"Late" --- A film by Drew Ott

[Drew Ott]

http://www.vimeo.com/1277704

You can new view Late on Vimeo.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/15868/1206917727.jpg

Shooting in May.

[Drew Ott]

Cast

http://www.isarapix.org/pix13/1208817564.jpg
Peter -- played by Kurt Cole

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/15868/1206587819.jpg
Jessica -- played by Mikayla Agrella

http://www.isarapix.org/pix42/1208818034.jpg
Neighbor -- Played by Sandra Woerner

http://www.isarapix.org/pix54/1208818078.jpg
Madeline -- Played by Rae Peterson

http://www.isarapix.org/pix86/1208817914.jpg
Raymond -- Played by Mike Rembis

Crew


Written by Alex Whitmer

Story by Drew Ott and Alex Whitmer

Assistant directors: Matthew R. Rodwell and Jason Egan

Art director: Katie Lemon

Sound: Jonathan Ragsdale

Gaffer: Patrick Riester

Key grip: Nathan Hautala

Grip/2nd AC: Reid Beauchamp

Director/DP: Drew Ott

[Drew Ott]

Updates

March 27th -- First production update. Script's basically done and we're going to shoot in early May. Auditions are going to be April 12th. Equipment is pretty much figured out but I'm still looking for the right crew.


April 6th -- Shot some test footage by the pool for the exterior night scene.

Moved to later page (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1241931&postcount=41).


April 12th -- Auditions were this morning. Things went well. Now to review my notes and footage.

April 21st -- Cast is finalized. We'll have some rehearsals in the upcoming weeks.

[Drew Ott]

Grabs

http://www.isarapix.org/pix82/1211838664.jpg
---
Used a 6'x6' overhead with a silk and some gold reflectors to get the look of morning at 4:00pm
http://www.isarapix.org/pix48/1211838812.jpg
---
Interior day-for-night

http://www.isarapix.org/pix95/1211930582.jpg
---
More pool stuff
http://www.isarapix.org/pix10/1211931106.jpg

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

I was wondering when you were going to put this up. Good luck!

[Drew Ott]

Thanks. Should be an interesting process... this is my first serious film that I've directed/produced etc.

[Mark Harris]

Good luck!

[tmnt]

Looking forward to this Drew.

[Drew Ott]

I'll try not to disappoint. I'm working with high schoolers like me and adults. I'm not sure how this will turn out. I'm going to do some underwater lighting tests for a pool scene and I'll post those once I do all of that.

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Drew, welcome to Timefest. If it sucks, I'll kick your ass. :)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey Drew, welcome to Timefest. If it sucks, I'll kick your ass. :)

*Runs for the hills, leaving script behind for the next poor sucker*


Actually, my script is pretty good. I just worry about the quality of the actual film, and hope no one will judge me for that, but more for my ability as a writer.

Best of luck, Drew!

:beer: Cheers,

[Simon Höfer]

Welcome to the fest! Wish you luck :)

[spooky138]

Can't wait to see what you've got brewing here, Drew! Let me know if you need help with anything.

[stephenmick]

Same here, Drew! If I can help (and I'm around, which isn't likely) count me in!

--SM

[Tom Marshall]

*Runs for the hills, leaving script behind for the next poor sucker*


Actually, my script is pretty good. I just worry about the quality of the actual film, and hope no one will judge me for that, but more for my ability as a writer.

Best of luck, Drew!

:beer: Cheers,

Hey Nick, I see you're penning several script for Timefest. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out. If any of them suck, I'll kick your ass. :)

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Just don't come crawling to me for help. Lol j/k :P you know of have tons of support from all of us in Austin.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks all.

There's a chance that I will need some extra help, so I appreciate the offers. I'm looking to shoot in May so I'll know closer to those dates.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey Nick, I see you're penning several script for Timefest. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out. If any of them suck, I'll kick your ass. :)

Thanks for the kind words in the beginning of that post, but hopefully you will realize that the script may be good, but if the filmmaker can't pull it off that's not my fault. *nervously glances around* Just don't watch my entry and I should be fine.

I am hoping it will turn out okay, though, the screenplay is good. We are working on getting a new camera I just worry about lighting and audio since we don't have the best set up yet. We are still working on getting the whole shabang together.

Thanks,

[Robbie Comeau]

Looks like you're a bit, "late" with making this thread, ahahaha get it? LATE? TITLE OF Y OUR FILM?

k...

:)

[Ted Arabian]

Good luck, Drew! Welcome to the fest.

Happy shooting!

-Ted

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Ted.

Robbie, that was quite possibly they funniest joke I have ever heard in my life.

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Drew, I see you have an art director. Very cool. :)

[Drew Ott]

Hey Drew, I see you have an art director. Very cool. :)


Yeah it should be interesting. I'm a big fan of art direction and I think it's often overlooked. I actually got the idea to have a dedicated art director reading Timur's post about getting the "film look".

[Drew Ott]

Casting update.

Still trying to figure out what to do for the poster...

[Robbie Comeau]

I'd love to do your poster for you if you want to send me some info.

[Drew Ott]

Well it's not that I can't do it, it's that I need to cast my lead and use him for the poster I want to do. Thanks for the offer though Robbie.

[Drew Ott]

Actually Robbie if you're interested you can design a temporary banner.

[Drew Ott]

Temporary banner added. Thanks Robbie.

[Robbie Comeau]

Woah.

If you win the contest, I would like all the prize you get.

That's ALL I ask man, that's ALL I ask...

[Drew Ott]

Sounds fair.

[Robbie Comeau]

What are you shooting this on?

[Drew Ott]

I don't think I'm going to release any camera-related information...

if I was shooting on a $100 consumer camera, I wouldn't want anybody to think worse of my film for it.

Also, if I was shooting on 35mm film, I wouldn't want anybody to think of my film better because of it.

I realize this is probably weird for DVXUser, because as a community we go crazy over technical information and I'm just going to avoid that in regard to camera.

Visually, I'm going to be focusing on lighting and shot selection, and I will tell all once I get lighting diagrams and a storyboard.

[alex whitmer]

Hey Drew, looks good so far. Okay if I put your actress and temp banner on my 'Late' page?

Alex

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com (http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com)


.

[alex whitmer]

*Runs for the hills, leaving script behind for the next poor sucker*


Actually, my script is pretty good. I just worry about the quality of the actual film, and hope no one will judge me for that, but more for my ability as a writer.

Best of luck, Drew!

:beer: Cheers,


You don't seem to have a lot of confindence in those whom you have written for.


a

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com (http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

You don't seem to have a lot of confindence in those whom you have written for.


a

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com (http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com)

No, it's not that at all. I was merely suggesting that I have no real power as to the qualityh of the film itself, only the script. The filmmakers I have been working for seem like very good, talented people, and I do not believe I have anything to worry about.

[Drew Ott]

New poster and banner.

[Robbie Comeau]

Oh, mine sucked? Lol kidding.

New one's cool.

[Drew Ott]

New one's cool.


Thanks.

[alignment1]

related information...

if I was shooting on a $100 consumer camera, I wouldn't want anybody to think worse of my film for it.

Also, if I was shooting on 35mm film, I wouldn't want anybody to think of my film better because of it.

admirable...I like the way you think Drew

looking forward to your piece
by the way...nice title ;)

Z

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Great poster Drew

[Drew Ott]

Shot some test footage tonight. My friend in the shot isn't the actual actor.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/15868/1207464499.jpg

[Jason_Egan]

Coming along nicely it seems!

Good luck, Drew! Let me know if theres anything I can do to assist

[Robbie Comeau]

Is that with a camera, or your video camera?

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Great lighting on that grab Drew!

[Drew Ott]

Is that with a camera, or your video camera?

Still extracted from footage.

[Drew Ott]

Coming along nicely it seems!

Good luck, Drew! Let me know if theres anything I can do to assist

Thanks Jason.

Great lighting on that grab Drew!

Thanks Matthew. I'm going to try to test out an underwater Kino so I can make the water in the pool brighter. At the moment there's not enough light in the pool to realistically motivate the bright soft light shining up.

Also, I didn't have any CTB on me so the real thing will be much more blue.

[Robbie Comeau]

Wait- Stupid me doesn't get it. It's a still from the camera you're shooting your entry on?

[Drew Ott]

Wait- Stupid me doesn't get it. It's a still from the camera you're shooting your entry on?


Yeah but it's half resolution and compressed.

[Robbie Comeau]

I know what camera you're going in on:)

[Drew Ott]

I know what camera you're going in on:)


It's not too hard to figure out. :thumbsup:

[alex whitmer]

Love the poster, Drew. Great job. Fitting.

I added it to my page. Do you have the other actors yet?

Alex

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com (http://www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com)

www.guerro.wordpress.com (http://www.guerro.wordpress.com)


.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Alex.

No other actors yet. Casting is this weekend.

[Drew Ott]

Crew update. Matthew R. Rodwell is now ADing the project.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah yeah yeah, bring it Texas!

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Crew update. Matthew R. Rodwell is now ADing the project.

Glad to be a part of the team!

[Drew Ott]

Auditions tomorrow morning.

I've never led my own so I have a little bit of nervous energy.

I'll update tomorrow afterwards. Hopefully everything goes well.

[Robbie Comeau]

My first auditions went pretty bad...

Not to get you more nervous or anything :)

[Drew Ott]

My first auditions went pretty bad...

Not to get you more nervous or anything :)


It's not that I'm worried about things "running smoothly" necessarily, it's just that I didn't tell the actors that I'm in high school.

...and because most teenagers today have given adults a reason to look at us with disdain, I'm worried that adult actors auditioning will immediately say, "Oh my god another one of these," when they walk in.

[Robbie Comeau]

...and because most teenagers today have given adults a reason to look at us with disdain,

Are, YOU one of those teenagers :)

[Drew Ott]

Hope not.

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Robbie, wtf is with your avatar?? :huh:

Sorry to be off topic, Drew, but this is the first time I've seen it.

[Drew Ott]

Sorry to be off topic, Drew, but this is the first time I've seen it.


Tom, please direct all off topic conversation to the Cafe.

I can't stress that enough.

Get out.

[Tom Marshall]

:nads::violent5::kali::badputer: :furious3: :costumed-smiley-047 :-BlackEye(DBG



EDIT: It looks like the guy with the computer is getting pissed at the guy who's shooting at him with a machine guy and throws the monitor at him... :D

EDIT #2: But the monitor doesn't quit reach, so the guy with the machine guy is still shooting...

[Robbie Comeau]

Hilarious Tom.

(Those edits)

Um, yea my avatar is cool. I'm thinking about uploading a new one. Even worse.

[Drew Ott]

I'm thinking about uploading a new one. Even worse.


God no.

[Drew Ott]

Got back from auditions.

Things went well. We have a ton of women to choose from to play the mother and another older woman.

Only one person out of about 10 showed up for the father role, but he did a good job and I think we can make it work.

Things are coming along.

[Mark Harris]

nice. When do you guys shoot?

And regarding Como's avatar: Yeah, I remember my first beer too...

[Drew Ott]

nice. When do you guys shoot?




Probably the 17th and 18th of May. Once I choose actors I'll see what works for them.

[Mark Harris]

Your nighttime grab by the pool looks pretty awesome. Good light sensetivity. What cam is that? And what lighting is there?

We shot ours on the HPX 500 and as much as I love the HVX, I may not be able to go back :)

[Drew Ott]

Your nighttime grab by the pool looks pretty awesome. Good light sensetivity. What cam is that? And what lighting is there?




I have a Cool Lights 4x55w fixture sitting at his feet pointing up through a 4x4 sheet of 216 diffusion.

Back to the right is the Cool Lights 150w HMI providing the backlight from pretty far off.

There's a C-stand behind and to the left that's reaching way over his head and hanging a china ball for fill because the 4x55w was creating the "flashlight effect" because it was on the ground.

There's a open face 2k bounced to the bottom of the pool and onto the wall behind him for reflection. I didn't have any gels so that was 3200k mixed with all of the daylight stuff.

For the actual shoot, I'll probably pick up another 2k so I can get some of that reflection on the talent for more realism. I'm also thinking about getting a Kino to put under water pointed at the sides of the pool so it looks realistic. The way the frame looks, the light that's supposed to be coming from the pool is much brighter than the actual pool looks.



I'm not releasing the camera information because I don't want any bias leaning toward the film or against it based on camera. I'll let that info out once the fest is over.


We shot ours on the HPX 500 and as much as I love the HVX, I may not be able to go back :)

I love the feel of the focus and zoom on the HPX. The one I tried had the Fuji lens on it. I'm not sure which Fuji it was. Apparently the better one. It's a great camera.

[Drew Ott]

Update: We now have a gaffer. I was hesitant to get a dedicated gaffer but that'll be so much better than me running around setting up lights while I try to rehearse the actors.:shocked:

[Robbie Comeau]

How's auditions go?

[Drew Ott]

Got back from auditions.

Things went well. We have a ton of women to choose from to play the mother and another older woman.

Only one person out of about 10 showed up for the father role, but he did a good job and I think we can make it work.

Things are coming along.


Like this.

I've emailed two of the people. Still trying to choose between about 10 good adult females to play the mother and neighbor.

[pixelated]

if I was shooting on a $100 consumer camera, I wouldn't want anybody to think worse of my film for it.

Also, if I was shooting on 35mm film, I wouldn't want anybody to think of my film better because of it.Class act - maturity beyond your years.
Looking forward to this one!

'course you've gotta tell all after the judging's over - or not.

Best wishes

[Drew Ott]

'course you've gotta tell all after the judging's over - or not.

Best wishes


I'll release all that info after judging is over, yes.

Thanks!

[Drew Ott]

Update: Cast is now finalized. Pictures are on the first page.

Rehearsals in the upcoming weeks.

[alex whitmer]

Great casting job. They fit to a T!!

I'll add them to my page.

a

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Alex.

Peter probably won't gel his hair, and he'll have to have a good shave each morning of shooting so he can play a high schooler.

[alex whitmer]

The blog folks I use just changed their interface and it's nothing short of a nightmare to use now. In short I am having a real hard time gettin the Late page to look nice.

Anybody know of a nice blog site I might look at to rebuild my site? Sadly Wordpress has gone from user-friendly to user-nightmare.

a

[alex whitmer]

Okay, looks like I have it, for now. Two hours dicking around with the new media library to get this set up.

http://alexwhitmer.wordpress.com/my-films-late/



Alex

[Drew Ott]

The page looks good. The clicking was worth it.

Thanks for keeping that up to date.

[Drew Ott]

Shooting on the 17th, 18th, and 24th of this month.

[alex whitmer]

That would be tomorrow!!

Best of luck, keep us updated.

Alex

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

[Drew Ott]

Will do. The shoot will be from about 4pm until 2am, so I should have grabs posted by Sunday if all goes well.

We're shooting some night exteriors and some underwater footage tomorrow with a 3-man crew so it should be fun. :)

[Luis Caffesse]

Best of luck with the shoot, Drew.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this one.
:thumbsup:

[pia12254]

Looking forward to this as well! Especially some underwater grabs!!!

Lemme see, lemme see! :2vrolijk_08:

[Drew Ott]

I'll try not to disappoint, but you know how things go.

I've never shot underwater footage before.

[Drew Ott]

I'm back.

Underwater footage is really hard to shoot.

So are night street exteriors. I kind of wanted a few 18K HMIs up on Condors to light up the whole street, but we had a total of 750w of light and a small generator to do the same thing.

I managed to get some real sodium bulbs and we just put them real high on C-stands over the road and faked street light. Worked fine.

[Drew Ott]

About to head out for the first shoot with full crew. Should be a lot of fun.

Shooting exteriors all day and it's 97°F.

[Simon Höfer]

Good luck and have fun! :)

[Drew Ott]

Fun shoot.

I had to give the sound guy a ride home tonight, and I just got back. Since I'm 16 there's a midnight curfew, and because of this my parents freaked out.

I can't remember much from the shoot because my half-awake mother has been lecturing me for the past hour or so about responsibility.

I'll try to write about the shoot in the morning.

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

... nothing to see here

[Drew Ott]

hey Matthew will you take that picture down?

I want camera to be a secret.

[Hunter007]

Now, I'm debating if that was the actual camera used...or just a ploy for people to WONDER what camera was used and if in fact you were able to get your hands on one of those or not.

Hmm,

Kegan

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Now, I'm debating if that was the actual camera used...or just a ploy for people to WONDER what camera was used and if in fact you were able to get your hands on one of those or not.

Hmm,

Kegan
It's a trick. The viewfinder seems to have the exact same perspective as the guy who snapped the photo. Probably wouldn't see the guys face from the RED's POV.

:)

[Drew Ott]

Matt needs to take that picture down.

[sfoster]

Killer Poster! Can't wait to see it! MORE GRABS!!!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Matt needs to take that picture down.
What picture?

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/23237/1211821685.jpg

:grin:

[Hunter007]

It is really grainy too...I don't know what to think anymore. Damn the days of Photoshop.

-Kegan

EDIT: Hilarious Mike! By the way, shoot me a PM - we need to talk about our potential doc.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, I am calling trick on that pic...but good ploy!

But wait, what do you mean curfew?????? When I was 16, we stayed out all night all the time...is this a texas thing?

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Sorry Drew, I took it down.

[Drew Ott]

But wait, what do you mean curfew?????? When I was 16, we stayed out all night all the time...is this a texas thing?


If I'm out past midnight I get my license taken away for 6 months I think. I'm not sure of the consequences but that's the law.

I still do it all of the time going to and from sets, but I still have to endure these lectures by my parents.

[Mark Harris]

If I'm out past midnight I get my license taken away for 6 months I think. I'm not sure of the consequences but that's the law.

I still do it all of the time going to and from sets, but I still have to endure these lectures by my parents.

Hmm, well maybe it's my fault. Maybe they started that stuff due to teenagers like me who got into all manner of trouble after midnight :) I didn't have movies or anything to keep me out off trouble. Just girls, drugs, smokes and my big block MOPAR...

[Drew Ott]

Post-production update:

Just finished converting to 1k proxies for editing. I'll post some grabs today.

[Hunter007]

Doesn't that sort of give away a little TOO much information?

-Kegan

[Drew Ott]

Doesn't that sort of give away a little TOO much information?

-Kegan


It isn't much of a secret anymore...

[Hunter007]

Oh Mike put the picture back up. Fair enough.

-Kegan

[Drew Ott]

Grabs posted.

[Mark Harris]

Grabs looking good. I like the pool stuff a lot, both the test grab and the one with the bikini girl...

[Hunter007]

...who is probably 16 as well heh.

[Mark Harris]

Well that makes me like it even more.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

love the grabs man!

[Drew Ott]

...who is probably 16 as well heh.



15 actually...

[Drew Ott]

I'll post the grabs here too.

Grabs

http://www.isarapix.org/pix82/1211838664.jpg
---
Used a 6'x6' overhead with a silk and some gold reflectors to get the look of morning at 4:00pm
http://www.isarapix.org/pix48/1211838812.jpg
---
Interior day-for-night

http://www.isarapix.org/pix95/1211930582.jpg
---
More pool stuff
http://www.isarapix.org/pix10/1211931106.jpg

[smashedburrito]

Well that makes me like it even more.

Mark, every time I see a post from you its questioning, doubting, winking at that lovely little age called 18.

I'm excited for this movie though. Looks good.

[Mark Harris]

Yeah, it's looking good. What's the story on the camera. It is a RED? Isn't?

Good call on the Gold reflector. Seems like with the barest hint of saturation you can bring that morning feel out even more.

[Drew Ott]

Good call on the Gold reflector. Seems like with the barest hint of saturation you can bring that morning feel out even more.


I agree. None of these have been CC'd yet. I just boosted the contrast a tad on a few. My monitor isn't calibrated at all, so they could be way too contrasty or not enough.

[bosindy]

hey Drew, looking good mang!

[Drew Ott]

hey Drew, looking good mang!


Thanks.

I just realized that nearly all of the grabs I posted have a front-side key. I'll try to get some grabs with better lighting.

[Luis Caffesse]

Damn Drew.
This is looking good.
I'm really looking forward to it.

[Drew Ott]

Damn Drew.
This is looking good.
I'm really looking forward to it.

Be prepared to be severely underwhelmed.

[Luis Caffesse]

Be prepared to be severely underwhelmed.

Done and done.
:thumbsup:

(you realize you're starting to sound like me now, right?)

[Mark Harris]

Done and done.
:thumbsup:

(you realize you're starting to sound like me now, right?)

Yeah, and that stuff gets old real quick, Drew. :evil:

[Drew Ott]

(you realize you're starting to sound like me now, right?)

Well now I know how you feel I guess.

I screwed up shooting one of the scenes, and now 90% of the master shot is crossing the line.

[Hunter007]

Crossing the line? That's like the first chapter in Hollywood Camera Works. Don't worry, I'm sure you can fix it in editing.

-Kegan

[Drew Ott]

Crossing the line? That's like the first chapter in Hollywood Camera Works. Don't worry, I'm sure you can fix it in editing.

-Kegan

I know, and I did it.

I even watched HCW the night before day 1 of shooting so it'd all be fresh.


I can actually explain what happened using my grabs for reference. It's the pool scene.

I shot the medium 2-shot as the master, but Mikayla quickly enters the water during the scene. When she enters, Kurt is looking to his right to talk to her. I shot the reverse not keeping the final blocking in mind.

Oh well. It will hopefully never happen again. I've learned so much just by watching dailies.

[Drew Ott]

Editing is coming along. I realized I have some VFX that I must do that I didn't plan on.

Audio editing is trickier than I imagined also. I'm new to most of this though.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Nice poster and great looking cast.
Nice to see some age range and age appropriate casting too.

Austin. I miss Austin. GF applying for some jobs there in her field. Maybe we'll move if I can convince Luis to make movies with me.

Looking forward to your entry.

[Drew Ott]

Nice poster and great looking cast.
Nice to see some age range and age appropriate casting too.

Austin. I miss Austin. GF applying for some jobs there in her field. Maybe we'll move if I can convince Luis to make movies with me.

Looking forward to your entry.


Thanks man.

That'd be awesome if you moved here. Did you ever live in Austin?

[Luis Caffesse]

Austin. I miss Austin. GF applying for some jobs there in her field. Maybe we'll move if I can convince Luis to make movies with me.


Done and done.
Get down here.
Seriously.

:thumbsup:

[Mark Harris]

Well now I know how you feel I guess.

I screwed up shooting one of the scenes, and now 90% of the master shot is crossing the line.

Don't sweat it. Years from now, they will be studying this film in film school and trying to figure out why you are such a genius.

Funny, I was trying to convince my GF to move somewhere like Austin too. Unfortunately she is from Tx, so it's a harder sell. :)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Thanks man.

That'd be awesome if you moved here. Did you ever live in Austin?

Went to UT Austin 90-95

[Ben Sliker]

Went to UT Austin 90-95

lol Jack ... he wasn't born yet in '90.

Drew, liking the grabs man, i'm feeling this will be a solid first entry for you!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

huh? I know. He asked if I ever lived there. :huh:

[Luis Caffesse]

Went to UT Austin 90-95

Small world.
Those were pre DVXuser days unfortunately, otherwise we would have run into eachother I guess... hell we may have run into eachother for all I know.
Went to UT Austin 93-98

(glad to see I'm not the only one that hung around college for 5 years)
:)

[Rodney V. Smith]

nice looking shots dude. Looking forward to this one as well.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Ben and Rodney.

The edit is coming along slowly but surely.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks Ben and Rodney.

The edit is coming along slowly but surely.Good to hear!
As long as you finish it that's all that matters.

Cheers,

Mike

[Drew Ott]

I've been trying to get the best compression all day.

Things aren't looking good. Going from beautiful HD to a muddy low-contrast mess. I'm going to do my best to upload tonight.

[Tom Marshall]

Good luck, Drew. I'm sure the compression issues will work themselves out.

[Drew Ott]

Good luck, Drew. I'm sure the compression issues will work themselves out.


I sure hope so.

First few frames look terrible for some reason every time.

[Tom Marshall]

If I haven't seen Late by this time next week, I'm leaving DVXuser for good.

[Drew Ott]

If I haven't seen Late by this time next week, I'm leaving DVXuser for good.


Here's my chance! I'm going to ask the mods to remove it from viewing.

I've honestly had enough of Tom Marshall for one lifetime.

[Tom Marshall]

Noooooo!!

Oh come on, I'm not *that* bad... :beer:

[Drew Ott]

Noooooo!!

Oh come on, I'm not *that* bad... :beer:

Caught my bluff...:thumbsup:

[Tom Marshall]

So was it better working on something yourself or did you have a better experience working with Luis and everyone else?

[Drew Ott]

So was it better working on something yourself or did you have a better experience working with Luis and everyone else?

Much less stressful working on other peoples' sets, but I've realized that I love film-related stress.

I like the creative control and adventurous feeling of doing my own thing, but I also like learning from people better than me.

Now that things are finished, I can't wait to start on something else. Next time I'm looking for more of a collaboration.

[AmyO]

Congrats on getting your film in on time, Drew. Can't wait to see it! This is gonna be a fun fest! :)

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Amy. A fun fest indeed.

[Kholi]

What an awesome short, Drew. Naturally there's a lot of things that could be improved but I seriously could see exactly where you were going with it. Love the narrative, man.

I love Claire De Lune by the way, Lamb's Angelica tipped me onto it and I think I listen to it once a week.

Really good job man, I'm glad ya got all the way through this. It got laughs out of me where I think it was actually supposed to be funny.

"That's not too bad.... I guess.". LoL.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Kholi. I'm glad you laughed at that part.

In the "extended version" Clair de Lune actually plays a greater role in the story. I'll upload that once viewing/voting is over.

I played Clair de Lune as my recital piece (I play piano) so it was an obvious choice for something to record as music.

[Existentialist]

I tell you what....you really lit those int. scenes really well. The two parents sitting on the sofa with the lamp in the background in the beginning worked really good. Also, the pool flickering its lights was interesting.

And then, of course, there's Claire de Lune. Can't go wrong with Debussy.

I just had one issue with continuity with the parent's clothes. Maybe if they had been changed it would've given me more of a "it's the next day" feeling, eventhough the lighting does change.

Overall great job.

[Mattykins]

Rolling and reviewing

Good pacing so far. I liked the placement of the son in the frame when he sat down next to his parents. Quite the awkward situation in general.

The pool shot was really cool. How did you mount the camera that close to the water?
Were you running with a jib?

The message early 2:40 was really nice. The pacing was generally pretty fast at 3:45ish. Could have been a little slower in my book. Pretty sad though. Too bad the parents weren't wearing a different getup for the next day. That is my main thing.

Overall, I liked it. Nice film.

[Mark Harris]

Well so far I have to say this is the best one I've seen. Great work all around guys.

I am most impressed with the acting, which overall had a decidedly unforced feel to it. And thus the directing, in making sure the actors stayed that way.

But also the story-telling. I know Alex wrote it, so the fact that the script is good makes sense. But Drew, you really handled it nicely. The pacing, the set-ups, all show you have a real grasp of what's what, film-wise. I don't know if I've ever seen anything from you before this...

Just a really enjoyable film. Great work guys.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks a lot everybody.

The clothing staying the same was actually intentional. It was trying to imply that they slept on the couch watching TV all night. Maybe something more should have changed like some unfolded blankets hanging over the edge of the couch or something like that.

The pool shot was really cool. How did you mount the camera that close to the water?
Were you running with a jib?

I don't even know exactly which shot you are referring to, but we never had a jib. For the 2-shot, I shot off the edge of the other side. I actually had the camera stacked on a couple of milk crates because the tripod wouldn't fit on the ledge.

But also the story-telling. I know Alex wrote it, so the fact that the script is good makes sense. But Drew, you really handled it nicely. The pacing, the set-ups, all show you have a real grasp of what's what, film-wise. I don't know if I've ever seen anything from you before this...

Alex did a great job with the script. I knew what I wanted the story to be about from the beginning, but each time I wrote a draft it was just terrible. Alex came along and captured exactly what I was thinking. He's a great writer.

Mark, this is my first short so there's no way you could have seen anything from me before.

[connorfilm]

very nice short. The lighting was great. Also the characters were all very believable and the acting was great. Nice work!

[EduardoMiguel]

Simple story but done very effectively. The choice of music was outstanding, and the acting was very good. I especially liked the lighting at the pool scene. Also nice underwater shot. A well told story that fit the 6 min. perfectly. One of the best I've seen so far. Congrats.

[totitefilms]

You did a great job! Nice lighting, CC and DOF. The girl has great body ;-) However I feel the scene where the parents tell the guy he's adopted isn't that smooth and rushy. The acting of the lead actor can be improved. He can't seem to stop smiling sometimes. I don't understand why he commits suicide at the end though.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Drew,

You should be happy to know that, besides the two I wrote, your film was the first I watched. Don't tell Robbie, he'd be pissed if he found out, he wanted me to watch his first so, to protest, I decided not to.

I have been excited for your entry ever since you posted your grabs. The actress who played Jessica is beautiful, and the lighting in the pool scene was fantastic. Overall the acting was very impressive, I took a little bit of issue with 1) Peter's reaction to being adopted and 2) His "parent's" reaction to the news that his Grandma was dead (although I think this could be explained by the fact that they seem absorbed in the television, not really caring about anything else - which could also explain the lack of a clothing change.) Although this could be because of the way it was written, but otherwise the script was very good, I have always admired Alex's work.

Your angles were well thought out, I especially liked the shot where Jessica gets in the pool. I believe that was the one Matt was reffering to when he asked how you got the camera so close to the water.



The story was good. When no answer came at the door, I found myself thinking "no, no, no, don't let her have died." and when I found out she had, I genuinly felt very sad.

I don't think this is really a spoiler, but in case someone doesn't want to know that Peter does get picked up by a car I will put this here: I liked the lapse of time where he was getting in the car, that was well put together.



Very well done, ESPECIALLY since this was your first short. In fact, after watching this, I wouldn't have known it was if I hadn't seen it in your post. Good job and good luck!

[Drew Ott]

I don't understand why he commits suicide at the end though.


I actually intended to leave it ambiguous. In a longer cut, I may have had him take the birthday card out of his pocket and look at it for a while think ink fades, and then float to the top. This is how it was in the final version of the script, and we shot it this way, but it 1) didn't work and 2) was too long.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the review Nick.

I definitely see what you're saying about the two main issues you had. As far as Peter's reaction to being adopted goes, I wanted to have him speechless for a while. Before the line "Do I have any family?" there was originally a whole lot of speechless reaction as the parents talk back and forth to each other, but I had to cut most of that for various reasons. It does come off a little strange.

With the parents' reaction to finding out about his grandmother, I sort of hurt myself because I didn't shoot enough styles. I had some takes where it was almost comedic how they reacted. The mother said, "Raymond did you hear that? His grandmother's dead," as if she was trying to flatter a 3rd grader (not sure if that makes sense). My other takes were a pretty serious version. I should have had an in-between.

I did essentially tell the parents not to really care about what Peter says to them, so that is why it came across that way.

Thanks everybody for the comments. I really like the tough critiques so keep those coming. I'm not ever trying to "defend" my film, just explaining my decisions. If you hated some of it, please let me know. I'll be perfectly fine if somebody rips my film apart; it'll probably help me quite a bit.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I liked it vague like that. My thought was "Did he kill himself? Did he just jump into the pool to 'clense' himself of all the pain?" therefor 1) I was not setup for another sad development, turning the entire piece into a full-tragedy and 2) I still got the idea that he was upset about the whole ordeal.

EDIT: Just saw your above post, Drew. Up above I am reffering to the ending. And now I will respond to your response :grin: I totally understand about time limits, etc and about the speechlessness, I just thought maybe it could have been pulled off a little more shocked (but that could have been in the acting or writing, not necessarily you. Also, just my opinion) For the second thing, I was less bothered by this because it did give me the notion that they are so consumes with TV that they don't care, that helped to keep the characters consistant which is good.

Oh, and as far as defending the entry, etc...I think what you said is funny because I always feel the same way. When someone gives me a critique I like to respond with what I was thinking, I don't try and say I am right but sometimes it comes across wrong. I totally understand, is what I am getting at. Ah, and the third grader remark did make sense. Sorry if this last paragraph didn't, as it was just some random thoughts thrown together. :grin:

PS: I would have done the whole spoiler thing, but you guys have been talking about this stuff in the open so I figure I won't be the one to ruin it for anyone.

[Drew Ott]

That's the reaction I was going for. Great.

[totitefilms]

I actually intended to leave it ambiguous. In a longer cut, I may have had him take the birthday card out of his pocket and look at it for a while think ink fades, and then float to the top. This is how it was in the final version of the script, and we shot it this way, but it 1) didn't work and 2) was too long.

Maybe you can put the floating birthday card scene in a director cut version :laugh:

[bosindy]

nice work for your first film. I like the disenfranchised feel of the lead character as he struggles to connect with his self absorbed parents. I thought the lighting was subtle. The self isolation falling into the pool a steal from the Graduate and Rushmore but if you are gonna grab something those are good places to start. I look forward to seeing more from you down the road. Congrats!

[Drew Ott]

nice work for your first film. I like the disenfranchised feel of the lead character as he struggles to connect with his self absorbed parents. I thought the lighting was subtle. The self isolation falling into the pool a steal from the Graduate and Rushmore but if you are gonna grab something those are good places to start. I look forward to seeing more from you down the road. Congrats!


Yeah I love those movies. I did get a lot of inspiration for the character in early stages from The Graduate, but it didn't come across very well.

Thanks for the comments.

[Gohanto]

Nice job. I'll be honest I'm not really a fan of completely locked off camera shots and i think following actors movements just slightly helps add a level of professionalism. I agree you did a very good job lighting, especially in the pool scene. I liked all of the outdoor stuff really.

The indoor scenes felt rather forced acting wise. Like they didn't care enough. I read your post and that seems to be what you were going for, but personally I didn't buy it. Falling into the pool, this would've been a little much to ask for, but if you could've gotten the actor to fall in without breaking the fall with his arms i think that could've worked better for me.

Overall I did like the story though and the ending shot of him underwater was very good.

[alex whitmer]

Hey Drew ... duly impressed!!

A few comments that contain SPOILERS.

I somewhat agree with an earlier comment that the parents clothes should have been changed. However, it's certainly not unheard of for couch campers to wear the same clothes an entire weekend. It kinda gives the 'glued to the TV feel'. I guess I could go either way on it.

The background noise from the television seems to stay constant. Dad says 'fifteen seconds' but the program does not change. I think you could have used the television more as an effective tool to reinforce the timing/story.

I feel Jessica's 'strip' scene came across as a gratuitous skin shot. There really wasn't a good reason for it.

Lastly, I would have liked to have seen a long shot from in front of the Grandmother's house, with Peter backing away. As it is, there is one cut that just repeats itself.

Other than those few nit-piks, I think this is an outstanding short. Great lighting and great music really add a lot to the overall effects. I'd love to se the extended version sometime. No doubt the 6 min time limit forced a few tough decisions.

A really great job.

Alex

[alex whitmer]

I just remembered another small detail ...

SPOILER



When riding his bike, Peter has his thumb out, but no cars. When a truck does come along, his thumb is not out. Should be the other way around.

I love the long shot of him pulling away into the dark. Really adds a sense of aloneness.

a

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Very good. I especially liked the framing from the point of the pool scene and going forward in the movie. I won't nitpick on the clothes, that's been mentioned.

The story was pretty deep and fit the theme quite well. I love to see when people take the time (no pun intended) to really use the theme to their benefit.

I really liked the no care attitude of his "parents".

Nice work!

Mike

[Mobie540]

I just remembered another small detail ...

SPOILER



When riding his bike, Peter has his thumb out, but no cars. When a truck does come along, his thumb is not out. Should be the other way around.

I love the long shot of him pulling away into the dark. Really adds a sense of aloneness.

a

That was my only beef too. You probably should've had one or two cars pass him by with his thumb out.

[Zim]

Nice film Drew. Great idea and the use of time. Good acting all they way though.

[Drew Ott]

The background noise from the television seems to stay constant. Dad says 'fifteen seconds' but the program does not change. I think you could have used the television more as an effective tool to reinforce the timing/story.

I feel Jessica's 'strip' scene came across as a gratuitous skin shot. There really wasn't a good reason for it.

Lastly, I would have liked to have seen a long shot from in front of the Grandmother's house, with Peter backing away. As it is, there is one cut that just repeats itself.



Thanks for the nice review.

I agree with everything you said.

I just honestly couldn't figure out how to portray that it was just becoming a commercial at the same time Peter is walking by to go outside. On set I wasn't sure what would work, so I didn't shoot the TV in the frame and I thought something would just work in editing. When it didn't, I cut the lines "10... 5.. and..." because they didn't make sense without the commercial switch and what-not. The way it is on screen now hopefully feels to people who hadn't read the script before as if the mother chooses to not wait for a commercial because he happens to be passing. Raymond's line would then mean "You have 15 seconds to end this conversation because you're talking during my show." This probably wasn't the best way but I was stuck with it while editing.

As for the "gratuitous skin shot," definitely. I shot it that way because that's how it is in the script, and I realized that nothing served the story to show her taking her clothes off on screen for a few seconds. I tried to get rid of the beginning of their conversation in editing, but my only master/wide shot was the two-shot of them by the pool. If immediately started cutting between her in the pool at the start of the scene, it wouldn't make any sense. I really hate watching that part of the film because it totally feels like I just wanted to have the "skin shot" in there, and that wasn't my intent. Oh well... you're completely right. I was waiting for that comment a lot earlier. Oh and also, I wish I had her holding a towel and then putting it down before she starts to strip. It comes really suddenly because there is no shot of the water and I have a feeling the audience is going "wtf??? oh..." while they watch the scene.

That cut of Peter backing away is supposed to be a POV from the neighbor. I was trying to steal what JR Hudson wrote about from No Country. Since I didn't shoot a real wide shot of both houses to really show the action like I wanted to, I chose to keep cutting between the POV shot.

Oh and the moving camera thing... I unfortunately cut two dolly shots. Hurt to see them go but the story was better (and shorter) this way.

I'm loving these critiques. Keep 'em coming if you've watched it.

[alex whitmer]

I see you point on Peter backing away. The next cut however is a CU on the back of the Neighbor's head, which comes so quickly it's a bit of a jolt. In all it's the only cut I have some lingering pangs about. I guess I was looking for some kind of buffer shot.

Maybe a shot further behind her. Not sure.

As far as casting goes, you did an outstanding job.

The body types and manners fit so well.

Mom and Dad both have the body type/manners of inactive couch campers. The neighbor looks like she is active, and indeed is working in the garden. Looks like she eats well and is somewhat out-doorsy. Nice character/role fit. She's actually my favorite of the actors. I'd like her to my aunt or something.

Jessica brings the exuberant youth to the film. Indeed her body type and manners are perfect for the role. What a contrast to the parents, and what so many us of eventually become. Sadly.

And Peter - excellent choice. he carries himself like he has that burden.

Some of the best casting I have seen so far.

a

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Drew, I had no problem with the skin shot. :evil:

[ZazaCast]

Really good film...I enjoyed it. I didn't believe it, but I enjoyed it. I would think telling someone they were adopted might be a bit more emotional and that card looked nice for having been in the Mom's purse for 7 years (D'OUGH!). Which brings me to hitching ON a bicycle? Do people do that? Are people THAT lazy? Coming in the house for the final scene, you see him open the door, and you never see him close it.

I loved you poster and I kept waiting to see a scene from that location....

Other than that I really DID enjoy it, it was shot nice, the music was nice, the girl was nice...nicely done. Can't wait to see what your next film will be.

Excellent effort!

[Mickey Munday]

great job, i liked the camera work, not so much the story. i know you were going for the parents not caring, but to me it felt like a dark comedy at that point, but as it progressed i thought it was a drama with all the melodramatic music. i found myself skipping through the film as it seemed to drag from the slow dialogue. i went back and watched it though when certain parts seemed to pick up.

the acting was acceptable being as you were working with high school students, i thought the lead felt pretty natural. overall good job, but it seems like you could've had a little more fun with the story given the subject.

the ending felt like it was kind of a last minute decision. seems a lot of first time filmmakers choose a suicide film as their first project for some reason.

[Drew Ott]

great job, i liked the camera work, not so much the story. i know you were going for the parents not caring, but to me it felt like a dark comedy at that point, but as it progressed i thought it was a drama with all the melodramatic music. i found myself skipping through the film as it seemed to drag from the slow dialogue. i went back and watched it though when certain parts seemed to pick up.

the acting was acceptable being as you were working with high school students, i thought the lead felt pretty natural. overall good job, but it seems like you could've had a little more fun with the story given the subject.

the ending felt like it was kind of a last minute decision. seems a lot of first time filmmakers choose a suicide film as their first project for some reason.

It was a dark comedy, and it wasn't a suicide.

I know what you mean about it being slow though. I couldn't sit through a feature if all of the scenes had that style of pacing.


Alex -- you're still right. I really needed a wide wide master. I planned to get one but forgot. My "master" was the shot that appears right before the shot that jolts to them standing next to each other. She's delivering the line as she walks in so I had to cut when there was no lip movement because he was actually talking at that point. I did get a shot of her walking up from behind but her hands were behind her back and they weren't holding gloves which was a more awkward cut.

Thanks for the continued comments. I am really enjoying hearing them. It is helping me quite a bit.

[pauly_the_hitman]

Great underwater stuff. I liked the short. It made sense and had a personal link for me. Great job.

[Mickey Munday]

It was a dark comedy, and it wasn't a suicide.


going off memory, i thought the dude walked outside and just fell in the pool and let hiomself drown in the end? that wasn't on purpose?

[ConspiracyPenguin]

going off memory, i thought the dude walked outside and just fell in the pool and let hiomself drown in the end? that wasn't on purpose?

It was never clear if he had killed himself, fell in and died, fell in and got out later or just jumped in to "clense" himself of the pain. Drew said before he left it vague on purpose.

[gabrielflorit]

I liked this - has a very natural feel, the camera gets out of the way, lets the story unfold. The acting is superb, top-notch, your lead delivers his lines very convincingly, there is no over-the-top acting which lesser actors would fall prey to. Great swimming pool scenes, I like the sexual tension between them, how she wants to swim, he's not in that mood at all.

This is a really well done short!!! I'm watching this one again.

On a second viewing, a couple more notes: 1) I don't like the music choice. I think this would have been better off with no songs. 2) Just before the CU sequence between neighbour and lead, there's a split second of the neighbour entering the frame from the left - did you put this in because otherwise we wouldn't know she was approaching him? The color palette is off in that scene, was it a pick-up? 3) Funny you chose a "click" sound for when he turns off the TV - they don't work like that anymore, but it works for us as an audience - it tells us that the TV is being turned off.

Really well done! This is in my top 5.

[Maximus]

Good job! The film looked great. My main critique would be TONE. Obviously the parents were cartoon character, played for laughs, but the rest of the story seemed to be playing it straight. Poignant and flippant don't mix that well IMO. I think if you'd played the parents as real people it would have worked better for me... tied in with that is how they told him such a serious and important secret during a commercial break. Why would they do that? Didn't make sense to me and took me out of the picture, ie. "Is this a joke, or what?"

Loved the ending, very "Graduate" like. Did not come across as suicide to me.

Your young age make this film all the more impressive. Look forward to your next film.

[Susanne G.]

First I thought that some parts of the story are not really credibly - the parents seem very artificial, but I agree with Maximus: "the parents were cartoon character,..." seen from this angle it works. I love the camera work, the edeting and also the music. The element of the grandmother is for me a little bit weak (perhaps better an old mother!). When the main charakter started to travel on bike and made hitch hiking: I don't know if it is normal in USA that there is someone who picks you up with a bike? For me it seemed a little bit a romantic idea. Above all I like your film. Compliments.

Susanne

[Bryce A]

this whole suicide thing mystifies me. I got it. Probably the part of the movie I dug the most. This being a high school movie is most impressive. It looks great. You've got a knack for film making for sure.

The story itself wasn't my cup of tea. I could go on about that, but really it's just subjective and I won't rake you over the coals for it. I'd just keep an eye on making sure your writing isn't so blunt. I felt like i got conked over the head with the deeper meaning of the story.

Overall, nicely done. Looking forward to what you've got in store next!

[jpsheets]

Hey Drew,
Great job! The lighting in the pool scene was great, and the main actor and girl were good together. The lighting with the interior scenes wasn't so hot. I thought they were too dark, but maybe that's what you were going for. I thought the dialogue was a little on the nose, and the actors were a little stiff, but overall great job with your first DVX user film.

best,

JP

[AmyO]

Great cinematography here. Good work Drew. The acting was good, although Peter could have been more distressed, especially in light of the ending. I have to say that it does make sense for Jessica to strip down to her swim suit once Peter arrives. Otherwise, she would have been waiting there at night with just a bikini on. I don't think she would have done that. Overall, the pacing was nice and the editing solid.

I'm not a fan of the story, dark comedy or not. Mostly because of a deep personal bias, but also because the humor I felt was directed at the subject of adoption in general, rather than the parental ineptitude in dealing with the topic.

[Justin Kuhn]

Understated. Dug it! The night scene at the pool was beautiful. So was the bike hitching segment. Me likey the pretty red stripes. Could you talk a bit about your lighting set-up and camera settings for those scenes?

[jasonthewho]

Very nice job Drew. The lighting was excellent. The acting was also very good, and your casting was top notch. I really liked the pool sequence and the biking/hitchhiking sequence.

One of my problems with this is the parents. They are just too over the top. In the writing and in the performances. They kind of remind me of the family in Million Dollar Baby if you've seen that. Of course, that film won the best picture oscar, so maybe I'm alone here. I just find them implausibly mean.

My other critique would be that although all the shots in the opening scene are nice individually, I don't think they cut together well. Perhaps a slightly different edit would fix this.

[jasonthewho]

Oh, and the last shot was great. Not sure why anyone would think it was suicide. I thought it was just a Graduate shot.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the comments everybody. Really helpful stuff.

Could you talk a bit about your lighting set-up and camera settings for those scenes?

Of course.

For the pool scene we had a 2k open faced "Mighty" bounced into the pool creating the reflections on the background and on the actors. There was a fluorescent fixture sitting on the ground below the actors' feet to motivate light coming from the pool. We also had a chinaball extended on a c-stand with 2 arms to fill in the weird shadows coming from the fluorescent fixture on the ground. We used a Cool Lights 150w HMI thing for the backlight. For Jessica's shots in the pool, we bounced one 650w fresnel on each side of her and I think kept the chinaball on for eye light. I'm pretty sure that was it.

Camera settings, I don't really know what I did. Shot flat and graded in post I guess. Is that what you're looking for?

[gabrielflorit]

Drew, do I remember correctly you mentioning you're 16?!! If so, WTF!!!??? I'm amazed at your skills. I'm your number one fan!!!

No seriously. Where did you learn to light?

[ConspiracyPenguin]

The lighting was extremely well done. I am not going to lie, I am envious.

[Matt Sconce]

This was very well done, especially the family tv scenes. congrats on a great short. The only thing I could add is that the pacing felt a little slow at times for me.

[Justin Kuhn]

Thanks for the comments everybody. Really helpful stuff.



Of course.

For the pool scene we had a 2k open faced "Mighty" bounced into the pool creating the reflections on the background and on the actors. There was a fluorescent fixture sitting on the ground below the actors' feet to motivate light coming from the pool. We also had a chinaball extended on a c-stand with 2 arms to fill in the weird shadows coming from the fluorescent fixture on the ground. We used a Cool Lights 150w HMI thing for the backlight. For Jessica's shots in the pool, we bounced one 650w fresnel on each side of her and I think kept the chinaball on for eye light. I'm pretty sure that was it.

Camera settings, I don't really know what I did. Shot flat and graded in post I guess. Is that what you're looking for?

Just wanted to cover all the basics. For instance I thought maybe you made some kind of interesting white balance choice to get that red tint in the bike hitching segment. I suppose that could have been post, but it looks kind of like it was done in camera. Was that scene shot with natural light?

[Drew Ott]

Oh whoops, you weren't asking about the pool scene, but the bike scene.

We put actual sodium bulbs used in street lights on c-stands. No diffusion at all. I wanted the light real hard so he'd bike through pools of light. The lights were actually about 80 ft apart, but I was real telephoto so that the c-stands wouldn't be in the shot, and it compressed the depth more than I would have liked. I guess it works though.

Where did you learn to light?I'm not sure exactly. Books, forums, sets. I had been interning for Robert Baumgartner, a gaffer/DP, before I shot the film so I learned quite a bit from him, but I've also learned a lot about how to do it on a small budget by working on random short films (Luis Caffesse's Love Fest project for example).

What I've learned about lighting is that it's best to do lighting tests before shooting. People keep mentioning the lighting in the pool scene as one that stood out. I did tests for that scene and had about 6 hours with a friend to tweak that until it was exactly how I wanted. If I hadn't done that, I would have had no idea of what to do on set. I attribute anything that looks "good" to having the time for lighting tests.

[Matt Sconce]

Oh whoops, you weren't asking about the pool scene, but the bike scene.

We put actual sodium bulbs used in street lights on c-stands. No diffusion at all. I wanted the light real hard so he'd bike through pools of light. The lights were actually about 80 ft apart, but I was real telephoto so that the c-stands wouldn't be in the shot, and it compressed the depth more than I would have liked. I guess it works though.

I'm not sure exactly. Books, forums, sets. I had been interning for Robert Baumgartner, a gaffer/DP, before I shot the film so I learned quite a bit from him, but I've also learned a lot about how to do it on a small budget by working on random short films (Luis Caffesse's Love Fest project for example).

What I've learned about lighting is that it's best to do lighting tests before shooting. People keep mentioning the lighting in the pool scene as one that stood out. I did tests for that scene and had about 6 hours with a friend to tweak that until it was exactly how I wanted. If I hadn't done that, I would have had no idea of what to do on set. I attribute anything that looks "good" to having the time for lighting tests.

I agree. it is all about preparation. prepare well and you come up with a much better film. you obvious;y did. looked great!

[ilauzirika]

Great film, well put, and the color and comp were great, you've got great skills, hope to see more from you.

[Simon Höfer]

I didn't really follow the reviews here, so I don't know which points have been said before.

This was overall a great production! Acting was solid, good lighting, good sound and nice story. I liked it alot!

A few things that I recognized which didn't work for me:
The pool doesn't fit to the parents. I would never expect these people to have such a pool.

The pool itself was quite dark in some scenes, but the light it emitted was tremendous.

Good work young man! I wish I was that far when I was at your age. Congratulations!

[ZFarms Productions]

good job on the film Drew! i liked the underwater shot. (i haven't followed the posts here, sorry if you already answered this. What did you use for the underwater shot?) the lighting was really good.

there were a couple of edits that took me away from the story during the first scene when the guy first walks into the room with his parents. nothing MAJOR, but they did make me go "what was that?"

can't wait to see more from you.

[Drew Ott]

What did you use for the underwater shot?


there were a couple of edits that took me away from the story during the first scene when the guy first walks into the room with his parents. nothing MAJOR, but they did make me go "what was that?"


For the underwater shot we didn't have any lighting. I brought some reflectors I was going to try to sink, but it looked nice enough with natural lighting.

Which edits in particular stood out? Serves me right that it feels a little weird -- that's one of the only scenes I didn't prepare for with a shot list.

[ZFarms Productions]

i was wondering what underwater housing you used for the underwater shots.

the edits were right before he goes to sit down in the chair. it seemed off to me. you show him walk through, then the parents, then back to him, and there's a lot of negative space behind him. when you cut back to that shot it was only for a split second before you cut again to him sitting down. IMO there was no need for the cut back, just showing him sitting down would have been fine. Again, MY OPINION.

[Horncastle]

Great job on this film.

I liked the minimal score, especially how it only started very faintly halfway through the film and then gained consistency once he started his trip. So I looked at your credits to see who did it and find that that not only did you write the score but you performed it too!! The lighting was excellent throughout the film - I really liked it in the nightime road scene where he gets picked up with his bicycle. Camera work seemed good.

My only criticism is a minor one with your script - I feel we didn't really have quite enough invested in him finding his Grandmother alive. Yes, it would have been nice, but to me it didn't seem like the end of the world when he finds she has died.

A fantastic job though: you are obviously extremely talented and I look forward to watching you develop further.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the comments on the score. I've just started composing and it's a lot of fun.



My only criticism is a minor one with your script - I feel we didn't really have quite enough invested in him finding his Grandmother alive. Yes, it would have been nice, but to me it didn't seem like the end of the world when he finds she has died.

I know what you mean. There's a deleted scene that makes this aspect much better, so maybe I'll post an extended cut once voting is over.

[conrad_johnson]

I liked this a lot and assumed dude just jumped in the pool and didn't kill himself.

The lighting was great and the camera work worked for me.

If that's a "skin" shot than I'm getting too old, bikinis just don't do it for me anymore.
but in all seriousness I saw it as giving one context as to her getting in the pool, nothing more, nothing less.

Oh yeah, what did you shoot this on? (went back quite a few pages and couldn't find this info)

Great work,
-Joe

[Drew Ott]

Oh yeah, what did you shoot this on? (went back quite a few pages and couldn't find this info)


I'm "releasing" the info once the voting is over.


Thanks for the comments.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I'm "releasing" the info once the voting is over.


Thanks for the comments.

Oooooh. I like secrets. JUST NOT WHEN THEY'RE KEPT FROM ME!!! :evil:

[Drew Ott]

In due time, my friend.

[Justin Kuhn]

Oh whoops, you weren't asking about the pool scene, but the bike scene.
...
What I've learned about lighting is that it's best to do lighting tests before shooting. People keep mentioning the lighting in the pool scene as one that stood out. I did tests for that scene and had about 6 hours with a friend to tweak that until it was exactly how I wanted. If I hadn't done that, I would have had no idea of what to do on set. I attribute anything that looks "good" to having the time for lighting tests.

I was asking about both. Visually those were my favorite scenes.

Lighting tests are always a good idea. Ben and I did lighting tests for In Pieces, but we never got around to 'em for JAM. Maybe it worked out.

[Drew Ott]

No lighting test for your final shot? Lighting in that was brilliant.

[Justin Kuhn]

There was a camera test that Ben did by himself and sent to me, I was pretty sure we could do it based on that because of the proximity to the wall. Then we got there and Ben wanted it wider than the test shot, so it turned out to be a little challenging after all. My gaffer felt that the dolly into the large shadow area is way too obvious, that somebody is obviously waiting there, but people seem to get down on that shot the most. I wish she'd put that in my ear while we were actually shooting it, but I still dig it. Next time I do that shot it'll be a little bit more of a surprise though.

[Mark Johnson]

Great work Drew. Man, there are some shots here that deserve to be "best of fest" examples. I gotta give you huge props for the score. Man, the choice of Clair de Lune at the end was extraordinary. I'm putting this aside to watch again later tonight.

[alex whitmer]

I love this guy ...

Gohanto: I'm not really a fan
Kholi: There's a lot of things that could be improved
Simon Höffer: Didn't work for me.
jpsheets: Wasn't so hot.

I mean, who else has the anchovies to post those excerpts?!

The good news is that there are only 4.

a

[Kholi]

The hells? I didn't give Drew a thumbs down. His short was one of like four or five I actually ccommented on.

[alex whitmer]

Out of context of course! Maybe I should clarify that.

Note: amended.

Your whole review ...

What an awesome short, Drew. Naturally there's a lot of things that could be improved but I seriously could see exactly where you were going with it. Love the narrative, man.

I love Claire De Lune by the way, Lamb's Angelica tipped me onto it and I think I listen to it once a week.

Really good job man, I'm glad ya got all the way through this. It got laughs out of me where I think it was actually supposed to be funny.

"That's not too bad.... I guess.". LoL.


Alex

[Drew Ott]

Kholi if you don't want me to quote you, I won't.

I intentionally took a lot of out of context stuff for my sig.

[Kholi]

That line was great. I just didn't want anyone thinkin' I gave your short a thumbs down. LOL.

Seriously one of the only ones I commented on.

[alex whitmer]

"That's not too bad.... I guess.". LoL.

Funny thing, that.

Drew insisted on that line being in the film. I tried to write it out as drafts progressed, but in the end, there it was!

alex

[Drew Ott]

Funny thing, that.

Drew insisted on that line being in the film. I tried to write it out as drafts progressed, but in the end, there it was!

alex


Haha, that's funny. It's still my favorite line I think. Some of my other contributions didn't work out too well in the end.

The line, "I'm pretty sure she's dead," was supposed to be funny. Totally didn't come across as humorous in the finished script.

Also, "You are, legally speaking, still our little boy." Not sure if that was funny to anybody.

[alex whitmer]

I think they both came across as funny, and the father delivered that 'still our little boy' line perfectly, like a worn record with no real sincerity.

a

[Drew Ott]

Well that's good to know. It's hard for me to judge my work after seeing it so much.

[ZazaCast]

I love this guy ...

Gohanto: I'm not really a fan
Kholi: There's a lot of things that could be improved
Simon Höffer: Didn't work for me.
jpsheets: Wasn't so hot.

I mean, who else has the anchovies to post those excerpts?!

The good news is that there are only 4.

a


I guess you've never seen my signature... I got a million of them!
(Drew...please note first quote)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Talent. Heart. Vision. Something to say.

This filmmaker has all of the above and it shows in the work.

Nice work.

[Drew Ott]

I guess you've never seen my signature... I got a million of them!
(Drew...please note first quote)

Haha nice signature.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Jack. Means a lot coming from you.

Any updates on your possible move to Austin?

[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 "LATE"

spesliker (6:09:27 PM): late
spesliker (6:09:30 PM): ready?
happygobo (6:10:41 PM): ready
spesliker (6:10:46 PM): 3
spesliker (6:10:46 PM): 2
spesliker (6:10:47 PM): 1
spesliker (6:10:48 PM): go
spesliker (6:10:58 PM): yuck titles
happygobo (6:11:07 PM): truth.
spesliker (6:11:14 PM): weird left framing
happygobo (6:11:17 PM): far on teh edge of frame there, why...?
spesliker (6:11:22 PM): lol
spesliker (6:11:44 PM): these characters seem like characterizations of characterizations. seem like nice folks trying to do their best for him. that lady reminds me of the maid on "2 and a half men"
happygobo (6:11:48 PM): stop
happygobo (6:11:54 PM): wait, you watch that?
spesliker (6:11:57 PM): shut up.
happygobo (6:12:00 PM): out of sync
spesliker (6:12:03 PM): oh
spesliker (6:12:12 PM): i'm at 1:08
happygobo (6:12:18 PM): i'm at 1:04
spesliker (6:12:22 PM): this gives me time to comment.
happygobo (6:12:43 PM): now I'm at 111
spesliker (6:12:52 PM): try to fill the frame a little more drew, espciallet with them at the couch
spesliker (6:12:58 PM): wow stupid fingers on the sp of "especially"
spesliker (6:13:07 PM): ready?
spesliker (6:13:12 PM): at 1:11?
happygobo (6:13:17 PM): I like the scene, but I feel it's a tad...
happygobo (6:13:21 PM): dark. murky.
happygobo (6:13:26 PM): ready
spesliker (6:13:31 PM): hrm, maybe bigger tv flickers?
spesliker (6:13:36 PM): 3
spesliker (6:13:37 PM): 2
spesliker (6:13:37 PM): 1
spesliker (6:13:39 PM): go
happygobo (6:13:50 PM): nice CU
happygobo (6:13:57 PM): yeah
happygobo (6:14:02 PM): just a lot of noise
spesliker (6:14:12 PM): that lamp in the center was a little distracting for me. they looked like a pyramid with it in between them
spesliker (6:14:28 PM): dude ... get in the pool. LARGEMAN, GET IN THE POOL.
happygobo (6:14:29 PM): great CU.
spesliker (6:14:31 PM): she wants you in the pool man
happygobo (6:14:32 PM): I know
happygobo (6:14:35 PM): GET OVER IT
spesliker (6:14:39 PM): lol
spesliker (6:14:45 PM): the lighting is rad here ... there i go with the "rad" again.
happygobo (6:14:47 PM): jump in now, not tomorrow
happygobo (6:14:56 PM): I know, those tests paid off
happygobo (6:15:11 PM): she isn't either, get it?
spesliker (6:15:14 PM): wonder how long she had to be in the pool
spesliker (6:15:23 PM): yikes. dude. wait ... i don't get it.
happygobo (6:15:24 PM): i bet her hands were all pruny
happygobo (6:15:56 PM): love this scene too
spesliker (6:15:58 PM): he needs some older friends, ones with driver's licenses.
happygobo (6:15:58 PM): those stripes of light
spesliker (6:16:11 PM): i feel like he rides up and down the same street.
happygobo (6:16:12 PM): truth
spesliker (6:16:40 PM): music gets a litle cheese at the end of that pool scene
spesliker (6:16:44 PM): forgot to post that
happygobo (6:16:53 PM): didn't notice
spesliker (6:16:56 PM): i feel the lady needs to react more there.
happygobo (6:17:02 PM): ..."I guess."
happygobo (6:17:19 PM): oops, repetition
spesliker (6:17:19 PM): like "oh man" ... that's tragic
happygobo (6:17:33 PM): he's going for real understated
spesliker (6:17:36 PM): like be really bent out of shape at the tragicalness.
spesliker (6:18:09 PM): there needs to yelling ... your adopted parents are asshats.
happygobo (6:18:20 PM): yell underwater!
spesliker (6:18:23 PM): that music always reminds me of ocean's 11. at least it's not "sounds of silence"
happygobo (6:18:25 PM): LET IT OUT
spesliker (6:19:02 PM): we weren't as funny this time
spesliker (6:19:08 PM): say something funny.
happygobo (6:19:25 PM): funny, yet clean for DVX user?
spesliker (6:19:30 PM): ooo .. i got it. "banana hammock"
happygobo (6:19:47 PM): monkey chainsaw weasels!
spesliker (6:19:57 PM): FAIL.
happygobo (6:20:23 PM): Ben is bald.
spesliker (6:21:04 PM): EPIC FAIL. you're a turd sandwich.
spesliker (6:21:23 PM): I'll post this later. PEACE.


Drew, I think you and Justin has some good convos on your film so I'll wrap it here quickly in one sentence: We are jealous that this is your first film.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the convo.

Yeah, titles were awful. Helpful stuff. Which shot had the weird left framing?

And yeah, the TV scene was too dark and murky. The room was really bright but for some reason I stopped down quite a bit until it looked right to my eye. I think I was worn out and not thinking clearly. That was the last scene we shot.

[alex whitmer]

''tragicalness''

Is that really a word? Seems like it should be. Let me call Webster.

I did, however, find it in www.urbandictionary.com (http://www.urbandictionary.com)

tragical: A combination of Tragic + Magical. When something is so tragic but you can't help enjoying the tragedy before you.

"Britney Spears life is so tragical." or "This movie is tragical."


Also found ass hat: Idiotic, stupid. To act like a moron.


From the popular insult "to have your head up your ass". This imagery leads to ones ass being placed on the head like a hat, hence "asshat".

I'll add these to my growing list of new words. Thanks fellas!!



a

[Ben Sliker]

Thanks for the convo.

Yeah, titles were awful. Helpful stuff. Which shot had the weird left framing?

And yeah, the TV scene was too dark and murky. The room was really bright but for some reason I stopped down quite a bit until it looked right to my eye. I think I was worn out and not thinking clearly. That was the last scene we shot.

it was at 0:16.

[Drew Ott]

it was at 0:16.


Ah, OK.

If you were actually wondering why that shot is in there, I was trying to get across that he was going to be heading out a door in front of him and was stopped. It does look weird though.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Lol, I love it!!

You have a great dark sarcastic tone that I wish you'd pushed hard, more into 'Shaun of the Dead' type (not the zombies obviously, just more dead pan irony and less drama).

The actors of the parents were completely dead one, f1cking hilarious.

Love the idea, its just too funny!

Oh, when you have a cute chick to be in a bikini, do something interesting! :-)

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the comments Shawn.



Oh, when you have a cute chick to be in a bikini, do something interesting! :-)

Well, she is a friend of mine and was a bit hesitant to do it in the beginning.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Well, she is a friend of mine and was a bit hesitant to do it in the beginning.

Friend? :thumbsup:

[Drew Ott]

That is what I said, isn't it?

[Drew Ott]

By the way I was kidding with that response.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

drew I will try and get you a more detailed review. may have to be after the fest though, busy bee.

the pool stuff looked amazing

conversely, some seriously wonky framing in the first scene on the two shot of the folks and then on the guy as well

mixed feelings about the moms look after him when he leaves - it was somewhat poignant but didn't make much sense, meaning he's trying to get them to listen to him and then she finally looks after he's gone - if she's that connected with him then why not listen in the first place

just some stuff off the top of my head in addition to the sincere pat on the back review earlier

[alex whitmer]

Hey Drew,

I'm starting my second run through the films. After seeing everything, I gotta say this is really one of best (not just because I participated). Also, on second viewing, the skin shot isn't as 'gratuitous' as I first thought.

For some reason the Jessica's performance didn't really bowl me over first time. Second time, however - yeah, she did a great job. She has a nice presence on film.


I think my favorite scene is still where Peter disappears into the dark as he hitches a ride to grandma's.

I paid a lot more attention to lighting and music as well.

All in all, a really great film.

alex

[Drew Ott]

I appreciate it Alex.

I think "Jessica" did a great job as well. She's a theatre actress and always gets lead roles working with adults. It was a little tricky for her to transition onto film because she's used to having to show emotion to people sitting 100ft away from her. I think the performance turned out nicely though.

[Aaron Marshall]

Groovy film Drew. I wish the conversation between the old neighbor woman about the grandma was more colorful. It would have been funny to paint a picture of the grandma that was unsavory from the neighbors POV, maybe slightly vulgar making the main character's life funnier.

This had a "Heathers" kind of vibe to it.

[Drew Ott]

Haha that would have been pretty funny.

The way it is now, I wanted it to seem like the neighbor was pretty good friends with the grandma. That is a good suggestion though.

I've never seen Heathers but I'll check it out for sure.

[Edgen]

I really liked how the movie started and wanted to sympathize for the lead character. Then when he went to meet his grandmother, I was expecting the lady to say that was her daughter and they lived happily ever after. But, it wasn’t. So, then I was expecting another twist at the end. But… there wasn’t. I think the actor did a pretty nice job and if the edit was a little tighter, it would have made his performance that much better. At times, it just seemed awkward. Specially the convo with the lady who lived next to the grandmother.

The parents had their moments.

I enjoyed the look of the film. The music worked for the most part, but there was really no dynamics to the score as the movie played out. Was this an original piece scored to picture or an original piece performed for the film, but layered in afterwards?

Congrats on entering the fest

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the comments Justin.

I wrote the score as an original piece, but it was one of the first times I've ever written a song for film. I still have a long way to go on composing.

About the awkwardness -- that's sort of what I was going for.

Thanks again.

[Chuklz]

Your poster is incredibly impressive.

I think one of the things that will improve your movie the most is studying photography and adhereing to the rule of thirds.
http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/John_Longenecker/Rule_of_Thirds.htm

Your best framing came when he got home from grandma's and he entered the house. You had him in the right thirds. The initial shot from behind the couch formed a nice triangle and gave him a powerful position in the frame.

If you had shot more coverage, meaning gotten a close up on him. You could have really punched up the climax when he turns off the tv and says you should have told me. Cutting into to a close up of him would have accomplished that.

I also think you could do another pass and cut out every second that doesnt forward the plot. For example do a 3 minute cut of the film and see if you can tell the exact same story with the footage you have. I think this exercise will help alot in tightening up your future projects.

Good job, and thanks for making this film.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the comments Chuklz.

[Brandon Rice]

Drew.. watched your film...

Some of the shots looked really great, the stuff at the pool looked awesome.

I actually was pleasently surprised by your story... it was good. I think some of the structure and writing could have used work, but you had a good story... something a lot of people can identify with.

Good work.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks Brandon.

[Loki]

was.. this supposed to be dead pan? or serious?

Are parents supposed to be some kind of social commentary or something? There is nothing for me to invest in... stuff happens.. then it's over.

needless to say I thought it was poorly executed and had some very poor writing. The look was ok... but the lighting wasn't anything spectacular.

Allow me to explain my position here.. as I clearly disliked the film.

This is a short that really over stepped it's scope.. it dipped into the honey pot of a longer running time and took some of that story, and tried to cram it into a very short film.

A story like this needs more time for us to care, it demands it. Then the conflicting nature of the performances, are we supposed to find the parents strangely funny?? (I kind of do..) or do we hate them? or... ? The boy is all serious... like we're watching a serious film.. yet... the parents seem like they are in a completely different film..

which do we go with?

To me it feels like you're trying far too hard to elicit an emotion from an audience by simply using an emotional 'context'. The movie says "Feel sad for this guy.. cause this situation is sad!" *THWACK goes the emotion hammer to the head.

We are expected to feel something cause we know the idea of finding out your long lost grandmother has died before you had a chance to meet her is in fact a sad situation </end run on sentence>... but we don't feel much at all.. there is nothing connecting us to the film.

The ending is completely ridiculous... less of a "I am committing suicide" feel.. and more of a "I feel like going swimming" feel.

I am rambling now I think.. a lot of what I said relates to some very poor writing.

I've run out of things to say. I thought the acting was fine for what it was.. the girl felt rather superfluous though.

sorry dude.. I just really didn't like this.

peas.

[Drew Ott]

Thanks for the honest review Loki.

I wasn't trying to elicit just one emotion. Some of the lines are intentionally awkward and there is supposed to be very subtle humor throughout.

I appreciate all of your opinions, but I don't think the ending is completely ridiculous, because he isn't committing suicide. He's jumping into the pool because of self pity.

I really appreciate that you took the time to write why you disliked the film instead of not commenting or just saying "nice short". Hearing the negative reviews are quite helpful.

[iSTy]

First...... I wrote the score as an original piece, but it was one of the first times I've ever written a song for film. I still have a long way to go on composing. I didn't hear any singing. ;o)

I thought the acting by the girl was good, her reaction was kinda what would be expected. The 'parents' 'couldn't care less attitude' was a bit odd considering they had adopted him, aren't adoptive parents sposed to be more 'caring'?

Basically I did, in a weird kinda way like this film, i guess cos of the different scenes.
thank you.

[alex whitmer]

aren't adoptive parents sposed to be more 'caring'?

Absolutely not. Horror stories abound.

a