My Gal Pal

[smashedburrito]

Alright so Andreww and I are tossing our prospective hats into this heart shaped ring with My Gal Pal.

Shot on the Canon XH-A1, we stared filming today and we wrap (hopefully) next Monday.

For now here is the poster. Screen grabs will follow as editing begins.

http://patjm.com/upload/mygalpal.jpg

First grab:
http://patjm.com/upload/grab1.jpg

http://patjm.com/upload/grab2.jpg

[smashedburrito]

Some BTS shots from the first day of shooting.

http://patjm.com/upload/bts3.jpghttp://patjm.com/upload/bts4.jpghttp://patjm.com/upload/bts1.jpg

Some more BTS shots from our night exterior in the freezing cold.

http://patjm.com/upload/bts5.jpg
http://patjm.com/upload/bts6.jpg

And one grab from a hallway scene. The camera was on a homemade dolly made of PVC and rollerblade wheels from the design by digital juice tv.
http://patjm.com/upload/bts7.jpg

[HBlack]

Poster looks alright, but the catchline is rather rambling.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Poster looks alright, but the catchline is rather rambling.
So was Dr. Strangelove.
Or:
"How I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb."

:beer:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Love the acid-wash jean jacket. :D

Cheers,

Mike

[Robbie Comeau]

Pic won't load...Ah they never do.

[tmnt]

I like the poster, very recognizable.

[smashedburrito]

Love the acid-wash jean jacket. :D

Cheers,

Mike


Glad you like it. It makes an appearance in the actual film as well.

Glad you guys like the poster, as for the catch line it is actually just a line of dialog from the script. It will make more sense when you see the thing.

[smashedburrito]

I added some BTS shots to the first post.

[artofsuntzu]

Nice BTS shots.

I like the clapboard :)

[andreww]

More like, you LOVE the clapboard, come on stick to the theme, gheeze haha.

[Mark Johnson]

I find the clapboard to be pleasing.

[artofsuntzu]

More like, you LOVE the clapboard, come on stick to the theme, gheeze haha.

i LOVE your point :)

Looking forward to what you come up with for 1988 references. Yippee-ki-yay.

[RyanT]

Andrew :love4:

[smashedburrito]

We had to postpone our big shoot from this weekend until next, but we are still shooting three more scenes this weekend.

We will post some more BTS when we get a chance, thanks for staying interested everyone.

[smashedburrito]

Keeping with the trend of everyone else, we also shot a bunch of night exteriors last night and froze our butts off. About ten minutes before we began the local weather warned us all to stay inside because of a cold warning. We turned off that TV before the cast arrived.

We have some warm interiors to do this morning and then a montage to shoot outside tonight. It's -8 right now so lets hope the sun comes out.

We'll post some more bts and maybe some grabs tomorrow.

[Chris Messineo]

Fun bts shots and poster. I like the tagline a lot - it makes me curious to see the film.

[smashedburrito]

I added two more bts shots to the first page.

We shot two more scenes of the flick last night and we are really happy with the way it turned out. We will hopefully post some grabs later today.

[smashedburrito]

Alright I added the first screen grab to the first post. Feel free to weigh in.

[andreww]

iPhone update from the director of photography #1:

our producer is excited about producing & says you should be excited about my gal pal.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1483/img0244ar9.jpg

[Blaine]

Okay, as a card carrying Parrot Head, I'm going to have to see this!

[smashedburrito]

More pictures of our producer excited about the film.

http://patjm.com/upload/conor.jpg

[Mark Harris]

This looks to have a fun vibe and I hope the fun you're having making it comes through.

But seriously, no on under the age of 50 should have a Jimmy Buffet poster.

Exhibit A:

Okay, as a card carrying Parrot Head, I'm going to have to see this!

Please tell me you borrowed that from your grandpa or something...

[andreww]

Dude, I've been to Margaritaville (not the terrible restaurant) and I've eaten the cheeseburger from paradise (not the other terrible restaurant). I was born and raised on two things Buffett... and mini DV tapes...

[smashedburrito]

The best part is that the Buffet poster covers up his first true love.

http://www.boingboing.net/images/B0000003HW.01._PE_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[RyanT]

so................


Any more stills? Come on Andrew, stop holding out on us.

[smashedburrito]

More stills are on their way soon. Andrew is just being lazy and doing "homework" or something dumb like that.

[prolixs]

looks fun dude can't wait to see it

[andreww]

More stills are on their way soon. Andrew is just being lazy and doing "homework" or something dumb like that.

iPhone Director of Photography update #2:

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4724/img0256km1tb0.jpg

DP and roommates are too busy learning how to get free laundry to post screen grabs, sorry.

[smashedburrito]

Grab 2 now added to the first post.

[Marlon Ladd]

Cool grabs guys. Looks like y'all are havin' a damn good time.

Also, the posts about the producers are hilarious.

[andreww]

I think its safe to say we are having a blasty blast. Maybe a little too much fun? I think so.

[Robert Eldon]

Nice title. I think every guy once had or wants a gal pal. Looking forward to seeing it.

[smashedburrito]

Nice title. I think every guy once had or wants a gal pal. Looking forward to seeing it.

I had a gal pal once. Her name was Andreww and she stole my heart, and then my A1.

[andreww]

I had a gal pal once. Her name was Andreww and she stole my heart, and then my A1.

Oh yeah baby, you bet I did. mmmhmmmm mmm

[smashedburrito]

Andrew I'm wondering if we should make a second entry about your love for Buffet and the emotional turmoil it has caused you over the years. Sort of a musical margarita filled version of The Notebook?

[andreww]

I'm in.

[GerfalconCP]

Look who finally decided to join this place.

It's Conor ...

I like all the crazy producer pictures you guys put up of me. Now most people think I'm mentally unstable. Thanks.

[smashedburrito]

Conor we aren't trying to say you are mentally unstable. We are just trying to say that if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake....

[mentatDUKE]

Hey burrito. I'm liking the throw-back retroness of the poster and costumes. Looking forward to it.

[smashedburrito]

Thanks Duke, we are having a lot of fun playing with the whole retroness factor. I look forward to seeing your film as well.

[GerfalconCP]

Big shoot last night. Went real well, and a shout out to our actors who were ready, willing, and able to bring it when we really needed it.

I don't know how much of the details I'm allowed to give away, so I'll have smashedburrito or andreww take it from there ...

[smashedburrito]

Ladies and Gentlemen that is a WRAP on My Gal Pal.

On to post in order to finish by Saturday.

More images of the producer and BTS coming soon.

[RyanT]

You crazy kids. I want more grabs!


I'm so needy. Sorry.

[GerfalconCP]

As soon as our photographer has a chance to send us some bts from Saturday night, I'm sure smashedburrito will throw them up on here.

As for screengrabs ... I dunno, do we want to show any other stuff guys?

[smashedburrito]

Haha honestly the five seconds it would take to post grabs is five seconds I would rather have you guys spend on editing.

My only regret Conor is that we don't have any bts of you dumpster diving.

[GerfalconCP]

Andy's iPhone begs to differ ...

[andreww]

we <3 external audio file sync'ng!!!!!!!

[GerfalconCP]

speak for yourself ....

[smashedburrito]

I'm starting to feel like this threat has turned into a very slow form of instant messenger between the three of us.

[Jason Ramsey]

Just now making it to this thread. Sorry about that :)

Grabs are looking good here as well... Lotsa' good grabs I've been seeing.

Good luck to you, man.

Later,
Jason

[andreww]

new screengrab right soon...

[andreww]

IN HONOR OF DRAMA FEST: LOVEEEEFESTTT!!

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9756/runeb9.jpg

[GerfalconCP]

don't you think that screen grab gives a bit too much away?

well, maybe not.

[andreww]

yeah you can kinda see the gun in his left hand, damn oh well.

[smashedburrito]

Hahaha our film is epic.

[Robbie Comeau]

Dude, seriously, good friggin luck friggin!!!!!!.........Friggin...

UNREAL BTS shots, LOVED them to death.

Sick setup you got there. The only thing your missing is the 35mm :thumbsup:

The A1 is a great camera, so I'm looking forward to this like crazy.

[kurtmo]

So dude, what kinda crane you got?

Great BTS shots!!!

[smashedburrito]

Sick setup you got there. The only thing your missing is the 35mm :thumbsup:Untrue friend. We actually shot the final scene in reverse 70mm just for that extra epic quality,

[andreww]

So dude, what kinda crane you got?

Great BTS shots!!!

It's called a Bader Crane. It's jank as hell.

[smashedburrito]

We locked picture today. It is a good feeling.

Yo Andy, post those epic iPhone shots I took today.

[andreww]

new screen grab:

http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/pics/ColorBarsForPremiere.png

[RyanT]

Andrew. Your ability to capture the mood with light is just extraordinary. I don't know how you do it. Bravo.

[andreww]

the left side of the frame on the last grab is a little blown out but its cool.

[smashedburrito]

98% done this one. We will be uploading tomorrow.

P.S. Andy that grab is horrendous. Watch your focus you amateur.

[GerfalconCP]

I tried to keep him from uploading that screengrab Pat, but he insisted. Something about the beauty of "breaking the rules" with that shot. I dunno ...

[RyanT]

I tried to keep him from uploading that screengrab Pat, but he insisted. Something about the beauty of "breaking the rules" with that shot. I dunno ...

That's andrew for ya. Always thinks his way is the best way.

Good job on finishing, I'm really stoked to see andrew's genius at work here.






not.

[andreww]

essentially the aftermath of last nights uploading party:

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3043/n12330266341862996868vi7.jpg

there will be uploading...

[smashedburrito]

Alright so after 10 exports, 4 compressions, and two Michael Bay movies, My Gal Pal is uploaded and ready to go next Thursday.

I had a great time working on it and it turned out exactly the way I wanted to. I just wanted to take a second to thank everyone involved for making this an awesome production, and for putting their time and energy into our little film.

Last night while watching Pearl Harbor and waiting for the compression, I decided that our film is indeed as epic as Michael Bay's masterpiece. Why you may ask? Here is some Gal Pal/Pearl Harbor trivia you may not have known.

Kevin Costner turned down the role of Col James Doolittle in Pearl Harbor.

We turned down Kevin Costner for the part of the Gal Pal.

The crew used 700 sticks of dynamite, 2,000 feet of primer cord and 4,000 gallons of gasoline to ignite the six ships.

So did we.

The total amount of money spent on production and promotion roughly equaled the amount of damage caused in the actual attack.

There is nothing to say here. That's just epic.

That's all I got, I left my wit inside the DVD case of The Island.

[smashedburrito]

Behind the scenes video of My Gal Pal

http://youtube.com/watch?v=S0A7dtdc-nU

[GerfalconCP]

I believe we actually used quite a bit more sticks of dynamite, but I suppose we'll let bygones be bygones ...


btw, anyone who's reading this, on behalf of me and Pat, please send lightbulbs into TPTB at NBC/Universal so that we can get Friday Night Lights back on. Here is the link:

http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/02/08/lights-on-send-light-bulbs-to-nbc-to-save-friday-night-lights/

gracias.

[dannycoxdidit]

omg guyz. you guyz must be like, the hottest guyz everrrr. look at all of doze beerz youse guyz drank up. youz musta bin wasted. smashedburrito and andrew w.k. must be rockin doodz to make such a cool movie. but gerfalcon just seems like a tool. fer shore. what do i win?

[RyanT]

Nice use of mirrors andrew.

[andreww]

omg guyz. you guyz must be like, the hottest guyz everrrr. look at all of doze beerz youse guyz drank up. youz musta bin wasted. smashedburrito and andrew w.k. must be rockin doodz to make such a cool movie. but gerfalcon just seems like a tool. fer shore. what do i win?

This is why you don't tell your talent about the website you are shooting a contest video for.

shameful cox.

[dannycoxdidit]

(insert maniacal laugh here) what? you think i'm not up on all the latest technical knowledge? i'll have you know that i'm in film 202, and david thomas is the most knowledgeable man alive. period.

[dannycoxdidit]

This is why you don't tell your talent about the website you are shooting a contest video for.

shameful cox.


besides po po, i have needs. needs you can no longer satisfy. i wanna see what other people subjected their talent to

[smashedburrito]

I'm pretty sure if the four of us just keep posting we will accomplish two things

1. completely drive all other people away from this thread or
2. beat where the heart lies in terms of views and posts.

I smell a challenge.

[dannycoxdidit]

i just don't want to be a junior member... it's demeaning

[dannycoxdidit]

this one oughta do it

[dannycoxdidit]

after seeing some of the other entries, i feel as though we are on the more amateur side of this fest: not in quality- but in terms of budget and investment. i feel as though we are a little,as po po would say, jank.

[Danielleus]

Looks like it's gonna be fun. Love the grabs. CC's nice. Can't wait. Good luck.

[Danielleus]

Is this going to be from a female perspective, cause I think this fest might be lacking in that department a bit.

[Mark Harris]

after seeing some of the other entries, i feel as though we are on the more amateur side of this fest...in terms of budget and investment...

Um what? I didn't have no jib...I set out to spend absolutely NOTHING on my film. It wound up being about $200. I re-used like 3 costume items from previous films I'd made, fog I bought 6 months ago for another film, blood I bought a year and a half ago for another film(that was a little gamey this time around).

I will out-ghetto the ghetto-ist of productions!

[Zak Forsman]

hell, i only spent $40..... on Indian food for five people.

[Mark Harris]

You bought food for people?

[andreww]

our budget was similar to pearl harbors budget.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Um what? I didn't have no jib...I set out to spend absolutely NOTHING on my film. It wound up being about $200. I re-used like 3 costume items from previous films I'd made, fog I bought 6 months ago for another film, blood I bought a year and a half ago for another film(that was a little gamey this time around).

I will out-ghetto the ghetto-ist of productions!I used a camera that you can win with air-mile points! I think I have most of you beat. Didn't you break an expensive item on your set? I wish I had one to break. :D

That and zero crew.... unless you count my buddy holding the boom. And by buddy... I mean lamp.


Alright, that last one was a stretch.

:beer:

[smashedburrito]

There is no more ghettoer a boom op then

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1162240&postcount=22

And no this is not from a females perspective, but it is not about the wandering lonely guy either. The females play a big role.

[smashedburrito]

hell, i only spent $40..... on Indian food for five people.


Little Ceasers Five dollar pizza's. That's all I have to say.

[GerfalconCP]

Actually Pat, I think Jaqueel may have been a more ghetto boom op than me, had he had the chance ...

[dash]

Don't forget about our special mobile C-Stand, which also doubles as a sandbag and an interior decorator.

[andreww]

never too late for more BTS right?

zing:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/286/thinggd1.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5756/poandbkud8.jpg

Figure maybe if you folks are good to us we can post a few more before tomorrow.

[GerfalconCP]

Who's not being nice!??! More BTS!!!

Also, I believe Dash, AKA Kristin, is the second to last of our crew to join this site. And she did excellent work as a c-stand, sandbag, and interior decorator, so, props Kristin.

PS - more BTS

[Matty_g]

What stabilizer is that?

[smashedburrito]

glidecam something or another I believe. I let Andy handle it, I try to avoid heavy objects.

[andreww]

glidecam something or another I believe. I let Andy handle it, I try to avoid heavy objects.

same.

[Zak Forsman]

:2vrolijk_08::2vrolijk_08::2vrolijk_08:

well, I just watched this and really loved it. i was engaged the whole time and the nods to say anything, 16 candles, etc were just icing on the cake. i felt any perceived "flaws" added to the charm. keep developing your skills. you're on the right track.

[smashedburrito]

Thanks Zak, I'm glad you caught our little homages. We're already looking forward to the next fest.

[HBlack]

A few moments of less than perfect acting, but despite that it was very well done. Easy to watch and enjoyable.

[Mark Harris]

this was super cute and fun. A little rushed, but the charm overcame that. Thanks for taking me back to m HS days. :)

And Gal Pal is HAWT!!!!! Holy Frijoles!!!!

[Zak Forsman]

And Gal Pal is HAWT!!!!! Holy Frijoles!!!!

that's what I was thinking! When I saw GalPal, I was like.."welp, story's over".

[smashedburrito]

this was super cute and fun. A little rushed, but the charm overcame that. Thanks for taking me back to m HS days. :)

Ha thanks for the good comments. It was actually college, but I can forgive you. I think our main critique is that while we included what we wanted in the 6 minutes, it didn't necessarily have the umph due to the rushed pacing. Otherwise we are really happy with it.

[smashedburrito]

that's what I was thinking! When I saw GalPal, I was like.."welp, story's over".

Ha I'll let her know. Nothing makes her smile more then knowing strangers over the net think shes hawt.

[Mark Harris]

No, I was IN HS when those 80s movies were out.

[Mark Harris]

Ha I'll let her know. Nothing makes her smile more then knowing strangers over the net think shes hawt.

How old is she? You don't have to tell me exactly. Just say if it's less than 18, or more than 18...

[andreww]

How old is she? You don't have to tell me exactly. Just say if it's less than 18, or more than 18...

DANGER DANGER RICK DANGER!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool movie, very well crafted. Nice lighting and camera movement.

I really wish he had made the realization on his own at the end. Having his ex basically tell him kind of put a damper on it for me. It didn't ruin the ending but I didn't feel it as much because of it.

Nice work though guys!

[Mark Harris]

One thing I really liked was the single shot around the party. It was simple, but again remeniscient of the 80s teen films.

[andreww]

One thing I really liked was the single shot around the party. It was simple, but again remeniscient of the 80s teen films.

Thanks man its good to hear someone say that beecause that was my first ever experience with a real steadicam. It was super fun and I hope to be able to use it again sometime.

[GerfalconCP]

Yeah Steadicam!

[smashedburrito]

Haha see Andrew, throwing out your back was well worth it.

[Mark Harris]

but guys, if we can get serious for a moment...








teh GalPal is teh HAWTNESS!!!! :)

[RyanT]

My favorite was the asian guy that popped out of nowhere. Doesn't get better than that.

[Kholi]

GAL PAL -- Kholi goes to Party and Gets Drunk on Stupid Nice Cinematics!

Dang. Very nice. Not just cinematics, either, but all around. There's nothing I can say about lighting, composition, camera work. It's incredible. Was this all stock lens? Hats and Rats off to you guys n'gals for an incredible looking short film.

Also, thank you for taking on a simple story. There is NOTHING wrong with doing something like this. Tackling an idea or "cliche" in a short allows you to work on story telling in the visual sense. I'm gonna say some stuff about the actual written work because I feel that it could've been tightened up a bit more. Especially the payoff.

The beginning feels forced. I know that you were goin' for comedy with the "we should break up, now." With no explanation as to why before hand and the lingering moment it got to be odd and too unrealistic to draw a laugh. The real laugh came when the roommate appeared, and it broke up the odd moment for me. He saved that part. In hindsight, do you feel like it had to be a moment of "funny" versus "in your face"? Or, perhaps, a switch in dialogue? Just askin and not suggestion. Wondering how you feel about it.

Then we move onto the Gal Pal (I have a girlfriend, I won't comment on your choice... I'm sure someone else will, though.). She's a great selection in casting. In the beginning when she's presented with "the favor" she seems a little too smiley for someone who's obviously-- from the get-go -- in love with the main character. Specifically this type of favor.

The LAST clencher for me is the payoff. This was the weakest link in story. He runs back to the girl after getting "dissed" (So 1998?) one last time. He needed to turn the cheek before that to make that sort of payoff work. Then, on to making a mad dash through the school grounds to find the love of his life. It's not my story, but mechanically, as it stands, it's almost "cowardly" of him and it doesn't seem like he's come to truly realize but is forced to. He's still reactive and hasn't become active.

Even in a cliche there's always a chance to have a strong cliche. It's good, I think the ending could have been tightened up at the writing stage.

The music is the last thing I wanna touch on. It seems plugged in, no offense, to the rest of the short. Was that a conscious choice or merely a last minute thing? If so, what was the motivator?

You've accomplished a big movie feel in a small space and time slot. It has a beginning, middle, and end. A sort-of character arc, great moments, everything. This is definitely Top 5 material for me.

Next fest!

[Ted Arabian]

Hey SB, just watched and I liked! Fun tribute to those 1980 films. LOL. There were some great surprising moments that made me smile.

I felt that your story was cliche' and I am hoping that was intentional based on the "tribute" that I spoke of. Though cliche', it was pulled off very nicely. You got a lot a story and character development in there in such a short time.

Some great camera work happening here as well. Loved some of those shot, man! I was missing a c/u insert of the dejected girl when the guy runs up to see his "old" gf in the bedroom. Just would have been touching to see her pain and sorrow.

Fun film and well done!

Congrats to you!

-Ted

[smashedburrito]

Thanks for the kind words guys. We had a lot of fun making this and working/playing with all the cliches.

I'm sure Andrew will enjoy the praise on the camera work. He really worked hard on keeping that flat, no close up 80's feel and I think it worked. We also put a lot of time into shotlisting and storyboarding this so it had a television episode feel and I think that worked. That also explains the lack of closeups with the dejected girl. We wanted to stay away from anything too close but we also wanted to keep it wide ala televsion and let our actors act.

Kholi, thanks for the comments on the story. We packed a lot into those 6 minutes and I think sometimes we may have put too much, but we're still pretty happy with it.

[Ted Arabian]

That also explains the lack of closeups with the dejected girl. We wanted to stay away from anything too close but we also wanted to keep it wide ala televsion and let our actors act.


Ah! Gotcha! Good insight.

[andreww]

Yeah guys thanks a lot for the kind words on the look. We were trying to stay away from all the cliches that we knew would be associated with Lovefest so we figured the best way to do this was to shoot it flat and away from the action. Cheers all.

[dannycoxdidit]

A few moments of less than perfect acting, but despite that it was very well done. Easy to watch and enjoyable.


If you could elaborate as to which moments specifically, it would be helpful.

[dannycoxdidit]

The music is the last thing I wanna touch on. It seems plugged in, no offense, to the rest of the short. Was that a conscious choice or merely a last minute thing? If so, what was the motivator?



First of all Kholi, thank you for taking the time for the in depth critique and your overall kind words. Out of curiosity, what did you mean by plugged in?

[Kholi]

For some reason it just felt last minute. I can't really put my finger on it, but that's what it felt like to me. Either way, if it was or was not if it works it does. =D

[mentatDUKE]

Hey guys. I enjoyed this film. It was pretty clever. The getting wrapped up in party banners before running across campus. The roommate's "That sucks, hot stuff". The confetti at the end.

I like the fact that we can get a feel for the filmmaker's personalities through the movie.

Good cast, good production design and costumes, good camera work. A fun movie.

[Gohanto]

Very nice. I did really like the way this opened so simply and humorously in-medias-res.

One thing I noticed though is the timing doesn't really match up at the end. He leaves his friend 30 seconds till mid-night, is upstairs maybe 10 seconds, probably another 10 seconds before he runs out of the house. Which means his friend first of all ran, and faster than him at that, all the way back. And ran even so fast that she could change clothes before he got there. Which really can only lead to my assumption that his friend is actually Supergirl. Nothing wrong with that though.


I really liked the shots of him running with all the party stuff all over him. Also he really nailed the lines "K, I can dance" and the last "how do you feel about Texas". Worked out very well.

Very nice job overall.

[smashedburrito]

For some reason it just felt last minute. I can't really put my finger on it, but that's what it felt like to me. Either way, if it was or was not if it works it does. =DIt was done a little last minute, but I told the sound guy he needed to be done by noon on Saturday cause I wanted to make sure this thing got submitted.

Thanks Mentaduke, yeah that is pretty much my personality wrapped up in 6 minutes. After seeing some of these other films I wonder if I am too optimistic for film making lol.

Gohanto, originally they drive to the party and then she leaves in the car, leaving him to have to run the said miles back to her apartment before 1am. Unfortunately due to some time constraints we weren't able to really film it that way, so we just left it up to the audience to assume she had taken the bus or something.

Oh and thank you for commenting on the "How do you feel about Texas?" That is the line I'm most proud of.

Thanks for all the great feedback guys, we really appreciate it.

[GerfalconCP]

It was done a little last minute, but I told the sound guy he needed to be done by noon on Saturday cause I wanted to make sure this thing got submitted.

But that's not to say it isn't the feel we were going for. We wanted the music to be very 80's synth feeling but we didn't want it to overpower the actors' dialogue either, so it was a conscious effort to make it sound the way it did.

[smashedburrito]

But that's not to say it isn't the feel we were going for. We wanted the music to be very 80's synth feeling but we didn't want it to overpower the actors' dialogue either, so it was a conscious effort to make it sound the way it did.

Agreed Conor, I was just commenting on the time frame, not the quality of the work.

P.S. is it too early to talk shootout smack?

[GerfalconCP]

Not at all b*tch! We gonna bring you down to your knees!!!!

[andreww]

Gohanto, originally they drive to the party and then she leaves in the car, leaving him to have to run the said miles back to her apartment before 1am. Unfortunately due to some time constraints we weren't able to really film it that way, so we just left it up to the audience to assume she had taken the bus or something.


Um, incorrect director... no time constraints, no lying to our faithful audience. Our only constraint if you do remember was the plastic wrap over the window that prevented us from opening the blinds. Haha.

[smashedburrito]

Um, incorrect director... no time constraints, no lying to our faithful audience. Our only constraint if you do remember was the plastic wrap over the window that prevented us from opening the blinds. Haha.

No it was time constraints. I didn't want to take the time to remove the plastic wrap from the windows.

My bad.

Anyway I just wanted to write that we may not be very up on any questions/comments during this weekend because our school sponsers its own version of the 48 hour film festival and I will be busy competing with Andrew and Conor aka urinating in their DVX bag.

But please keep posting, we love the feedback.

[dannycoxdidit]

Fine pat, leave me out of the competition in shoot-out. It's not like I matter or anything. I see how you value talent- see if we ever work together again. Now I'm just going to have to out-act myself so I can take our urine-filled DVX bag and dump it on your head, post-game victory shower-style.

[Bryce A]

Hey, I can't say this film really did it for me, but there are somethings that I'm fond of. The main male actors did a great job. The story worked well enough and I liked your little 80's references, but your lead kept me watching. It's an easy role to over act, but he pulls off that gullible goofiness in spades. Also, the acting from the ex's new man in the bedroom was priceless. Sometimes less is more. Good entry!

[KenV]

I get the story, i've been there, but the soundtrack, oh man sounded like, like, oh man, distracting to me, since im a sound dude. But If I was hired on this project I probably would have done worse a job, since the 80's is such a sound to recreate in itself. But, yeah I've been in this guys shoes before. In my mind acting could be better, cuz college is much more intense/subtle than this, as mixed/vague as that means, but most will know.

But I know what your going for, and I like it.

[DJ Lewis]

Really enjoyed your film. As others have said, it reminded me of a good 80's flick. It had the perfect feel.

[Chris Messineo]

First, I love the little homages to "Sixteen Candles" and "Say Anything".

The story is a bit of a cliche, but I think that's because it is so true. For me it was a girl named Heather. :)

The acting is a little too broad for my taste at times, but I still enjoyed it overall.

Great kiss at the end.

[Cliff Wildman]

***SPOILERS***

i really enjoyed this one. i got some laughs, i found myself cheering for different characters and even clapped when they kissed at the end.

let me say this - everything i shot back in college was total crap compared to this.

you had a great idea, a relatively tight script and got some good to great performances from you actors. the shooting was solid and the editing paced well with the story. you basically got me pulled into this goofy story and it worked very well.

i can't wait to see what you guys do next.

[kurtmo]

Nice work. You had some nice camera work. Keeping the camera moving kept shots interesting without being annoying. My favorite shots were the running scenes. I just like the composition of those.
The music was just so, so. The story was a bit predictable. I thought that Gal Pal should have been a little more upset before she gave in at the end.
I enjoyed this film. Keep them coming!

[andreww]

Hey Pat, for the next fest, I say we do 'My Underwear Pal.' You in?

[smashedburrito]

Hey Pat, for the next fest, I say we do 'My Underwear Pal.' You in?

Ha, ha, heck yeah I'm in, but only if it is the love story between a underwear pal and a down on his luck janitor.

Thanks for all of the comments from everyone this weekend. I decided to take a few minutes and write a little background on the film, how we decided on the look, acting, etc. Not as an excuse for anything, but as an insight into the past three months.

When we started working on Gal Pal last December, Andrew and I talked a lot about how when we thought of "romance" or "love" we thought of 80's comedies. We worked on several drafts, one even taking place in the 80s, but ultimately we decided to use the 80's as a metaphor for his old relationship. While he is still transfixed on Emma, he is stuck in the 80s. The music, the camera work, etc. When he finally realizes he is in love with Gal Pal, the movie starts to catch up to the present. The music switches to a more modern feel, his 80s costume begins to fall off (aka the hat), and he falls in love with the girl dressed in modern sweats back in reality.

Once we had the script locked we started talking about the look of the piece. We decided to keep things wider than usual, keeping to the 80s style. After many viewings of Fast Times at Ridgmount High (well is he gonna kill us, or is he gonna sh**?") we started to think about lighting. We wanted to keep things relatively flat, but pretty bright. Not a lot of shadows or darkness, this is the 80s after all.

I am a big fan of television and the style of television, especially the single camera comedy style of Scrubs, Malcolm in the Middle, etc. We decided to try and use this kind of style in Gal Pal, again keeping things wider. We focused on a lot of movement and longer takes, really relying on the actors and their performances for comedic effect, rather than close ups or cuts.

Finally I really worked with the actors on keeping things stylized and full of energy. Again Scrubs and not 24. I sincerely doubt they will be in another movie where lines of direction include, "spin a little more while walking into those banners."

Ultimately those are the origins of Gal Pal. Thank you so much for all of the comments and criticism, we really do appreciate it. Anything you enjoyed or think we could improve on please let us know, cause we cannot wait until the next fest.

[hoz]

curse you for bringing back the 80's. i was waiting for echo and the bunnymen to pop up. acid wash, brutal.

story was good, cliche and all but good. i think that you were close to a hughes 80's ish teenie bopper film but it needed more drama. molly ringwald was always a mess at some point in the flick. or even mary whats her name in that eric stoltz flick... the friend should've put up a fight or cried or something before being won over. ah, minor critiques, this was cool. the scenes ran together real well and awesome shot with the say anything guy.

[MattinSTL]

I was obviously impressed with the camera work for this entry. I liked the main characters, but I thought the ex-girlfriend was almost too... something. Like the midnight meeting to ask for a favor... not sure about that one. I think you needed some other reason to spoil his anticipation. She wouldn't plan for him to have to make a run at a particular time... also the orange hat, as a plot device made sense, but I would have liked to see that as more subtle and arguably cool... like a less ambitious hat perhaps? Also his widow's peak hairstyle while wearing the hat distracted me. As a romantic comedy I thought it was pretty good... a tough nut to crack, that's for sure, but speaking honestly I think that there was a lot of really good elements, but a few elements that could have used more subtlety.

Overall I think it's a very nice entry and it was enjoyable to watch. There were some surprisingly cinematic shots in there.

[smashedburrito]

Thanks hoz. Maybe next time we'll have to shoot for Home Alone John Hughes.

P.S. Free pat on the back to the first person who can guess where we stole our ending dolly shot from.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

For some reason... "Philadelphia" pops into mind but I have no idea why since I think that ends with a home movie?

Been a while...

[andreww]

Well I'm sure it has been done before, but I noticed it in one film specifically as of late.

[smashedburrito]

p.s. it won Oscars in the past 5 years.

[Maximus]

Good job! A lot of fun, and certainly a John Hughes feel to it. Especially nice homage when Long Duck Dong made an appearance. :grin:

The kiss at the end with the streamers was a nice touch.

There's another thread somewhere about who is the hottest babe this fest. I can't resist mentioning that the Jessica Biel lookalike in your film is pretty cute. I mean that in a purely professional way of course. :evil:

[Robert Eldon]

My Gal Pal
Love the beginning. Really gets the action going. I like these kind of stories. Kind of throw back to the 80’s boy, girl, best friend girl, what a dope, now he get’s it! The lighting seemed a little hard in some shots, too soft in others.

My favorite scene is when he’s running down the campus walkways. Very well done. The shot of the guy holding the boom box is priceless! (homage to ‘Say Anything’, and I swear that guy looked like John Cusak). Also, enjoyed the more subtle 'homages'. :)

Best festival kiss is awarded to “My Gal Pal”! That was great motivation, timing… it just worked so well. 3…2…1! Very romantic too! Congratulations on that!

This film was cliché, but I liked it a lot. (My entry has been said to be cliché as well). The camera movement, use of locations and the anticipation of what was hoped for the ending made this fun and enjoyable to watch. Great job on this!

[andreww]

Well that guy holding the boom box was actually a tool.

[smashedburrito]

Well that guy holding the boom box was actually a tool.

I know. That's the last time I ever cast that kid. But I must say it was a very well composed shot.

[andreww]

Same with that stair well shot. Damn lazy Dp.

[Brian Parker]

Good job on the film. I hate to admit it but I've always had a soft spot for the 80's, that being the decade of my childhood and all. I liked the tone of your film and the homages work well. didn't notice any real technical flubs or anything like that. Nicely cast. My only thing is that I find it kind of hard to connect to a character that would allow himself to be manipulated THAT much. Kind of detched me from him but that might be because of all the mack in me. (heh heh) It did work for the genre though. Liked it. Good job.

[Marlon Ladd]

This was a good film. I've seen the story over and over again, but yet there was something here that kept me involved. Just good stuff. Really liked the party atmosphere and it was cool to see the main character realize what he had at the end. Even though you saw it coming, you still wanted to see it.

[smashedburrito]

Thanks guys. We're glad you enjoy it.

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Guys, just watched you film again as I try to come up with my Top 3. You guys really have a fun film here! I've enjoyed it each time I've watched.

I am very impressed with...

how much much story you told in 6 minutes,
the execution of your tribute to the John Hughes films,
and the technical aspects of this film!

Really well done and quite enjoyable!

Congrats and good luck in the voting!

-Ted

[smashedburrito]

Thanks Ted, we really are happy with it. Maybe next time we should try and build a set like yours.

[andreww]

I say we build the set in 828 with a hella huge lighting grid in 928, what do you think Pat?

[smashedburrito]

hahaha yeah Im cool with that. 928 doesn't need a floor for a few weeks.

But seriously, Gilbert asked me about being in the next film today. Im getting pumped.

[pmark23]

Nicely shot and directed. The edits could have been a little tighter. Sometimes the actors looked like they were going to burst out laughing or something.

The music seemed a bit weird and out of place sometimes. Dialogue as well seemed to drift, but maybe this was due to compression artifacts?

But all in all a nice little film. Good work!

[smashedburrito]

Thanks pmark. Glad to see you enjoyed it!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Lol, okay that was painfully cheesy, but I think that was your intention, so good job! The main girl (that he ends up with) had an excellent body. I wanted to see her "banging like rabbits" lol :-)

[smashedburrito]

Note to Andy, responses like this speak to casting in the next fest.


I wanted to see her "banging like rabbits" lol :-)

[andreww]

Lol, okay that was painfully cheesy, but I think that was your intention, so good job! The main girl (that he ends up with) had an excellent body. I wanted to see her "banging like rabbits" lol :-)

Settle down now, we haven't yet disclosed the age yet... you could be committing a dangerous internet crime.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Settle down now, we haven't yet disclosed the age yet... you could be committing a dangerous internet crime.

Not so fast! Any girl that you:
a) depict as a college girl
b) show in tight clothes revealing a good form
c) show kissing
and most importantly
d) have saying the line "banging like rabbits"

...is clearly fair game. :smile:

[smashedburrito]

Not so fast! Any girl that you:
a) depict as a college girl
b) show in tight clothes revealing a good form
c) show kissing
and most importantly
d) have saying the line "banging like rabbits"

...is clearly fair game. :smile:

Hahaha. Andrew this is one of those moments where I am happy that we never cast family members in our shorts.

I say next fest we up the sex appeal. That Say Anything guy needs to be shirtless.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

family members in our shorts. Yes, it is a good thing for family members to not be in your shorts. ;-)


I say next fest we up the sex appeal. That Say Anything guy needs to be shirtless.

Whoa there, no one said anything about wanting to see a guy shirtless!

[andreww]

Haaaa yea i'm all in, hairy chest in all its glory is ready to come out and play. Hairychest Fest!

[smashedburrito]

Haaaa yea i'm all in, hairy chest in all its glory is ready to come out and play. Hairychest Fest!

Oh man, so many good story ideas going through me head for this one.



Whoa there, no one said anything about wanting to see a guy shirtless!

I think it's only fair we be equal opportunity here. I for one have been doing crunches and am ready for my closeup.

[Luis Caffesse]

Alright guys - I haven't read the rest of the thread so I don't know what others are saying... but here are my thoughts.

I really have a soft spot in my heart for this little film.
Nice work, seriously.
WARNING - I'm about to sound really old.....
but seriously, if I had made this when I was your age I would have been very proud of myself.

Yes, the story is one that we've seen a million times... but your 80's homage style really sold it and used the cliche storyline as a strength instead of a weakness. What I thought really made it work is that you obviously really embraced the material instead of going out of your way to turn it into a parody. That's why it worked for me - you never seemed like you were making fun of it or your characters.

The ending, as cheesy as it was - works, and felt great to me.
When he grabs her and spins her around it gave me that "hell yeah!" feeling I got from so many 80's movies where the guy gets the girl at the end of the film. That little camera move on that shot was great and really helped sell it.

Techy stuff:
Well shot - the edit was smooth and your shot selection worked.
I liked the different lighting setups - different look to the dorm, the party, and the upstairs bedroom. Shot compositions looked good.

Is it all perfect? No...but you definitely have a handle on how to construct a shot, a scene, and a story. More than I could say when I was younger.
Music was great as well.

Storywise -
I loved your 80's touches and references - of course I would..they made me nostalgic.
I was actually waiting for a 'Say Anything' reference...and I'm glad you didn't dissapoint me.
:)

My only little gripe would be that the end realization seemed a little weak.
Classic 80's structure would have someone say or do something completely unrelated which sparks something in the protagonists mind that makes HIM realize he lost the perfect girl and has to get her back. On the other hand you have the girl telling him flat out "She's a great girl"

But that's a small point in an overall well done piece.
I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to you guys churning out something for the next fest.
You set the bar for yourselves...now you have to raise it.
:thumbsup:

[andreww]

Thanks very much for the kind words Luis. I do suppose that it is mandatory to enter each fest here after. Glad you enjoyed this!

[smashedburrito]

Thanks Luis, I love the detailed review. And no worries, we will definitely be in the next fest, hopefully raising the bar. Or at least raiding the bar.

[andreww]

Thanks Luis, I love the detailed review. And no worries, we will definitely be in the next fest, hopefully raising the bar. Or at least raiding the bar.

Raiding pat, raiding.

[GerfalconCP]

Wow. Some really constructive comments on here. Thanks a lot for all the kind words everyone. Andrew and Smashed worked awfully hard on this one, not to mention the actors, other crew members, and extras. Thanks again.

[mikkowilson]

I'm just now (finally) blasting through the films before voting. And I'll hopefully have time to give them all through reviews later. I'll save my proper comments on this film (which I liked, well done) for then.

But I just had to come here quickly to give a :thumbsup: for the xkcd on the door. :)

- Mikko

[smashedburrito]

haha thanks Mikko.

[smashedburrito]

Hey if anyone watched the Oscars last night then you certainly witnessed the justice served in awarding best originial song to Once. Then you witnessed the injustice as Marketa Irglova was kicked off by the music. Then Jon Stewart saved the day by bringing her back out and she delivered a wonderful speech that I thought I'd post since Conor and I dug it so much.

"This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all independent musicians and artists who spend so much of their time struggling. No matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible ... this song was written was from a perspective of hope, and at the end of the day, hope connects us all."

Keep doing what you love to do.

[GerfalconCP]

Awww. Thanks for putting that up Pat. That really was touching when they let her out to give her speech. I've never been so proud of the Academy Awards.

[iSTy]

Great short, and sooooo true, sometimes people can't see what's right in front of their noses.........:Drogar-Shock(DBG)::happy::Drogar-Mad(DBG)::shocked:

[funkbomb]

IM UP IN UR THREADz STEALIN UR GLORY

No but seriously--as much as I enjoyed the film, I enjoyed this thread about 10x as much. Ehh...maybe 10.63x.