Does this documentary offend you?

[vluxury]

I have received hate mail concerning this documentary.
It is about a man rebelling against the Bible Belt.
It is called Rebel Scum. When we show the film the audiences like it.
For some reason the trailer has not had as many fans.
It deals with Music, Sex, Drug Addiction and Rebellion in the Bible Belt.
The film was edited on a mac.
Check it out and let me know.
:eek:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlr9ZfAdMQg

[themadchemist]

First post, huh? Sounds like someone is trying to drum up buzz. :rolleyes:

[jessica.]

First post, huh? Sounds like someone is trying to drum up buzz. :rolleyes:

I couldn't agree more.

But...I have an opinion...as per usual!

I'm pretty sure the movie goes further into the whole rebelling against the Bible Belt than the trailer. I think people are reacting to the trailer rather appropriately. You really can't mess with those who are of the most devout faith around those parts. Anything you do or say is subject to massive criticism, especially if you're moving against the grain.

Hate mail or not, if your movie gets a point across then let it be seen/heard.

[vluxury]

Not looking for buzz. Maybe some reactions to let me know if this trailer is harming the documentary. We tried for an edit that would appeal to a younger Jackass audience. Although it seems to be backfiring on me. Looking for any opinionated thoughts that might put us on the right track. Most film companies spend millions testing trailers on the public. This was a job I had during college. But making a self financed film I do not have money to test the trailer. So I thought a forum of mixed people might give us some insight.
Thanks for your thoughts.

[jessica.]

My opinion is never aim to satisfy the "jackass audience". You'll find yourself sorely disappointed.

[vluxury]

When I refer to Jackass I am talking about the movies and TV show that were made by Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville. They are brilliant and ridiculous all at the same time.

[redAPPLE]

my take.

i think a trailer should just "tease" people to be interested in a movie.

i think a trailer should not run longer than a minute.

with that trailer, i think i don't have to watch the movie no more, because i then start to build the story, where it is heading, how it is going to end, etc in my head.

and what does that have to do "directly" with the bible belt. because of knoxville?

[Badandy]

When I refer to Jackass I am talking about the movies and TV show that were made by Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville. They are brilliant and ridiculous all at the same time.

They're one of those things, and intellectually valuable is not one of them.

[vluxury]

This is the 2 minute trailer there will be be a 1 minute trailer a 30 sec and a 15 sec trailer. This is common in that industry. I don't make the rules.
Christopher Scum has grown up in the Bible Belt and as a result most of his lyrics come from that turmoil. Many times people that are not christians in the Bible Belt they treated like outcast or scum of the earth. This is one of the places that Christophers rebellion comes from. :mad:

[rhsgolfer33]

Well if you would have played it up and filmed it with an intellectual intent you probably would get better response. Instead you decided to make it seem cool, like its fun to watch some guys life ruined by drugs and alcohol. It probably could have been good, especially if the guy in it realized what was ruining his life and sought treatment and therapy. Judging from the trailer, I wouldn't see it and I wouldn't sit through it if it were free. Really, I just feel sorry for the guy, and if I don't have to pay $10 to feel sorry for someone, I can go stand in front of 7/11 and meet a drug addict whose life was ruined by his abusive parents and his addiction.

If it were really about a guy who stood up to his abusive family and constrictive moral code of the bible belt it could have been pretty good. But again, I can see a drug addict pretty much anywhere.

That said, the trailer is alright, I kind of feel like I know where its going now and don't really need to see the movie. I might shoot for an audience with higher intellect with your next trailer for the movie. These are the feelings I get from the trailer, but eh, i've been wrong about plenty of movies by judging by the trailer.

[vluxury]

Well if you would have played it up and filmed it with an intellectual intent you probably would get better response.

Just to clear things up. This is a trailer and the movie is very serious and thoughtful. This guy Christopher Scum is an intelligent, thoughtful, sweet human being who is very likable. However he has had to deal with some serious problems that the trailer does not have time to go over. I would say it was filmed with intellectual intent. The two film makers behind it are both college educated and have made commercial and films for high end companies for the past 15 years. However we have chosen to find subject matter that is rarely seen. Rebel Scum is what happens to young adults everyday that can't find their place in this world. Is does show that we have choices in life and when you make the wrong choice it can lead to a disaster. Not everyone has the same dreams the same hopes or the same upbringing. To be of intellectual intent you have to remember that the bum standing in front of you, could be you one day. Let me say I hope that the golfer at the end of your name does not refer to the sport golf. Anyone that spends a day chasing around a ball reminds me of my cat!
:D

[iJohnHenry]

Oh, excuse me, I seem to have stumbled into an infomercial.

Sorry. :o

[mkrishnan]

This is a trailer and the movie is very serious and thoughtful.

As far as the trailer goes, I thought the video selections were generally excellent and well spliced together. Particularly, the main subject, Scum, comes across as interesting.

I didn't find it really offensive at all, except that I think both the script and the voice talent for the narration of the trailer are completely wrong. First, the tone of the narrator is too sensationalistic, and the words don't match. To me, the narrator comes off as satirizing the video shown behind his voice. Second, the narrator is just trying too hard. The footage you show is compelling. Let Scum speak for himself. If you use a narrator or text, keep it much more minimal. Your narrator wastes too much of the attention span of the audience and detracts from the video.

Also I think you could knock out 45-60 seconds of fluff, concentrate more on the human story and the different sides to Scum, and have a more captivating trailer on the order of 60-90 seconds in length....

Aside, as a moderator: We have specific rules on which of our members (you do not qualify at this time) are allowed to participate in discussions of politics, religion, and social issues, and as you can see a separate subforum for those topics. Please bear this in consideration; if this discussion is going to be about the politics of your trailer, it will be locked because, were it to be moved to the PRSI, you yourself would no longer be able to participate, mooting the purpose.... You may review the rules of this forum by clicking the rules link at the top of any forum page.

[leekohler]

Please don't feed the troll. This is shameless advertising and I'm not looking at this trailer. BTW- I'm a screener for a major film fest, I'll make sure to pass on your film.

[vluxury]

Please don't feed the troll. This is shameless advertising and I'm not looking at this trailer. BTW- I'm a screener for a major film fest, I'll make sure to pass on your film.

There is no troll just looking for insight. Its great that you will pass on a film before you see it. It shows real integrity for your major film fest. In fact why don't you let me know which Festival so I can save my money on the entry fee.
:(

[mkrishnan]

There is no troll just looking for insight.

Well, you do seem to be rather ignoring everyone, including myself, who has actually tried to give you constructive feedback.

[leekohler]

There is no troll just looking for insight. Its great that you will pass on a film before you see it. It shows real integrity for your major film fest. In fact why don't you let me know which Festival so I can save my money on the entry fee.
:(

Legitimate filmmakers don't need to troll Mac tech internet forums for feedback. You've already soured me due to your methods- and you question my integrity? I recommend this thread be closed.

[mkrishnan]

*Sigh* You're right, Lee; I'm wrong. I concede and reduce my "faith in humanity" ticker accordingly. :p