Brandon Rice - "Welcome To The Party"

[Brandon Rice]

Back story:

As most of you know I am a big fan of Robert Rodriguez. In fact, he is my favorite director. Not necessarily because of his films, but because of his ideals, and drive. I am still a big fan of Robert's films, and I am always charmed by his interesting back story's as to how they came about. I remember reading Rebel Without a Crew about how he was cooped up in a lab for a month writing El Mariachi. I also just recently watched the director's commentary on Planet Terror, and how he wrote only 30 pages of script before casting (Quentin Tarantino thought he was crazy!) Now, this doesn't always work this way, but Welcome To The Party is very much a film in the style of Mr. Rodriguez.

It all began last summer (Summer 2006) shortly after I had finished shooting Smuggler's Ransom. DVXuser was having a Horrorfest, and I really wanted to be a part of it. So I sat down and thought of quick available resources I had. I put them all down on a sheet of paper, and started reading down the list, and after a few days I had a simple story, and a 4 page script titled: Haunted. I had my cast ready to go, but time wasn't on my side, and I had to scrap the film. I instead shot a very simple short called Into the Darkness, which was all made up on the fly, and really wasn't my best work to say the least.

Flash forward to summer of 2007. The moment I heard about Hallowfest my interest was piqued. I had just finished shooting a children's pilot episode It Really Happened, and was just waiting on music for that. I had time on my hands, and wanted to make a film! I waded through many scripts, and stumbled upon Haunted. I read through it, made some changes, and began casting. I still had the same resources as the previous summer, but I had made some great new connections with a wonderful DP (Geoff Reisner), Gaffer (Wes Carrasquillo), and makeup artist (Stephanie Navarro). I got them on board, and cast the short in a matter of weeks. Then I pored through the script, changed the title (twice!) and in fact changed the entire ending before I was satisfied. And finally on September 21, 2007, the short was shot, almost a year and a half after I had thought of the idea!

Welcome To The Party was shot in a quick one night shoot, in one location, and much like Robert's films, it is fast paced, and it edges the lines of humorous and disturbing. I hope you enjoy it, as it was some of the most fun I've ever had on a shoot.




http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/welcomepartyposter_web.jpg

Crew Credits

Writer/Director/Producer/Editor - Brandon Rice
Director of Photography - Geoff Reisner
Gaffer - Wes Carrasquillo
Makeup Designer - Stephanie Navarro
Sound Mixer - Seth Axen & Matt Gettemeir
Sound Design - Justin Krause
Original Score - Justin R. Durban
Title Animation - Henry Schneider
Set Production Assistant - Jessica Carrasquillo
Script Consultant - Matt Green





Raw Screengrab


http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/Scene1.jpg

BEFORE COLOR GRADING


http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/Scene2.jpg


AFTER COLOR GRADING


http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/Scene2_CG.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

Production Updates
-----------------------------------------------
August 24, 2007
Cast & Crew are locked, location is locked, script is locked, shooting dates are locked. Will be meeting with our Director of Photography, Geoff Reisner (who DP'd the winning film for DVXuser's dramafest "Heritage") next week to discuss everything.
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August 27, 2007
The final script was sent out today, the ending was changed a bit, and a few of the lines were "punched up". Also, the awesome Stephanie Navarro has signed on to do hair and makeup. The rough shot list was also finished.
----------------------------------------------------
August 31, 2007
Met up with our Director of Photography, Geoff Reisner today, and we went through the script, and we're going to be finishing up the shot list soon. He'll also be working on some storyboards, which I'll post up once we can. Also, Wes Carrasquillo has signed on as Gaffer!
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September 4, 2007
Ok, after talking the script over with Geoff (who has some great ideas) I made a couple tweaks and now we're set... also changed the title of the short.
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September 7, 2007
Geoff and I went to the location and went through the entire script, blocking out the shots, and the staging/action of the actors, etc. He also brought a few storyboards, and we revised the shot-list after going through everything again.
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September 12, 2007
Met with Geoff, and Wes tonight and went over the script for shots one more time. Also went over some lighting things. Motivation, etc. We also went over what equipment we needed to rent. Geoff had some awesome ideas for some shot additions... we shoot in less than two weeks! I am so pumped!
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September 18, 2007
Dropped off the funds for Geoff (grip, and lighting rental) and also got the final shot list from him. We have 61 shots for the film, we're shooting a LOT of coverage, but hey, it'll make it a lot easier for me in post. Geoff has some COOL shots in here. Can't wait.
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September 21, 2007
Here we go. The plan for today is this. After work at 5, I am heading out to buy craft service food, and my crew will be here at 7. My cast call is 8, and I'm hoping we're on camera by 8:30 or so... Then we'll most likely break for dinner (or really late meal) at midnight, after shooting through the first part of the script, then we'll shoot the second part, and most likely wrap around 3 or 4am tomorrow morning... I'll have BTS photos and more tomorrow!
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September 22, 2007
It is now 9AM... our shoot ended at around 5:30AM. I just finished looking through the majority of our footage, it looks awesome! We had a great cast and crew on set, and knocked out a very ambitious short in one short night. I want to thank, Geoff, Wes, Stephanie, Jessica, Seth, and Henry for really being an awesome and fun crew! I couldn't have done this without you all! I also want to thank the cast, Joy, Daniel, and Sarah, wonderful job! I think it's going to be a really nice piece. Anyway, time to take a nap! Until next time..
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September 23, 2007
Geoff went out and shoot a couple pick-ups we needed tonight, and I went over to grab them from him. I also finished a full rough-cut today, but I'll need to add the new shots, and tweak some things. Hoping to have a locked picture by the end of the week, to send to Leo. Then I'll begin color grading.
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September 24, 2007
Refined the rough cut some more, and am rendering out the third rough cut as we speak. I also recorded some O.C. dialog with one of our actress's tonight. And I worked on some color grading as well.
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September 25, 2007
Officially signed on Justin Krause for sound design, he also did work on my film, Smuggler's Ransom. I finished editing in the VO from one of the characters in the film. I'm still in need of one more VO line, but I haven't yet gotten word back from the guy I offered the part to. We shall see... the picture is locked though, and I'm happy with it.
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September 26, 2007
The final picture lock is done and off.... also, some really BIG news! We had one more VO role to fill, and the awesome, and infamous, Jack Daniel Stanley, has agreed to do it! It's very exciting to have him a part of this in a small way! He's really busy right now too, so for him to help out is really awesome! Thanks Jack!!
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September 27, 2007
Worked on a few color grading looks tonight. Will do my best to finish all color grading this weekend. I love having this 4:2:2 colorspace! You can really push the image!
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September 28, 2007
Worked on the color grading for most of the night tonight... I think I've got everything pretty well nailed. It's looking really good.
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October 1, 2007
Got word today that the very talented Henry Schneider will be doing some sweet opening titles for the film! Much more to come, stay tuned!
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October 15, 2007
Well, lots of time since I've done an update. We had a little change today. Leo Gardini was pretty weighed down with some projects, and computer issues, so now the very talented Justin Durban has taken over the composer spot on the team, and will be working on the score, starting tonight! Things are going well with Justin Krause and his awesome sound design as well! Also, finally finished all the VO work for the film!
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October 17, 2007
Justin Krause sent me a new draft of sound design. It's sounding GREAT! Going to get some notes down for him, and send them off tonight.
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October 19, 2007
Justin Durban finished the first draft of the score, and I just plugged it in. It sounds spectacular! I'll be going over it again this evening and sending some minor notes, but it's pretty well done. The film clocks in right at 5 min. as well. Hoping to get another draft of sound design in tonight or tomorrow as well!
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October 21, 2007
Amidst the wildfires today, Justin Durban and I got the final locked score in, and I sent it off to Justin Krause for final sound mix. He'll be sending stuff tomorrow night I hope.
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October 22, 2007
Wow! Justin Krause just sent me the full draft of the sound, and it sounds GREAT! I am going to watch through it a few more times, to make sure I can send any notes I have, and then he's going to mix the score in, and send a final draft tomorrow night. We will be looking at a Wednesday upload! Finish line, here we come!
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October 23, 2007
Earlier this afternoon Justin K. sent me the final mix draft (with score) and I sent him back two small notes. Hoping we can have the three HQ stems for the audio (Score, Dialog, Foley) in tomorrow night, and we'll be ready to render, and upload. I also did some short compression tests tonight, and all looks well!
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October 24, 2007
Got the final sound in from Justin Krause! We are there people! I plugged it in, and did a few renders and nailed it after a couple times! Uploading as we speak! Got it in with two days to spare! Whoot! It's been a great time working with everyone who's been involved and I couldn't have done this without them!


SOME Behind the Scenes from the shoot...

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333584_3078.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333586_3843.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333588_4513.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333590_5178.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v134/191/60/500600447/n500600447_337855_1.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v126/191/60/500600447/n500600447_334348_8501.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v134/191/60/500600447/n500600447_337853_9537.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v134/191/60/500600447/n500600447_337860_1233.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v126/191/60/500600447/n500600447_334346_7958.jpg

[dougspice]

Do you have insurance?

Either way, actually, I'd suggest hiring a costumer to handle all of that. It will take a lot of stress off your mind.

[Brandon Rice]

It'll also cost a lot of these $$$$. Looking for a low budget film here. Under 1K.

Trust me, I've had a costumer on my last couple projects, and I love it! But... it will be too pricey for this one.

[dougspice]

When I've hired someone else to do it, I actually saved quite a bit of money, because it's their job to know how to do things cheaper. Of course, that was in South Carolina. Maybe you can't find cheap costumers here? I still find that hard to believe. Try looking for theatre designers maybe, rather than film people.

I'd be happy to recommend Warner or Sony's costume rentals, if you're still looking for that. They both have a wide selection, and if you can find someone to help you that isn't in a really bad mood (rare), you're all set!

[Brandon Rice]

Cool, thanks, I'll ask my normal costumer what she could do for a super low budget.

[Brandon Rice]

First film is cast.

[Ben Sliker]

seriously ... is it kosher to just name a thread after yourself?

lol ... jk B-man, i'm not getting my hopes up until i'm actually clicking on the QT file to open up your movie on Halloween.

[Brandon Rice]

HA HA... Who knows... I am sure if it's not... I'll be reprimanded accordingly...

Never fear dude... this time I'm really doing at LEAST one... I've already got dates, actors, crew, location locked!

[Matty_g]

'm not getting my hopes up until i'm actually clicking on the QT file to open up your movie on Halloween.

Good luck though!

[Geoff_R]

Good luck man!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

So where can we place bets about whether this movie will actually be submitted? I heard Vegas is already taking 1-11 odds :-D

[Mark Johnson]

Love the title.

[Brandon Rice]

Good luck man!

Hey... I'm counting on your DP skillage to make this thing rock as well! :thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

Love the title.

Thanks dude... it's going to be some fun... it's a simple story, but pretty cool.

[Mark Johnson]

Actually, I do like All Hallows Eve as a title. ... but I was poking a little fun at the title "BRANDON RICE" ... coming to a theater soon.

[Brandon Rice]

HA HA! Word! I get ya... hey Mark, if ya need any help with your flick, hit me up...

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Brandon, I'm just teasin ya, I'd love to see your submission

[Brandon Rice]

oh I know man... hehe. And I KNOW I've flaked in the past...

This time I'm really shooting it... got everything blocked out, and my cast ready to go... we're all set.

I could use an awesome sound guy though... who can work a night for a meal, and credit :)

[PaPa]

yo brandon, i notice you are in pratically every single fest this board has to offer. so my question is, are you still in school? If so, how do you manage the time for all this and a life on the side?

[Brandon Rice]

Actually, I've only participated in TWO fests with my own entry... I was crew on a film for Dramafest... And I guess I manage only sometimes... in this case, because it's something I can do pretty simply, and won't take a lot of time.

I don't go to school btw. I work at a production company.

[Brandon Rice]

ok, just doing the ONE for hallows fest, going to shoot the other short in the winter sometime... might work for the next fest, who knows.

[Brandon Rice]

New team member confirmed... Leo is scoring the film!

[Ki-Ki]

Congrats, Leo's a fantastic composer. Looks like things are starting to shape up pretty nicely.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks dude! Yea, Leo is fantastic! It's also official that Geoff will be DP'ing!

[Brandon Rice]

Cast and crew pics added up front, and added a production update.

[Edgen]

Good luck on your film Brandon! Looking forward to seeing more.

cheers!
/j

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Justin! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

[Tom Marshall]

Hey B-Man, glad to see things are coming along so nicely for your entry. Can't wait to see it! :beer:

[Geoff_R]

Thanks dude! Yea, Leo is fantastic! It's also official that Geoff will be DP'ing!

Looking forward to this Brandon! We'll meet up next week and start prepping.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey looking forward to your flick dood.
Geoff is shooting? No fair :)
Adding your title to the "Book of Names" list.
:beer:

[Brandon Rice]

Hey looking forward to your flick dood.
Geoff is shooting? No fair :)
Adding your title to the "Book of Names" list.
:beer:

Thanks Jack, and yep, I have the pleasure of working with an awesome DP, and cool guy to boot, Geoff! :) Should be some awesome stuff!

[Brandon Rice]

Sent Leo some music for inspiration... that's kept me inspired (and scared) :)

[Brandon Rice]

Update: Crew member added

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Brandon, looks like yours is coming together nicely... very cool. :)

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks dude, sure is... made a couple small modifications to the script... but now it'll require a bit of visual effects :)

[Jazz Dog]

Man, I am inspired by the effort you guys put into these. Missed you on the last fest and am looking forward to your entry. I am ready to be scared....

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks man! Looking forward to this one a lot!

[Zoidoid]

Ditto. Inspired and impressed by how quickly you've pulled together a team and got the ball rolling. Good luck with production in September! Hope to read some more updates between now and then, though...

[Brandon Rice]

First two posts updated.

[Brandon Rice]

We're all set, just going to do a walkthrough/blocking of the location sometime this week, also Geoff started working on some Storyboards.

[Jay Rodriguez]

cant wait to see what u cook up this time dude... Your stuff progressively improves everytime I see something new from you!

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Jay!

New update posted on front as well.

[cinealma]

Glad to see you're pulling something together. If you can get it in the can on the 21st, that'll give you plenty of time for post. Crossing my fingers/praying/sacrificing live chickens/etc. for you.

[Brandon Rice]

HA HA. thanks man. I definitely know we'll get it in the can the 21st, no question :) I've got everything ready to go, and Geoff's confident we can get it all in one night as well. Thanks for checking out the thread!

[Brandon Rice]

UPDATE: Geoff and I will be going through a run through and blocking of the scenes at the location tomorrow. Hopefully we'll have a big update tomorrow for ya.

[Brandon Rice]

Couple new updates on the first two posts, including a few storyboards.

[Ted Arabian]

Hey guys, best of luck!

Geoff, looking forward to talking to you on the boards. Curious how your new ventures have been.

[Geoff_R]

Hey Ted, yea I'm excited to be shooting with Brandon. The location is sweet and we've got a lot of cool shots planned out. Right now I'm smack dab in the middle of a 48hour film fest, haven't slept really since Friday night :)

Are you gonna make something for Hallow Fest?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey Brandon,

Sorry for the thread jack, but I know you have lots of L.A. traffic here ...

I am in a bind and need an L.A. DVXuser to tape an actresses audition and upload the clip tonight if at all possible.

It is for a project Macgregor, and Zac and I are shooting very soon and it must be cast immediately in order to book all the flights and secure the permits etc.

So any DVXusers that can help, please call me at

EDIT. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Thanks guys,

(Sorry for the threadjack again Brandon.)


- Jack

EDIT: Thanks again. Tommyinla, whom I got in touch with via Blaine, via Brandon is hooking me up. :beer: :thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

I PM'd you Jack. Let me know---

"BACK TO THE THREAD"

PS. No worries about the threadjack.

[Marlon Ladd]

Good luck, Brandon! I've been a member of dvxuser for a while now, but I'm just now really getting into checking out all the good stuff. I was reading up on this competition last week and now I plan on entering. I've done two features and a few shorts, but never did anything with the shorts. They were sort of practice for the features, but reading all the threads and stuff about all the different competitions and watching the films is too cool.

It's looks to me like everybody really supports you, so keep up the good work.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks a lot man. Appreciate the kind words!

First post updated.

[Geoff_R]

We need to remember to do that 'wine glass' bit :)

[Brandon Rice]

hehe... oh, we will... we will :)

[marketmd]

This stuff all looks great, Brandon, Geoff et al. but one question: do these projects actually make any of you significant income?

[Brandon Rice]

Nope, but they're a heck of a lot of fun, and I enjoy the process, and hopefully build working relationships for future projects (that will make income)

[24fps4ever]

damn brandon how many movies have you put out already?

[Geoff_R]

This stuff all looks great, Brandon, Geoff et al. but one question: do these projects actually make any of you significant income?

Brandon is paying me with a few tons of street cocaine which has an estimated street value of one billion dollars.

[Brandon Rice]

You weren't supposed to tell anyone that!!! DUDE!

[Brandon Rice]

damn brandon how many movies have you put out already?

Well, I've worked on about 10-12 shorts... only have directed two films (A Price Too High, Smuggler's Ransom) and I Produced/DP'd/Edited a 30 min. kid's TV pilot this year... I am hoping I can have my feature directorial debut sometime next year... we shall see! I just love to have my hand in anything film-wise :thumbsup:

[PaPa]

looking forward to seeing this. Brandon, can you please check your private messages?

[Brandon Rice]

Sure did... replied.

[Weston]

Cool storyboards:thumbsup:

I'm looking forward to it Brandon

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks dude... I think we're all set for Friday night! Going to call everyone up again tomorrow, to make sure we're square, but I think we are! :)

[Nic Aragon]

looks like it will be your best work yet, Brandon.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Nic! And thanks for checking out the thread....

Update added to front page.

[Gulroc]

Looking forward to see you complete this entry.

[Ki-Ki]

Looking forward to whatever feature you plan next year then, best of luck with it.

[Simon Höfer]

You really got it organized man! Looking forward to this entry.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks everyone! We shoot tomorrow!! Lots I have to do between now and then! LOL

[Brandon Rice]

UPDATE Added to the front.

[spooky138]

Thanks for the update and the best of luck to ya! You've got a long day/night ahead of you... but that's part of the fun in this ain't it!

[Ki-Ki]

Looking forward to those pics tommorow. Best of luck man.

[Brandon Rice]

From the set: This is turning out fantastic!

[Chan Ee Jien]

I'm most looking forward to your entry :happy:

[Brandon Rice]

Three more shots and we'll be wrapped.

[Brandon Rice]

Just got home... we wrapped around 5:30AM this morning.

[Simon Höfer]

Congratulations! I wish I could have been there :)

[Brandon Rice]

Here are some BTS pics... will post them up on the front as well later today...

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333584_3078.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333585_3524.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333586_3843.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333587_4170.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333588_4513.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333589_4840.jpg

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v129/191/60/500600447/n500600447_333590_5178.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

First screen-grab added to front page, also an update added.

[Geoff_R]

I just finished watching the dailies. I'm happy :)

[Brandon Rice]

I agree my friend!

The rough cut is looking good :)

[Geoff_R]

I agree my friend!

The rough cut is looking good :)
Can't wait to see it!

[Brandon Rice]

Geoff, I sent ya something, please check :) (I PM'd)

[Herman Witkam]

Looking forward to seeing the final film! :thumbsup:

[Wes-C]

I saw the dailies...I'm happy too. It's going to turn out great.

[Brandon Rice]

Yeah, again, thanks for the great job Wes! Looks great!

[djsmackmackey]

Oh man, I'm gonna have to step up my game on this. Those pics look great. Looks like you're gonna have some real production value in this.

[Brandon Rice]

Certainly did the best we could! Hope you enjoy it! :)

[Brandon Rice]

New update added to front!

[MOVIE STUNTS]

Curious is the story board at the beginning in reverse order, it doesn't seem to make sense?

[Joops]

Cool BTS shots. Looking forward to seeing it.

[Ki-Ki]

Ditto,

[dvpixl]

great BTS brandon. Looks like you're the loudest poster for this fest.

[Geoff_R]

Curious is the story board at the beginning in reverse order, it doesn't seem to make sense?
They are just some random boards illustrated to show specific shots. So no order within them.

[Brandon Rice]

We'll have a major overhaul update really soon as well :) stay tuned!

[Brandon Rice]

great BTS brandon. Looks like you're the loudest poster for this fest.

It also seems like it's been a pretty quiet fest thus far... maybe I'm just way early :beer:

[Ki-Ki]

Nice banner siggy thingie. Love the lower right text & sort of... marble? effect? I don't know what effect it is but it's nice.

[Kyle Stebbins]

love those pictures of my adapter! lol hope its working out for you.

you guys rock!!
-kyle

[Brandon Rice]

Dude, it more than worked out! Geoff rocked that thing!

[Kyle Stebbins]

hahaha, good to hear!

[Brandon Rice]

Some new BTS photos, as well as several raw grabs added to the front page.

[Mark Johnson]

Brandon,

Congrats on SR being in contention in the San Antonio festival. I hope you win the 10,000 smackers.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks ya Mark! Hope you got a chance to check out some of the stuff from my hallowfest awesomeness going on here as well :)

[Brandon Rice]

New poster added :)

Special thanks to Geoff for doing the design.

[Ben Sliker]

like the font on the poster bud.

looking forward to seeing how it all comes out!

[Joops]

Looking good. Me likey the poster.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks guys!

New update in the front!

[Brandon Rice]

Just locked picture, and sent it to Justin, and Leo to start sound and score.

[Geoff_R]

You're like the terminator, except instead of relentlessly hunting and killing, you cut and edit :) Anxious to see what Justin and Leo come up with.

[Brandon Rice]

hehe thanks Geoff...

New update later on today, exciting news.... we have all the roles officially cast (including off-camera parts)

[MOVIE STUNTS]

Looks like everything is coming along nicely, Congrats!!

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks! It's in the hands of our two sound/music dudes... Leo, doing the score, and Justin, doing the sound design.

[Jason Ramsey]

Congrats on getting this one in the can, Brandon. Looking forward to seeing a completed entry from you.

Jason

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Jason!

Added an update to the front, some cool exciting cast news! :)

[Jason Ramsey]

ha ha. That's cool. Congrats on 'booking' him :)

Jason

[Maximus]

Brandon,

*Cough* Cough* Man, that was Fast! Congratulations! Now you can kick back and watch the rest of us struggle to meet the deadline! LOL.

Your enthusiasm is inspirational.

[Weston]

Infamous indeed! I think just putting Jacks name in the credits gives a film a better chance at winning something. I'm going to throw in a "special thanks" to him in my credits for that reason alone.

[Brandon Rice]

BEFORE COLOR GRADING


http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/Scene2.jpg


AFTER COLOR GRADING


http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/hallows/Scene2_CG.jpg

[Ben Sliker]

orange= warm and comforting
blue = cold ... BOO<SCARAY!!!

lol, nice work, i like the look.

[Brandon Rice]

Hey thanks man! Was going for the more cold look... this will be how the end scene looks. The beginning scene will not be color graded very much... very slightly.

[Brandon Rice]

Update added in front.

[leogardini]

I´ve received the first file not fully edited...very promissing...let´s make our best!!!

[Brandon Rice]

Yes sir! And the latest update I sent out should be the finished cut :) Just doesn't have all the sound design finished yet, but we're picture locked my friend. Let me know what version you have.

[Larry Rutledge]

Woo Hoo ... Go Leo! I can't wait to hear what you come up with for this!! :thumbsup:

[PaPa]

ya, i definitely wanna see some footy ;) Can't wait to see this when it's finished.

[Brandon Rice]

Hope you saw the grabs on page 1 :)

Thanks for stopping by the thread!

[Brandon Rice]

New update added.

[Weston]

Sounds like your getting down to the end Brandon....congrats!

[Brandon Rice]

thank ya sir, yes, we're really just waiting on sound/score for now, but as you know well, the time we do have will be gone before we know it!

[Brandon Rice]

UPDATE: Expecting to get the first draft of score and sound in tomorrow.

[g0ldenb0y55]

Dude, I'll try to get the opening credits done ASAP.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks man! Cool!

[Brandon Rice]

UPDATE: Leo will have Draft 1 of the score done in one week. We spoke about it extensively tonight.

Draft 1 of the sound mix should be in sometime this weekend!

[Brandon Rice]

Not many updates this weekend. I was in Denver all weekend... will get caught up tomorrow.

[seunosewa]

Your lead actress is beautiful. That surely helps!

[Brandon Rice]

Indeed, Joy is a very pretty woman.


UPDATE: Listened to some sound design work tonight and it's sounding nice :) Justin's really doing great work! Hopefully we'll be really close to being DONE by the end of the week!

[Drew Ott]

Good luck with this Brandon and team.

Things seem to really be coming together. I'm looking forward to seeing this.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks dude!

A little worried right now... can't get a hold of Leo.... hm.

[Ben Sliker]

Thanks dude!

A little worried right now... can't get a hold of Leo.... hm.

me either ... :(

[Brandon Rice]

Just got the final VO lines from Jack!

Appreciate it Jack!

I'll be sending it to our sound designer, Justin.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

No problem. Sorry it took a while to upload with my traveling and internet whoas.

Hope you got what you needed - tried to give you variations.
:beer:

[MOVIE STUNTS]

Wait so is JDS Narrating your flick?

Or should I ask are you JDS?

[Brandon Rice]

He has a small part :)

[deedive]

looks like a great one!

[Brandon Rice]

Big huge thanks to Justin Durban for stepping in to score the film!

[Ki-Ki]

Yeah I've been trying to contact Leo to, hasn't been online in a while. Hopefully nothing to bads happend..

[Brandon Rice]

I think he's having some computer issues.

[Brandon Rice]

New update on front page.

[Ben Sliker]

Brandon, it was a pleasure going through "finding a new composer" crisis with you. Edgen's the man, i look forward to his track for your flick.

[Simon Höfer]

Congratulations again! Looks like you are very close to the finishing line :)

[Brandon Rice]

New backstory added on first post, as well as a Production Update.

PS. Sorry for no new grabs or whatnot. Keeping a lot of the film under the hat for now :)

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Bman, I have a feeling that this is going to be a great entry! :beer:

[Brandon Rice]

Hey Bman, I have a feeling that this is going to be a great entry! :beer:

Thanks bro! Appreciate the confidence! Hope the piece delivers! :dankk2:

[Brandon Rice]

Brandon, it was a pleasure going through "finding a new composer" crisis with you. Edgen's the man, i look forward to his track for your flick.

Yes sir! I feel the pain, but so happy to have Justin aboard!

[Brandon Rice]

Justin told me he'd probably be diving into the score tonight :)

Can't wait to hear it!

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

Good luck Brandon. Like the looks of that poster... Makes me want to see more.
:thumbsup:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Justin is awesome! I'm using some of his older music in my entry.

Seems to fit perfectly!

I can't wait to hear what he comes up with for yours.

Cheers,

Mike

[Brandon Rice]

UPDATE:

Got some music in this morning from Justin. :) Yeah, he's good, real good.

[djsmackmackey]

Loved the backstory you wrote up! Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the film!

[Brandon Rice]

Wow Justin is quick... just sent me the full first draft.

Going to plug it in tonight, and send any notes I have, but let me tell you it sounds awesome!

[Tom Marshall]

Justin's a pro!

[Brandon Rice]

New production update added.

[mentatDUKE]

Congrats on getting the score done. Looking forward to seeing this. What did you use as your location and how'd you get it?

[Brandon Rice]

Hey, thanks for checking the thread out man!

Regarding the location. It is the office where I work, so we just shot there after hours. Great location!

[Brandon Rice]

I must say I am very disappointed with the rating systems on these threads. I always notice my threads get bumped way down in ratings (by a few unhappy snipers most likely).

I really wish we could get rid of the star ratings.

[Weston]

I have wondered why yours is at three. You have more updates, pictures, and info than most other threads.

[Brandon Rice]

I have no idea man... some haters about I imagine...

I try to update often, and stuff (as you have done with your thread as well)

[majormorgan]

Hey Brendon,

I'm always last to join the party. Just wanted to chime in that everything's looking great and I can't wait to see it finally done !

I'm also a fan of Robert Rodgriguez as well mainly for his get up and go, inclusive attitude and drive. I loved the 10 minute film school and always remember reading my copies of 'Rebel without a crew' and 'Roadracers'.

Good luck !

Richard
The Major

[deedive]

so how is it come. are your finished?

[Brandon Rice]

Production update added.

[Brandon Rice]

And another production update added.

[Brandon Rice]

Almost there... could be uploading as soon as tonight!

[Glideshot]

Congrats Brandon on completing (ok, just about anyway) your entry. I'm always excited to see what you bring to the table...

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks man! Yeah, just have a few notes Justin K. is working on and then he'll be sending me the HQ audio files to get in, and we're on our way. I am running some compression/render tests at the moment.

[Glideshot]

Thanks man! Yeah, just have a few notes Justin K. is working on and then he'll be sending me the HQ audio files to get in, and we're on our way. I am running some compression/render tests at the moment.

Any chance you could post your compression & render results (actually what you did to get there) when you get it figured out? We seem to be having a little hiccup with getting the right quality vs. file size.

We're using Vegas 7 and QT Pro.

Thanks in advance

[Brandon Rice]

New production update added up front!

And Glideshot, I'll hook you up with numbers, etc. once I've run some more tests!

[Tom Marshall]

Yeah, I'm not sure why you have 3 stars either... hey, you even got Geoff as a DP... I'm a little confused... :huh:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

New production update added up front!

And Glideshot, I'll hook you up with numbers, etc. once I've run some more tests!Hook us all up! Resolution and sound setting would be great!

I'm going to try to bump up the star rating.

Cheers,

Mike

[Glideshot]

New production update added up front!

And Glideshot, I'll hook you up with numbers, etc. once I've run some more tests!

Thanks Brandon!

[Jay Rodriguez]

love the story you have in the first thread. not sure when you posted it but I just read it. wish we lived closer to each other man, I'd love to shoot something with you. I dig your passion for movie making.

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Jay!

Yea, too bad, would love to collaborate with you as well!

UPDATE: Just got the final sound mix in... After some compression tests it looks like I should be uploading tonight!

[Brandon Rice]

Final production update added!

[Norm Sanders]

Whoah! I just finally started taking a peek at some of these thread. Checked out your BTS pics, Brandon, and through I recognized the dude with the camera ... I'm saying to myself 'Hmm, that looks a lot like Geoff."

Scrolls back up to the poster/credits.

"That IS Geoff!"

And you've got Justin on board for score?!

Looking forward to the story, but one thing I already know is that this film will LOOK and SOUND incredible. :thumbsup:

Nice all-star team you've assembled here!

[Brandon Rice]

HA HA yep! And we had a KILLER AWESOME makeup designer, Stephanie Navarro who was fantastic as well!

Hope you enjoy it dude!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Hey Brandon! Like the BTS picks man!

Btw, what 24x36 fabric is that that you are using to diffuse the Arrilite 1k? At first I thought it was just an artificial silk, but those have a yellow border, and that didn't. So what is it?

[Brandon Rice]

That'd be a better Q for Geoff or Wes to answer, but I believe it was a big old diffuser. It wasn't silk, but it was like a wax paper material.

[Geoff_R]

Hey Brandon! Like the BTS picks man!

Btw, what 24x36 fabric is that that you are using to diffuse the Arrilite 1k? At first I thought it was just an artificial silk, but those have a yellow border, and that didn't. So what is it?

It was a sheet of opal cut and taped to the frame.

EDIT* Oops...my bad, completely different production going on in my head. Yea actually I'm not even sure what that material was, but it was durable and gave a nice soft throw.

[Brandon Rice]

I think that was actually Opal cut Geoff... I could be wrong, but I think so.

[Geoff_R]

Might have been...maybe I'm confused about which production I'm confusing it with :)

[Brandon Rice]

ha ha maybe! Either way, it's all good....

UPDATE: Added full crew credits to the top of the page! Couldn't have done this without all those awesome people! :thumbsup:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Gah! It couldn't be taped Opal. Just look at it.

http://photos-447.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v126/191/60/500600447/n500600447_334348_8501.jpg

[Brandon Rice]

OH! That is a fabric!

[Geoff_R]

Looking at that pic again it definitely wasn't a silk; it had a lot of texture, heavy, probably grid cloth or bleached muslin.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

OH! That is a fabric!

Lol, yes, so tell me what it is. I like the look of the light it gave you. I own 4 of those damned lights and typically don't like the light they give me, so I want to go buy that fabric. I don't think it's a standard silk, because those have yellow around the edges.

[Brandon Rice]

Tell you what, I'll take a look at it tomorrow. :) try to figure out what the heck it is.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Tell you what, I'll take a look at it tomorrow. :) try to figure out what the heck it is.

Lol, thanks man. So you own it?

[Brandon Rice]

Yeah, it's part of the package we have up at the studio.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Yeah, it's part of the package we have up at the studio.

You're funny dude. I know my gear like the back of my hand. Or do you own a full grip truck? Enough to forget what's there? ;-)

[Brandon Rice]

Well, we do have a lot of stuff there, and to be honest, I hadn't used that piece much in the past.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Good times. I guess I don't know what you mean by "we" and "there". Are you a full time filmmaker with a business behind you?

[Brandon Rice]

Good times. I guess I don't know what you mean by "we" and "there". Are you a full time filmmaker with a business behind you?

Yep, check the sig bro :)

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Okay, just checked it out. Cool stuff. I see Smuggler's Ransom, but you aren't actually named anywhere on the site. What do you do?

[Brandon Rice]

We're all in the "contact us" part...

My "official" title is "Producer, Technical Director" but I do all of the editing, and the camera operating for our stuff.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Nice! Is Russ your dad?

[Brandon Rice]

Nice! Is Russ your dad?

Yep, we have the same blood! :grin:

[Brandon Rice]

Tagline added to the front!

[Brandon Rice]

uploaded and approved...

let the fest begin :)

[Brandon Rice]

As we wait for the films to be viewable, I thought that I would let you all get a little taste at some of the amazing music Justin Durban composed for the film... so without further adieu, here is the amazing work of Justin Durban

"Welcome to the Party" score excerpt (http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/wttp_sample.mp3)

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Brandon. Will check it out.

[Marlon Ladd]

Very compelling. Nice build up. Now I'm really curious.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Awesome music....

Justin is the man!

[MOVIE STUNTS]

As we wait for the films to be viewable, I thought that I would let you all get a little taste at some of the amazing music Justin Durban composed for the film... so without further adieu, here is the amazing work of Justin Durban

"Welcome to the Party" score excerpt (http://www.sigprod.com/brandon/wttp_sample.mp3)

Not bad, sounds a little christmassy at the beginning (chime is a little strong) but the buildup is nice and ends on a darker note. :thumbsup:

[Justin Kuhn]

I dunno, sometimes music sounds way better under a picture than you'd think from just listening to it.

[Blaine]

Brandon...5 posts and no response...do we have to send out a search team?

[Kholi]

Brandon...5 posts and no response...do we have to send out a search team?

L O L

Make that six. I think MOVIE MASTER got him.

[Brandon Rice]

I'm taking a little different approach this fest :)

that being said, thanks for all the replies so far...

[Ki-Ki]

Like the sound clip.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS FROM HERE ON IN.....


Some really great DOP work. I loved Justin's music as well...
The ending was pretty sweet.

Sound was excellent as well.

I'll add more later...

Cheers,

Mike

[mikkowilson]

Great stuff Brandon and crew! Lots of production value in this one, though I did feel the story could have had just a little more "punch" to it at the end.

That rack to and from the clock with the time-shift in between was really well executed. And the one shot with the lead under the table, and then she moves just a little and her eyes come in to he light and you see the fear, brilliant!

Really good sound design too, did a great job of setting the mood along with the slow opening shots of the scene.

- Mikko

[Luis Caffesse]

Honestly these are the kinds of things I love about being a part of this site - because its gives us the chance to see peoples work grow and (hopefully) improve over time.

That said - I think this is the best thing I've seen you do so far, Brandon* - I thought it was well shot, well acted, well scored, just punchy enough for my taste - and didn't feel like it had any wasted time in it.

Great work - good look, but most importantly - you really creeped me out.
In the end, that's what its all about

:thumbsup:




*Refering to narrative fiction here - not counting 'IRH'

[Drew Ott]

Awesome Brandon.

I agree that it was well lit, acted, edited, scored, directed, etc.

Great sound. Technically everything was there.

...but where was the wine glass? Did I miss it? More later.

[Brandon Rice]

...but where was the wine glass? Did I miss it? More later.

Look close... second shot of the woman....

Thanks for all the comments guys... appreciate it! Will reply to everyone individually later...

Having a little screening party for IRH right now...

[Robert Eldon]

Very pro Brandon. I especially liked the quick dolly through the office. Great camera work. Great score. I'll add more later.

[Jay Rodriguez]

opening shots were amazing, cinematography was off the hook! sound was great, acting was really good, may that be a strong sign off a solid director? ; )

Good job man!

[Mark Harris]

Good stuff B-Man. As many have said, great job of pulling all of these elements together into a coherent whole. Geoff's photography, Justin's score, the acting, etc. That really is the a director's job, pulling all of these departments together and using them to tell the story.

And it's great (and annoying because I am so old) that you have a good grasp on that at such a young age.

If I had one beef, it would be that I saw the end coming a mile away. Maybe it's because I've a lot of similar stories? Dunno.

I think maybe a more subtle color shift. Like in the past I've done color shifts with key frames, so that I did not exactly have to do a crossfade, say, the color shifted over the course of the same shot. Maybe something more subtle like that would have helped.

I am kind of nit-picking, but like I said, it's because you are getting such a good handle on this whole process so young, I'm probably jealous. :)

Just keep pushing it, boyeeeee. Keep pushing yourself and challenging yourself, so you keep growing and growing.

The whole team did great work on this, though.

[Luis Caffesse]

it's because you are getting such a good handle on this whole process so young, I'm probably jealous. :)

I"m right there with you Mark.

[karapetkov]

Nice :).

[Brandon Rice]

POSSIBLE SPOILERS FROM HERE ON IN.....


Some really great DOP work. I loved Justin's music as well...
The ending was pretty sweet.

Sound was excellent as well.

I'll add more later...

Cheers,

Mike

Mike... truly appreciate you checking the film out, and look forward for a more detailed review later... glad you enjoyed it! :dankk2:


Great stuff Brandon and crew! Lots of production value in this one, though I did feel the story could have had just a little more "punch" to it at the end.

That rack to and from the clock with the time-shift in between was really well executed. And the one shot with the lead under the table, and then she moves just a little and her eyes come in to he light and you see the fear, brilliant!

Really good sound design too, did a great job of setting the mood along with the slow opening shots of the scene.

- Mikko

Thanks Mikko!

I do agree that rack transition with the clock turned out just fantastic! We went through so many different ideas of how to do that, but in the end it really turned out nice!

Just curious... what kind of "punch" would you have liked to see at the end?

Thanks for your review, and for checking the film out!


Honestly these are the kinds of things I love about being a part of this site - because its gives us the chance to see peoples work grow and (hopefully) improve over time.

That said - I think this is the best thing I've seen you do so far, Brandon* - I thought it was well shot, well acted, well scored, just punchy enough for my taste - and didn't feel like it had any wasted time in it.

Great work - good look, but most importantly - you really creeped me out.
In the end, that's what its all about

:thumbsup:


LUIS!

Thanks brother! Always appreciate your review, and thoughts... I am glad you've seen growth in me as a filmmaker... that's what it's all about man...

And I am glad it creeped you out! It still creeps me out! :)


opening shots were amazing, cinematography was off the hook! sound was great, acting was really good, may that be a strong sign off a solid director? ; )

Good job man!

Hey Jay! Thanks a lot man...going to be getting over to your film in just a few minutes...

I give all props for the cinematography to Geoff and Wes... they both really rocked the look here! I still think I maintained a style I really like, and is similar to some of my past work, but Geoff's skills really took it to another level!

I just want to work on something bigger with these guys now!

Thanks for the review man....


Good stuff B-Man. As many have said, great job of pulling all of these elements together into a coherent whole. Geoff's photography, Justin's score, the acting, etc. That really is the a director's job, pulling all of these departments together and using them to tell the story.

And it's great (and annoying because I am so old) that you have a good grasp on that at such a young age.

If I had one beef, it would be that I saw the end coming a mile away. Maybe it's because I've a lot of similar stories? Dunno.

I think maybe a more subtle color shift. Like in the past I've done color shifts with key frames, so that I did not exactly have to do a crossfade, say, the color shifted over the course of the same shot. Maybe something more subtle like that would have helped.

I am kind of nit-picking, but like I said, it's because you are getting such a good handle on this whole process so young, I'm probably jealous. :)

Just keep pushing it, boyeeeee. Keep pushing yourself and challenging yourself, so you keep growing and growing.

The whole team did great work on this, though.

Mark! I ALWAYS appreciate your honesty in your reviews! It is these kind of reviews that both encourage and challenge! :)

In regard to the story... to be honest... it really evolved over time to what you see on screen... at the time of shooting I felt it really worked... and again, I didn't want to "give away" the ending, but wanted to foreshadow it... maybe a little too much?

In regard to the color shift... we were also dealing with a time shift here too, so that made this even more difficult... this transition was another one we really labored over up till the moment we shot.

Thanks for the comments man!

[Matt Harris]

Brandon i really liked how clean and professional your film turned out.
I need to watch again before i comment on the story but quick question: what is the
relationship between guy and girl, are they just coworkers, exes or does he simply have a crush on her?
just curious, trying to figure out the opening exchange bewteen those 2 and what you were thinking.

[Brandon Rice]

what is the
relationship between guy and girl, are they just coworkers, exes or does he simply have a crush on her?
just curious, trying to figure out the opening exchange bewteen those 2 and what you were thinking.

coworkers... I'll leave the interpretation of the dialog up to you though... :)

[Geoff_R]

I saw him as a feudal lord...

[bosindy]

Visually well done, I liked the cinematography. The use of color was smart to indicate the transition. I thought the actress was good. The pacing of her realization felt fast but with the time limit understable. Geoff shines on the shooting and the directing was good as well.

I though the score was a a bit too big for the piece. It felt overly dramatic and felt like we were entering lifetime network zone. I also didn't like the jacket over the shoulder of the male actor. It felt a bit stilted. the dead but don't realize has been done, but works here.

One tylenol wacked her, so most of the people I know would be dead, but overall I liked where you went with it. Good job.

[Ki-Ki]

Oh Lord,

First thing I had to do when I logged on this morning was say this:
I shat myself upon watching the film the second time, and the part where the lights go out, the electricity in my entire house went out. So I was half expecting the words;


kieran... Kieran.... KIERAAAAN...


To come out of the darkness, it's wa halloween here early anyway so thats my excuse, but yeah I'll keep it short now. Great film. Hopefully you'll get the time and crew to do another one soon?

[Brandon Rice]

I though the score was a a bit too big for the piece. It felt overly dramatic and felt like we were entering lifetime network zone.

Hm. I actually think the "bigness" of the score adds a lot here... But hey, it's all subjective.



One tylenol wacked her, so most of the people I know would be dead, but overall I liked where you went with it. Good job.

Well, actually I tried to sell it in the flashback that she had been taking a lot of pills... not just the one... but I don't know if it sold or not...

Thanks for watching!

[Brandon Rice]

Oh Lord,

First thing I had to do when I logged on this morning was say this:
I shat myself upon watching the film the second time, and the part where the lights go out, the electricity in my entire house went out. So I was half expecting the words;


kieran... Kieran.... KIERAAAAN...


To come out of the darkness, it's wa halloween here early anyway so thats my excuse, but yeah I'll keep it short now. Great film. Hopefully you'll get the time and crew to do another one soon?

HA HA... thanks man!

Weird, with your avatar, I feel like I'm getting a review from Jack Bauer himself! :)

Thanks for your review though, and I'm glad it made you a little uneasy hehe

[Gord.T]

This felt like I was watching a good movie.
Success.

[Luis Caffesse]

Well, actually I tried to sell it in the flashback that she had been taking a lot of pills... not just the one... but I don't know if it sold or not...



First off - the pill thing wasn't a problem for me... the thing moved so fast I didn't really have time to stop and think whether or not it was 'believable.' That said - it never occurred to me that the flashback was showing me she took more than one... it seemed like it was just flashing back and repeating the action.... showing me that the pill was the culprit. So if you wanted me to get from that that she had taken many pills, then personally I don't think it was effective in the way you wanted it to be.

But again - it didn't hurt my enjoyment of the piece overall.

[Brandon Rice]

First off - the pill thing wasn't a problem for me... the thing moved so fast I didn't really have time to stop and think whether or not it was 'believable.' That said - it never occurred to me that the flashback was showing me she took more than one... it seemed like it was just flashing back and repeating the action.... showing me that the pill was the culprit. So if you wanted me to get from that that she had taken many pills, then personally I don't think it was effective in the way you wanted it to be.

But again - it didn't hurt my enjoyment of the piece overall.

Thanks Luis.

If you'll notice, there are three cuts in the flashback... one of her getting a pill... and two of her taking a pill...

But hey, whatever works... :thumbsup:

[Ming]

Nice production quality. Great score.

The ring on her wedding finger stood out. Would the male coworker be hitting up a married woman for a date? A call home would have added a little backstory, perhaps made us care a little about the character. Maybe a pic on the desk. Why was she working so late? These little details don't need to be fleshed out at all, just present.

The movie lost any hint of scary the moment zombies showed up. Why would they care about her? Why would the female zombie care why she was there? Why would they make the lights go out? Are they electrician zombies? What is their motivation? Do they hate her? Why? Why should anyone care about this lady including them.

What would have been scary is the guy showing up and her being alone. He was creepy/stalky to begin with. No supernatural element at all. Maybe he's drunk and wearing some freakish mask. Way more scary. He's got motive and you established his awareness of the opportunity in the beginning.

Great work on the technical aspects. I'm just getting started watching, but the effort on production is obvious.

[Brandon Rice]

Nice production quality. Great score.

The ring on her wedding finger stood out. Would the male coworker be hitting up a married woman for a date? A call home would have added a little backstory, perhaps made us care a little about the character. Maybe a pic on the desk. Why was she working so late? These little details don't need to be fleshed out at all, just present.

The movie lost any hint of scary the moment zombies showed up. Why would they care about her? Why would the female zombie care why she was there? Why would they make the lights go out? Are they electrician zombies? What is their motivation? Do they hate her? Why? Why should anyone care about this lady including them.

What would have been scary is the guy showing up and her being alone. He was creepy/stalky to begin with. No supernatural element at all. Maybe he's drunk and wearing some freakish mask. Way more scary. He's got motive and you established his awareness of the opportunity in the beginning.

Great work on the technical aspects. I'm just getting started watching, but the effort on production is obvious.

People work late all the time, I do also... married women are hit on sometimes... it's common... so I didn't feel I had to explain any of that.

Again, maybe it wasn't clear enough motivation for you...

Regarding the lights... this does have a little deeper meaning... this is the moment of her death...

Regarding the zombies (technically ghosts)... they don't hate her... they are just welcoming her to their party... the guy is a little more devious because he's thinking "now finally she's forced to be here"

Anyway, hope that answers your concerns...

Thanks for watching!

[David Jimerson]

Brandon, I think this is the best-looking thing you've done to date. There was some real artistry to the lighting and some pretty nifty camera work going on.

Nice work on the edit, too -- you kept it pretty creepy and frenetic, at the right times.

Some real growth here.

[dvpixl]

I didn't think much of this piece at first just by what I saw of the screenshots but I was scary wrong! I have to say the cinematography felt solid- great lighting-atmosphere. What I'm saying is that it felt like a real movie- not like alot of times when some of these short films dont deliver image wise-or am I expecting too much?
oh and it was actually scary too. great work Brandon and Geoff!

[Kholi]

What would have been scary is the guy showing up and her being alone. He was creepy/stalky to begin with. No supernatural element at all. Maybe he's drunk and wearing some freakish mask.

This comment made me laugh.

Good job to all involved. Geoff's work as a DP is getting better every time I see something from him. Brandon, looks like you may have a top place this fest.

No Jynx, though.

[Brandon Rice]

Brandon, I think this is the best-looking thing you've done to date. There was some real artistry to the lighting and some pretty nifty camera work going on.

Nice work on the edit, too -- you kept it pretty creepy and frenetic, at the right times.

Some real growth here.

Thanks David! :thumbsup:

That's what it's all about, growing!

Glad you enjoyed it!


I didn't think much of this piece at first just by what I saw of the screenshots but I was scary wrong! I have to say the cinematography felt solid- great lighting-atmosphere. What I'm saying is that it felt like a real movie- not like alot of times when some of these short films dont deliver image wise-or am I expecting too much?
oh and it was actually scary too. great work Brandon and Geoff!

Hey thanks for checking it out... glad you enjoyed it, and that it was scary :)

I am glad it felt like a "real movie"! :)



Good job to all involved. Geoff's work as a DP is getting better every time I see something from him. Brandon, looks like you may have a top place this fest.

No Jynx, though.

Geoff is phenomenal! I agree!

And thanks for the kind words Kholi... fingers crossed :)

[wesley]

thought it was quite well made, the shots chosen all worked and the pacing was tight.

the only problem i had was the story, it just didn't work for me on any level. but still think you guys did a great job. good luck!

[Danielleus]

Hey, liked the piece. Very atmospheric and, unfortunately, the only one I've seen as of now so I can't compare yours to others but for what it's worth I really liked it. And man, you got Geoff to DP. That's awesome. Music was great. Lighting and acting were great.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there suppossed to be a wine glass in here somewhere? Did I miss it or did I miss read that in the directions.

Regardless, very nice work. Really enjoyed it.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

The wine glass shot is in a photo taped to her monitor.

Cheers,

Mike