Seeing Season One of Freefall was like getting set up on a blind date with an attractive guy’s Best Friend. You get all hyped up thinking the date will be as sexy as him, only to find out that his friend is a Lord of the Rings Ork. We expected this series would be like the director’s previous work but we were bamboozled. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all bad…I mean, the opening title sequence was good…and…there was music in there…and…and…it wasn’t Street Behavior. Yes…that. That was the best thing about Freefall, it wasn’t something much much worse, Street Behavior.
The camera and lighting looks good sometimes but its inconsistent. The story makes sense and is easy to follow which is a big plus compared to some of these other series. However the audio and acting is pretty poor throughout. Okay, less talk, more recapping.
Opening shot, we’re introduced to Xavier and Trent. They’re in bed and they’re about to have some good old fashioned morning gay anal sex. “Hey Mom, Dad, Grandma! Check out my new web series! The one that starts with gay anal sex!” “Boy…I’m so proud of you. That was the best damn Gay Hookup Anal Sex Scene I done ever seen.” *Wipes Tear*
The filmmaker seemed to be saying, “Y’all bitches want a Gay web series?! I’mma give you a Gay Web Series! Here ya go, gay sex in the first 30 seconds! Take that, Mothafuckas! Bussin’ all up in ya FACE! OPEN WIDE, BITCHES!!! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!” [Gladiator reference, son. That’s how I get down.]
Yes, it turns out that Xavier is just visiting because this was a Hookup…a random sexual encounter. I think. Its hard to tell because the audio is so fucking nonexistent throughout most of this series (see the advice given to Finding Me above). Although it seemed like that was their first time having sex, we learn that Xavier has actually spent the night there. The sex must have been better than he let on if he not only stayed overnight but he also agreed to have sex again that morning.
He goes to the bathroom after our introductory sex scene and talks into the camera. Oh shit, the writer is using the character to tell us back story and exposition instead of just showing it? Methinks the filmmakers are waving a “Red Flag,” sire. They’ve surrendered! Thanks to Xavier’s recap, we learn that he’s currently in a relationship and he’s cheating on his dude with a complete stranger all because his boyfriend hasn’t slept at home in TWO WHOLE FUCKING DAYS!!! Damn son, Xavier is a needy, clingy, high maintenance lil bastard. Despite his good looks, Xavier’s stock is rapidly dropping.
Next is Trent’s turn to have a chat with us. Trent seems to like Xavier and says he hopes to find one consistent “piece” but everyone wants to “live in the moment.” Ahhh, Trent…saying sweet things like that makes me like you more already. Then TWO MINUTES later he says to Xavier, “I don’t do relationships. Never did, never will.” Trent, make up your mind…Seriously, we just met you. Stock plummeted. What is the opposite of living in the moment? A fucking relationship, stability, consistency. Sigh. Freefall Writers, is this what we have to look forward to for the rest of the season?
We’re only five minutes into Episode One and these Freefall Writers are already making my brain go:
Xavier leaves. Finally! For a hookup, he was doing way too much. LEAVE ALREADY! Needy, clingy, high maintenance, chump ass character, argh! Next thing I bet he’ll be asking if he can move in with him! Oh wait, that DOES happen?! Wow!
Trent’s “straight” roommate Cam shows up and makes makes an Astroglide joke. Clue #1 that he ISN’T straight. Then he asks Trent if he got penetrated during his Hookup…details about his roommate’s gay sex affair. Clue #2 that he ISN’T straight. Then he asks to watch a movie with Trent…in Trent’s bedroom…while stretched out on Trent’s bed, ass-up in the air. DING DING DING! We have the Gay Trifecta! He’s a homo. But we’re still led to believe that Trent thinks his roommate is 100% hetero.
ARGGH! FREEFALL WRITERS! *Waves fists in the air*
Episode Two, man. Lehgo! Xavier and his boyfriend had a fight apparently, all because he cheated, and he feels regret. We know this because the character literally tells us this. Yes. This is taught in filmmaking 101…but on the what NOT to do side of things. Xavier goes on to tell us, “Its like I can’t do anything right.” No, Xavier, you can’t. You’ve demonstrated that very well so far.
We jump to Trent and Cam’s place. Xavier is moving in today. Wait, when was that arranged? Nevermind. Cam doesn’t like Xavier moving in, Trent does. What can go wrong? Cam flashbacks to a past relationship, I was right, he’s a homo. Not only is he a homo, he’s a Gay Marriage homo. He wants to get married but his boyfriend doesn’t. The boyfriend asks Cam if he still loves him, he says “you always did want too much.” Yes, Cam. That is the proper logical response to that specific question from a man that you just recently wanted to Gay Marry. [sarcasm]
Trent, Cam and Xavier finally meet. Blah Blah Blah. Cam leaves. Then Xavier and Trent go at it again until we reveal that trent doesn’t Kiss men nor does he perform oral sex. Sigh. This wouldn’t be so bad if this wasn’t the ONLY piece of character development that Trent is given in the entire series by the writers!!! In fact, ALL of the character development is given through a gay lens. Besides the fact that Xavier is originally from Florida, we know NOTHING non-gay about the characters. NOTHING!
“Team Vers, all day.” says Xavier
ARGGH! FREEFALL WRITERS! *Waves fists in the air*
Cam comes back home to find Xavier watching TV on the couch. Cam looks like he’s either really sleepy or he’s on heroin. Hopefully its that latter. Then the writers will have given us SOMETHING to indicate that these are real people. Not just cardboard cutouts to fit preconceived Gay stereotypes and archetypes for a shallow gay audience. Alas, nope. He’s just really sleepy. Anyway, they have a quiet chat. Almost too quiet for a web series lacking an external microphone. Seriously, this isn’t Nick Delmacy sarcasm. I literally couldn’t hear half of this scene and many others like it.
Cam reveals to Xavier that he’s gay. No big deal right? Well, only that his best friend and roommate doesn’t even know yet but he felt the need to volunteer this information to a complete stranger that his friend is fucking, volunteered unsolicited by the way. Cam goes on to say he’s adjusting to not sleeping with a lover. He leaves for bed, because he’s real real tired, remember? Then Xavier turns to us to say, “I don’t ever wanna get used to sleeping alone.” So he climbs back into Trent’s bed. It’s confirmed: Xavier is an idiot and a bad character. Really. This is no reflection on the actor who plays him. This character, like the others, are just not written very well. If the Freefall Writers’ attempt was to get us to dislike every one of their inconsistent characters, Mission Accomplished.
Just when you thought Freefall couldn’t…well, “fall” any lower (pun intended), We are given an over-a-minute scene of Cam masturbating. Not only that, he’s masturbating in the most awkward position humanly possible. And on top of all that, he’s talking to his penis. Yes, he’s having full conversation, asking questions and everything. If this was meant to be a comical scene, it failed. It was just embarrassing. Here’s the gripe with the writing: what about Cam’s laid back, serious character implied that he was also the type of person that would say to his penis, “Daddy’s been busy. Oh, you’re much bigger in person.” Sigh. And where did Cam suddenly get all this new Masturbation energy?! Just TWO MINUTES ago he was leaning like a heroin addict from exhaustion!!!
Trent walks in on Cam jerking off (of course) and gives him masturbation advice. Yes. This all happens. The next day we see all of the roommates together with some new guy named Chad. Who cares. We won’t learn anything substantial about him so why bother? They play some drinking game, get into a lot of messiness. Each roommate is insulted. Its all pretty predictable and boring. That evening, Trent has another hookup over. One that doesn’t wanna have sex, he just wants to chill. Trent gets bored (welcome to the club) and tries to choke the dude out! Wait, what? When was violence established in his character? Was this supposed to be a demonstration of misdirected anger? It couldn’t have been because the roommates had just made up in the previous scene. You know what, I don’t care.
I’ve figured it out. The Freefall Writers were Bane and they broke the back of the director before filming this mess so that he couldn’t live up to his former critical glory.
I wanna see Lamont Pierre climb out of this shitty pit as we chant: Deshi-Deshi Basara-Basara! Deshi-Deshi Basara-Basara! [Dark Knight Rises reference, son! *Drops Mic*]
To be fair: The new season of Freefall premieres soon and they dropped a trailer for it. It looks like they may have solved some of the problems of the first season…but we’ve all been fooled before.
Time will tell.
The fun continues next week as we round out the last 5 selections for our Web Series list. The remaining shows get much better in quality, acting and storytelling but they still have some flaws worth mentioning (and making light of).Let me know how you like my show recaps. If you dig it, I’ll do them more often.
If we joked about a web series that you were a part in making, remember its all fun satirical criticism. Nothing personal. Props to you for having the courage to put your work out there to be criticized. If anyone wants to counter a critique mentioned here, you’re more than welcome to do so in the comments section. Just be sure to abide by our Comments Section rules.
See you next week!
– Nick D
Nick Delmacy
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I have finally stopped laughing at the wit, jokes and pictures. Thank you for lighting up my day.
More importantly the honest constructive criticism was the “meat” of this feedback sandwich.
Kudos to you for having the patience and stomach to watch these web series…I would have never done so nor do I plan on watching most of the black gay web series out there. These reviews and commentary are hilarious and ‘bulls eye’ on point.
I have a strange feeling we will continue to see the copycatting conceptual idea of many characters paths somehow intersecting that was made popular by the movie “Crash” with an M. Night Shyamalan twist.
To me this shit is somewhat mentally lazy and I am beyond tired of it.
****Thought****
You know how many young black males want to be famous athletes or rappers and enjoy the millions in riches and notoriety?
I feel like many gays want to be famous but don’t have the similar “millionaire famous” role models to look up to. They want to see their name in lights and they want this notoriety FAST.
So if they can’t sing or dance or don’t want to be in gay porn…they do the next best thing and that is to quickly write, star in and produce a gay web series that is shot with a home video camera.
I also think it is a part of our overall narcissistic society.
OMG you have me rollin’ with this…. Nick you are so outspoken! LOL. I guess with the ratings of at least one star, you guys are giving these guys some credit! 😛
I’m aware the hyper-masculine aura of this site is not to fond of uber gay lingo, but Nick.. its undeniable that you served pure shade in your post above. With that said, the majority of criticism was technically justifiable (while being a bit harsh). Yet, hopefully this list doesn’t discourage black LGBT filmmakers, but more so encourage them to do better. So in the spirit of “Each One, Teach One” here are some tips for current and future filmmakers.
BASIC VIDEO PRODUCTION GUIDE
THE CAMERA – Canon T3i Body ($518.99 on Amazon)
In this beyond accessible/affordable DSLR era, their is no excuse for serious filmmakers to be filming with their Grandma’s VHS Camcorder from 1993. Many of your favorite independent and (even pro-scale) filmmakers are filming brilliant video productions with DSLR cameras that you can afford even on a minimum wage budget.
THE LENS – Canon EF 50mm 1.8 Prime Lens ($110 on Amazon)
I’m going to try to keep this simple and sweet by just saying primes.. Primes… PRRRRIIIIIMMMMEEESSS. Assuming if you’re filming with a DSLR and you’re still recording video with a pre-packaged 18-55mm kit lens, you are surely failing at life (or at least decent videography). To say in short, prime lenses are key in capturing that juicy bokeh (blurred background/forground) look, while offering quality footage even in darker light settings. You can start off with the uber affordable standard 50mm prime (starting at around $100 a pop) and eventually invest into a decent wide angle and telephoto prime (I.E. the Sigma 30mm 1.4 or Canon EF 100mm F2).
THE AUDIO – Do NOT Record Audio With The Built-In Camera Mics
So, while Nick was destroying hopes, dreams and everything in the list above, dude highlighted the importance of quality AUDIO, while showcasing a key piece of Audio Gear (the Sony ZOOM H4N Audio Recorder). Now to further elaborate on what Nick noted earlier, I’m going to attempt to give you a quick breakdown of what you need (Audio Wise), so you can avoid having your video production with bathroom alley sound qualities.
Audio Recorders – Sony Zoom HN1 ($99 on Amazon)
Now an External Audio Recorder *ALONE* is normally not enough if you’re trying to film a quality video production. Even though it can be great for interviews and live performances, its not the best standalone option when trying to record a film/show, since you have to be relatively close to your talent while recording (which may not be appropriate for every shot). Even though you can sneak a External Audio Recorder into a shot *Discreetly* (I.E. placing it on a table, etc..), its best to use a External Audio Recorder + Shotgun Mic Combo (see below).
Shotgun Mic – Rode VideoMic ($149 on Amazon)
Most shotgun mics can be attached on top of your DSLR camera (aka HotShoe) and pointed towards your talent, in which the device can actually pick up a pretty damn decent audio feed (even from a distance). Paired up with a decent external *Audio Recorder* (maybe the Sony Zoom H1) and you got yourself a powerful Audio Recording Combo.
THE LIGHTS – Film Lights + Barndoor Kit ($149 on Amazon)
Now if you can’t afford a basic light kit, I advise you film in natural daylight outside only. Although, if you want to film those good old gay orgies, that folks seem to be so thirsty for, than please invest into a decent light kit (similar to the one listed above).
THE ACCESSORIES/GEAR (Some Items Are Optional)
– Tripod – Raveli 61inch Tripod ($18 on Amazon)
– Slider – Glide Gear Video Stabalizer ($100 on Amazon)
– Stabilizer – Opteka SteadyVid Pro ($150 on Amazon)
THE SOFTWARE – Adobe Creative Suite CS6 (POW)
I know I’m going to get a lot of slack for this, but FUCK FINAL CUT PRO. Adobe is running the entire Graphic/Media Production industry now and Final Cut can just fall back, But seriously, Final Cut Pro is still worth learning, since its still the standard for most video editors. But Adobe After Effects and Premiere have really stepped up their game in recent years, offering features that IMHO blow FCP away.
THE RESOURCES
BORROW LENSES
http://www.BorrowLenses.com
If you can’t afford certain equipment or just need a specific piece of camera gear for short period of time, BorrowLenses will seriously save your fucking day.
FILM RIOT
http://www.youtube.com/user/filmriot
Easily one of the most educating, but still incredibly entertaining tutorial series for amateur (and pro) filmmakers.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS OF ALL
– Creativity
– Determination
– Motivation
Being a aspiring filmmaker myself, I started with just a dream. I’m far from where I want to be as a visual artist, but I continue to move forward in making this dream a reality (peep some of my past work below).
FRANK OCEAN – Voodoo (Unofficial Video)
I was riding the waves of Mr. Ocean, far before he came out.
DISCREET: Labor Day Party (2012)
“Shade” or no “Shade”, the gay world needs more creative truth tellers.
As for your equipment advice to filmmakers, while its all looked very informed and thorough, none of that technical stuff was really that big of a deal to me as you saw in my critique of the web series. I mostly focused on story, acting and characters. That is they main problem they have. True, they could all use help getting shots in focus and/or making sure the audio sounds better, but I’d still enjoy a web series with technical problems WAY more if it at least was well written and featured believable acting.
As for discouraging future amateur filmmakers, I hope I did. There should be a filter in these people to make sure their work is quality BEFORE they go putting it out in the public. But as i stated in the article, most of these shows get a lot of web views and have lots of “fans” so what you and I say about what they need to do to improve means nothing to them since they are already (somewhat) successful.
Speaking of No Shade, there’s a new black gay series with that exact same title (from the folks who brought you the viral fuckery known as Goons VS Gays). It may be a bit to “fem” for the Discreet City crowd, but its actually has some decent qualities to it (as well as some common stereotypical flaws).
Now, even though I agree that a solid story, amplified with quality acting and character development is key in a proper film/series production. None of these creative factors substitute for the fundamental foundations of core filmmaking skills. You can have the greatest actor/script in the world, but without a decent director, cinematographer, video editor, producer, etc.. all you will have is a cute screenplay and a overpriced piece of talent. Each puzzle piece in the art of filmmaking plays a paramount role. This is why I give credit to even the most flawed inde filmmaker. since many of them are juggling the majority of the production (Director, Producer, Video Editor, Sound Mixer, Key Grip, Screenplay Writer, etc..) all on their own.
Not saying this give them a free pass on constructive criticism, but I refuse to discourage another young black gay filmmaker from following their dream, since we are damn near non-existent in the film/television industry as is. I’m sure many critics discourage Patrik Ian Polk, Maurice, Deondray, Quincy, etc.. but if they didn’t defy the disapproval of others, they would have never pioneered the platform for so many inspiring black gay filmmakers.
So as much as we criticize how flawed many of these productions are, lets learn from these mistakes and motivate ourselves to create better video productions of our own. The tools are not only out here, but are accessible to all. Their is no excuse to complain about the lack of “Masculine Men Of Color” in Gay/Bi video productions, when we have the power as a community to visually create these non-stereotypical stories.
1. Re: No Shade web series…wait until Part 2 of the the list…You may be surprised…
2. What I meant about discouraging black gay filmmakers: These wack mofos should stop. Not defending my position, just stating fact. My opinion is if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it as right as possible and try to get better each time I do it. If I try to sing, but I sound HORRIBLE, I’m not gonna release a mixtape and expect nothing but praises just because I’m black, gay and made the attempt…that kind of blind encouragement is only for pre-school kids.
One one hand you say quality and techincals matter then on the other hand you say we shouldn’t call out wack quality and wack technicals for the garbage that they are and just automatically support the gay filmmakers for the attempt…Very Inconsistent.
I enjoyed the “24” reference.
LOL I’m mad that this is the first time I’ve put one on Discreet City. I used to love that show.
Well u may be overwhelmed with non-erotic pleasure, Kiefer Sutherland said he would love to do a 24 movie and they are in talks to do one now.
We have to do better. At least they are trying to depict more masculine guys, but nothing comes close to DL Chronicles. I hope the creator of DL Chronicles could make another series that’s similar to the ones listed above.
Your critique was spot on, I thought I was the only one thinking that these series are overrated. People only watch because they’re gay lol
Yeah The D.L. Chronicles continues to be the best representation of gay men of color for the sheer fact that they add more character nuance outside of just BEING GAY. You feel like these characters actually exist.
Nick Bravo for being opinionated and funny. I had only seen Freefall and a few Finding Me episodes but I hadn’t seen of the other shows. Naturally, I wanted to at least watch a little bit of them before I read your reviews. They were pretty bad.
But I will commend them for painting such wonderful gay worlds replete with ridiculously beautiful men with high sex drives and great bodies. In the words of Liz Lemon ‘I want to go to there’
I’ll check back to see the next set of reviews. Please keep the comedy coming.
Agreed, I don’t mind gay sexuality and eye-candy depicted on these shows. I just wish the writing, directing, camera work, lighting, audio, editing, acting and music were better. Damn, that basically covered everything, lol. Its hopeless.
OMG…am I dead yet? You spoke the truth. I’ve seen only two of them and always wanted more. I dunno, maybe its too expensive for some who really want to send a message. BTW thanks for the info on cameras because I’m in the market for one and had no clue what to look for as I work to expand. Man, I friggin love this site lol ….now….on to this Kerry Rhodes story. I’ m so thirsty to hear your thoughts
Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllled iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttt……
I have hope for Freefall! If they could only beef up the acting & character development, I’d stick around. Everything else…eeeennnnnhhhh…
P.S. WTF is up wit Venom (the er, um….pornstar…) doin minisodes??? (yeah, that’s his pornstar name…LMAO, I’m not ashamed!!)
This sht right here niga….lmao. Im not an astorlogy expert, but Ima throw my bet in that Nick is either a cancer, sag, or a virgo, cus this review…
Hilarity aside (pls dont ever have ur grandma watchin ur youtube gay web series hookup scenes), the qaulity is pretty bad. I could give you a pass on cam quality if you at least stopped using all of ur friends as ‘actors’.
But oh well…at least this review was fukn hilarious! Nick, Ima treat you to a 40 of Old E for that 1
This was absolutely hilarious in every conceivable way lol I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard at anything I’ve read in a very long time
LOL glad you enjoyed it!
Mama’s Boi is one of the better ones, especially season 1.