LYRICAL TRANSITIONS: The First Time

[Marlon Ladd]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LT1RS1NEW.bmp

JANUARY 15th 2008 - POSTER'S FINALLY UP. Had 2 to chose from and this one won out. It was close though.

Okay, everybody, I'm back. I had so much fun in the last fest, that I decided to jump back in.

I hope to tell this story in a very different and unique way. This short will be part 2 of a 4 part series. Script is finished and will begin shooting in Jan. Poster and BTS to come soon.

[Marlon Ladd]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKREESE.JPG Some of the cast include:
Chris Paul

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/ltslick1.JPG
Ricci Jett

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKELLY.JPG
Kelly Edwards

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTMARCUS.JPG
Marcus Brooks

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTANDREA.JPG
Andrea Lacy

[Marlon Ladd]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS1.JPG


http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS2.JPG


http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS3.JPG

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS4.JPG

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS5.JPG


http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS7.JPG

I used some green screen for the shoot, set up in my garage. Like I said, the first time I've used it as a director. I've had a camera crew of 2-3 (including me), but everything looks good so far.


Reserved for extra stuff.

[Marlon Ladd]

Jan. 12th 2008 - Over the weekend, I got most of the cast together for a photoshoot. I had my best
friend's wife take the pics and she did a GREAT job. She's been trying to do the
photography thing for about a year, although she's always loved to take pics. The
pics were so good that I was able to do 2 posters in 2 days. That ain't never, ever
happened before! LOL. They're both pretty good, but then I always think that
at first and then end up hatin' 'em.

Also, supposed to shoot the first half this weekend. Will keep the updates coming
and will post the poster and pics this week.

February 6th 2008 - Screen grabs/Raw, no cc'd yet. These are pics from all the chapters. Each chapter focuses on a couple.

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTCaralips.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreesethinks.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreeseKelly.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTAnnwithSlick.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTMereaches.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreesemic.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTchairblinds.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTSlickmic.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTSlickCU.jpg

[Chris Messineo]

Is part 1 done already or are you making like George Lucas and filming the stories out of order?

Either way, best of luck with it.

[Slimothy]

Interesting. Part 2 of 4. Are you going to shoot the whole series at the same time or all at different times?

Tim.

[Marlon Ladd]

Is part 1 done already or are you making like George Lucas and filming the stories out of order?

Either way, best of luck with it.
Nope, part 1 is not done yet. The stories go in succession to each other, so I could shoot them in any sequence or order (because they all involve different people), but in the end they have to be in order, 1-4. It's kind of like the movie "Crash" in a sense that it involves different characters in different stories that have a connection.

Thanks, Chris. Looking forward to yours.

[Marlon Ladd]

Tim, I plan to shoot them all at the same time. I do have quite a few locals, but I'm just worried about casting the right actors to pull it off. I've got half already and still on the search for the leading women.

[Luis Caffesse]

Glad to see you're back in the fray... I really enjoyed 'The Unassumed'
Looking forward to seeing what you do this time around.
:thumbsup:

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Luis. I hope to do even better this time around. I learned a little bit from the last fest. that I think has helped make me a better filmmaker.

BTW - Your pic is hilarious. . .ooops! That's not really you, is it?

[Luis Caffesse]

BTW - Your pic is hilarious. . .ooops! That's not really you, is it?

Thanks.
You know, I sometimes wonder how seriously people take me given my choice of avatar.
:)

[Marlon Ladd]

LOL. I think it depends on what they see first. What you've written in a post or the pic.

[Jason Ramsey]

Luis, if you ever change your Avatar from chewy, I'll ban you.

leenewton,
good luck to you on your entry, man. I like the concept. It's a shame I'll have to wait for however long to be able to watch all four in succession. I'm kinda impatient :)

Best of luck to you in this fest.

later,
Jason

[Marlon Ladd]

Oh, that's Chewy?! I knew that face looked familiar. The hat threw me off.

Jason, if I get to film them all at the same time like I hope, I may have the other parts for exhibition or post them on my site, so everybody can check 'em out. And I know what you mean, I'm impatient too. I haven't even started filming and I already wanna' see it!

[cinealma]

Jason, if I get to film them all at the same time like I hope, I may have the other parts for exhibition or post them on my site, so everybody can check 'em out. And I know what you mean, I'm impatient too. I haven't even started filming and I already wanna' see it!

OR, you could at least submit parts 1 AND 2 for this fest. Past festivals have had a "max 2 film" entry rule. I've been very tempted to put a 10 minute film together and then submit it as parts 1 and 2 a la Kill Bill style, just to get around the time limit, although I don't think the mods would be too happy about that. :evil:

[Marlon Ladd]

OR, you could at least submit parts 1 AND 2 for this fest. Past festivals have had a "max 2 film" entry rule. I've been very tempted to put a 10 minute film together and then submit it as parts 1 and 2 a la Kill Bill style, just to get around the time limit, although I don't think the mods would be too happy about that. :evil:
Thanks, John. I may consider that too. The stories are connected, but then each one can stand on it's own as well, so if I entered 2 it wouldn't seem like they would both absolutely have to both be seen together to understand them individually.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks, John. I may consider that too. The stories are connected, but then each one can stand on it's own as well, so if I entered 2 it wouldn't seem like they would both absolutely have to both be seen together to understand them individually.

That would be cool! I've considered that myself. Could hurt you in the voting though as it might split up your votes.

[Marlon Ladd]

That's true, huh? I never thought about that. Well, we can't have that. I'm gonna' need all the votes I can get. LOL.


FYI - Got 2 posters done and trying to decide which one's best. Will post in the next day or so.

[Marlon Ladd]

Okay, poster's up.

[Marlon Ladd]

New pics posted too along with poster.

[Mark Harris]

Cast and poster look good. Have you shot any yet? Any grabs?

[Marlon Ladd]

Cast and poster look good. Have you shot any yet? Any grabs?
Thanks, Mark. Not yet on the BTS. I'm shooting this weekend, so I'll definately have some to post this weekend, no later than Monday.

I didn' t take any BTS shots on my last short, but I later realized that this is what's it's all about. The process of seeing how the scene is set up and then how it came across as the finished product.

[Marlon Ladd]

We had our first 2 shoot days over the weekend and it turned out pretty good. Some of the shots turned out better than I pictured, but a few, not so good. Will have to reshoot those. Overall, I was very pleased with how it all came out. The acting and wardrobe was really good and I was really pleased with the lighting. I had a camera crew of three on Sat. (including me - I also was in the scene), and two on Sunday. I also did some greenscreen stuff for the first time. I've been in front of the greenscreen on numerous occasions, but never had to set it up and light it and use it for my own purposes. We'll see how that turns out. I've seen some good greenscreening and some bad - if it doesn't work, then we'll just axe it.

Will film the last two parts of the short this weekend and then I'll post some grabs and stuff.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool! Can't wait to see what you've got.

Good luck this weekend.

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Cool! Can't wait to see what you've got.

Good luck this weekend.

Mike
Thanks, Mike. I'll be glad when it's all done. Oh, I PMed you about that thing too.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool, BTW your message box is full!

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Good lookin' out. I'll go fix that right now.

[Robert Eldon]

I hope to tell this story in a very different and unique way. This short will be part 2 of a 4 part series. Script is finished and will begin shooting in Jan. Poster and BTS to come soon.

Interesting idea to shoot part of a series. Have you already created part 1?

I like the close up of the microphone. Looking forward to see how this plays.

[Jason Ramsey]

Congrats on getting some footage shot. Look forward to grabs when you're in a position to post them.

Later,
Jason

[Marlon Ladd]

Interesting idea to shoot part of a series. Have you already created part 1?

I like the close up of the microphone. Looking forward to see how this plays.
Thanks, Robert. Yeah, I wrote all of them together and it's about 20 pages, which may play shorter once all put together. I filmed part 2 and 4 over the weekend and hoping to get 1 and 3 done this weekend. Cutting it close!

[Marlon Ladd]

Congrats on getting some footage shot. Look forward to grabs when you're in a position to post them.

Later,
Jason
Thanks, Jason. I'll definately have some BTS, if nothing else to post this weekend. We should have another good shoot this weekend, because the weather's supposed to be nice.

[Marlon Ladd]

Some BTS on the front page - 1-28-08.

[Ted Arabian]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS1.JPG
Woo Hoo! A man with a cam!

I only wish that my garage was that cleared out! (well, I don't have a garage... I have a barn... and it is packed!)

Good luck! Looking good!

-Ted

[Mark Harris]

Nice. I've had good experience with that green paper both with dvx and hvx. Looking forward to how those shots fit into the film.

But dude, spill some transmission fluid in that garage or something. I'm doubting your manly cred with a garage that clean...:)

[Marlon Ladd]

Woo Hoo! A man with a cam!

I only wish that my garage was that cleared out! (well, I don't have a garage... I have a barn... and it is packed!)

Good luck! Looking good!

-Ted
Thanks, Ted. I hope it turns out right. Looks good so far.

[Luis Caffesse]

dude, spill some transmission fluid in that garage or something. I'm doubting your manly cred with a garage that clean...:)

Hahahahahahaa
I had the same thought when I saw those pics.
:)

Looking forward to seeing this one.

[Marlon Ladd]

Nice. I've had good experience with that green paper both with dvx and hvx. Looking forward to how those shots fit into the film.

But dude, spill some transmission fluid in that garage or something. I'm doubting your manly cred with a garage that clean...:)
LOL. I know, huh? All I gotta' do is tear everything down and pull my dirty a&& car in and then the garage'll look real crappy. LOL. No, my wife's a clean freak and so the garage has always been pretty clean. Everything has it's own little place!! LOL. I did have to do some major moving to set the screens up though. I was gonna' put them up on poles, but my friend had to use hers, so I just got the paper ($50) and my wife and son helped staple them to the ceiling while I was in the recording studio.

[Marlon Ladd]

Hahahahahahaa
I had the same thought when I saw those pics.
:)


Y tu, L-u-i-s? LOL. Y'all are killin' me. At least I had a lawnmower in one of the shots. Can I get some extra points for that? LOL.

We're probably all gonna' lose some manly cred. on this deal anyway. After all, as of right now, we're all a bunch of chick-flick makers.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nice BTS. Looks like an interesting shoot.
I can't wait to see more...

Cheers,

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Mike, I should have some screen grabs coming, hopefully in a few days.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Mike, I should have some BTS coming, hopefully in a few days.i thought the pics of you in the garage were BTS? Or do you mean more... :)

[Marlon Ladd]

Oops! I meant "grabs!" LOL.

[kurtmo]

Love the poster! And it looks like your green screen shots are well lit. My lights are mostly homemade from Home Depot. Gotta get me some real lights some day! Did the shots key well?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Oops! I meant "grabs!" LOL.
:laugh:

No problem.

Waiting patiently... :happy:

[Marlon Ladd]

Love the poster! And it looks like your green screen shots are well lit. My lights are mostly homemade from Home Depot. Gotta get me some real lights some day! Did the shots key well?
Thanks, man - about the poster. Actually I haven't edited not 1 single thing yet. LOL. I still got some more to shoot over the weekend and then I'm on it. But, just looking at the footage, the greenscreen looks like it'll be fine.

Kurt, don't sweat the Home Depot lights, cz I still want some and if I would've known about them before I bought mine, I woulda' definately got some then. I only have 3 lights and then I borrowed my friends other 4. He had some 600 and 750watt lights.

[Marlon Ladd]

:laugh:



Waiting patiently... :happy:
Too m-u-c-h p-r-e-s-s-u-r-e.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

No pressure...

:Drogar-Smoke(DBG):

[mentatDUKE]

Hey Marlon. Good looking cast. The title is really interesting. Is that Hip-Hop inspired?

I like the idea of a series. Quite ambitious.

Looking forward to it.

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey Marlon. Good looking cast. The title is really interesting. Is that Hip-Hop inspired?

I like the idea of a series.

Thanks. There's about 3 or 4 others in the cast as well, just haven't had time to put their pics up.

It is hip-hop inspired in a sense. I wouldn't really call it a series, but more of a story with chapters - oh, a series, huh? LOL. It's kinda' hard to explain, but it'll make perfect sense when you see it. I hope to wrap up the filming this weekend.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I wouldn't really call it a series, but more of a story with chapters - oh, a series, huh? LOL. It's kinda' hard to explain, but it'll make perfect sense when you see it.Sounds interesting.

Cheers,

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Mike, how'd you change your name up there?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Mike, how'd you change your name up there?
I know people. :D









I just asked JDS...

[Maximus]

I really enjoyed "The Unassumed". Look forward to this one.

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Maximus. Glad to see you back around these parts. Been working on anything new?

[Robbie Comeau]

Love the BTS shots. Nice! :thumbsup:

[Marlon Ladd]

I know people. :D









I just asked JDS...



I will be following suit shortly.

[Marlon Ladd]

Love the BTS shots. Nice! :thumbsup:
Thanks, Robbie. I hope to have screen grabs soon!!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks, Robbie. I hope to have screen grabs soon!!Come on already!! :laugh:

[Maximus]

Thanks, Maximus. Glad to see you back around these parts. Been working on anything new?

Got a few irons in the fire, nothing worth mentioning at the moment. Hope to enter another dvxuser fest... maybe this summer. Money's kinda tight at the moment. :violin:

[Mark Harris]

Thanks, Robbie. I hope to have screen grabs soon!!

Dude, after all the heat we gave Luis? Get on with it!

I mean, you worked so hard, here it looks like you fell asleep at the DVX. Standing up, even.

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTBTS1.JPG

[Marlon Ladd]

Dude, after all the heat we gave Luis? Get on with it!

I mean, you worked so hard, here it looks like you fell asleep at the DVX. Standing up, even.




I know, huh?? LOL. Shhhhhh! Don't tell Luis, though, cz he'll be over here really starting trouble.

I just came on to give an update too as a matter of fact.

[Marlon Ladd]

Okay, I've been loading up footage for the past 2 days - I filmed again over the weekend and still have one more day to shoot (remember this is going to be a 4 part series, about 15-20 mins. total). Mom's in the hospital today and probably tomorrow, but I hope to begin editing quick. I'll edit the part I'm entering for the competition first and then the other parts. Anyway, screen grabs this week, that's a promise!

[Mark Harris]

Your thread looked so lonely I gave you five stars. Congratulations!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Okay, I've been loading up footage for the past 2 days - I filmed again over the weekend and still have one more day to shoot (remember this is going to be a 4 part series, about 15-20 mins. total). Mom's in the hospital today and probably tomorrow, but I hope to begin editing quick. I'll edit the part I'm entering for the competition first and then the other parts. Anyway, screen grabs this week, that's a promise!

I'll hold you to it... :thumbup:

Sorry to hear about your Mom.

Cheers,

[Mark Harris]

Eeeks, yeah, I'd forgotten when I saw that. Sorry your mom had to go to the hospital.

What's the stat on your film?

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Mike and Mark. I appreciate the sentiment. There's a long story that goes with my mom in the hospital and I'll explain after the competition. I don't want sympathy points (everybody's got problems), but having said that, she seems to be doing okay right now.

[Marlon Ladd]

What's the stat on your film?

I'm still hoping to get it finished. I haven't been able to edit one single thing yet and I still film for a few hours on Sat., but if nothing else, I should be able to get the chapter I'm entering in the competition finished. We'll see.


Anyway, here's some grabs for you guys. No cc'd or anything yet. Let me know what you think.

[Marlon Ladd]

Check out the rest on the front page.

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTCaralips.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreeseKelly.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTMereaches.jpg

[Zak Forsman]

Check out the front page.
http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTCaralips.jpg

now that's an XCU!!! awesome, looking forward to more.

[Jason Ramsey]

Push through to the end, man. You can do it. I have faith. Finish 'er up if you can.

Later,
Jason

[Marlon Ladd]

now that's an XCU!!! awesome, looking forward to more.

Can't you just hear the kissing sound with those lips?

[Marlon Ladd]

Push through to the end, man. You can do it. I have faith. Finish 'er up if you can.

Later,
Jason
Thanks, Jason. Starting tomorrow night, I'll be on it. Appreciate the support.

[Mark Harris]

I like these:

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTSlickmic.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreesemic.jpg

Do you have any of the green screen shots done?

[Marlon Ladd]

Do you have any of the green screen shots done?

Thanks, I like the lighting on those shots as well. I haven't made not 1 single edit yet, so no greenscreen grabs right now. Hopefully I can get started tonight and have more to post by the weekend.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, my film has some of that too, that sort of inky black surrounding characters and making the scene almost an abstract location...dig it.

[Ted Arabian]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreesethinks.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTchairblinds.jpg

I like these in addition to the two grabs that Mark Harris commented on. (I love the lighting in those two grabs.)

These two, I like that blue bg and I love the shadow shot.

Nice!

Good luck!

-Ted

[Marlon Ladd]

I figured you'd like the blinds shadowed shot. I've got some blinds shots (to a degree) in this one too. So, looks like me you and Mark got some thing in common.

Have fun lighting for Hilary.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Really awesome shots! I can't wait to see this one.
Love the look you've got going.

Cheers,

Mike

[Ted Arabian]

Lighting Hillary is not fun... it's easy and it's big $$$!!!

I would rather be working on my film!!!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/LTKreesemic.jpg


My favourite for sure! Love the darkness and the colour.

Cheers,

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Mike. Looking forward to getting started editing!


Ted, take that money and run!

[kurtmo]

Been watching for this. Tell me you got it in on time.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Yah, did you get it!?

[Marlon Ladd]

Sorry guys. Thanks for asking, but I didn't make it. I finished a chapter 2 hours ahead of time, but then I was unfamiliar with my new compression program and it was doing some crazy things. I couldn't get it to save as the right type of file and then it took over an hour to save one (the one I was banking on) and then the file was 5 MB too large. I haven't been this disappointed in a long time.

I guess I'll try and show it as an exibition.

Did you guys make it?

[Marlon Ladd]

Originally written Feb. 5th 2008

Okay, guys, before I say this, I don't want anybody to act any differently. Keep getting on my case about grabs, cz this is what it's all about.

Over the past 3 days I've almost lost both of my parents. My father is diabetic and has been for most of his life and my mother was recently diagnosed with heart disease. My parents are still married and are both in their 60s (getting older). Over the weekend my dad went too long without eating and went into a sort of low-blood sugar coma state where he is unconscious and very near death. This has happened to him more than 10 times over the past few years and everytime we've had to call 911 and the fire department to bring him back around. This was the case over the weekend and it's a miracle that he even survived. My dad was a college professor for 20+ years and has always been active with exercise. He finally retired about 7 years ago (because of his health) and ever since then he's slowly lost a little bit of his independence. He can no longer drive, is quickly losing his vision and can hardly stand for periods at a time.

Last summer, 3 days before Mother's Day my mom was walking for exercise in the local mall with her best friend. She told her friend she need to sit down for a minute, because she was feeling tired and started walking towards a bench. My mother took no more than a couple of steps and passed out cold. She dropped to her knees and then fell head first to the ground. Luckily a heaven sent bystander had just entered the mall and saw my mom fall. He, without hesitation rushed over to give her CPR and brought her back to life until emergency workers arrived and rushed her to the hospital. When my brother and I got there my mother was barely alive and had the biggest knot right above her eyebrow and the doctors didn't know what was wrong with her. They ran tests and discovered that she had some blockage to her heart and performed surgery to have a stint put in to open up one of her arteries (my dad also had the same surgery a year ago). The surgery went fine, but when they moved her to a regular room, she flatlined right in front of our eyes. That's something you don't ever want to see. The workers shocked her heart twice and brought her back. She recovered and last year, because she was still alive, was the best Mother's Day ever.
Since then, she's continued to have minor problems and this morning she had surgery again to replace one of the earlier stints they had put in. During the surgery, she flatlined again and the surgeon had to shock her heart twice again. Her doctor, who is very caring told us that he didn't know why she flatlined, but that this stint will hopefully fix the other issues she's been having with irregular heartbeats.

So, they decided to give her an ICD (like a pacemaker) to fix the irregular heart beats. She came out of surgery okay and seems to be fine now.

It's funny - nothing or no one can ever prepare you for the loss of a loved one. I never dreamed the day would come where my parents would really be "old" or that I would have to watch their health continue to fade. It's life though and we all know everybody lives and everybody dies, but that doesn't make it any easier.

It is truly a blessing that my parents are still here and if for only a moment or for many years to come, I will be happy. We all have problems and mine seem to be insurmountable right now, but I am content. I'm happy to be able to do what I love (filmmaking - even if I have no money right now) and that my family is still in tact. There's always hope. My parents are very strong people and because of their strength, I am who I am and I am able to always finish what I start.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Stay strong.

I'm terribly sorry to hear the bad news. Hopefully everyone will pull through for the better. ICD's can really change a life and help that individual get back on track.

I lost my Dad to cancer many years ago. Hang in there and enjoy every moment. I'm sure there are many more to come. :thumbup:

Cheers,

[kurtmo]

That stinks. Next time PM me if you're having issues with compression. I'd be happy to give you a hand. Please do make Lyrical Transitions available for viewing, even if it isn't for the fest.

I got mine in on Friday. I plan on beating the rush and get it done 2 days early. I hate to be sweating at midnight on Sunday hoping my internet connection doesn't crap out.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I've had many times where I thought I was going to loose my mother. She was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) about 12 years ago. And she went from an active mid 30's woman to what seemed a very feeble woman in her 80's. She's wheelchair bound and was also recently diagnosised with osteoporosis (sp?) and at one point had 7 breaks in her legs at one time. and now on top of that the docs think she has MRSA...I know all too well about seeing your parents fade, shes only 45 now and I wish only she'd been dealt a better hand know what i mean. But hope all gets better for you and your parents man, and good luck with the fest!

Dustin

[kurtmo]

Wow! I posted before I saw your last post. Sounds like you got enough going on. Hope things stabilize in your life soon! Take care.

[Barry_S]

FYI--Marlon is in the fest. If we can give folks a little extra time to fix technical difficulties, we can certainly make an allowance under the circumstances. Best wishes to Marlon and his family.

[Ted Arabian]

Wow.... Marlon. Thank you for sharing that with us. Your dvxuser family is a great support system! Keep You Spirit Flying, Man!!!

Best to you and your family!

-Ted

[Mark Harris]

Best to your family Marlon. Glad you're still going to be in.

[bosindy]

sorry to hear about your folks, I hope all turns out okay.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Sorry about your family, but glad things have settled and also glad you're still in.

And Cool BTS. Looking forward to how you incorporate the greenscreen.

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, everybody. I know we all have problems and events come up in our lives we can't control. Having said that, can't tell you how much all of your kind words mean. This is a such a great place.


Okay, now somebody say somethin' mean and crazy about me, so I won't feel like I'm getting any special treatment.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Okay, now somebody say somethin' mean and crazy about me, so I won't feel like I'm getting any special treatment.
You suck!

Now hurry up with the new grabs! :D

[Marlon Ladd]

You suck!

Now hurry up with the new grabs! :D
Thanks, Mike! Now I feel better.


Will check in on you're latest update in a bit.

[Jason Ramsey]

so did you get uploaded then?

Glad you're still in, man.

Later,
Jason

[Marlon Ladd]

so did you get uploaded then?

Glad you're still in, man.

Later,
Jason
Yep, Jason. I'm in!! Thanks for checkin'. Looking forward to your film as well as many others.

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Marlon, glad to see you on the boards and your film uploaded!!!

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey Marlon, glad to see you on the boards and your film uploaded!!!
That's okay, Ted. Thanks for tryin'. LOL. On my way to your thread as we speak.

[Ted Arabian]

Oops, it looks like I modified my post as you were quoting me! LOL! I was trying to find something to say that would kick your a$$... I opted for a nice Ted comment as I modified my post.

[Marlon Ladd]

Oh, darn it. LOL. I just posted at your thread.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Any new grabs or are you saving the rest for the big release tomorrow?

Cheers,

[Marlon Ladd]

Any new grabs or are you saving the rest for the big release tomorrow?

Cheers,
Mike, I'm gonna' try and get some up tonight or early in the morning, but I'm trying to finish editing the whole thing, which has three other parts. I hope to get that done tonight, but don't know if I'll make it. Workin' 10 hours today, which only leaves me just a few hours to edit. Hate that!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

SPOILERS:


DUDE! This was really good! So much so that I'm going back to watch it again.

The compression seemed off but other than that the movie rocked. Man, you told quite the story in just one part! Can't wait to see the rest.

Your actors were sick! Dead on perfect,

Cheers,

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Marlon!

Great job. Wow, you are a poet, man!

I enjoyed this. I liked the style and the way you shot it. Very much a music video feel to it.

Nice work to you and your cast and crew!

-Ted

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey Marlon nice work!

I dug the spoken word thing form the beginning, but then it was really cool because I got wrapped up in the story even though it had a more presentational form.

This was really original too. I'm sure there won't be another entry like it. I guess in a small way it was reminiscent of the Closet, except that it wasn't stupid, but actually good.

But still very original and well excecuted. The talent really pulled it off, and thank god the rhymes and poetry were better than good they were excellent.

If there's any room for improvement I would say it would be lighting your non studio shots as well as the mic shots. It looked like in most instances you were using available light for interiors and extieriors. OK for some things but a piece like this works well with technical polish.

Anyway, hats off for telling a story that was engaging in an original way. I think the hardest hurdle in being filmmakers at our level is finding your own voice and not just emulating the style of others. This really had a unique voice and it engaged me.

:beer:

[Mark Harris]

Marlon, this was a real nice surprise and you kept the secret well! It reminded me it would be nice in future fests to see more things off strict narrative.

I liked the rap(?), spoken word(?) too. It reminded me of The Streets. I dunno if it's strictly poetry, or some strain of hiphop or what, but I love that it's a little flat and not concerned with musicality and just telling the story.

And I agree with Jack, the intercut story elements worked well with the music. Nice work!

it seems like your audio sync is off every now and then in the story portions.

[Marlon Ladd]

SPOILERS:
DUDE! This was really good! So much so that I'm going back to watch it again.
The compression seemed off but other than that the movie rocked. Man, you told quite the story in just one part! Can't wait to see the rest.
Your actors were sick! Dead on perfect,
Cheers,

Thanks, Mike. Yeah, after I compressed it and went back to look at it, it's not so good. I don't know what happened. I even had a smaller file sized one that was better. Maybe might computer was tired at that point or somethin'. I'm at work all day, but when I'm done I'll get to yours. Already read some reviews and looking forwar to it. The actors all did excellent. The main characters in this one are actually my brother and sis-in-law.

Hey Marlon!
Great job. Wow, you are a poet, man!
I enjoyed this. I liked the style and the way you shot it. Very much a music video feel to it.
Nice work to you and your cast and crew!
-Ted

Thanks, Ted. Yeah, I wanted to shoot it like a music video, but I wanted it to be more than that with what's going on. Looking back on it, I don't know how I came up with this idea (spoken word), LOL, but when it was all over it came together better than I expected. The cast and crew were great.

Hey Marlon nice work!
I dug the spoken word thing form the beginning, but then it was really cool because I got wrapped up in the story even though it had a more presentational form.
This was really original too. I'm sure there won't be another entry like it. I guess in a small way it was reminiscent of the Closet, except that it wasn't stupid, but actually good.
But still very original and well excecuted. The talent really pulled it off, and thank god the rhymes and poetry were better than good they were excellent.
If there's any room for improvement I would say it would be lighting your non studio shots as well as the mic shots. It looked like in most instances you were using available light for interiors and extieriors. OK for some things but a piece like this works well with technical polish.
Anyway, hats off for telling a story that was engaging in an original way. I think the hardest hurdle in being filmmakers at our level is finding your own voice and not just emulating the style of others. This really had a unique voice and it engaged me.
FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="

I appreciate your critique, Jack. Glad you liked the rhymes. I write all of my films and when I told my music guy about the project and that it was "spoken word," he asked me who was writing the poetry. I was like, 'me!' Then he chuckled. I think he thought I was biting off more than I could chew this time, but when he saw and heard the poetry for all the couples, he was really diggin' it. LOL. That's his VO at the beginning.
Actually, I didn't use available lighting on any of this. The mic. lighting was specifically lit that way and different for both actors. Maybe some of the interior lighting shots seem that because I just lit them real basic, but bright - then I didn't have time for any CC. I know there's on scene that I would have liked to have lit better, but the essence of time got the better of me. Doesn't that always happen. Will get to that later.
It's always tough to step out on a limb. Because it was different, I didn't know how people would respond. I liked it and the idea of the story, but we all think our stories are the greatest ever told - until somebody brings us back down to earth.
I have alot of respect for you guys as filmmakers, so I greatly appreciate your comments. At work all day and can't view, but will get to your flicks later tonight!

[Erik Olson]

What can I say? Simply the most inventive, original piece in the festival. Top three material that's technically leaps and bounds ahead of most everything else.

The narrative elements dropped into prose reminds me of beat poetry set to film. Just amazing. Acting is top notch and it looks great.

e

[mentatDUKE]

Hey Marlon. Good job on this. I like the fact that you used a very unique storytelling device in this. I didn't realize your wrote all the rhymes. That's pretty impressive. I guess I assumed all the actors were doing their own material since the point of views seemed so distinct, especially the females.

Just one question. Was she cheatin' on the brotha or what? :)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Just one question. Was she cheatin' on the brotha or what? :)
I would have to say that this was my ONLY gripe as well. Is she telling the truth?
But considering that this is just Part 1... I think we're going to find out. :)

Loved it man, simply awesome!

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Very original. The idea was executed really well and there were some great shots in there. All together, great job!

[Erik Olson]

I thought it was Part IV?

e

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I hope to tell this story in a very different and unique way. This short will be part 2 of a 4 part series. Script is finished and will begin shooting in Jan. Poster and BTS to come soon.
Part 2.

There is still more to come.

[W Braud]

VERY new to DVXuser, but "Transitions," is one of the best projects I have ever seen . . . film or spoken word. Excellent story telling. Keep it up. - W Bro

[Chris Messineo]

This was very different and very interesting.

It reminded me of when I used to go to Poetry Slams in NYC.

I loved your actors' voices. I thought the shots of them at the mic were great. The shot of them in "real life" weren't quite as compelling.

Editing wise, I wish the whole piece had intercut between the two of them instead of starting with one and then switching to the other. I think it would have given it a lot more energy, conflict, and passion.

Still, this was very cool and I'm looking forward to seeing the other parts.

[Maximus]

I think you did a great job on this, but as some like to say, it wasn't my cup of tea.

I'm not really into poetry or experimental films. Yeah, I'm basically a neanderthal, I'll admit I like Bruckheimer movies.:embarasse

But seriously, your film was very impressive and original. Major props!

Look forward to seeing more work from you.

[kurtmo]

Hey, great short. I liked the look and feel and I enjoyed the way you cut this. I thought the poetical rhythm was well crafted. I thought the lighting was nicely done. Great film!

[Zak Forsman]

this is assured and confident filmmaking, man! i really admired the unique choices you made. unconventional AND it works!!! congrats!

[DJ Lewis]

Lee, it should be illegal for filmmakers to put out great work like this, without a posted schedule for the rest of the series. Can't wait to see the rest!

And lets not forget to mention that you got it done, regardless of everything else that was going on. I'm confident we're going to see and hear a lot more from you...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Haven't heard from you in a while.

I hope that everything is going alright with you and your family considering the problems you mentioned earlier in this thread.

Best wishes.

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey, guys. I just got back on here and I'm downloading the rest of the films to watch right now as I speak.

Mike, thanks for your concern. My fam. is doing well. I just now got back from Killeen, TX. I went down there to support a friend trying to help promote some artists, including myself. I couldn't get online and when I downloaded some films the first time all of the films didn't play all the way through, so I'm downloading again right now.

Okay, now I'm gonna' get to your reviews.

[Marlon Ladd]

Marlon, this was a real nice surprise and you kept the secret well! It reminded me it would be nice in future fests to see more things off strict narrative.


I liked the rap(?), spoken word(?) too. It reminded me of The Streets. I dunno if it's strictly poetry, or some strain of hiphop or what, but I love that it's a little flat and not concerned with musicality and just telling the story.

And I agree with Jack, the intercut story elements worked well with the music. Nice work!

it seems like your audio sync is off every now and then in the story portions.



Thanks, Mark. It's actually spoken word. I've always been a fan of it, but felt it never reached an audience, because of the way it was performed. So, I decided to try something different.



With the audio sync., I'll check it out again. Thanks. Will hopefully get to your film tonight.


What can I say? Simply the most inventive, original piece in the festival. Top three material that's technically leaps and bounds ahead of most everything else.


The narrative elements dropped into prose reminds me of beat poetry set to film. Just amazing. Acting is top notch and it looks great.

e

Wow, thanks e. I appreciate that. I tried to do something different and like I was saying to Jack’s response, it’s not always easy to step out on a limb. I really liked the story and how it turned out, but you never know how people will respond. Thanks for watching and I agree that the acting was top notch. Without their skillz projecting the story it wouldn’t have been the same.

BTW – this is part 4 and I will have the others ready in the next couple of days. Originally this was supposed to be part II, “The First Time,” but this one came together great and I had the music for it and it was the most compelling with the most drama.



Hey Marlon. Good job on this. I like the fact that you used a very unique storytelling device in this. I didn't realize your wrote all the rhymes. That's pretty impressive. I guess I assumed all the actors were doing their own material since the point of views seemed so distinct, especially the females.


Just one question. Was she cheatin' on the brotha or what?


I would have to say that this was my ONLY gripe as well. Is she telling the truth?

But considering that this is just Part 1... I think we're going to find out.

Loved it man, simply awesome!

LOL. Y’all are killin’ me. These are the kind of stories I like to write. The ones that illicit questions.

Well, what do you think? Was she cheating?? That’s part of what I wanted to do was to paint a layer of gray. You see it from his perspective and then you see it from hers. He had a compelling argument that she was cheating, but whose argument is the MOST compelling? What’s important is that he thought she was cheating, so then the question becomes will he ever believe her and even if he does believe her some damage has already been done.

I guess that didn’t answer the question, huh? LOL. I wanna’ know what y’all think though. Did she?



Very original. The idea was executed really well and there were some great shots in there. All together, great job!

Thanks, Matthew. Means a lot that you like it. I see you’re in Austin. That’s the new film capitol here in the USA isn’t it?


VERY new to DVXuser, but "Transitions," is one of the best projects I have ever seen . . . film or spoken word. Excellent story telling. Keep it up. - W Bro

Thanks, W. That’s such a compliment, because there are truly some kick a$$ films not only in this competition, but just all over the site in general. Thanks for watching.


This was very different and very interesting.


It reminded me of when I used to go to Poetry Slams in NYC.

I loved your actors' voices. I thought the shots of them at the mic were great. The shot of them in "real life" weren't quite as compelling.

Editing wise, I wish the whole piece had intercut between the two of them instead of starting with one and then switching to the other. I think it would have given it a lot more energy, conflict, and passion.

Still, this was very cool and I'm looking forward to seeing the other parts.

Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the review. I should be finished with everything in the next couple of days.

As far as the intercutting, I can see your point, but I guess it’s just a perspective thing. I wanted to set it up like each person has their chance to speak their mind and give their point of view (side of their story) and then the audience (much like in a court room or in everyday real life) has a chance to see both sides and try and determine what’s what from the information given.


I think you did a great job on this, but as some like to say, it wasn't my cup of tea.


I'm not really into poetry or experimental films. Yeah, I'm basically a neanderthal, I'll admit I like Bruckheimer movies.

But seriously, your film was very impressive and original. Major props!

Look forward to seeing more work from you.

Thanks, Max! Hey, I love Bruckheimer movies too. Thanks for the compliments. What’s the status with “The Farmer?” Did you ever re-edit anything or submit it anywhere else?


Hey, great short. I liked the look and feel and I enjoyed the way you cut this. I thought the poetical rhythm was well crafted. I thought the lighting was nicely done. Great film!

Thanks, Kurtmo! As far as the lighting – I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from the last fest. To this one. That’s one of the elements in the film I’m really proud of.


this is assured and confident filmmaking, man! i really admired the unique choices you made. unconventional AND it works!!! congrats!

Thank you, Zak. I tried to step outside the box and make somethin’ happen.


Lee, it should be illegal for filmmakers to put out great work like this, without a posted schedule for the rest of the series. Can't wait to see the rest!


And lets not forget to mention that you got it done, regardless of everything else that was going on. I'm confident we're going to see and hear a lot more from you...

Thank you, very, very much, DJ. The rest is coming real soon. I should have it done in the next couple of days, but I’m not sure when I’ll show it now that I’m thinking about it. I don’t want to take away from the fest. In any way. Wonder if I should wait. . .maybe I’ll just post a link in my sig. and if people wanna’ see the others they can.


WHEW! LOL. That's alot of quoting.

[Maximus]

Thanks for you interest in The Farmer. It's still on the backburner:embarasse , I gotta finish it one of these days. It's guys like you that inspire me.

[Maximus]

I would have to say that this was my ONLY gripe as well. Is she telling the truth?



Oh, the irony. :evil:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Oh, the irony. :evil:LOL! Yah... except that this is just one part of a series. :D

It's more like... "I'm dying to know!"

Bring on the rest! Maybe we'll know more after the other 3 intended parts.
It's alright to expect more when you are told in advance that more is coming. :evil:

Cheers.

[Marlon Ladd]

Maximus, get that thing finished! LOL.

Okay, I'm getting off of here for a while and going home to try and finish editing, so I'll have something to show, hopefully by tomorrow.

Mike, check your thread.

[Blaine]

Marlon!! Really nice job on this. The use of spoken word combined with live action was inspired. I thought you did a great job getting the voices to match so well in the live action. I also thought the sound was excellent on this, the voice so rich and evocative.

Well done.

[Anthony Pierce]

Impressive work. I liked the poetry, the style and the look. I watched it twice to find something to critique, but nothing.

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

[Danielleus]

Hey, really enjoyed this piece. It thought it was an inventive way to get at what you were going for. Loved that it was from two perspectives and not just one, with a kind of intro. Really enjoyed that. I was worried about how this was gonna work and I thought you did it beautifully. My favorite part was the editing. Loved that some of the spoken word fit in the narrative as well as was simply the performance aspect of it. Also, enjoyed that there were parts of the story woven into more abstract/picturesque shots of things.

My only concern is that from a story point of view I would have liked to see/know that the performance aspect of it wasn't simply people talking into a mic but rather for a purpose. Someone conscience? Maybe competing people in a club or something? Whatever it is I wish it were something more than we saw in this piece. Otherwise, well crafted and I can not wait to see the rest of the "series."

And yes, to echo the others, loved your take on the theme. Enjoyed that it wasn't the same old thing. Nice work.

[bosindy]

I really like the choice to make such an unconventional film in a he said/she said spoken word form. It reminded me of something Spike Lee might have tried when he was at NYU. This also reminded me a little bit of the song "walking in the Rain" I think it was called. You have some great shots that support the narrative.

your last film, "The Unasumed" was one of my favorites of that fest, and I can't believe this film is from the same film maker - In a good way. Congrats!

[Brian Parker]

Great film Lee. Unique. Liked how you set it up with the intro and how everything came together. The spoken word was very well written and kept me locked into the story that was being told through it. I'm wondering if she was cheating as well. There were some nice shots too. This might be a little detail but I also liked how the characters were called any man/any woman. Great job man.

[Marlon Ladd]

Marlon!! Really nice job on this. The use of spoken word combined with live action was inspired. I thought you did a great job getting the voices to match so well in the live action. I also thought the sound was excellent on this, the voice so rich and evocative.

Well done.
Thanks, Blaine. I appreciate the review. Very glad you liked it. I can't believe all of the great responses.

[Marlon Ladd]

Impressive work. I liked the poetry, the style and the look. I watched it twice to find something to critique, but nothing.

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

Whoa! You couldn't find anything? That's big. Thanks! I'm slowly but surely getting to everybody's and I'll get to yours soon.

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey, really enjoyed this piece. It thought it was an inventive way to get at what you were going for. Loved that it was from two perspectives and not just one, with a kind of intro. Really enjoyed that. I was worried about how this was gonna work and I thought you did it beautifully. My favorite part was the editing. Loved that some of the spoken word fit in the narrative as well as was simply the performance aspect of it. Also, enjoyed that there were parts of the story woven into more abstract/picturesque shots of things.

My only concern is that from a story point of view I would have liked to see/know that the performance aspect of it wasn't simply people talking into a mic but rather for a purpose. Someone conscience? Maybe competing people in a club or something? Whatever it is I wish it were something more than we saw in this piece. Otherwise, well crafted and I can not wait to see the rest of the "series."

And yes, to echo the others, loved your take on the theme. Enjoyed that it wasn't the same old thing. Nice work.
Daniellues, excellent review. The reason it wasn't a competition was that I wanted to make it more real and back and forth. If it was truly a competition it would have been perceived as entertainment and I don't think the true feel of the drama would have come through.

Besides that, I didn't have any money to get a crowd anyway. LOL.

Thanks for watching and giving me something to think about.

[Marlon Ladd]

I really like the choice to make such an unconventional film in a he said/she said spoken word form. It reminded me of something Spike Lee might have tried when he was at NYU. This also reminded me a little bit of the song "walking in the Rain" I think it was called. You have some great shots that support the narrative.

your last film, "The Unasumed" was one of my favorites of that fest, and I can't believe this film is from the same film maker - In a good way. Congrats!
Hey, Bosindy. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the compliments. I feel like I've grown as a filmmaker even since "The Unassumed." I like all genres and these competitions really give us a chance to really explore different things and allow us to be as creative as we wanna' be. And since this is such a diverse and very experienced audience we're dealing with, we'll know right away (to an extent) if something works or not.

I felt like your film stepped outside the box as well, and hopefully you read my review on that.

[Marlon Ladd]

Great film Lee. Unique. Liked how you set it up with the intro and how everything came together. The spoken word was very well written and kept me locked into the story that was being told through it. I'm wondering if she was cheating as well. There were some nice shots too. This might be a little detail but I also liked how the characters were called any man/any woman. Great job man.
Champloo, I read what you said about the small detail and I said to myself, 'he got it.' When I wrote the stories I named all of the characters "Any Man" and "Any Woman," because these are universal situations that most everybody has or will go through at one point in time in their lives. I didn't want people to get caught up in the characters only, but also the story.

Thanks for the review and I appreciate you stopping by my thread.

[Marlon Ladd]

FYI - The series is finished! I just have to compress and upload and will do that tomorrow or Wednesday. First I gotta' finish watching the rest of the films!!!

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Thanks, Matthew. Means a lot that you like it. I see you’re in Austin. That’s the new film capitol here in the USA isn’t it?



If it isnt already, it will be soon...

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2007/04/16/daily4.html

[Marlon Ladd]

If it isnt already, it will be soon...

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2007/04/16/daily4.html
That's the word on the street. LOL.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow! I really enjoyed this. The styel was so completely different, a treat. Good story, good rhyme

[Marlon Ladd]

Wow! I really enjoyed this. The styel was so completely different, a treat. Good story, good rhyme
Thanks, Shawneous. I appreciate the comment and your time to review.