on the lot Tagged Articles at Cinematical

The user-generated movie Faintheart begins shooting in the UK this week, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The first of its kind, Faintheart was put together via MySpace as the previously announced "MySpace Movie Mashup"; the writer, director, cast and other members of the production were apparently found via calls on the film's MySpace page. Some, such as writer David Lemon and director Vito Rocco, won competitions voted on by members of the networking site and a celeb jury, which included Sienna Miller and Anthony Minghella. Other positions, such as storyboard artist, could be acquired through job postings on the film's MySpace blog. The movie does feature some professional stars, though, including Jessica Hynes (you know her as Shaun of the Dead and Spaced's Jessica Stevenson -- she recently changed her stage name), Trainspotting's Ewan Bremner and Eddie Marsan, who will be making up for this by appearing in Mike Leigh's next film. Now the movie, a romantic comedy centered on the world of Viking battle re-enactments, which is being produced by Vertigo Films and FilmFour, with backing from the UK Film Council and Screen VM, is ready to go.

If we've learned anything from ideas like Project Greenlight and Spielberg's On the Lot, we can assume that the mainstream reception of Faintheart will not be too favorable. After all, the public likes its movies made by executives, businessmen, lucky "talents" and really talented people who have put in their time without success before breaking out. The same thing has been learned with the music business. Just because a person wins American Idol, that doesn't mean he or she is going to have a #1 album (nor does it mean he/she would make a good movie). Sure, the internet has possibly been helpful in suggesting things to filmmakers here and there, but overall, we can't trust people who live on the internet to make important decisions. Can we? There have been other internet-based film competitions, including two involving Spike Lee -- Babelgum's Online Film Festival and LiveMansion: The Movie (which seems to be competing with MySpace for the "first online-community-made" tag -- but obviously MySpace has them all beat with brand recognition. But then I wonder, will Faintheart even use a "MySpace Presents" banner? Regardless of the brand recognition, some people are sure to think such a connection is silly.

I've had enough. Ever since Fox first announced that Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett were teaming up to produce a reality show in which aspiring filmmakers competed against one another for $1 million and an "office" at Dreamworks, I was skeptical but interested. Burnett is one of the best in the business at what he does, and Spielberg is, well, Spielberg. Surely, combined, the two would shell out one of the most talked-about reality shows in history, right? Wrong. This thing is a disaster. They can't decide on a consistent format, the host is a babbling mess and we never actually get to watch these kids making films (which, in my opinion, is the most appealing part of the show). Nope, instead, they give us random celebrity judges (out promoting their new movie), half-assed short films (with no explanation as to when or how they were put together) and a slew of contestants who are forgettable five seconds after they walk off stage. How did this happen? How do they fix it? Here are seven suggestions that, if applied correctly, could save On the Lot from its imminent cancellation.

1) Screw the American Idol format and start giving these kids tasks

The show got off to a great start when they asked each kid to come up with an original pitch based on one of five different loglines. Not only did this allow the audience at home to brainstorm their own ideas on how they would pitch the concept, but it gave us something to anticipate. What they should've done from there is maintained this mini-task theme; throw the kids into groups and ask them to make a one-minute film without any dialogue. Have them come up with a two-minute short utilizing three random objects placed in a box that, somehow, would have to be incorporated into the story. Give them a writing challenge. Give them a blue screen challenge. Force them to choose three strangers off the street to use as actors in a completely improvised short. Make this show fun. Make it exciting to watch. While filmmaking is a creative medium, all On the Lot does is take a gigantic piss on creativity by blatantly ripping off other, more successful shows in an attempt to convince the viewer that what they're watching makes sense, when it doesn't.

OMG, did you watch On the Lot last night!? I'll try to refrain from telling you exactly what I think about the show (um, shouldn't Spielberg have been there for the pilot since, ya know -- this is his show?) since Scott will be recapping each episode for us, but I will say that those of us in the Davis household will be rooting for Jessica B. (or Jess) as we've met her before, know she's talented and, well, a girl deserves to win. There, I said it! For those that don't remember Jessica, she was the brunette who was screaming at the other team to move off their set. Go Jess! And don't even get me started on Brett Ratner -- part of me was hoping the dude would throw a stripper or two at the aspiring filmmakers while they were pitching their awesome ideas. "You see, it's a rat who becomes a mouse, and then they go to, uh, a lab ... can I go get my notes?"

Anyway, Variety tells us that Bug director William Friedkin has accepted an invite from Spielberg to serve as a jurist in the horror film section of On the Lot. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also believe Wes Craven will be there for that too.) It's a good time for Friedkin to be in the news; his latest flick, Bug (which our own Jette Kernion said "blends paranoia, trust and love into a riveting story, driven by intense characters"), arrives in theaters this weekend. And when you're putting together a horror jury, it can't hurt to have the guy who directed The Exorcist giving notes. The article also mentions the fact that Friedkin has just switched reps (from WMA to Paradigm) and, in doing so, he hopes to concentrate on low-budget films rather than "compete with the guys who are making these $500 million movies." Hey man, as long as you stay away from stuff like Blue Chips, I'm down. On the Lot returns this Thursday when our unique cast of misfits attempt to complete their short films and show them to Ratner, Princess Leia and Garry Marshall.

I generally have no patience with "reality shows," although I freely admit to harboring a long-standing and secret love for Survivor. (I also saw a few great seasons of The Amazing Race on DVD, but let's stay focused here.) Arriving on May 22 is a reality series that just about every true-blue movie nerd will want to check out (for at least the first few weeks anyway, just to see how thing kick off.) From producers Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg comes On the Lot, a series that Fox would probably love for me to describe as "American Idol Goes to the Movies." And so I will.

If you head on over to the official On the Lot website, you'll be able to pick through a whole bunch of movies and filmmakers vying for a spot ... On the Lot. Log in, cast your votes and then tune in at the end of May to see who made the very first cut. The judges for the first few episodes will be Brett Ratner (director of Rush Hour), Garry Marshall (director of Pretty Woman), Jon Avnet (director of Fried Green Tomatoes) and actress / author / script doctor Carrie Fisher. Much like Idol, On the Lot will feature two episodes a week: a one-hour competition called "Film Premiere," and a half-hour nail-biter called "Box Office."

It all sounds pretty slick and nifty, but we've been burned by shows like this before. What helps a whole lot are the names Burnett (who produces the highest-end reality shows) and Spielberg (who, admit it, is a god among directors), plus Fox is already in a full-court marketing press for the series, which means it's bound to last more than four or five episodes. Since I'm already planning to devour this series with both fists, I thought it'd be fun to cover the show on a weekly basis, not at all unlike the recaps penned by the tube-addicted wizards over at TV Squad. So check back after week one and join in the fun. I promise there will be a Lot of 'em. Oh be quiet, puns are awesome.

Odds and ends from Thursday:

• I don't know about you, but show me a good scary story that takes place in some spooky house and, immediately, I'm scarred for life. Just recently my alarm clock started doing weird things throughout the night and now I'm convinced there are ghosts in my presence. Fitting, seeing as, today, it was announced that Robby Henson will be directing the feature film version of House, based on the book written by Frank Paretti and Ted Deker. The supernatural thriller will focus on a bunch of people holed up in a spooky house, forced to deal with the evil Tin Man while trying to sort out their own emotional issues. Wait, when did the Tin Man turn evil?
• Seeing as Sophia Coppola isn't planning on a Lost In Translation 2 anytime soon, why not settle for a half-assed version starring Brittany Murphy? No, Murphy is not starring in a Translation sequel, but she is attached to the romantic dramedy, The Ramen Girl. Pic will tell the story of an American girl who, after being trapped in Tokyo following a nasty breakup, decides to train as a ramen noodle chef alongside a tough instructor. Think The Karate Kid meets another horrible Brittany Murphy film.
• Awhile back, we brought you news of a new reality television show created by Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett called On the Lot. Compared to Project Greenlight (only with a lot more money and power behind it), the show seeks aspiring filmmakers to compete against one another for the chance to win a million dollar development deal with Dreamworks. Well, starting today, video submissions and online applications are being accepted at TheLot.com. Do keep in mind Spielberg probably won't be watching these videos, so you may want to scrap that "I think I'll dress up as E.T. and do a silly little dance in front of the camera" idea now.

As more details emerge, it appears as if Hollywood's biggest director will be teaming up with reality television's head honcho. That's right, Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett are going all Filmmaking Idol on us... and I have a real sour taste in my mouth. The name of the show will be On The Lot, and will combine elements from shows like American Idol, The Apprentice and Project Greenlight.

The format will work like this: Each week, the contestants (all aspiring directors) will be split into teams, assigned genres and asked to produce an original film. Afterward, the films will be shown on a Spielberg-created movie theater set, while three judges bash, er, critique them. Oh, and here's the best part: Like Idol, America gets to vote off who they feel is the worst director. I trust America will make the right decision when it comes to the movies they choose, right?

As expected, Spielberg won't really be seen on camera. The three judges will be comprised of a movie company executive, a film critic and a special guest who will vary from week to week based on whoever feels like showing up. If the show is a hit, we could get Ron Howard. If not, then expect Ron Jeremy. And about that grand prize? Well, the winner will receive a "studio deal" with Dreamworks. FOX will potentially start airing the show next summer.