ZFarms Productions Presents: The Big Blind

[ZFarms Productions]

I had a blast doing "Amore" and as soon as TimeFest was announced, I got excited. The script is basically finished. I've sent it out for a couple people to check out, and get their feedback and revise from there.


The Big Blind


Synopsis:

Joey is in debt to the Mafia. If he doesn't pay them back the money he owes in two days, he's dead.


Cast/Crew

Cast:

Adam Lopez as Joey

Peter Alosio as Frank

Mike Santi as Johnny

Robert Boulay as Jake

Crew:

Produced by- Dean Zarbaugh II and Eric T. Collins

Writer/Director- Dean Zarbaugh II

Director of Photography- Brandon Vaidean

Assistant Director- Tom Keeling

Sound Mixer- John Sessoms

Production Designer- Kyle Piorkowski

Makeup Effects- Spencer Hall

BTS Photographer- Jorge German

Moral Support- Gianni Widener

Music by Kevin MacLeod

[Blaine]

Bring It, Dean!!!! :beer:

[Luis Caffesse]

Damn you people work fast!
Looking forward to it.

[ZFarms Productions]

I'll bring it on till the break of dawn.

Thanks Luis!


What do you mean by "you people"? JUST KIDDING

[Luis Caffesse]

What do you mean by "you people"? JUST KIDDING

Hahahaha.
Basically I meant everyone other than me.
I'm amazed by everyone who already seem to have stories and scripts worked out.
It takes me a LONG time to formulate stories.

We like to let them 'percolate' for a while.
That makes me worried that by the time we solidify an idea about time....it will (ironically enough) be too late.
The timing on LoveFest just happen to be right for us - we'd been bouncing around the idea for that story for a few weeks before the fest was announced, and just got lucky in that the theme fit perfectly.

Not so lucky this time.
I'm envious.
:)

[ZFarms Productions]

i've had this idea for a script for a while now, and just put it in script form a couple days ago, and just it just went through a second draft. there's probably gonna be a few more before its a "shooting script" but the idea's there.

i'm in talks with some people to DP the film, and I gotta find a gaffer and sound mixer as well. HAHA. it sucks not knowing a LOT of people yet. luckily my friend's roommate does :)

[Luis Caffesse]

i'm in talks with some people ...

You're well on your way - you already sound like a big shot director.
:)

[ZFarms Productions]

You're well on your way - you already sound like a big shot director.
:)

hahaha. :thumbsup:

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Good luck. I really enjoyed "Amore" so I am sure you will do great on this one as well.

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Matthew!

[ZFarms Productions]

I've pretty much got my DP secured. He's looking into a crew for me also. He knows a lot more people here than I do. Things are moving along pretty good. Not as fast as some productions. (COUGHFATMONSTERCOUGH).

;)

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Dean, I never even saw this thread... good luck, man! :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Tom! Same to you!

[ZFarms Productions]

DP is on board. We're looking to shoot during mid April-May. Going to be getting in contact with casting in the next couple days to schedule a casting call for the beginning of April.

[bosindy]

Throwing the mob into the mix always raises the stakes. Good luck pulling it off.

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks. I've got a great idea for it. I'll be able to pull it off.

Not to sound egotistical.

[bosindy]

I think the trick with the genre is to do something original. i am glad you have a good idea.:thumbup:

[ZFarms Productions]

I think the trick with the genre is to do something original. i am glad you have a good idea.:thumbup:

I'm doing something pretty cool. I'm not going into any more detail about it.

[ZFarms Productions]

Title changed to "Hard Times"... as much as I didn't want a variation of "Time" in the title, I couldn't avoid it.

[ZFarms Productions]

AD on board

[Sid Barnhoorn]

Cool! Good luck with this one!

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Sid!

[ZFarms Productions]

The first available date to schedule a casting call is May 3rd, then I have shoot dates scheduled for May 11th, 18th, and 25th. Then editing like crazy.

[Nic Aragon]

Good luck bro! Look forward to yours

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Nic.

Editing is gonna be hectic again. Its gonna come down to the wire.

[ZFarms Productions]

I just completely redrafted the script. Completely changed things. Its going to be better than my original idea. It builds off of it, but changes a lot.

[ZFarms Productions]

Just placed an order for some more tapes, and I'm gonna place an order tonight for some prop guns.

The script has gone through another revision, tightening things up a bit more. Things are a lot more concise now. Can't wait to film it.

[ZFarms Productions]

Got the casting call nailed down for May 3rd. From 1pm-7pm.

Shoot dates scheduled for May 11th, 18th, and 25th. Then editing after.

[ZFarms Productions]

Going today to check out a location I want for the film. Other than this one location I have all the other locations set in stone. Just have to shoot it. I'll let you guys know about the location later when I get back.

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Dean, looks like you have everything lined up man. Very cool. Send me the latest draft of your script so I can have a look. :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

Sent it

[ZFarms Productions]

teaser poster added

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Sweet poster

[ZFarms Productions]

Kyle Stebbins designed it for me. he did a great job

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

He did a great job.

[Kyle Stebbins]

thanks matthew, i appreciate the comments on the poster.

[Ted Arabian]

Very cool!

Congrats on the locked cast and shoot schedule! Awesome.

And I love that poster! Nice job, Kyle!

Looking forward to this!

-Ted

[ZFarms Productions]

i don't have the cast yet. i'm not able to use Full Sail's casting center until May 3rd. then shooting May 11th, 18th, and 25th. script is pretty much locked now. its gone through a LOT of redrafts.

[Kyle Stebbins]

ive got a couple buddies that go to full sail!

[ZFarms Productions]

really? how long have they gone there?

[Kyle Stebbins]

year... two years...

[ZFarms Productions]

ya, i'm not in their classes. i just started in January

[Kyle Stebbins]

hows this guy comin along!?

[ZFarms Productions]

script wise every thing's set. i can't cast until may 3rd... that's the next opening at the casting center.

[ZFarms Productions]

my DP is getting in touch with a gaffer and a grip for the shoot, and this weekend we're nailing down storyboards. everything is looking good so far.

[ZFarms Productions]

added a production designer to the crew list. casting in a couple weeks. things are going great. script went through another revision, and is more concise than ever.

[ZFarms Productions]

Brandon got a friend to let us borrow some lights for the shoot. i'm so excited. things are coming together very nicely.

[Martin Rivera]

Hey, glad to know it's going well, Dean... Can't wait to help you on the credits.

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Martin! I'm glad you joined the board and can't wait to work with you on future projects

[ZFarms Productions]

script went through another draft, and title change. going to our locations on sunday to pre plan everything at each location.

[Kyle Stebbins]

title change? you probably need a new poster then, eh?

[ZFarms Productions]

Ya, but don't worry about it till I get my cast. No need for you to do twice the work

[ZFarms Productions]

just finished some storyboards for the first 2 scenes. checking out a couple locations tomorrow to get a better understanding of them to start my storyboards of the rest of the script.

[ZFarms Productions]

casting is in the morning. I'll post and let you know how it goes.

[ZFarms Productions]

gone through 3 auditions in three hours. i think we may have found one actor. we'll see what happens in the next three hours...

[ZFarms Productions]

Cast is set. Really good turnout for the auditions. Will post more info on cast in the next few days.

[ZFarms Productions]

cast and crew updated...

also... doing a read through today with the cast. First shoot date is May 18th.

[ZFarms Productions]

First day of shooting is today. I just recently bought a boom pole (okay, a painter's pole) and got a fastener for the boom attachment. i'll post some grabs when I can.

[Simon Höfer]

Looking forward for the grabs! I wish you luck on your first shooting day, have fun!

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Simon! I'm getting kinda worried right now. One of my actors isn't answering his phone... he knows we have a shoot today, but he isn't answering any of my calls, nor returning my voicemails....

[Simon Höfer]

I hope everything works out for you! Keep us updated..

[ZFarms Productions]

still nothing. i left him a voicemail saying that if i don't hear from him by 2 i'm gonna recast the part.

[ZFarms Productions]

finally heard back from him. he was in church all morning. i'm soooo relieved

[Simon Höfer]

Good to hear that it went well! Now shoot that thing :)

[ZFarms Productions]

Today's shoot is complete. Having a bit of a party now. will post pics later

[ZFarms Productions]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0512.jpg

DP Brandon Vaidean
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0514.jpg

Production Designer Kyle and AD Tom
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0515.jpg

Make Up Effects Artist Spencer and Me
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0516.jpg

Lead Actor Adam Lopez and I
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0520.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0521.jpg

My friend Gianni, Adam, Me, and Brandon
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0524.jpg

Me and Production Designer Kyle
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0536.jpg

Adam
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0529.jpg

[ZFarms Productions]

Brandon and I
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0537.jpg

Me and Tom
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/CIMG0541.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

Congrats on the shoot! Looks like you had alot of fun!

[ZFarms Productions]

man, it was a f***ing blast. Next week is gonna be even more fun

[Tom Marshall]

So Dean, you sportin' the beardage, man? :)

[ZFarms Productions]

hell ya. for now. i grow it when i'm in production of a film. its gonna be gone by the time i come out to LA.

[Tom Marshall]

Cool man... I'm letting my hair grow out for the day when I'm in a kick ass rock band touring the world. :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

Cool man... I'm letting my hair grow out for the day when I'm in a kick ass rock band touring the world. :beer:

Nice. You gotta have the long hair to be in a rock band.

[ZFarms Productions]

2nd day of shooting in the morning.

[ZFarms Productions]

day 2 completed. amazing job by the actors and crew today. speaking of, there is an update on the crew list. we got a mixer for our shoot today and next week.

[Simon Höfer]

Congrats on the second day! Last day? Or are there more to come?

[ZFarms Productions]

we have one more day on June 1st. i'm currently editing the footage from the last two shoots together that way it cuts down on time (no pun intended) when the shooting is complete.

[sfoster]

Nice. You gotta have the long hair to be in a rock band.
Yeah you gotta have long hair, play a guitar, sell millions of albums, cut your hair and go grunge if you want to be rich in a rock band! Oh wait, that's Metallica!

[ZFarms Productions]

Yeah you gotta have long hair, play a guitar, sell millions of albums, cut your hair and go grunge if you want to be rich in a rock band! Oh wait, that's Metallica!

HAHAHA!

[ZFarms Productions]

some grabs. no color correction yet...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/JoeyandFrankWide.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/JoeyandFrank.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/JoeyJohnnyJake.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/TrainStation2.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/TrainStation.png

[Blaine]

Great job, Dean! You're making it happen. :thumbsup:

(I'd have given you a :beer: but I don't even what to THINK about one right now...wrap party...grrr)

[ZFarms Productions]

Great job, Dean! You're making it happen. :thumbsup:

(I'd have given you a :beer: but I don't even what to THINK about one right now...wrap party...grrr)

HAHA. I hear ya. I hung out with Callaghan last night, going over a couple things, including my feature. We had a few beers... it was a fun night.

Plane's booked for June 29th. I get into Ontario Airport at 11am I think... I'll double check.

[ZFarms Productions]

there were some problems with the final location for sunday, but i got someone taking care of it as we speak to make sure we have for sunday. he's being a tremendous help

[ZFarms Productions]

location set for Sunday, and we'll be using some bad ass lighting equipment then too.

Martin is working on the credit sequence as we speak. it's looking awesome. he's great at what he does. we did a short film for our lighting class and he did some great visual effects for it (which I'll post asap). we got a really great crew together for this shoot.

[Tom Marshall]

Plane's booked for June 29th. I get into Ontario Airport at 11am I think... I'll double check.

Sweet!! :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

we need to hang out Tom! I can't wait to get in town!

[Tom Marshall]

Yeah we do, man. Have you ever been to Los Angeles?

[ZFarms Productions]

a few times. once to do the whole Hollywood thing, and tour USC (my original choice of college), once for disneyland's 75th anniversary (my family and i are disney philes) and a couple times in Ontario to visit a friend that lives there, and we drove from Ontario to Vegas.

[ZFarms Productions]

Last day of shooting is tonight. Looking forward to getting this done and in the can.

[Tom Marshall]

So then you have an idea of what you want to do when you get here. Cool man.

Hey, good luck on your shoot tonight. :beer:

Oh, and check out my new toy - http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=136901

[Blaine]

Last day of shooting is tonight. Looking forward to getting this done and in the can.Kick some ass tonight, Dean. :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

Will do Blaine. I'll post some BTS pics when I get back from the shoot.

[ZFarms Productions]

sounds like thunder outside... i hope it passes us, cause today's shoot is outdoors...

[Mark Johnson]

sounds like thunder outside... i hope it passes us, cause today's shoot is outdoors...

Now you have generated suspense. .... let us know if you beat the rain.

[ZFarms Productions]

as of right now, it's moving south of us. we should miss it. hopefully we don't hear the thunder though, i don't want that on the audio HAHA.

[Mark Johnson]

as of right now, it's moving south of us. we should miss it. hopefully we don't hear the thunder though, i don't want that on the audio HAHA.

Hmmmmm. Might be a nice piece of sound design. Ominous. People pay big bucks to get that kind of low end on the sound track :)

[Ben Sliker]

as of right now, it's moving south of us. we should miss it. hopefully we don't hear the thunder though, i don't want that on the audio HAHA.

Thunder in hell huh? That sounds fishy to me reaper.

GOOD LUCK MAN!

[ZFarms Productions]

back from shoot. it went great. about to put some BTS up.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

yeah more bts!!!

[ZFarms Productions]

Allen and Tom running power
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5932.jpg

Me working with Adam
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5940.jpg

Me working with the actors
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5941.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5942.jpg

Checking the shot
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5956.jpg

Working with Mike
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5955.jpg

Rehearsal
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5960.jpg

This time when you hit the guy, it's gonna be for real, so don't f*** up
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP5985.jpg

[Blaine]

Looks like you were having a lot of fun.

[ZFarms Productions]

Going over shot with DP Brandon Vaidean
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6012.jpg

Producer Eric T. Collins and DP Brandon Vaidean talking about stuff
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6023.jpg

Rob's car kept dying...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6029.jpg

Entire cast/crew
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6043.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6044.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6045.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/filmdirector1986/IMGP6046.jpg

[ZFarms Productions]

Looks like you were having a lot of fun.

We had a blast. There were a few problems at start, but we worked through them and got out on time. I'm glad we're wrapped. Wrap party at Tom and I's place next weekend. Hopefully I'll have an edit together by then to show everyone the final product of their hard work.

[Blaine]

I hope you have as much fun at your wrap party as we had at ours...:beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

I hope you have as much fun at your wrap party as we had at ours...:beer:

If it's anything like our last party, we will :beer:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

looks like you guys had fun, gratz on the wrap!

[Simon Höfer]

Yeah, congrats on the wrap! Quite big crew you've got there.

[ZFarms Productions]

Ya, I was fortunate enough to get some friends who wanted to grip/gaff for me. Plus a couple crew members doubled up positions.

[ZFarms Productions]

man, yesterday Brandon and I had a pool party from 1-9 then I had class (which wasn't much fun after a bad ass pool party) then Kyle and I met Brandon after class at an after pool party party. Yesterday was a blast just hanging out with the crew.

Kyle, my friend Lamar and I are working on our next project, a continuation of the spy series I've done. Once editing is complete for The Big Blind it's basically full force into that. I can't wait to do that project too. We're gonna have a blast.

[Tom Marshall]

Awesome, man! Congrats on getting the short wrapped. :beer:

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Tommy. Now I just need to edit. Should have a rough cut done by the weekend. Spencer knows a guy who composes films and is going to talk to him about scoring The Big Blind

[ZFarms Productions]

working on an edit now. dangerously close to six minutes.... trying to edit it down further, but DAMN!

[ZFarms Productions]

5:50 including credits. whew! *wipes sweat from brow* that's closer than I thought it would be

[Simon Höfer]

Congrats! Yeah, that time limit can be nerve wrecking :D

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks, Simon. I managed to keep it at 5:52 including the 15 sec credits. 8 seconds to spare. Wow.

[ZFarms Productions]

we're looking into composers right now. once that's complete, we're ready to show!

[Tom Marshall]

Great news, man. Plenty of composers around here. I'm sure you'll find someone.

[ZFarms Productions]

Great news, man. Plenty of composers around here. I'm sure you'll find someone.

Yeah, I'm not worried about it. Spencer knows someone too that I'm looking into.

[ZFarms Productions]

just about to upload now... making a few last minute changes

[ZFarms Productions]

the film is uploaded. my waiting game has begun

[Tom Marshall]

That's great man! How did the score turn out?

[Simon Höfer]

Yeah, congratulations! :)

[ZFarms Productions]

I had to go with some royalty free music. but it fit perfect

[Drew Ott]

Sorry I couldn't help out. I too had to do some last minute composing.

edit - but I'm glad you found something you liked.

[ZFarms Productions]

Sorry I couldn't help out. I too had to do some last minute composing.

edit - but I'm glad you found something you liked.

it's all good, Drew. Don't worry.

[Tom Marshall]

What was the outtake about? I want details, man. :)

[ZFarms Productions]

i tried to show it, but it cut off the end of the clip. i can't figure out why. i'll email it to you.

[ZFarms Productions]

Approved!!

[Tom Marshall]

Sweet!

[bosindy]

I get the first review, cool.

good job on making the violence realistic. It didn't have a false moment for me. I thought the performances were good. I liked the kid in the role, good casting.

The sound needs a bit of work, particularly in the kitchen scene. you could use a little better lighting design as well in the indoor scenes.

I liked the story. SPOILER: I knew it was the Dad at the end because you didn't establish any other characters and the silhouette was unmistakable. It didn't bother me though because I thought the twist served the story well. good job on the film and I look forward to more from you down the road.

Jim

[ZFarms Productions]

I get the first review, cool.

good job on making the violence realistic. It didn't have a false moment for me. I thought the performances were good. I liked the kid in the role, good casting.

The sound needs a bit of work, particularly in the kitchen scene. you could use a little better lighting design as well in the indoor scenes.

I liked the story. SPOILER: I knew it was the Dad at the end because you didn't establish any other characters and the silhouette was unmistakable. It didn't bother me though because I thought the twist served the story well. good job on the film and I look forward to more from you down the road.

Jim

Thanks Jim. Lighting was a bit of a bitch to us this time around. The interiors of the apartment we used work lights bouncing off walls. I didn't want it too bright though. I was going for a dark look to the film. The sound in the kitchen came back and bit me in the ass as far as echo goes. It honestly didn't sound that way off camera. Oh well. Live and learn

I appreciate the review!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I loved the story on this one! Though i'm a stickler for continuity...the clock in the kitchen said 5:14 most of the time...a good thing...then when the kid left...5:11, then back to 5:14. not that big of a deal, but I noticed.


SPOILER
Great work man! I liked everything about it, though i did know it was going to be the dad when i saw the figure in the headlights...


Great work sir
Rogan

[Blaine]

Dean, your growth as a filmmaker is evident on this project. This is definitely more ambitious than anything you've done in the past AND your best work to date. You did a good job of giving us different looks in your locations. I really don't have much to say that you haven't already heard from me concerning the story...you did bring it together well and it's far superior to your early drafts. Kudos on that.

The biggest criticism I have with this is the sound in the kitchen...very hollow. But then, that gives you something to work on on your next film.:thumbsup:

[ZFarms Productions]

thanks for all the reviews guys.

Thanks Blaine. I appreciate all your help with looking at the previous drafts!

[Mobie540]

Best part was when they pulled Joey out of the trunk and he starts screaming, that was really good acting.

[pauly_the_hitman]

Joey was a total little bitch whiner great acting. A little predictable, but fun to watch none the less. Would have spent more time perfecting the sound. Overall nice job...

[ZFarms Productions]

Best part was when they pulled Joey out of the trunk and he starts screaming, that was really good acting.

Thank you. We did a few takes of that, and the guys were getting pretty tired from it. Especially Adam. He was really roughed up during production haha. He took it very well though.


Joey was a total little bitch whiner great acting. A little predictable, but fun to watch none the less. Would have spent more time perfecting the sound. Overall nice job...

I kinda modeled Joey after A.J. Soprano. He was always whining, complaining, etc.

Thanks for all the reviews! I know what I need to work on for our next film.

[krestofre]

The first scene between Joey and his dad seemed a little missed to me. If my kid asked me for $100,000 I don't think I'd be as calm as his dad was in that scene. With the gift of hindsight the audience can look back and see the motivation, but at that point in the characters' lives, I would think that the dad would react more strongly. "$100,000!?!? Are you crazy? This house didn't cost $100,000!" Something like that.

[ZFarms Productions]

The first scene between Joey and his dad seemed a little missed to me. If my kid asked me for $100,000 I don't think I'd be as calm as his dad was in that scene. With the gift of hindsight the audience can look back and see the motivation, but at that point in the characters' lives, I would think that the dad would react more strongly. "$100,000!?!? Are you crazy? This house didn't cost $100,000!" Something like that.

SPOILERS

The reason the father didn't react too much is because he's known all along that Joey was in deep. I wish I had more time to flesh that out, but 6 minutes is 6 minutes


END SPOILERS

[ZazaCast]

Good job. I enjoyed the film as a whole...but I too knew it was going to be the Dad. I liked the acting, but over all the color of the film looked a little 'flat' (for lack of a better word), like you sucked all the color out of it?

Congratulations to the cast & crew.

[Mark Johnson]

Great acting man. Great stuff. The sound in the kitchen was a problem - especially since the performances are so good there. Next time I hope you get a good sound guy to help out on location. What a tight little story. Awesome man! What a great story!!!!

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks Mark!

We didn't have the mixer for the kitchen. He was brought on post filming of that scene.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Did you post that kitchen scene somewhere before? Maybe while working on it?
I swear I've seen it before.

I have to say that the framing of the shots was probably my favourite part of this entry. Very solid. The acting and storyline was also very strong.

Nice work,

Mike

[ZFarms Productions]

I posted a few grabs from the kitchen earlier in the thread. Is that where you saw it?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I posted a few grabs from the kitchen earlier in the thread. Is that where you saw it?Quite possibly. Just had a major sense of Déjà Vu.

That's definitely it! Wow, that was a long time ago. :)

[alex whitmer]

Echo much of what has been said.

Knew it was the dad. I think Joey would have recognized the voice before seeing him step into the light. Seemed odd he wouldn't.

Loved the last stab of defiance with the 'company they keep' comment. Nice job

Alex

[Matt Sconce]

Cool story and some really nice shots! keep making good movies and get some sound help and you will be flyin!

[Gary Sconce]

Did those guys really hit the young man? Sure looked realistic. I really liked the shot from inside the trunk... That was a great angle and gave me a taste of the feeling the kid was having. Thanks for taking me along for the ride! :laugh:

[ZFarms Productions]

Did those guys really hit the young man? Sure looked realistic. I really liked the shot from inside the trunk... That was a great angle and gave me a taste of the feeling the kid was having. Thanks for taking me along for the ride! :laugh:

They roughed Adam up a bit. Never actually "hit" him though.

[Simon Höfer]

Good short man! Liked the action and roughness of your short!

Sound, well it has been said before.

Good work all in all!

[ZFarms Productions]

thanks for the review Simon!

[kurtmo]

Good acting. Nice camera work. Poor audio in the kitchen. Overall a solid film.
Thanks for posting!

[Susanne G.]

Good acting and I loved the unexpected end. Compliments.

Susanne

[Duff]

The camera in the beginning in his apartment was too shaky for my liking. Didn't really notice it after that, so either it improved or I got used to it. Audio was a bit iffy -- it was clipped at some of the louder parts, and sounded like it was recorded from the camera (which is most apparent in the kitchen shot). Simply getting the mic closer to the talent would have improved production values on this significantly.

The violence was very realistic and well done on this, but I felt like the story was too cliche. Up until the very end, I felt like I was watching a movie I've seen a hundred times. Doesn't mean it can't be good, I just think if a trite plot is going to be used it needs to have something added to it to make it interesting from the get go.

[totitefilms]

The acting in your movie is very good, one of the best in this fest. However, the indoor scenes need better lighting. It's kind of dark and not cinematic for me. The ending is a little bit awkward. It might be better if the dad is not the boss and comes to rescue the guy at the end. This ending might also suite the theme of the movie more.

[Horncastle]

Good job! I don't think I have much to say that hasn't already been said. The actors were all very good and convincing, especially the main character who came across weak and whining exactly as you wanted. His facial expressions when dad holds the gun to his head and then pulls the trigger on an empty chamber were terrific.

Jason

[jasonthewho]

There is a lot of really good stuff in this one. The punches are really good, really real. The lead is a very strong, natural actor, as is the dad. The strongmen had some moments where I thought they were too yelly, but were badass and had some strong acting moments. Love the line "Nice seeing you again Joey," and how he says it. The shot of the dad silhouetted is bad ass. The last line being "Fuck" is awesome.

The audio was a weak element for me. It was either too loud and distorted or too distant like in the kitchen. I didn't care for the lighting in the scene in the house with the mob guys. I did like all the lighting in the last scene.

Liked 90% of the camera work. There were a few awesome shots, and a few I didn't care for. The shaky stuff didn't bother me usually, but it did in the overhead shot. Loved the inside the trunk shot. The kitchen stuff wasn't my favorite. I liked the opening sequence except that shot of him leaning back and saying "Fuck."

[jasonthewho]

Apparently "F*ck" gets changed to poo poo.

[ZFarms Productions]

thank you all for your reviews! i appreciate the time you took to watch our film.

[Danielleus]

Hey,

Just caught the flick. I liked the camera work and the acting. I like that there was only enough of the card scene at the beginning to establish that he loses it. No wasted work there.
The thugs were great. The lead and his dad were both really good but I liked the thugs. I felt their presence. Overall, the acting is quite good.

I'd liked to know what the theme of this piece was. It felt like there were two: Maybe something about owning up to your responsibility and the company you keep line. I felt like you should have tackled one of these and found a way to touch on it in every scene. It would have made it stronger for me. I like the twist at the end but I don't feel like (or it doesn't come across strong enough) how the character changes. Maybe if he didn't respec this dad and now he does. Or IS irresponisible but now know not to be. I just don't get a strong sense from it in the end.

But that's just if you want to improve the piece story-wise. OVerall, I liked this film and thought it was well executed.

[Edgen]

Well, I’m not sure what to think of this either. I suppose I was hoping the kid would have gotten whacked by his father. Instead it felt like an after school special with a final message at the end of not to play poker and play with bad kids. Perhaps even after the son makes that remark the dad still whops him upside the head. He was let off the hook waaay too easily me thinks. I felt there needed to be more.

I did however enjoy the actors. They were pretty believable. Specially the bad guys. The kid. Eh. Not so much. The dad? Again, a panzy for not doing a better job as a mob boss and laying the smack down.

Congrats on entering the fest.

[ZFarms Productions]

Well, I’m not sure what to think of this either. I suppose I was hoping the kid would have gotten whacked by his father. Instead it felt like an after school special with a final message at the end of not to play poker and play with bad kids. Perhaps even after the son makes that remark the dad still whops him upside the head. He was let off the hook waaay too easily me thinks. I felt there needed to be more.

I did however enjoy the actors. They were pretty believable. Specially the bad guys. The kid. Eh. Not so much. The dad? Again, a panzy for not doing a better job as a mob boss and laying the smack down.

Congrats on entering the fest.


in reality, a father in the mafia would never have his own son whacked (no matter how bad the kid f***ed up) because in the italian mafia the son is the most important family member to have. they'd never have the kid whacked. period.

thanks for the review, i really do appreciate it.

[ZFarms Productions]

A week from tomorrow, I'm having Adam and Peter come in to ADR the kitchen scene so the audio will be better. I'm looking forward to doing it. Never done an ADR session before. With the audio fixed in the kitchen scene, the film will be a lot stronger for it.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

My comments will be quick as I am tackling this quite late in the game. Good job. The lighting could have been better in some scenes, but it wasn't a big deal. I am on the fence concerning whether or not there were too many F words or not. The story was good and easy to follow, the twist was not predictable until I saw the shadowed man standing there, then I instantly knew. The acting was pretty good, although I didn't believe the Joey in the outside scene, he seemed to be almost smiling and it didn't really work for me. The only other criticism would be that I am not sure how I felt about the transition between the kitchen scene and the train station scene.

At any rate, good job and good luck!

[ZFarms Productions]

Thanks for the review. I appreciate taking the time to view the film.