The Post Edit Introspection

"Duluth Is Horrible" is getting the sound worked on as we speak. It has been color corrected, credits added (that's YOU Kickstarter backer!), dvd designed, and getting some small compositing work done next week. For all intents and purposes, it's done. I sent the roughcut to about 10 or so trusted colleagues. Friends perhaps, but friends I trust will tell me when something is shit. Friends far more critical than any normal person. Feedback is largely positive and a few have mentioned it's the best thing I've ever done. I'm certainly proud of it and pretty happy with the results. It probably is the best thing I've done so far (well, excluding this magic).

What I find interesting, & also somewhat frustrating, is the lack of consensus on feedback. What others dislike, others like. This person says cut the bench scene. This other person says the bench scene is essential. Who's right? Everybody brings their own bias to the table which hopefully at least gets me to think about other methods. Sometimes I make changes. Sometimes I don't. Ultimately it has to be the film I want to make, especially when I put my money into it. The personal goals of my films are more on the artsy side. I'm less interested in traditional narratives, less interested in giving all the answers, and less interested in "the rules."

THAT SAID, lately I've been wondering how can I keep this up? My goals are to make movies & music full time and live more or less comfortably doing so. I think that's most artists goals. I could probably cut "Duluth" a little different and make it a bit more mainstream. It sounds unappealing but I cannot help but wonder if I did, would it help get me farther along in life/career. I've done plenty of corporate work for others where I will gladly do whatever, but when it's my own personal projects, I feel conflicted. I don't think of it as a hobby. I write it off on taxes. But are art films a business? Godard should not be taught in film schools. 

My films may not make money but hey, I'm a critical darling of the Faux Film Festival in Portland, OR where I'll be tomorrow night. Nothing like the Pacific Northwest for a good career crisis! I'll be showing my 30 minute parody film, KNFR From 7:00-7:30, to a room of saucy Portland strangers. Let's see where the adventure continues!