PUSH - Directed by Matt Sconce

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Stop pushing me to push PUSH...shesh...

[Matt Sconce]

Stop pushing me to push PUSH...shesh...

Now who's being Pushy :cheesy: haha

[Gary Sconce]

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!

Now that many have seen "THE KICK" of the gun, here is BTS shots of how we set it up...

Director Matt Sconce is a triple black belt in martial arts and sets up all of his own action choreography. Kenn Arola, also a great martial artist, has his target, a tennis ball, set up for his amazing kick. Notice how high the ball is being hung! Randol (actor in suit) and Tyler, (a new and hard working grip) help out...
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214102081.jpg

Matt then instructs on how to do the kick, with the crew and actor Kenn Arola looking on. Kenn nailed the kick so well that he kicked off the target tennis ball... When you see the kick, you are not watching any special effected movements of the actor at all, he actually did that jump spin crescent kick! :beer:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214102315.jpg

[Barry_Green]

Sweet! I just finished watching all the movies, went through and made my top ten list. There were some great films this time around!
Okay, for clarification -- what do you mean by "top 10 list"? I ask because we changed the voting system entirely, and you're not supposed to rank the films at all. You're supposed to just assign a star rating to each and every film, so it's entirely possible to have five or six films rated a "10", another four or five rated a "9", a dozen rated "8", etc. The system is not designed to be used as a way to calculate what your top 10 films are, and then give one star to #10, two stars to #9, etc. That would in fact be unfairly punishing many of your top films.

Does that all make sense?

Please vote on ALL the films, and assign each of them an overall quality rating, 10=awesome, 1=hideous.

[Matt Sconce]

Okay, for clarification -- what do you mean by "top 10 list"? I ask because we changed the voting system entirely, and you're not supposed to rank the films at all. You're supposed to just assign a star rating to each and every film, so it's entirely possible to have five or six films rated a "10", another four or five rated a "9", a dozen rated "8", etc. The system is not designed to be used as a way to calculate what your top 10 films are, and then give one star to #10, two stars to #9, etc. That would in fact be unfairly punishing many of your top films.

Does that all make sense?

Please vote on ALL the films, and assign each of them an overall quality rating, 10=awesome, 1=hideous.


Barry, I mean only that I have ten favorites that in my opinion stand out. I am voting the proper way. It is very possible to rank many 6's or 9's or 10's. I understand that.

[Barry_Green]

Barry, I mean only that I have ten favorites that in my opinion stand out. I am voting the proper way. It is very possible to rank many 6's or 9's or 10's. I understand that.
Okay, good -- didn't want someone assigning one star to one of their top 10! :thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

Okay, good -- didn't want someone assigning one star to one of their top 10! :thumbsup:
That would be horrible!!!:huh: On a side note....Watched PUSH yet? :beer:

[David Jimerson]

LOVE the colors in the alley. Loved the rack focus, too.

[Matt Sconce]

LOVE the colors in the alley. Loved the rack focus, too.

Thanks! The DP and I hoped they would work and they turned out just as we pictured.

[krestofre]

The running shots in the parking garage were breathtaking. Really, really great.

As much of a technical achievement as it was, I have to say that I honestly didn't like the gun kicking scene. There was nothing in the film leading up to it to make me believe that the main character could achieve such a move. In fact, prior to that scene, the main character seemed more of a brainy type as he was building something, and I didn't expect him to be Jackie Chan. I liked the shot. I was well done, but it didn't seem to fit the film

The older actor in the white room was spot-on. Very convincing and great in his role.

Good film. Good job.

[Matt Sconce]

The running shots in the parking garage were breathtaking. Really, really great.

As much of a technical achievement as it was, I have to say that I honestly didn't like the gun kicking scene. There was nothing in the film leading up to it to make me believe that the main character could achieve such a move. In fact, prior to that scene, the main character seemed more of a brainy type as he was building something, and I didn't expect him to be Jackie Chan. I liked the shot. I was well done, but it didn't seem to fit the film

The older actor in the white room was spot-on. Very convincing and great in his role.

Good film. Good job.

Thanks for the comments. Greatly appreciated. I had his wife wearing an oversize Army shirt at the beginning to subtly hint he was ex military...too subtle I guess. :cheesy: I is a Jackie Chan braniac! haha

[Matt Sconce]

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER





For the Jump kick shot, it was almost 4 in the morning. We had the RED set at 120 fps and were trying to get enough light in the scene to properly expose the image. We used every light we had and ended up pointing almost every car we had there as well at the scene. Even then, the image was dark because of the high frame rate. Slight tweaks in Red Cine and then a slight noise reduction in After Effects, allowed the scene to come off beautifully.

We hung a tennis ball from the roof and had Kenn Arola jump kicking the tennis ball as Randol threw the imaginary gun. After some compositing of still plates and adding a gun back into the scene via After Effects, the scene became what is is today. In the take we kept, Kenn kicked the Tennis ball so hard he knocked it off of the string.

I hope you enjoy PUSH.

[Susanne G.]

Seeing you have a lot of time to chat with your father. It would be very nice if you both could spend some time to make comments on the other films and share your experience with critical messages - so we all can learn something from you!

[Matt Sconce]

I definitely will. I kept notes so I could, and now I just need to find the time. Thanks for watching and commenting on PUSH. I will be commenting on a few movies shortly. I am glad you enjoyed it!

[Matt Sconce]

To All Dvxusers::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby:

I just received this PM. I will protect the identity of the PMer but I am quite concerned. I have not noticed this or felt we were doing this, but I need some feedback. The reason I am going public is because I do not want this to be something smoldering in people's hearts. I would like to shine light on it and work it out and understand what is going on. :crybaby:


Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hi guys. I do hope you accept this comment as a truly friendly one and do not think it negative. I believe everybody is very pleased and grateful to see the wonderful film making going on out there. However, I also think you need to be aware that there is a definite perception that you are a "closed shop" only interested in all things hyper and all things Sconce and Fresno.

Gary, although this is certainly your right and you are entitled to behave this way, I do believe that you are doing a disservice to Matt's film and his perception among members of the community. It just really looks like most of the posts on the PUSH thread are cheerleading comments by a proud Dad who really doesn't have much interest in the indie community outside of Fresno. Accordingly, I am fearful that other members will look at PUSH as a father/son thread rather than the serious piece of film making it deserves to be.

Also, you should consider spreading your compliments and effusive support to a few other threads outside of Fresno if you want the community to give serious credence to your observations. I do think that you are all building some walls here that will not serve Matt's position in the community well down the road.

Please forgive me if I have offended you. I may not be able to express myself as politically well as I should, but I'd rather be honest and have honesty given than sit on my hands. I do know that the community likes you guys and appreciates you, but I also know that many people are beginning to talk about the lack of objectivity and the appearance of a lack of interest outside of Fresno on your parts.


We do not feel this way at all!:(

Here is my reply:

That is a strange occurence as in my history here at Dvxuer I have been one of the more open members in sharing all I know and the process. I appreciate you attempting to give me a heads up but where are we being a closed shop? We are simply getting excited that something is happening in Fresno for the first time. It is quite similar to the way Fat Monster is getting excited about having their own shop going. We invited others to come hang out with us just like Fat Monster and have taken the time to comment on people's threads. I have not been able to review each movie yet, but I plan to leave reviews soon. All in all, I believe I need some clarification on who or why people would be feeling weird about us. I don't mind if people think my dad is odd or if they somehow discredit PUSH due to biases or personal opinions about my father. That would be sad, but it would ultimately just be petty and hurting them. Sometimes my dad is a bit over the top, but I love him and am glad he is involved. I don't really know what you want from me or how I could possibly take this pm. please clarify. -Matt Sconce

[Gary Sconce]

My response to this:
"... Gary, although this is certainly your right and you are entitled to behave this way, I do believe that you are doing a disservice to Matt's film and his perception among members of the community. It just really looks like most of the posts on the PUSH thread are cheerleading comments by a proud Dad who really doesn't have much interest in the indie community outside of Fresno. Accordingly, I am fearful that other members will look at PUSH as a father/son thread rather than the serious piece of film making it deserves to be.

Also, you should consider spreading your compliments and effusive support to a few other threads outside of Fresno if you want the community to give serious credence to your observations. I do think that you are all building some walls here that will not serve Matt's position in the community well down the road.

Please forgive me if I have offended you..."

For all of the DVXusers out there that feel this way... I apologize for any cheerleading in the threads. All of my life I have been a very happy, excited person, and many times I will go over the top. I have faced the same problem as a law enforcement officer and in the military. I am just a happy guy, and that can come off to some in different ways I don't intend. I am a proud dad, I love my son very much and think very highly of his abilities. I am sorry I have seemed to be centered on the Fresno Indie group. I do care about Mark Aro, Shane Foster, Troy Ruff and others in Fresno... But I like a lot of other DVXers too, I just don't know them as well. I will try to comment on other's movies and work more. I hope you all know that I am pure-hearted about this and just want to do my best and be thoughtful.
Thanks to the poster of the PM as he/she will have helped me to be a better person. I am not offended, as the intent was to help me. Thanks again. :engel017:

[Kholi]

Actually I just saw that I said this same thing in SpyFest, just differently.

Omitted.

Keep on shooting.

[Jason Ramsey]

You guys do your thing.....

This was a solid entry. I need to watch it again before I comment, but I just wanted to drop in and respond to what you posted above.... Don't even sweat it...

Later,
Jason

[Mark Johnson]

First of all, I wish everyone could be so lucky as to have their Dad be so supportive of their work (not to mention one who can build crap that amazes me). Its amazing to see the love and affection that you guys share. Second, its obvious how popular you guys are because PUSH has the second most views of any thread and you apparently did it without the frat-house cheeseball stuff we are famous for (I couldn't find a single boob or beer in your thread dudes!). Bravo to you and thanks for giving so much life to the Fest.

I know a lot of people here have been watching you guys with interest as you've been negotiating with investors and have been posting your progress on the USER FILMS thread. For the sake of all of us in the indie community, your success will be a huge help and I know the vast majority of us appreciate it.

Keep on keepin on, and Gary, keep on building that stuff!!!! Bless you all!

[bosindy]

[/I]For all of the DVXusers out there that feel this way... I apologize for any cheerleading in the threads. All of my life I have been a very happy, excited person, and many times I will go over the top. I have faced the same problem as a law enforcement officer and in the military. I am just a happy guy, and that can come off to some in different ways I don't intend. I am a proud dad, I love my son very much and think very highly of his abilities. I am sorry I have seemed to be centered on the Fresno Indie group. I do care about Mark Aro, Shane Foster, Troy Ruff and others in Fresno... But I like a lot of other DVXers too, I just don't know them as well. I will try to comment on other's movies and work more. I hope you all know that I am pure-hearted about this and just want to do my best and be thoughtful.
Thanks to the poster of the PM as he/she will have helped me to be a better person. I am not offended, as the intent was to help me. Thanks again. :engel017:

I think Dads should always get a free pass for being proud and effusive over their sons accomplishments; not enough of it in this world. I, for one, have no problem with how you have handled yourself on this thread or user in general.

It happens often where people sign in who probably wouldn't have, to comment on the films they have worked on for a member here. I have had actors do this, who have worked on a film I posted. I didn't expect them to comment on all the films in that fest just because they posted on my thread, nor did anyone else.

Enjoy yourself here, you have done nothing wrong.

Jim

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Enjoy yourself here, you have done nothing wrong.

JimDitto that. :thumbsup:

You guys should be proud of your work, why not? Doesn't sound like anything else is going on.

Cheers,

Mike

[Susanne G.]

I hope that all people understand that the person who sent the PM is not me – I don’t speak and write english as well as this person. Jason is angry with me and I thought about my last message to Push (the public one above). Probably it isn’t my position to have made this critic, because I am not the administrator, or your teacher, or somone like this. Excuse me! It wasn’t my idea to create a negative atmosphere in the forum, but it seems for me that I did that. Also it wasn’t the idea that: I gave my comments to your film – now I am waiting of your comments about our film if there is somebody who is thinking perhaps this (also If it would be a nice present for us, if you will make a critic to our film).

With friendly respect for Matt

Susanne

[Mark Johnson]

Susanne, you are a delightful and wonderful addition to our community. I am sure neither Matt nor anyone else took anything negative from your comment at all. To the contrary, the Fresno dudes are among the most appreciated here and have long been recognized as great contributors. PUSH is a great ride and a great inspiration to all the filmmakers here. I'm enjoying everybody's comments and I've certainly learned a lot from watching all the films I've seen so far. I am looking for those damn shoes too!

[Oomshakalakabob]

Good Afternoon Everyone! I am the "Gunk Kick Guy," hehe. I have to say that Mr. Matt Sconce is an absolute genius. Why? Because he directs how he wants too. He see something in his head and he goes for it no matter what the general consensus is. Matt has a wonderful sense of imagination and creativity and brings it out in his work. It is my honor to have worked with him and I patiently wait to give any kind of assistance in his current and future films.

Mr. Gary Sconce is an absolute wonder. Anyone who would question this mans dedication to film is sorely and sadly mistaken. Is a grip, or a camera operator, or even the person holding the mic above the heads of the actors any less important in the film community than the directors or producers? NO. Film is a gathering of all these people, doing a job, working their craft, for one intended goal. I would like to see somebody else put even close to 50 pounds on their chest to operate a steady cam, and then go through take, after take, after take, to get the smoothest gliding effect possible just for the sake of the film. I'm sorry but if you haven't done it then you really no idea what men like Mr. Gary Sconce go through to give the director what they ask for.

I would hope that if I get the chance to work in film again, that the people I work with are HALF as dedicated and passionate about film as Matt and Gary are. They do a service for the film community, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for that.

Kenn aKa Enoch aKa Gun Kicker Guy Person

[Oomshakalakabob]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/fragino/PUSH.jpg

[Matt Sconce]

Thank you all for the support. I love this filmmaking community and always have. I am not mad at anyone here, especially not you Susanne. Your film was a breath of fresh air and wonderfully done. I will be commenting in the next couple days on the threads. It will be easier when my relatives go back home (They are visiting from Michigan). I just want to be as supportive to this community as it has been to me, and aim to be just that. Enjoy the film for what it is (my first action film and hopefully a rockin short). Keep loving making movies and making them and we can only go up from here. Think about one of these fests a year from now. It will be unbelievably cool!!!

[Mark Harris]

Hey guys,

I'm simply amazed at how much of a production y'all can put together.

I definitely think Aro was being too hard on himself. The EFX do not suck. True I think they can use some more work to blend them into the world some more. But they were incredibly ambitious and a long way from suckage.

Suckage would be putting me in front of a 3-D program and watching stick figures come out.

[Matt Sconce]

Hey guys,

I'm simply amazed at how much of a production y'all can put together.

I definitely think Aro was being too hard on himself. The EFX do not suck. True I think they can use some more work to blend them into the world some more. But they were incredibly ambitious and a long way from suckage.

Suckage would be putting me in front of a 3-D program and watching stick figures come out.


Hey Mark! Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the flick. The production value is all about preparation. I know you understand that after watching the (superhigh production value RPDM):cheesy:

[Mark T. Aro]

WOW! A lot sure has happened on this thread in the last little while.

Look I take objection with the negativity about the HYPER excitement... Heck it gets a little overwhelming I know... This is not NEWS to anyone invovled in our projects. We have all discussed how we get over the top and over excited. I wont apologize because if anything we could all use a little more energy and excitement in all our projects (hyperactive or not)... it could only help.

Gary knows he gets real excited and jumps in with both feet, but like Kenn mentioned, he is over the top all the time and if you ever see him on the set... well lets just say that I WILL always have him on my projects as long as he is interested in being there.

He is indispensable without question!

I will be first to say sorry if we sometimes bulldoze, it is not our intent and we do get a little over-excited. We try to keep our thread(s) very informative and have less Rah-Rah'ing, but as so many have mentioned, I think some of that is appropriate. Anyone who makes films know what a feat it is to make films. It is quite the undertaking for anyone so our families to tend to cheer us on in our darkest hours. We will try to keep that a little more under control.

On a side note Hyperactive Studios is my brainchild and Matt and company have jumped in with both feet. We are very interested in building a community here and helping the world-wide indie community in any way possible. I understand that sometimes the repetitive information gets a little overwhelming, as a team, we will try to tone down the RE-POSTING of information when unnecessary, but to tell you the truth, if you are offended by our excitement, I don't know what you suggest we do. Unless the suggestion is TONE IT DOWN... DON'T BE SO HAPPY or EXCITED about film-making... well I can speak for all of us when I say that's never gonna happen. We love what we do and we try to share as much as we can.

Anyone who has ever asked for any information or help in any way has always been welcomed with open arms. We have all tried very hard to give as much as we can. I think that this is what this community is all about. Best of luck to you all...

Mark T. Aro
Hyperactive Studios

[Mark T. Aro]

Hey guys,

I'm simply amazed at how much of a production y'all can put together.

I definitely think Aro was being too hard on himself. The EFX do not suck. True I think they can use some more work to blend them into the world some more. But they were incredibly ambitious and a long way from suckage.

Suckage would be putting me in front of a 3-D program and watching stick figures come out.


Thanks man... I just finished the movies last night and I am going to head over to your thread at some point and comment on your entry... very impressive... Disturbing in a lot of ways... but very impressive. Much bolder than I would've ever been. Anyway, I have a lot to say on it, but I will direct the comments to your thread.

Thanks agian... I hope Matt will let me get back in there and fiddle some more.

We shall see.

M

[Matt Sconce]

I hope Matt will let me get back in there and fiddle some more.

We shall see.

M

My wife may not like that...haha

Sorry you left yourself wide open for that!

Fiddle away my friend! Making it better is always cool with me!!:love4:

[Matt Sconce]

Download this and see how amazing I am with VFX. I made this today...actually...I bought the model to practice and then made it bounce. This shows why I am not the VFX guru....hehe
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1214189113.jpg (http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1214188616.mov)

[Jason Ramsey]

Susanne. I saw my name mentioned in your post above. Not sure if you were talking about me or not, but if you were, I have no idea what you were talking about and you also have nothing to worry about :)

Later,
Jason

[Matt Sconce]

Susanne. I saw my name mentioned in your post above. Not sure if you were talking about me or not, but if you were, I have no idea what you were talking about and you also have nothing to worry about :)

Later,
Jason

Yeah! We love you Susanne and your red shoes!:love4:

[jpsheets]

Great dolly shot in the parking garage Matt! And that Matrix kick there was superb. Can you go into detail how you did it?

thanks in advance!

JP

[Matt Sconce]

SPOILER IMAGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!! The dolly shot is one of my favorite moments. Justin and I were in the back of Troy (Impossible Race's) pickup truck. We had the Red on a sandbag on the edge of the bed and Randol (Shooter at the end) driving. We would go as far as we could and stop before ramming the truck through the wall (which would have given us a great aerial shot on the way down....:beer:


Here is the breakdown for the kick:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1214192967.jpg


1. We shot a blank plate of the scene and then hung a tennis ball from a string in an area of the ceiling where Kenn Arola would not hit his head when he jumped. He jump kicked the tennis ball so we had a point of real impact to reference.

2. I created a gun from still images of the gun we used and animated it flying toward Kenn in AE. I added a brightness flicker on it with the wiggler in AE and also added motion blur and noise to match the image. I had it react with the same motion as the tennis ball when kicked.

3. Randol threw nothing but looked cool while doing it. We then layered the area from the blank plate over the tennis ball and string in AE so it looked like Kenn kicked the composited Gun.

Hope this helps all of you do some "kicking" things in the future!:nads:

[Mark Harris]

I'll be honest, I did find the kick a hair on the goofy side. Only because this guy never did anything else like that in the movie. I saw Matt where you said the wife had the military t-shirt. But the thing is, in my mind I don't translate military training into kicking a gun mid-air into another guy's head-with good aim-and-enough-force-to-knock-the-guy-out. My step-brother is a super-secret commando-type dude in Iraq right now, and he never showed me that one! :)

Nah, what I mean is, a little set-up about this guy doing something fantastic might have sold it to me a little better. Like in the Matrix, the very first scene shows us that these people are NOT normal and can do shit normal people can't.

And finally, if Ray Liota showed up to shoot me, I would be too star struck to fight back!

Keep on keepin' on guys!

[Danielleus]

Hey guys,

Just caught the flick. I enjoyed it. Action done right is always fun and exciting.

I like your more "exotic" locations. The parking structure was great (lit well, shot well, sounded nice, etc.). I especially enjoyed how nice the tracking profile shot was.

Also, the nasty pidgeon infested (with the mystery squishy spot, no?) was really nice. And you lit it in an interesting way, which only helps. I really liked it.

Not sure about the camo/war paint? I mean, who invades a parking garage (or maybe it was the floor of a building? But it looked like a garage to me) with camo on. Maybe there was some jungle he went through to get there, but it seems strange to have it on when he's not running anywhere where it would have helped.

Muzzle flares left something to be desired for me.
I really enjoyed the sounds and the soundtrack. Good stuff.
I'm not sure I by the super-hard core commando army guy with the plans/invention of a time traveling button. Maybe I'm just being stereotypical but it's hard for me to believe that he could be ultra smart (as you'd have to be to invent time travel) AND kick-ass. But if you WERE both, I think it needs to be fleshed out. Ah, the comments that sound silly when you're dealing with six minutes.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. Good luck with work in the future and I can't wait to see more from you guys.

[Matt Sconce]

Danielleus, Mark....You guys are hilarious! thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts!


Hey I am a super genius and I kick massive Butt (3 black belts) I am also extremely humble and proud of it! hehe

[jasonthewho]

Great locations, great production values, solid acting, and an interesting story. Ambitious special effects which look very good considering the time constraints.

I tend to like stories that are cryptic and leave a lot of backstory unsaid, but I would have liked to have known more here. I especially wanted to know what happened in between the white room, and the showdown with the baddies. When in time was the showdown? I've read some of your explanations here, and would have liked for some of that info to be in the film.

You guys are really building an awesome production company. I'm excited to see Netherborn and everything else you're working on. Keep up the good work!

[Danielleus]

Hey M,

I would also like to see some humbility (I know that's not a word, but it works here) in your lead character. To go with his three black belts and his super genius side.

On the kick-assness, I liked the kick. I thought it worked. What DIDN't work for me was the kick-assness of the lead missing the guy who was standing still in front of him but being able to nail him in the head with the gun-kick. I mean, he storms into the garage, wastes the girl on a run, then unloads on the standing still guy? Unless his whole super-genius plan was to miss so he could kick the gun at him. I see this FINISHING MOVE as a way to intimidate would-be-chasing-me-at-the-moment assassins. Intriguing.

Alas, I am not a super-genius-martial-arts-army guy and cannot attest to their diabolical plans. That said, not sure how many in the audience are.

In conclusion, since we are all not brainiac/commandos (no, not the non-underwear wearing folks), I believe it needs to be fleshed out.

Whew!!!


P.S. With regards to having 3 black belts: Are they in different areas of fighting are did you just start over and try to get the second and third belts again? I mean, either way works for the kick-assness of yourself. I'm just wondering if you got bored with saying you had one, renounced your first (got bored, renounced the second one) and just did the whole thing over again?

Or maybe you just meant level three(??????? ) black belt?

As you can tell from my info-under-the-picture-thingie, I am from Fresno. Please don't hunt me down and kill me in a super-genius fashion for being an idiot.


Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wait a minute. It DOESN'T say they. I never wrote that into my Bio. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You shall never find me or where I live.


Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zoidoid]

PUSH was actually one of the first entries I watched. And of all the films I've seen so far, it still feels like the most epic entry in terms of scope. Undoubtedly, this is due to the impressive variety of scenes and moods you manage to cram in. It's pretty remarkable how much content you fit inside of six minutes -- both in visuals and storyline. All the work you put into this film definitely shows through!

The parking garage scene has all the hallmarks of classic blockbuster-style action. Sure, it's over-the-top! It's also a lot of fun to watch.

Nice job! Congratulations all around!

[Matt Sconce]

PUSH was actually one of the first entries I watched. And of all the films I've seen so far, it still feels like the most epic entry in terms of scope. Undoubtedly, this is due to the impressive variety of scenes and moods you manage to cram in. It's pretty remarkable how much content you fit inside of six minutes -- both in visuals and storyline. All the work you put into this film definitely shows through!

The parking garage scene has all the hallmarks of classic blockbuster-style action. Sure, it's over-the-top! It's also a lot of fun to watch.

Nice job! Congratulations all around!


SWEETNESS! I am smiling and I think I will be even when I drift off into Dvxuserfest delusional sleeplike slumber!

[Matt Sconce]

As you can tell from my info-under-the-picture-thingie, I am from Fresno. Please don't hunt me down and kill me in a super-genius fashion for being an idiot.


Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wait a minute. It DOESN'T say they. I never wrote that into my Bio. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You shall never find me or where I live.


Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You forgot young pupil that my gun thrower guy is an actual ninja (Real life ninja trained in Ninjutsu) At the moment and perhaps even now...he is lurking in your Fresnoian home ready to lay the smack down on your MwaHaHaing hide!

Me=3 Blackbelts (Tae-kwon do, Seieido, EAGLE ASDA MArtial Arts) Currently teaching "The Way" http://www.wayofwater.net/

I really enjoyed being able to throw some Martial Arts in PUSH, and admit, yes the Major Kick buttness of the lead is lacking in the aiming the guns department, but he can sure kick a mean gun to the face!:nads:

[Matt Sconce]

Great locations, great production values, solid acting, and an interesting story. Ambitious special effects which look very good considering the time constraints.

I tend to like stories that are cryptic and leave a lot of backstory unsaid, but I would have liked to have known more here. I especially wanted to know what happened in between the white room, and the showdown with the baddies. When in time was the showdown? I've read some of your explanations here, and would have liked for some of that info to be in the film.

You guys are really building an awesome production company. I'm excited to see Netherborn and everything else you're working on. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Jason!! I appreciate you stopping buy. You my friend are a freakin talented writer. keep up the great stuff and great movie! It would have been nice to include some more backstory. Thanks for the comments!

[Susanne G.]

Susanne. I saw my name mentioned in your post above. Not sure if you were talking about me or not, but if you were, I have no idea what you were talking about and you also have nothing to worry about :)

Later,
Jason

Hi Jason,

I didn't mean you. It was my mistake. Probably not all people know that Jason Horncastle, my partner/DP/editer and co-producer, has the same name as you. Thank you for the message.

Susanne

[Matt Sconce]

Anyone who has ever asked for any information or help in any way has always been welcomed with open arms. We have all tried very hard to give as much as we can. I think that this is what this community is all about. Best of luck to you all...

Mark T. Aro
Hyperactive Studios

That is what it is all about! Well...off to the day job. Have fun watching PUSH while I am gone and hanging out in this wonderful Timefest Forum!:2vrolijk_08:

[ZFarms Productions]

overall i liked the entry. the parking garage scene was bad ass. i showed it to a couple of my friends here at school, they liked the garage scene the best too. the doors at first viewing looked a bit too digital for me, IMO of course.

the guy who barges into the house looked so bad ass when he came in. good job!

[Bryan]

...he is lurking in your Fresnoian home

Fresnan home...

:D

[Gary Sconce]

"...As you can tell from my info-under-the-picture-thingie, I am from Fresno. Please don't hunt me down and kill me in a super-genius fashion for being an idiot.

Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..."

You are NOT an idiot. But, I would love to meet you in the future and introduce you to the Hyperactive crazies. Your intuitive observations display a great ability to see small details. No, we will not hunt you down... yet... Mwwwwwaaaaaahahahahahaha! *Crack of lightning, peal of thunder* :grin:

Plus, we would love to help you on your films... :beer:

[chstick]

Man, that parking garage scene was OUTSTANDING! Very Matrix-y. I also really dug the lighting in the alley. Top notch all the way around.

My friends and I almost made a short called PUSH......but that was about troubles going #2.

[Matt Sconce]

overall i liked the entry. the parking garage scene was bad ass. i showed it to a couple of my friends here at school, they liked the garage scene the best too. the doors at first viewing looked a bit too digital for me, IMO of course.

the guy who barges into the house looked so bad ass when he came in. good job!


Thanks! I appreciate the comments!:thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

Man, that parking garage scene was OUTSTANDING! Very Matrix-y. I also really dug the lighting in the alley. Top notch all the way around.

My friends and I almost made a short called PUSH......but that was about troubles going #2.

Thanks! I really worked hard to get the parking garage scene awesome as it was my first attempt at serious acting directing. Thanks for watching and I am glad you liked it!

[Moojangles]

This film had some of (if not) the best digital effects out of all the films, especially the button (very x-men Cerebero-esque) and when he threw the gun, i thought that was excellent.

That was much more epic than i was expecting and i enjoyed it. Nice work.

[kurtmo]

Fun action adventure with top-o-the-line cool effects. I liked the running shots from the side and the shot where he falls, then gets up again. The music was well done as was the rest of the audio.

I had a few issues understanding parts of the story (time travel is usually like that, though). I didn’t understand what the button was or who the guy in white was or how that part worked into the story. It wasn't clear if he time traveled in the livingroom or what.


Technically, a fantastic film. Thanks for showing!

[AmyO]

Awesome film, guys! Oooh, that Red camera makes pretty pictures, doesn't it? But, you have to have the skills to use it well, and you all do. Add me to the long list of fans of that garage scene! And I just read the BTS on the kick. Wow! My only nit to pick, and it is small, is that the "white room" scene goes on a tad bit too long and slows down the pace. Overall one of the best in the fest and definitely one of my faves! Thanks guys!

[Matt Sconce]

This film had some of (if not) the best digital effects out of all the films, especially the button (very x-men Cerebero-esque) and when he threw the gun, i thought that was excellent.

That was much more epic than i was expecting and i enjoyed it. Nice work.

Thank you! We were trying for epic...next fest I plan to aim higher.



Fun action adventure with top-o-the-line cool effects. I liked the running shots from the side and the shot where he falls, then gets up again. The music was well done as was the rest of the audio.

I had a few issues understanding parts of the story (time travel is usually like that, though). I didn’t understand what the button was or who the guy in white was or how that part worked into the story. It wasn't clear if he time traveled in the livingroom or what.


Technically, a fantastic film. Thanks for showing!

Thanks! Mike rocked the audio. He is amazing at what he does. I forget sometimes that the sound was not there when we filmed the parking garage scene. AT ALL. He did that all! Mark made some great effects for the film and I can't thank him enough...(You should have seen my "opening doors" before he got to them) I am so glad you enjoyed it.



Awesome film, guys! Oooh, that Red camera makes pretty pictures, doesn't it? But, you have to have the skills to use it well, and you all do. Add me to the long list of fans of that garage scene! And I just read the BTS on the kick. Wow! My only nit to pick, and it is small, is that the "white room" scene goes on a tad bit too long and slows down the pace. Overall one of the best in the fest and definitely one of my faves! Thanks guys!

Thank you for your constructive criticism and rave reviews! :engel017:

[Imaginate]

By the way congrats on the new baby. My wife is due any day now! I expecting six months of no sleep.

[Edgen]

By the way congrats on the new baby. My wife is due any day now! I expecting six months of no sleep.

ha!! I hear you man. Mine just turned six 1/2 months old. I'm not getting much sleep and I suspect it'll be many more months. :)

but ya matt, I'm not sure I've said congrats on the little one too.

Life is good regardless of sleep the moment you become a daddy.

/j

[Richard J. Johnson]

Top 3 for sure. Really enjoyed this.

[Matt Sconce]

By the way congrats on the new baby. My wife is due any day now! I expecting six months of no sleep.


ha!! I hear you man. Mine just turned six 1/2 months old. I'm not getting much sleep and I suspect it'll be many more months. :)

but ya matt, I'm not sure I've said congrats on the little one too.

Life is good regardless of sleep the moment you become a daddy.

/j


Thanks guys! I agre being a dad is mazing. Watching a little person start to discover the world is indescribable and the first time they smile at you, is so far one of the best moment of my life. Thanks for commenting guys. Justin...THANKS FOR THE ROCKIN SCORE!
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/10327/1214320648.jpg

[Matt Sconce]

Top 3 for sure. Really enjoyed this.


Thank you so much! This makes me all giddy and super excited! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the movie!:beer::grin::dankk2:

[sfoster]

Thank you! We were trying for epic...next fest I plan to aim higher.


What's higher than epic??? Whatever it is, let me know. I'll be there to help shoot it! OR be the first extra to get shot. . . AGAIN! :)

[Gary Sconce]

Matt Sconce: "...Mark made some great effects for the film and I can't thank him enough...(You should have seen my "opening doors" before he got to them)..."

MATT'S DOORS... :evil:

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214321784.jpeg

:grin:

[sfoster]

If he would have used my doors it would have taken the movie in a whole different direction.

http://media.signonsandiego.com/general/media/images/saloon-wag-wheel02-p.jpg

[hazelwould]

I enjoyed the short. The acting seemed pretty unrealistic. The white (second chance) scene seems like it should have looked smoother (IMO). Also, being shot with the Red, I kinda expected more from inside the house... It lacked something...

Great job overall! The efforts put into the short can surely be seen!

[Troy Ruff]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/30869/1214322632.jpg
WAIT I HAVE SOME OLD DOORS TOO YOU CAN USE!

[Matt Sconce]

I enjoyed the short. The acting seemed pretty unrealistic. The white (second chance) scene seems like it should have looked smoother (IMO). Also, being shot with the Red, I kinda expected more from inside the house... It lacked something...

Great job overall! The efforts put into the short can surely be seen!


Thanks for stopping by. :cheesy: If you watch the 2k uncompressed version or the 4k images, then you will see a difference in RED versus other cams. I have noticed that when you scale down you get beautiful lattitude and great images, but there is less of a noticeable difference between the RED ONE and an HPX500 or HVX200 at that scale. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[Troy Ruff]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/30869/1214326595.jpg
I miss the sumo's so here you go, just for funnzzies!:thumbsup:
:2vrolijk_08:

[Matt Sconce]

Grumble Grumble. I guess that could be considered..."Push"

[Matt Sconce]

It looks like a lot more people have finished watching the movies due to the increase in traffic on here. I realized that PUSH is smack in the middle-sh area of the list so I hope people are seeing it. It is always strange to try and guess how many people are watching all the movies. I know I watched them all, but ti takes a long time, and some people don't do it. For any who have not got to it yet, I hope you enjoy PUSH!:beer:

[Horncastle]

Great work guys.

Much has been said here already, so I will have to repeat much of what others have already said. The steadicam and tracking shots in the garage scene were great as, of course, was the pistol kick. I've just been through the whole sequence frame by frame and noticed some neat little details like the blood spurting out of Enoch's back as he ran. I'll say that the beginning of this sequence threw me a little bit: Enoch is moving left to right but swings round to the left a little to shoot at the first guy (with the pony tail) who then ends up in exactly the same position in the frame as he shoots back after the cut.

The lighting was well done, especially the alleyway scenes. The acting convinced me. The guy who gives Enoch his instructions in the "white" scene is quite an amazing character actor. I'm afraid the story itself was not so clear and lost me rather in the middle (although having read the thread I now understand it). Great production value though and you are certainly good at the action stuff.

Jason

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Yay! I just saw it! I had fun watching this. First, technically, extremely well done. Big props to your audio guy!

I had fun with the plot and loved the fx. Loving the Red eh? :-). You got one of my highest scores. Great job!

Btw, is the lead actress your wife or sister? (judging by the name)

[Geoff_R]

I've watched that parking garage scene like five or six times already... I'll say that it's one of the coolest scenes I've seen from a short on this site in a long time. It's got me crazy motivated.. Awesome shot choices here.. great editing.. great score.. very high energy. I think action directing is your thing :)

Okay, now for the movie itself ;) I have some conflicted points of view. Whereas I thought visually, the parking garage stuff rocked.. I didn't dig the interior house scenes or the white void. The interior house stuff looked too flat for my tastes, perhaps too many lights in play.. and with the white void, I think I didn't buy into it due to the soft white glow or cc scheme used; I just felt the vfx nature of it and it took me out of the story.

Story: I didn't really get the point.. I think he designed some device/weapon/time machine and people wanted to take it away from him. It didn't bother me all that much though that I didn't get the story because I was so into that parking garage scene.. I think this brings up a good point because this often happens in many big studio films.. we don't get the story or point of a scene but we're into it because the visuals and energy are carrying us along. I didn't know why he had to push that button but at the end I'm excited and into 'that moment' when he finally does it.

I thought the actors performances were the weakest element in your short. I didn't buy into them at all.. It felt too much like line reading rather than playing off the lines themselves. Both Enoch and Allison seemed to overact in my opinion.. The mystery man didn't work for me either, I thought his performance was a little bit better than Allison and Enoch but I don't think he fit that part very well..

Score was excellent and again...awesome during that parking garage scene... Nice work, Justin.

Matt, overall I enjoyed the film. That parking garage scene is awesome and has motivated me as I work on my next project which is action based. You're work is continuing to improve and I look forward to what you come up with next.

[Gary Sconce]

"...The steadicam and tracking shots in the garage scene were great..."

Thanks Jason. That was a lonnnnnng steadycam night. The new RED didn't have the proper cable to extend the battery down to the bottom of the sled on the Glidecam V-16, so the battery had to be placed behind the camera. In order to balance the rig I had to put 71/2ibs on the front of the bottom of the sled. With the battery and holder up high, the weight of the RED system made the rig top heavy. I had to add a horizontal dumbell set that extended out from the sled base horizontally to defray the pendulum effect. The RED is heavy to begin (compared to, say, an HVX) with and the battery holder also is built to hold a hard drive so it is extra weight too. With the arm, sled, camera, lens set, and added weights, it topped out at around 55lbs. I had to tighten the internal arm springs all the way tight and the RED and weights still almost bottomed it out. That is why I built my own heavier duty steadycam, the Hypercam, that was built to handle the RED ONE.

On the first scene in the garage, on action, I had to run left and then spin to the actor's right swinging around to get a side quartering view. Kenn is fast, and that was challenging as Matt didn't want him to be going too slowly. The front shot with the three shooting was a backwards running shot. We had the C-stand with the balance mount at the end of the shot and I would deposit the rig on the stand after a few shots and catch my breath. I was glad that I could run backwards fast.

Prepping for the PUSH shoot, I ran miles and miles holding five pound weights in my hands in front of my body for back strengthening. I was soooo glad I did that as the RED steady was every bit as heavy a rig as I though it would be... made heavier by that unfortunately short battery cable.

We shot more shots with the steadycam that didn't make the cut. One was a cool bullet path shot where the steadycam backed away 40m from Enoch's first shot and followed the path of the spinning bullet all the way to where it killed the ponytailed guy (Shane). Time constraints caused that shot to go, but it would have been great.

Thanks for enjoying PUSH. We sure had fun making it. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks Geoff for your thoughtful review. Directing actors is the thing I am getting better at little by little. I was pleased with their performances and I think I grew since I directed the acting in Stricken (Which I directed MUCH too big). Little by little I hope I am getting better at it. I love to direct action but eventually I want to be able to tell a story that is strong on all fronts. I appreciate your constructive criticism and will hopefully grow better in this area next fest! :thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

I've watched that parking garage scene like five or six times already... I'll say that it's one of the coolest scenes I've seen from a short on this site in a long time. It's got me crazy motivated.. Awesome shot choices here.. great editing.. great score.. very high energy. I think action directing is your thing :)....

....Matt, overall I enjoyed the film. That parking garage scene is awesome and has motivated me as I work on my next project which is action based. You're work is continuing to improve and I look forward to what you come up with next.

Improving is the goal. Thanks again for the in depth review. I just re-read it and it helps to know how PUSH comes across to people. I always hope my next project will be perfect, but I know that will not be the case. It will have the bar raised though each and every time!:2vrolijk_08:

[MrKilloran]

Great work and a lot of fun
although the "white void" scene lost me a bit

The parking garage stuff was awesome, (I don't care if its been said already by... everyone haha)

Lighting, action, tracking shots, and that kick of the gun towards the end was cool as hell.

Nice job and keep it up!

[Matt Sconce]

Great work and a lot of fun
although the "white void" scene lost me a bit

The parking garage stuff was awesome, (I don't care if its been said already by... everyone haha)

Lighting, action, tracking shots, and that kick of the gun towards the end was cool as hell.

Nice job and keep it up!


Thanks!:2vrolijk_08:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Oh, I forgot to add in my original comments that whilst I enjoyed your whole short, I went giddy with excitement during the parking lot scene, especially the gun kick! You're now on my permanent must-watch list for all future fests.

[Matt Sconce]

Oh, I forgot to add in my original comments that whilst I enjoyed your whole short, I went giddy with excitement during the parking lot scene, especially the gun kick! You're now on my permanent must-watch list for all future fests.


Thanks a ton! I went giddy when I saw the close up of the girls face on the cliffs in Aetas when he is waking up and with the final beautiful shot. I thought...I need to move to Oregon! Haha! :love4:

[Matt Sconce]

Good news on the PUSH front. I just got an e-mail saying it was excepted into Action on Film Festival in late July and nominated for awards. They have not announced the awards yet, but they will anounce nominations by the 7th. I am stoked.:cheesy:

[sfoster]

Good news on the PUSH front. I just got an e-mail saying it was excepted into Action on Film Festival in late July and nominated for awards. They have not announced the awards yet, but they will anounce nominations by the 7th. I am stoked.:cheesy:

That's awesome news! I bet one of the nominations are for "best first extra to get shot!"

[Matt Sconce]

Or best jump kick to face but worst shot award!

[Darkline]

Hi Matt,

This was tons of fun. I've seen all of your shorts so far in these fests and I have to say this was an unexpected turn for you. You've normally done very calm, controlled, thoughful pieces (which I like). So this caught me off-guard.

I think the fx worked very well overall, and Im not going to nit pick shots here and there because I was caught up in the story, from a single viewing I dont remember anything feeling out of place. It's different if you go back and start disecting it shot by shot, but I was 'in' the story and going with it. I think it's a rare thing for a short to pull you in straight away, and I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief.

It had a very matrix vibe (I havent read the thread so it may have been mentioned before). But you know, that can go horribly wrong as a concept, but you pulled it off.

It's great to see you playing visually more, and I thought the whole package worked well. I'm impressed that people are managing to tie up all the threads of film-making more as these fests go on. It used to be you'd get either an interesting concept that didnt get there technically, or great fx but bad story. Here you got the balance right which is very hard to do.

well done. Top 3 for sure.

[Mark T. Aro]

Hi Matt,

This was tons of fun. I've seen all of your shorts so far in these fests and I have to say this was an unexpected turn for you. You've normally done very calm, controlled, thoughful pieces (which I like). So this caught me off-guard.

I think the fx worked very well overall, and Im not going to nit pick shots here and there because I was caught up in the story, from a single viewing I dont remember anything feeling out of place. It's different if you go back and start disecting it shot by shot, but I was 'in' the story and going with it. I think it's a rare thing for a short to pull you in straight away, and I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief.

It had a very matrix vibe (I havent read the thread so it may have been mentioned before). But you know, that can go horribly wrong as a concept, but you pulled it off.

It's great to see you playing visually more, and I thought the whole package worked well. I'm impressed that people are managing to tie up all the threads of film-making more as these fests go on. It used to be you'd get either an interesting concept that didnt get there technically, or great fx but bad story. Here you got the balance right which is very hard to do.

well done. Top 3 for sure.

I am sure that Matt will comment more when he wakes up... he is probably still sleeping.:laugh:

I wanted to chime in an say thanks from the PUSH team. We had a great crew and everyone really brought their "A" GAME. We have all looked back at it and we have that list of things that we would fix, tweak or change if we could, but all things considered, I think that the team as a whole is real happy with the end product.

Thanks again fro your comments.


MATT... that is good news about the Film Festival! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[Gary Sconce]

That's awesome news! I bet one of the nominations are for "best first extra to get shot!"

**2008 Action on Film Festival Future Update!***

Mark Aro points in excitement as Best First Extra to Get Shot Award goes to...

SHANE FOSTER! (Shane shows shock and amazement at the award...)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214490969.jpg

[Matt Sconce]

Hi Matt,

This was tons of fun. I've seen all of your shorts so far in these fests and I have to say this was an unexpected turn for you. You've normally done very calm, controlled, thoughful pieces (which I like). So this caught me off-guard.

I think the fx worked very well overall, and Im not going to nit pick shots here and there because I was caught up in the story, from a single viewing I dont remember anything feeling out of place. It's different if you go back and start disecting it shot by shot, but I was 'in' the story and going with it. I think it's a rare thing for a short to pull you in straight away, and I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief.

It had a very matrix vibe (I havent read the thread so it may have been mentioned before). But you know, that can go horribly wrong as a concept, but you pulled it off.

It's great to see you playing visually more, and I thought the whole package worked well. I'm impressed that people are managing to tie up all the threads of film-making more as these fests go on. It used to be you'd get either an interesting concept that didnt get there technically, or great fx but bad story. Here you got the balance right which is very hard to do.

well done. Top 3 for sure.


Thank you Darkline,

I wanted to try something different this time around. I was walking through my house one day when this storyline appeared in my brain. I wrote it down and scripted it in Final Draft. It went through about 4 versions of the script that I sent to people to critique. I then got extremely excited because now I could enter Timefest. Then I thought about some of the epic shots in my mind and realized it would be the hardest thing I have done yet and it definitely was. After that I was a ball of energy and nerves, and with the help of my amazing team, made PUSH happen. I am extremely elated you liked the film that much, as I remember a pretty creepy horror short that rocked my world that you made a while back. Thanks again.:engel017:

[Troy Ruff]

Good news on the PUSH front. I just got an e-mail saying it was excepted into Action on Film Festival in late July and nominated for awards. They have not announced the awards yet, but they will anounce nominations by the 7th. I am stoked.:cheesy:

Sweet man! Thats amazing news! Congrats man :2vrolijk_08:

[Mark T. Aro]

**2008 Action on Film Festival Future Update!***

Mark Aro points in excitement as Best First Extra to Get Shot Award goes to...

SHANE FOSTER! (Shane shows shock and amazement at the award...)

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214490969.jpg

That is a really funny picture!

[Lingothree]

i'ma make a button.

[Zim]

Good film matt. I liked the part in the parking garage. Good actors and a good idea. The actor in the white room sure reminds me of someone.

[Horncastle]

Good news on the PUSH front. I just got an e-mail saying it was excepted into Action on Film Festival in late July and nominated for awards. They have not announced the awards yet, but they will anounce nominations by the 7th. I am stoked.:cheesy:

That's good news, Matt. Congratulations!

Jason

[Ben Sliker]

In the past few days, DVXusers Ben Sliker and Justin Kuhn sat down and chatted over AIM while simultaneously watching the same TIMEFEST films. We call them, "The AIM sessions". Here's their thoughts on "PUSH"

This is a 'special edition' of the AIM sessions, Assistant Director Brad Mate and 'Woman on Bench' Marie Hartsell have joined the chat from the cast and crew of JAM. This is their third "4-person" review.

spesliker (9:02:05 PM): marie is "going potty"
spesliker (9:02:08 PM): brad?
TheBrad84 (9:03:12 PM): d/ling
spesliker (9:03:15 PM): ok
happygobo (9:03:29 PM): OH GODDAMN BRAD YOU HOLD EVERYONE UP
spesliker (9:03:31 PM): everyone have push?
happygobo (9:03:41 PM): downloading now.
spesliker (9:03:52 PM): WHO's HOLDING US UP NOW ASS.
happygobo (9:04:31 PM): it's a race against TIME to download a film
spesliker (9:05:18 PM): HARDY HAR HAR
spesliker (9:05:55 PM): push. ready?
happygobo (9:06:00 PM): ready
spesliker (9:06:03 PM): marie is out of the pooper.
TheBrad84 (9:06:05 PM): rdy
spesliker (9:06:07 PM): 3
spesliker (9:06:08 PM): 2
spesliker (9:06:10 PM): 1
spesliker (9:06:11 PM): go
happygobo (9:06:26 PM): he knows his Motion
spesliker (9:06:37 PM): lol, i think it's AE
spesliker (9:06:45 PM): that blood isn't running down his face.
TheBrad84 (9:06:46 PM): whew. good thing it stopped on u. pvsh would have made no sense as a title.
mariaperky333 (9:06:58 PM): translation: leave me alone
spesliker (9:07:10 PM): this dialogue really isn't engaging me.
happygobo (9:07:26 PM): can we get some movement up in this piece?
TheBrad84 (9:07:28 PM): *you are here*
spesliker (9:07:31 PM): GOOGLE MAPS DOUBLE TRUE
spesliker (9:07:54 PM): i understood this one up until the white scene
spesliker (9:07:57 PM): wait for it.
happygobo (9:07:58 PM): I LOOK LIKE OBAMA WHEN I FURROW MY BROW
spesliker (9:08:02 PM): DONT OPEN THE DOOR!!!
spesliker (9:08:12 PM): she didn't listen
happygobo (9:08:14 PM): LOOK AT ME, FURROWING.
TheBrad84 (9:08:18 PM): really? teh first two gunshots didnt turn him around?
spesliker (9:08:29 PM): he's a little slow.
happygobo (9:08:33 PM): "That must be the mailman. F*ck I'm shot."
TheBrad84 (9:08:40 PM): furrow...
spesliker (9:08:45 PM): I CANT CONTROL THE LOUDNESS OF MY VOICE
happygobo (9:09:03 PM): CAPS MAKE EVERYTHING FUNNIER
TheBrad84 (9:09:06 PM): voice immodulation is real ben. you are a bigot
spesliker (9:09:10 PM): YOU'RE A BUTTON YOU F-ING BUTTON
happygobo (9:09:10 PM): what button, fool?
happygobo (9:09:43 PM): TIIIIIIMMEEE!
mariaperky333 (9:09:50 PM): pause
happygobo (9:09:53 PM): dolly that shi*
spesliker (9:09:54 PM): i'd totally be looking for that guy in 5 years
spesliker (9:10:00 PM): PAUSE!
happygobo (9:10:03 PM): I did
happygobo (9:10:08 PM): 3:42
spesliker (9:10:19 PM): brad?
spesliker (9:10:21 PM): time?
TheBrad84 (9:10:33 PM): err. i went back to 3:42
spesliker (9:10:36 PM): everyone start at 3:35
spesliker (9:10:45 PM): ready?
TheBrad84 (9:10:49 PM): rdy
spesliker (9:10:51 PM): 3
spesliker (9:10:52 PM): 2
spesliker (9:10:53 PM): 1
spesliker (9:10:57 PM): go
mariaperky333 (9:11:07 PM): pop pop pop goes the gun
happygobo (9:11:15 PM): DON'T AIM, aimin's for pussies.
spesliker (9:11:18 PM): post-pro gun flashes make ben a sad panda.
TheBrad84 (9:11:26 PM): pwned
mariaperky333 (9:11:28 PM): lol
mariaperky333 (9:11:31 PM): i have no words
happygobo (9:11:43 PM): kick it like it owes you money
spesliker (9:11:46 PM): chuck norris endorses roundhouse gun kicks.
happygobo (9:11:49 PM): OH NOES HE TRIPPED!!!111
TheBrad84 (9:11:56 PM): good thing he's got that facepaint on. they would have spotted him running through the parking lot shooting a gun otherwise
happygobo (9:12:02 PM): tickety tick
TheBrad84 (9:12:05 PM): qbert?
TheBrad84 (9:12:11 PM): my atari broke
happygobo (9:12:21 PM): I know, dynamite camo
spesliker (9:12:22 PM): where's the giant blood spot on the door?
TheBrad84 (9:12:42 PM): i just had massive video failure
spesliker (9:12:46 PM): I KNOW IT'S YOUR HOUSE MATT, BLOOD ON THE DOOR.
happygobo (9:12:52 PM): GIVE IT UP OR I'LL FURROW MY BROW AT YOU
spesliker (9:12:55 PM): PAUSE
happygobo (9:13:06 PM): 5:37
spesliker (9:13:16 PM): I PAINTED MY GARAGE, YOU CAN SPRAY BLOOD ON YOUR DOOR.
spesliker (9:13:23 PM): 5:28 here/
TheBrad84 (9:13:48 PM): this is killing my computer
spesliker (9:14:03 PM): yeah ... im sure it's the video...
spesliker (9:14:11 PM): and not those "other" videos
mariaperky333 (9:14:21 PM): ewww
happygobo (9:14:29 PM): I've found if you have a bunch of QT "videos"
TheBrad84 (9:14:31 PM): contineu with out me. this thing goes to hell at 4:30
happygobo (9:14:34 PM): open all at the same time
spesliker (9:14:48 PM): WERE LEAVIN A MAN BEHIND
happygobo (9:14:49 PM): it will slow down your playback somewhat.
spesliker (9:14:59 PM): j, 5:28, ready?
happygobo (9:15:04 PM): ready
spesliker (9:15:07 PM): 3
spesliker (9:15:08 PM): 2
spesliker (9:15:09 PM): 1
spesliker (9:15:10 PM): go
mariaperky333 (9:15:27 PM): what is this button?
spesliker (9:15:30 PM): this is a slightly camp-tastic.
happygobo (9:15:31 PM): this button does what exactly?
spesliker (9:15:41 PM): I'll push your button.
happygobo (9:15:44 PM): OH GOD WHAT WAS THAT i almost had a seizure
mariaperky333 (9:15:45 PM): i want a button
spesliker (9:15:56 PM): what, the credits? yeah, the scroll was a little jarring.
happygobo (9:16:22 PM): I push my button at least twice a day, it's the healthy thing to do!
spesliker (9:16:38 PM): i just threw up in my mouth a little.
happygobo (9:17:02 PM): it's a time thing, adds years to your life you know.
spesliker (9:17:03 PM): marie ... earmuffs.
mariaperky333 (9:17:18 PM): now boys...
TheBrad84 (9:17:23 PM): so what happened?
happygobo (9:17:41 PM): there was a button. it had something to do with time.
happygobo (9:17:45 PM): I mean
happygobo (9:17:49 PM): we can only assume.
spesliker (9:17:49 PM): that's about what i got
spesliker (9:18:03 PM): perhaps the button is purposefully ambiguous?
spesliker (9:18:20 PM): so what does the button mean to you?
mariaperky333 (9:18:34 PM): i think the button doesnt do anything
mariaperky333 (9:18:49 PM): i think they just liked the word
TheBrad84 (9:19:09 PM): really? the button was the solution for time? thats as silly as having some aliens who "replace" people in order to keep time to go on the way they want. oh wait...
spesliker (9:19:20 PM): THE REPLACER WAS A PIECE OF CINEMATIC GENIOUS BRAD, WE GOT 25TH IN SCI-FEST.
TheBrad84 (9:19:34 PM): sick self burn past brad!
TheBrad84 (9:19:45 PM): thanks less past brad
spesliker (9:19:47 PM): i think the button is his sled ...
happygobo (9:20:19 PM): rosebutton
happygobo (9:20:29 PM): get it? ahaha. NEXT SONG
spesliker (9:20:34 PM): ok, done

Matt, i'm very conflicted writing this part of the review. I feel like your team has the technical aptitude and skill to pull off AMAZING shots and there are some of them in PUSH. Some look like they still need a little post-pro work still and they would be kick ass. I can't say that any of us had a full grasp on your story, which leads me to believe that you took on a little too much this time. (at least for the DVXuser 6 minute version). Or it's possible that you built your story around the action sequences instead of the other way around.

I would also highly suggest exploring trying to do some of your effects practically instead of digitally. I don't know about the giant door, but I felt a lot of the others would have faired better in a real environment. The white room, the gun flashes, the "button" room, i think all could have benefitted from being real instead of green-screened or composited. Because if you set the bar high like you did with the movement of those steadicam shots (or just shooting on a RED for that matter), if the digital effects aren't spot on, for us, they end up looking silly and detracting from the film instead of enhancing the experience.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I want your movie to be as awesome as the most awesome parts, but for the duration of the film. I think the quote in your sig is correct, you have this fervor and ambition about filmmaking that's downright contagious, i hope it never fades. Oh and damn you kids and your RED cameras.

:thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

I appreciate you guys taking time to critique my movie! Thanks for the suggestions and reactions. It helps me know what came across well and what didn't. Okay...now if I can just raise the bar a litle higher.....:badputer::love4:

[Blaine]

Pretty ambitious movie, Matt. I think for the most part you succeeded. I wished the level of the whole movie was on par with the parking garage scene. I have to admit that I never had any idea what the "button" was or what it was for. It was really just a MacGuffin.

One thing about the parking garage scene that bugged me a little was the gunfire. Way too many shots fired without a reload. Also, there was a lot of lead flying with no one getting hit, not even a ricochet.

I think if you could have tightened up the story and shot everything on a level with the parking garage you could have put this over the top.

All that said, you have upped your game. :thumbsup:

[Ben Sliker]

Okay...now if I can just raise the bar a litle higher.....:badputer::love4:

don't forget to stretch, stretching is important. :)

bar is high enough man! just make sure to stretch those filmmaking muscles across all the aspects of your film. (which i think, includes giving yourself enough time (pun not intended) to do the project justice!)

[Mark Johnson]

TheBrad84 (9:11:56 PM): good thing he's got that facepaint on. they would have spotted him running through the parking lot shooting a gun otherwise

LMAO!

[Brandon Rice]

Matt...

If I can be perfectly candid... this film didn't work for me...

Yes, the gun kick was cool...

Yes, some of the "steadicam" work in the garage was cool...

but cool shots don't make good films... they only enhance them...

The story is completely confusing to me... what is the "button" and who is the guy in the white room? Is there a spiritual allegory here I am missing?

Please help me understand the story...

I'll keep my comments to just the story for now... but that is the base level of a film... if it doesn't work there, it won't work at all...

Still a friend bro, just want to see you grow! :)

(And to be clear, I don't know all the answers either, just pointing out what I think needed work here)

[Matt Sconce]

Hey all thanks for all the feedback. It seems the story confused many people here. I know some people get and some don't but I think sometimes, I expect people will get it, since I do in my mind...haha. Okay here is the breakdown:


SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Enoch is working on a project focusing on time in the past. He is ex-military and a super smart dude. THE COMPANY plans to double cross him and steal the project. They send an assassin to kill his wife, and him. Just before he would have been killed he is pulled into a room outside of time (The white room) by his business partner/mentor in the future. The mentor has used what Enoch's invention becomes (The white room and Button that rewinds time) to pull Enoch outside of time and give him until midnight to get to the hidden button room so he can press it, travel back and react before his wife was killed. In his still static outside of time state, he goes to where the button is hidden, but the COMPANY is waiting to try to stop him from reaching the button. If they stop him, they would have succeeded in killing kim a long time ago and the future would be filled with them controlling that technology. Only his voice can activate the door. If they stop him before midnight, his static state fades and he would be killed back when the assassin would have shot him in the first place. He presses the button, rewinds time to the moment where he kills the assassin, thus ensuring the neccessary time loop of the man in white still existing and the viability of the entire movie that already occured. He then goes on a vendetta to destroy the company and finish the project he started which was the button and time travel thingy.

I know this is complex and some people get it and some do not, but that is what I tried to make happen. I hope that helps explain it to the people who were confused.

About the bullets...It was very John woo in the since the bullets just kept coming. I did not see how many actually happened until post. Everyone was a pretty lame shot. haha

I am ADHD and my mind flies at 100miles a minute so I sometimes do not connect dots people need because I assume they will connect them themselves. I suffered the same issue when I did Stricken, and I am working on that aspect of my writing.

Thanks All!

[Brandon Rice]

Enoch is working on a project focusing on time in the past. He is ex-military and a super smart dude. THE COMPANY plans to double cross him and steal the project. They send an assassin to kill his wife, and him. Just before he would have been killed he is pulled into a room outside of time (The white room) by his business partner/mentor in the future. The mentor has used what Enoch's invention becomes (The white room and Button that rewinds time) to pull Enoch outside of time and give him until midnight to get to the hidden button room so he can press it, travel back and react before his wife was killed. In his still static outside of time state, he goes to where the button is hidden, but the COMPANY is waiting to try to stop him from reaching the button. Only his voice can activate the door. If they stop him before midnight, his static state fades and he would be killed back when the assassin would have shot him in the first place. He presses the button, rewinds time to the moment where he kills the assassin, thus ensuring the neccessary time loop of the man in white still existing and the viability of the entire movie that already occured. He then goes on a vendetta to destroy the company and finish the project he started which was the button and time travel thingy.

I know this is complex and some people get it and some do not, but that is what I tried to make happen. I hope that helps explain it to the people who were confused.


Ok, I get the story now...

Now Matt, let me ask you... what about that story "grabs" you? Thing is... it's all built on this device, etc. and I don't feel like there is any human drama or emotion in the story... the best stories IMHO are the ones which have real human drama and emotion in them... maybe you could say it's to save his wife... but the way you pitched me the story just now doesn't talk about that at all...

I think you should focus on coming up with a very human drama, set in reality... then take what you learn from getting those human issues and drama from your head and place that into a fantasy or sci-fi enviroment...

thoughts?

[Matt Sconce]

Ok, I get the story now...

Now Matt, let me ask you... what about that story "grabs" you? Thing is... it's all built on this device, etc. and I don't feel like there is any human drama or emotion in the story... the best stories IMHO are the ones which have real human drama and emotion in them... maybe you could say it's to save his wife... but the way you pitched me the story just now doesn't talk about that at all...

I think you should focus on coming up with a very human drama, set in reality... then take what you learn from getting those human issues and drama from your head and place that into a fantasy or sci-fi enviroment...

thoughts?

Hmmm...I agree the part of the story that catches you is the fact he is desperately trying to save his wife. I think the dialogue shows that as well.

Your last point is well taken. I will try to focus on the character issues and then place them into my fantastic worlds I love. Cart before the horse and all. haha Thanks for the insight Brandon.:grin:

[Brandon Rice]

Your last point is well taken. I will try to focus on the character issues and then place them into my fantastic worlds I love. Cart before the horse and all. haha Thanks for the insight Brandon.:grin:

Again, just some thought from an onlooker... and I've been learning that very thing myself from some mentors much more talented and knowledgeable than I.

[Matt Sconce]

Again, just some thought from an onlooker... and I've been learning that very thing myself from some mentors much more talented and knowledgeable than I.


I have learned to have a thick skin through all these fests, and I have learned that some people will love my movies and some will not but that regardless, I can always learn from their critiques and become a better filmmaker.

[Matt Sconce]

On the topic of better writing. Recently I have written a feature script based off my short "Stricken". I entered it in Action On Film Script competition. I just received an e-mail from them saying it was nominated for awards! :beer:I am excited to find out what they liked about it as it is my first attempt at feature scripts. They say they will release the info about the awards before the seventh, so I hope I know soon. With gas being so expensive, It will be tough but I will try to journey down to Pasadena to the fest. Hopefully Push and Stricken will win something, as that would be quite cool. Are any of you guys entering AOF this year? I know I saw Blaine, Brandon, and several others over the last two years there.:engel017:

Check out the site for the Fest. You will see me and my crew with Stricken in the slide show on the front page. You can see my actress in the interview shown in the quicktime movie. We had a ton o fun last year! So I am excited about this year!
http://www.aoffest.com/

[Brandon Rice]

Are any of you guys entering AOF this year? I know I saw Blaine, Brandon, and several others over the last two years there.:engel017:


Congrats on the noms....

I'll be down at AOF this year. I've got "Welcome to the Party", and "IRH" in this year... They also MAY show the "No Greater Love" trailer at the awards show as well..

So I might see ya down there.

[Matt Sconce]

Congrats on the noms....

I'll be down at AOF this year. I've got "Welcome to the Party", and "IRH" in this year... They also MAY show the "No Greater Love" trailer at the awards show as well..

So I might see ya down there.

Sweet! I will hope to see you there. I will look for ya!

[conrad_johnson]

TheBrad84 (9:11:56 PM): good thing he's got that facepaint on. they would have spotted him running through the parking lot shooting a gun otherwise


That is one of the funniest things I've read on DVXuser. I'm giving you nine Mr. Ts:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047

[Matt Sconce]

That is one of the funniest things I've read on DVXuser. I'm giving you nine Mr. Ts:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047:costumed-smiley-047
HAHAHA! Ten Mr. T's could destroy the world so nine is a safe bet...just barely though.

[conrad_johnson]

Well, I tried 10 but this silly forum wouldn't let me.

I've just been reading back on your thread about the pm/dad stuff and just wanted to tell you I don't feel any exclusiveness or elitism from you guys. I think there is nothing wrong with being supportive and exited, in fact, I think it's a great thing.

Keep it up and I wish I had a dad like yours!
-Joe

[Edgen]

Brandon and Matt... I'll be down there for the AOF festival too. GPS the movie is playing there as well. (did the score) Hopefully i'll catch up with you guys.

[Kholi]

Reading the past few pages I see some very very valid points (and one extremely hilarious AIM session). Matt and team, it's pretty clear that everyone wants you guys to succeed at what you want to do. A lot of people won't take on the challenge of Science Fiction because it requires an incredible amount of patience in the conceptual stage, and even more during writing and execution. I think Brandon, Ben and Gang, and Blaine really reiterate what I've said in the past and had actually deleted earlier on in the thread.

I would like nothing more than to see you guys pull off a great Sci-Fi piece that's got a great concept, great story (doesn't even have to be the best story, just coherent) and great visuals. With all the resources you do have and the most important one being the guts to get-out-and-do I think you dudes can do something really great.

Hopefully next fest is up your alley so that you'll participate (if you have time) and some of what's been said over the duration of the fests will stir up something that includes all the goodies and then some.

Again, I think everyone wants you to succeed at what you do, man. So keep it in mind when you go to work on the next project.

[Matt Sconce]

Reading the past few pages I see some very very valid points (and one extremely hilarious AIM session). Matt and team, it's pretty clear that everyone wants you guys to succeed at what you want to do. A lot of people won't take on the challenge of Science Fiction because it requires an incredible amount of patience in the conceptual stage, and even more during writing and execution. I think Brandon, Ben and Gang, and Blaine really reiterate what I've said in the past and had actually deleted earlier on in the thread.

I would like nothing more than to see you guys pull off a great Sci-Fi piece that's got a great concept, great story (doesn't even have to be the best story, just coherent) and great visuals. With all the resources you do have and the most important one being the guts to get-out-and-do I think you dudes can do something really great.

Hopefully next fest is up your alley so that you'll participate (if you have time) and some of what's been said over the duration of the fests will stir up something that includes all the goodies and then some.

Again, I think everyone wants you to succeed at what you do, man. So keep it in mind when you go to work on the next project.

Thanks Kholi! I appreciate the encouragement. We also want to produce a film that rocks everyone's socks, not only action wise, and visually but storywise as well. We will learn from the comments and apply them to what we do next!:thumbsup:

[Mark T. Aro]

Reading the past few pages I see some very very valid points (and one extremely hilarious AIM session). Matt and team, it's pretty clear that everyone wants you guys to succeed at what you want to do. A lot of people won't take on the challenge of Science Fiction because it requires an incredible amount of patience in the conceptual stage, and even more during writing and execution. I think Brandon, Ben and Gang, and Blaine really reiterate what I've said in the past and had actually deleted earlier on in the thread.

I would like nothing more than to see you guys pull off a great Sci-Fi piece that's got a great concept, great story (doesn't even have to be the best story, just coherent) and great visuals. With all the resources you do have and the most important one being the guts to get-out-and-do I think you dudes can do something really great.

Hopefully next fest is up your alley so that you'll participate (if you have time) and some of what's been said over the duration of the fests will stir up something that includes all the goodies and then some.

Again, I think everyone wants you to succeed at what you do, man. So keep it in mind when you go to work on the next project.

Kholi, I just wanted to say thanks. Often, people comment and forget that it is supposed to be encouraging, regardless of whether or not it is something that is lacking or not up to a certain level. Sometimes the way things are presented, it is hard not to get defensive and then there is no growth when your brain goes into defense mode. I think that the tone of your message was great and I for one receive it openly and feel encouraged and excited about applying the feedback in the next project.

On behalf of the grunts on the PUSH team I say Thanks!

[Gary Sconce]

Originally Posted by Ben Sliker http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1321714#post1321714)
"...good thing he's got that facepaint on. they would have spotted him running through the parking lot shooting a gun otherwise..." LOL!

What a lot of you making fun of the face paint don't realize is that Enoch had to fight his way through a series of complex raisin vineyards before the parking structure... This is Fresno you know! :evil:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214593224.jpg

Then he had to fight his way past this guy... And he was tough...
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214594759.jpg

After that he burned the guard shack as a diversion...
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214594871.jpg

Finally fending off the genetically altered 'Company' attack dogs to make it to the alleyway...
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/35694/1214595162.jpg

Yes, Enoch needed the face camo! :thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

My Gosh! That is exactly what happened!

[Brandon Rice]

Brandon and Matt... I'll be down there for the AOF festival too. GPS the movie is playing there as well. (did the score) Hopefully i'll catch up with you guys.

Cool! Hope to see you there!

[Gary Sconce]

My Gosh! That is exactly what happened!

See... The camo was necessary! :engel017:

[totitefilms]

Very well made movie! I like the effects and the actions. The acting is nice also. This is definitely one of the best movies in this fest. Congrats!

[Edgen]

my thoughts on push..

although i scored the film, I did have thoughts on the film. I think the weakest part was the acting in the white room.

the parking garage scene rocked! we need an action fest up in here.

cheers!

[Matt Sconce]

my thoughts on push..

although i scored the film, I did have thoughts on the film. I think the weakest part was the acting in the white room.

the parking garage scene rocked! we need an action fest up in here.

cheers!



Thanks for the feedback Justin. Action fest would be fun!

[alex whitmer]

I didn't quite get the whole story. Any particular reason those men just happen to be in the parking garage? It was certainly one of the best action scenes in the fest, just seemed to come out of nowhere.

I think the biggest faux pas was after Enox kills the man in front of his wife, but then he turns his back to the door. No 'soldier' would ever do that. Heck, he never even checked to see if other assassins were outside.

The quality of the film was very nice. Music kept pace with the action.


Nice effects.


Enjoyed it,

Alex

[Aaron Marshall]

This is a strong entry. It's sort of like Reno, Nevada being, "The Biggest Little City in the World". I think this is the weakest strong entry in the fest. It has so many good elements, but for perfection's sake I am going to focus on what I thought was wrong.

Strengths:

Cinematography
Blocking
Music

Weaknesses:

Acting
Visual FX
Editing

So far, what I have seen out of the Red camera hasn't looked very good for compositing. What's with all of that artifacting around the bald guys head? This honestly looked like it was shot on a DVX when it came to visual fx. The shots where you were not doing FX looked great. Well, just to be clear not all of the FX shots looked shabby. Some were very convincing, but I still felt something wasn't quite right.

The acting was overdone in many places. I don't think the casting was very well thought out. The couple didn't seem to have any chemistry. I wasn't buying it. I felt that connection was crucial to this script.

The edit seemed forced during the action scenes. It was a combination of attempting very high budget visual fx shots with little money, and being too close emotionally to the sequence/showing the full extent of those scenes. I think many frames could be shaved off and the edit tightened up. The rhythm of the scene where he kicks the gun into the other guys head was almost comical.

The music was nice and drove the scenes well. I noticed something odd from Mark's 02, and this film. The overall mix of the music seems to be compressed too harshly. I can hear tons of artifacting like you're ab/using some kind of sweetener, or enhancer. It becomes evident when the bombastic percussion comes in. Be mindful of that in the future. A loud sound that clips or negatively distorts totally deflates the mix, or any power you were once going after.

Conclusion:

Overall this was a solid effort. If it were to be improved I would seriously look at, first and foremost, the edit. Get a fresh set of eyes on the visual fx. I don't think the digital effects were necessarily bad, but rushed maybe? The same thing goes for the edit. Groovy job guys.

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks for the feedback!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Matt,

I know I am getting around to these quite late so I will be quick with my comments. Excellent work! The acting was, for the most part, good. The shots were great and the score was beautiful (although I would expect no less from Justin). I absolutely loved the parking garage scene with the matrix style gun kick. Fantastic! The story was great although I am not really sure if I completely understood the end, also I couldn't understand the walki-talkie or intercom words but I do not think that was an integral part of the plot. I was able to get enought o enjoy it. I am hoping all of us central California folks will be able to collaborate next fest. Good job and good luck!

[Matt Sconce]

Matt,

I know I am getting around to these quite late so I will be quick with my comments. Excellent work! The acting was, for the most part, good. The shots were great and the score was beautiful (although I would expect no less from Justin). I absolutely loved the parking garage scene with the matrix style gun kick. Fantastic! The story was great although I am not really sure if I completely understood the end, also I couldn't understand the walki-talkie or intercom words but I do not think that was an integral part of the plot. I was able to get enought o enjoy it. I am hoping all of us central California folks will be able to collaborate next fest. Good job and good luck!

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it. I think it will be fun for us to all work together in the future.

[iSTy]

hehe lurved the gun kick, acting was good and understood the storyline.
thank you.

[Matt Sconce]

hehe lurved the gun kick, acting was good and understood the storyline.
thank you.
Hey thanks for the encouraging words. I am glad you understood the story!

[Dangitskang]

Wow, great film. It looks great, storyline was a bit difficult to understand at first but it sort of came together at the end.

I loved the cinematography and the music. The gun kick...hands down awesome. I thought the running scene in the parking garage was well editing and well shot.

I did think that the acting was a bit on the weak side. Aside from that. Great film.

[Norm Sanders]

Matt, please don't hate me. I find it hard to critique a lot of these films for the simple fact that I didn't even submit ANYTHING into this fest, so have to applaude each person or team that did put the time in & saw it through to the end.

That said, I've seen, in my opinion, SO much better work from you before. This was I struggled with on some of the writing (i.e. dialogue), to performance, and finally just really getting the story as a whole. While I did finally understand it at the end, this ultimately felt like a project that you & Mark "push"ed out just to get one in vs. the caliber I know you two are truly capable of.

However, the main actor's jump/spin kick near the end absolutely rocked the house!

Sorry I couldn't be more positive on this one, man. Again, please don't hate me .... you guys are capable of REALLY stellar work, it's just that this one didn't grab me for one reason or another like your past ones have.

[Matt Sconce]

Norm, you believe the acting in Stricken was better than this?(that was the last movie I wrote and directed) Go back and watch it and let me know what you think, as I got blasted for the acting and direction (Actors looking into cameras) back in the day. I attempted to grow with this film and it is always dissapointing to hear someone think I took steps backwards. :crybaby:I have learned that some people love and get PUSH and others just don't. I remember that the Matrix was the same way, so hopefully that gives me a little encouragement (I am not at that level, but is nice to know that if someone doesn't like the movie, it doesn't neccesarily mean it sucks). What made you feel this was Pushed...no pun intended? I worked on this almost every day since it was announced, so whatever it was, I want to remedy in the future. Thank you for your review and taking the time to drop by.:dankk2:

[Norm Sanders]

Okay, Matt, now I feel ike an ass. I'm sorry, truly. You know what, I was on meds last night as I watched it, so perhaps that impacted me. I'll watch it again today & get back to you. In the meantime, can you provide me with the link to STRICKEN again? If it's the one that had the cafe set up, etc .... yeah, I think I recall liking that one more, but need to watch it again to make sure.

And I got the same thing with WITHOUT PROVOCATION from people. Granted, I didn't spend NEARLY as much time on it as I had with WHERE SILENCE FALLS, but still some people loved it, some hated it. It was a hugely risky experiment to do that film, especially at the last minute, but I wanted to stretch my boundaries ... some people also felt I took a step backwards.

I don't think at ALL that you took a step backwards in your skills or filmmaking, just this particular film (in my meds induced state) didn't grab me as much as others have that you've done.

BTW, did you do a focus or test group viewing with this? I know for BERLIN, I had put the rough cut out for about 10 individuals to watch, who had never heard of the story or read the script ... based on the feedback I litterally created a new intro/beginning, made a few other SMALL tweaks throughout, and then changed the final images/edit of the ending. It nearly made it a different style of film, but MUCH.

That aside, I'll watch the film again today, as well as STRICKEN if you can provide me the link. Thanks, and sorry if I was too harsh initially.

[Matt Sconce]

Okay, Matt, now I feel ike an ass. I'm sorry, truly. You know what, I was on meds last night as I watched it, so perhaps that impacted me. I'll watch it again today & get back to you. In the meantime, can you provide me with the link to STRICKEN again? If it's the one that had the cafe set up, etc .... yeah, I think I recall liking that one more, but need to watch it again to make sure.

And I got the same thing with WITHOUT PROVOCATION from people. Granted, I didn't spend NEARLY as much time on it as I had with WHERE SILENCE FALLS, but still some people loved it, some hated it. It was a hugely risky experiment to do that film, especially at the last minute, but I wanted to stretch my boundaries ... some people also felt I took a step backwards.

I don't think at ALL that you took a step backwards in your skills or filmmaking, just this particular film (in my meds induced state) didn't grab me as much as others have that you've done.

BTW, did you do a focus or test group viewing with this? I know for BERLIN, I had put the rough cut out for about 10 individuals to watch, who had never heard of the story or read the script ... based on the feedback I litterally created a new intro/beginning, made a few other SMALL tweaks throughout, and then changed the final images/edit of the ending. It nearly made it a different style of film, but MUCH.

That aside, I'll watch the film again today, as well as STRICKEN if you can provide me the link. Thanks, and sorry if I was too harsh initially.

no prob Norm, I just want to learn what stuck and impacted you and what didn't. The link to Stricken is www.strickenthemovie.com (http://www.strickenthemovie.com) I definitely tried to stretch for PUSH. It was my first action attempt, first time shooting on RED, and an attempt to grow in production value and directing dialogue after the critique of Stricken. I hope you enjoy it in a non med induced state. Let me know what you think.

[Norm Sanders]

Okay, here we go.

Watched it again. Liked it better the second time. Also liked it better than STRICKEN, which I had never seen before (probably because of the running length, wasn't in actual competition last time, so I never watched it in the rush to watch everything else. Truth be told, I only got about half way through STRICKEN before I stopped watching it and wanted to compare to PUSH. I could give you input on STRICKEN, but I'm sure you've had your fair share of it, and have moved on by this point.

I will say, however, that I liked the camera WAY better in STRICKEN than I did in push, specifically with the color grading and the extremely shallow DOF. Image wise, that was a rock solid film.

Okay, back to PUSH. If I were to give the film a weakest moment, I'd probably say it's when he's in the white room. The man at the desk didn't seem as real to me, and our lead's reactions weren't working for me as well as they were in the rest of the film.

Otherwise, it was the meds that effected my judgement more last night. I liked it better this time, and will re-rate the film quite a bit higher accordingly. :) Some other minor things I thought of: When the wife first sees the gunman, she runs away ... I think in reality she would either be crippled in fear, or run TOWARDS her husband for protection.

I REALLY liked at the very end how he comes back up for the button. THAT was epic. Great job!

[Matt Sconce]

I liked it better this time, and will re-rate the film quite a bit higher accordingly. :)

Yay Norm! Hooray!

[Firemonkey]

I really liked this one, concept and All, I'm really tired and at work otherwise I would go more in-depth, hah but you did a good job man

[Matt Sconce]

Congrats to the top 8 films! I wish PUSH was up there but oh well...it is what it is.

On another note, PUSH was just Nominated for Best Special Effects and Best Action Short of the year at Action On Film Festival so I am stoked!

Have fun guys! I will look forward to seeing who wins this as all the top films are excellent!

[Mark Johnson]

Congrats to you, Matt and Mark. I hope you win both awards for PUSH. Be sure and get the word out when you know your screening time. Pasadena is a good location for that festival and I know a lot of us will be attending.

[Brandon Rice]

Congrats to you, Matt and Mark. I hope you win both awards for PUSH. Be sure and get the word out when you know your screening time. Pasadena is a good location for that festival and I know a lot of us will be attending.

Yeah, good luck Matt!

I started a thread for those attending or who have films in AOF this year...

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1328738

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks guys.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Congrats to the top 8 films! I wish PUSH was up there but oh well...it is what it is.

On another note, PUSH was just Nominated for Best Special Effects and Best Action Short of the year at Action On Film Festival so I am stoked!

Have fun guys! I will look forward to seeing who wins this as all the top films are excellent!Thanks and congratulations to you! Sounds like you guys are well on your way.

Cheers!

Mike

[Richard J. Johnson]

I liked Push better than 2 of the top 8.

[Matt Sconce]

I liked Push better than 2 of the top 8.

Thanks. I am glad you liked it.

[Zoidoid]

Push, in my mind, was still the most ambitious film of the fest. I have a tendency to declare things "impossible" way too quickly. Push was one of the films this fest that makes me want to try something that will make people ask "how the hell did he manage to do that?" Keep us posted on how you do at Action on Film!

[Matt Sconce]

Push, in my mind, was still the most ambitious film of the fest. I have a tendency to declare things "impossible" way too quickly. Push was one of the films this fest that makes me want to try something that will make people ask "how the hell did he manage to do that?" Keep us posted on how you do at Action on Film!

Thanks! I am a very ambitious person and am always raising the bar for the next thing I do. I learn a ton from the process! I will always be the one asking, "Why the heck should we play it safe or tone down our epic-ness?" My philosophy is keep trying to make the movie you love in many different ways and you will get better at it the more you try that genre. My goal is to make movies that cause people to stand up and cheer. Some people actually did stand up and cheer here at the fest and that makes me happy. The parking garage scene was all about the emotional buildup and climax at the gun kick (Which was a last minute change to the script). I wanted to carry people on that little journey so when ENOCH stood into frame and hit the button, the watcher would say "Hooray!" Hopefully, it impacted some people that way.

[Matt Sconce]

CHECk IT OUT!

I just finished my new website!

Take a look, sign the guestbook, etc.!

www.mattsconce.com (http://www.mattsconce.com)

:violent5::engel017::happy:

[Mark Johnson]

I wasn't aware you had won the American Idol Music Video contest. Could you post a link to your video?

Also, what did you win?

[Matt Sconce]

I wasn't aware you had won the American Idol Music Video contest. Could you post a link to your video?

Also, what did you win?

Sadly, I lost my idol videos several months ago when I had a friend format my computer and he accidently erased everything I had done by deep formatting the wrong drive. :cry:


The contest was a crazy experience. My wife and I were sitting at home living in a trailer due to no money after getting married, and we saw the contest advertised on TV. We had to sing and have ford placement in one of three songs in a video. We thought. lets try this! We did, and won by a large margin. We chose Get out of my dreams by Billy ocean. I sang the song and also storyboarded for the first time. I got my dad to rent a car as I was too young and we rented a ford mustang convertible. The premise was a guy in a coffee shop "Me" sees a beautiful woman "my wife" notice his car parked outside. She wonders who drives it and he tries to get out of the shop but trips and hits his head. he then dreams about cruising in the car with the girl, but wakes up and runs outside to find her gone. He is about to despair when he finds her number on a piece of paper left on the car for him. We shot it on a little low end mini dv camera, as that was all I had access to.

We won a new car "Ford Focus ST", a DVD video Camera, A 50 inch HD LCD TV "Sony Wega", 500.00 Cash, and my wife and I guest starred in the Final American Idol video shown at the finale and dined with the finalists and talked Idol and such. We also got driven around in a tricked out SUV, and a free suite at the hotel connected to the Kodak Theater, as well as Passes to the afterparty. We also got to go on the Ryan Seacrest Show. It was a surreal experience.

We got into the top three in 2005 (The year after) but did not win.

:cheesy:

[Mark Johnson]

Nice!!! What a bummer losing the drive. Surely you can get Ford or Idol to send you a tape???? You really should try and get a copy if only for the great memories.

Congrats on such a great win!

Why don't you guys come down for the screening next week? Fresno Represent!!!

[Matt Sconce]

Nice!!! What a bummer losing the drive. Surely you can get Ford or Idol to send you a tape???? You really should try and get a copy if only for the great memories.

Congrats on such a great win!

Why don't you guys come down for the screening next week? Fresno Represent!!!

Wish I could but my job is not having it. I will have one sick day left as I take two vacation days for AOF. I have to save the day so I don't get fired next time I get sick. I will represent in Spirit, as you know I have a ton of that!:engel017:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wish I could but my job is not having it. I will have one sick day left as I take two vacation days for AOF. I have to save the day so I don't get fired next time I get sick. I will represent in Spirit, as you know I have a ton of that!:engel017:

Dude, you need a new job.

Btw, i was VERY surprised that Push didnt make the finalists, it did in my rankings!

[Matt Sconce]

Dude, you need a new job.

Btw, i was VERY surprised that Push didnt make the finalists, it did in my rankings!


Thanks. I went through about two to three days of being very dissapointed. But I figure it is not the end of the world. In the end, I make movies primarily for the general public, not other filmmakers. Dvxuser is a tough audience because we are all filmmakers and we view things differently than people who are not. I have found that people who have seen the movie outside of the fest have enjoyed it and got caught up in the story and triumphant excitement. That is what I was hoping to do. I just saw Wanted today and realized that despite some of the acting being top notch, I will never see the cast up for academy awards or oscars because it was an action flick. Sad but true. The same can be said of comedy. Oh well. I tried hard and have a movie to show for it, and that is prize enough for me. Timefest got me off my butt once again to make a movie and that is gold.

[Gary Sconce]

Push is a triumphant, deep, highly entertaining, epic film... A thinker's film. PUSH has powerful cinematography, technical excellence, great sound, great score, appropriate and realistic acting, and wonderful script.

I judged the many films with two simple axioms of a viewer: Would I make time for, and pay to see this film concept? Would I leave the theater happy I spent the money on the film? PUSH wins with both in my book.

I was highly impressed with all of those films in the top 8 and am very happy for those involved.

I was honestly surprised by, in my opinion, a few somewhat unreasonable critiques of PUSH. In the movie Die Hard, who counts the bullets? Who cares that the protagonists still runs around full speed after pulling a 2 inch piece of glass out of his foot?

I was not very surprised to see PUSH didn't make the top 8.

Some will notice that I haven't posted much since I was PM's that my posts were hurting Matt's chances of PUSH doing well in the fest, with the PM'er saying many felt that way. When I read the PM, (and I was thankful for the kind person PMing me about this) I was emotionally saddened and hurt that 'many' felt I had irreparably hurt PUSH and my son Matt's chances in the fest. I was devastated.

For the many kind persons who defended my right to also post, thanks. I truly hope that low rating by some for PUSH was not my fault. But, who knows?

I was so excited and happy to post on this site. I have now learned my lesson.

Now, for the final 8... Wow... They are all so good! How does one choose? Man.. this is tough. Best to all and God bless. :)

[Matt Sconce]

I am sorry you feel that way Dad. You rock and you should always remember that. I do agree that Action does not fare well in film festivals including this one, and while some may have been petty enough to rank PUSH low due to personal grievances against Hyperactive, I do not think it was the majority.

I thank all of you who have supported me and our excitement here. I hope you have felt we have been supportive to all of the other filmmakers as well, because we have definitely tried to be. This is a great place and we will always love and be a part of it.
-Matt

[Brad S.]

Sorry to derail the thread, but I wanted to ask Matt what his sig says? I can't really read it cause the font is too small. ;)

I checked out your site, Matt, and it is really cool. I liked your demo reel, but I wanted to ask why you only had music playing and no audio from the film? I'm not trying to second guess or belittle your reel at all, but being a sound guy that puzzled me. I think it would help if, at least in certain scenes, you take the dialog stem and played just the dialog from the film and duck the reel music under. Just food for thought.

[Matt Sconce]

Sorry to derail the thread, but I wanted to ask Matt what his sig says? I can't really read it cause the font is too small. ;)

I checked out your site, Matt, and it is really cool. I liked your demo reel, but I wanted to ask why you only had music playing and no audio from the film? I'm not trying to second guess or belittle your reel at all, but being a sound guy that puzzled me. I think it would help if, at least in certain scenes, you take the dialog stem and played just the dialog from the film and duck the reel music under. Just food for thought.

Good thought. I am working on a more in depth version that will have that, but I made the reel before I had the dialogue inserted for PUSH so I chose to go exciting music for now.:happy:

[Brandon Rice]

I do agree that Action does not fare well in film festivals including this one, and while some may have been petty enough to rank PUSH low due to personal grievances against Hyperactive, I do not think it was the majority.


I disagree on both points Matt... who here has "personal grievances" against Hyperactive? Come on!

And... dude, Action fares well... look at Survival, and O2... both films have lots of Action in them... and they're top 8...

I think a lot of people did enjoy PUSH (it was in my top 10) and you probably did very well in the voting...

[Matt Sconce]

I disagree on both points Matt... who here has "personal grievances" against Hyperactive? Come on!

And... dude, Action fares well... look at Survival, and O2... both films have lots of Action in them... and they're top 8...

I think a lot of people did enjoy PUSH (it was in my top 10) and you probably did very well in the voting...

I am happy you enjoyed PUSH as that was my goal, as well as stretching my own boundaries. I felt many people were very supportive.

Brandon, we recieved PM's telling us exactly what I wrote about personal grievances. I understand you did not read them, but you cannot disagree with the fact people told us there was that issue. Maybe you did not feel that way, but that does not mean other people did not. I do not think the majority did, but some DEFINITELY did, hence the Pm messages.


Also, when I am talking action, I am talking Jet Li, Transporter, Die Hard, Wanted, John Woo's stuff, Iron Man, The Hulk "new one". Usually these types of movies do not fare as well in the awards world as say movies like "Juno" or "Bucket List". I was just making an observation. I think it is understood this is the case.

All this Drama aside, It was a good experience and I am glad I chose to make the movie I did, and I am happy with the team I have found, and the close relationships I have developed with many of the DVXusers here. Thanks guys!

[Mattykins]

Wow, I wasn't even aware of the drama. But Matt - you had a kickass short. I said it in my review and stand by it. Keep your head up man. I know you can turn something around that is a great film.

[Matt Sconce]

Wow, I wasn't even aware of the drama. But Matt - you had a kickass short. I said it in my review and stand by it. Keep your head up man. I know you can turn something around that is a great film.


Thanks a ton!:thumbsup:

[Ben Sliker]

Gary,

it's taken me a couple days to respond to your post, because I really wanted to think about how you were feeling and what would be an appropriate response to perhaps give you some new perspective of sort of how these festivals work. In fact, I went back and watched PUSH one more time to make sure that all my concerns were valid. That and the fact that I've thought about this for two days should say something. *seriously ... get out of my head!*


Push is a triumphant, deep, highly entertaining, epic film... A thinker's film. PUSH has powerful cinematography, technical excellence, great sound, great score, appropriate and realistic acting, and wonderful script.

I could agree and disagree with any number of these, but frankly it would come down to me having my opinion and you having yours. Which ... like most other beliefs, no matter what i tell you, or you tell me, isn't going to convince us that either of our feelings are wrong. And, frankly, if all those things were 100% accurate, you would have run away with 1st place. But HUNDREDS of DVXusers disagreed with you somewhere along the lines, and, like it or not, you have to take their opinions and feelings into account, and hopefully, take honest criticism to heart, brush aside/bury the silly nit-picks, and make better films in the future.


I was honestly surprised by, in my opinion, a few somewhat unreasonable critiques of PUSH. In the movie Die Hard, who counts the bullets? Who cares that the protagonists still runs around full speed after pulling a 2 inch piece of glass out of his foot?

I was not very surprised to see PUSH didn't make the top 8.

Last year, we made a little film called "Refill" for Spyfest, not the greatest film in the world, but it had its moments. I remember one commenter who liked our film, but could get over the fact that our main character had different ties on through the course of the film ( ... different tie, different day right? apparently not for this guy). It was a ridiculous nit-pick, which we had to brush aside, cause frankly, it wasn't helpful criticism. Do I think this guy voted us lower because of the "tie" issue? No. Do I think he had deeper criticisms but posted the tie thing because it was easier and wouldn't start an argument? Maybe. BUT! Most importantly, Was it because the "tie" issue, an "unreasonable critique" that we finished 10th instead of 5th or 3rd? Absolutely not. It was because the viewing audience here at DVXuser thought there were 9 films better than ours.

And by bringing up Die Hard, you open up an entirely new can of worms. Let's face it, Die Hard rocks my socks off, I've owned it in every format made. This wasn't the greatest response by you, because you are equating your film to Die Hard. Sort of like an "if we took those things out, Die Hard and PUSH are the same". This is an instance where you either A. don't draw attention to the silly criticism or B. come back and say "if that's the only thing that bothered them, we must have done a good job" OR c. PM the user for some more honest feedback.


Some will notice that I haven't posted much since I was PM's that my posts were hurting Matt's chances of PUSH doing well in the fest, with the PM'er saying many felt that way. When I read the PM, (and I was thankful for the kind person PMing me about this) I was emotionally saddened and hurt that 'many' felt I had irreparably hurt PUSH and my son Matt's chances in the fest. I was devastated.

For the many kind persons who defended my right to also post, thanks. I truly hope that low rating by some for PUSH was not my fault. But, who knows?

I was so excited and happy to post on this site. I have now learned my lesson.

GARY! Don't go PLOM on us! (that's Poor Little Ol Me). That's not the fire and tenacity I've seen from the Hyperactive crew in the past! Like I said before, HUNDREDS of users voted (and continue to vote) on these films. I would have told that first PMer to go SPIT. I would say that I am in good contact with many DVXusers on this site, and you know how many I have the ability to influence their vote on? NONE. Now, if your intention was SOLELY to win this contest, then I think your strategy pre-fest was a little flawed, but was that your SOLE intention? I thought you were here to make a kick-ass action flick. And you've officially let the person who PM'ed you win by stopping posting. Stopping posting won't help you at all. Try to think about how posting can HELP Matt the most. (perhaps showing vested interest in other films pre-fest or tailoring your posts to try and generate excitement for PUSH).

And just to give you ONE more anecdote, be sure to take your audience into account. there is a broad and varied member base here at DVXuser and many of them are talented filmmakers, (to whom I take/seek the most advice from normally.) and this member/voting base is completely different than any other festival out there. With our last film, we had one and only one goal in mind, to WIN All Hallows Fest, so we tailored our entire short film towards that goal, I went out and I got a phenomenal actor and let him carry the whole film, i didn't do anything out of my range that looked silly, I had a nice twist and great last shot that would stay with the viewers, I brought Herman on as a composer (who had won festivals with JDS), and other talented crew members as well. And yes, we ended up winning, but that's not the point. The point is that I submitted that same film to AOF, (an early deadline mind you), and unlike PUSH and others on DVXuser, we haven't been nominated for squat, let alone be accepted. It's ALL about your audience.

So, go ahead, make the films that are in your heart, i wouldn't have it any other way. Just realize that the films that you have in your heart and the films that win DVXuser contests ... aren't always going to line up.



Now, for the final 8... Wow... They are all so good! How does one choose? Man.. this is tough. Best to all and God bless. :)

A sincere thanks from our end. I hope to see Hyperactive in the next fest! :thumbsup:

[Matt Sconce]

It IS all about your Audience. Who are we making our films for?
:engel017:
For me, I am attempting to make movies I love that appeal to a large base and help get me noticed by someone who thinks they can make money from my work, and therefore funds my films. So far, that is going well. Slowly, but surely. I make movies to secure my future career using the festival as motivation to get off my butt and do it. That is my goal, so while my movies may not do the best when torn apart by other filmmakers, they seem to please people and get noticed, and open doors. I am not crying about not winning the festival. I am grateful for the festival, because it served as motivation to once again go through this tedious, but rewarding process we all know and love called filmmaking. Congrats to all of you for getting out there and making these films!:thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

Matt,

I used to think the same way about films, but lately I've changed my tone a bit... I think a great, engaging story will draw in people, regardless of if they're "filmmakers" or "film critics" or whatever... I think that shows what a good film truly is... yes we'll all have our likes and dislikes, but generally a great, engaging, relatable (sp?) story will draw in a very large audience of both the general public, and "film people"

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Interesting discussion.
I tend to make movies for myself. If other people like them... that's a huge bonus.

I really don't look at an idea and then try to make it work for any specific audience. However, I have made a real effort to portray the story a little more clearly. In a way... that's the same thing.

DVXuser and its Members have really helped to teach me just that. Feedback has been instrumental to say the least.

Looking forward to seeing what you bring next Fest!

Cheers,

Mike

[Matt Sconce]

Matt,

I used to think the same way about films, but lately I've changed my tone a bit... I think a great, engaging story will draw in people, regardless of if they're "filmmakers" or "film critics" or whatever... I think that shows what a good film truly is... yes we'll all have our likes and dislikes, but generally a great, engaging, relatable (sp?) story will draw in a very large audience of both the general public, and "film people"

Oh, I absolutely agree about a great engaging story being important!:cheesy:

I am not promoting that we should make lame movies, I am agreeing with Ben about Audiences. A filmmaker critique is different from a non-filmmaker critique. Ben gave the example of AOF. How can PUSH be nominated for Best Action Short of the Year there and not place in the top 8 here? The answer is audiences. AOF likes that style of movie, so they nominate it for things. It didn't fare as well here, but that is only because the audiences wanted and were looking for different things.

I disagree with your statement: "I think a great, engaging story will draw in people, regardless of if they're "filmmakers" or "film critics" or whatever... I think that shows what a good film truly is... " (emphasis mine)

Take the example Ben gave. He won All Hallows fest, but AOF has not recognized his film. Does that make it a bad film or a good film. The answer is that is cannot make it one or the other. It can be a good film either way. His movie appealed to the people here at DVXuser and not to the AOF guys. Different Audiences like diferent things. The same but opposite can be said of PUSH. Did the fact that it did not make the top 8 here make it a lesser film. Nope, it still has its place but with different audiences.

You can't hope to make a movie that pleases or makes everyone happy no matter how engaging your story is.

Until a filmmaker realizes that it is normal and okay to not win everyone's heart, he/she will always feel personally attacked by criticism.

[Brandon Rice]

I tend to make movies for myself.

Which I do too... and as long as you're "normal" enough, a lot of people SHOULD like it... but, here's the thing... you have to make a film that has a good story... not something that just looks cool... I keep harping on this, because I feel it's so important, and a lot of young guys seem to forget this...

I've seen so many young filmmakers creating shorts around cool scenes, or cool shots, and not on a great, engaging, intriguing story... which is what you have to have first! I think a scene can spawn that story, but you cannot just create something built around that....

Story is key... and if you make a film with a story that grips and moves YOU usually people will be on board... also, be sure to make it understandable... the audience doesn't have the insight you do... it's a balance of holding their hand, and letting them fill in the blanks.

[Matt Sconce]

Interesting discussion.
I tend to make movies for myself. If other people like them... that's a huge bonus.


I think that is a great reason to make movies. I also make the movies I love to make. The only new thing for me is now, in the conceptual stages, I take into account the business potential as well. I guess you could say I make sure that what I make could potentially make money for me in the long run. Otherwise. Wife=Kills me.....hhe

[Matt Sconce]

but, here's the thing... you have to make a film that has a good story... not something that just looks cool... I keep harping on this, because I feel it's so important, and a lot of young guys seem to forget this...


I absolutely agree about good stories. Wait... Young guys?.... how old are you?:laugh:

[Mark Johnson]

I appreciated your thoughtful post, Ben. I also appreciate your equanimity and candor, Matt and I believe that you, Gary, are a wonderful guy who really is an asset to your team.

I think these kind of discussions are helpful in a lot of ways, though, if we're willing to have them civilly. I think Fat Monster has stepped in enough dog poop over the years so that nobody thinks we claim to be a model team. I do hope that when we've gotten darts and arrows that we've been gracious and positive and we've truly tried to accept every opinion as having value.

My point is that the way this business works really requires a lot of political finesse -- at least when you are down in the trenches we indie filmmakers operate in. The process of courting investors and schmoozing assistance requires both humility and a deft touch of charm.

I believe its really important to guard against coming across negatively or defensively. Matt and Gary, I honestly feel that you seem to be wearing your emotions on your sleeves a bit here. The question isn't what the worth of your film is or even how "good" it is in absolute terms.

Obviously, you are both extremely happy with PUSH and that's great. I think we all can say we hope you get accolades and awards with it at the AOF festival. But then when you make statements like this it comes across (to me) as defensive and not really helpful to your cause:

How can PUSH be nominated for Best Action Short of the Year there and not place in the top 8 here? The answer is audiences. AOF likes that style of movie, so they nominate it for things.
Perhaps you don't mean to come across this way, but to me, your comments suggest that you feel a bit bruised. With regard to the above thesis and whether it can be taken seriously, how many films are entered in AOF as "action shorts"? How many of those are nominated? What is the quality of the "action shorts" entered? Unless you have the answers to those kind of questions it seems a bit petty and defensive to make your opening statement because you seem to be making a bit of a straw man argument by focusing on your nomination as having merit in considering your performance in the Time Fest.

To me, at least, your posts definitely seem to be getting across that you both believe PUSH was better than at least some of the eight films that are the finalists and that you find it necessary to justify your feelings by pushing PUSH. If you honestly believe that then good for you and kudos to you for that confidence. However, how you come across to your peers here IS important (at least in my mind) and I believe you'd fare better in terms of perception if you guys would take these fests for what they are, use the critiques to make better films and recognize that there is value in learning why the voters chose not to put your film in the finals. I also believe that if you address the issues raised in the critiques you received that you will be armed with the ability to make an ACTION film (by whatever standard you choose to apply) that will place in the top three and very possibly win a future fest.

To walk away feeling that this was a "tough room" to play in and then dismissing it by saying "I was making a film for a different audience" really kind of ignores some of the real valid critiques that I read in your thread. You've got a crack crew, a friggin' RED camera for heaven's sake, experience and motivation. I think you had a lot of marvelous stuff in PUSH but I also think you had some shortcomings that you can easily address and learn from.

And, for the record, I expected your film to be in the top 8 myself but I also can appreciate the critiques and suggestions you received as having validity too. In fact, I seriously learned a lot from your film and the reviews you got. I applaud you for such an ambitious project. I expect great things from your team in the future.

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks Mark for your post, as I absolutely did not mean to come off at all like it may have seemed, and I do not want to offend anyone or be a egocentric lame-o. I am absolutely taking everything to heart people are saying about PUSH. I do not at all think it is perfect by any means. I think I needed to cut differently in the white room, spend more time on finessing the performances from the actors, and make the story more understandable to a wider audience. All I was meaning was that it seems films are viewed differently in different contexts, by different audiences, and that perspective does not define their worth.

I was responding to the statement that Brandon posted about wide reception of a movie (appealing to all people) defining the "Goodness" of a movie. I disagreed, and was trying to illustrate that.



Action On Film is an action based film festival and there will be many many action shorts at the fest. There will most likely be 5 nominees for each category if previous fests dictate the format for this year, so I was honored to have PUSH nominated for the award it did. I was not devaluing any other film or festival, I was simply trying to show how different audiences view things.

I do believe DVXuser was a tough room for PUSH, but I just think its because I made the story too abstract. I DO NOT think the critiques are a bad thing, as I think the feedback I received was invaluable and helped me become a better filmmaker. I appreciate all the people who have taken the time to review PUSH and care about our development, and did not mean to offend anyone.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Which I do too... and as long as you're "normal" enough, a lot of people SHOULD like it... but, here's the thing... you have to make a film that has a good story... not something that just looks cool... I keep harping on this, because I feel it's so important, and a lot of young guys seem to forget this...

I've seen so many young filmmakers creating shorts around cool scenes, or cool shots, and not on a great, engaging, intriguing story... which is what you have to have first! I think a scene can spawn that story, but you cannot just create something built around that....

Story is key... and if you make a film with a story that grips and moves YOU usually people will be on board... also, be sure to make it understandable... the audience doesn't have the insight you do... it's a balance of holding their hand, and letting them fill in the blanks.I agree that story is key. It also has to be told clearly enough that it doesn't leave 90% of the audience wondering what happened. Unless that's what was intended. :D

I like to put it all out there but I also like to leave little bits for the audience to find. Especially on second or third viewings. The key is to make something interesting enough for them to want to watch it again. :D

A few examples... The Watchman's list contained some information showing just how adamant he is about what and when he does certain things but I only showed it briefly. Including the portion that shows a set time for watching the neighbours. It's there, but you have to look at the list closely.

Also, a few people asked about how he came up with the six minute window of time. The flashback at the end shows him spying on the spouse walking the dog, he is keeping track of the times and duration. The Director's Cut will show this in much greater detail.

Now getting people to like the story enough in the first place to start noticing some of these things is key. I'm still working on my storytelling.

BTW, I took Brandon's young filmmakers as a comment directed at their experience, not age. I could be wrong. I'm probably old enough to be his Father but I've only been making movies for 2 years or so. :thumbsup:

Back on topic, I thought Push was quite good and I can easily see it excelling in an ActionFest of sorts, no doubt. It was definitely a great action film.
Maybe some people expected something different for TimeFest. I won't speak for others though.

Cheers,

Mike

[Matt Sconce]

I agree that story is key. It also has to be told clearly enough that it doesn't leave 90% of the audience wondering what happened. Unless that's what was intended. :D

I like to put it all out there but I also like to leave little bits for the audience to find. Especially on second or third viewings. The key is to make something interesting enough for them to want to watch it again. :D

A few examples... The Watchman's list contained some information showing just how adamant he is about what and when he does certain things but I only showed it briefly. Including the portion that shows a set time for watching the neighbours. It's there, but you have to look at the list closely.

Also, a few people asked about how he came up with the six minute window of time. The flashback at the end shows him spying on the spouse walking the dog, he is keeping track of the times and duration. The Director's Cut will show this in much greater detail.

Now getting people to like the story enough in the first place to start noticing some of these things is key. I'm still working on my storytelling.

BTW, I took Brandon's young filmmakers as a comment directed at their experience, not age. I could be wrong. I'm probably old enough to be his Father but I've only been making movies for 2 years or so. :thumbsup:

Back on topic, I thought Push was quite good and I can easily see it excelling in an ActionFest of sorts, no doubt. It was definitely a great action film.
Maybe some people expected something different for TimeFest. I won't speak for others though.

Cheers,

Mike

Yep, I am learning how to pace my story telling, and make sure what is in my head is effectively communicated to the audience. I tried this on Stricken but left a lot of people confused. It seems I left a lot of people confused on Push as well. Drat!:cheesy: I will keep working on it my fellow film makers. More people will read my scripts and more revisions will be made. I want people to get my next movie! Goals for next movie (Direct actors better and write a more engaging, character driven, follow-able story):thumbsup:

[Brandon Rice]

BTW, I took Brandon's young filmmakers as a comment directed at their experience, not age. I could be wrong. I'm probably old enough to be his Father but I've only been making movies for 2 years or so. :thumbsup:

Yep, and I'd group myself in there as well... I'm nowhere near where I want to be yet.

[Matt Sconce]

Yep, and I'd group myself in there as well... I'm nowhere near where I want to be yet.

Me too. I think I will always be wishing I was better and trying to learn more. Maybe that is what makes us better?:)

[Horncastle]

Me too. I think I will always be wishing I was better and trying to learn more. Maybe that is what makes us better?:)

I think when any artist, in any medium, is happy with where he's got to, his career is close to being over.:)

[bosindy]

I think when any artist, in any medium, is happy with where he's got to, his career is close to being over.:)

especially if that place is Cleveland.

[Matt Sconce]

I think when any artist, in any medium, is happy with where he's got to, his career is close to being over.:)

Maybe you can be happy, but not content to remain there. Always looking to the next thing and trying to make it even better.:thumbsup:


especially if that place is Cleveland.

Haha. Are you speaking from experience? :tongue:

[Kholi]

Which I do too... and as long as you're "normal" enough, a lot of people SHOULD like it... but, here's the thing... you have to make a film that has a good story... not something that just looks cool... I keep harping on this, because I feel it's so important, and a lot of young guys seem to forget this...

I've seen so many young filmmakers creating shorts around cool scenes, or cool shots, and not on a great, engaging, intriguing story... which is what you have to have first! I think a scene can spawn that story, but you cannot just create something built around that....

Story is key... and if you make a film with a story that grips and moves YOU usually people will be on board... also, be sure to make it understandable... the audience doesn't have the insight you do... it's a balance of holding their hand, and letting them fill in the blanks.

Devil's Advocate plays SILENT CITY card. Ruari Robinson created Silent City, had no story but it looked extremely good. He's now directing one of the largest, most famous anime franchise movie's ever: Akira.

It doesn't have to be a good story, doesn't even have to have a clear story sometimes but most of the time it should be coherent enough for audience members to understand, like you said, Brandon. Although... I said most of the time...

Donny Darko pre-director's cut, anyone? Primer?

[Larry Rutledge]

As always you can shoot me your scripts and I'll do my best to give feedback. I apologize that I was so late in responding on Push, maybe we could have tightened the story so the audience caught the vision you wanted to portray.

It's definitely not easy, and I agree, we can be happy with our work, but should never be satisfied.

[Susanne G.]

Dear Matt,

you are a very sweet person with a lot of positive energy. I have to admit - I like you! The most important thing is, never forget to belive in yourself and also you have a fantastic proud dad - my dad is a little bit like yours, but my mother is a nightmare! (I hope she doesn't read this) Sometimes I think the hospital gave my parents the false baby when I was born. I think you must be very happy. Please, make the film what you want to do ( I know that recently you said the same thing to me:) ) and don't take all the things to heavy! :love4:

Susanne

[Matt Sconce]

Dear Matt,

you are a very sweet person with a lot of positive energy. I have to admit - I like you! The most important thing is, never forget to belive in yourself and also you have a fantastic proud dad - my dad is a little bit like yours, but my mother is a nightmare! (I hope she doesn't read this) Sometimes I think the hospital gave my parents the false baby when I was born. I think you must be very happy. Please, make the film what you want to do ( I know that recently you said the same thing to me:) ) and don't take all the things to heavy! :love4:

Susanne

Thanks Susanne! I feel the same about you and your crew. it was nice to meet you through this festival and I look forward to more from you. Thank you for your kind words.:cheesy:

[Matt Sconce]

I just found out that my Feature script "Stricken" (based on the short for Horrorfest) I submitted to Action on film is nominated for Best sci-fi fantasy script and for Best adaptation (Presumably from my short which won best sound design last year) Because of this the script was selected to have a section of it filmed with some actors for presentation at the show. i am stoked! I have no idea what actors have done the reading of the script, but it will rock my world to see that happen! That will show at AOF at 1pm on the 31st. PUSH will show at 10 pm on the 30th.

Just to throw it out there. If you are a senior member interested in reading the feature script, let me know and I will email a copy to you. It is already registered with the WGA, cast, and ready to roll. Just need funding. PM me your e-mail and I will send you a PDF of the script to read. Just let me know what you thought after you read it. I really tried to develop the two leads and I am excited to someday shoot this.

Oh, and I went a completely different direction than the short. Added some Celtic goodness.

[Matt Sconce]

Here is the Information for the Nominees and schedule for the Action On Film Festival. PUSH shows in the 10pm block on the 30th. It appears that is when the clip from my script Stricken will be shown as well. The awards show is the night of the 31st.
http://www.aoffest.com/2008-nominees-schedule.html

If you watch the video on the main page, you will see me near the beginning talking about stricken. www.aoffest.com (http://www.aoffest.com)

I know I am going to see Justin Durban, Mark Johnson, Brandon Rice, at the Fest. Any others coming?

[Brandon Rice]

Good luck Matt! I should be at the screening of PUSH.

See you then.

[Edgen]

ah man.. I'm gonna be out of town till the 4th now, so I won't get a chance to see it. Not to mention I'm missing 3 or 4 other films of mine in the fest. :(

Good luck with the screening!
/j

[Norm Sanders]

I'm still trying to line up a client to visit in near by Orange, to make it work. Should hopefully know in the next day or so, and then can plan my flight back from New Mexico to hit there instead of coming straight back to Portland. It's the only way I can excuse the air/hotel costs.

Congrats on all the stuff, Matt, sounds great! BERLIN screens on the 31st as well, so if I can make it I'll certainly catch the block with your work. Not sure when I'll be in on the 30th, if I'm able, but would look forward to the 10pm showing as well, if possible.

[Brandon Rice]

Hopefully you can make it Norm, would be great to meet you!

[Matt Sconce]

AOF is coming and I am stoked!

[ZazaCast]

Best of luck! Be sure and keep us posted...:cool:

[Nathyn]

OMG!!! Matt I just saw this! Please tell me you're doing a feature!

Out of bullets...

...Throw gun...

...Watch as gun is kicked back at you knocking you out.

I loved it!!!

-Nate

[Matt Sconce]

OMG!!! Matt I just saw this! Please tell me you're doing a feature!

Out of bullets...

...Throw gun...

...Watch as gun is kicked back at you knocking you out.

I loved it!!!

-Nate


Thanks! Just wrapped filming on Stricken the feature. Should be great. Someday I will do a feature about something along these lines. :2vrolijk_08:Thanks for the kind words! -Matt