"Given" by Dustin R. Rogan

[Dustin R. Rogan]

There is no greater Love than a father's love for his children...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/Given_LowRez.jpg
poster by Kyle Stebbins (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=116691)

Cast
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/justinlocklear3.jpg
Justin Locklear as Curtis Wiggins

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/jasonspinos.jpg
Jason Spinos as Charon

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/headshot1.jpg
Sara Rodriguez as Leah Wiggins

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/bailyherrera.jpg
Bailey Herrera as Baby Wiggins

Screen Grabs
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/ccgrab4.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/ccgrab3.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/ccgrab2.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/ccgrab1.jpg

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Crew
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/rogan-1.jpg Director/Writer/Ex.Producer/Camera/Editor - Dustin R. Rogan

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/gary.jpg Producer/Director of Photo./Camera - Gary French

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/jasonspinos.jpg Co.Writer - Jason Spinos

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/marcus.jpg Producer - Marcus Wilson

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/colt.jpg Studio Audio Op./Sound Engineer/Production Asst. - Colt Stewart

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/bravo-1.jpg Production Assistant - Matt Bravo

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/jason.jpg Script Advisors - Jason Pruett

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/chris-1.jpg Music - Chris Wommack

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/mike.jpg Graphics - Michael Brassfield

Poster Design - Kyle Stebbins (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=116691)
Food Services - Brinton Holland

Special Thanks:
Central Baptist Church of Hillsboro, Texas
Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center Waco, Texas
Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Mathis Woodway, Texas
KXXV-TV Studios Waco, Texas
William Gibson (http://www.wildimaginationfilms.com/)
April Freeman

[Mark Johnson]

Congrats on jumping in quickly! You and Forsman were an inspiration for us to get off our asses and start working.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Congrats on jumping in quickly! You and Forsman were an inspiration for us to get off our asses and start working.

Its really a product of having alot of time on my hands. Since I get off work at noon. :2vrolijk_08:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

camera we may use.....

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/04/red_front.jpg

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

A few people said that last fest.... will the RED finally show?

Tune in February 14th, 2008.

:)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

well according to my producer, it'll fit the budget...so why not eh?!?

just hope it happens...if not then back to the ol' 100b

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

well according to my producer, it'll fit the budget...so why not eh?!?

just hope it happens...if not then back to the ol' 100bBudget? Damn.... I need a producer.

Good luck! I hope you get it...

Mike

[Dustin R. Rogan]

gotta title now, reworking script, and not sleeping!!!

[Chris Messineo]

Any decision on using the Red camera.

I would love to see some films made with it.

[Robbie Comeau]

I wanna see some NON-COMPRESSED films with it ;)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

As you know... I love the title!
Looking forward to this one.

Cheers,

Mike

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Any decision on using the Red camera.

I would love to see some films made with it.
Gary is doing a short 30 min film getting investors, and says there is 80% chance of getting it, and has it for a month...he'll need it for about 2 weeks...so he said I could use it the remainder of the time...so cross your fingers

:thumbsup:

[Mark Johnson]

Gary is doing a short 30 min film getting investors, and says there is 80% chance of getting it, and has it for a month...he'll need it for about 2 weeks...so he said I could use it the remainder of the time...so cross your fingers

That is pretty damn exciting! I will definitely cross my fingers!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

That is pretty damn exciting! I will definitely cross my fingers!

thank you good sir! ive got fingers, toes, arms, legs and eyes crossed!!!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

just looking at the banner seeing if it came out good on here...i like...hope yous guys do to

Happy Turkey Day!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nice! The size might be a bit large, I believe that they have a size limit on here.
I love the look of it though, very nice!

Mike

[Dustin R. Rogan]

well I've been known to always be over compensating...lol I'll look into making it smaller...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

ok, changed banner size...it got taken down by mods...sorry guys...and I've put up a poster...temp poster till i get casted and stills of some kind...until then...almost done with script i'm happy with....more later

[Marlon Ladd]

Good luck and what in the hell kinda' camera rigged up contraption is that?? Is that somethin' Batman made? Does it shoot bullets too? LOL. I want one.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

updated the update section...


:engel017:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Ok, I've decided to go with the DVX100B to shoot on, I've come to a complete script (so far...i change my mind every 5 mins it seems) But new title coming because i keep changing script...but yeah thats whats going on in my neck of the woods

[Chris Messineo]

I'm sorry to hear you won't be using the Red, but the DVX still captures a beautiful image and I'm looking forward to the film.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I'm sorry to hear you won't be using the Red, but the DVX still captures a beautiful image and I'm looking forward to the film.
thanks for the kind words!

script is finalized new title is coming to thread now for the fun part!!!

[Kyle Stebbins]

let me know if you'd like help with the poster!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

in the process of announcing casting call for the flick, getting great responses! Probably have auditions mid Dec.

Time for the fun to begin...

[Kyle Stebbins]

almost ready to send you what i've got...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

excellent! can't wait to see what you've come up with

[Dustin R. Rogan]

put up new banner...hope its not to big...i forgot the size ...anyhoos

[Kyle Stebbins]

pm'd you with the files, my friend!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Poster is finally up thanks to Kyle! enjoy

[tmnt]

Have you changed your mind on cameras again Dustin? *fingers crossed*

[Dustin R. Rogan]

well, there is scheduling conflicts and i'd only have 1 week to edit, then get to composer, then do the master edit...so I'm on the DVX100b

[Kyle Stebbins]

well, there is scheduling conflicts and i'd only have 1 week to edit, then get to composer, then do the master edit...so I'm on the DVX100b

Stick with the dvx since you've got a pretty tight time-frame.
Glad you like the poster, man. I was crossing my fingers that it would be just what you wanted.

kyle

[Dustin R. Rogan]

yeah i wish i could use red camera but I don't wanna be pulling all nighters and having to go into work at 3:45am, so DVX it is.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Wicked poster!

[Herman Witkam]

wow Kyle! Serious poster skils :thumbsup:

[Kyle Stebbins]

lol. thanks guys. i'm glad you like it.
herman... your avatar is freakin cuhRAZY!

back to dustin... how are things goin man?

[Mark Johnson]

wow Kyle! Serious poster skils :thumbsup:

This guy is SO talented in music, graphic and film ... and yet his aspiration is to work in a bank! Can you believe it????

[Kyle Stebbins]

This guy is SO talented in music, graphic and film ... and yet his aspiration is to work in a bank! Can you believe it????

Ha! Hire me at Fat Monster.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

back to dustin... how are things goin man?

good i got one part casted, waiting for response back to the actor for Curtis (main) as well as Leah (supporting role), good news is I've been training my new kitten that its not ok to crawl on me all night as if i were a freakin' mountain to be scaled!! lol so I've been sleeping alot better. Thanks again for the amazing poster!

Dustin

[Herman Witkam]

Before I forget it - Good luck with your entry, Dustin!

lol. thanks guys. i'm glad you like it.
herman... your avatar is freakin cuhRAZY!


It's from a 60's Japanese film, The Face of Another.

This guy is SO talented in music, graphic and film ... and yet his aspiration is to work in a bank! Can you believe it????

I can't - LOL! Unless they give him a loan to finance his films :D

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Before I forget it - Good luck with your entry, Dustin!


Thanks sir!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

put up pic of actress that will play Leah. Days are being counted down on d-day!!!

[Marlon Ladd]

Good lookin' cast and nice poster.

[Chris Messineo]

put up pic of actress that will play Leah.
She looks great. I'm looking forward to the film.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

She looks great. I'm looking forward to the film.
Sadly shes a glutten for for punishment working with us saps of Arcade Media (her 3rd film with us lol):cheesy:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Good lookin' cast and nice poster.

ty ty sir! now to cast the lead male...lol

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Update:
Have 3 of 4 locations locked down. So I'm stoked!!! Shot first element for the film shot. Scheduled to shoot rest of film on Jan19th and 20th. So better look out Rogan is on da move!!!

and put up a gfx used in movie...cast and crew updated too...

[Wild Imagination Films]

Dustin,
Congrats on the hospital, I know you were sweating it. I'm sure you guys are going to do really well on this project. If you have the same team as last time you'll be a force to be reckoned with.
-Will

[Kyle Stebbins]

*important note: I in fact do not own a television station....its a movie.. I can lie and you will believe me...

yesss dussttiiin

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Dustin,
Congrats on the hospital, I know you were sweating it. I'm sure you guys are going to do really well on this project. If you have the same team as last time you'll be a force to be reckoned with.
-Will

Thanks for the kind words Will, I owe you a big THANKS for your gracious ear and thoughtful words of advice.

Dustin

[Dustin R. Rogan]

yesss dussttiiin
you will give me all your movie budget so I can win....you will you will you will....give...mmooonnnnniiieesss


:grin::grin:

[Chris Messineo]

I'm glad to hear you are getting your locations.

In my experience, getting the right location is often the hardest part of independent (no money) filmmaking.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I'm glad to hear you are getting your locations.

In my experience, getting the right location is often the hardest part of independent (no money) filmmaking.
This is so true...i have a zero budget production...so far...nothing spent...and all i see me spending money on is my caterer and thats just buying the food. but I love it

[Wild Imagination Films]

Always feed the cast and crew. You can get them to work long hours and slave like it was their own film for free, but only if you feed them well.

I make certain to be the first one there, the last one to leave, work harder than everyone else, be nicer than everyone else, always say please and thanks (and mean it) and eat only after everyone else has eaten. I never snap or yell or put anyone down and I keep getting the same people back every time and more people wanting to "come play."

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Always feed the cast and crew. You can get them to work long hours and slave like it was their own film for free, but only if you feed them well.

I make certain to be the first one there, the last one to leave, work harder than everyone else, be nicer than everyone else, always say please and thanks (and mean it) and eat only after everyone else has eaten. I never snap or yell or put anyone down and I keep getting the same people back every time and more people wanting to "come play."


yes, I have a real chef coming in whom i went to high school with that is eager to do this so he can "network" with others and get his name out there and make a descent living. but yes if you're positive towards those whom are helping you out they're more than willing to help you out when you're Mr. Nice Guy Supreme!!!

Oh i wish Jan. would come already i'm ready to film this thing!!!

Dustin

[Kyle Stebbins]

yes, I have a real chef coming in whom i went to high school with that is eager to do this so he can "network" with others and get his name out there and make a descent living.

Make a descent living? somehow that seems like a negative thing...

(HA! Now who's got the upper-hand!?)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Make a descent living? somehow that seems like a negative thing...

(HA! Now who's got the upper-hand!?)

now if you only knew what a production assistant in television market 95 made...its a step up

[Luis Caffesse]

now if you only knew what a production assistant in television market 95 made...its a step up

Hey - I'm sure a production director in market 52 didn't make much more.
And cost of living is a bit cheaper in Waco than in Austin.
:thumbsup:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Hey - I'm sure a production director in market 52 didn't make much more.
And cost of living is a bit cheaper in Waco than in Austin.
:thumbsup:
well as a production director in this market...i know that we don't get paid for what we have to do...I direct 4 shows and barely clear 25k....

[Luis Caffesse]

well as a production director in this market...i know that we don't get paid for what we have to do...I direct 4 shows and barely clear 25k....

Don't move to Austin.
You'll be sorely dissapointed.
:)

[Wild Imagination Films]

And I thought being a medic was bad....

[Dustin R. Rogan]

And I thought being a medic was bad....

and people wonder why i drink...lol

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Just got confirmation on actor who is to play lead role of Curtis. So now to locking down final location, then rehearsals then shooting...editing...premiring the flick....and drinking lots of drinking lol jk


Dustin

[Dustin R. Rogan]

wow, seems like years since i've posted on here (not really) but have locations locked actors locked....then one of my cohorts tosses something hes written my way...and then I want to do that script as well...maybe having a double feature (2 entries) but i doubt it have to till it over and get the ok from the actors if they even wanna do it. anyhoos...just tired from holidays and working can't wait till 1/19 & 1/20 to get this puppy going. More later


Happy New Years, Be safe and drink lots!!!
:beer:

Dustin

[Wild Imagination Films]

D, Focus young one. Focus. Having discussed your project at length with you I am interested in seeing how your vision translates onto the screen. I'm glad it's all coming together for you as well. Like I told one of the other members who was about to start shooting, be in the moment as much as you can. Remember, this is what you love, don't get so wrapped up in the rest of the process you wind up when the shooting is over wondering how it all went by so fast.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

as we come closer to the day of shooting...i realize that I'm wondering where the time went...now i feel like i have 100's of things to do...but I know its me freaking out. anyways, still looking for time to sleep...in a play, haven't been on stage since my soph. year in high school...i'm not one for the stage/screen...i'm behind the scenes kinda guy. but i'm having fun. anyways time to go back to work. take care

Dustin

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Look at it this way... you're way ahead of me. :)
Have fun!

Mike

[Dustin R. Rogan]

things are shaping out very nicely. scheduled to shoot this weekend, spend all next week editing...in Austin...so you austinites wanna get together send me a PM. other than that, I can't tell you how pumped i am right now to get this project going...all the pre production is fun but now its time to get to the nitty gritty!!!


Talk at yous guys later

Rogan

p to the s...for all you brandy lamont fans, (woman in secret admiration and Sophie in Retribution) she was going to be in my short again, but has been offered a gig in a feature down in austin that might get picked up by lions gate, so i said(in a loving way) you'd be f'in retarded if you didn't take it. so sorry for such bad news...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

updated had a cast change and crew to fill in....anyhoos....

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Looking good....

Keep it up!

Mike

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Looking good....

Keep it up!

Mike
:dankk2:

[Wild Imagination Films]

Hard news on the last minute cast change up. Good news on the finding a replacement so quickly. Keep at it and we'll swap war stories over coffee when you get here.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Hard news on the last minute cast change up. Good news on the finding a replacement so quickly. Keep at it and we'll swap war stories over coffee when you get here.

defiantly, but I'll pass on the coffee. Maybe a juice lol or a brew

[Dustin R. Rogan]

The angizity is almost over....here are a few of day ones pics...

5052
Going through last min. blocking

5053http://www.jonespc.com/wp-content/uploads/Image/kevin%20smith%20scott%20mosier.jpg
Gary and I really do look like the Kevin Smith (me) / Scott Mosier (Gary) duo...Yeh? (minus the scruffiness)

5054
My cast is fantastic

5055
Jason and Justin are playing with the cute baby, she was one happy baby

5056
I look so in charge here...

[Chris Messineo]

Sorry to hear about Brandy (I was a fan), but sometimes those last minute changes lead to some great surprises.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Sorry to hear about Brandy (I was a fan), but sometimes those last minute changes lead to some great surprises.

That you are correct sir, after last day of filming (today) Brandy's replacement cried on command so convincingily that I thought something was really wrong with her!! and she informed me that shes just crying on command....i thought to myself Holy Sh*t....and i was amazed!!!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

just a funny comment i was just told by Gary...
"I was getting scared" - Gary
"Why" - Me
"Because when we're shooting the scene with you behind the camera...I had a brief moment of altered reality and thought Kevin Smith was behind the camera" - Gary
"Really?!? Now lets just see if I can make it at least half what that man has made it" - Me

anyhoos, filming is complete...i spent most of today worrying if I'd grabbed enough footage. And after review of all footage, I'm pleased with what we got in general. But I need more light...MORE LIGHT!!!....anyways tomorrow I hit the fun part for me EDITING!!!!

oh and ps. Is it just me or does my lead look a hell of alot like Jared Leto...i think so and especially after reviewing film...damn!

[Wild Imagination Films]

We had the same thing happen on the set of Company of Memories, except the actress had dredged up some really horrible memory from her past and got herself all upset. Get most of the crew upset as well.
Looks like some tight quarters on set there D.
I know how much stress you've been under with this project, how are you feeling now?

[Dustin R. Rogan]

We had the same thing happen on the set of Company of Memories, except the actress had dredged up some really horrible memory from her past and got herself all upset. Get most of the crew upset as well.
Looks like some tight quarters on set there D.
I know how much stress you've been under with this project, how are you feeling now?

Feeling much better now that the shooting is over with....got some day 2 pics up and day 2 went by much smoother and had our best shots ever on this films shoot...wow...

here are some of day twos bts

5077

5078

5079

5080

5081

[Kyle Stebbins]

cool bts, man. it sounds like things are really coming together! and what a cast and crew!!! way to go on hiring boatloads of people... it's going to smooth out the process and relieve a lot of stress off your shoulders.

cool!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

cool bts, man. it sounds like things are really coming together! and what a cast and crew!!! way to go on hiring boatloads of people... it's going to smooth out the process and relieve a lot of stress off your shoulders.

cool!
yes long gone are the days of just me and Gary doing everything behind the scenes...lol we have Waco on Lockdown...beware you guys in Austin...we're headed your way in Aug....LOL

[Wild Imagination Films]

yes long gone are the days of just me and Gary doing everything behind the scenes...lol we have Waco on Lockdown...beware you guys in Austin...we're headed your way in Aug....LOL


Do mine eyes deceive me or hath the gauntlet of challenge been cast upon the ground at my feet?
Bring it on D we ain't skeered. Waco, whatever dude.
Even Chuck Norris fears the mighty Austin DVX Users.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Do mine eyes deceive me or hath the gauntlet of challenge been cast upon the ground at my feet?
Bring it on D we ain't skeered. Waco, whatever dude.
Even Chuck Norris fears the mighty Austin DVX Users.

Lest you forget where the mighty Texas ranger is caged...here in Waco at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum ....LOL no we're still very green, but both willing to learn what Austin has to offer oh great sir! We will first learn your ways then punish you with your teachings...(or something like that) lol we leave tomorrow for ATX (as far as I know that is) and there through Sunday

[Wild Imagination Films]

Your trickery has not gone unnoticed young master. I see the ploy to engage me in a dialog to increase the number of posts to your thread.
Oh, by the way, the reason we let you guys in Waco keep Norris up there was because we grew tired of listening to him whimpering like a little girl down here. We figured you boys up in Waco wouldn't scare him so much.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

We (Waco) gave the world The Branch Davidians....and Steve Martin.... Lets not forget why the world fears us Wacoans....Wacky Waco...or Wacko.....

(I know the first one we're not so proud of...but fear is abundant in a guy who thinks hes jesus christ)

ps and we have the largest baptist college in the nation to fear....who can resist a slut that goes to church...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

ok...i've been on the editing attack for 8 hours now...and got an extremely rough cut of the short...who'da thunk that 6 mins goes by fast...i thought i'd be under but I looked down and saw 7 mins...and not finished yet...lol but i'm under 6 now... anyhoos...here ya go with some raw screen grabs...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/screengrab3.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/screengrab2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/Cia_Rogan37/rawscreengrab1.jpg

[Gohanto]

Grabs look good. That actor in the last one could easily pass for Jered Leto.

[smashedburrito]

Grabs look good. That actor in the last one could easily pass for Jered Leto.

Second that. I'm hoping your next scene is of him flirting with Claire Danes in the hallway.

[Robert Eldon]

I really like the theme of this. Looking forward to seeing it.

That shot of the boom operator, are they wearing camouflage as to not attract attention?

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I really like the theme of this. Looking forward to seeing it.

That shot of the boom operator, are they wearing camouflage as to not attract attention?
lol no i had a co-worker who is a photographer on the side come out and shoot pics for me. lol though the thought of him wearing that as camo would be weird...where would he fit in....

I really have come close to this project. as Will knows its semi close to my heart. and after a night of going out to the bars I was introduced as a tv director and a movie director to people I'd just met...and the responses i got from people are like wow, thats awesome. then leading into a half hour convo about movies lol...and i'll say it again...if i had a dime for every person that came up to me and said I look like the Great Kevin Smith, I'd be a freakin millionaire....i swear...anyways....that felt awesome I'll say that much...I hope you guys fall in love with this story as much as I have, even more so, I fell in love with it once it was fleshed out once the editing was done...thats all I'll say for now...

(oh and btw austinites....bad news i'm not headed your way for the week...things came up and I'm not able to) sorry will....maybe next time.

[Wild Imagination Films]

(oh and btw austinites....bad news i'm not headed your way for the week...things came up and I'm not able to) sorry will....maybe next time.



See, I knew you was yella.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

See, I knew you was yella.


sorry man, bossman called me in...what can i do...but i hope you like the flick

[Gary French]

See, I knew you was yella.

Just because Dustin isn't in Austin doesn't mean we're not invading. I'm shooting a short film in Austin right now! Mwhahahaha!

By the way, Dustin, kickass job with this lovefest short. I'll admit I had my doubts, but you pulled it off in spades. Hats off to you :thumbsup:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Just because Dustin isn't in Austin doesn't mean we're not invading. I'm shooting a short film in Austin right now! Mwhahahaha!

By the way, Dustin, kickass job with this lovefest short. I'll admit I had my doubts, but you pulled it off in spades. Hats off to you :thumbsup:

yeah William, sneaky sneaky are us that are unfortunately from the god forsaken city of Waco.

and thanks Gary, for allowing me to take full control. after the first one i did. I too had my doubts. but after seeing what i've done in post...i'm pleased as a duck in water!!!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

just an update, putting the final piece to my short...Music!!! Meeting with my guy tonight and then I'll be finished and ready to collect my prizes (lol of the "Technical Help" category) jk I'm excited but bummed same time that this project is coming to an end... looking forward to next one

[Wild Imagination Films]

As you can see Mr. French, we've had our eye on you for quite some time now. We saw what you did the other night. It wasn't pretty and the clips may be finding their way to a website near you. It should also be obvious to the readers, it is your fear of the Austin DVX Crew (from now known as the ADC) prompting your covert filming activities.
Hey D,
Glad you got to make the movie the way you saw it in your head. Keeping true to your vision is a really important part of seeing these things through. I will be watching your entry quite early in the fest you can bet. I hope you like the entry I turn in as well.
Gary, I'd have been happy to help out if you had let me know you were in town, oh, wait a minute, I was shooting my film this weekend.

[mentatDUKE]

Dustin, I love the poster. Grabs look good. Good luck on this. The subject matter looks to be thought provoking.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

well movie is complete...i'm happy with it. now just waiting for the day to upload then to view the rest of yous guys movies...can't wait

wonder what the next fest will be

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Uploaded and ready to view other entries!!!

Good Luck all!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Awesome!

Good luck.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Awesome!

Good luck.


thankies! You too sir. I have much to learn...much to learn

[Marlon Ladd]

Congrats, Dustin!!!! Can't wait to see it.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Congrats, Dustin!!!! Can't wait to see it.

Thanks!
this is my first movie ever to write and direct....oh and btw...i didn't realize i was shooting in fullscreen till 2nd day...so if some shots seem "off" thats b/c of that...DOH!!!!

[Wild Imagination Films]

Ok, now I hate you. Just kidding. Glad to have had the opportunity to have watched this from start to finish. Eager to see the final product.

[Jason Ramsey]

Congrats on getting uploaded, man. Sorry I'm just making it around to your thread. I've been real bad about browsing folks threads. I just got behind early on and now there is just so much reading to do! :)

Anyways, congrats, and best of luck to you.

Later,
Jason

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Ok, now I hate you. Just kidding. Glad to have had the opportunity to have watched this from start to finish. Eager to see the final product.

I'm glad to have had you on board so early, made me think about things...I would like to work with you in the future, maybe when gary and I get to Austin? Lord knows i could use someone thats been doing this for a while lol...but i still can call the noob card...still just about a year i've been doing this. Good luck to you sir!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Congrats on getting uploaded, man. Sorry I'm just making it around to your thread. I've been real bad about browsing folks threads. I just got behind early on and now there is just so much reading to do! :)

Anyways, congrats, and best of luck to you.

Later,
Jason

Thanks for the change and the best wishes! Hope you enjoy it, I have come to love the story, even if i had to cut a part of it out but it still flows!

Dustin

[Wild Imagination Films]

Dustin. I told you, the two headed dragon scene was just too much. I'm glad you took it out and see, it does still flow. As long as there is still an epic space battle, you should have this one easy.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Dustin. I told you, the two headed dragon scene was just too much. I'm glad you took it out and see, it does still flow. As long as there is still an epic space battle, you should have this one easy.

while this is all true. It would have totally changed the storyline, and won over the hearts of the god heads of DVXuser, but not to overdue my first film i took out our beloved 2 headed dragon sadly

Dustin

PS if i don't win this its due to the fact that I didn't have time to put in a 65th Space battle!!!

[Wild Imagination Films]

Once again, my recommendation is to leave them wanting a little something. The scene you shot with 47 centerfolds, wow, I was impressed. 64 epic space battles in a 6 minute film, with 15 seconds of credits... you are the master. No wonder Chuck, well, you know.

BTW- uploading, then re-editing, then re-uploading, then posting about it....yeah, nice, you sick @$&*!!! Just show your face in Austin. I dare you.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Once again, my recommendation is to leave them wanting a little something. The scene you shot with 47 centerfolds, wow, I was impressed. 64 epic space battles in a 6 minute film, with 15 seconds of credits... you are the master. No wonder Chuck, well, you know.

BTW- uploading, then re-editing, then re-uploading, then posting about it....yeah, nice, you sick @$&*!!! Just show your face in Austin. I dare you.

wasn't a re-edit...was a framing of like 4 shots...but if picking on the new guy is your card then have at it...(LOL i'm totally kidding, i know text can be precieved as something else) but yeah...i'm honest what can i say...i don't care...Austin is just a stepping stone for where i'm headed there bub....you're a footnote in the book that is known as "the life of Dustin R. Rogan" (thats a quote...write it down biatch) lol



Next!

[Wild Imagination Films]

And so it was written. So you're headed to San Antonio?

[Dustin R. Rogan]

remember the Alamo!!!!

[Wild Imagination Films]

Remember to watch my film. :grin:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

that goes w/o saying good sir :)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

aahh i'm like a child on christmas...when do we open presents...lol

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Good job getting her done!

Should be a fun fest with plenty of entries.

Cheers,

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Woo hoo!
CENTRAL TEXAS in the HEEZY.!
Looking forward to your film. The bearded guy has a great look.

Whereabouts in Central Texas?

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Woo hoo!
CENTRAL TEXAS in the HEEZY.!
Looking forward to your film. The bearded guy has a great look.

Whereabouts in Central Texas?
Ahh the great Jack! You sir are an inspiration. When I came around to DVXuser.com I watched your submission Rekindle. I absolutily loved/feared your work! I thought to myself one day I'll be that good and one day I'll be better than that.

Anywyas I'm from the Big crap hole of Waco lol

I've had perfect strangers ask me if I know I look like "that Silent Bob guy" and I say yes all the time lol. but according to his life time line i'm a bit behind schedule he was 24 when he made Clerks....lol.

All i can say is that I absolutley love the whole process of creating a film. From writting this one, directing, running cameras, then putting the story together in post, I know this is what I want to do with my life, and not remain a button monkey (tv technical director) the rest of my days

[Wild Imagination Films]

Dustin,
You're not just a "button monkey." You're THE button monkey.

Hey, when are you coming to Austin? We've got some really great projects waiting to be turned into really great films. I think it's high time several of us "central Texans" got together and really showed the guys in Brooklyn what for.

On a side note, I will be watching your film in the same group as Ted's and Jason's. In other words, first.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Dustin,
You're not just a "button monkey." You're THE button monkey.

Hey, when are you coming to Austin? We've got some really great projects waiting to be turned into really great films. I think it's high time several of us "central Texans" got together and really showed the guys in Brooklyn what for.

On a side note, I will be watching your film in the same group as Ted's and Jason's. In other words, first.

I think we need to make a commitment to work on the next fest together. or at least get together in person to maybe work on a future project

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Ahh the great Jack! You sir are an inspiration. When I came around to DVXuser.com I watched your submission Rekindle. I absolutily loved/feared your work! I thought to myself one day I'll be that good and one day I'll be better than that.
Heheh I don't know that they're that good, but awesome attitude. Too many people see someone do well and get resentful rather than feel challenged.


Anywyas I'm from the Big crap hole of Waco lol
David Karesh, Steve Martin, Robert Wilson, and now Dustin Rogan. There must be something in the Dr. Pepper in wacko Waco.

I used to drive through there all the time on the way back and forth to UT Austin from Frisco (my hometown near Dallas) and would stop in West for perrogis. Mmmm. This is 90 - 95 we're talking.


I've had perfect strangers ask me if I know I look like "that Silent Bob guy" and I say yes all the time lol. but according to his life time line i'm a bit behind schedule he was 24 when he made Clerks....lol.
I get that too sometimes.


All i can say is that I absolutley love the whole process of creating a film. From writting this one, directing, running cameras, then putting the story together in post, I know this is what I want to do with my life, and not remain a button monkey (tv technical director) the rest of my days

heheh cool, looking forward to seeing your work again :beer:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

David Karesh, Steve Martin, Robert Wilson, and now Dustin Rogan. There must be something in the Dr. Pepper in wacko Waco.

I used to drive through there all the time on the way back and forth to UT Austin from Frisco (my hometown near Dallas) and would stop in West for perrogis. Mmmm. This is 90 - 95 we're talking.



My goal so far is to make at least 1 film that people will pay for before I'm 30.
As i type i'm downing another tasty DP. Ahh west!! I love the Kolachies!!!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Ah that's what I meant "kolachies"

[Dustin R. Rogan]

we shot part of the film in Hillsboro (don't know if you know where that is, just north of West) and I made a stop and bought a shiz load of em for cast and crew

[Marlon Ladd]

Your story sounds really strong, Dustin. Hope everything turned out good for you.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Your story sounds really strong, Dustin. Hope everything turned out good for you.
I'm very pleased with it overall. I know lighting and sound, definatily sound is our weakness. But we're getting better.

[HBlack]

Only problem I had was with the originality of the story. From the moment the death of the baby was introduced, the ending was immediately predictable. Otherwise well shot, nothing bothered me technically.

[Kholi]

GIVEN -- SPOILERISH TYPEISH!!!

Some gooood lookin' images here. Very nice. Lots of great blocking, framing and camera action. When the story/pacing comes into play I have a hard time following the short. This might just be me, but I'll state my case.

Somewhere up above you mentioned that lighting and sound are troublesome for you. I won't delve into sound to far, that's really a field that's all too commonly "weak" (said in the lightest way possible) for all of us. Sound suffers because you can only do SO much by yourself, you know? Especially on a time limit. But, your sound is of no issue. In most places it's clear. In the church/cathedral there's "volume" and "echo" which matches the location. I honestly think this is a stronger point of your short. Above that, I want to say that the cinematography is the strongest part of your short. I had no qualms about lighting, more so troubles with certain frames and static camera position. However, there's a heap of VERY nice shots going on here. They're great visuals.

One of my favorite shots in this is actually the shot where your "guide" is sitting in the front row pew and it's a low dirty frame, the main character being the "dirt". It's great! Such a small shot, but I love it.

Was there a specific reason behind long lasting static shots? A lot of the times, when a static shot lasts a certain amount of time in a scene it stands to leave me feeling like the scene is being dragged out. Could moving the camera a bit more for wides, tights, OTS' in the kitchen have worked just as well? Could doing so throughout the entire short have ruined what you've created or perhaps added a new dynamic to your image? Just questions. I said it in another thread, if it's preference that's different but it's totally fine to move the camera. I'm sure ya know! Just thinkin' in the thread here. It looked great, nevertheless!

What made this hard for me to watch was the structure and a lot of confusing dialog. Take for instance the kitchen scene where this guy has yet to realize he's deceased. There's a line there: "I'm gonna be a father!". This line is right after the female gets off of the phone and she's crying. On a first watch I was completely confused and wondered "okay did she just get the call that her husband is dead? Or did she get a call about being pregnant? And, did he infer her pregnancy simply from her hand being over her stomach? That could've passed as being sick from losing a loved one. This is where it begins to get confusing.

Also, there's on the nose dialog which works in some cases and others feels pressed. Take the dialog when the baby is being still born. It feels a little plastic, over dramatic and what you "think" someone would say. But, not necessarily what someone would say. WHAT I have no idea, but to my ears it sounded a slight off.

That's not the only thing that kind of troubles me. The pacing itself is here and there. It's either THAT or maybe it's just a tad too slow for me. There's a fading montage sequence where the main character watches the female along in her daily life. Now it probably works and this is, i'm sure, just preference... I'm almost thinking that it's the point that made me feel it was just a little too long for the payoff. The character hasn't been established as a selfish man that needs to give his life for a child, which means he doesn't have an arc, which means he was going to give his life for the child to begin with. He doesn't seem to be having any problems in purgatory, just wandering about and hangin' out. So there's no real plight aside from a mental one. "What is my test?". That's fine, a more visual plight (presented at the end) could stand to re-immerse the viewer in the tale.

Could this all have happened in the same moment? Does subtracting any of the scenes present make the story any worse? Again, questions.

That said, again, the Cine and Sound are strong. Your team's got enough to create a solid looking and sounding entry. Next up is a compelling story. And, that isn't exactly easy to do no matter WHAT the time length. We're all learning!

Thanks for exhibiting!

[Gohanto]

I liked the idea of it a lot and many parts turned out great, but some specifics of it bothered me a bit though. The crossfading montage of them in different positions in the living room was nice, but why did you fade to an empty room between each shot of them? Just seemed odd for me. The transition into the church felt odd to me, but every other shot in the church was great. During his scene on his knees at the end, him falling in and out of frame just looked odd to me.
Performances were pretty good, and the writing was good. I really liked the elevator at the end, so simple and if I had heard about it before seeing it I wouldn't have thought it would work. But here, it actually works great.

Nice job.

[RyanT]

As far as composition, lighting, all those sorts of things. Oh man, you were killing it. All of that was superb. CC also went well with the story and definitely enhanced it. All things technical you really excelled in.

I too got a bit confused though with the whole "I'm going to be a father" line in the kitchen. But, you already know about that. The main thing I think you needed to focus on for this film was establishing that this guy was a selfish one. Now that I hear it, I realize it and the whole story comes together just a bit more, but I think more time should have went towards that. Maybe something happens while he's trying to talk to his wife, or with the "death" character. The line at the beginning wasn't enough to cement that in my brain.

The acting was pretty decent and I'm thinking with some ruthless cutting to speed up the pace a bit, you could get this thing down and working pretty well. Good job though, and man...I am so jealous of kholi's ability to give monster good critiques for so many films. I'm fading quick here!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I really like this kind of movie.

I have to say, I saw the ending coming a mile away but that still didn't hurt my enjoyment of the film. I would suggest moving the camera around a bit more, especially when he was on his knees in the hospital.

The movie had a few moments for me that worked well.

Nice work. Very well crafted and told.

Cheers,

Mike

[Ted Arabian]

Dustin! Great Job!!!

My first complaint is that the image is too damn small! 5 mbs???? Come on, they gave you 50 mbs! Open that up so I can see the pretty images.

I really enjoyed your film. A very nice story that kept it's pace. A just ending that left you feeling good inside.

I did want to eventually hear the newborn crack a cry when the deal was accepted. That would have been rewarding. Or maybe that is too Hollywood... none-the-less, I was wishing that it was there.

Some really nice camera work. Framing and lighting looked great. Editing was smooth to my eye. Everything made sense.

The actors did a fine job. All looked comfortable in this presence and delivered.

A bit confused with the line, "I am going to be a father?!" I don't know what would give him that idea in that scene. Obviously it was there to throw us but I like to have a little foundation when I get thrown. Makes for a harder fall! (LOL!)

Really nice work here.

Congrats to you and your crew!!!

-Ted

[Wild Imagination Films]

Dustin,
I have spoken with you about this story since you pitched it to me way back when. It was exactly what you described to me on the phone so for this alone I give you a thumbs up. Knowing it is your freshman directorial debut garners you a lot of slack. We'll discuss the time passage montage at a later time in person, but for the record, it was one of the two weakest moments of the film. The other is the scene in the delivery room. Your actress didn't at all seem to be in labor and since I work in the medical field.... I don't understand Ted's confusion though. She clearly says, "What are we going to do?" While rubbing her belly when she finds out he died. Pretty clear to me what's going on.
In summary, good job sticking to your vision. Now start learning how to get the most out of your camera picture wise and keep working on your chops.
Give me a shout.

[Noel Evans]

Ill agree with Ted... too small. I was actually off the lighting in general. I think you really came up with a solid story.... the first series of shots was seriously great! Then it became a little predictable, and as I said the shots lacked light, exposure etc.

You were really onto something I think you should flesh out.

[Jason Ramsey]

Hey, man. I haven't read the other comments in this thread yet, so forgive for repeats.

From the first scene I really liked your CC. It was a nice image. I just wish the compression was better, so I could have seen a larger frame size of the image.

That aside, it looked nice.

I didn't dig the music too much in this.

Had some pretty good acting for a dvxfest. The lead male was solid, and the "reaper" was believable as well for the most part.

Interesting premise. I could kinda see it coming a mile away as far as the ending was concerned, but that didn't bother me too bad. It was a nice little story, and quite a sacrifice.

The idea behind the scene in the hospital was nice, but the dramatic impact in the execution of it I think could have been stronger. I don't have specific suggestions as to how or what, it was just my initial gut reaction in watching it.

This is another film that worked pretty well in the given timeframe, not too rushed. Though, it might have been good to have shaved a touch off the front end and devoted it to the hospital scene to allow the character to really kinda struggle with the decision, and the circumstances, and to really delve into the idea behind the sacrifice that he was about to make. But, this like many of the entries I've watched showed good use of the time by not trying to cram too much stuff into too short of a time.

Good work. Thanks for sharing.

later,
Jason

[Slimothy]

The pacing seemed spot on to me. Color Grading looked crisp and I really liked it (Was this HVX?) The lead actors did a good job, but the guy who gets hit kept reminding me of a mix between Jared Leto and Jake Gyllenhal. He did a good job. I liked the device at the end w/ the elevator, thought that was clever.

The music was 50/50. Sometimes I really liked it and sometimes not as much.

[Chris Messineo]

I enjoyed this.

I particularly liked the look of it and I thought the edit was great.

The story was interesting and I really liked the last shot. However at times the dialogue, the acting, and the music were all a little too on the nose for my taste. I wish there was a bit more subtext.

Still, this was very sweet and entertaining.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

(Was this HVX?)
It was DVX100b

thanks for watching! I enjoyed this fest can't wait till next one

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I realized after shooting whilst I was editing that the "I'm going to be a father" line was gonna go 50/50...you either got it or no...depends on if you're looking at the actress before he said it...I'm glad the CC was pleasing all around...i was worried about that...to be honest I thought I was doing it wrong. The transistion scene didn't come out the way I wanted it to but with a full time job and the kid half the time its kinda hard to do a reshoot on my schedule working at 4am 6 days a week. but one can only get better from here right. Camera Movement will definatily be in my next short! So keep watching I'm not finished, hell no, not by a long shot! With all that said, I am pleased with everything in general for my directorial debut. DVXuser.com is such a blessing thanks to everyone that watched and criticed and to the mods for hosting!!!

[Blaine]

Nice job, Dustin. I enjoyed this even though it was fairly predictable. I never had any doubt which button was going to be pushed. This looked nice and I'll agree with a earlier review that the montage was probably the weakest part of this film.

[KenV]

I like this one on theoligical discussion alone, but what really lacked in this film was voice over work for you main dialogue.

As for what button I would push concerning the story, . . . Up.

[kurtmo]

I liked the camera work especially the outside scenes early in the film. The pans and angles were nicely done. I also liked the filming in the hospital sequence. Acting was solid, but not standout. I wasn’t surprised by the story or the ending, but it worked. The music was well done.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Bravo on aiming for something high and showing love in a different light. You've done some good things, but in the interests of improvement, I'll highlight a few things that didn't work for me.

First off, the transition from life to death didn't really work. There needed to be more of pop, and we needed to see him get up, confused, etc.

Secondly, and I feel bad for saying this, the actress just coudn't do it. I didn't believe her sadness. You could have helped her out by not showing the moment she learned. It's hard to write songs with high notes when your singers can't hit them.

The ending was predictable, but still kudos for going for the spiritual. I'm glad I watched it.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

First off, the transition from life to death didn't really work. There needed to be more of pop, and we needed to see him get up, confused, etc.

Secondly, and I feel bad for saying this, the actress just coudn't do it. I didn't believe her sadness. You could have helped her out by not showing the moment she learned. It's hard to write songs with high notes when your singers can't hit them.

The ending was predictable, but still kudos for going for the spiritual. I'm glad I watched it.

The transition between getting hit by the car and afterwards was originally going to have the title there....wasn't till i re-read the rules that I put title at beginning...kinda confusing because I saw some films that had title after beginning...so now i'm kicking myself b/c I should have asked someone if it were ok...but I didn't want to be dq'd on my first film, you know?

[Maximus]

I enjoyed your film. Very ambitious subject matter. I liked the ending... I wasn't sure which way he was going. Up was the right choice! :)

I might rethink the poster. It's kinda creepy to tell you the truth. Doesn't do your film justice.

[Cliff Wildman]

interesting film! solid cinematography - there are some issues with pacing and story here and there, but this is great for your first short!

i'm surprised no one has mentioned the death scene! i'd love to hear some details on how you set up and executed the car accident. it played so well i (sorry to admit this) that i stopped your movie and watched 3-4 times before going on.

i have to give you credit for best fx/stunt in this fest!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

interesting film! solid cinematography - there are some issues with pacing and story here and there, but this is great for your first short!

i'm surprised no one has mentioned the death scene! i'd love to hear some details on how you set up and executed the car accident. it played so well i (sorry to admit this) that i stopped your movie and watched 3-4 times before going on.

i have to give you credit for best fx/stunt in this fest!

Thank You...finally someone noticed lol...we made sure street was clear....actor crossed street, acted like car hit him, then couple seconds later i had the car zoom on through. Then in post I masked him frame for frame and it worked perfect...Thanks for noticing!

[Brian Parker]

This was a well done film. I liked a lot of the choices that you made. My only issues were that the CC seemed to change within scene when the main character was sitting down and was told that he was dead and the transition of them walking into the camera always kind of bothers me but that's more of a personal hang up. Overall it was well made and nicely shot an lit. Good music. Nice job.

[Anthony Pierce]

Wow! I cant figure out how you did the car scene at the beginning. My only criticism might be the acting at times. Entering his house, wife’s upset and homeless man sitting at the piano. It’s tough with heavy dialog, but I wanted him to be more terrified maybe throughout. The story, locations, camera work, music and lighting where excellent. Great ending.

Watch my Lovefest Entry! goodSAM here (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=122993)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Wow! I cant figure out how you did the car scene at the beginning. My only criticism might be the acting at times. Entering his house, wife’s upset and homeless man sitting at the piano. It’s tough with heavy dialog, but I wanted him to be more terrified maybe throughout. The story, locations, camera work, music and lighting where excellent. Great ending.

Watch my Lovefest Entry! goodSAM here (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=122993)

Had the actor cross the street when he hit his mark, he acted like he was hit by a car. then once he was safely off the street, had the SUV come barrowing down the street. Then in post I masked the actor frame by frame to match the SUV perfectly. Thanks for watching!

[Cliff Wildman]

dustin - if you have some time could you post a few frames of the car accident and explain yourself in more detail. i 'get' what you did, but i don't GET what you did.

like i said before that was a standout to me and i'd like to subscribe to your newsletter. :2vrolijk_08:

[hoz]

damn, that guy just got hit by a car! that looked really cool.

ambitious story, props for that. predictable yes, but thats okay.

the lead's acting was okay but not great, he had a LOT to go through as a character and i didnt quite believe he did ( he just died, man! ). the woman was okay. the caretaker of purgatory was good.

i liked the shots in the hospital and loved the street scene in the beg. not too crazy for the living room scenes where he sits next to his pregnant wife. they were kinda cheesy and distracting but i think the idea of showing this part of the story was a good one, i dont know what i'd do differently there. and the elevator in the end was a good way to finish the film. congrats!

[Gary French]

dustin - if you have some time could you post a few frames of the car accident and explain yourself in more detail. i 'get' what you did, but i don't GET what you did.

like i said before that was a standout to me and i'd like to subscribe to your newsletter. :2vrolijk_08:

I'll post some screen shots later on. Everything was done in Vegas fairly easily. We used two video layers on the timeline. In the top layer we have an actor crossing the street and pretending to get hit by a car. In the bottom layer we have an SUV driving down an empty street. The camera is in the exact same position for both shots.

In Vegas, starting with the top layer, we traced a very tight mask around the actor as he crosses the street, so now all that we can see of the top layer is just the actor. We then synched up the two layers. Once the SUV looks like it has made contact with the actor, we then drag the masked actor off frame at the same rate the SUV is moving. This looks like the SUV hits him and pushes him out of frame.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Thanks to all who commented/viewed my short. :grin:

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Dustin, I just enjoyed watching your film again. Really well done. And then I was reading through your thread and catching the comments people made. A couple stood out...

The first being that THIS IS YOUR FIRST FILM???? Whoa! I had no idea! This is pretty incredible for you FIRST FILM!!! (It would be good for your 10th film!)

You have such wonderful blocking and framing going on here. And the lighting is that of a seasoned pro. Really well done!

The second comment of mine comes from Will's post.

I don't understand Ted's confusion though. She clearly says, "What are we going to do?" While rubbing her belly when she finds out he died. Pretty clear to me what's going on.

In watching this a second time, yes... one could find that it is obvious what is going on. (and I think that Will finds it clear because he obviously worked with you and knew the story prior to this debut.) But seriously, I would never guess that this guy would come to this conclusion (that his wife was pregnant.)

What would have worked nicely for me (and made it clear) would be an tight insert shot of her hand on her belly. Honestly, I thought that it was an actor's choice to show that she was so upset that she was grabbing her stomach while she was wrenching in pain.

Not a biggie. Just defending my opinion by the comment left by Will.

....

The bigger picture here is that you have wonderful entry and a "first film" that you can be very proud of!

I find that storytelling is the most difficult aspects of filmmaking. One of the things that I am really trying to work on myself.

Great job! I look forward to more of you work!

-Ted

And kudos on the car accident! NICE!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

wow! thanks for the comment ted! I enjoyed killing my main actor...lol Thanks for watching again, I can assure you I'm nowhere near finished with this career!!


Dustin

[Marlon Ladd]

I agree. Nice film Dustin. The story was good and the acting was fine. It probably could have been a little better, but it still worked I think. And the car hit still has me racking my brain. That was really good. Looked so real. I'd be really curious to see how you did that one. Really nice job for a first film! I'm like Ted, I would never have guessed it.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Thankies~

[mentatDUKE]

This a well-done 1st film. You should be proud. Interesting take on purgatory and interesting final test. It's relatable I think, since most fathers would do anything to protect their families.

Nice use of visual effects. Cool shots. I think I liked the bum/angel the best.

Good job.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

thanks mental.

This is me wondering if anyone caught on to my Greek Mytho (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_%28mythology%29) reference?

Just wondering (ie 2 pennies....may have to look at credits)

Anyways thanks again guys!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

A lot of nice work in this film. I liked the concept of the story a lot. Nice work! Rod Serling would be proud. But you could also take a page from his book I think and not spell things out for us so much along the way ... which I go on about a bit later.

Here’s some thoughts while watching it the second time through.

Liked how pedestrian the dialogue was in the opening scene. Obv. Can’y have a whole film like that, but a bit at the beginning is nice. Grounds it in reality and establishes a stasis that will be upset so the second act can take place.

Nice car hit … maybe a car horn or some screeching brakes could take it even further .. but nicely done.

Maybe it was a slight misstep to not show him get up after the hit. We kind of know he’s dead right off and it seems to be your intent to delay that knowledge for a while.

I like the casting / look of the death or the purgatory cop guy … I liked that it wasn’t precious and a little irreverent. The gloves are a nice touch.

The cast does a pretty good job for the most part. Melodrama is one of the hardest things to pull off for any actor and they do a fairly serviceable job of it though not stellar. I’m talking about any type of “It’s your father … I’m afraid he … didn’t make it” “Oh God, no!” Kind of scenes. Tough stuff but can be great when hit out of the park.

The story trajectory was a little flat for me and not always rife with either enough conflict or enough mystery to be really engaging. By mystery I mean showing as little of your hand as possible for as long as possible. The act of piecing it together engages the audience and can be especially helpful in making a short. Of course you have to make sure they get it in the end and that you lead them with enough confidence throughout so that they feel like it’s possible to get it in the end. So … once we catch up with the movie, move on quickly. When he comes home for example we’re 100% sure that he’s dead when he utters his second line, and maybe even before that. Then that scene goes on a bit and then death comes and says “your dead” and we’re ahead of the movie until we get to “this is purgatory”. Which, similarly, I wonder if that information could have been withheld altogether. If he and the audience did not understand exactly what was happening to him, that could maybe have been a nice dramatic forward (technical term for mystery) which would have engaged us and given him something active to do (figure out what’s going on) rather than wait for a test. The way it is when we get to the baby scenario, we know exactly what is going on, what he will say, and are again ahead of the movie. Whereas if we didn’t know, we might not already know how that scene would turn out as soon as it begins. Then it could be revealed to him that it was a test, again probably in an implied way. Anyway, just some thoughts, they may not pan out once you put them on paper and track them through.

Really a solid entry. And I understand this is your first film? Even more impressive. Thanks for sharing it and debuting here, sir. :beer:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

yeah originally I was going to put the title after he got hit by the car but with confusion on format of the movie and this being the first one, and not wanting to be dq'd on first at bat....I didn't fully understand the format leeway (make sense?) I thought title HAD to be at beginning, and not 30 seconds into it. But thanks for watching and giving kind words of wisdom from a seasoned pro like yourself! Notes were taken and stored and will be put into practice in next fest

[Dustin R. Rogan]

thanks mental.

This is me wondering if anyone caught on to my Greek Mytho (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_%28mythology%29) reference?

Just wondering (ie 2 pennies....may have to look at credits)

Anyways thanks again guys!

:happy:

[jasonthewho]

Hey everybody! I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments/criticism. I played the death character and also helped write the script, and it's great to have people not only watch but also respond to our work.