Project Greenlight: A New Generation

Project Greenlight showcases a stark contrast between the exceptional talent of director Meeko and the frustrating behavior of the producers. Meeko's directorial prowess shines, but the producers' demands, insistence on diversity decisions, and constant interruptions create a tense and challenging environment. It's a revealing look at the complexities of filmmaking behind the scenes.

The producers' behavior in 'Project Greenlight' paints a disheartening picture of their relentless interference, incessant complaints, and inappropriate pressure tactics. Their actions not only undermine Meeko's creative process but also highlight the challenges faced by directors when subjected to unwarranted scrutiny and micromanagement. It's a stark reminder of the detrimental impact that such producer-director conflicts can have on the filmmaking journey.

This show litterally shows why Hollywood is failing today. They gave this Woman an amazing opportunity, and yet must force their views and opinions into every move she makes. All while forgetting that making film and tv has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with equality. They litterally had an uproar because she liked the creative input of a White man. So much so that they forced her to have meeting with Black production designers who they approve of under the guise of equality instead of their racism. Disgusting! Litterally pretty much said to the Woman, oh look at you your in your position right now because we put you there because of your Color and not your creativity. This is an extremely bad look for HBO.

The story they show thinks it's telling, and the reality hiding underneath, creates a fascinating tension. Ostensibly about a first time director, Project Greenlight quickly becomes about the production company, their demands, unrealistic expectations, lack of mentorship, and misguided advice.

Watching the production team twist themselves into knots to cast themselves as the stars and heroes of this documentary is truly magical television. Even with complete control of the edit, the production company comes across as passive aggressive, controlling, and vain. They tell the director constantly to speak up and stand up for herself, but when she pushes back on their suggestions they accuse her of arrogance and a refusal to listen. The "mentors" are completely absent and working on other projects, making their concerns (only expressed behind the director's back) ring hollow.

It's very telling when an HBO Max VP shows up to chastise the director. He admits that they really don't care about the movie; they're doing this for the reality tv show side. This prioritization was already evident from the many times the documentary production pulled key crew aside for talking head interviews about how they were over time and running late, or setting up shots in the way of the filmmakers.

One of the most entertaining things to watch is the tension between the producers' stated values and their actions. They want to empower the director to execute her "vision", and then undercut her every time her vision clashes with their own. They want to create a diverse set of newcomers, but then accuse the Black 1st AD of being "aggressive" when he tries to do his job of protecting the film's set and crew. They want to "do things differently", but then insinuate she doesn't care about the project when she asserts boundaries over her personal time and what additional work she will take on. They say they want her to succeed and will do anything to help, but give her a terrible and unfinished script, insufficient time, insufficient money, and a total lack of real advice. The cast and crew seem to respond really well to the director and all the crises are common on a low-budget set, so their frustrations seem overblown.

If you can refuse to give in to production's edited perspective, you'll have a great time watching the show!

I absolutely love the concept of shows like this and the Chair, but like the Chair my issue is with first and foremost, the finished product is always subpar. However, the most frustrating part of this show is 1. The Director herself is so meek and passive (understandable at 1st this being her 1st time writing a feature) but at some point she needed to STEP IT UP. Equally, if not more frustrating, are the passive agressive Producers who held meetings and then meetings AFTER the meetings w/the Director to complain instead of actually addressing their grievances in the ACTUAL meeting. They spent so much time walking on eggshells for fear of coming across as mean or hurting the directors feelings instead of actually speaking up about the issues. As Producers they failed at their job to show backbone and actually COMMUNICATE with the Director. Who herself, was very meek and passive.

The Hoorae team really left Meeko hanging. The point of the show was to uplift female filmmakers and specifically first time filmmakers. They instead played the blame game and gossiped behind her back. I understand Meeko wasn't perfect and wasn't always receptive but the teams from the previous seasons of PGL were 100% more professional and stood by their director while being firm with them. No one on the Hoorae team was clear or direct. It felt like watching catty high schoolers.

Also, the screening scene was rough to watch. I hope it was just edited that way but everyone saying no words at all was heartbreaking.