The Simp Takes a Holiday: bosindy, Tekashi, Arabian

[bosindy]

CENTRAL SQUARE FILMS

in association with

DON'T TAZE ME BRO! PRODUCTIONS


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202677813.jpg



written/directed by James "bosindy" Demo
photographed by Aram "Beat Tekashi" Bauman
Gaffer/Grip - Ted Arabian

Simpleton Grace - Tim O'Connor
Daisy - Laurie Winship
Chad - Tod Amazeen
Ray - Andy Hammond
Father Grace - Ted Arabian
Mother Grace - Ute Gfrer-Wald
Women on the Street - Penny Benson
Bartender - Tim O'Rourke

Music

The Blue Ribbons
'They're All Gonna Love Me (When I'm Dead)"
Rise and Shine
copyright 2007/ Day Job

The Blue Ribbons
"Nothing was Spared"
Rise and Shine
copyright 2007/ Day Job

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=232136460

Steve Mayone
"Pocketful of Promises"
Unfortunate Son
copyright 2005/ Umner

[bosindy]

one grab

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202789994.jpg


Thought I would put up some bts from the bar portion of the shoot.

Aram and I setting up a shot
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202874995.jpg


All of us thinking about setting up
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875022.jpg

Laurie (Daisy) Aram Ted and I. I have no idea what I am doing ther
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875046.jpg

Tod (Chad) and Laurie (Daisy) doing what they do best. My extra Ken, who gave realism to his sleeping drunk performance at 4:00 A.M
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875098.jpg

[bosindy]

Two with the jib, Ted and I trying to keep it straight.


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082267.jpg

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082303.jpg

Aram setting up a nice shot

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082792.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

Woo Hoo! Great to be working with again, Jim! And it is awesome to be working along side with Aram on set-ups an such! FR was a great time. Looking forward to this!

Now, let's go bang out that bar scene!

[Luis Caffesse]

Hey now!!
So it's back on??

Bad ass.
:thumbsup:

Good luck guys.

[Kholi]

I laughed out loud at the Production Co. Name.

"DON'T TAZE ME BRO!"

[Robert Eldon]

Very interesting location! Where would that be?

[Maximus]

Nice bts photos. Look forward to the film.

[bosindy]

Thanks everyone, The Simp wrapped today just in time for the Super Bowl.

[Mark Harris]

Congrats on the wrap guys. I hope Arams ass-squeak didn't ruin the audio! :)

[bosindy]

Aram remained squeak free throughout, although at one point he started to rust.

New bts shots above.

[Mark Harris]

So...who volunteered their HVX for this one?

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082303.jpg

[bosindy]

That would be me, I would never put someone else camera up on that thing.

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks everyone, The Simp wrapped today just in time for the Super Bowl.

Congrats, guys. Good luck in the bowl New Englanders. I'm looking at the scoreboard here in the 4th and I'm getting a little worried!

[bosindy]

Thanks Mark, Aram was rooting for the Giants, I just threw him in the middle of Kenmore Square wrapped in a Giants Jersey.

[Beat Takeshi]

"I'm Jibbing past you, I'm Jibbing past you!!!"
Go Giants... It's your birthday. Go Giants... It's your birthday.
I saw the headlines on the paper at the train in Boston. They read, "Perfect Disaster"

Wooohoooo, we be done. Yup Yup, looking good, looking good.

[bosindy]

Well the rough cut is finished and I have been attacking the sound mix. did a little foley and it came out well. I will probably attack color tomorrow.

[Beat Takeshi]

Grind it out homey!

[Marlon Ladd]

I laughed out loud at the Production Co. Name.

"DON'T TAZE ME BRO!"

I know. That's freakin' hilarious! Wish I'd've thought of it.


Good luck Bosindy! Your BTS photos kick a$$.

[Jason Ramsey]

BTS stills really got my attention.

Good luck guys.

Later,
Jason

[bosindy]

Grind it out homey!

Thanks Man, Jack Daniel Stanley has been an incredible help over the past 24 hours getting my post work flow cruising along. I can see the finish line. I did some ADR with Laurie tonight and it was high comedy.

[bosindy]

Thanks leenewton and Jason,

I am trying not to give too much away on this one so I haven't posted any "hero" shots as one of my actors referred to it. I really am happy with the way this is coming along. At the very least, it definitely is a bizarre little film.

[Tom Marshall]

Wow, I completely missed this thread... good to see you guys coming together and entering the fest as a team. I'm sure this one will be great! :beer:

[bosindy]

Thanks Tom, I spoke to DC the other day, sounds like he is DPing something that has good word of mouth. we will have to do another Tai and bad Guiness in North Hollywood.

[Simon Höfer]

Man, so many collaborations of some really great members here. This will be a killer fest! Looking forward to this one :)

[bosindy]

Thanks Simon,

I am hoping this will be my "Driving Miss Daisy"

There is a grab on the first post for those interested

[Ted Arabian]

Grabs look great, Jim!

Can't wait to see this film!!!

-Ted

[Tom Marshall]

Thanks Tom, I spoke to DC the other day, sounds like he is DPing something that has good word of mouth. we will have to do another Tai and bad Guiness in North Hollywood.

Definitely... Did you make it to Mark and Tim's shoot?

[bosindy]

Can't wait to see this film!!!

-Ted

Here you are, look at that acting

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202532176.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

Nice!!! haha!

[Beat Takeshi]

Your blacks are too dark. The detail in his robe and the bed board are gone. Ted you sexy animal.

[bosindy]

That's not the final edit Francis. Although, I have been playing around with some different ideas for cc you may or may not like.

Tom, I didn't make it out there unfortunately, I am hoping to in March for a screening of the film.

[Beat Takeshi]

I sent a poster idea homey.

[totitefilms]

Two with the jib, Ted and I trying to keep it straight.


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082267.jpg

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082303.jpg

Aram setting up a nice shot

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202082792.jpg

Wow you guys have some really impressive tools here.

[totitefilms]

Here you are, look at that acting

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202532176.jpg

Nice acting :smile:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nice acting :smile:
That is some bad ass acting!


Waitaminute... I think he's reading from the script!
:thumbsup:

[Slimothy]

Lookin good fellas. Can't wait to see this Simp take his damn holiday.

How did shooting go Jim? As smooth as you had hoped?

[bosindy]

Thank you Totite and Michael

Hey Tim, It wasn't a easy as I expected and that is because I probably thought we could move more quickly. The bar we shot at, we couldn't get rolling until around 3:00 A.M and we shot til 7. Then I had to get up at 9:30. I had a bunch of pretty drunk extras when all was said and done.

All and all though, we got everything we needed and the cut looks great. I probably need someone like Blaine to keep things organized better down the road.

[Ted Arabian]

Your blacks are too dark. The detail in his robe and the bed board are gone. Ted you sexy animal.
Yeah, I wanted to comment on this... WHO WAS the DP ANYWAY? Sheesh! :grin:

Thanks Aram for making me look so... good.

Thanks Jim for the role. Had a blast with the guys!

GO SIMP! :thumbsup:

[bosindy]

yea, Aram is worried I am going to screw up the shots he wants for his reel, and he is probably right.

[Ted Arabian]

Jim, I'm dying to see this film! I just keep thinking about this story and how it is going to look as a film!!!

Best to you, buddy!

-Ted

[Ted Arabian]

It's all about Aram's reel! :grin:

[Beat Takeshi]

LOL :)
I just wanted you to have all the detail needed. Especially in your main character being the way he is and all. You don't want it to be crushed blacks in everything hes not in and then have to change it to bring out his detail. It will make it look inconsistent.

[bosindy]

poster added

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

LOL! Diggin the poster!
Maybe it should be "The Gimp Takes a Holiday." :D
Get the gimp out of the box...


Intrigued for sure!
Looking forward to it.

[Beat Takeshi]

Its going to be a DVXuser cult classic.

[Mark Harris]

Um, why is Aram on your poster? In his "pajamas?"

[bosindy]

I don't know if I am going to make it, I have been trying different exporting setting for over 24 hours, dozen upon dozens and I can't even get a 400 x 225 below 50 MB.

I had it going perfectly just using quicktime conversion and then this began to happen:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202658458.jpg

for no apparent reason, it was fine and then it stretched to 4:3

Then I started using compressor and I did just about everything I could think of to get 640 x 360 under 50MB. It would tell me the file is 43 MB say and then it export to fing 105 MB

Now I just did 400x225 with an automatic data rate and the slider just above medium and it was 75 MB.

I am really close to giving up on this.

[Matty_g]

You Still Have 3 Hours!

[bosindy]

yea I was thinking that too, but actually the bars close in 2 hours

[bosindy]

Can someone tell me why compressor is doing this?? It estimate in the 30 MB range and then creates a huge file. The data rate was at 800 and the slider was on medium???

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202707649.jpg

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Have you tried using QT Pro or is that out of the question?

Not familiar with Compressor.

[bosindy]

I think that is pretty much the same as quicktime conversion in fcp but I don't know, I am no expert at this stuff unfortunately

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Are you limiting your data rate to around 1060?

[bosindy]

I was at 800 on the last go around

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Ouch! Sorry, man. No idea.

Did you try the general "export for web" function?

[bosindy]

I just exported quicktime movie that was 2 G rather than keep going directly from FCP. I went at 900kbs and good quality on a 640x 360. It is telling me the file size is 39MB

I have been using the apple lossless at 32khz for ound

If this doesn't work, I don't know.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

That should work. I exported from CS3 to a 2 GB H.264 file.
Then got it down to 800 x 385.
Used AAC at 32khz.

Ended up with a 45MB file.

[bosindy]

fingers crossed, thanks

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I'll tell you this. AAC took up a lot less room than apple lossless.

Just so you know...

Shaved off about 9 MB's for me.

[bosindy]

good to know, when I have to do it again, I'll give it a try

[bosindy]

well it told me it would be 39, and it was 100MB pretty much how the days gone

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Damn!

I really have no idea. Did you try the export for web feature that QT Pro has? It won't be an H.264 file but it will be small. Then maybe you could convert that file using H.264?

Worth a shot.

[Jason Ramsey]

I don't use a mac, so take this as you will, but....

You mentioned a slider and a bit rate. For me (on a pc in procoder express which is basically using quicktime pro) If I "restrict to" a bit rate, the slider becomes non-functional.

You *should* be able to quite easily render something with a bitrate of around 1060 if you have decent audio settings and it should come out at right around 48-49 megs for a 6 minute film. I used mp4 audio, but it appears that a couple of folks who used this audio choice on a mac are having problems with their audio not working on pc's... So, you might want to stick with Michael's audio suggestion...

But, maybe there is a check box or something that you are missing. For me, it's either or concerning the slider or selecting a bitrate. Not both.

Maybe, if all else fails you can send your 100 meg file or whatever to someone and they can re-encode and upload for you?

Just throwing out some stuff for you in case any of it happens to stick...

Later,
Jason

[bosindy]

well I don't want to jinx anything but things are looking up. I will update it a few minutes.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Awesome!

[bosindy]

well somehow, by some miracle I eeked out a 720 x 405 at 44.9 MB.

Thanks Michael, Jason, Matty G, Luis

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

AWESOME!!

Nice work. Hard parts over...

:beer:

[Ted Arabian]

WHEW! Sorry to hear of your woes. Been there!

Glad you succeeded the ugly beast!

[Blaine]

Loved the poster for this one. I'm glad to see you got it uploaded so we can have the pleasure of viewing it. :thumbsup:

[Ted Arabian]

OMG! Blaine, thanks for pointing this out!


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202677813.jpg


Jimbo! I had not seen the poster!!! OMG dude... AWESOME!

hee hee.... I LOVE IT! :thumbsup:

[bosindy]

Thanks Blaine, The cat was getting tired in the bag so I figured I would throw a poster up, thanks to my good buddy Aram.

Thanks Ted, you are really good in this!

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks man. I felt good that day. Sorry I wasn't much of a crew member that morning. Focused on acting... you know.

Can't wait to watch this. This is going to blow people away!

[bosindy]

you know the funny thing about the early morning shoot is that we got the best shot half way through. Unfortunatly that shot was the one casualty of the 6 minute time limit. I got everything else I wanted in.

you were a big help on the crew, thanks again.

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks Jim

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

haha! NICE poster ... def looking forward to it.

[bosindy]

thanks Jack, you will have to tell me how I did on the cc-ing, I bought the natress plug in.

WELL THE SIMP IS APPROVED! good luck to all the film makers, I am psyched to see so many of these films.

[Luis Caffesse]

Great!
:beer:

I can't wait to see it...
I'm so glad you didn't scrap this.

[bosindy]

Thanks Luis, it was my conversation with you via PM that lead to the solution.

[bosindy]

I thought I would post one more grab


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202767664.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

hahaha!!! Jim, Jim, Jim....

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202767664.jpg

hahaha
nice!

[bosindy]

Grab of the day

The safe word while shooting was "banana"


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202831477.jpg

[Mark Harris]

thank god you weren't shooting in the summertime.

[Marlon Ladd]

Damn, Bosindy. That poster is sweeeeeeet. Who did it? This is a comedy. . .right?

[bosindy]

Thanks, Aram (Beat Tekashi) did the poster.

This is a drama

[Mark Harris]

Um, these are all BTS photos, Marlon:

Aram showing up to the shoot:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202767664.jpg

Aram at craft services:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202831477.jpg

[Luis Caffesse]

Hahhaahahahaaaa
Nice, Mark.

:)

[Luis Caffesse]

Thanks Luis, it was my conversation with you via PM that lead to the solution.

Oh wow. I just saw this.
Well, I'm glad I could help in some small way.
:thumbsup:

[Ted Arabian]

Grab of the day

The safe word while shooting was "banana"


http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202831477.jpg

OMG, Jim.... I am glad that I had to leave before this was shot! I don't think that I could have controlled myself!!!

GREAT!!!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

The tea shot is great. Man you're moving to the top of my to view list :D

[Ted Arabian]

Jim! How's that banner coming? Need my help, let me know!

[Ted Arabian]

Awesome Jim! You have a banner!!! :thumbsup:

Now you have to link your thread to it!!! :)

[bosindy]

I think I have learned enough for one week. thanks for the help

[Marlon Ladd]

Um, these are all BTS photos, Marlon:

Aram showing up to the shoot:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202767664.jpg

Aram at craft services:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202831477.jpg
Damn. . .Aram.

[bosindy]

Aram has photosensitivity to the sun, its not nice to point out peoples deficiencies.

[Beat Takeshi]

Hey Jim. Hey All, jokes all around in this fest. :) Don't knock the leather until you tried it. It smells when it gets wet but thats what Fabreeze is for.
I just saw the submitted film and holy crap I love it. I don't want to give away the feel of it so thats all I will say. My stomach hurts... :P

[Geoff_R]

Wow...really looking forward to this one. Reminds me of my college days when I wore a leather face mask to my screenwriting class.

[Beat Takeshi]

Riiiiiiiiiiiight... Now we know who the real freak is. :)

[Ted Arabian]

I just saw the submitted film and holy crap I love it.
Ditto! Jim has a real treat for dvxusers. Aram, you did a great job with the camera. Very nice. Both of you guys! Great job!

Wow...really looking forward to this one. Reminds me of my college days when I wore a leather face mask to my screenwriting class.
Wow, Geoff.... I never would have guessed. But now that I think about it, it does make sense! :grin:

[Geoff_R]

Wow, Geoff.... I never would have guessed. But now that I think about it, it does make sense! :grin:
Yea, I eventually had to stop so people would start taking me seriously.

[Ted Arabian]

Did it work? Or is that why you moved to LA... maybe you fit in better there. Any chance you are near Hollywood? I've heard about that place!

[bosindy]

I just saw the submitted film and holy crap I love it. I don't want to give away the feel of it so thats all I will say. My stomach hurts... :P


You really shot the sh@t out of this one man. Thanks

[Defcon]

whats a simp exactly, i know there was one in pulp fiction but...
is it just the black mask? cool poster, whatever a simp is, it looks creepy as all hell.

[Jared Meyer]

Sissy Pimp? (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=simp)

[bosindy]

The lead character's Christian name is Simpleton Grace. He was given the nickname

Thought I would put up some bts from the bar portion of the shoot.

Aram and I setting up a shot
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202874995.jpg


All of us thinking about setting up
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875022.jpg

Laurie (Daisy) Aram Ted and I. I have no idea what I am doing there
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875046.jpg

Tod (Chad) and Laurie (Daisy) doing what they do best. My extra Ken, who gave realism to his sleeping drunk performance at 4:00 A.M
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202875098.jpg

[Beat Takeshi]

Nice BTS. I have to get more nylon shirts. I notice it looks like I'm wearing the same shirt on every shoot. :P
I still have to go through my camera for some more BTS too.

[Beat Takeshi]

I guess i didn't take as many as I thought.

[bosindy]

yea, theses are Tim's I only took a couple early on

[Beat Takeshi]

Plus you added the stuff from my camera. I forgot you got them all already.

[Geoff_R]

Nice BTS. I have to get more nylon shirts. I notice it looks like I'm wearing the same shirt on every shoot. :P
I still have to go through my camera for some more BTS too.
well, at least it only 'looks' like you're wearing the same shirt on every shoot. I really used to do that until someone pointed it out...

[Mark Harris]

This does look pretty cool guys. Looking forward to it.

[Beat Takeshi]

well, at least it only 'looks' like you're wearing the same shirt on every shoot. I really used to do that until someone pointed it out...

LOL!!! Its funny how there is a fav shirt to shoot with. I just need something that breathes so I get cheap nylon shirts but they get loops in them from rubbing on velcro straps on the equipement so my new batch of shirts consists of only 3 and 2 of them are the same except the color in the pattern.

[Beat Takeshi]

Here was the first Simp mask.

http://www.maskedreviewer.com/images/5%20Happy%20glasses.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

Here was the first Simp mask.

http://www.maskedreviewer.com/images/5%20Happy%20glasses.jpg
ROTF LMAO!!!

Awesome, Aram!

Jim, why didn't you go with this mask???

[bosindy]

This does look pretty cool guys. Looking forward to it.

Thanks Mark, The compression issue really was a bummer and I hope the playback is smooth. I hope to spend a little time today with a fellow dvxuser talking about it.

Here is the grab of the day since I showed some bar BTS

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6439/1202925307.jpg

[Ted Arabian]

Dude, this is the funniest scene in the filck!!!

LMAO!

[Mark Harris]

Is that Ted?

[Ted Arabian]

:grin: BWAAAAHAAAHAAAHAAA HAAAAA HAAAA HAAAA HAAAAAAA

No.

[bosindy]

Tim O'Connor played Simpleton Grace. He is a fellow dvxuser, but he has preffered to have his handle remain anonymous. (and who could blame him)

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Spoilers!


I laughed out loud quite a few times during this one. This is some seriously funny messed up $hit! :D

Very nicely framed as well, I loved the the shots of Simp arriving home the most.

Nice job guys! Great work.

Mike

[bosindy]

I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!! I am knee deep watching films right now. this is a lot of fun!

[Jason Ramsey]

*SPOILERS****





This was a very interesting story. Thanks for putting it in the fest.

I enjoyed it and the last moment was a laugh out loud one for me with perfect execution... (LOL moments aren't common for me)

It was a story that worked well within the constraints and time restraints of this festival, and didn't feel too rushed at all.

Overall it was very-well executed.

I found it enjoyable and humorous throughout. I would say that some of the beats seemed just like an 1/8 of a beat off (for lack of a better way of explaining it). I found myself laughing at the intended beat after the fact often times rather than the actual execution. I hope the 1/8 comment illustrates how minor this was to me.

The moment with ted and simp in the bedroom when they hug was fantastic and another LOL moment for me right when they embraced.

I really appreciate this film, and just want to say thanks for taking the time to put it together and put it out there for us.

Edited to add: I've watched this film several times now, and just wanted to add that the more I watch it, the more I appreciate the execution.

Later,
Jason

[Slimothy]

Dude,
I had no idea what direction you were going to go with this one, so I was really happy when I saw it. I can't begin to tell you how I laughed my ass off when Mark showed me the letter you sent him regarding the stories on getting that leather mask. I think that should definitely be posted here eventually.

Great short man, it seems like you New Englanders are really starting to get a dope team together.

Tim.

[bosindy]

*SPOILERS****





This was a very interesting story. Thanks for putting it in the fest.

I enjoyed it and the last moment was a laugh out loud one for me with perfect execution... (LOL moments aren't common for me)

Thanks, I wanted to be unconventional with the ending, and it would have been too much a feel good story if it didn't have a complication.

It was a story that worked well within the constraints and time restraints of this festival, and didn't feel too rushed at all.

Overall it was very-well executed.

I found it enjoyable and humorous throughout. I would say that some of the beats seemed just like an 1/8 of a beat off (for lack of a better way of explaining it). I found myself laughing at the intended beat after the fact often times rather than the actual execution. I hope the 1/8 comment illustrates how minor this was to me.

I think the time limit might have not allowed a few of the bits to breath as much as we shot and would have liked. The tea cup is a longer more frustrating scene. Ted entering the room. the wine glass. These will all be longer in an extended cut. I had to cut the Simp's journey to his hometown. Both for lack of time shooting and the 6 minute constraint. I hope to add that in the long cut. All and all I am happy with the comedic timing though.


The moment with ted and simp in the bedroom when they hug was fantastic and another LOL moment for me right when they embraced.


Thanks, I have to first hand it to Aram because he wanted to shoot that at a low angle and it worked well. Ted really bought into the emotion of it and delivered. I originally had The Simp rocketing out of the closet and tackling Ted on the bed. It showed his neediness to be loved and would have been more slapsticky. But after seeing the take, I knew we had it.


I really appreciate this film, and just want to say thanks for taking the time to put it together and put it out there for us.

Edited to add: I've watched this film several times now, and just wanted to add that the more I watch it, the more I appreciate the execution.

Later,
Jason

Thanks man, I really dug your entry too. I really appreciate it!

Jim

[Jason Ramsey]

Thanks, I have to first hand it to Aram because he wanted to shoot that at a low angle and it worked well. Ted really bought into the emotion of it and delivered. I originally had The Simp rocketing out of the closet and tackling Ted on the bed. It showed his neediness to be loved and would have been more slapsticky. But after seeing the take, I knew we had it.

Yeah, I think the way it plays now is much more effective, and it plays as funnier to me than the alternative that you just described.

Going off of your earlier comments in the same post about time constraints and such not allowing some beats to breathe as much as you would have liked... This is one that played really well to me, but could totally benefit from about an extra 5 seconds or so... not in added dialogue, but just in pacing and maybe a couple of extra shots in there of Ted, and Simp... just to allow it to really build into that wonderful hugging moment, that kinda gives you the reaction of laughing b/c you just don't know what else to do... Kinda a breathy laughy cry kinda thing :)

Anyways.... yeah. I totally appreciate the approach and the style of this film and the story.

Thanks, again.

later,
Jason

[bosindy]

Thanks again Jason

Dude,
I had no idea what direction you were going to go with this one, so I was really happy when I saw it. I can't begin to tell you how I laughed my ass off when Mark showed me the letter you sent him regarding the stories on getting that leather mask. I think that should definitely be posted here eventually.

Great short man, it seems like you New Englanders are really starting to get a dope team together.

Tim.

Tim,

I have been thinking about whether I am certain I never want to run for public office before I post my comments to Mark. LOL, I had forgotten I wrote that until you just mentioned it and I went back and read it. I may post a redacted version at some point.

Thanks for the positive feedback. Much appreciated.

[Ted Arabian]

Jim, EXCELLENT!!!

You did such a great job directing and cutting this together. And Aram's shots are wonderful.

Your story is so freakin' funny and original. I pissed myself laughing when I read the script and you delivered a well executed film.

My only criticism I have is the black-costumed Simp against dark backgrounds. I wish that there was a hair (or back of head!) light for him. I guess that grip guy of yours really dropped the ball! :grin:

Excellent story and film. Very, very enjoyable to watch. Fresh and funny!

I look forward to the long cut. Do you intend to put one out? There was some great stuff in your script... like that "Long Island" line.

Congrats man!

Pleasure working with you and Aram again!

-Ted

[bosindy]

Ha, I just posted on your thread too. Thanks for the comments Ted. It was great working with you again. It was really tough shooting and editing for color, some one in a completely black outfit. I wish we had a 150 we could have moved anywhere he was as a hair light but the smallest we had was a 300 and it read too hot. I am sure there was other things we could have done but time was an issue on most set ups. The light through the window in the trunk seen might have been my favorite one of the things we tried.

Yeah, we will probably take The Simp out for a stroll again at some point. Right now I will probably just make a longer cut with the stuff I already have.

Thanks again.

[Ted Arabian]

Ha, I just posted on your thread too.
Yeah, I just saw that and made the same comment on my thread!


The light through the window in the trunk seen might have been my favorite one of the things we tried.
Yes! That was terrific lighting!

Glad to hear that there is more in store for the Simp!

[Mark Harris]

What the heck is going on in this crazy picture?

Just kidding. I like the premise of this weird dude. I would have liked to see more with the father. You say there IS more? In the tea-drinking scene?

Also, I am surprised he never gets to see his dead mother.

Final comment is I think the flashback to the rubber fist could have just been that one line of hers. I think it would have been a better kick in the gut and we would have gotten the whole meaning of the scene out of it. Ha ha, that fist reminds me of a funny Valentine's day I had a few years back...

[Mark Johnson]

This is the stuff that makes these festivals so anticipated. You are wading through the familiar and suddenly *WHAM* you see something that makes you go, "WHAT THE .... ? NO!" This is the most original entry in the fest and you amazingly get both laughs and tenderness by the end of the piece. I can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed this.

When you first shared your script with me I was just praying you'd figure out how to shoot it. Thanks for this little present, Jim. You rock.

[Ted Arabian]

I would have liked to see more with the father.

Yes! Bring me back for some more shooting, Jim!!!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Ha ha, that fist reminds me of a funny Valentine's day I had a few years back...:eek:


:D

[bosindy]

What the heck is going on in this crazy picture?

Just kidding. I like the premise of this weird dude. I would have liked to see more with the father. You say there IS more? In the tea-drinking scene?

Also, I am surprised he never gets to see his dead mother.

Final comment is I think the flashback to the rubber fist could have just been that one line of hers. I think it would have been a better kick in the gut and we would have gotten the whole meaning of the scene out of it. Ha ha, that fist reminds me of a funny Valentine's day I had a few years back...

hey Mark, thanks for stopping bye. I am glad you like it.

There is only so much time in these films and in the interest of time, I actually cut some of Ted's performance to fit the limit, both lines and pacing. Both scenes are the first thing I will recut.

I had originally wrote a scene that had him visiting the grave, but it didn't advance the story and it would have been logistically difficulty.

The fist scene really hits for me, i think comedy is different for each person. When I was out for my hood search I saw it and knew how I was going to include it. Given it is valentines day and all.

Thanks for the comments.

[bosindy]

This is the stuff that makes these festivals so anticipated. You are wading through the familiar and suddenly *WHAM* you see something that makes you go, "WHAT THE .... ? NO!" This is the most original entry in the fest and you amazingly get both laughs and tenderness by the end of the piece. I can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed this.

When you first shared your script with me I was just praying you'd figure out how to shoot it. Thanks for this little present, Jim. You rock.


Thanks Mark, glad you saw the human aspects to the character by the end. I wanted to give this thing a bit of a heart, so that would draw out the comedy more. It has been fun bouncing stuff off each other this go around, I hope we do more of it.

Jim

[Blaine]

Jim, I had a fun time with this one. Totally off the wall. Solid acting...even Arabian...:grin:

SPOILERS


















I remember getting near the end when he hugs the girl and thinking you really missed an opportunity when he didn't accidentally break her backbone. But you made up for it big time with the hood removal...:love4:

[bosindy]

Thanks Blaine. That ending shot is the one shot I was going to force myself to take some time with. I didn't shoot any coverage because I knew I would be too tempted to cut during crunch time. I am really happy with Laurie's performance in the scene. It was one of those moments where Aram and I of course ruined the end by laughing and I had to cut in some room tone and earlier audio. Thanks again.

Jim

[RCFreiert]

Nice work Jim and crew! Great comedy combined with geniunely tender moments. It's great to see a really fresh and totally unusual take on the festival theme.

I'm sure we'd all love to see the "behind-the-scenes" footage -- it looks like you had a great time making this one, and it shows in the final product. The performances were very good -- my compliments to your actors; and the film score complimented the subject perfectly. It's too bad the time limit didn't allow you to hold some of the shots longer -- I'd love to see you cut an extended version.

[Maximus]

Great job! I really liked this. Clever premise, and a great idea for a short film. Taking the Gimp from Pulp Fiction, and giving him a life outside the box.

I loved the opening. Bang - phone ringing, right into the story, Inciting Incident, the bad news that will change the status quo.
The film looked great. I think the cinematography is the best I've seen in the fest.
Acting very solid, particularly impressed with Ted's performance.
That's why it worked so well for me, it was played so straight.

This reminded me in many ways of "Blind Date", another very impressive film. The theme of not jumping to conclusions about someone, not judging a book by it's cover, was well done. A film with a message, despite first impressions. Yes, this film did have emotional resonance, despite being hilarious. Kudos! :beer:

[bosindy]

Nice work Jim and crew! Great comedy combined with geniunely tender moments. It's great to see a really fresh and totally unusual take on the festival theme.

I'm sure we'd all love to see the "behind-the-scenes" footage -- it looks like you had a great time making this one, and it shows in the final product. The performances were very good -- my compliments to your actors; and the film score complimented the subject perfectly. It's too bad the time limit didn't allow you to hold some of the shots longer -- I'd love to see you cut an extended version.

Thanks Bobby, you need to change the location on your avatar to Denmark. EDIT: you beat me to it


i may throw together some bts if people are interested. Probably when I start working on a longer cut.

Say hello to the new doctor for me, tell her I have started on the volume II of my medical questions and the completed works should be done around mid march.

[bosindy]

Great job! I really liked this. Clever premise, and a great idea for a short film. Taking the Gimp from Pulp Fiction, and giving him a life outside the box.

I loved the opening. Bang - phone ringing, right into the story, Inciting Incident, the bad news that will change the status quo.
The film looked great. I think the cinematography is the best I've seen in the fest.
Acting very solid, particularly impressed with Ted's performance.
That's why it worked so well for me, it was played so straight.

This reminded me in many ways of "Blind Date", another very impressive film. The theme of not jumping to conclusions about someone, not judging a book by it's cover, was well done. A film with a message, despite first impressions. Yes, this film did have emotional resonance, despite being hilarious. Kudos! :beer:

Maximus,

thank you very much for this review. There are some beautifully shot films in the fest so that is quite a compliment. One of the things I decided was a must after my last film, was to always have a decent monitor on set. We had a 19' lcd for focus with the Brevis and also a composition monitor.

I still stubbornly refused to story board and that was a mistake, especially considering how fast we were moving. ( I think it is because I haven't figured out an efficient way to do it.) There were a few times while editing that I craved a cu I didn't have. All and all though, I am really happy with the look of the film, particularly the opening sequence of the 5 or 6 shots.

As far as the performances go, I was trying to have the actors play it sincerely and told them to try not to be funny. I think there is a natural inclination to try to ham it up on a film like this and I tried to stay away from that. Given the fact we couldn't do a lot of takes, I am really happy with what we got.

Thanks again!

[DJ Lewis]

If nothing else went right in the film, the ending would have been worth it. Fortunatley, a lot went right, but with a crew like yours, how could it go any other way?

Clever story, great acting, brilliant technically... Enjoyed it! (Might even have to go pick me up a leather mask.)

[bosindy]

Thanks DJ,

people seem to like the ending. The Mask was the most expensive prop in the shoot coming in custom at $185 from Canada. The ones from the U.K., and this seems to be the epicenter for this stuff, go for around $400. Who knew the s & m crowd had so much disposable income?

[RCFreiert]

Thanks DJ,

The Mask was the most expensive prop in the shoot coming in custom at $185 from Canada.


So, I assume now that the mask will be making a cameo appearance in all your future films? :grin: It's either that, or have a "Simp" Charity Auction (though I can't begin to imagine what group the proceeds would go to).

[Chris Messineo]

This wins awards for originality and strangeness. Are there awards for that? :)

Seriously, I enjoyed this. I was never quite sure where the story was going and I really like that in a film.

Technically, Aram did a great job with the shots. I really dug the framing and the lighting.

Well done.

[KenV]

Sound was good, though I'm interested how you know so much abouit this lifestyle. . .

[bosindy]

Bob, the mask is retired for anything other than maybe Holloween

Thanks Chris, I am looking forward to seeing your film down the line.

Ken V - the story is a fictional comedy that is influenced by the Gimp from Pulp Fiction meets Garden State meets Edward Scissorhands. It really isn't a lifestyle at least I hope it isn't. Thanks for the sound comment. I did a bunch folley and adr on this.

[KenV]

^^

=) Yeah I know. I was just trying to bust some balls.

[Cliff Wildman]

very cool.

my favorite part is when the simp goes to drink some tea ;)

my second favorite was the simp sleeping in the closet.

as others have noted - well shot, pretty good pace and some great comic beats.

great job!

[bosindy]

^^

=) Yeah I know. I was just trying to bust some balls.

Now that's funny. Thanks for the sound comment again, its great to hear from a sound guy. we shot with a shotgun in the kitchen and it took quite a bit of effort to get the sound decent on that.

[bosindy]

very cool.

my favorite part is when the simp goes to drink some tea ;)

my second favorite was the simp sleeping in the closet.

as others have noted - well shot, pretty good pace and some great comic beats.

great job!

Thanks for the comments. I am glad the physical comedy is paying off. Tim O'Connor who played the simp really gave me a lot to choose from, which isn't easy when basically you can only see the eyes of the character.

[vash]

the poster looks good......so will the film once its done....

[bosindy]

EDIT: you are new here so you don't realize viewing is open. Good luck buying all the fun new gear.

[vash]

i didn't realize the film was complete man im sorry.

[Zak Forsman]

i loved this entry. I think the hard cut to the title over the simp's wailing and thrashing is my favorite cut in the whole festival. this was like if Hal Ashby directed a Tarantino script - -Harold & Maude meets Pulp Fiction. really dug the Cat Stevens-esque "pocketful of promises" cue. and i have nothing but praise for Ted Arabian's performance. something very warm and rich about that character despite the anger on the surface. favorite lighting was the demasking scene at the end. very nice. loved it!!

[bosindy]

i loved this entry. I think the hard cut to the title over the simp's wailing and thrashing is my favorite cut in the whole festival. this was like if Hal Ashby directed a Tarantino script. really dug the Cat Stevens-esque "pocketful of promises" cue. and i have nothing but praise for Ted Arabian's performance. something very warm and rich about that character despite the anger on the surface. favorite lighting was the demasking scene at the end. very nice. loved it!!

Thanks Zak,

I wish I could have let the wailing go on a few more seconds after that cut. thanks for mentioning it.

I will definitely tell Steve Mayone the comment about the song. I got lucky with all the music. I knew I was going to use the Blue Ribbons song in the bar, but other than that I went through a few cds of people I knew to try to find something with the right vibe.

I had the opportunity to shoot The Blue Ribbons (the other music I used in the film) awhile back and Steve was sitting in on guitar for their regular guitarist. I absolutely love his work on this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCjkQndBRfk at about 5 minutes in.

Aram, gelled that last shot warm and it worked well in contrast to the rest of the film which I pushed towards the cooler tones.

One of these days I am gong to ask for a handheld lesson. Thanks again.

[Beat Takeshi]

Thanks for the comments. I love working on films that take a different spin on things. Better to swim against the grain instead of trying to conform.

[Defcon]

My Boston peoples represented! I like this movie, well done Bosindy. It was quirky
and fun... and creepy all at the same time. It reminded me of a movie called FIDO
or any concept showing a strange character (zombie/serial kilelr etc.) fitting into normal society. Ted you were great! You look pretty cool on camera. Good job guys.

[bosindy]

Thanks Matt,

I was definitely going for the fish out of water. I am glad you liked it. :beer:

Jim

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Hey! Thanks for the acting kudos guys!!!!

I appreciate it! :thumbsup:

And thank you, Jim, for the opportunity to be a part of your film! Totally fun gig!

[Geoff_R]

HAHA, I love this. Good performances. Within 10 seconds, I hated that schmuck at that bar. That's because I cared for this 'simp' :) This is seriously one of the coolest shorts I've watched in a long time. And I so wanted to see his face! Come on! That killed me! But I love it too...maybe he was ugly, maybe he looked like her brother or something, I don't know...

Nicely lit and shot. It needed the structure and balance, handheld would have killed this film. I'm sure that makes sense to Aram. This feels like a napoleon dynamite or something. It needs shots like the one of the 'simp' standing in front of the house with the luggage; those shots make the film work.

Nice work on the story/concept, Jim. One might say the ending is a little contrived with the girl being in love with the simp, but who cares, I dug it. I got the vibe you were going for with this piece. This must have been a fun movie to shoot.

[Beat Takeshi]

Hey Geoff, thanks! :)
There were a few hand held shots where i tried to keep it as still as possible because the tripod would not go low enough or high enough.
Fun it was, there were a bunch of takes where we had to stop because someone laughed and I can see the camera shake in a few places where i was trying to hold in the laughing. There is a few more bar shots where he is trying to drink that I guess got cut because of time that are freaking stooooopid funny. I hope they make it in the longer version. Thanks for watching.

[Gohanto]

This was pretty fun watching. Some excellent shots like the phone call dolly-in and him standing in front of the house.

The ending though, easily the best part of the entire film. Nice job.

[Mark Johnson]

Hey guys, I just watched this one again and I love everything about this film. In fact, it gets better upon second watching. There's a lot of subtlety in this one and you did a fantastic job with it.

[bosindy]

HAHA, I love this. Good performances. Within 10 seconds, I hated that schmuck at that bar. That's because I cared for this 'simp' :) This is seriously one of the coolest shorts I've watched in a long time. And I so wanted to see his face! Come on! That killed me! But I love it too...maybe he was ugly, maybe he looked like her brother or something, I don't know...

Nicely lit and shot. It needed the structure and balance, handheld would have killed this film. I'm sure that makes sense to Aram. This feels like a napoleon dynamite or something. It needs shots like the one of the 'simp' standing in front of the house with the luggage; those shots make the film work.

Nice work on the story/concept, Jim. One might say the ending is a little contrived with the girl being in love with the simp, but who cares, I dug it. I got the vibe you were going for with this piece. This must have been a fun movie to shoot.


Geoff, thank you very much for this review. It is really encouraging when the people you respect here have this kind of reaction. A lot of the props, like the fedora, in this were really worth it. Although it really begins to add up.

I agree that the story probably didn't earn the I Love You moment at the end as much as I originally planned. During rewrites I had a montage of moments from Daisy and Simpletons life growing up. The fist one was them meeting in grade school and Chad ruins the encounter. Ultimately it ended with just the rubber fist break up. I really didn't want to get child actors involved in this.

Thanks again for the kind words. :beer:

Jim

[bosindy]

This was pretty fun watching. Some excellent shots like the phone call dolly-in and him standing in front of the house.

The ending though, easily the best part of the entire film. Nice job.

thank you Gohanto, I am really glad you enjoyed it.

JIm

[bosindy]

Hey guys, I just watched this one again and I love everything about this film. In fact, it gets better upon second watching. There's a lot of subtlety in this one and you did a fantastic job with it.

Mark, I have to say the you generously allowing me a window into the WHTL production really did inspire me to get moving on this. These films a lot of times are just blunt force will to get them done and watching you guys work, albeit from afar, really helped me. Thanks.

Jim

[Marlon Ladd]

OMG! WTF??? Bosindy, this was hilarious. I don’t know what else to say. Very funny. I really liked the lighting and humor at the end with him and the girl. What will the Simp. Do next?



Oh, BTW, don't taze me, bro.

[bosindy]

OMG! WTF??? Bosindy, this was hilarious. I don’t know what else to say. Very funny. I really liked the lighting and humor at the end with him and the girl. What will the Simp. Do next?

The Common Man

Silent film. . .great! That freakin’ Broad!! LOL. Man, she mad me mad. This was a well written and executed story with a happy ending and a message. Very cool and creative.

Oh, BTW, don't taze me, bro.

Thanks Marlon!!! I don't know what is up next for the Simp, maybe I will have him join a hair band.

[Anthony Pierce]

Hysterical! Nothing here to critique. This was double the love fest! Glad to see he’s getting work after Pulp Fiction.

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

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

I've not seen all the movies yet, but this is the first one I just had to take the time to write on.

Pre-Festival opening I thought this was some sort of joke movie so I went into it not expecting a whole lot.

Loved the opening with the phone. That is just a great shot.

When the first guy opens the box and the simp (gimp) comes out I like others was thinking of Pulp Fiction. Then I thought to myself.... who are these people that have these kind of items just laying around.... (for 185$ that prop would be getting a lot of future work if it were me).

Ted was great. Already stated many times. No need to give him a big head.

Aram did a great job, and the sound was good (something that still lacks in a lot of stuff).

Only real issue I had was the lighting in the kitchen. Seemed a little washed out to me when the girl was at the window, but it got better when she moved away (and the camera followed thereby taking the window out of the lighting equation). Also when Simp shows up at home it looks like there is a framed silk reflected in the door. (Yea it's picky, but everything else was so good).

Ending was great. Loved it. One of those awkward, what the hell have I got myself into moments.

This is definitely one of my favorites so far.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Arrik]

Great job guys. Too funny. I love your featured star (Ted). When I saw him I was like whaaaa? He looks so different without the in & out gear. Ted, your voice is so calm. Can you be my parent too?

Great job on the intro. I thought the movement was key factor in why was drawn in, and it was executed very well. Same goes for the lighting. I love the ridiculousness of the script. Towards the middle things kinda seemed to force themselves along the timeline, but I suspect this was done to stay within the time limit.

The end had me rollin. I actually stopped and played that part back 3 times the first time I watched it. Too funny. Her expression is priceless.

Bos, Ted, Aram and crew great job. Aram was telling me he was heading up there to help you that weekend. He said if wasnt heading up there that he wouldve come by during production for my short which was that same weekend...... what I'm getting at is DAMN U! :laugh:

[The Rodent]

This short was the catalyst for me to stop lurking and register.


I just wanted to say that after the 30 or so entries I've watched so far, the ending scene in this one made me crack up the most. The actress's look was splendid, and I also had to back it up to watch it again.

Great job on this one.

[Mark Johnson]

I keep watching this film and like it more each time. There is so much here that shows craftsmanship and the performances are marvelous. Jim and Team: you guys are a powerhouse. I hope you are making plans to enter the next one together and really put in preproduction time and effort. I can't say enough about this film. You guys hit it out of the park.

[bosindy]

Hysterical! Nothing here to critique. This was double the love fest! Glad to see he’s getting work after Pulp Fiction.

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

Thanks Anthony, we tried to put a lot of humor in this, I am glad it worked for you. :beer:

[bosindy]

I've not seen all the movies yet, but this is the first one I just had to take the time to write on.

Pre-Festival opening I thought this was some sort of joke movie so I went into it not expecting a whole lot.

Loved the opening with the phone. That is just a great shot.

That phone is in my neighbors apartment. I heard it ring about a year ago and I made a note of it. The whole apartment is vintage, from the T.V and record player, to the fridge and appliances. It is really the perfect set.


When the first guy opens the box and the simp (gimp) comes out I like others was thinking of Pulp Fiction. Then I thought to myself.... who are these people that have these kind of items just laying around.... (for 185$ that prop would be getting a lot of future work if it were me).

yea, but the rubber fist was only $35. Aram haggled that down like he was at a market in Jalalabad


Ted was great. Already stated many times. No need to give him a big head.

Aram did a great job, and the sound was good (something that still lacks in a lot of stuff). It's great having them both around!



Only real issue I had was the lighting in the kitchen. Seemed a little washed out to me when the girl was at the window, but it got better when she moved away (and the camera followed thereby taking the window out of the lighting equation). Also when Simp shows up at home it looks like there is a framed silk reflected in the door. (Yea it's picky, but everything else was so good).

Thanks for this, It helps me put me finger on issues and it will help to improve. I wish we had a cu on the actress in the kitchen scene.



Ending was great. Loved it. One of those awkward, what the hell have I got myself into moments.

Thanks!!

This is definitely one of my favorites so far.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thank you!!!

Jim

[bosindy]

Great job guys. Too funny. I love your featured star (Ted). When I saw him I was like whaaaa? He looks so different without the in & out gear. Ted, your voice is so calm. Can you be my parent too?

Great job on the intro. I thought the movement was key factor in why was drawn in, and it was executed very well. Same goes for the lighting. I love the ridiculousness of the script. Towards the middle things kinda seemed to force themselves along the timeline, but I suspect this was done to stay within the time limit.

The end had me rollin. I actually stopped and played that part back 3 times the first time I watched it. Too funny. Her expression is priceless.

Bos, Ted, Aram and crew great job. Aram was telling me he was heading up there to help you that weekend. He said if wasnt heading up there that he wouldve come by during production for my short which was that same weekend...... what I'm getting at is DAMN U! :laugh:

I am glad the ending is working for people. The way the script was written and even more how Tim played it, The Simp becomes more and more human as it goes on. He becomes less aggressive, his mannerisms become softer, and the grunts become more audible to actual words. The unmasking scene is almost the last conversion, but the poor Simp just can't make it to normalcy.

At this point I am thankful I can get first dibs on Aram. LOL Thanks for the comments.

[Ted Arabian]

Ted was great. Already stated many times. No need to give him a big head.



Thanks! In lieu of a big head, I will instead snag a grab from The Simp as my new avatar!

[bosindy]

LMAO, Ted that is great!

[Ted Arabian]

It's a good pic of me. Thanks for framing it and to Aram for shooting it!

I think the In-N-Out is on the outs for a while! Maybe it will make a comeback!

[bosindy]

This short was the catalyst for me to stop lurking and register.


I just wanted to say that after the 30 or so entries I've watched so far, the ending scene in this one made me crack up the most. The actress's look was splendid, and I also had to back it up to watch it again.

Great job on this one.

this is a great compliment, welcome to the boards.

I really like Laurie's performance in this. She has the perfect quality for the story; innocent and sincere. When I wrote it, I only had her in mind for it so I was psyched when she said yes.

Thanks again!

[bosindy]

I keep watching this film and like it more each time. There is so much here that shows craftsmanship and the performances are marvelous. Jim and Team: you guys are a powerhouse. I hope you are making plans to enter the next one together and really put in preproduction time and effort. I can't say enough about this film. You guys hit it out of the park.


Maybe we need to get you out here for the next one, continue the cross cultural exchange.:beer:

[mentatDUKE]

Guys, this was a REALLY fun movie. The fact that you took the time and expense with the costume, production design, et al led to the epic scope of it all. It felt big and the universe was really fleshed out. Also: the baby in leather. Wow. Haha.

Ted. I didn't realize that was you as the dad! You did really well. I totally felt for the Simp when you were talking down to him in the beginning. And that hug at the end was priceless.


Well directed, well shot, well acted. A great punchline at the end.

Good job all.

[bosindy]

thanks Mentatduke, I like your comedic style so I hoped you would like it.

Jim

[Marlon Ladd]

Oops! Sorry, Bosindy. I had to remove a review for another film on here that was attached to my review of yours. I reviewed a few films together and copied and pasted my reviews from microsoft word.

Anyway, keep the Simp going!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

lol, touche. That was fun!

[Noel Evans]

Bosindy that was great!!!! So much fun.

OK sometimes I wasnt big on the lighting and a little so so on a couple of shots . Let me give you an example of each.

Near opening, walking up the stairs, lighting looked like a light just pointing strangely up the stairs - lacked motivation. And on shot, when Simp and his dad (Ted are in the living room on the couches - pretty flat, not so great.

Ted, Im giving you the Oscar for this love fest.

One of the best for me.

[bosindy]

Marlon, I get confused sometimes with all the films, I am glad you still make the quotes in my signature.

Shawn I am glad you liked it, thanks.

Noel Thanks for giving a few examples, this is great feedback. I am definitely thinking about light more and more. I am glad it still ranks high on your list.

Jim

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Jim!

I just watched "The Simp" again for the ump-tenth time! I just love your film!!! You have done such an incredible job of providing something that is quite frankly bizarre and yet so sweet at the same time. This is a real credit to you.

It just amazes me that this story, while far-fetched as it is... (I mean, a guy who wears a leather mask as a baby, at graduation, at the bar... and who is seemingly content to live in his truck!), it is warm, gentle and sincere. I am just in awe of your vision to create this.

As for the film, there are so many "pro-elements" here.... the composition of shots, the camera work, the directing, the editing, the music... just wonderful.

You are a careful craftsman of this trade, Jim. And you perform with valor!

Congrats to you and to Aram! It was truly a pleasure to work on this with you and be a part of it.

Good luck on the voting... this is a serious contender!

-Ted

[bosindy]

Ted Thanks! I am most glad that everyone involved feels it was worth it. I know people didn't know what to expect when I approached them about being involved. It says a lot that people trusted me anyway.

I am glad your performance is getting such strong reviews, congrats.

[Slimothy]

I showed this to Bullis last night and he was rollin. Simply loved it.

Great job, again.

Tim.

[Ted Arabian]

I am glad your performance is getting such strong reviews, congrats.
I'll take my share of the credit as I do enjoy performing BUT much of this comes from the director, my friend!

[bosindy]

I showed this to Bullis last night and he was rollin. Simply loved it.

Great job, again.

Tim.


Thanks Tim, I spoke to Johnson just today, I am looking forward to coming out there and hanging with you guys, it sounds like a lot of exciting stuff going on out your way

Thanks Ted.:beer:

[Luis Caffesse]

Alright guys - I've seen it a few times now and I'm finally getting around to writing up my reviews - I haven't read the rest of this thread... so take this as my honest reaction:

First off - contentwise - this has to be one of the most original pieces in the fest.
I love seeing stuff like this. I was uncomfortable at times, and wasn't really sure if I should be laughing or taking it sincerely - and I like that about it.

Shotwise - what can I say - it looks great.
Nice shot construction - nice cuts - nice light - and the sound was crisp and clear.
There was nothing that jumped out at me from a tech standpoint.

The edit was well done - I loved the use of the fades and wipes - which can sometimes come off really gimmicky, but you made them work in this. It felt lke it was part of the style, not dictating the style... hopefully that makes sense to you.

My only issue storywise is her 'profession of love' in the kitchen scene - I just didn't find it believable... and it felt like it came out of nowhere for me. That might be an issue of timing, because the ending felt a little bit rushed - and I hope you're putting together a long cut of this to give those moments their due.

The living room scene where he is drinking the tea is priceless - and I kind of wish you hadn't posted grabs of that, because I was waiting for it from the second I hit play.
:)

Overall - quirky, original and interesting piece.
I could have done with a few less grunts from Simp - as the mere sight of him is engaging... the sounds almost make it too goofy sometimes (which actually took away form the comedy a little for me). The fact that it was all played straight really worked...and those moments felt almost like they were too selfconsciously funny to me.

But again - NOT a cookie cutter story... and I LOVE seeing that.
Well shot, well conceived, well paced.
You should be proud.

I hope you found my critiques helpful - at the end of the day they are just the opinions of one guy.

Can't wait to see what you do in the next fest.
You ARE entering the next fest.
(notice that that wasn't a question)

:thumbsup:

P.S.
Ted as the father did a really nice job.
The look on his face when he opens the door was fantastic - very subtle reaction which kept me waiting to see how it was going to play out. I liked that moment a lot.

[bosindy]

Alright guys - I've seen it a few times now and I'm finally getting around to writing up my reviews - I haven't read the rest of this thread... so take this as my honest reaction:

these are the types of reviews I love, I wish I would have been as thorough in my reviews. Thank you.


First off - contentwise - this has to be one of the most original pieces in the fest.
I love seeing stuff like this. I was uncomfortable at times, and wasn't really sure if I should be laughing or taking it sincerely - and I like that about it.

Shotwise - what can I say - it looks great.
Nice shot construction - nice cuts - nice light - and the sound was crisp and clear.
There was nothing that jumped out at me from a tech standpoint.

The edit was well done - I loved the use of the fades and wipes - which can sometimes come off really gimmicky, but you made them work in this. It felt lke it was part of the style, not dictating the style... hopefully that makes sense to you.

wow thanks, I was hoping to get uncomfortable laughs in this. Thanks for mentioning the audio, I wanted decent sound design so it was my first time doing folley and ADR. As far as the edit, It has started coming a little easier, although I don't think it will ever be easy for me.


My only issue storywise is her 'profession of love' in the kitchen scene - I just didn't find it believable... and it felt like it came out of nowhere for me. That might be an issue of timing, because the ending felt a little bit rushed - and I hope you're putting together a long cut of this to give those moments their due.

agreed, Geoff made the same observation. I originally had more of a backstory in the flashbacks between Daisy and The Simp. We see them meeting on the playground as kids and going to prom. The time limit and logistics killed that so I used just the break up.



The living room scene where he is drinking the tea is priceless - and I kind of wish you hadn't posted grabs of that, because I was waiting for it from the second I hit play.
:)

I should have kept my powder dry on that one.



Overall - quirky, original and interesting piece.
I could have done with a few less grunts from Simp - as the mere sight of him is engaging... the sounds almost make it too goofy sometimes (which actually took away form the comedy a little for me). The fact that it was all played straight really worked...and those moments felt almost like they were too selfconsciously funny to me.

The world I tried to create was one that people could understand The Simp and have conversations with him. I cut an early scene where he is hitchhiking and a guy pulls over and asks "where ya head'n?" the Simp responds "MMMMMWWWWW" The Guy says, "Long Island? hop on in" We worked on the noise quite a bit because it wasn't working, and then I said, just sort of hum the words. I appreciate your opinion on this.



But again - NOT a cookie cutter story... and I LOVE seeing that.
Well shot, well conceived, well paced.
You should be proud.

I hope you found my critiques helpful - at the end of the day they are just the opinions of one guy.

Can't wait to see what you do in the next fest.
You ARE entering the next fest.
(notice that that wasn't a question)

:thumbsup:


Thanks Luis, I will certainly be in more fests down the road (if not the next one), the learning experience alone is worth it. I am inspired by your film, Zak's, Jason's, Matt's to name a few, to try something more conversational in the next one. I already have an idea, but we'll see how it fits in to future themes.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Great concept. Nicely shot. Very entertaining piece. We’ve spoken about it some but here’s some thoughts as I watch a second time.

Love the push in on the phone. Nice SDOF and focus pulling while dollying … but beyond the tech, a nice evocative shot.

Stair case – great wish it was longer.

Great cut to him in the sunlight with the music and all.

Ted doesn’t seem quite old enough to be Daddy, though I guess the simp could be 18 or so. But with the type of coming home story you are telling the parents are usually a bit older.

Ted’s acting was pretty good, but seemed a bit theatrical. I could tell he was putting on a character rather than simpley being – the only thing that works for film, which of course means, with very few exceptions, that you have to cast someone that can be that character.

The bar shot is really nicely lit. Maybe some vignetting could bring down the bright feel of it.

Not nuts about the baby in the mask. Up till then I just thought it was someone who had made an extreme lifestyle choice and I liked that reality. Which grounded the comedy even more.

Love the rubber fist bit for Valentines day.

The “I love you” from the ex girlfriend was too easy to say / not believable.

OK …. So that was a lot of stuff that I picked on … but I think this is one of the strongest entries in a very strong fest … probably in the top 5.

You took a great premise and ran with it all the way.

Very entertaining and I can’t wait to see your next entry.

[Ted Arabian]

Thanks for the feedback on my performance, Jack. The one thing that I did not do was develop a character. I guess it still read that way.

Hmmmm.... I know that film acting is such a difference beast than the theatre. Looks like I still have work ahead of me!

[bosindy]

Great concept. Nicely shot. Very entertaining piece. We’ve spoken about it some but here’s some thoughts as I watch a second time.

Love the push in on the phone. Nice SDOF and focus pulling while dollying … but beyond the tech, a nice evocative shot.

Stair case – great wish it was longer.

Great cut to him in the sunlight with the music and all.

Ted doesn’t seem quite old enough to be Daddy, though I guess the simp could be 18 or so. But with the type of coming home story you are telling the parents are usually a bit older.

Ted’s acting was pretty good, but seemed a bit theatrical. I could tell he was putting on a character rather than simpley being – the only thing that works for film, which of course means, with very few exceptions, that you have to cast someone that can be that character.

The bar shot is really nicely lit. Maybe some vignetting could bring down the bright feel of it.

Not nuts about the baby in the mask. Up till then I just thought it was someone who had made an extreme lifestyle choice and I liked that reality. Which grounded the comedy even more.

Love the rubber fist bit for Valentines day.

The “I love you” from the ex girlfriend was too easy to say / not believable.

OK …. So that was a lot of stuff that I picked on … but I think this is one of the strongest entries in a very strong fest … probably in the top 5.

You took a great premise and ran with it all the way.

Very entertaining and I can’t wait to see your next entry.

I am glad you dropped by for the review Jack, I know we talked quite a bit about the film awhile back.

That stairway shot will definitely be longer in the longer cut. We shot the whole walk down. I also want to do something with the lighting in the bar, vignetting may be the answer, I am going to play around with a few things. I know what your saying about the baby, but I still like the scene. It does take the choice away from the simp, but I was going more for an Edward Scissorhands feel for the character. Some of the other stuff I have covered in other responses but I really appreciate you taking the time to go over the stuff you liked or didn't.

BTW, I checked out The Odd Squad and really enjoyed it.

Making your top 5 is quite a compliment so thanks!. You were a great help to me in a few ways (cc and tech issues) this go around. Hopefully we will grab that beer real soon. :beer:

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Thanks for the feedback on my performance, Jack. The one thing that I did not do was develop a character. I guess it still read that way.

Hmmmm.... I know that film acting is such a difference beast than the theatre. Looks like I still have work ahead of me!

Sorry, to me it seemed like you were trying to use your voice in a deep fatherly way. Maybe that's how you really sound, but it did not seem like natural unaffected speech to me. Seemed a bit too Wilfred Brimly.

I've seen you move on BTS and stuff though and you don't swager the way you do in this. You move like a young man in real life.

EDIT: Maybe my comments are colored by what I think you sound like / who I think you are. But it didn't ring 100% true to me for some reason. I could also say the same for some other actors performances, but ironically I'm more direct, forthcoming, and honest on yours because I think our friendship demands it.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

... I know what your saying about the baby, but I still like the scene. It does take the choice away from the simp, but I was going more for an Edward Scissorhands feel for the character...

Well that's just my taste, not that what you did doesn't work necessarily.

[bosindy]

Plus, I have to find a way to get Ute Gfrerer - Wald (who plays the mom) in everything I do. It was a shame recently because "The Women" http://imdb.com/title/tt0430770/ was shooting in Boston and she went in for an audition and killed it. They offered here a pretty meaty speaking part and she couldn't take it because of a green card issue.

She had just got back from touring Europe singing opera to great reviews and 3 days later she is walking around with a doll with a hood on it. She didn't get the humor at first, but she liked the film a lot when she saw it.

btw you can catch her in Munich in April for those who live in Germany http://www.ute-gfrerer.com/

[Ted Arabian]

I've seen you move on BTS and stuff though and you don't swager the way you do in this. You move like a young man in real life.

LOL! Well, I appreciate that I don't appear to be a 43 year old man, that's for sure! I think I may have been feeling old due to the schedule of shooting both my film and Jim's in a 3 day period!!!

.... but ironically I'm more direct, forthcoming, and honest on yours because I think our friendship demands it.

I will always respect and want the honest assessment... even if it is sometimes hard to hear.

Cheers! :)

[bosindy]

LOL! Well, I appreciate that I don't appear to be a 43 year old man, that's for sure! I think I may have been feeling old due to the schedule of shooting both my film and Jim's in a 3 day period!!!




Well The Simp in the film would be about 28. Daisy says "it's been at least 10 years" so assuming he left after graduation from High School he would be in his late 20's. Daisy looks like she is in her late 20's as well. That would make Ted's character in his late 40's if he got married young. I thought Ted could pull that off age wise and he does in my mind.

I think when you know someone in one specific context, it is hard to see them act sometimes. I know the worst reviews I got when acting in something have been from people that know me well. I am not saying this is even the case here, everyone has their own sensibility

the funny thing Ted, is that you have 20 really good reviews and that one mixed one is the one that seems most believable. The mind of the actor.

[jmc]

I can't believe I haven't posted here already. I really loved this one. It was so funny, and technically there weren't any spots where I was taken out of the film (well, the action in the bar where she pushes her boyfriend seemed a little forced, but it was minor). I loved the dolly shot by the taps, and the ending was perfect. Her eyes and body language in that scene were spot on.

As for Ted, I was actually surprised by how old he seemed in the film. It wasn't even his look, it was how he played the character. Of course my previous exposure to him has been exclusively written text and his old In-N-Out icon...:cheesy:

[pmark23]

Bwaaahaahaa. This one should not only win this fest, but retroactively all the previous fests, and at least the next two fests. At least.

[bosindy]

I can't believe I haven't posted here already. I really loved this one. It was so funny, and technically there weren't any spots where I was taken out of the film (well, the action in the bar where she pushes her boyfriend seemed a little forced, but it was minor). I loved the dolly shot by the taps, and the ending was perfect. Her eyes and body language in that scene were spot on.



Thanks for your comments. The bar scene was definitely a new level of difficulty. the dolly shot was the first thing we did and we kicked off at about 2:45 A.M. My extras were completely bombed and occasionally would glance right into the camera. We also got stuck on the taps a few times. I actually have a longer shot that I am going to use in the longer cut that starts much further down.

After we got the dolly shot it was around 3:45 A.M. and I am really happy we got the coverage we did, I have an insert of the push that I may try in the longer cut. We finally finished around 6:00 A.M. so a big thanks to my cast and crew for hanging in there.

I am glad you liked the ending. Thanks for commenting


Bwaaahaahaa. This one should not only win this fest, but retroactively all the previous fests, and at least the next two fests. At least.

This made me laugh, I am glad you liked it.

And to everyone who has commented, Thank you. It am really happy with the way the film has been received by the dvxuser community. Without this place I would have been completely lost as a filmmaker and there is a good chance I would not have been able to do this.:beer:

Jim

[Brian Parker]

Wow, great film. Cinematography, CC, casting, pacing and story...all of it was really well done. Best of all, it was funny. I chuckled loudly at the rubber fist but I really started laughing loudly at the end when she unmasked him. Her facial expressions were perfect and it read so well. Great job.

[bosindy]

Thanks Champ, I am glad you liked it. Now that the fest is coming to an end, I am looking forward to tackling the longer cut.

[Blaine]

Thanks Champ, I am glad you liked it. Now that the fest is coming to an end, I am looking forward to tackling the longer cut.I will be looking forward to that, Jim. I'm hoping to see several longer cuts of the films entered within the next few weeks. :thumbsup:

[SimonB]

This one had me laughing all the way through. Great job.:)

[wartez]

pretty hilarious. you got my vote!

[bosindy]

I will be looking forward to that, Jim. I'm hoping to see several longer cuts of the films entered within the next few weeks. :thumbsup:

Thanks Blaine, so many great films in this fest, I have over a half dozen in the indefinite save to desk top mode. WTHL being one.


This one had me laughing all the way through. Great job.:)

Thanks Simon, I am glad you enjoyed it



pretty hilarious. you got my vote!

Your film is one of the save to desktop films for me, I am really glad you liked it.

[tmnt]

Ah, I love little subtle (well kinda subtle) gags like how Simp goes to take a sip of the coffee, laughed at that.

And Ted, did I detect some John Wayne in that "Well come on in"? You did well in it.

Definitely looked like some bits were shot quicker than others, the bar scene looked nice. Some soft focus but nothing bad.

Loved how you abruptly cut with the cute girl at the end.

Great job to you all, got a few laughs out of this!

[jmc]

I was sad to see this one left out of the top 3; you had my vote. Thanks for making a great, enjoyable film! I'll be looking forward to your TimeFest entry.

[bosindy]

thank you JMC, and thanks to those folks that voted for The Simp. It is hard to complain when three really good films place ahead of you. Congratulations again to the winners. It was well deserved for all three.

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

A little late getting back around to the lovefest files but just wanted to let you know I did use one of my votes on this project. Sorry you didn't get in the top 3 but you still have to know you put out a superb product.

Thanks! In lieu of a big head, I will instead snag a grab from The Simp as my new avatar!
Twas all in jest of course. The new avatar looks great (though it is a bit sad to retire the old one).

[bosindy]

A little late getting back around to the lovefest files but just wanted to let you know I did use one of my votes on this project. Sorry you didn't get in the top 3 but you still have to know you put out a superb product.
.

Thanks a lot man, knowing that a few people have felt the film was in this category has been a great feeling. Although it would be nice to win a prize, I get a ton out of these festivals and winning is really secondary. I really liked the films that won and I am happy for those film makers. :beer:

[bosindy]

well The Simp was invited to play the Pawtucket Film Festival. We will be playing on the 19th in Rhode Island. If you're in the neighborhood:

http://www.pawtucketartsfestival.org/Events-143-Ninth_Annual_Pawtucket_Film_Festival

[Tom Marshall]

Thats's awesome man, congrats.

[Beat Takeshi]

Woo Hooooo

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

well The Simp was invited to play the Pawtucket Film Festival. We will be playing on the 19th in Rhode Island. If you're in the neighborhood:

http://www.pawtucketartsfestival.org/Events-143-Ninth_Annual_Pawtucket_Film_Festival

Very Kool. This was one of my favorites so I'm glad to see it getting some more attention.

:thumbsup:

[bosindy]

Thanks guys,

It'll be interesting to see a live audience reaction to the film. I hadn't planned a festival life for this one, but got contacted when a friend mentioned the film to the organizers. Should be a good time. The people that run the fest seem great.