My movie viewing preferences.

In my previous post, I mentioned an article titled, "The Day the Movies Died." In this article, the author stated numerous reasons why people stay at home to watch movies, rather than go to the theater. I, too, am guilty of staying home to watch movies; however, he didn't list the reasons that apply to me.  

I enjoy watching movies on the big screen, and prefer to see them at the cinema (mmm... popcorn... big screen...). So why am I a stay-at-home viewer?

• Too often I am disappointed in the quality of the film. I don't like to pay full price (or even matinee price) to see a lame movie!
• Life gets busy. Sometimes by the time I get a chance to get to the theater, the movie I wanted to see has come and gone.

But a major reason I wait for the DVDs to watch at home...

• I don't like the content of most films. Movies have no need for vulgar language, extreme violence, and nudity/sex. At home, I can watch the DVD with a filter and not have to sit through the unnecessary garbage.

When a movie draws me to the cinema, it is usually geared for kids. Even then, I tend to wait for it to come to the "cheap theater" (or as my niece calls it: the "sticky shoe" theater). 

A problem stems from rarely attending new-release films... I don't see the previews for upcoming movies that might actually be worth paying full price and going to the theater to watch.  

After reading Harris' article, I realized that I need to make more of an effort to keep tabs on what's playing at the local cinema. I need to "vote with my money" and show that I will support new-release movies if they produce films of quality in good taste. 

I wonder how long I will have to wait for such a film to hit the screen.

Reflecting on Hollywood movies...

One of my Facebook friends posted a link to an article titled "The Day the Movies Died" (by Mark Harris). Naturally, the title grabbed my attention, but since the article was not a "quick read," I waited until I had time to pour over it, which was yesterday.

Very interesting, well-written article. (Click on the highlighted link above if you want to read it.)

As I read about Hollywood sticking to what they consider guaranteed box-office draws, I reflected on the blog post I wrote a year ago: "Hints for watching movie re-makes."   For a review of that post, go here.

Reading the article also gave me ideas for several topics I might address over the next few blog posts:

• My personal movie-going habits.  (Reasons why I sometimes choose to watch movies at home rather than the theater -- one reason being foul language.)
• Why foul language bothers me.
• My thoughts on edited films (such as in-flight movies).
• My opinion of sequels.
• And, how the Hollywood outlook on original screenplays affects me... a new screenwriter.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts! ♩Dun dun dunnnnnn.....   :)

Screenwriting Software

Wow! I feel official and special! I just installed screenwriting software on my desktop and laptop. I've already written (and re-written) two feature length screenplays... using Microsoft Word. Using "Word" is not the most efficient way to format a screenplay, trust me. Ugh. But I made do.

In February I purchased Movie Magic Screenwriter 6. Why am I just now installing it, you might ask? Because I was up to my ears in projects and knew that once it was installed it would call out to me, and I would want to play. So I postponed the installation.

Now it's time to play. Time to re-type and re-write my babies!

(Oh, and with the installation, Write Brothers included a tutorial for an add-on plug-in I can purchase: "Streamline." I want, I want...I need, I need!)

My Documentary Short

I want to share the short documentary I created in Production 1, during my last semester of school.  This assignment really boosted my desire to do more short films, especially documentaries.  (I have several ideas brewing!)