What should we call the widescreen version of super 8?

[Santo]

For now.

[MovieStuff]

For now.

But, assuming that your work will be top rate, won't the silly name and photo you use make you harder to take seriously? I mean, if "Super-Duper 8" can't be taken seriously, then why should the work of someone calling themselves "Santo" hold any more value that what can be derived from the name, alone? As I say, what's in a name, anyway? You could call yourself "Harpo" for all I care. If your work is good, I'd be the first to say so, even if we disagree on other topics.

Roger

[Santo]

I use the name I do and hide behind the mask because I

a) prefer to tell it like it is and that upsets a lot of flakes

b) challenge those with opinions on webboards with vested business interests and hidden agendas which they deny

c) enjoy not being tracked down by headcases who find out I've got a bunch of produced credits and can get a meeting with anybody in Canada, so they start cold calling me and inundating me with long letters and emails detailing their life stories in and out of psych wards and their plans for "miracle movies" they want me to direct/produce/co-write. A problem which haunted me for YEARS after using my real name on Coppola's website. Just two weeks ago I turned down an offer to direct a film on a northern California ranch -- believe it or not -- even though, yes, this guy had the ranch, but he was pretty "off". Likely it's not over on that one, even though I distanced myself a long time ago.

I am hardly a "celebrity" or A-list talent. But it is no wonder such people don't hang out on boards like this. And that's too bad.

Now let me ask you this, Roger, seeing as you're trying to get personal. Who's got that vandetta against you with regards to bidding against you for all those Gaf projectors you use to base your Workprinter? I followed this for a little bit, and it appears you've picked up a real enemy.

Gee, maybe you can figure out why I prefer to wear a mask on webboards seeing as I have that option? Ya think? Can you relate to what I'm talking about and concerned about?

[Mitch Perkins]

"Starting to get the big picture?" -- mitch

Yes I am. Reading your posts, it's crystal clear now exactly why your film is what it is from an artistic and technical standpoint.

Ahhhh, so you don't like the *moooovie*! Why didn't you just say so, instead of posting all those flimsy "arguments"?
Art is a process which results in an artifact. It'll speak to some, not to others. This way, even Black Velvet Elvises find walls in good homes.
What, me worry?

Mitch

I liked the film, and you're a nice guy in person, but you're behaving like an absolute ass here.

There is no absolute motion, time, or ass.
If you haven't noticed, I've been defending myself against "one in the eye for supa dupa..." and, "Are you saying that...[buncha stuff that I did not say]....You said that, I did not.", and, "Your argument doesn't hold water." when in fact it does.
What is your recommended mode of behaviour in such an instance?

Mitch

[Mitch Perkins]

I've got a bunch of produced credits and can get a meeting with anybody in Canada,

Bzzzzzt! Not with me you can't. *And* that includes my mom and dad, who by the way told me that I'm special. Got it? *Special*.

Mitch

[MovieStuff]

I use the name I do and hide behind the mask because....

I really don't care why but you are actually making my point by listing your qualifications as a film maker in that the name you use doesn't matter. Only quality and content matters. Should we take you less seriously because you use a silly name and represent yourself by a silly picture?

Now let me ask you this, Roger, seeing as you're trying to get personal.

I was obviously making a point, Santo. No one's getting personal. How could I? I am addressing a man that uses the name and photo of a wrestler instead of his own. If I look up "Santo" in Canada directory assistance, will I find you?

The name "SuperDuper 8" is no more silly than the name "Santo". If you can ask others to overlook such a silly name and accept your opinions and offerings as a film maker, then why is it so much to expect the same for something like "Super Duper 8"? Who cares?

Who's got that vandetta against you with regards to bidding against you for all those Gaf projectors you use to base your Workprinter? I followed this for a little bit, and it appears you've picked up a real enemy.

Nah. This happens all the time. These people could care less about my business. These units are actually fairly popular because they are so easy to service and our usage has driven up the price on them, so people think they're a good investment and then try to sell them to me at a markup. I've seen this happen several times over the last couple of years. Occasionally we just stop buying them for a while to let the price go back down and that takes the wind out of their sails. We have, literally, hundreds of chassis in stock. No enemies that I can see, just vigorous business and a competitive market. You really need to stop looking at things through such cloak and dagger sunglasses. Have more fun! ;)

Gee, maybe you can figure out why I prefer to wear a mask on webboards seeing as I have that option? Ya think? Can you relate to what I'm talking about and concerned about?

Well, if people are really hounding you for unwanted attention, then I can certainly understand wanting to maintain a modicum of privacy. But, again, you've pretty much made my point. If you are that successful at what you do, despite calling yourself a silly name like "Santo", then how can you cast stones at others that have adopted a name just as silly?

Roger

[reflex]

What is your recommended mode of behaviour in such an instance?

Mitch

Umm... how about telling people why you shoot Super Duper 8? How about telling people what cameras work best with the format? How you go about framing shots without the benefit of a full viewfinder? Other thoughts?

I know you've shot hundreds of rolls in the format and have a lot of good advice to share.

If you get into a flame war with the likes of Film-Thurso and Santo, no-one in their right mind will want to read this thread. My guess is that Santo had a bar brawl with Don McKellar (hmm... there's an image) or missed a set call with Atom egoyan at some point.

[Mitch Perkins]

What is your recommended mode of behaviour in such an instance?

Mitch

Umm... how about telling people why you shoot Super Duper 8? How about telling people what cameras work best with the format? How you go about framing shots without the benefit of a full viewfinder? Other thoughts?

[mitch]
>>All OT in this thread.

[reflex]
I know you've shot hundreds of rolls in the format and have a lot of good advice to share.

[mitch]
>>Yes, but I don't want to be accused of inventing how to shoot. Most importantly, nobody asked. Is there a thread where such information
would be welcome?

[reflex]
If you get into a flame war with the likes of Film-Thurso and Santo, no-one in their right mind will want to read this thread. My guess is that Santo had a bar brawl with Don McKellar (hmm... there's an image) or missed a set call with Atom egoyan at some point.

[mitch]
>>Flame wars can be very lively, informative and entertaining. Your last sentence here looks to be a super duper catalyst to start one. Mostly though, WTF? You called me an ass for defending myself. How tiresome.

Mitch

[reflex]

>>Flame wars can be very lively, informative and entertaining. Your last sentence here looks to be a super duper catalyst to start one. Mostly though, WTF? You called me an ass for defending myself. How tiresome.

Honestly? I was incredibly disappointed. You and Rick flew out to Calgary a few months ago for a screening of Sleep Always -- the discussion after the film was interesting and enjoyable. Rick has been posting to this board and the Cinematography forum for quite a while - his posts are thoughtful and enjoyable. He promoted the U of T film festival and invited submissions from us.

You joined the forum yesterday and started shooting with both barrels. That's not constructive or particularly pleasant, especially for me: I posted a positive review of Sleep Always and encouraged a few sales of your film, and I have certainly been an adamant supporter of the way you've promoted the format. I'm embarassed: "I was promoting this guy's work???!" Nothing in the way you behave makes me want to say anything positive.

As far as Super Duper 8 goes -- I started a thread a while back called Shooting Super Duper 8 - some thoughts and observations and people gave their thoughts about the format. It's now on the second page of the forum if you want to add your two cents.

[Rick Palidwor]

I think this is getting a little out of hand: too much steam for such a small issue IMHO.

Roger once again proves to be a cvoice of reason. Hats off.

But, to respond to one point, as it was directed at me:

Rick -
At least try to take yourself seriously. If you do, maybe others will take Super8 seriously. You did create a film after all in Super 8 in your format. Right? Would you call that a silly idea? Not serious?
People who work in this format are the ones who can make it serious!
This is not about being worked up over the name of a format - it is about showing some respect for the medium you work in - showing some respect for your work - showing some respect for yourself as an artist.

I think you misunderstood me Lunar. Choosing a humouress name does not detract from the seriousness of the work at all. I used to work as a comedy writer and that was the most serious business I have ever been in. Humourousness and seriousness are not mutually exclusive.

I wouldn't spend two years on one project (with no pay, in fact money out of my pocket) if I didn't take it seriously. I wouldn't spend two years marketing it if I didn't take myself seriously. If I didn't take myself seriously you probably wouldn't have heard of me, or our movie and this debate may not be taking place. In fact, some of my friends say I take my work too seriously, and they may be right, but when I get emails, almost daily, from someone asking about super-duper 8 or asking to buy a copy of Sleep Always, I feel my seriousness pays off.

I feel that the humourous name has not hurt us (at least for most audiences). When I sent a press release to Kodak and they offered to do a story, they seemed to like the name (used it in the title of the article). When Schmalfilm gave us a 5-page colour spread, they also played up the name (again, using it in the title) - not exactly a sign of the name hurting our reputation. The Canadian production journal Playback did a story on us and they also, happily, put emphasis on the name, again, in the title of the article. In other words, there might be a lot of people on this board who don't like the name, as is your perogative, but generalizations based on your own opinion does not jive with the reception we have received from the industry.

If, as Santo says, there are some people dissing us behind our back, then that might not be bad news. Anyone who dismisses us based on the name, without having seen the movie, is not someone I want to associate with. Kind of like separating the wheat from the chaff.

With respect to our differences,
Rick

[Santo]

hey, you -- lurker. yeah, i'm writing to you.

what is this? this thread is at a 1000 plus views and only 37 people voted on the name thing?

look, if you're going to slow down and rubberneck a trainwreck you're going to have to vote. it's not easy generating stupid drama like this.

now vote for the intelligent, well thought out name. just because it's way ahead in the polls doesn't mean you shouldn't vote. let's send a clear message here if you've got an opinion, lurkers! nobody is going to know who you are and what you voted for.

[downix]

I need to figure out how to get my Chinons converted to Super Duper 8 sometime, their gate design is a bit unusual, making the modification difficult.

[reflex]

hey, you -- lurker. yeah, i'm writing to you.

I was thinking the same thing - so many visits, so few votes.

Santo: You wouldn't happen to work for the CBC would you? Any recent segments of Marketplace, for instance?

[steve hyde]

Humourousness and seriousness are not mutually exclusive.

Well said..

BTW my vote is to call it 8mm. That is what it is....

Steve

[ccortez]

hey, you -- lurker. yeah, i'm writing to you.

what is this? this thread is at a 1000 plus views and only 37 people voted on the name thing?

look, if you're going to slow down and rubberneck a trainwreck you're going to have to vote. it's not easy generating stupid drama like this.

now vote for the intelligent, well thought out name. just because it's way ahead in the polls doesn't mean you shouldn't vote. let's send a clear message here if you've got an opinion, lurkers! nobody is going to know who you are and what you voted for.

i haven't voted up to now because i don't care about the name. but as i was typing a smart-ass paragraph that i just deleted i realized that for search and FAQ-type purposes, it's pretty important at least for the purposes of this forum that we agree to consensus identification of the thing.

so i'm gonna go vote now...

c.

p.s. loved the flamewar... :twisted: