My Filmmaking Journey - Dealing with Festival Rejection, Writing Spec Scripts & More!

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In this episode of My Filmmaking Journey, we discuss the Notes from Melanie premiere, future festivals that are showing it, how to deal with film festival rejection, and writing spec scripts!

[@theFLICKpick]

Happy Birthday slugger!

[@BISimion]

cool

[@karajames67]

so neally another birthday yeah 😁😂🤣😂🤣

[@meatball5336]

John, I want you to know I haven't worn pants all quarantine long. Take care.

[@legacyrxt7570]

@@meatball5336 wtf

[@meatball5336]

@@legacyrxt7570 I'm not sure what you mean friend

[@derickbrown6363]

You have no idea how happy I am for you chris, all of us Stuckmannizers are so proud😉👍

[@brandonortiz8056]

We certainly are!!!

[@lnsullivan422]

Absolutely

[@jazzc23]

Truly!

[@DysnomiaFilms]

I started making films in 2014 when I first began studying it at a local technical college. I barely had any money for festivals when I first submitted a film in 2015 and I didn't get into anything and I felt like I'd wasted all my money on a film that meant a lot to me but was weird and suffered technically. My first feature film in 2017 also failed to get into a single festival, it was very disheartening. Somehow always hoped it'd be a surprise no budget hit like Nolan's Following and launch my career, which I now realize is probably a lot more competitive these days. But finally it has started to happen with my short films. Got a few festival selections for the newest film on my channel, Coffee, and my latest one, One Up, has got 6 selections so far and a few awards! I think part of the issue was straight quality, but the other part was marketability. Short comedy under 10 minutes is honestly a pretty popular format. I'm just excited to finally be getting some success!

[@brandonj.harris]

Congratulations on hard work and dedication. Never stop achieving your goals

[@nabeelchutkae6194]

I'm really glad you found your lane! I hope you do well.

[@DyenamicFilms]

Believe it or not, Following was rejected by Sundance. It was accepted into Slamdance though. So even Nolan was initially rejected by one of the biggest festivals out there.

[@espoppelaars]

As a scientist, your experience with rejection really resonated with me. Submitting my papers to peer-reviewed journals, I deal with rejection a lot. After working on a project for years, it can be hard not to take it personally. But indeed, often times, it's because it doesn't fit well enough within the scope of the journal. You just have to keep going and keep learning. :)

[@JasonSaikaly4]

Can you do reviews for all Quentin Torantino' Movies, before "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood..."? And thanks for all your videos, hope you do many short and feature films.

[@georgiobrolin4912]

It will be good to review all Torantino's movies.

[@asapluke]

And Scorsese for the Irishman.

[@nolancho]

I really admire Stephen speilborg and david lunch.

[@super8man807]

@@nolancho What about Christopher Nalon?

[@LEGOKRASS]

Would love to see something about Alfred Hitlock Peta Jackson Christopher Nilon Frank Dareablond James Comealong The Watchoutshit -Brothers- Sisters James Fangold Guillermo de la Vaca Josh OnWeed Catherine Bigallow Alfonso Huevón David Bleach Luke Guesson David Hates Awesome Welles Francis Ford Copula Steven Soberberg Ron Howhard Tim Carton Oliver Stoned Ridof Scott Clint Easywood Stanley Cuberick and Chris Fuckmann

[@rpay5980]

After watching this video, I can genuinely say - you are going to make it. With that drive, insight and work ethic, it's a matter of time before you make whatever film you'd like. Many people have pipe dreams, but don't have the tenacity to bring them to life - you do. Keep it up 👍

[@austinauthor846]

As a novelist myself, I was shocked at how many times all that you said applied to writing as well. Rejection is built into the process and it hurts. What you do is inspiring and helpful I think to creatives in virtually every field who want to get success. Thanks Chris

[@seanhillman1016]

As a writer, you face rejections all the time. It is something you learn early on. Sometimes it is luck. Sometimes it is time and place.

[@SoCloseToToast]

This is awesome to see! Keep it up Chris as always!

[@kailee87]

always remember: failure is success in progress

[@dreamsofanother]

It’s honestly a joy seeing you happy pursuing your dreams. A lot of people seem to be pointing out your lack of enthusiasm during your reviews but I think it’s obvious that you’re just busy now with putting your passion with what you originally wanted to spend your life doing. I love you Chris please never change!

[@megamatt1915]

Great video. Love hearing your journey with filmmaking.

[@killerworrier4724]

Thanks

[@notsoaveragejoe7275]

This video couldn't have come at a better time, thanks Chris for showing us your journey, it means a lot to me and your fans. Keep it up dude!

[@brandonbreyer3118]

Even with all of the rejection from the festivals, Chris still tries, because he will do no matter what it takes to achieve his dream. And that right there, is inspiring

[@joziahmartinez9915]

I’ve always loved film but Chris made me love filmmaking. Keep up the great work!

[@memyshadow2393]

Thank you for sharing, Chris. So insightful with a lot of "yep! Me too" moments that help reaffirm what I knew was true and has deepened my understanding of what I have yet to learn. Spot on! I wish all the well deserved success to you and your team :)

[@freecstyle4784]

I hope it hits in North Carolina. Congratulations! Maybe you'll be rubbing elbows with Spielburg, Lucas, Soninfield, Bay. Who knows? Keep it up man. I'm in a wheelchair and watching your content always cheers me up. You're my inspiration.

[@gustavogutierrez2709]

What part of NC you from?

[@freecstyle4784]

Randleman.

[@austinayers-ayersforce-1807]

The Repster - Movie Reviewer Chris’s movie will be in North Carolina?

[@gustavogutierrez2709]

The Repster - Movie Reviewer Hm never heard of it. I’m from the Wilmington area.

[@infinitymystery21G]

you are gonna make it dude you got that film passion we need real directors that have heart

[@santruptip1046]

So.... I'm in india rn... And things are hitting the fan. Unemployment at its highest. And I feel like absolute poop. And this really really lifted me up and put me back in my shoes to wanna work. Thank you Chris. Please let us onto your life more man

[@blacktuesdayfilms8636]

I honestly love videos like this! We hear so much stories of filmmakers giving up because it's too hard, they're not making enough money to fund films so they become content with their day jobs and "unrealistic dreams". It can make any filmmaker a bit paranoid and depressed. Chris your drive to keep pushing forward to make your dreams a reality even though you have had it hard just like the rest of us is what we need more of in this community. Less pessimism and more pure ambition and drive Hope the best for you!

[@farhanmarco7827]

We love inspiring videos, so thank you for finally releasing your journey! :D

[@PaulGPixelBike]

Chris: working my ass off, reviewing movies, writing scripts, directing shorts. John: feeling cute, might watch Over The Top later, idk

[@sethsmith8900]

Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to ease our nerves and fire us up. Ive been out of school for years and fallen away from my dream of creative writing for my job. Thanks for giving perspective and making the struggle and the goal appear attainable and worth pursuing to search for in spite of persistent perfectionist fears

[@ajtaylor8750]

I really love this series, Chris. I hope you keep making these for a while because they're really helpful for aspiring writer-directors like myself in my own journey towards filmmaking. Hearing you talk about self-doubt resonates with me right now because while I can get things done, I always feel this lack of motivation to get things moving and a lot of the time it comes from me creating this obstacle in my head that's not really stopping me. Hearing a fellow creator like yourself admit that you have those same problems is such a great confidence booster, and I am rooting for your films to be very successful in the near and distant future. Keep up the good work brother.

[@blacktasticmedia3769]

Congrats my man, so happy for you and all involved in making your film.

[@Jandro-cr9vd]

I love your honesty, keep up the great work homeslice!

[@Germstahh]

Chris, I’ve been following you since I was 10 years old (I’m 19 now) and I could not be happier for you. As a visual artist/musician I can definitely relate to a lot of the things you have to say about rejection. It hurts for a bit but there’s nothing one should do but get up and try again! Your passion and love for film has only amplified my desire to pursue what I love over the years. Thank you for being such an amazing role model for me and everyone else who looks up to you! I can’t wait to see your short film and am excited for future projects!

[@willhanleyreed1990]

So proud of you. Been watching your channel for years. To see the success this film has gotten is nothing short of breathtaking, emotional, and inspiring. I look forward to seeing the future.

[@uslessstraw21]

Im so proud of you!!!!!! Please keep going and chase ur dreams❤️❤️

[@houarisifaoui1131]

Congrats man, it's been an incredible journey

[@fernandososa6507]

I love this series. Keep up the good work Chris. You encourage every aspiring filmmaker with these videos

[@EthanButler]

Thank you for that, Chris! I really hope the best for your filmmaking career. As a young filmmaker, I don't seem to know so much about it. These videos both teach me and inspire me to do better. Thanks to you I can really have a chance down the road hopefully. I have a TON of work to get up there but you've shown me a lot of things that will help me down the road. I've wanted to be a filmmaker since I was 11 and haven't let go of that ever since. Thank you so much for helping me and inspiring me. It means a lot. I hope the best for you and good luck!

[@skrillex4x987]

I joined a film class this year and let me tell you. Even though I don’t know you personally, I have been a long time fan of your channel and I’ve carried what I’ve learned from you throughout this years project. My group chose to tackle an animation project and boy am I nervous about showing this film to an audience. I’m just glad to hear about your experience as it makes me feel a little more relax. My festival is coming up soon so yeah haha

[@TidleFrat]

I have a good feeling you won't be showing the film here at the Calgary International Film Festival, but I'm not expecting it. I've been watching you since your collab review on Elysium with Pretty Much It, and I'm glad to hear you're doing well, that you're doing it. I'm 22 and your last video really inspired me to get out there like you and just make things. I recently offered to make a music video for a local artist that unfortunately I don't think I will ever hear from again. And it sucked. And I was about give up until I saw this. So thank you for uploading this today, it was really inspiring. I look forward to hearing more, and from hopefully seeing more of what you've made. Keep at it man.

[@Havenism]

Hey Bro, I'm from Calgary and I'm in post production for a short rn. I'm hoping it will play somewhere in calgs :)

[@samking5382]

No bells and whistles, just your words about your filmmaking experience, and it is hands-down the most inspiring video about filmmaking I've seen in a while. Thanks man. I needed this.

[@IVUSER]

Thank you Chris! Currently studying in film school (first year), and it's a BIG help that you choose to make a series going through your journey as a filmmaker to help other aspiring people!

[@RabbiSteve]

Happy Birthweek, Chris. And a very merry Personal New Year's Day. And keep up the good creative work and spirit.

[@bigguys45s29]

Thanks for making this, Chris. You’re such a great man.

[@HomesliceBrice]

Hes not a great man. Hes a stuck man.

[@KillerTacos54]

What a great video Chris! Happy birthday man, keep being the honest, genuine movie reviewer you are (one of the few tbh) and good luck on all your future movie making endeavours! You are an amazing guy, for real. Congrats on the Hollywood Comedy Shorts and all the other film festivals that have accepted your film!

[@journeywithrosie]

I've been a silent subscriber for a long time, and I just wanted to let you know this really inspired me. I love music, have always wanted to write songs and sing, but never felt good enough. When you spoke about ourselves being the biggest stumbling block that really got to me. Thanks for sharing.

[@AClockworkCitrus]

This is really good! It's an inspiration source for an aspiring film student like myself!

[@looseneutral6231]

Submit your film to the New Zealand International Film Festival bro

[@mohamedkhan5430]

chris doesnt read comments sigh

[@dkp.333]

YES PLEASE!!!!!!

[@SahibSingh-uh9dy]

OMG YES!

[@jaymotiwala717]

It's crazy to see how much Chris has matured from his earlier episodes to now. Shows how much he has grown and learned.

[@hamincox6228]

Thanks man this video had some things I kinda needed to hear! I’ve always enjoyed your reviews but this was different it was really inspiring and motivating in a way for me so thank you and can’t wait to see more of these!

[@raptorclaw163]

Love this segment! Keep up the great work, Chris :)

[@willdonahuedirector3154]

I am so proud of you man this is a truly amazing accomplishment love it

[@Ryferion]

Chris you inspired me to push myself, do more art, recently assembled a small team of friends to make a little animated short, thank you so much for staying so strong and being such a positive and determined character!

[@brookswieszczek7957]

Chris you couldn't have uploaded this at a more perfect time. I'm going through some issues similar to yours right now, and this is really encouraging. Thank you so much, this made my day.

[@GG-yp6kd]

Let’s gooo I live an hour and 1/2 away from from Hollywood, definitely gonna go check out Notes from Melody!👍🏼

[@BigManJevnikar]

Happy for you man! It’s cool knowing you’re in Ohio , im in mentor about 25 min from Cleveland. Always cool that one of the best channels is somewhat nearby!

[@GaryKetchum808]

Ohio best state

[@darreckwkirby]

It's awesome seeing you're journey, Chris. I think that part about getting to work and not just waiting for your dream to materialize on its own one day rings especially true. I feel like I've always had ideas for stories I wanted to write, shorts I wanted to film, and various other creative projects I've wanted to eventually pursue but, like you, I didn't really hit that point of "eff it, let's get to work and make it happen" until I was almost 30. I'm still pretty early in my journey but I can certainly say I've come miles further over the past two years than I did the previous 10. Keep it up, man. I look forward to seeing your shorts sometime!

[@crazyguyjohn3594]

Cant wait to see the future of your film career! Good luck on your Journey.

[@theadamwarlockkcm1150]

You are such an inspiration to people like me. People who love writting scripts and preparing roles and gosh youve helped me more than you know. Thank you Chris. Thank you.

[@sam-martentertainment9796]

Thank you for being such an inspiration for me and many other inspiring film makers. Thank you for sharing your story with us and we cannot wait to see your success on the big screen. Put Ohio on the map Babyyyy!

[@GarrrSarrr]

Absolutely loved this segment. Thank you for breaking down your experience so far. I think these videos resonate with a lot of people, not only film enthusiasts. It’s really encouraging.

[@makpurdon9915]

loving this segment as a film student, very inspiring! sososo excited for you! can't wait to hear more!

[@iamzeppoluvr]

So happy for you, sir; keep up that work ethic! Thank you for the time to share your journey. Much love from SoCal. Side note: ADORE the glasses ;)

[@amitsuresh8840]

Wish your film was in San Francisco! Keep it up tho Chris.

[@ppjeje929]

Erectile asshole

[@Wheresrafael95]

Chris, I’ve enjoyed your videos for quite some time now. I want to thank you for this one specifically as I am an inspiring filmmaker in the process of moving to my small town I’ve lived in my life to Los Angeles to pursue directing/writing in film. This segment gave me valuable insight that I will take with me on my journey, keep up with the golden work you do. Keep inspiring. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you in the future.

[@Bro-uw3ww]

I'm right now working on my own short film and man I just must thank you for all the inspiration and motivation that you give!

[@mitchbulfin]

Thank you Chris! I find these videos so useful, this is my favourite series of yours. Keep it up! Can’t wait to see your shorts

[@jacobb.9181]

Chris looks like a completely different person with glasses

[@WickerSticksSinema]

Chris I met you in California in 2017 , you are a great guy . I have been a aspiring filmmaker my whole life and now I finally have a feature length experimental ( shot entirely on IPhone film releasing the end of this year , I owe a lot to you because you inspired me along the way . So thank you. I’m excited to see you do more . And I have been rejected by people before with past shorts and I know the feeling .

[@johannessylvester9357]

Its so nice that you take the time to assure upcoming filmmakers in this way.

[@shannysinger5927]

Wonderful attitude as always, with practical advice to boot. Thanks for sharing!

[@jk-gt9dv]

HS a sponsored kiss ass. Figure it out.

[@Milla4life2]

This is my favorite content of yours Chris! Please do more, more often.

[@patrickcodyrobertson]

Sounds awesome Chris! I'm excited to see how everything goes for your film at the festivals! And good luck to you on your goal of lobbying for a feature length to be filmed in your state! Good luck to you brother!

[@timmyspence1684]

Very inspirational man, I really respect the fact that your following a dream of yours, it's amazing, you seem like a cool and good dude and you deserve to be doing something you love, thank you and never stop brother!!!!

[@achievement365]

Wish I could've seen Notes from Melanie at CIFF, but I'll do my best to get down to Canton. Keep going, Chris!

[@kevinsojo3661]

Yo Chris. great video. i was wondering. how can we see your shorts films if we are not in america? keep up the hard work dude. big fan.

[@Maple_Syrup]

It's so exciting seeing your journey unravel like this, we'll always support you!

[@ChrisEjizu]

It's interesting and helpful to see you talking about rejection in this way. I don't really see it talked much in this calibre and I think it's important to know how to navigate it and learn from it to be better. This was a really helpful insight into how your process is still going. Keep the momentum going Chris, hope to catch one of your shorts in the UK soon!

[@MovieCommunityCollege]

Wishing you the best of luck

[@kylewoodiel]

Hey Chris! Double check to see if it’s playing in the actual main theatre (which is IMAX btw) or if it’s playing in the other small theaters above the main theatre...

[@erikbakhshi]

It's definitely playing in the smaller rooms upstairs. That is where the theater typically hosts their events/festival screenings. The Imax auditorium is usually always booked for the main A list movies that are currently playing. Still pretty amazing feat to accomplish though!

[@kylewoodiel]

I had a feature film that was premiering at ScreamFest and thought it was gonna be shown at the Chinese Theatre. But it was in the smaller theatres above. Kinda cool but also a little disappointing at the same time.

[@moserfugger6363]

Very interesting stuff! It's so great to go on this journey with you and see you grow as a filmmaker. Been watching your channel at least since 2013 and it's amazing to see what you've achieved since then. I wish you all the best! :-) Greetings from Germany!

[@leifelsmo7023]

I love you chris. You’re a genuine inspiration. I’m in the shit making phase of my career, 19 and in my first year of film school - getting excited about all of the scripts I write and then having them turn out mediocre to terrible. One day though, I will make something good. I know it. You sprouted my love for film when I was 13 years old and I haven’t looked back since.

[@noppynorthside215]

First of all, congrats, Second, I really want to see it Third, when will you make a review about Akira?!

[@kylechen4148]

Holy shit. This video brought me back to the college application process. Best of luck - it really is just luck sometimes.

[@TheCreepypro]

man is it cool to see you realize your dreams through hard work and effort good for you man I still love your reviews to death but this segment has now become the thing that I anticipate most on this channel just because I think it is so good

[@jasonhall9791]

You're very right Chris. The film industry can be very strange today, but it always has been. But the way I look at it, as long as someone is creative, passionate, loves what they do and can bring so much to the table that's all that matters. I know you have been doing this for a long time and will do really well. I'm very proud of you. Keep up the good work.

[@gauravkashodhan2717]

You inspire me chris !! Love from india...i too wanna make movies !! 😊

[@BISimion]

Hey, dude, just try some festivals in Romania, they're great, and I am confident they'll accept your movies. There is like Transylvania International Film Festival (yeah, TIFF :)), but much better name), Clujshorts International Short Film Festival, Comedy Cluj International Festival (biggest comedy film festival in Europe), American Independent Film Festival. Side note: TIFF from Romania is great because your screening will appear in several Romanian cities, it is the biggest festival in Romania, and the reason it's the biggest, it's because it's like a caravan festival, so it will go from city to city, the main city being Cluj-Napoca. PS: If ever interested in a horror film festival, just take a look at Full Moon Festival, which is literally a couple of miles away from one of Dracula's domains. Also, you should try the other TIFF from Europe, which is the Tromso International Film Festival, maybe you get the chance to project your movie at the oldest theatre in Europe still running.

[@emilioster]

You go dude! I'll be here cheering for you and your filmmaking journey!

[@spencerdennis3148]

You’re a good one Chris. As a fellow artist dealing with rejection and self doubt always seem to be the toughest road blocks. Love this series

[@nicholasrose4556]

Hi Chris. I’m a massive fan. I was just wondering what sort of editing program you use?

[@jodjod6147]

Hey Chris, I was wondering if you could do a Movie Review on the Movie "Tag(2018)". Congrats on getting your short film out. I really enjoy your passion for movies.

[@mohitsawant8330]

Thank you, Chris! I was feeling a bit down lately thinking about my career. But your positive approach has really motivated me to keep working hard.

[@MrWadevideos]

Great video. It’s practical and uplifting. Congratulations on your success getting into film festivals.

[@carlosroman8947]

Hit up the Alexander Valley Film Festival in Northern California pls.

[@awesomeguy631]

Do you know if you happened to send it to the Miami Short Film Festival? My friends and I would go see it, probably not a school day though.

[@ritualhorror]

School days are the worst

[@jaimealfredogarcia7234]

Hey man you got to keep going. I've had plans of making small films but everyone usually leaves my project. But then there was a festival in my area and I spent countless hours on a script and characters. Unfortunately the film was rejected as well. But that won't make me give up and will continue making these films. So don't ever give up on what you love doing!

[@mrmeme526]

Please keep up this series Chris! I love hearing about your progress and, sometimes, setbacks with your journey! Really inspiring stuff mate!

[@tjtreviews]

Have any festivals in Utah accepted your film?

[@thehat2243]

Keep on keeping on Chris. You're awesome

[@PropritaryPanda]

Hey Chris! Found your channel a few weeks ago and just want to say that your passion for film making is very refreshing, keep it up and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[@WeaselWAN]

As a person who made a couple music videos for an anime convention I'll be attending shortly, this really spoke to me. My goal was to be selected as a finalist so that it would be shown to a voting audience and have a chance at winning the contest but sadly I wasn't picked. Dealing with that failure was legitimately rough for a bit but thankfully I have friends who support me and I decided to keep pushing and make more stuff and to improve. It was nice and comforting to hear you talk about that same kind of thing and how you overcame it and so on. Cheers to you, Chris! You're awesome, keep up the good work.

[@jeansjacket]

The video just started but i bet this is going to be intresting. I was hoping he would make a video like this because i want to go into film making to. Edit: this is one of my favourite videos by you chris its very helpful and informative as a person who dreams to make films.

[@thatsthechannel6505]

YEAH CONTINUE UR THING YOU GO GI- ummm… you go guy!

[@ShutThePhillUp]

Damn, I needed this video today. Chris, you’re the man. As a fan of your channel for a few years, I appreciate seeing another film lover taking on actual filmmaking. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m 31 and happy to report that I finally decided to take the leap and start making shorts. My first shirt I made this year is Wolverine fan film I made on my channel. I’m currently writing my second short. And I have dreams to make a feature someday, but I gotta start small first. And your video today gave me a good boost. THANK YOU 🙏🏼

[@keaunrocksyou]

You’re such an inspiration to all us starting filmmakers. Thanks a lot for the advice. I appreciate the Film Bucket List you made because it’s put me on to a lot of amazing films. Keep it up Chris!