Comments on: Sharing (Our Flaws) With Others

By: Jessica & Julie

Jessica & Julie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:04:10 +0000

Surrounding yourself with talented people is key. For a long time, we worked alone – which worked for us in the beginning. Now we are definitely reaching out to other bright and creative people – people who are also open to and able to see and adjust to flaws in a productive way.

Thank you for your response.

By: Jessica & Julie

Jessica & Julie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:01:53 +0000

Thanks, we wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always learned the most from falling flat on my face, standing up, brushing myself off, and trying again. And it is fun. There is immense pleasure in learning and learning requires a degree of initial failure or lack.

By: Jessica & Julie

Jessica & Julie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:26:15 +0000

The voiceover is definitely an issue: the content, the p.o.v., and the delivery. That was something we’d never done before and we felt uncertain about it throughout. It gave us pause through the writing process and the editing process. And you’re right, the third person is yet another distancing device. I don’t know if we’ll ever try narration again in that way, but if we do, we’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for commenting.

The next book in the series, that Casey is reading at the end, is Zombie University: The Freshman 15.

By: chip street

chip street — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:45:10 +0000

Hey, guys.

Great fun to see the “what didn’t work and why” side of things. Very valuable. I think your comments sound spot on.

Not having seen the whole film yet [thus being ignorant of the whole narrative style so take my comment with a grain of salt] for me what contributes is the voiceover. The tone of the narrator is pretty light, but more importantly, it’s third person… so it estranges me from what’s going on, like I’m listening to someone else tell me a story about someone else, rather than observing it myself. May contribute to a lack of ‘connection’ with Casey’s state of mind.

FWIW

So where can I get a copy of Zombie High School?

By: Maria Lokken » Sharing (Our Flaws) With Others

Maria Lokken » Sharing (Our Flaws) With Others — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:54:34 +0000

[...] Is A Fink wrote an article (see below) about how they make films and tell stories. Today, on their blog is an insightful follow up on how they discover what works and what doesn’t when making a [...]

By: Maria Lokken

Maria Lokken — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:47:15 +0000

Over the years, I’ve made many creative decisions that didn’t ultimately ‘work’. After each one, I’ve said to myself, “Well that’s one mistake I won’t make again.” But each new project brings a new challenge and or potential mistake. However, the more I produce the more I am able to spot a scene that might not cut well before we shoot it, or a story line that isn’t fluid. I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with some very talented and creative people whose ideas and judgment has helped me to understand what works and what doesn’t. But ultimately, when you can figure out what isn’t working and why it isn’t working on your own – as you’ve done here with “Anxiety Acres” – well you’re past the ‘battle’ stage – and that’s a good place to be.

By the way – I love the premise for this film.

By: Moderndaystoryteller

Moderndaystoryteller — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:07:20 +0000

I have a saying. Actually I don’t, but your post just inspired me to come up with it so if it stinks it’s your fault – ha. “If you don’t recognize shit when you see it, you won’t know a gem if it hits you in the face.” I stand by that. And LOVE that you have the balls to own up to your flaws and better still, admit it’s fun. Good on ya!

By: Jessica & Julie

Jessica & Julie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:20:02 +0000

Thank you, Tyler. We do grow from our mistakes, and you know, no one ever says it, but it’s kind of fun.

By: Tyler Weaver

Tyler Weaver — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:05:04 +0000

Excellent and insightful post (surprise surprise). Failures, screw-ups, and flaws are – to me – just as important (if not moreso) than success. Failures and flaws are great little things, custom tailored to educate those who make them, and as points of growth.

Much better to fail than never try – that’s the only failure no one learns from.

Great post.