I lost. That is all.

Okay, that’s not exactly fair, even if it is absolutely true. To be honest, I never really expected to win for a variety of reasons, and I’m cool with that. I did, however, learn a few things:

1. Those who arrive late to the party end up with the stuff nobody wants. Don’t think you’re just going to waltz in whenever you damn well feel like it and get the best booze or cake or finger food because it’ll be gone. People who know this arrive early and generally walk away satisfied. They’re also massively annoying, undeserving of their reward, and almost always poorly dressed. Anyhow, I found out about the contest well late into it so I’ve no one to blame but myself. And just to show there’s no hard feelings, I’ve picked my horse. Does it shamelessly borrow from every horror trend that’s come along in the last five years? Yes, yes it does. Does it do it in a cool way? I think so. Good luck, gents.

2. People liked my idea, and in the way I hoped they would. I got a handful of nice comments that I will pump straight into my ego reserve tank, even if they were at least partially motivated by electoral need. They could have said Welcome to Cydonia was “kinda scary” or “reminiscent of popular Russian propaganda films circa 1983” but instead they said stuff like:

“…diggin the pitch. Very good concept.” – AIMark2

“This has a creepy, fantasy element to it that I love.” – Cruellty

“I like your pitch, it’s very interesting.” – Fear

“I just checked out your pitch. Really original, I’d love to see it as a film. I love character buildup, and just in your synopsis, you’ve left me wondering what happens to the characters.” – BinderGang

“Ooh, this sounds different. I like it.” – jazztastic

“I like the prospect of this character, it’s a very creepy idea, I like it :)” – deathtiger

“Very cool concept…I always liked playing with concepts of the afer life but you’re literally creating an entire movie around one. And a very unique and creepy take at that…the poster is also really great. Looking forward to more…” – raffi

“Awsome! a very unique idea.” – draven

So a HUGE THANKS to that talented bunch for their motivating words. And I want them all to know that I voted for each and every one of their ideas, as well. Check out their pitches when you get a chance.

3. The online filmmaking community is definitely out there and growing. This is a good thing. Massify should be commended for their efforts, and no matter how it really comes together in the end, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to give and receive feedback in this way and offer this kind of opportunity to, well, the masses. I have high hopes that the future of filmmaking is branching out a bit more to the people and not remaining so closed inside the Hollywood system where so much gets done in a vacuum and often for too much money. I’m not a blockbuster hater or anything like that, nor do I think the system has necessarily failed us, but I am worried how infrequently fresh and original material is supported and encouraged. It’s great when graphic novelists and authors of other media get their shot in the sunshine, just as it is when a classic old movie gets remade for the third and fourth time. But it’s doubly cool in my opinion when risks are taken and rewards divvied out to the thousands of individual voices who have no interest in doing anything other than making their art and possibly supporting themselves in the process. I think the film industry needs that, and it can only make a good thing better.

So to all of those who checked out my pitch, and the eleven of you that voted for me, thanks. I really mean that. Also, do any of you think the above picture and title would have been more successful? I’m curious, as it certainly seems to fit in with the others better.

Also, if anyone is interested in reading the screenplay, I’ve decided to make it available for a few days. Enjoy!*

*Sorry, script is down. If you really want to read it, contact me. If you’d like to watch the video pitch, click here.