Giving It Up director Frank Ruy is in the comments section to answer your questions regarding the JFX Docmentary that premiered this week in Palm Springs.
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January 13th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Hey everyone, Frank will be here in a minute, so if you like, go ahead and start posting your questions now.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
OK sorry, make that about 10 minutes.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
UP. YeA! Hi, Frank! Welcome.
Steel has a number of questions. I have a few.
When you are warmed up (when), who was the first person to believe in you?
January 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Tell us about your dream. (when you are warmed up)
January 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
In FTR, Felipe (Ronnie tell’em) was isolated by the camera as Brit spoke about “the perfect picture” needed by paps and being followed everywhere. He was an example of irritation or monster-behavior, to my mind.
We have not seen the film. Did you isolate certain paps as well as contrasts between what’s possible versus what our guys face?
You have to tell us about Adnan please. C’mon.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
More to pick from:
1/ Where did you get the idea to make this doc?
2/ How did you come to start making documentaries?
3/ Why pick docs over dramas?
4/ What did you shoot the film on? Film? HD? DV?
5/ What were the biggest challenges?
January 13th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Some more random questions:
6/ How well did you come to know your subjects?
7/ Who are your inspirations when it comes to making docs? Favourite films?
8/ What did you find the most unexpected about the pap world?
9/ How has the pap world changed between when you shot the film and present day?
10/ Where can we expect to see this film after Palm Springs is over? Any other festivals? Any confirmed broadcasters?
January 13th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Wow. OK, Frank is running to his hotel room as we speak. He’ll be here in a few.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Professionalism I mean. Role models.
What captivated you about this story? Did you have dinner at anyone’s house?
January 13th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
We need KLM for her random questions. She’s the best and brings a wonderful air. Very nice balance.
KLM?
January 13th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Ha, I don’t expect him to answer all of those! He can avoid all of them if he wants. Just getting the ball rolling.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Hi everyone Frank here
January 13th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
so let me take a quick read of all these posts…the first question from Amethyst Mine…who was the first person to believe in me?
That would probably have to be SERGIO.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Amethyst Mine Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm Tell us about your dream. (when you are warmed up)
Lemme get back to this one…after I have finish this beer…
January 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Same here. They are great questions Steel. But I miss our whole gang you know?
We are a small crew tonight.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
What kind of reaction have you gotten to the film?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
YeA Linda is here. Hi, Linda. Please tell us Uli does not do those things around you.
Unless Frank is here already.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
In FTR, Felipe (Ronnie tell’em) was isolated by the camera as Brit spoke about “the perfect picture” needed by paps and being followed everywhere. He was an example of irritation or monster-behavior, to my mind. We have not seen the film. Did you isolate certain paps as well as contrasts between what’s possible versus what our guys face? You have to tell us about Adnan please. C’mon.
Certainly in the film you see just how and why JFX is a special group of people and photographers…keep in mind JFX is not just a company but a Band of Brothers…a family…and that makes for GREAT CINEMA!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Frank, How did you pick JFX over the other pap agencies out there.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Frank? You turning Hollywood on us now, gonna make us wait for you!?!?!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
What kind of flak have you taken if any, in discussing your “current” project while it was underway? Or even later?
Were you met readily with opinions about paparazzi or did peeps listen to you, as in listen to what you were saying and experiencing?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
How has your attitude changed as far as the paps go after spending so much time with these guys?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
OK, sorry, had to go back and approve his comments. Go ahead and read back through for Franks answers. We should be all caught up now.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I am catching up but I like him so far. Thanks Frank. Thanks Ronnie.
big heart
January 13th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
What did Sergio see in you Frank? What gave you faith, commitment, all the things the first person to believe in you may do?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
We do understand the band of brothers. We have become the band of supporters.
How can those of us that do not live in the area see the doc?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Steel_Magnolia Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm More to pick from: 1/ Where did you get the idea to make this doc?
-I’m always attracted to groups and characters that can best be described as existing on the so-called FRINGE…As for the paparazzi world being so highly publicized as full ‘Rogue’, “Horrible”, “Mean”, “above the Law”, “generally bad people” I smelled a rat. Always be careful of how the media at large labels and pushes a view of a certain group…I wanted to learn the truth about the people and not the conclusions being raised by a very select group of people with a limited amount of inside knowledge…
2/ How did you come to start making documentaries?
-I got my start in the industry by way of ABC News. I was a segment producer and director for “hard” news right after college and in my early 20’s. Then the economy crashed and I decided that I wasn’t in a position to get to feature filmmaking by way of that job. So I went to NYU Grad Film. The big break was editing a feature documentary called “A Stadium Story” in my second year at NYU. That pretty much solidified my path into feature documentary.
3/ Why pick docs over dramas?
-I really don’t see a difference at the end of the day between doc and traaditional narrative films. At the end of the day, a movie is a movie and I approach both types in similar ways. It’s always about STORY and CHARACTER.
4/ What did you shoot the film on? Film? HD? DV? 5/ What were the biggest challenges?
-Shot on HD Video. Simply too much shooting to warrant the cost of shooting on film.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Good one G. Frank. We are Team Adnan and Team JFX. Perhaps that is synonymous. Did anyone warn you?
Thanks very much for being here.
What kind of beer would that be?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Forgot the biggest challenge question…
The biggest challenge was getting to know the JFX-ers. Getting them to know as much about my life/background and reasons for doing a film about them…TRUST, was the biggest challenge and YES we have built a great trust.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Thanks, Frank!
Does anyone shoot on film anymore?! Probably not, eh?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Linda Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm What kind of reaction have you gotten to the film?
Film played to a packed Palm Springs audience on Monday morning. The response was overwhelmingly positive. For example, a lot of comments like…”Oh my gawd, I can’t believe that’s what really goes awn…” “Oh my gawd, these guys are so wonderful” “Oh my gawd, I never would have thought…” “Oh my gawd, you changed my mind”…stuff like that.
The film screened in Germany…and the typical reaction there was…’AACK, America is such a mess, but we very much enjoyed your film!”
January 13th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Like many businesses paps have their own language from what we have seen. I know we do not know anywhere close to all of it but those of us that have been here the last year have learned alot from these guys. How had was it to learn the lingo and be accepted into the band of brothers?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
gigi Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm Frank, How did you pick JFX over the other pap agencies out there
That’s an easy one. C’mon they’re JFX!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I would love to see it. Through the lens of JFX we have learned alot and love to watch these guys in action. I know they have changed my attitude on paps in general. I also realize there are good ones and bad ones out there.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Amethyst Mine Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:08 pm What did Sergio see in you Frank? What gave you faith, commitment, all the things the first person to believe in you may do?
You’d have to ask Sergio this question, I would just be guessing. But I think I “came correct” and told him as much about myself as I wanted to know about him. A two way street; a true exchange. But oddly, I felt comfortable with Sergio the minute I met him…like I’d known him in a previous life. You get that sometimes with certain people.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Yes Frank we realize they are JFX and how wonderful they are but just wondered how you picked them over all the others? Did someone tell you to check them out or how did you hear about little JFX. Compared to some of the others they are small.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
gigi Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:09 pm We do understand the band of brothers. We have become the band of supporters. How can those of us that do not live in the area see the doc?
The hope is to do the festival circuit for the next year and pick up a distribution deal for the US. So the answer is…I dunno. Prayer?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I’ve been watching a bunch of docs on Netflix lately. Will we get to see yours there?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
-or buy Ulises some korean BBQ and maybe he’ll pirate a copy for you.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Stella!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Pretty powerful Frank. I liked our answer to “1/ Where did you get the idea to make this doc?” particularly well.
About the guys. LOL. I have been paranoid and “self-sacrificing” offering up the three digits to my debit card to Ronnie. LOL. It seemed important to offer them support as a person. Supportive, you know?
LOL. What do you think of Ronnie’s new bod?
ok, not your area. But he has worked out hard, huh?
Adnan is in the film yes, as more than a passing figure? You focused a little on him because?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
That just sounds terrible at 11:23 p.m. but those last digits on a debit card are not in context to this thread. Sorry. Ronnie please laugh. Help me out?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Amethyst Mine Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pm What kind of flak have you taken if any, in discussing your “current” project while it was underway? Or even later? Were you met readily with opinions about paparazzi or did peeps listen to you, as in listen to what you were saying and experiencing?
Sure there are people who will have preconceived opinions about a group like the paparazzi and they won’t necessarily change those opinions…I’m fine with that, I got to spend every waking moment of my life during the creation of this film living my dream. Sounds good, right?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
If Frank focused on our man A then its because he was Mr. Pap. lol I focused on him because he is a cutie. lol I do hope A is in there. I love to see him on that side of the camera as well as behind it. Yes Ronnie is rockin the new bod.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Pretty powerful Frank. I liked our answer to “1/ Where did you get the idea to make this doc?” particularly well. About the guys. LOL. I have been paranoid and “self-sacrificing” offering up the three digits to my debit card to Ronnie. LOL. It seemed important to offer them support as a person. Supportive, you know? LOL. What do you think of Ronnie’s new bod? ok, not your area. But he has worked out hard, huh? Adnan is in the film yes, as more than a passing figure? You focused a little on him because?
Thanks. As for Ronnie’s body, that is not a film i’m interested in making….
Adnan was not the focus because, JFX was the focus. But maybe…just maybe we’ll be seeing an Adnan story in the future too…maybe….
January 13th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
it’s only 20 lbs. people. not like a good friend of mine who dropped 120 lbs. i’ve still got a ways to go. AND lets stay focused on Frank here!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Sounds like my dream also lol. To spend my waking hours tailing this group. I do it as best as I can from my computer many many miles away.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Me too, Frank. Stella!
I think I saw a U.S. distribution of the film for this week online but one had to pay a monthly subscription for the channel.
For what it is worth, I am glad you did this film and I am thrilled by the response you received Monday.
Your experience in Germany is not surprising. It’s a different world. Did you show it in France and if so, what was the response?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
How hard was it to get backing for this project or to get others to believe in what you wanted to do?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Ha, Frank, I’ll fly down and be your camera girl for that one!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
20lbs? wow ronnie! there should be a Biggest Loser: JFX Edition!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I am also glad you did it. It is hard to get people to understand that what they think they know is so wrong when it comes to this group of men. I would love to be able to show them. I hope you continue to get great response to it.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Your experience in Germany is not surprising. It’s a different world. Did you show it in France and if so, what was the response?
France not yet, although i think maybe a deal is in the works there to get it on the air…stay tuned to JFX ONLINE (forgive the shameless plug)
January 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Is there any type of follow up in the works?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
nah, uli just needs to shave his body hair off and he’ll lose 30 lbs. did you see the best of pap 101 today?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
There are just no words for pap 101 today. I laughed so hard I cried.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
The fact that the paps are controversial ought to help you get distribution.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
gigi Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:31 pm How hard was it to get backing for this project or to get others to believe in what you wanted to do?
It was actually a really simple pitch…I mean, c’mon former gang member paparazzi…that’s a no brainer…We went for the deal that gave us the filmmakers the most autonomy to tell it the way it is…and we did just that i think.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
“I got to spend every waking moment of my life during the creation of this film living my dream. Sounds good, right?”
You are more seasoned I imagine than I, but passion comes at a cost. And still. Your answer is honest, truthful, to the point. You veil nothing by “veiling” nothing. Thank you.
I like the way you talk.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Linda, I agree. This has become a hotter topic than ever since the film was shot. Good luck, Frank!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Steel_Magnolia Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:32 pm Ha, Frank, I’ll fly down and be your camera girl for that one!
There are only camera people…(heh, wink)
January 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
So, Frank. Did you get to have dinner at anyone’s house? From our gang I mean. I want details. Food, camaraderie, laughing at yourself, all that shyt and being surprised by where you were, and not so.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
anything more?
Getting back to the dream question I guess…
To think as a filmmaker everyday of my life…to keep making movies for as long as live…to take part and contribute to film history…yeah, something like that.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Linda Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:35 pm The fact that the paps are controversial ought to help you get distribution.
it’s a double edged sword…the paparazzi world is so over exposed nowadays…but i think GIU offers the audience something you really don’t see on mainstream tv…
January 13th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
But a subject can be *too* controversial. A few years ago, I talked to Gregory Nava and Barbara Jitner about a doc they had done on immigration. Everyone thought it was inspiring at the beginning when they were talking about the Chinese, Italians, etc. coming here years ago but got very uncomfortable with the last episode about a woman trying to get across the border from Mexico so she could feed her family. Then 9/11 came along and I don’t think the movie ever came out. These are famous guys – they did “El Norte” and “Selena.” Docs are a tough sell.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I’m sure I would have lots more questions if I had seen it first. I sure hope it comes my way at some point. Then again mybe Uli will pirate us one. I’ll have to think that over.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I have a question for you Frank. Is there any story that you shot that didn’t make it into the final film that you can talk about?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Thanks Frank for taking the time to talk to us. Sorry but I’m checking out for the evening. Talk to everyone tomorrow.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Ok, so we’re coming up to an hour now. We’ll start winding down now. Any last answers or comments Frank before we let you get back to your beers?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Amethyst Mine Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm So, Frank. Did you get to have dinner at anyone’s house? From our gang I mean. I want details. Food, camaraderie, laughing at yourself, all that shyt and being surprised by where you were, and not so.
So many dinners…so much red meat…If i could have replaced my right eye with a camera I would’ve, because there’s an even better film that no one will get to see…the dinners, the late nights just talking about everything from the deepest to the silliest of things…I miss those experiences the most. That’s the real stuff of life…
I never felt out of place with JFX on those nights, they accepted me and respected what I was doing with the utmost sincerity and openness…They’re a special group of dudes…and they know how to have FUN!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
SO WHO’S COMING DOWN TO PALM SPRINGS ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON!?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Yes, a lot of great stuff seems to happen when the camera ISN’T running!
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us tonight.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Ah. Thou art a poet then.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I won’t be in Palm Springs, but if I run into you at another festival I’ll try to introduce myself.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I knew it was a good question to ask.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
too many italics. sorry.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
We’re planning on a caravan! I can’t imagine how this drive is going to go. I’ll be sure we have the camera on most of the way.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I’m too far away from Palm Springs but I’ll be in Phoenix for the weekend. Good night all.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
We might have Giving It Up in the can by the time we get there Frank
January 13th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
The sequel I mean.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Thanks everyone for the continued support! Wish us luck! This was really fun! Thanks Ronnie, see you on Thursday! First round’s on me!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Night G.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
OK, thanks Frank. Have fun tonight. We’ll see you on Thursday!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Goodnight!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Night everyone. I’ll be posting a new Pap 101 in a few. Jonzen vs. Sylar!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
270 miles. Can a citizen even get in?
I really appreciate you being here. You’re a person.
ha. You know that! I hope you may enjoy the ride. I wish only good things for you but it sounds like you got a lot from this film and are fortified without having asked for it.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Night all. Thanks, Ronnie.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Night AM
January 14th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Did you have a bad day Uli?
January 14th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
What happened to Uli to make it a bad day. Did not think he ever had bad days.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
He heard all the womens were loving Ronnie and his bangin bod.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
lol AM. 20lbs my ass. He has lost more than 20lbs. Looks great.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
LOL! And he let his hair grow out a little. It looks so touchable.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am
lol Yes it does AM
February 5th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Hello? Hello?
February 5th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Are we switching threads soon?