'FAN FILM' QUESTION

I'm all for creativity and making films. One interesting phenomenon is that of the 'fan film'. Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who are all victims of this type of filmmaking. I admit I have checked some out over the years and some display real filmmaking prowess. But, my attitude is if you are going to expend so much energy making a film -- and it takes a lot of effort to do this, even for the simplest and shortest film -- why not make something original? It's heartbreaking to see these things and realize that these energies are so misguided. I guess if it gives you pleasure, then go for it, but the reality is a lot of these people think they are going to be swept off their feet and asked by some 'power that be' to make a film for them. Good luck. Originality counts for a lot, believe it or not. I remember seeing an interview a couple of years ago with Star Trek's brilliant production designer, Walter 'Matt' Jefferies: He recounted the story of some guy sending him beautifully drawn blueprints depicting the original Trek's studio sets. (This fan had taken the time to reference different sources to draw these.) Jefferies went on to say that he responded to the sender by boldly stating, "great job... now do something original!"

OH, WILLIAMS!

Yes, I'm back, just a few minutes after I posted my 'The Longest Day' entry. The television is on behind me. On it plays the CBC and the 'ceeb' plays "Minority Report". An action scene seems to be playing out. My attention is divided as I play on my computer but not so divided that I want to turn around because it sounds as though "The Empire Strikes Back" is running on television... or is it "Raiders"? Hold on a moment says my ever tired but always comical brain. You just said that "Minority Report" is on. The answer for my confusion stems from the fact that, yes, you guessed it you movie trivia guys: John Williams scored all the films I have mentioned above. It is almost unreal how similar Mr. Williams music scores are. I could swear that what I heard playing minutes ago was the music from "Empire" (which does have a great score). I should mention that the "Minority Report" sequence I thought I was hearing -- or was sure I was hearing -- was the 'rocket packs up the side of the building' jazz. Pretty exiting stuff! It almost made me break away from my computer, even with all the confusion outlined above. This all makes me want to be an artist when I grow up.