Clayton Hiku
From: Christchurch
Since: May 2012
Posts: 58
A bit late to this chat.
But here's my thoughts too.
I agree that this year is the most wide open and vague the elements have ever been. Although the last 2 years since ultra's introduction the elements have been noticeably easier but as we did Ultra both those years the comp still went up in intensity for us. But this year we decided to opt out of Ultra.
As a result, we were more stumped in the writing process this year than ever before! We threw out our 3rd script at 8 am on Saturday morning and started again with a totally new concept. We've never done that before. I reasoned that it was the Genre that got us on the wrong track. We had buddy movie and for the first time instead of brainstorming plot scenarios to write from we went down the rabbit hole of coming up with funny odd character pairings. When we would hit a good one we would laugh and say YES let's do that. Then instantly get stuck on.... But what are these characters doing? So that was a good learning experience for us this year. Focus more on plot-related writing than character traits.
But in hindsight, I also realize that the wide open elements were also part of the reason we were struggling. We honestly finished 4 scripts and each time would then go "OH wait. What were the elements again?" And then easily slide them in there. They didn't inspire story much at all.
Although I am happy that the heats are so much more enjoyable to watch these days as the elements don't take you out of the story after hearing "My name is and Im a _" 12 times in row.
I think that this also ties in heavily to the 7min vs 5min change as well. Both the elements being more subtle and the time change has meant that the (no offense intended) lower half of the films made each year is better for it. But for a lot of the Vet teams who can thrive off the extra time and extra direction it can be a bit harder. So I guess it's just a balancing act between the two.
Maybe next year there could be some either-or Elements. LIKE "a vague sound bite OR this line of dialogue" And then something like "A double take OR A Spit take"
This way there is the option for those who improve off vague elements and the inspiration for those who thrive off the extra direction?
48 Hours2019 -
Submission Impossible - Now you see me, Now you don't CHCH City Finalist, 3rd Place Audience Favourite Heat 8, Nominated for Best Team Intro, WIFT Outstanding Female Filmmaker (Michal Bush)
2018 -
Submission Impossible -
PC High -
CHCH 2nd RUNNER UP,
WINNER of Best Director and
Audience Favourite Heat 9, Nominated for Best Editor and Best Script
2017 -
Submission Impossible -
Polaroid 2 CHCH Finalist, Nominated for Best Actress (Michal Bush)
2016 -
Submission Impossible -
The Rock and a Hard Place CHCH Finalist,
WINNER of Best Team Intro, Nominated for - Best Script,
2015 -
Submission Impossible -
Home CHCH Finalist, Nominated for; Best Cinematography, Best Score, Best Actress (Anna Whitaker), Best Script.
Best Team Intro 2014 -
Submission Impossible -
One Night at Martinet's CHCH Finalist, Nominated for, Best Use of Character, Best Script, Best Actress, Best Original Song
Winner of Canon Competition2013 -
Submission Impossible -
Polaroid - CHCH Finalist,
WINNER of Audience Favourite Heat 10 and
Best use of Character Best Team Intro2012 -
Submission Impossible -
Split2011 - Film Flam - Revenge is a dish best served cold - Composer
V48 Seconds2011 -
Iron Man, Inception, X-men, 2010 -
New Moon, 2009 -
300