HVX200 Short Film - All night exteriors

[SignalPix]

Shot this in and around Minneapolis the first couple weeks of June for a local contest (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge). First time using the HVX and liked it. Wanted to share it with y'all. Love to hear your cheers and jeers.

So, here you go: Forgotten (http://www.signalpictures.com/films/forgotten.html)

[JimiK]

That was nice.I liked the lighting,framing and the old lady.
What kind of audio set up did you have?
Keep up the good work.
Good day.

[kevinM]

Wow, that was really great. Nicely done.

I'd be interested in seeing the full-res version in HD to see how you were able to deal with the low-light noise.

[SignalPix]

That was nice.I liked the lighting,framing and the old lady.
What kind of audio set up did you have?
Keep up the good work.
Good day.

Hey, JimiK. The audio set-up consisted of a Sennheiser ME66, boom pole, shock mount, windjammer, and XLR cable. We went straight into the HVX, no mixer. Thanks for your kind words. BTW, it's up for an audience award in this online short film contest. If you're so inclined, please vote (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge) for Forgotten.

[SignalPix]

Wow, that was really great. Nicely done.

I'd be interested in seeing the full-res version in HD to see how you were able to deal with the low-light noise.

Hey, KevinM. I'm a bit of a novice on the tech side, but with a little guidance I'd be happy to upload a full-res version in HD. If you're up for it, please drop me an email or PM. Thanks for your kind words.

[TimurCivan]

Looks nice :)

[MalcolmOng]

Great looking short. I originally intended to skip through it and observe the images, but it managed to hold me througout. Excellent job all around - acting, lighting, etc. It truly looks like something you'd see in a bigger movie. What was your lighting like? It was impressive how you managed to light the night exteriors

[Spartacus]

Good film!
I kept watching besides the propaganda!
How big was your lighting set up?

[jinks]

Brilliantly done! Keep up the good work. I would also like to know about your lighting set up.

[JimiK]

Thanks for the info
Just voted for you mate.
Good luck.
Want to see more stuff from you soon hopefully.
Good day

[SignalPix]

Looks nice :)

Thanks, Timur.

[SignalPix]

Great looking short. I originally intended to skip through it and observe the images, but it managed to hold me througout. Excellent job all around - acting, lighting, etc. It truly looks like something you'd see in a bigger movie. What was your lighting like? It was impressive how you managed to light the night exteriors

Hey, Malcolm. With regard to lighting, all the credit goes to my friend, DP Jon Springer. A talented director in his own right. We kept it light and guerilla-style since we had a small crew. Jon and I both have our own Arri light kits (1k, 650, 300), so we had those. In addition, I rented a 2000W Honda Generator (which I'm sure you heard in some scenes), 800w HMI Joker Bug, combo stand, stingers, and dirt.

I was also pleased by what we accomplished with so little. We watched this short on a 100" screen and I was like, "Man, this looks good!" We'll see how it holds up projected theatrically next month. Thanks for your kind words. BTW, it's up for an audience award in this online short film contest. If you're so inclined, please vote (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge) for Forgotten.

[FilmBoy77]

looks good man. where did you get the music?

[SignalPix]

Good film!
I kept watching besides the propaganda!
How big was your lighting set up?

Hey, Spartacus. I hear you on the propaganda piece. It's funny, I was raised Lutheran, but now I'm Unitarian. So I'm not into proselytizing, but when I read the script I thought the writer, who is Catholic, tells a good story of two people coming together despite their differences.

With regard to the lighting please refer to my previous reply to Malcolm. Thanks for the compliment.

[SignalPix]

Brilliantly done! Keep up the good work. I would also like to know about your lighting set up.

Hey, jinks. With regard to the lighting set-up, please refer to my previous reply to Malcolm. Thanks for your kind words.

[SignalPix]

Thanks for the info
Just voted for you mate.
Good luck.
Want to see more stuff from you soon hopefully.
Good day

You're welcome, JimiK. I appreciate your vote and the kind words.

[Spartacus]

Hey, Spartacus. I hear you on the propaganda piece. It's funny, I was raised Lutheran, but now I'm Unitarian. So I'm not into proselytizing, but when I read the script I thought the writer, who is Catholic, tells a good story of two people coming together despite their differences.

With regard to the lighting please refer to my previous reply to Malcolm. Thanks for the compliment.

Yeah, but they come together just as a the beam of light hit the quotation on the gravestone, reminding the nun that we are all gods creatures and "were made in the image and likeness of god" - hehe I don´t wanne dive to deep into it, but I´d call that pretty propagandistic :evil:
BUT as said, perfectly executed with good storytelling:thumbsup:

[SignalPix]

looks good man. where did you get the music?

Hey, FilmBoy77. With regard to your question, I get my music from APM Music. Thanks for the compliment.

[SignalPix]

Yeah, but they come together just as a the beam of light hit the quotation on the gravestone, reminding the nun that we are all gods creatures and "were made in the image and likeness of god" - hehe I don´t wanne dive to deep into it, but I´d call that pretty propagandistic :evil:
BUT as said, perfectly executed with good storytelling:thumbsup:

Hey, Spartacus. Yeah, I can see your point. What I saw in that moment was the hypocrisy of supposed flag bearers of moral integrity; how the pious are human and can be just as coldhearted and judgmental as the next person. Thanks again for the compliments.

[ChipCurry]

Just viewed Forgotton. Brilliant. Acting absolutely right on, writing stellar, directing mature. It got my vote. Only thing I did not like was the lounge music theme over credits.

[Indywannabe]

Ok SignalPix...I'll bet you purposefully messed up the titles so we would watch it.

Good job. I cried...

[Spartacus]

Hey, Spartacus. Yeah, I can see your point. What I saw in that moment was the hypocrisy of supposed flag bearers of moral integrity; how the pious are human and can be just as coldhearted and judgmental as the next person. Thanks again for the compliments.

That´s a valid point, but this scene is still in the tradition of the sinner who through devine intervention changes his path and becomes a better person (nuns included:cheesy:)
BTW how did you judge your image while shooting?
I imagen this is the original captured contrast, or did you "overlight" and pulled it down in post (which I doubt...)?

[SignalPix]

Just viewed Forgotton. Brilliant. Acting absolutely right on, writing stellar, directing mature. It got my vote. Only thing I did not like was the lounge music theme over credits.

Hey, ChipCurry. Wow. I'm really grateful for all the positive feedback. I'll pass along the comments to the screenwriter. She'll be thrilled. I appreciate the comment about the music too. That's actually the end of the song that the movie opens with. I thought it a good bookend, but I can see where you get the lounge vibe! Thanks.

[SignalPix]

Ok SignalPix...I'll bet you purposefully messed up the titles so we would watch it.

Good job. I cried...

Hey, Indywannabe. No, no, no, I swear the F'd up titles aren't intentional. :) I would love to have this issue behind me so I can submit to festivals. Oh, well. Thanks for your kind words.

[SignalPix]

That´s a valid point, but this scene is still in the tradition of the sinner who through devine intervention changes his path and becomes a better person (nuns included:cheesy:)
BTW how did you judge your image while shooting?
I imagen this is the original captured contrast, or did you "overlight" and pulled it down in post (which I doubt...)?

Hey, Spartacus. Yeah, I can see how some could interpret the film like that.

Regarding on-set monitoring, I was allowed to demo the Panasonic BT-LH1700W 17.1" Widescreen HD/Cinema monitor for the duration of the shoot. And what a treat that was! The DP said it was essential for maintaining critical focus necessary when shooting HD. To your other point, yes, this is the original captured contrast (no stopping down in post).

[doublearon727]

The production looked professional. I almost forgot I was here only to see the visuals but got sucked into the story. Great job. The nun was such a great character, I guess because she exceeded what I stereotypically thought how a nun should react.

[doublearon727]

Good film!
I kept watching besides the propaganda!
How big was your lighting set up?

That commment was kind of rude with a sense of smug superiority. Especially to someone who was showing their visuals from a personal project they did, on the dvxuser. not cool.

I may not be catholic or christian but I looked at the piece with understanding and didn't think it was biased. There was no need for you to make such an absurd judgement. Where's the mutual respect and understanding for other "HVX200 enthusiasts" in that?

FYI, I have no problem with your free speech, I just happen to not agree with your particular statement and tone.

[TimurCivan]

just everyone be mindfull of the no religon, no politics policies of DVXuser.

[SignalPix]

The production looked professional. I almost forgot I was here only to see the visuals but got sucked into the story. Great job. The nun was such a great character, I guess because she exceeded what I stereotypically thought how a nun should react.

Hey, doublearon727. As an aspiring filmmaker, I don't know if compliments get better than: "I almost forgot I was here only to see the visuals but got sucked into the story." The way I see it, if the visuals aren't supported by a good story I wouldn't have much. And on that note, all the credit goes to the screenwriter.

I also appreciate what you had to say about the nun not acting the way nuns "should" act. That's part of what attracted me to this story, the characters feel authentic to me.

BTW, it's up for an audience award in this online short film contest. If you're so inclined, please vote (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge) for Forgotten. Thanks.

[SignalPix]

That commment was kind of rude with a sense of smug superiority. Especially to someone who was showing their visuals from a personal project they did, on the dvxuser. not cool.

I may not be catholic or christian but I looked at the piece with understanding and didn't think it was biased. There was no need for you to make such an absurd judgement. Where's the mutual respect and understanding for other "HVX200 enthusiasts" in that?

FYI, I have no problem with your free speech, I just happen to not agree with your particular statement and tone.

It's alright, Doublearon727. I'm open to hearing the critical feedback as much as the praise. Honestly, I didn't feel Spartacus was being rude or disrespectful. In fact, Spartacus' comments were almost identical to my wife's first reaction to the script when I was considering making it! :smile:

Any time you mix art and religion (or religion and anything it seems) people are going to have opinions. One of the rewarding parts of making the film for me is seeing how wide-ranging the reactions to the piece can be. I honor all sacred beliefs, but when I initially read the script I only saw two people overcoming their misconceptions of eachother and opening their hearts.

I appreciate your wanting to come to my defense. At the same time, I value Spartacus' honest feedback.

[doublearon727]

I stand ok. sorry, for for comming on so strong. lol. I'm a agnostic. I just have a lot of friends of different religions (the reason why i acted on instinct). my bad. i didn't mean to cause tension.

[Mickey Munday]

hey man i thought you did a great job on this film directing. the lighting was great too and looked natural. i didn't hear the generator. the compositions looked natural too. the scenes felt real....

.....however, i have a few critiscms (and it's just my opinion as a viewer before anybody decides to look up my ip address and jump me) but it seemed like the bus scene was a little long. i felt like the prostitute chick was rambling and maybe that's because i felt she had the weaker performance out of everyone else. the two nuns and the boyfriend felt real. i got the theme of the short film but i guess i was waiting for something a little bigger at the end sense most of the story was setup.

i'm probably the only one who feels this way so you dont have much to worry about. overall nice directing and production value also with the locations.

[SignalPix]

I stand ok. sorry, for for comming on so strong. lol. I'm a agnostic. I just have a lot of friends of different religions (the reason why i acted on instinct). my bad. i didn't mean to cause tension.

Hey, doublearon727. No worries, man. I felt your concern for my well being. Thanks for coming back and sharing your thoughts.

[SignalPix]

hey man i thought you did a great job on this film directing. the lighting was great too and looked natural. i didn't hear the generator. the compositions looked natural too. the scenes felt real....

.....however, i have a few critiscms (and it's just my opinion as a viewer before anybody decides to look up my ip address and jump me) but it seemed like the bus scene was a little long. i felt like the prostitute chick was rambling and maybe that's because i felt she had the weaker performance out of everyone else. the two nuns and the boyfriend felt real. i got the theme of the short film but i guess i was waiting for something a little bigger at the end sense most of the story was setup.

i'm probably the only one who feels this way so you dont have much to worry about. overall nice directing and production value also with the locations.

Hey, Mickey Munday. I've heard others say the piece could be a bit tighter here and there too. So you're not the first! :) I've kicked around the idea of editing things more quickly but, for better or worse, I kind of like letting the whole piece breathe a bit. Thought about cutting some of the bus scene, but I wanted to see the nun yank the pull cord for her stop. Feel free to get specific if there are places you think can be trimmed.

I hear what you're saying about the actress who played the prostitute character. This was the first time Katie had ever acted, and she was cast the day before we began shooting. With more prep I think she could have done better but, all things considered, I think she did well.

Thanks for the compliments, and the criticism. :thumbsup:

[Mickey Munday]

glad you are open to critiscm. some people are very sensitive if they are not praised and i have seen a number of posts where people will point out things or give opinions and the original poster responds "oh yea i meant to do it like that...blah blah blah" :)

i don't really think you should cut anything from that scene because i've learned once you start cutting dialogue, people began to get confused or miss things. unless the entire scene can be cut out then i would leave it be. those type of things need to be worked out in the script beforehand.

i understand what you're saying about the actress, i had a very similar situation in my last short where i had to replace my lead actor on short notice. i found out the hard way if people dont believe your lead character they won't believe your story (that's pertaining to my story).

good luck with it though man. you probably gained a lot more experience with this.

[sonic freak]

I agree with the filmmaker, it was just two people coming together on a night and they share a moment.

If it was through 'divine intervention' for you, then that's what is cool about art- it's open to interpretation and debate. I agree that we are all God's people. I believe in Jesus Christ. Other people believe different things.

I lasted through the whole thing, and enjoyed it. It didn't blow me away but it was good. I agree that the girl wasn't the strong actor in the piece, which might have helped sell it because she had the more dramatic role (falling down; which looked very fake but her performance did get much better in the end) but both nuns were very good. they looked the part and some of the lighting was spot on.

i also agree that it could have been shorter, but overall, nice job. :costumed-smiley-047

and tumur, obviously if we're here to learn and help each other make better films technically, then some of what we believe in will spill over. why shouldn't it? for some people it will be part of why they make films. i suppose it's just when or if people try to convert people to a particular belief that would be uncool and out of place here.

[iDV8]

Grrrrr! I can't pull it up! I'll check back later.

[Spartacus]

[B][COLOR="Yellow"]That commment was kind of rude with a sense of smug superiority.
(...)
There was no need for you to make such an absurd judgement.
Where's the mutual respect and understanding for other "HVX200 enthusiasts" in that?


Easy buddy, calling my opinion an "absurd judgement" and saying it had "a sense of smug superiority" - what happened to your "mutual respect and understanding for other "HVX200 enthusiasts" " here...?
I explained my point to SignalPix, he wasn´t offended, I didn´t want to offend, that´s what counts for me...

[dlang]

Great story, it kept me interested the whole time...and as far as I'm concerned bring on the propoganda(: I loved the messege in this story, and the quality was very good. DId you use the 800w HMI for the graveyard shot? It looks like quite a bit of light in there.

[SignalPix]

glad you are open to critiscm. some people are very sensitive if they are not praised and i have seen a number of posts where people will point out things or give opinions and the original poster responds "oh yea i meant to do it like that...blah blah blah" :)

i don't really think you should cut anything from that scene because i've learned once you start cutting dialogue, people began to get confused or miss things. unless the entire scene can be cut out then i would leave it be. those type of things need to be worked out in the script beforehand.

i understand what you're saying about the actress, i had a very similar situation in my last short where i had to replace my lead actor on short notice. i found out the hard way if people dont believe your lead character they won't believe your story (that's pertaining to my story).

good luck with it though man. you probably gained a lot more experience with this.

Thanks, Mickey Munday. I know this successful film director and a long time back I asked him, "How do I become a director?" His reply was so elementary and undeniable I felt like a moron. He said, "You direct."

[SignalPix]

I agree with the filmmaker, it was just two people coming together on a night and they share a moment.

If it was through 'divine intervention' for you, then that's what is cool about art- it's open to interpretation and debate. I agree that we are all God's people. I believe in Jesus Christ. Other people believe different things.

I lasted through the whole thing, and enjoyed it. It didn't blow me away but it was good. I agree that the girl wasn't the strong actor in the piece, which might have helped sell it because she had the more dramatic role (falling down; which looked very fake but her performance did get much better in the end) but both nuns were very good. they looked the part and some of the lighting was spot on.

i also agree that it could have been shorter, but overall, nice job. :costumed-smiley-047

and tumur, obviously if we're here to learn and help each other make better films technically, then some of what we believe in will spill over. why shouldn't it? for some people it will be part of why they make films. i suppose it's just when or if people try to convert people to a particular belief that would be uncool and out of place here.

Hey, Sonic Freak. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Regarding Katie's (the prostitute character) fall, I have new respect for stunt coordinator's. I didn't give that fall a second thought in pre-production. I was all, "Oh, it's little. That'll be no problem." Was I wrong. It takes prep and effort to sell even the "little stunts." Especially if the actor's doing their own stunts. Katie scraped herself up pretty good on that too. What's sad is I have a friend who has stunt coordinated big shows and I didn't think of talking to him beforehand. Lesson learned.

[SignalPix]

Grrrrr! I can't pull it up! I'll check back later.

Sorry about that, iDV8. My server was down earlier today (thanks, iPowerWeb :violent5:). Seems to be back up and running okay now. Let me know if you still having trouble viewing it. Thanks for your interest.

[SignalPix]

Great story, it kept me interested the whole time...and as far as I'm concerned bring on the propoganda(: I loved the messege in this story, and the quality was very good. DId you use the 800w HMI for the graveyard shot? It looks like quite a bit of light in there.

Hey, dlang. Thanks for your comment. We used the HMI for the opening shots on the bridge, at the bus stop, outside the "convent," and again in the graveyard. Really worked out well.

BTW, if you're so inclined, please vote (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge) for Forgotten. It's up for an audience award in an online short film contest. Thanks.

[Indywannabe]

Hey, Mickey Munday. I've heard others say the piece could be a bit tighter here and there too. So you're not the first! :) I've kicked around the idea of editing things more quickly but, for better or worse, I kind of like letting the whole piece breathe a bit. Thought about cutting some of the bus scene, but I wanted to see the nun yank the pull cord for her stop. Feel free to get specific if there are places you think can be trimmed.

I hear what you're saying about the actress who played the prostitute character. This was the first time Katie had ever acted, and she was cast the day before we began shooting. With more prep I think she could have done better but, all things considered, I think she did well.

Thanks for the compliments, and the criticism. :thumbsup:


Tightening, yes. But, you can't get rid of the bus scene because it's integral to the story. It's one of those "Horse Whisperer" moments where the nun ignores the girl such that the girl pursues the nun. Good technique.

[SignalPix]

Tightening, yes. But, you can't get rid of the bus scene because it's integral to the story. It's one of those "Horse Whisperer" moments where the nun ignores the girl such that the girl pursues the nun. Good technique.

Hey, Indywannabe. I never considered excising the bus scene altogether, only tightening it, like you say. Good point about the "Horse whisperer" thing. I hadn't looked at it that way before, but I see what you mean.

[Justyn]

Man. That's a nice piece and the nun is terrific. My only comment was that the bus scene did seem kind of stilted in performance and flow. A possible flashback, cut-away or such would allow for a tightening. I only say that as the rest of the piece is really nicely held together. The graveyard scene is pulled off really well.

I could certainly see you developing this into the first scene of the first act to a feature. Throw in a bit of intrigue and suspense.... keep it clean for a christian audience and you have MONEY. Christian films are so big as they are usually lackiing on entertainment.. and there just isn't the amount to fill the marketplace.
You might want to think of getting a good Christian artist to do the music and shoot something for distribution. Several thousand copies self distributed isn't a bad way to make some bread and it's possible as there is a huge niche market already built in...

[SignalPix]

Man. That's a nice piece and the nun is terrific. My only comment was that the bus scene did seem kind of stilted in performance and flow. A possible flashback, cut-away or such would allow for a tightening. I only say that as the rest of the piece is really nicely held together. The graveyard scene is pulled off really well.

I could certainly see you developing this into the first scene of the first act to a feature. Throw in a bit of intrigue and suspense.... keep it clean for a christian audience and you have MONEY. Christian films are so big as they are usually lackiing on entertainment.. and there just isn't the amount to fill the marketplace.
You might want to think of getting a good Christian artist to do the music and shoot something for distribution. Several thousand copies self distributed isn't a bad way to make some bread and it's possible as there is a huge niche market already built in...

Hey, Justyn. Thanks for writing. I'll suggest the feature idea to the writer. Never really saw myself making religious movies, but I have had other people say they'd like to see what happens to these characters. Note to distributors: contact me if you'd like do a deal on the feature length version! :) I appreciate your kind words, Justyn.

[Justyn]

Sometimes it can just work you into position. I think you can make films with messages that people see or not too. I know a lot of people that were drawing parallels to 300 and it's message.. and a lot of people said the same about the Machinist. If you make a film with a moral message then its set up to be almost anything.


good luck

[ennfurno]

very nice.

[SignalPix]

very nice.

Thanks, ennfurno.

[gdot101]

I liked it, nice

[SignalPix]

I liked it, nice

Thanks, gdot101. :beer:

[j8jweb]

I really liked this. I could only come up with a couple of small suggestions...

I didn't fully believe the emotional transition of the main character, but it was difficult to tell if that was a script issue, or an acting issue. I think perhaps it was an acting issue.

The music that kicks in about 5 seconds into the end credits seemed inappropriate.

It was very good overall. 9/10 :)

[SignalPix]

I really liked this. I could only come up with a couple of small suggestions...

I didn't fully believe the emotional transition of the main character, but it was difficult to tell if that was a script issue, or an acting issue. I think perhaps it was an acting issue.

The music that kicks in about 5 seconds into the end credits seemed inappropriate.

It was very good overall. 9/10 :)

Hey, j8jweb. I appreciate the criticism. I will spend more time rehearsing and working on the beats with the cast next go around. This being a contest (and due to my procrastination) we had virtually no time for rehearsal. With regard to the music, that's the end of the song which opened the movie. I thought it an appropriate bookend, but you're not the first to call it a bad choice! :-BlackEye(DBG Thanks for your interest and kind words. BTW, it's up for an audience award in an online short film contest. If you're so inclined, please vote (http://www.screenlabs.com/drupal/?q=challenge) for Forgotten.