and your film.

[Mods]

Nah, film-making isn't for everyone.

Well, in saying that - it might be, but alll the different parts. I mean, I think my mate is **** at directing where as big headed as it may sound, I think i'm quite good.

I'm pretty **** at acting but my other friend is good etc. I'm a **** model maker & set builder, but others are excellent.

So different parts can fit different people's skills. I reckon film making does encompass a helluva lot of skills, such as:

- Motivation, vision & persevearence
- Practicial & physical work
- Mental ability
- Writing skills, aurul skill, commuiniction etc

And loads more.

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Mods

[Yammeryammeryammer]

I don't think filmmaking is for everyone. Everyone could potentially make a film, and enjoy a film, but some may lack the modivation or talent to make a good one. If you don't want to make films, I imagine you don't. Just like anything. I don't paint, because I have no interest in doing so, and it probably won't pan out that well if I did. Everyone has varying tastes, and opinions as to what makes a good film, and as such, is entitled to make a film if they want, but as to if they should or not depends on the amount of motivation they have at working on their projects and producing what they wish. It all comes down to how you wish to express yourself, if at all. And in regards to the 'elite few' that can create entertainment. I think that is just the elite few that are modivated and confident enough to be creative. I don't make movies for entertainment per say, but they may end up entertaining. Everyone can theoretically make a film, and should if they desire to, but those who shouldn't are the ones that don't. That make any sense?

[Generic Skinhead]

It depends how broad your understanding of Fim-making is. Does it extend to middle aged men with expensive cam-corders? In that respect, I think as a hobby, simple filmaking IS for everyone who has an interest.

For more serious filmakers like us, with actual aspirations to earn a living from this, I don't think desire is enough. You need a lot of talent and a lot of luck. Few (if any) people off this board will ever make it super-hollywood-oscar-big. Probably because no-one is that amazing, and even if they are they'll need to happen upon the mother of all lucky breaks. Its like soccer, for all the talented young trialists, a small few get contracts and an even smaller few become stars.

This might sound pessimistic, but I think its realistic. Taking Ireland for example, the best known director we've ever had is Neil Jordan. There is a lot of talent in this small country, but the chances of making it big are very slim. That said I know an art student who worked on lord of the rings, so it is possible. Just highly unlikely.

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[miker]

it's as simple as saying people have different tastes.

it's as simple as saying word of mouth vs multi-million marketing campaign.

it's as simple as saying viacom, paramount, blockbuster (for example) vs me with a bit of desirable knowledge

it's as simple as saying diversity.

talent doesn't really come into it.

filmmaking is NOT for everyone. what sort of films would someone with no interest in making films end up making i wonder?!

[soulfilms]

it is because of the bad films that there is a system of hierarchy, which gives us a way of establishing the 'good' films because it's a very arbitary thing to say a film is 'good' when there's no real standard to be measured to (strictly speaking). everyone has the ability and capability of being a filmmaker, not everyone wants to be one or is willing to put in the dedication.

The smaller a country's film industry, the tighter it is and the harder it is to break into it. but once you have, it'll all be worth it.