Britt: 'Me' Films Don't Belong on the Silver Screen

You want some "shine," so you write a film -- based on a fictional character -- but the story is very personal. As you put this film in motion, you assemble a cast and crew and make yourself the main character. You have no experience acting, but you feel the story would be better if you were in it.

Now it's time to edit, and instead of bringing in outside music, you put your own music in the film for more promotion. You think it's a great idea, even though your cast and crew don't think you're a great actor or musician.

You've just created a “me” film.

As a filmmaker, there comes a time when we have to dust off our shoulders and move on to the next. That can be a bit rough, especially when you're attached to a project. In this column, however, I will describe my struggles with a recent project and hopefully you can avoid being put in that situation.

I was once naive enough to think that organization and professionalism were synonymous with filmmaking. Over time, I've learned that not everyone will have the same work ethic and intentions as you do, . As artists, we need to protect the creativity of our projects. 

For instance, I was recently commissioned to direct a film, not realizing that I was getting myself into a volatile situation. Let me be clear, there is no room for overly emotional people in filmmaking (except for the talent.) I found myself on the verge of chaos when I stepped on to the set and nothing that the executive producer promised was put into motion. This to me was a warning sign but my love for cinema kept me going.

By the end of the project, not only had the executive producer throw himself in the film as a main actor, but he was demanding that his music be thrown in the film as well. As I saw it, that would box in the film and limit exposure to a larger audience. Every director has their style and taste, I am very particular about mine.

As a professional, it is your job to give a thorough professional opinion when hired, to avoid any miscommunication. Once this is done, if the client still decides to move in their own direction, then you have done your job. Still, when you're working on a "me" film, you have to pick and choose your battles wisely. Don’t battle when it comes to working on that kind of film, because it's for the people inserting themselves in it.

Filmmakers, artists, please do not ever get caught up in someones else's fascination with themselves, especially when working on a "me" film. It's a waste of your time trying to feed art into a "wall." At the end of the day, we all have our perceptions on what makes a great film. And "me" films get you no where.