Sharks episode one

[mia]

BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA These are pool players... but although, I'd expect pool players, by nature, to be better actors than the average person.

I know they are pool players. I recognize most of them. Sean Morgan. Michael Yednak. Jen Barretta. Caroline Pao.

Frankly, I think Alaska and Yednak did an amazing job. Largely because they didn't say anything. The rest of it was just a bit (I'll sugar it up and go with the word most people seem to be using) 'forced'.

I get what Jim's intentions were... showcasing the drama that goes on OFF the table while still incorporating the drama that goes on ON the table. The problem is... the pool was the only moderately interesting part. The acting was 'forced'. The story was 'forced'. And while I appreciate JAM liking that the music was different, I wouldn't say it was different in a good way. It didn't match the tone of any one scene. I guess that too was 'forced'.

Thus the comparison to crappy soaps on spanish networks. Sometimes you're better off NOT being able to understand what's going on.

 

[jimM]

really

I know they are pool players. I recognize most of them. Sean Morgan. Michael Yednak. Jen Barretta. Caroline Pao.

Frankly, I think Alaska and Yednak did an amazing job. Largely because they didn't say anything. The rest of it was just a bit (I'll sugar it up and go with the word most people seem to be using) 'forced'.

I get what Jim's intentions were... showcasing the drama that goes on OFF the table while still incorporating the drama that goes on ON the table. The problem is... the pool was the only moderately interesting part. The acting was 'forced'. The story was 'forced'. And while I appreciate JAM liking that the music was different, I wouldn't say it was different in a good way. It didn't match the tone of any one scene. I guess that too was 'forced'.

Thus the comparison to crappy soaps on spanish networks. Sometimes you're better off NOT being able to understand what's going on.

Mia,
Tell me when you're in New York, I'll put you in the show.

 

[mia]

Mia,
Tell me when you're in New York, I'll put you in the show.

Jim,
That's a tremendous offer! Really. Very kind of you! I would LOVE to take you up on it too. Alas, unlike most of the cast here, I am fully aware that I can't act to save my life.
Regards,
B

 

[jimM]

what can you do?

Jim,
That's a tremendous offer! Really. Very kind of you! I would LOVE to take you up on it too. Alas, unlike most of the cast here, I am fully aware that I can't act to save my life.
Regards,
B

If you can't act, what can you do?

 

[mia]

If you can't act, what can you do?

I can do a lot of things. For example, I can give honest opinions about things that I see.

Apparently, you can add "not act like an adult and take critiques like a man" to the list of things you CAN'T do.


Please Jim, simmer down. I'm not saying a single bad thing against Jim Murnak. The show just wasn't that great in my opinion. If you'd like, I'll go back and delete any comments I may have made and replace them with things that read more like:

"This is the best thing that has ever happened to the pool industry AND the entertainment industry!"

 

[jimM]

No, you don't understand

I can do a lot of things. For example, I can give honest opinions about things that I see.

Apparently, you can add "not act like an adult and take critiques like a man" to the list of things you CAN'T do.


Please Jim, simmer down. I'm not saying a single bad thing against Jim Murnak. The show just wasn't that great in my opinion. If you'd like, I'll go back and delete any comments I may have made and replace them with things that read more like:

"This is the best thing that has ever happened to the pool industry AND the entertainment industry!"

No, you don't understand. I have nothing against you either. You're probably a very nice person, but it seems that people feel that they have to tear down everything that other pool players are trying to do. I can't even say that that is your motive, but the end result is that people who are trying to do something to help the sport ultimately get discouraged from the unnecessary mean things said about them by other pool players.

I don't know why that happens. But I would venture a guess that you haven't gone on line and said anything extremely negative about any tv show or web series that you've seen and you didn't like. Maybe because you can do this, is the reason. I don't know. What we are trying to do is very hard and if you don't think that your so called honesty doesn't hurt and discourage people, I think you are very wrong. These people are trying very hard to do something different and also something to help the sport at the same time.

If you don't like it, then you don't like it, understood. But in your personal life, do you always tell your family or your friends the truth, as you see it, no matter how hurtful it may be? I think not. I don't want you to lie, I just want you to understand what you are doing and try to put yourself in the position of being someone who receives mean criticism as you have been giving. We are going to go on and the stories will evolve. Maybe someday it will be good enough for you to watch. Until then, please consider the consequences of such nasty remarks.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Cdryden]

This TV show is retarded. Nothing but a way for some slutty chicks and Horny men from Amsterdam to promote themselves even more. Hear this: NOBODY cares. None of you can play pool, and the pool (or the world at large) world could care less about any of you guys.

Grow up.... I didn't think it was perfect but I truly appreciated the effort. I'm glad at least somebody is trying to do something for pool. Have you?

 

[FastManners]

Nice

I am slightly biased, but I think it is great that someone is getting off their derrière to do something positive instead of sitting back and saying what is wrong with pool.
Productions like this can only help to paint pool in a good light and hopefully bring some much needed mainstream dollars in to the game.

Great work Jim.

 

[Hits 'em Hard]

Will probably get red rep for this, but I too thought it was pretty bad overall. Everything just seemed so forced.

It's not what you say, it's how you say it. That other guy was just being an ass.

Yea things are very amateur because that's what this series is. These aren't professional actors. The whole thing just didn't have millions thrown into each episode like the big networks you're used too. Overall it will improve as everyone becomes more comfortable in their roles in front, and behind he camera.

 

[nathandumoulin]

I personally applaud Jim's efforts. Sure, the show has it's faults and doesn't cater to everyone, but (as far as I know) we aren't paying to watch and there are no episode sponsors. As such, this is his *hobby*.

He knows some players, likes making videos, and loves pool. So he combined them into a fun little project that he's decided to share with us. How many of you have ever dedicated that much time and effort to a hobby out of sheer passion?

I don't have to like the show to appreciate his effort, ambition, and love for the sport.

Thanks for sharing Jim.

 

[Taco]

Sorry but it's really tacky. There are plenty of threads about what's wrong with pool and this video exemplifies the reason. It's trying to sell pool with T&A when it should be sold by the incredible skill that great pool players have. One person's opinion.

 

[DGHustles]

I think it looked great, and Jim worked very hard on it clearly and I can respect that. But generally it left quite a bit to be desired. But then again, it was only 10 minutes and the first episode. I hope it gets a little better, look forward to watching the future episodes to see the progress

 

[thefonz]

where are women like that at my local hall???

I personally applaud Jim's efforts. Sure, the show has it's faults and doesn't cater to everyone, but (as far as I know) we aren't paying to watch and there are no episode sponsors. As such, this is his *hobby*.

He knows some players, likes making videos, and loves pool. So he combined them into a fun little project that he's decided to share with us. How many of you have ever done dedicated that much time and effort to a hobby out of sheer passion?

I don't have to like the show to appreciate his effort, ambition, and love for the sport.

Thanks for sharing Jim.

now there's some credit from someone that's heavy on talent.
for all you haters, take it for what it is.....entertainment, and maybe a little more spotlight on the pool scene isn't bad for anybody. i'm sure Jim didn't have the expectations of winning an Oscar for this film.

now as far my opinion goes, let see some more of that BOOBIE SHAKE@ http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4lIwrTujLi8#!!!!!!:thumbup:

 

[iusedtoberich]

I liked it. I thought what others called "forced acting" made the show look more real to me. It looked on purpose to me, rather than bad acting.

I also thought the story line was interesting. I will definitely be coming back for more.

** Disclaimer: I was addicted to 2 soaps for 5 yrs. LOL **

 

[9ball]

Jim, Congrats on getting this episode out! I know how tough that can be. As a fellow film enthusiast , I have some pool video/ movies ideas of my own with my son Manny, And I know its easier to think than to actually write and film.

I think you are on the right track , Bravo! To you for doing this and getting it done!:smile: I look forward to your next episodes.


A Fan
Hector P

 

[rayjay]

I thought it was fun to watch and I bet it was fun to make too. Everybody's gonna get better. Looking forward to more!

 

[Celtic]

Cons

1) As mentioned above very soap opera like, not a good thing.

2) Since when do you need an "in" or a connection to play the money players? Most of them are looking for people to actually gamble with, not the other way around. Trying to create the idea that playing a money player requires a connection is silly, the show should focus more on a person trying to get good enough and build a bankroll in order to play against someone. The Hustler had this correct 50 years ago, this show does not. Switch up the story to a guy gambling people and building a bankroll so that they can play against the top player in the city for a large amount of cash. Show them climbing the pool ladder.

3) The acting is forced, and so is the plot, because as mentioned above it makes no real sense. There are plenty of "real" stories from real pool players you can look into to get ideas. Read McGoorty, read Danny D's book, read Rags to Riches, get ideas of how it really worked when people were up and coming and attempt to create a more realistic pool world for the show to be set in.

Pros

1) The video camera work is pretty solid. Production values in many ways are quite high.

2) The actual pool shots are very realistic with regards to the actual game. In this one thing you have gone beyond what The Color of Money or Pool Hall Junkies ever did and this is something pool really needs to be presented properly. Most movies get into "trickshotitus" and the game looks ridiculous on film and nothing like it really is. The actual "on table" video is some of the best I have seen, if and when you do an actual match I am interested to see how you cut it and develop it to keep the realistic feel and add the excitement and drama of the actual match.

3) You will learn. I am guessing you are relatively new to producing this type of thing, it is not going to be perfect but the more you do the more you will learn and who knows in 5 years you might make a new show 100 times better with a phenomenal storyline and far less forced dialogue and situations that become a huge hit.

 

[JAM]

Thanks very much for your nice comments. I really appreciate them. If you have any questions for the actors, I will try to get them answered.

Jim

My advice to you, Mr. Jim, is to pay attention to the positive comments and don't pay attention to those who have non-constructive criticisms. This will only wear you down.

Be true to your vision or end result, no matter what anybody else thinks. If your vision is strong, then, by golly, be all that you can be, and you will soar. You know what they say about three kinds of people in this world: those who watch things happen, those who make things happen, and those who wonder what happened.

Be true to yourself and keep on keeping on. You're making things happen, something a lot of folks aren't capable of. Best of luck to you on this. I like it!

 

[Bambu]

If you guys wanted academy award acting out of a short film, you expected too much. Nice job Jim, I appreciate your work. I'd like to see someone do a scene about action, maybe a road player strolling in. Backers, sweaters, railbirds, side bets, etc.

 

[edd]

Sharks first episode is running on the front page. I hope you enjoy it. It has been fun and difficult at the same time, so thank you in advance for watching. I'm making sure that pool is not being shown in a bad light, but as a vehicle for different stories to evolve.

Thanks,
Jim

Thanks, Jim, for your efforts!! The video and production work is top shelf, indeed. I believe many here are missing the larger point. The quality of the production and the pool scenes are the selling point - and, what hopefully would be a draw to future vehicles; namely, garnering the interest of TV/movie producers. Then, you would have other story lines and professional actors.

I look forward to the remaining episodes and give my best to everyone involved