"Prove It" - A Conspiracy Penguin Production

[ConspiracyPenguin]

http://www.isarapix.com/pix83/1206908927.jpg

"PROVE IT"

A Film by Nick Lane

---

Boredom can lead to the most fascinating discoveries.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

CAST -

JUSTIN: NICK LANE (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27811)

CONNOR: SHAUN WHISENHUNT (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27850)

ROB: RICK VARELA (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27957)

CREW -

WRITTEN BY: NICK LANE (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27811)

STORY BY: NICK LANE (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27811)

PRODUCED BY: NICK LANE (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27811), RICK VARELA (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27957) & SHAUN WHISENHUNT (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=27850)

SCORE BY: STEVE DUNSTER (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=12911)

POSTER BY: KYLE STEBBINS (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=17743)

COLOR CORRECTION BY: ROBBIE COMEAU (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=25585)

SCRIPT CONSULTATION BY: ROBBIE COMEAU (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=25585)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

7 JUNE 2008 -

Unfortunately I have had to pull the plug on this entry to to several different circumstances. Please see my most recent post for details, thank you for your support.

1 JUNE 2008 -


Finsihed first day of shooting today. Most of the shots are good and the performances are decent. I, of course, have my concerns but unfortunately not enough TIME for them. Funny. Editing should be done in a week so I can send it off to Steve. Hopefully he will have enough TIME to do the score. Again with the time thing. Teaser coming later tonight, so stay tuned!


19 MAY 2008 -

We had some rough times recently. We had put our search for new equipment on hold but when it turned out we wouldn't be able to obtain help from Sconce, we were in a made dash to make a decision: 1) Restart search quickly and possibly fail, 2) Use what we've got, and have it not look extremely pretty or 3) Drop out. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to cause a panic (or maybe give people false hope :evil:*) or give the impression that we are not fully committed...because we are. As of right now we plan to shoot this Friday and Saturday May 23 and 24. I will post whether it goes well or not. Thanks for your continued support.

ALERT: WE ARE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO REVIEW THE SCRIPT BEFORE IT IS FILMED AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK. IF YOU CAN DO THIS WITHIN THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, PLEASE SEND ME A PM. THANK YOU.

*Not really that cocky/confident. Simply a jest on my part to lighten the mood.


6 MAY 2008 -

Unfortunatly, due to conflicting schedules, we will not be able to obtain the help of Matt Sconce on this project. We are deeply saddened by this and hope that the project will be able to go on, as we had put off all equiptment purchasing endeavours when we thought we knew what we were going to do. Also, there will probably be a location change soon, because we are having trouble finding a certain vantage point that is vital to our story.

5 APRIL 2008 -


Currently we are working hard to collect new equiptment, as the stuff we have now is out of date. This is going to be out first FilmFest entry, so we want it to look good, although we know it won't look as good as those submitted by the seasoned filmmakers. We are hoping to have a new camera, audio equiptment, a better lighting setup, and a new editing software by the end of this month so we can set a shoot date in early May. After we get the raw footage edited, I will send it off to STEVE and ROBBIE for the score and color correction (respectivly). The last step will be to mesh both versions together and do any minor tweaking that is needed and we will be done.


1 APRIL 2008 -

Unfortunatly, it turns out we will not be able to finish this project due to some unforseen circumstances. The world wide Youtube Rick Roll caused extreme mental distress to a few of our cast members who can no longer do anything without repeating the words "Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna turn around, and desert you." --- April fools!

Actually, today what I did was go outside and take photographs of the outdoor locations. I also scouted for a hilltop location, which I think I found. If I come across another, we will use that instead, but as of now this one is fine. I will take some indoor location shots as soon as I can. Here is what I have:

http://www.isarapix.org/pix96/1207109669.jpg

30 MARCH 2008 -

I returned home to find that KYLE had made a very nice poster. At first I asked him if he wanted to make another one, but soon decided I liked the first draft enough to use it to start the thread.

24 MARCH 2008 -

Robbie read script, confirmed my suspicions that the dialogue was too direct in some areas. Edits made, including addition of title card, credits, and on-screen text into written form. Working draft is complete.

23 MARCH 2008 -

First draft of script finished. Approved by SHAUN and RICK. Parts decided (cast list updated)

[Robbie Comeau]

Woo!

You might want to make your banner go like mine, side to side as opposed to on top of each other. I did your way, and I think the mods changed it around, and it makes more sense this way.

Also, make it clickable!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I thought you might get a kick out of that, Robbie. I figured I might as well give you credit, as you pointed out a few flaws in my dialogue.

EDIT: BANNER IS NOW CLICKABLE, AND I AM WORKING ON THE MOVE.

Thanks,

[Robbie Comeau]

Sweet! thanks!

[dory_breaux]

sick dude!

[img]

Great looking poster.welcome and best of luck

[Ki-Ki]

Happy to see your thread up there man, glad your entering. =)

Best wishes, i'll keep cehcking the thread.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Thanks everyone for the early good wishes. I will do my best to keep this updated as new stuff comes in, and I look forward to everyone else's entries as well.

Thanks,

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Cast list and production log updated, now I plan to keep it that way. Also, a bump for this thread, and an invitation to use it to :beer: PARTY :beer: if you'd like. In fact, I will probably join in if you choose to use it for that purpose.

Thanks,

[Robbie Comeau]

I got the Keg.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I got the Keg.

Woo hoo! :beer:

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Welcome Nick! I hope that you saved a good script for yourself!!! (I know that you were helping a lot of folks out here! :thumbsup: )

Best to you,

Ted

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey Welcome Nick! I hope that you saved a good script for yourself!!! (I know that you were helping a lot of folks out here! :thumbsup: )

Best to you,

Ted

Thanks, Ted! I did in fact help quite a lot of people. Although one may not go through, and one is not finished yet. But there are actually a couple more I may even take on.

I was worried that I didn't have a good one for myself for a while there, but finally the idea just hit me and I'm pretty happy with it. I am actually looking for critique on it if anyone would like to read it and still obey the rules.

Thanks,

[Rick V]

Hey, I'm really looking forward to this film and hopefully our first fest entry will turn out well. :)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I can second your remarks, Rick, and I look forward to working with you.

But what I am really wondering is, where is the party??? Did I send the invites out too late? I might have to wait until tomorrow, unless the gang arrives after I'm long gone and parties without me, leaving only the rancid smell and incomprehensible mess for me to sort threw in the morning.

Tonight I am charging my camera battery and I will take location shots tomorrow. I will also try to go scouting for the one location I have yet to find, given the fact that I have enough time when I get home.

Yeah,

[hungrych]

Cool poster!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Yes, Kyle did a great job. I will be posting location shots shortly, so stay tuned. I'll let you know when they're up!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Outdoor location shots added! Check 'em out in the second post!

Thanks,

[kevinkshah]

a very inspired poster. if the tree ties into the location, which it looks like it might, even better. if not, still caught my eye (as well as the title)

it's nice to see a title with a challenge built into it.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, the tree ties into the location. I apreciate your complements regarding the title as well, looks likethis is going to be a great fest.

Thanks,

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Just updated the production log with some basic information. Also, I am looking for some people who would like to read the script and provide some good feedback. We are hoping to shoot in early May, so I want to have the final draft finished by the end of this month. Send me a PM if interested. Thanks everyone.

PS: We got permission to hijack a thread over in the cafe, so I was looking to party this weekend. I'll be over there all night, even if I have to party alone.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=130963&page=2

[Kyle Stebbins]

thanks for the birthday wishes, nick! much appreciated! hope everything is going well for you.

[smashedburrito]

Nick, check your email, I sent notes.

[Matt Sconce]

Okay Conspiracy Penguin...Nick Lane....Is that house location the former Scott's residence? I think I recognize it as I hung out a lot with Dan Scott there, the founder of www.layonaraonline.com (http://www.layonaraonline.com)

Also...why the heck have we never met? I am constantly in Oakhurst as the youth leader for the Jr. High at Sierra Pines Church and I went to Yosemite Highschool, graduating in 99. We will have to meet up sometime! Let me know if you need anything for your shoot. I live in Fresno now, but am always up there. -Matt Sconce

[Ki-Ki]

Maybe you could even help each other out on future fests =)

Update?

[Matt Sconce]

Seriously, I am willing to help if needed and it not conflicting with netherborn or Impossible Race's shoot. I have large green screen, lighting, HVX-200, Home Built Stabilizer (Glidecam-esque), Boom Mic and Boom Pole, 2 Lav mics for dialogue, and mucho experience. Let me know if you need help. PM me.
I did not put two and two together to see where you were located or I would have offered earlier.
-Matt

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey Matt, thanks for the generous offer! I actually know your Dad (well, know of him actually) He is the man! Created the Universe, they say. We are actually on a very low budget (like nothing) and still without a good camera. I will definitly send you a PM and see if you can't help us out a bit! I really appreciate it and we'll be in touch!

Also, sorry to dissapoint, but the house in the photos is not the old Scott's residence. My family actually built the house about two years ago. Thanks again!

PS: I haven't had much new information for an update here, that's why the thread has been pretty dormant as of late. I'll definitly be posting soon, though, if I end up getting together with Sconce for this!

[Matt Sconce]

I will PM you some more specifics but I am always looking forward to helping filmmakers get the ball rolling and start making things instead of just talking about it. This place has changed my life and taught me so much, and I believe it is because of the amazing people here who took the time to help teach me.

[Matt Sconce]

I'm in!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I will update the top threads.

[Matt Sconce]

Woohoo! Hey I sent you some notes. Check your e-mail or PM.:dankk2:

[Gary Sconce]

Hey Matt, thanks for the generous offer! I actually know your Dad (well, know of him actually) He is the man! Created the Universe, they say. We are actually on a very low budget (like nothing) and still without a good camera. I will definitly send you a PM and see if you can't help us out a bit! I really appreciate it and we'll be in touch!

Also, sorry to dissapoint, but the house in the photos is not the old Scott's residence. My family actually built the house about two years ago. Thanks again!

PS: I haven't had much new information for an update here, that's why the thread has been pretty dormant as of late. I'll definitly be posting soon, though, if I end up getting together with Sconce for this!

WOW! I created the Universe? :shocked: Cool...I didn't know I did that.

:2vrolijk_08:Best Wishes!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

WOW! I created the Universe? :shocked: Cool...I didn't know I did that.

:2vrolijk_08:Best Wishes!

And every other worldly invention. At least, that's the word on the street! Thanks for the great wishes, maybe I'll stop in your room on Monday and thank you in person.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Log updated, everyone, Matt Sconce is out. :sad: We had trouble finding shoot dates that we could all agree with and when it came down to it, there is not enough time left.

We are moving on as though we are going to still make this, restarting our equiptment purchasing endeavour, and we will keep you updated as it moves along. Thanks.

[Ki-Ki]

Still rooting for you. =)

I understand what a tough road your on at the moment, so best of luck on your endeavour.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Still rooting for you. =)

I understand what a tough road your on at the moment, so best of luck on your endeavour.

Thanks Ki-Ki, checking to see if you're on MSN right now...

[conrad_johnson]

Dear Writing Machine,

How's this beast coming along? Any luck with the gear? Did you get sucked into your computer and now you're running around in Final Draft writing too many scripts for Timefest?

Best of luck,

-Joe

[Beat Takeshi]

Good luck with everything. Just shoot with what you have and blow us away with your story. :)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Dear Writing Machine,

How's this beast coming along? Any luck with the gear? Did you get sucked into your computer and now you're running around in Final Draft writing too many scripts for Timefest?

Best of luck,

-Joe

I am actually down to the last script for someone else which I am hoping to finish this weekend! I won't lie, we haven't really started looking for gear again yet, probably out of pure laziness. I have become quite distracted lately with personal stuff.

Good luck with everything. Just shoot with what you have and blow us away with your story. :)

Do you think that would work? My friend/filming partner keeps saying "They should be able to look past the quality and judge it by the story" but I can't get over the fact that, unfortunatly, many people "judge a book by its cover" if you will, or in this case, the quality of the film.

Thanks everyone for your support and I'll let you know what happens!

:beer: Cheers,

[Tomas Riuka]

Jeez, Nick, you're still pushing scripts for timefest? :) isn't a bit late? few weeks left... we're working hardly in finishing the first rough cut for monday evening

p.s. i posted one more screenshot on our thread from the party scene :)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Jeez, Nick, you're still pushing scripts for timefest? :) isn't a bit late? few weeks left... we're working hardly in finishing the first rough cut for monday evening

p.s. i posted one more screenshot on our thread from the party scene :)

I am glad things are going well for you, Tomas. Yup, still one left. I was going to try and get the rough done now. Not sure if it will be made, but there is still time!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Updated the production log, we plan to shoot this Friday and Saturday!

[Ki-Ki]

G-Luck, wanted to save you from a triple post.

[Simon Höfer]

Go for it!

Aw, looked at your poster again, love it! :)

[sfoster]

I think story is the most important. I'm shooting mine on a cell phone, so as long as it's well thought out and shot from the right perspective, the story will come across no matter the quality. That is what is so cool about this festival. It's a challenge in all areas. I don't think anyone would hold it against you if you had to shoot on a vhs camera as long as you tell the story visually and with emotion.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I think story is the most important. I'm shooting mine on a cell phone, so as long as it's well thought out and shot from the right perspective, the story will come across no matter the quality. That is what is so cool about this festival. It's a challenge in all areas. I don't think anyone would hold it against you if you had to shoot on a vhs camera as long as you tell the story visually and with emotion.

Hey, just got back into town and saw your post. That's really cool. I think that is one of the good things about this group is we recognize not just the visual quality but the quality in the story, shots, acting, directing and every other part that goes into making a film. That is why everyone essentially has a chance.

Rick went ahead and bought a new camera, not HD or anything but he should get it today or tomorrow and we will see what it looks like. Maybe it will make our film a bit more pretty. I am hoping we are not cutting it too close, but with all that's happened this week, I am not sure if we will get it donw tomorrow which means we might not get it done at all. We will see...

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Just finished our first day of shooting. It went fairly well. We almost got into trouble with the neighbors because of the noise that our dune buggy made. Then, one of the guys was testing the footage on the computer and ended uo recording over a great scene. The issue is that the other actor from that scene had already left, so we will try to pick it up some afternoon during the week. Other than that, just a few small scattered scenes here or there left to do.

The only thing I am worried about is the audio quality. Our wireless microphones didn't come in in time so we had to resort to using the camera's mic. Luckily the quality is pretty good, although it was somewhat windy in certain scenes. Hopefully I can touch it up a bit in post. The shots look good (some of them). I am pretty happy.

Come back later for a teaser post. Don't worry, no footage of the actual film, either a small ridiculous and pointless clip or maybe a clip of me having a breakdown on set. Not sure which one I want to use yet. Trying to work out a problem with my YouTube accounts.

:beer: Cheers,

[Mark Johnson]

We almost got into trouble with the neighbors because of the noise that our dune buggy made.

Man, the fact that you have a dune buggy in the picture is already a cool teaser from my standpoint.

Your previous comments regarding story are so true. We've done stuff in the past that was super quality visually but fell flat story-wise. Given a choice I would take story over everything else every time. Jason Ramsey's film could have been shot on any camera and would have carried the weight it did because of the story/writing and actors who could pull it off. Whenever I start forgetting this lesson I go put on Ishtar.

[Ben Sliker]

Then, one of the guys was testing the footage on the computer and ended uo recording over a great scene.

That's a bummer man ... way back in the day we had one like that ... except it was running out of tape in the middle of an effects shot (throwing up blood ... some around here might remember that shot :) )

[Moojangles]

Here's my take on what the script might be, based on the fact that there's a dune buggy and we're dealing with time.

"dude... i bet you can get some sweet air with that thing"
"ya, totally but i only have like..." --looks at watch-- "...6 minutes until i gotta go to work"

-- 6 minutes of crazy napolean dynamite like stunts with a dune buggy--

"dude you got like 3 feet of air"

THE END



was i close?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Here's my take on what the script might be, based on the fact that there's a dune buggy and we're dealing with time.

"dude... i bet you can get some sweet air with that thing"
"ya, totally but i only have like..." --looks at watch-- "...6 minutes until i gotta go to work"

-- 6 minutes of crazy napolean dynamite like stunts with a dune buggy--

"dude you got like 3 feet of air"

THE END



was i close?Alright, who leaked the script!??
:badputer:

[Tom Marshall]

I can't believe I haven't left a comment yet! Sorry 'bout that, penguin... :)

Good luck with finishing up. :beer:

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Here's my take on what the script might be, based on the fact that there's a dune buggy and we're dealing with time.

"dude... i bet you can get some sweet air with that thing"
"ya, totally but i only have like..." --looks at watch-- "...6 minutes until i gotta go to work"

-- 6 minutes of crazy napolean dynamite like stunts with a dune buggy--

"dude you got like 3 feet of air"

THE END



was i close?

Dammit! Does that mean I can't enter anymore? :grin: haha! I should have done that. Maybe next time. Thanks everyone and Tom, I forgive you...for now. Talked to Steve, he will probably be able to get the score done in time. If we can get these last few scenes filmed and put togethe,r we should be good to go.

:beer: Cheers,

[Mark Johnson]

Go bird man.

[Matt Sconce]

If we can get these last few scenes filmed and put togethe,r we should be good to go.

:beer: Cheers,

AWESOME! You can do it!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

All the buzz surroudning this fest and all these talented people are starting to scare me. :grin: I am not sure if I want to put this film out there. My talents in this field are as follows:

1) Writer
2) Actor
3) Fimmaker

I can write well, I am a decent actor once I get going, but doing the whole shabang may cause the overall effect to decrease. Further, because of certain fallbacks, it won't be exactly up to my standards. But I guess that's why I'm here, to get feedback and to have fun.

[alex whitmer]

Gotta stick your neck out there if you're going to learn.

The next one, and the next one will be that much better.

a

[Moojangles]

ya, this is my first one. I've shot a feature on $0 before but i was just the cameraman and partial editor doing everything (other than writing, thank you Nick.) has been a totally different experience though i'm not acting in it like you this is by far the best way to go.
Its a hell of a lot of fun and at the end of the day you've got another film to show your friends/employers?

also... dune buggys!

[Matt Sconce]

I remember my first fest. It was a huge learning experience! I entered Nine to Five Ninja in Hero fest and learned a ton from the critiques and comments. Invaluable.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Looking good Nick.

Those exteriors remind me of my parents farm in Texas.

[sfoster]

On DVXUSER you're not really sticking your neck out there when you make a film. It's more like you're sticking a fingernail out there. When you make a film, people just clip the nails with the comments. I know some of the films had some really jagged edges, just like my fingernail!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

http://www.advin.com/uv-eraser-plug-USA-W512.JPG

We have had many setbacks during the process. Up until a few weeks ago we had almost decided to throw out the project all together due to the lack of proper equipment. But at the last minute Rick came to me with a Canon DV camera he had just purchased and told me it would do the job, and it did. Brickwall after brickwall we never gave up, we fought the weather, lack of audio and lighting equipment and even the possibility of angry neighbors. But every show must come to an end, and unfortunately this one has a little too early.

Due to all the issues going in, we now only have half of the footage we need, and even that footage contains flaws. We are coming close to the deadline and there are several scheduling conflicts in the forseeable future. Further, even though I am sure we could get the editing done in time, there is no way we would be able to get an appropriate score or even be happy with the final result. This is why I have decided to regretfully pull the plug and shelve this project until some future time when maybe we can extend the script and take the time out to really do it justice. Up until today I have been in denial about the fact that we cannot possibly finish this film in time...funny that in a fest about time there have been so many time related problems, I guess it's only fitting.

I would like to thank all of you for your generous support especially:

Steve Dunster, for offering to do the composition, sorry it never made it that far man, hopefully next time.

Kyle Stebbins, for creating the kick-arse poster that can be found at the top of the thread, I look forward to working with you many more times in the future.

Como, for reading the script, setting me straight occasionally and offering to do the CC.

KiKi, for not signing into MSN in the last couple of weeks leaving me essentially no one to talk to when I am bored besides Robbie...oh, wait, this is not a good thing.

And everyone else, sorry if I didn't mention you personally, your help is very much appreciated, I just cannot possibly think of everyone at this time. Maybe next fest we will be more prepared and capable of pulling off a film, but since this was our first attempt, you must find it in your heart to forgive me. Stay tuned for the possibility of a surprise coming your way in about a week and best of luck in the fest, I am looking forward to seeing all of your great entries (especially the two that I wrote :evil: just kidding, of course.)

Thanks again,

[Mark Johnson]

It's part of the process Nick. There is so much to be learned from making the attempt and I wager you will be at the finish line next fest. You've been a real contributor and we appreciate your efforts, man.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

It's part of the process Nick. There is so much to be learned from making the attempt and I wager you will be at the finish line next fest. You've been a real contributor and we appreciate your efforts, man.

That's absolutly true. This being my first fest and expiriencing so many setbacks has taught me to not procrastinate. I can hear myself telling Rick "We have two months, relax" over and over again and I am realizing he was right :grin:. I appreciate your kind words, and I am glad I will at least be a part if this fest in that I wrote for two of the films. Next time for sure, I have learned from my mistakes.

[sfoster]

Hey since you are so close by, you should just jump on board with us for the next one! That is, IF we have time to do the next fest. We might *hopefully* be so busy doing Matt and Marks slate of films that it's all we do!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey since you are so close by, you should just jump on board with us for the next one! That is, IF we have time to do the next fest. We might *hopefully* be so busy doing Matt and Marks slate of films that it's all we do!

I'd be glad to! Thanks for the invite, let me know anytime and we can work it out!

[Gohanto]

Sorry to hear about this falling through man. Scheduling really is a pain and kills far too many projects. Hopefully you can get the script made further down the line though.

[Simon Höfer]

Sorry to hear this Nick! Well, next fest is coming, for sure :)