I wasn't going to mention it, but...

The rejection from The Sarasota Film Festival came in yesterday. I wasn't going to mention it, because frankly, I don't want this blog to degenerate into a depressing list of festival rejections (then again, at least that keeps this blog updated every once in a while ; ) ).

What changed my mind was that because of some intern mistake, all the names and email addresses of the rejected filmmakers were included in the body of the rejection email. All 550 of 'em. Immediately following the rejection email was an apology from the intern who made the goof. I realize this isn't all that exciting so far, but what makes it more than just an interesting little hicup is that people started to reply.

To the festival, to each other, they started replying to the mass email. Some a bit snarky, some wishing to rally together an alternate festival, others simply voicing their pain at being rejected.

There are plenty of bulletin boards where festival rejects can commiserate and mourn another $40 flushed down the drain, but this is a little more special, a little more anarchic. Kind of like when the teacher leaves the room and the students go crazy with the chalk board. Nothing crazy, nothing diabolical, just a small expression of deviance. I think the crowning moment of this exchange is the graphic I'm using for this post, thanks to a mister Josh Lowman.

Because most of the replies also CCed the festival, the people in Sarasota have been able to follow along and have issued at least two apologies. For what it's worth, I don't need one. This is beyond the festival, this tiny error in email etiquette was a highlight in an otherwise unremarkable and drudging day and I look forward to following it as it runs its course.

On a totally unrelated note, I promise to follow this post with at least two non-rejection related posts. Or at least I'll do my best... : )

Notes from a Bridesmaid.

So we didn’t make it into SXSW. According to the rejection letter, we just didn’t make the final cut. This may be a simple case of creative wording, but I like to take it at face value, that we didn’t make the FINAL cut. I also like to think that it was between us and Spike Lee and that we really gave Spike a run for his money. Little known fact: Spike Lee is a whiz with a Kitchen Aid and convection oven and he makes a mean éclair. Me, I squeeze a tube with a smiling Quaker on the side and cookie dough comes out. Coincidence? I think there are bigger things at work here.

Now we wait and see how things go with the next round of submissions.

Either way, MRR is picture locked (for now) and aside from adjusting a few levels and inserting a few cues (when they’re done) audio is nearly complete too.

It’s about time too. I’m trying to ease the transition from MRR to my next film. Won’t say much now, but I’m really excited about it. Kirsten and I are working on the script and doing some research. Tabby, producer of People Of Earth, is coming to Seattle to produce, and she’s even bringing her assistant, Deep.

Anyone have an HVX that they’re willing to rent for cheap?

2nd rejection!

Slamdance rejection came in too.

In other news my laptop is still not working. Replacing the hard drive didn't work and now I'm afraid it's the logic board. Wondering whether to take it on myself or get help or throw it at the next asshole who I find without any pants in our apartment hallway.

It's official!

We've finally gotten our Sundance rejection! Let the festival season begin for MRR!

I'll try to post something about what I've been up to for the last month soon (Deep and Tabby's first feature film!). Needless to say I'm still doing some picture tweaking and Jason Harris-Talley is tirelessly wailing away on the sound.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!