Project Greenlight: A New Generation

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.

My score of 8 is for Project Greenlight, but that said, it was incredibly frustrating watching chosen director Miko Winbush completely ignore producer's notes regarding shooting alternative versions of every shot. She was told time and time again to take advantage of the resources around her, but also to hold true to her vision. And all she seemed to hear was "stay by your vision" and ignored all the problems that were popping up from producers and the studio.

She was also told about problems occurring between the personnel from PGL being in the way of the movie making, as well as other issues and she shrugged them off as "not her problem." Well yes, all those things are your problem, you're the director! She came across as arrogant and unwilling to make any changes to her process of making a movie. At one point she took off to go to "look at the stars" during the editing process when she should have been there with the editor 24/7! I have never seen someone so uninvested in the opportunity given to her. I really wish the people choosing the director, at the beginning of the series, had considered her lack of communication skills so they could have chosen someone who was better at communicating because she was horrible at it.

This whole show just leaves you with an unpleasant feeling, watching unlikeable people strive to shift blame to a first-time director who, if you believe the edit we're shown, isn't putting much work in and has no vision for what she wants to do. The situation puts her in an impossible time crunch with a lack of resources, gives no helpful feedback other than "fix the script" (a script they gave her, not one she wrote herself), then to act surprised and disappointed when it doesn't work out. While Meko does not come off well, she had no chance of succeeding. We're repeatedly told that she's lazy (which is funny in a series meant to "give a woman a chance" the other women involved spend the whole time tearing her down), but no one flat out tells her this while the movie is being made. They hint and they bicker and they say it behind her back, passing the blame for a shoddy product away from the 10 useless producers and mentors to someone who had no clue and wasn't taught anything about how to make a movie. By the end you just dislike everyone involved and want them to stop talking.

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.

The "mentors" slash producers didn't do what they should have. Not only weren't they hands on in making this a success but they chose the wrong person as the winner. Had they been present in any way we would have worshipped this show. We would cheer for anyone the chose. Don't start a project you can't half ass do.

Plus notes. The actors are incredible. The casting director understood every assignment and was absolutely worth everything.

I wish I could write a more positive review. Because I was rooting for everyone the whole time. And was so disappointed at the end that they really just chose the wrong person then couldn't be available to mentor them to succeed.