Just another brief explanatory note that I left out in the first post: I am not writing these posts in real-time. That is, these posts were written quite some time ago; I am not writing them day by day. I am finished with “Julie & Julia” the book and have finished writing all the posts.
So that might clear up some illusions that you might have.
Day 2: “Joy of Cooking” / “Joy of Moviegoing”
It’s the last entry for other blogs in “The Origins Project,” and what better send off than with “Ross v Ross,” the blog that’s as much about debate as it is movies. Two lads from across the sea that share the name Ross engage in some very interesting discussions, and they are all fascinating to read.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
ROSS McD: My dad told me when I was about 7 in a pub (yes, Im Irish) that there was a film on on the TV in the corner that I’d probably like. It was called Return of the Jedi. He was right.
ROSS McG: That’s a hard one, but the film I remember watching more than any other when I was really young was Alligator.
When did you start blogging?
ROSS McD: Uh, around January 2009 I think…
ROSS McG: We started blogging in January 2009.
Why did you start blogging?
ROSS McD: Me and Ross McG were a bit bored and a bit peeved at some creative stifling in our jobs as journalists, and threatened for a very long time to start a movie website, which we deduced some rich person would buy of us for millions of pounds/euros, and we would move to Sausalito in San Francisco. Man, when I read that last bit back its sounds rather gay!
ROSS McG: To give me an outlet to tell Ross McD he knows nothing about movies.
What has kept you going?
ROSS McD: Ross McG’s constant nagging.
ROSS McG: Telling Ross McD he knows nothing about movies.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
ROSS McD: I guess I have to give Ross McG some credit. The whole movie blogosphere have been very kind and helpful to us actually, the likes of M. Carter, Katie, Kaiderman, Aiden R, Heather, Fandango (sorry to anyone who’s not off the top of my head) – I bet everyone has written the same mushy crap for this one!
ROSS McG: Ross McD – without him knowing nothing about movies I would be unable to find new ways to tell him he knows nothing about movies.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
ROSS McD: You know when you watch a totally awesome movie or a totally shit movie and you instantly think: ‘Aaaaggghh I wish I had some kind of outlet to tell/warn people’ – having that. The worst? Deadlines! You know whe you just don’t feel like writing, but Ross McG said he will kick your ass if you don’t? Does he do that with everyone else?
ROSS McG: http://rossvross.com/2010/06/03/what-are-the-best-and-worst-things-about-being-a-movie-blogger/
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
ROSS McD: Increased I suppose, if only to force you to spare yourself the embarassment of admiting you havent see a particular classic…
ROSS McG: Increased I would say.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
ROSS McD: Getting a TV gig out of it? Having a weekly newspaper column? Making the IMDb hitlist or WordPress front page is always a thrill…
ROSS McG: http://rossvross.com/2009/08/13/top-five-best-taglines/
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
ROSS McD: Get an angle I suppose, try not to blend in or you wont get noticed! Visit as many similar blogs as you can, great for meeting friends (sniffle) and robbing ideas!
ROSS McG: Find someone who knows less than you on a certain subject. Make sure they have the same first name as you. Stick a ‘v’ in between your names and put it into a URL.
Here we are, ladies and gentlemen. The main event. “The Marshall & Julie Project.”
I’ll only give the series a brief introduction before I just let my words speak for themselves. There are thirteen entries with a fourteenth, a reflective piece, to air at a later date to be determined. I’ll run one entry per day for the next thirteen days. Since they are fairly sizable posts, I’ll put all the text after the “see more” jump in the interest of not having a mile-long front page. The “Marshall & Julie” graphic, which I reserve the right to change very soon, and the title will run before the jump, however.
So sit back, relax, and read. Hopefully you’ll enjoy, too.
Day 1: “The Road to Hell Is Paved With Leeks and Potatoes” / “The Road to Hell Is Paved With Horror and Romantic Comedies”
Today’s entry into “The Origins Project” comes from Ruth of “FlixChatter,” who writes one of the classiest blogs out there. Some complain about WordPress’ boring themes, but I just get this professional vibe from her site design. Looks aren’t everything, though. Her content is great too.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
I’d like to think that movies is in my blood, as my late dad was a screenwriter/director back in the 60s and early 70s in my home country Indonesia. But the credit really should go to my late mom who took me to see Superman when I was a wee girl and I just fell in love with it. She was a movie buff also who would bring home various VHS movies from her vacation abroad, which fueled my early love for cinema.
When did you start blogging?
June 9th, 2009.
Why did you start blogging?
I got an assignment to design a blog for my client, which finally compelled me start my own movie blog, something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I actually started jotting down the name I wanted for my blog (luckily FlixChatter was still available at the time!) and what I want to put in it. Seems like I had always been emailing people about all sorts of flicks news/commentary so a blog is the perfect venue to combine my passion for writing and the movies.
What has kept you going?
Well for one, I’ve come to really enjoy blogging. But the biggest motivator to me is getting responses from readers and fellow bloggers alike. My eyes light up every time I see a comment on my post, not much else perks up a blogger’s day quite like it 🙂
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
I have to say my friends at work Becky (Prairiegirl) and Mike B. were my supporters from the get go, they had bookmarked my blog when I was still struggling to get barely 50 hits a day. I’ve also learned a ton from fellow movie bloggers who encouraged as well as challenge me to be better every day. My husband’s been a great supporter also, for putting up with the seemingly endless time I spend in front of my laptop! 🙂
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
Best part? Being a part of a community of people who share a similar passion and making friends along the way. It’s also a great feeling when someone tells you they like a movie you recommend, or seeing your post get quoted or referenced by other sites, it may seem trivial to some, but it’s huge for a wee blogger like me. The worst? Well, the time it consumed! I wish I were a better writer that I could write things, especially reviews, in half the time! Oh, and when you spend so much time writing a post and nobody comments on it 😦
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Definitely increased. The more I write about them, the more I appreciate it more as an art form rather than simply a piece of entertainment. For sure, it has broaden my movie ‘horizon’ if you will, as I learn about certain genres that weren’t on my radar. Of course, there are still movies I simply refuse to watch out of principle, and nothing would ever get me to enjoy horror/slasher flicks.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
Seeing my post(s) referenced (or linked to) by other blogs or professional sites are always thrilling, not to mention being asked to participate on a blog event (so thank you Marshall!).
IMDb has been kind to me for featuring several of my posts on the HitList section, especially the few times when I hadn’t submitted my posts via the HitList forum. The first time it happened I jumped up and down in my cube and ran over to Mike and Becky to share the good news, I could hardly contain my giddy excitement 🙂 It’s awesome to get recognition from a site that I visit every day, and seeing my blog stat shoots up never fails to add an extra spring in my step.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Go for it! It’ll make your life all the richer and more fulfilling because of it. Blogging has certainly make me happier as I get to channel my creativity and passion, and gives me something to look forward to every day. If you’re inclined to start your own blog, write what you love and write from the heart. Be patient when things don’t take off right away, I didn’t let lack of hits/comments stop me from writing the first few months. Eventually people will find you and you’ll watch your blog grow in no time. Oh, and for any blog, content is KING, that’s what keeps me coming back to other blogs!
Today’s entry in “The Origins Project” comes from two spunky bloggers, Chantale and Angie of “Cinema Obsessed.” After doing an episode of the LAMBcast with them – which was cut criminally short due to technical difficulties – and I was instantly won over by their unbelievable wit. Their site is beautifully diverse, covering just about anything and everything. They go further than podcasting; they have YouTube videos! How awesome is that?!
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
It started at such a young age that we can’t even remember! Our Dad is really the one that started picking out gems and showing them to us to see what we thought. That’s how we ended up seeing movies that most 5 and 7 year olds don’t get to see. That’s really how we were introduced to films from other generations, and how we developed our appreciation for every type of film.
When did you start blogging?
One of us had a blog about nothingness really, then we kind of decided that since we already had the know-how, that we would create a blog about our true passion. So CinemaObsessed.com was born in June 2009.
Why did you start blogging?
To channel the obsession and to find other people like ourselves. It was a way to talk about the thing we loved, and it’s always fun to find other people who agree… hell, even people who disagree are fun!
What has kept you going?
The support of other bloggers and movie buffs like us!
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Our friends and family were really supportive from the start, but it has really helped that we have each other. We always have a second brain to pick, to pitch ideas to, and to bounce ideas around with. Blogging together has been a great sibling activity!
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
The best part has been finding people who feel the same way we do about movies. So far there hasn’t been a worst part, as everything’s been positive! Ok If we have to pick a “worst part” it’s staying up way too late at night working on posts and obsessing over our content.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Increased, by far! Our tastes have expanded and we appreciate the little things so much more.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
It’s a tie between being named a Blog of Note by Blogger, and securing our gig with Hot 89.9 fm, a local radio station that comissioned us to create video movie reviews for their website.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Blog about something you love, and you’ll never run out of things to say!
As “The Origins Project” chugs towards its end, I figured it was time to revisit an old friend, Caz of “Let’s Go to the Movies,” one of my first readers/commenters. She runs an eclectic site, drawing from all sorts of sources to create posts that are always fun. I always love visiting the site and being surprised as to what the most recent posts will look like.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
While I have always watched films, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” has to take credit for really getting me into cinema and beginning the love affair.
When did you start blogging?
February 2009.
Why did you start blogging?
I was going to the cinema a few times a week and have hundreds of DVDs, so thought blogging my opinions on all of those films would be a good idea.
What has kept you going?
Getting feedback from people and the great group of other movie bloggers I have met over the last year and a half.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Again this has to be the fellow film bloggers who’s blogs were started around the same time as mine and we helped each other along the way.
What’s the best part of being a blogger?
When you get invited to previews of films a few weeks or month or so before the actual release. Even if I haven’t been able to go to any yet!
The worst?
When you totally lose being able to come up interesting blog posts, and stop posting for a while – writers block!
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
I seem to go through phases depending on what movies are due for release and what projects my favorite actors are in. But overall it has to have increased my passion.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
This is a tough one, I think it has to be when someone says they like my blog as that means the hard work I put in it hasn’t gone un-noticed.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion?
If its your passion you have to keep it your passion so that means go for it, don’t let anything or anyone stop you.
To someone starting a blog of their own?
Don’t give up! As starting off your blog has to be the most difficult time. Just keep working at it, and read other peoples blogs. Don’t be afraid to ask fellow bloggers for advice.
Today, “The Origins Project” takes a look at a new movie blogger, Brian of “The Soap Box Office.” I found his site after he found mine, and I’m certainly glad he did. After taking a look at his site, I can tell you that it’s very professional, and I look forward to seeing what’s coming in the future.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
The original “Star Wars” saga. Isn’t that the answer for pretty much every nerd? When I was a kid that’s all I even thought about. But I guess “Shawshank Redemption” changed the way I thought about movies. Before that all movies were just entertainment, “Shawshank” made 12 year-old me understand how significant movies could be.
When did you start blogging?
I started back in 2006. I slowly transitioned to writing solely about movies and that spawned The Soap Box Office, which has been working itself into game-shape for a couple of months now.
Why did you start blogging?
As a movie freak, I got sick of hearing my friends say they didn’t want to see this movie or that because some published critic said it wasn’t good. So many of the “real” critics, it seems, are out to impress only themselves and their colleagues. I, on the other hand, am just a dude who happens to watch a lot of movies. If I can give friends, coworkers, and seventh cousins a reason to go see a movie that they might have skipped because Armond White or someone like him said it sucks, then I’m happy.
What has kept you going?
I always get a little rush from an acquaintance or friend of a friend stopping me to say they liked what I had to say about “Movie X.” It’s a small ego boost for any of us I would imagine. Plus, at the end of the day, I just like to write. It’s my release from job stress and a better hobby than puppy kicking, which I gave up years ago.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Life in Equinox was the first blog I stumbled onto within the LAMBs. I’m not really one for asking for help and advice, but the opportunity to study some of the high quality blogs the group has to offer has been a great help.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
I just like having the platform, even if no one is reading. For a guy like me who has always been better at writing than talking, blogs are an outstanding thing. The worst I would say is the intimidation factor – there are so many wonderful writers out there pouring their hearts into movie blogs and at times it’s tough not to wonder if anyone is paying attention to mine.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Definitely increased. I’m an all-in kind of guy. If I’m going to rank all the movies I saw at the end of the year, I want to have a well balanced list to present to my mythical readers.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
I honestly get a kick out of every comment, whether on the site or in person. When someone says my review made them want to see a movie or, even better, that my review made them appreciate the movie more than when they originally saw it, I consider it an accomplishment.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Find something that differentiates you a little. I try to find a personal connection or anecdote to tie into every review I write. Some people like that, some people don’t, but it (at least hypothetically) stands out a bit from the standard review. And try to find a decent format for your site. I can’t tell you how many times I click on a site and the color scheme and format are so painful that I bail out immediately. They could be great writers but I’ll never know because the site makes my eyes bleed.
Back in June, I was treated to a blog review over at Anomalous Material, the spoils of placing in their commenting contest. I’ve allowed comments to flow without too much intervention, planning on addressing them all here in one post. This is that post.
Design – Divisive
… [I like the site because of] its simplicity. Not weighed down with a lot of gadgets, and such. You got what you need, and nothing more. But I also think that’s most effective because your site is set perfectly for that. Any more and it would just look cluttered.
… nice clean site that’s easy to navigate.
It’s clean and crisp.
I don’t think Marshall’s site design boring, though – clean and simple, as others have stated.
Clean albeit generic looking blog. Loads quickly.
The only problem with your site is the aesthetic but that is solely the fault of wordpress’s boring templates.
… Reorganize your side bar a bit. Categories down, latest posts/comments up.
I kind of love … the header …
Your site is a lot better since you removed The Blind Side from your banner.
Your blog has a banner which is good. I do think however that so many bloggers use the “collection of movie posters” banner that you might consider brainstorming and making a new one that is more original.
I wouldn’t mind it nearly as much were the images at least high res enough to be able to see them clearly. The double whammy of the “collection of posters” and out-of-focus pics (even weirder given their size) is probably my least favorite thing about your site.
I see you use pages and categories, have a review index, a search box etc…
… not a fan of the justified text.
Content – Good
I also love the content. Great writing, to the point, but amusing all the same.
Excellent reviews, polls…
… sharp, concise content, with a nice combination of honest reviews and random comment on obscure facts which always seems to work on nearly any medium.
… you don’t f**k around or make posts for posting sake.
There is some good content to read as of late. In the past, one of the main complaint I had was the large amount of “filler” content such as “Random Factoids”, trailers and other short posts that most people don’t really actively seek.
Great content too, I absolutely love … the reviews, movie previews, etc.
Random Factoids – Divisive
Though at times I am left scratching my head after a few Random Factoids.
Excellent … factoids.
I absolutely love the Random Factoids … always interesting to read.
I too love the way that they are offered as “Random Factoids”. There’s something wonderfully personal to that sort of style and structure.
Personality – Good
You have a nice distinct voice and sense of humor.
I’m liking it more the more I read and get to know you, so that’s a good thing.
Watch for excessive amount of the first person “I”, “my” etc… What can you do for me? Most visitors (who don’t know you) are not interested in personal diaries and accounts unless it can be immediately helpful in their own lives.
Community – Room for Improvement
I haven’t seen you being very active in terms of commenting in the movie blog community as a whole so I guess you could do a better job at that (we all could) as it drives good traffic to your own site.
I know you have been working hard to get a little community started with mixed success. Keep plugging at it and try different things: Discussion worthy content, less emphasis on personal accounts, engaging the reader. Contests are good ideas but they only have a temporary effect especially if the community and reader-base is small to begin with.
We’re getting close to the finish of “The Origins Project,” but there are still plenty of interesting entries, such as that of Frank Mengarelli of “Pompous Film Snob.” I’m pretty sure we discovered each other at “Anomalous Material,” bonding over our dislike over “The Blind Side.” Then he came and backed up my hatred of “Punch-Drunk Love” on my site, and he’s been someone I’ll always listen to ever since. He’s got a thing for Jeff Bridges (which doesn’t really show up here), too. And don’t let the name fool you – it’s a great tease because he’s neither pompous nor a snob.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
I would say that seeing “Batman” in theaters when I was 4 really, really got me into film and as I got older, I watched a lot of films with my Dad. Mainly Scorsese and John Ford films and once I got to middle school, that’s when I really began to branch off into the world of independent film and saw “Reservoir Dogs” for the first time.
When did you start blogging?
I started blogging days before Christmas 2009.
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I have a much deeper take on films than most people I know. I could talk about the decade of the 1970’s films forever. I can also talk in depth about the film “Cop Land”.
What has kept you going?
Lately it’s been other bloggers. Whether I agree or disagree with them, that’s what keeps me trucking.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Not really, I tend to go my own way.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
The best part are comments from other bloggers/readers who make insightful comments on my posts, maybe it’s a post on a film they’ve never seen before, or something in a film they never noticed. The worst when people comment just to comment.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Not one or the other, I have a very high level passion for film, and if I’m really passionate about a particular aspect of film, I scuddle off to my blog and write.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
When my blog gets linked on other film websites (IMDb).
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Be kinder than necessary because everyone is fighting some sort of battle.
“The Origins Project” today comes to us from Luke Tatge of “Journalistic Skepticism.” I’m just beginning to discover his site, but on the surface, it appears to be full of Oscar talk – which I absolutely LOVE. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do in the future, just as I’m sure you are looking forward to his answers.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
That’s a tough one to pinpoint. I guess one in particular comes to mind. Though I’ve sort of moved on from it since, I seem to recall the first powerful experience I had while watching a movie was a tearful end when seeing Apollo 13 in theaters. I remember thinking, “Why am I crying? I don’t understand.” That’s when I discovered how powerful a medium filmmaking is.
When did you start blogging?
I began blogging August 2009 – though it was several months before anyone noticed.
Why did you start blogging?
Honestly, I began blogging during my summer of unsuccessful job searching as a means of keeping my sanity, utilizing my writing/journalism degree (you don’t use it, you lose it), and reaching out to other lifelong film nuts such as myself.
What has kept you going?
It’s a great outlet for my film-obsessed hobby, and I’ve found quite a few kindred spirits out there. Film bloggers have got to be some of the most loyal colleagues and readers you’re likely to find!
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Well I should probably acknowledge two of my very first (non-relative) readers – and fellow Actor Factor columnists – Andrew at Encore Entertainment and Jose at Movies Kick Ass for keeping my comment count (and my will to keep blogging) up and running.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
The best – being able to write about your favorite thing on a daily basis and getting recognition for your time spent by your peers. The worst – I’m forced to do other far less interesting jobs to actually earn money. If only.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
It has to be the former – having undergone so many viewing projects to increase my relevance and credibility within the blogging community has pushed me to see so many incredible films I otherwise might’ve put off seeing indefinitely.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
Probably either my very first comment or perhaps the first time a fledgling blogger asked me for advice. Even though I hardly felt like an expert.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
I know most people say this, but it really is the greatest tool at your disposal – you have to network. Your key to starting a readership is interacting with other bloggers. I’ve also found a lot of success by using unique graphical and visual content, interactive features such as games and contests, and running columns for readers to keep coming back for.
This entry in “The Origins Project” comes from Tom Clift of “Plus Trailers.” Tom is an Aussie who led one heck of a LAMBcast on Pixar a few weeks ago – so epic it had to be split in two! His site is great too, looking at the future but also glancing back at the past. Be sure to check out his site and read his answers!
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
My favourite film of all time is Christopher Nolan’s Memento – I remember watching it and then halfway through thinking to myself: “this is the best movie I’ve ever seen”. I’ve loved movies since I wasa little kid, but my passion for “cinema” probably began when I was about 14. I bought myself the book “1001 Movies You Have To See Before You Die” and read it cover to cover, and I started trying to watch as many of them as possible. Memento was one of the first from the book that I watched.
When did you start blogging?
December 2008.
Why did you start blogging?
In my second last year of high-school a bunch of us put together a weekly student newsletter, and I began writing reviews for that. It only lasted two issues, but I just kept writing reviews and posting them to Facebook. Eventually I decided I needed a better home for them, and so I started my blog.
What has kept you going?
Getting feedback from people. It’s always a great feeling knowing people are reading what you write. Also I just plain love writing and getting my opinion out there!
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
All the people over at the LAMB have been big sources of inspiration.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
The best part is the sense of community. I’ve joined the LAMB, participated in of a couple of different movie podcasts, gotten pretty active on twitter, etc. It’s awesome being able to discuss films with passionate individuals from all around the world, and I’ve had the chance to interact with a lot of pretty cool people. The worst part is probably the sense that your site is never going to be noticed amongst the thousands of blogs out there.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Definitely increased. I see so many more movies now because I always want to have a new review up on my site. Being part of the blogging community has also made me aware of smaller movies that I might not otherwise have heard of, which I always appreciate.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
Probably being part of the first ever episode of the LAMBcast. Getting to talk over Skype to bloggers on the other side of the world from me, who I’d never met before, was a pretty cool experience.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Don’t use white text on a black background! I’ve always regretted picking that template for my own blog, but I’m too lazy to overhaul the whole site now. One of these days I’ll get around to it. Aside from that, try and be as active in the blogging world as possible – if you want people to find your site, go and find theirs!
Well, folks, as I approach the big day (in a week! ahh!), I’ve hit two big milestones that I have to thank all my readers for helping me achieve. I don’t like to use statistical benchmarks to measure success, but these are HUGE.
In the past week, I have hit 20,000 views and 1,000 comments!! It’s a concrete reminder of all the people that I am reaching, and all the people who feel compelled to share their opinions with me.
While I’m at it, I figured I might as well talk about what’s coming up. The unexpectedly popular “The Origins Project” will run until the end of the month when I will wrap it up with my own answers and a general overview of what we can learn from everyone’s responses. The Christopher Nolan extravaganza has come and gone, but you can look forward to a lot of reviews from Julianne Moore’s repertoire that I will contribute to the LAMB Acting School on her.
The commenting contest is still going on for the month, and I’m really encouraged to see how many people have commented even though I haven’t played that up very much. For those who might not have read the announcement back in June, it’s a contest for the top two commenters. First gets a poster for a Nolan movie; second gets an Amazon.com gift card. Maybe later I’ll get an early count for those curious…
And beginning on the anniversary is the “Marshall and Julie Project,” a very in-depth reflection on what really got me started blogging: Julie Powell and “Julie & Julia.” That will run for two weeks or so, and I really hope everyone enjoys it. It’s definitely going to be very personal and introspective.
Thanks for making July 2010 my biggest month – in TWENTY DAYS!
It’s another two-for-one special today for “The Origins Project” with Matt and Luke for “CyniCritics.” I’m only just discovering their site, but I sure do love their honest and often brutal takes on movies. The two writers are good friends, and their two takes coexist beautifully. They have a very versatile site that sports much more than just reviews. They give especially great answers, and it’s fun to read them play off each other.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
MATT: When I was really young, I loved Batman Returns and the Lion King. I think the “moment” when it happened was the beginning of the Lion King in the movie theater.
LUKE: The first film I went to on my own was Pirates of the Caribbean in sixth grade and I remember just how fantastic it looked on the big screen. The beautiful landscapes, the Hans Zimmer score and Johnny Depp were all too much for me to forget. I starting paying attention to how the movie was put together rather than just what entertained me, which ended up entertaining me in a whole new way.
When did you start blogging?
MATT: February 2010.
LUKE: That’s the date we started on WordPress with CyniCritics, but we blogged on MySpace years earlier unofficially with a few movie entries.
Why did you start blogging?
MATT: Luke and I thought it would be a good way to develop our skills for our (hopefully) future careers
LUKE: I saw a really nerdy friend on Facebook do music reviews on video and they were just awful. I figured it was about time I started doing film reviews now that there were better mediums than MySpace out there and I could for sure put together something better than that kid did. Besides that, I really like writing about movies.
What has kept you going?
MATT: I enjoy writing about movies.
LUKE: Matt. If I didn’t have him to push me this would never work out. On your blog you don’t get graded, paid or told what to do by your mother. With him around, I feel obligated to post things in a way. Also the success keeps me going. Knowing that when you put out something interesting or well written, people will read it and respond. That’s a good feeling.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
LUKE: Like I said, Matt has help motivate me and does some proofreading for me now and then because I am awful at spelling and grammar.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
MATT: The best part is having discussions about the things you are passionate about. The worst is that it doesn’t pay, and also when people view your opinion as stupid just because it’s different than their opinion.
LUKE: The best part is when you write something you know could be published in Entertainment Weekly or the paper. There are sometimes when I feel I could write seven pages about a movie, and it’s great writing. But the worst part is when it is the opposite of that, when you go to start a review or post and nothing comes after hours of sitting in front of the screen.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
MATT: I would say it’s stayed the same, but my writing about them has improved a little bit.
LUKE: I have the same passion. I no longer have the passion to make them, but that is because of something else. Now my passion would be to get to write about them.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
MATT: I can’t really think of a “proudest moment.” I guess I would say looking back at the beginning and looking at now and seeing improvements.
LUKE: My proudest moment is when our negative Fight Club review got a huge backlash. Matt’s analysis and discussion was too valid, educated and well written for a few people to be content with because they loved the film so much so they resorted to saying “you are the over-protective mother figure proud of her inbred child” which gave me a great laugh. It’s like whenever somebody like Lady Gaga becomes so unstoppable yet humble they spread teeny weeny rumors because they are defenseless. When somebody resorts to playground tactics like that, you know you are on to something.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
MATT: Do it… if you’re starting a blog of your own, just write. That’s the most important thing, never mind interactivity or layout. The writing is what they’re there to see, and if it’s good the rest isn’t important.
LUKE: This is where I have to disagree with Matt. Nobody is going to find your blog based on the writing. You have to have the appeal, either an efficient site, networking skills or some type of promoting skills to get people to your site, otherwise nobody is going to be reading s**t. Once you hook them though, you better bring the bait.
Today’s entry in “The Origins Project” comes courtesy of Dan the Man – or as his comments say, CMrok93 – of “Dan the Man’s Movie Reviews.” Gotta love the few 17-year-old movie bloggers out there, and Dan is doing it big over at his site. I really enjoy reading what other people my age can write, and I most certainly love reading Dan’s reviews. Want to know what gets other teens started? Read on, my friends.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
The one movie that began my love affair with cinema would have to be “Saving Private Ryan.” The film had me so mesmerized by how great and beautiful cinema could actually be.
When did you start blogging?
I started blogging around the summer of last year. I had a terrible first site, I was part of Freewebs and it just didn’t work out, and since October of last year, I have been here, writing day in, and day out.
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging cause I wanted show people my love for films and most of all for writing. I had opinions on movies that I really wanted to get out there, and the best ways to let it out there, is by writing.
What has kept you going?
The one thing that has kept me going is the support I get from the viewers. If it weren’t for the fellow reviewers and viewers who constantly comment, and give me pointers on how to get better, my job would have been done a long long time ago.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Many people have helped me out, but the main person has to be Aiden R., from Cut the Crap Movie Reviews. He was the main person who influenced me to get into movie reviewing, and when he gave me tips on how to get better as a reviewer, and even better blogger, it was just perfect. It’s even weirder how he knows my sister, but hey it’s a small world after all.
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
The worst part is probably the time it takes up. Usually when you watch movies some of them are incredibly long, and can almost take up half of your day. However, the best part is actually getting to see your material finished, and see the people who respond back to it. Also, getting linked by other bloggers is cool, because you actually feel like someone took their time to read your certain piece of material, and put it out there for everyone to see.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Increased a buttload. I have never looked at films the way I do now. I know so much more about the detail, effort, and production that is put into film, and I have came to respect almost every film for what it is.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
My proudest moment so far, has probably been getting accepted into LAMB. I was a blogger for over a year, and asked if I could join like 3 times, until I finally got in. I was so happy, I couldn’t believe it that I was now part of the big group. I know it all sounds dumb to some, but for me, as much as I tried, it was basically someone saying “here’s the credit for all your hard work, welcome”. I’m still waiting for that Lammy though.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Always write your exact feelings on a movie. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings if you hate a movie that everybody else likes, or a movie you like that everybody else hates. Keep on writing all the time, cause you’ll keep your material fresh. And most importantly, stay true to yourself. And never let other people tell you what to write or how to write it. Your heart and your soul is the one thing that should always go into your work.
Today’s “The Origins Project” entry chronicles Paul of “Paragraph Film Reviews.” He’s been providing succinct takes on movies for quite some time now, and I love reading them as a nice change of pace to everyone else’s (often myself included) long and verbose reviews. He even included his own screenshot for the post. Now there’s a guy that’s on top of things.
What movie began your love affair with cinema?
Not one, but the entire James Bond series. Seeing such a suave character living on the edge, saving the world, getting the girl, kicking ass and trotting the globe was just the best kind of movie experience and escapism you could hope for as a kid. Watched the VHS box-set every year when I was a nipper and just bought the DVDs to re-run the fun and get a Bond feature for the site.
When did you start blogging?
July 2009; I had a few days of sickness at home and had been toying with the idea for a while so collated all of my short reviews from a local music forum then posted them up online.
Why did you start blogging?
Main reason for the site is to document every film I ever watch. At university I was hitting 3 per day and trying to remember which films were which (let alone good or bad) is a nightmare. Between a review and the tags I have a much better chance at remembering what ‘that good Asian cop flick’, ‘that one with the car chase’ or ‘that one good Ryan Reynold’s film’ was way down the line.
What has kept you going?
Being able to look back to my year-old reviews and remember watching a film like it was yesterday means the site’s serving its purpose. The community aspect is fantastic too, a lot of readers will tell you what they think of a film and your review – good or bad – which is always great to hear. Sure the site would still be going without the comments and contributions, but it would be hella boring.
Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
My girlfriend’s been really supportive of the site; especially seeing as my new natural state is either watching a film or being hunched over the laptop writing / reading / commenting on the site and my awesome blogroll. She has also sat through some god-awful films, for which I could never repay her!
What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?
Best: having a legitimate excuse to get into advance screenings! Discovering new films through other review sites. Engaging with people that have as much passion about movies as you have. Being involved in huge arguments & debates.
Worst: Wish the reviews would write themselves. I always say that taking a page full of notes on a film then trying to cut it down to a single, concise paragraph is probably as time consuming as writing regular reviews. Also, thinking about your review in the middle of watching a film is also quite annoying.
Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
Increased. Dramatically. I was always a film buff before but now I feel withdrawal symptoms if I go a couple of days without watching a film or posting on the site.The BluRay/DVD collection has expanded three-fold since starting up the site.
What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
A small, self-serving, site like Paragraph Film Reviews will be under the radar forever. I don’t have major aspirations of going pro, getting published or winning awards (although wouldn’t turn stuff like that down if they came my way!!). Knowing there’s a hardcore of about 20 people who care enough about what I write to check the site regularly and chip in with their own comments and opinions is always reassuring.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?
Here’s a quick list of the stuff I wish I had known on day one:
Start as soon as you can; you’ll wish you’d done it years ago.
Don’t worry about your first few weeks/months; it takes a while to get into your stride and hone your own style.
Be honest with yourself; a lot of movie reviewers ‘go with the flow’ and mark a film depending on how it’s generally received. Don’t worry about being the stick in the mud, tell it like you see it and readers will genuinely respect you more.
Watch a film just before you review it: remember how awesome you thought a film was when you were ten years old, drunk or stoned? (you’re a legend if it’s all three) Watch it again to make sure you’re still in the same camp!
Review the movie, don’t re-tell the entire plot. Easily the biggest and most infuriating mistake of many ‘review’ sites – a sentence or two should cover the plot, any more and you’re probably in spoiler territory anyway.
Persevere; you won’t get 1,000 readers instantly, but once you’ve been discovered and indexed by google the growth is steady.
Drip drop; post semi-regularly instead of bunching reviews together. Start aiming for 2-3 posts a week to keep people interested and coming back to your site.
Most importantly, enjoy it! This should be a fun hobby, not a chore. If you ever feel like you may loathe watching films GET IN ZE CHOPPA and escape before it’s too late!!!!
Marshall and the Movies 
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