On the Lot

I was first exposed to the fine craft of filmmaking back in the Summer of 1985, as I accompanied my cousin, Philippine actor and senator Bong Revilla, around Metro Manila in the Philippines as he starred in up to three films at one time. Back then, my grandfather was the manager of the family's studio, Imus Productions, and he always encouraged me to go with Bong on a shooting. Finally, I took him up on the offer and climbed into Bong's green Ford Econoline van. I had never been exposed to any kind of on scene location shooting until that summer. Fresh out of high school, I was naive to most things that had anything to do with making movies, and I am still to this day for the jmost part. The scene I remember the most involved Bong getting roughed up and taken to a "safe house" where he was roughed up some more. I watched an actress do an assault scene in a room that was full of lights and filled with sound people, the director and a very old Panavision camera, yet her performance seemed very real to me. I think this is where I started my affinity with filipina women.

After several shots until the take, she got up and joined us for some catered food, which at the time was the funnest part of what were long days and nights in and around Manila. From watching the scene with the actress and accompanying my cousin day after day for a month, I had a new found respect for those people who make movies. It is hard work no matter where you are and what you do to contribute to the art.

Which brings me to the latest reality show, On the Lot. The premise is like any other reality show, but with those of dreams of directing. The show has been tasked to determine who are good filmmakers and find the best one of the lot. It premiered last night, and I was able to catch a few minutes of the show. Judged by Carrie Fisher, Brett Ratner and Garry Marshall, the show will pick a winner and give them a $1 million deal to make a movie. Last night was the first episode, and 14 of the 50 contestants were eliminated, and this is from the thousands that submitted their films to be considered. Each of the 50 had to pitch a movie based on a few sentences provided by the judges. Well it didn't go too well for some, who either froze on the stage or pitched their movie in a few words or less, with no actual thought to the story. It was truly sad, with some of the contestants in tears. Others walked on the stage exuding confidence, came up with a viable story line and plot and were sent to the next round. There was some brutal and honest advice from the three judges and the elimination rounds have begun. For those who aspire to make movies, this is poised to be an interesting reality show to watch. The show left with the contestants in groups of three, tasked to write, shoot, and edit a movie in 24 hours. Next week promises to bring even more reality as they begin filming and cutting their movies.