Anyone Either in the entertainment industry, planning on entering the entertainment industry, or just working on any large scale collaborative project involving creative content must watch this.
I've worked in video games for years, and while the medium is different, the dynamic of producers and creative personnel, neophytes and experienced moviemakers, and very real interaction of personalities on this show make it a must se for anyone either taking part in or overseeing a large scale creative project.
Unlike other "reality shows", everyone involved in this series is far too busy with the day to day work of putting the film together to mug for the camera. As a result you get to see who it competent, who is just guessing. How tough decisions get made and how events are put into action. You see a man get the "prize" of being responsible for the dispersment of a million dollars. (Sounds great until you realize he has to explain all of his decisions to someone else...) You see a major part of the production staff get fired, and understand the events that forced that situation to take place. You see people who may be typically described as assholes make tough decisions, knowing full well that there will be large scale consequences no matter what action they decide to take. And you discover that an asshole is often just someone who has to make a really difficult decision. You also see that sometimes that person is just an asshole.
I cannot say enough good about this series and each and every person involved with it. Its like quantum movie making, where just the act of observing the action, changes what actions are taken, like when the documentary crew is asked for their input during the selection process...
Absolutely stunning.
If HBO doesn't release this on DVD after it is finished they are doing themselves and everyone else a grave disservice.
I've worked in video games for years, and while the medium is different, the dynamic of producers and creative personnel, neophytes and experienced moviemakers, and very real interaction of personalities on this show make it a must se for anyone either taking part in or overseeing a large scale creative project.
Unlike other "reality shows", everyone involved in this series is far too busy with the day to day work of putting the film together to mug for the camera. As a result you get to see who it competent, who is just guessing. How tough decisions get made and how events are put into action. You see a man get the "prize" of being responsible for the dispersment of a million dollars. (Sounds great until you realize he has to explain all of his decisions to someone else...) You see a major part of the production staff get fired, and understand the events that forced that situation to take place. You see people who may be typically described as assholes make tough decisions, knowing full well that there will be large scale consequences no matter what action they decide to take. And you discover that an asshole is often just someone who has to make a really difficult decision. You also see that sometimes that person is just an asshole.
I cannot say enough good about this series and each and every person involved with it. Its like quantum movie making, where just the act of observing the action, changes what actions are taken, like when the documentary crew is asked for their input during the selection process...
Absolutely stunning.
If HBO doesn't release this on DVD after it is finished they are doing themselves and everyone else a grave disservice.