"Last Date With Jessica"- By Robbie Comeau

[Robbie Comeau]

Watch-Last Date With Jessica (http://www.dvxfest.com/timefest/direct_dl.php?id=1000131)

It's Jerry's and Jessica's big day, but is it really what it seems?

http://www.isarapix.org/pix12/1212712242.png

[Robbie Comeau]

Cast:

Jessica- Valerie Massie

...

Jerry- Thomas Coates

http://www.isarapix.org/pix98/1210530243.jpg

Crew:


Written by- A. B. Steel
Story Edit by- Alex Whitmer
Director, Cinematographer, Editor- Robbie Comeau
Producer- Robbie Comeau
Lighting- Robbie Comeau
Sound- Laura Webster
Composer- Christiaan De Jong
Coloring- Robbie Comeau

[Robbie Comeau]

Journal:

Started the first shoot June 2nd, and that was a Monday.

No actress, so I had to just film the first scene, and this was in the apartment..

Getting ready..
http://www.isarapix.org/pix36/1212438966.png

I love this shot..
http://www.isarapix.org/pix55/1212438987.png

After this shoot I made a cut of it and the first scene is DONE!

June 4th was my final shoot, shooting the rest of the film with my actress. It was a successful day.
Editing it nowm, sound is gonig to be very, very tricky.

Here's something no one has probably ever seen..My film's timeline!

http://www.isarapix.org/pix71/1212708020.png

[Robbie Comeau]

Grabs from the first shoot of "Last Date With Jessica."

-CC isn't finalized.

http://www.isarapix.org/pix36/1212438966.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix55/1212438987.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix91/1212439009.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix49/1212439086.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix87/1212439109.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix8/1212628226.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix10/1212628259.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix0/1212708145.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix46/1212708213.png
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Updates

Script- Done and Done.
Actors- Cast
Crew- Settled
Shooting Date- Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Shooting Date- Monday, June 4th, 2008
Shooting Complete!

[ABSteel]

Woo Hoo!

[Robbie Comeau]

AB, your first post on this site and it's in MY thread!
------------------
------------------
http://www.isarapix.org/pix73/1212958108.png
http://www.isarapix.org/pix31/1212958340.png

[ABSteel]

Lee is gorgeous!

[Chris Messineo]

Good luck with the shoot. I'm really looking forward to seeing this.

[ABSteel]

Thanks, Chris!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Looking forward to this, even though you dropped my script for this one! Only kidding, of course, I'm not actually mad. I have had the honor of previewing this script and the story is quite good. This should be a great entry.

But, on a side note, I now have a perfect TimeFest script available. All I ask in return is a little credit where it is due. PM me if you are interested.

Thanks,

[tmnt]

Good luck dude.

[dory_breaux]

AB, your first post on this site and it's in MY thread!


thats cute inst it.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

thats cute inst it.

Quite. In fact, it's almost too cute. This actually reeks of conspiracy.*






*Bad pun was not intentional.

[kevinkshah]

and this looks interesting...

keep us updated

[ABSteel]

Thanks, guys. I hope to have a finished draft tomorrow.

[Drew Ott]

How many different films have you started and then rejected Robbie?


edit -- good luck regardless

[thematthewbone]

nothing wrong with holding out for the right script...

i mean am i right or am i right?

[Robbie Comeau]

Ya I feel bad. I gave the rights for Nick Lane to use the Silent Screams script. (I just asked for a Story By Robbie Comeau credit. But he gets credit for WRITING it.)

And then I rejected John Labonney's.

All in all, I'm glad that I'm not in any bad terms with these guys, cause we're still cool with each other, being friends. Right Nick and John??? RIGHT?

Heh, yea we should be good. I talked to them, apologizing. They understood. I hope.

It wasn't that they didn't write it well, it was just that the story didn't interest me, and I didn't think either would work.

This story I have now WILL get done, and WON'T get rejected...Again.

[Drew Ott]

Heh, glad to hear it.

[hungrych]

Good luck man, can't wait to see this one.

[ABSteel]

I can't wait to see it either!

[Robbie Comeau]

Should go good.

Just got a 6 foot male for the possibility role for the LEAD. I don't know yet. He's Australian, so he can use his accent if he wants.

I'm going to set up a date, and see if I can rehearse these two talents, to se how they interact.

Hope it goes smooth a I'm hoping.

Robbie

[dory_breaux]

Dude just from reeding it it sounds pretty cool!

[Robbie Comeau]

The script? You read it?

[tmnt]

I've read the script.

[ABSteel]

Do you mind telling me how you read it?
It's not available to the public, unless you're a member of MoviePoet.com

[Robbie Comeau]

Austin,

You just gotta get to know these people on the boards ;)

I think TMNT was just playing.

I did send Nick the script, to look at it. He gave me some thoughts on it.

[ABSteel]

Good thoughts I hope.

[tmnt]

Damn you Robbie, you know me too well - was just playing. Though I am a member of moviepoet.com AB.

Good luck again guys! Always looking forward to your stuff Robbie.

[Robbie Comeau]

Thanks tmnt.

We might have a lighting tech. on set :)

[Robbie Comeau]

How's my tag line? Giving away to much?

[Chris Messineo]

IMHO, the current tagline gives away too much.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey all, sorry I haven't been over to this thread in a while. I didn't think I was needed, but it turns out I was.

...All in all, I'm glad that I'm not in any bad terms with these guys, cause we're still cool with each other, being friends. Right Nick and John??? RIGHT?...

The short answer to that question is: no. The long answer is this: I hate Robbie. He gives me a good start to a script and asks me to finish it, which I do. I spend a lot of my valuable time (even negleting my own TimeFest and ScriptFest scripts) to get it done for him. He likes it, we become friends, and then he spits on that. Just spits on it.

Of course I am just kidding! :grin: I liked the script, Robbie liked the script, he just liked this one better. I will give Robbie story credit if I end up using it or giving it to someone else, but there are no hard feelings. This is my job; I write, you decide if you want it. Simple as that.

Also, as Robbie mentioned, I did read the script for this film. It was very good. It had a simplistic element to it which really brought me in. I think it could be made into a really great short, and I look forward to seeing it.

Also, on a side note, I finally got a chance to write a script for me. I think it turned out pretty good and you can check out the thread in the User Films section called "PROVE IT" (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=130410) (And yes, this was a shameless promotion for my own entry in somebody else's thread. I think I am entitled.)

Anyway, I'm already rambling too much. Good luck to everyone and I look forward to seeing all these films! I will remember to check this thread more often!

:beer: Cheers,

[alex whitmer]

a shameless promotion for my own entry in somebody else's thread

Ah, yeah. Seen that a lot.

Great title, Robbie. Look forward to seeing it.

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


a

[Robbie Comeau]

Hey thanks Alex!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey thanks Alex!

No appreciation for me? Even after all I've done for you! :cry: *Joking*

My apologies for the over dramatic behavior. Sometimes I get carried away.

[Robbie Comeau]

Well, I read your post and I stopped after you said:

The short answer to that question is: no. The long answer is this: I hate Robbie. He gives me a good start to a script and asks me to finish it, which I do. I spend a lot of my valuable time (even negleting my own TimeFest and ScriptFest scripts) to get it done for him. He likes it, we become friends, and then he spits on that. Just spits on it.

So, I guess you hate me.

Lol, know really I read it all, don't worry.

Thanks:)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Haha. For a minute I thought maybe you did stop after that part. It's a good thing you didn't, I suppose.

[ABSteel]

Looks like I walked into a hornets nest!

Thanks for the review, Nick.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Cast:

Jessica- Lee Sanford

http://www.isarapix.org/pix54/1207172237.jpg


wow, she is gorgeous! Good Luck

Dustin

[conrad_johnson]

Pretty girls are fun to look at.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Pretty girls are fun to look at.

I can't disagree with that! :grin:

[Robbie Comeau]

How about working with them?

[Loki]

what kind of stuff has this girl done before?

[HBlack]

Ha. She's acting in my movie too. Pretty cool.

[Robbie Comeau]

Still stuck on locations...

[Marlon Ladd]

What up, Robbie? Been missin' in action for a while. Just wanted to stop by and say, good luck - if I hadn't already.

[ABSteel]

Where's a picture of Jerry?

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Hey Robbie! What is going on with this project? You haven't made an update in a while! Are you still alive?*




*I know Robbie is still alive, I recently spoke with him on MSN, this was simply an exaggeration.

[ABSteel]

They look like they could be a cute couple.

Are you going to film it crooked, or just take crooked pictures? :D

[alex whitmer]

She looks much more mature than he. I'd lose the earring and the five-O'clock shadow to bring them into balance. IMHO!

alex

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

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

[ABSteel]

Jessica is more mature than he is. I've always pictured Jerry being a little rough around the edges. I thought he might've worked as a mechanic or a job like that.

But what do I know? I'm only the writer.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Jessica is more mature than he is. I've always pictured Jerry being a little rough around the edges. I thought he might've worked as a mechanic or a job like that.

But what do I know? I'm only the writer.

Haha. Well, as a writer myself, I would have to say EVERYTHING. But then again, I may be biased.

[ABSteel]

Honestly, I only know what I put in the script. If Jerry's job came up, I probably would've said mechanic.

[alex whitmer]

This ...

Actors - Casted

'Casted' is not a word. Cast is the past of cast / fyi

Is that you in the CC test?

alex

[jasonthewho]

Alex, thank you for making that correction. It drives me crazy when people say "casted."

[Hunter007]

Nice grabs. CC might need some work though. You should see how the results look with real lighting conditions on the actual shoot day.

-Kegan

[dory_breaux]

Hella sick! Cant wait, and the CC looks bitchen!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

This looks cool! Any nice shots of Jessice? ;-)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

This looks cool! Any nice shots of Jessice? ;-)

Shame on you! But really? Do you have a headshot? I see that you have some new grabs, which look good, as does the new poster deal.

[alex whitmer]

For reasons unknown the grabs are not loading.

Rats.

a

http://alexwhitmer.wordpress.com/my-films-wednesdays-farewell/

[alex whitmer]

Skip that. I finally got them to load. Maybe a browser issue.

They look really great, Robbie. Nice job. I'm so looking forward to watching this one.

Alex

http://alexwhitmer.wordpress.com/my-films-wednesdays-farewell/

[Mark Johnson]

This looks like a nicely casted picture.

[Tom Marshall]

I think Robbie died...

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

He's around.... in the shadows... watching...

[Tom Marshall]

He's around.... in the shadows... watching...

You're freaking me out, man!

[Mark Johnson]

The Comeau is a state of mind, not a state of being.

[Horncastle]

Looking forward to this. Thanks for posting the timeline - you're the only one I've seen who's done that. Interesting.

[Drew Ott]

Cool short Robbie. It looked good.

It felt like maybe more could have happened either to hint at the end or just to add more interest.

The end was nice though. Clever idea.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Robbie, nice work. The male lead was very good. I had issues with one of the edits towards the end but I loved the shot that it closed on. Great dolly shots as well. Very smooth.

Cheers!

Mike

[Existentialist]

Interesting..... kept me at the edge of my seat till the end, good job.

Music was a bit much at times, a bit too noticeable, but overall good short.

[Mattykins]

Right-on

Rolling and reviewing.

Nice opening shot. He is really into his hair for a pretty simple cut. Haha. That might be the metro side of me talking. Didn't get the cut to a clock. Seemed kinda haphazard in there. Unmotivated might be a better word.

Music is pretty overwhelming. Maybe dropping it down a few DBs would be in order. That was a very awkward encounter. You really lost me after the couple met up. It seems like one of the most unromantic dates I've ever seen.

Oh, well at 4:00 the film made a little bit more sense. Though admittedly I am still slightly lost. Most of the film was walking. And the reveal at 4:50 was a nice touch. Very M. Night. The rack focus at 5:35 seemed un-necessary though.

Nice film.

[Mobie540]

Robbie you are a talented cinematographer. Those shots were amazing. Great job.

[connorfilm]

You cinematography has improved a lot. Great job on this.

[totitefilms]

You have a nice touching story. The girl looks beautiful. However the acting isn't up to the story. The guy and the girl seem to be disconnected in the movie sometimes. I first thought they broke up and wanted to see each other the last time. The indoor scenes need more lighting. The outdoor scenes have some overexposures. The walking scene is kind of long and plain. But again I like the story. I actually felt something at the end.

[Moojangles]

nice little short, the reveal was good, well done although as Mattykins already mentioned there are a few awkward scenes.

For one i didn't like the cuts from Wide to...not quite as wide while walking on the sidewalk (if you want timecode just ask) it was kinda jarring.

and then at the end that behind the tree branch rack focus was very odd.. it was as if you trying to tell me that she is hiding behind that tree or something.

I don't know why that shot was there.

Good work though overall it was quite beautiful and the acting was nice.

Keep it up.

[ZazaCast]

Good film. Loved the opening shot...and a bunch of the others too. Music was is bit much level-wise. I have to say I knew right from the opening shot what this one was going to be & it was comfirmed by the time he met the girl on the bench (all dressed in white)..or maybe it was the title?

..and the line, "I should have married you the first time you asked me."...WHAT? Any guy would have been all over that! That's just crazy...

All in all I really liked it, job well done!

[pauly_the_hitman]

Good job just seemed a little predictable. Nice cinematography. Good job.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Well I must say this Como: you've come quite a ways since your last entry. Good solid actors this time around with some good pacing. I like some of your choices, but one good note for you on your cut aways: get a little closer. going from a wide shot to a slightly closer shot doesn't work so well in the edit. That can be a little jarring, especially when its a little off center of the last one...

And like some of the others have noted, the rack focus from the tree at the end felt a little forced. If there had been a reson for focus to be there it would have sold that shot more effectively.

Overall it was a good entry and I really enjoyed your cinematography. You definitely are growing as a visual artist and you get better every time so keep at it.

[Steve-O]

I am mainly a dvxuser lurker so take my review for what its worth. Nice Job man!! The opening scene was nice, very well shot. Good job with a distinct beg., middle and end! Your photography has improved tremendously from your short last time! However, you need to develop your visual style and storytelling ability. Like others mention you kinda told us everything at the start, we should get the story in nuggets along the way.

Editing was great up until the street walking scene. The fade to black at 2:38 did not work for me. You probably should not cut from a wide moving dolly shot to a wide static shot, let those moving shots land. Also be aware of eye movement I found my eyes jarred trying to find the focus of some shots, remember brightness, movement and color attract the eye.

All and all great job you have a natural talent and man I wish I was that good at your age!

[Blaine]

The images were pretty clean in this flick but there were definitely some jarring cuts in this one that made it hard for me to stay in the story. The cuts at 3:17 and 3:39 needed better coverage. You need a greater angle of difference between the shots to keep them from being so jarring.

The dialogue felt forced and stilted. The story concept was interesting, though.

Keep it up, Como, you'll get there.

[ABSteel]

I am blown away! That's so much more than I ever imagined it being. I thought the actors did a great job.

You did a great job, Robbie! Good luck!

[Susanne G.]

This is a hard degistible emotional piece of cinema. The film took me and I felt myself nearly start to cry. I love the framing and the acting was fantastic. The music also worked very well. I am not really sure if I found enough of the time subject in it - perhaps this was a little bit weak. Compliments - I enjoyed it.

Susanne

[Mark Johnson]

Robbie, you know how much I appreciate this film and your work. I was fortunate to see an earlier rough cut so that I have some insight into how the final edit came together and I most definitely am impressed. The Comeau most definitely is putting together chops to become a kickass film maker. In many ways, Robbie, you represent the real promise and future of indie film.

I do also agree that your male lead was extremely good and I loved your camera work. I did have the story figured out early but it didn't stop me from enjoying it to the end. Great work, Robbie. I'm extremely interested in seeing what you come up with (especially with regard to a certain project you are working on that you shared with me in a PM!!!)

[Gohanto]

This was a nice, sweet film. I did see the end coming, but your cast pulled off the emotions well. The "fate works itself out" line came out a little strong for my taste, but just my opinion.

Also, I'm not sure if you noticed, but this story does mirror a Scrubs episode (the one with Brendan Fraser).

The long camera shots worked out nicely.

[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 "LAST DATE WITH JESSICA"

happygobo (10:52:17 AM): brb
spesliker (10:52:20 AM): i'll get a drink
happygobo (11:00:13 AM): ok
spesliker (11:00:38 AM): NEXT SONG
happygobo (11:00:45 AM): robbie's movie
spesliker (11:00:49 AM): ok
spesliker (11:00:54 AM): COMO HERE WE COME
spesliker (11:01:12 AM): ready?
happygobo (11:01:20 AM): yeah
spesliker (11:01:21 AM): 3
spesliker (11:01:22 AM): 2
spesliker (11:01:23 AM): 1
spesliker (11:01:25 AM): PLAY
happygobo (11:01:49 AM): DOLLY THAT shi* ROBBIE
happygobo (11:01:59 AM): YEAAAh
spesliker (11:02:02 AM): i think this might have potential
spesliker (11:02:26 AM): lotsa walkin ....
spesliker (11:02:36 AM): YEAH ROBBIE PULL IT TOGETHER
happygobo (11:02:50 AM): YES THERE YOU ARE
spesliker (11:03:07 AM): BLUR TITLES COOL
happygobo (11:03:18 AM): he likes that motion effect
spesliker (11:03:36 AM): is she blind in this one too?
spesliker (11:03:43 AM): i guess not
spesliker (11:03:56 AM): is that a mic on her?
happygobo (11:04:02 AM): i didn't see
spesliker (11:04:06 AM): it's there
happygobo (11:04:11 AM): no doubt.
spesliker (11:04:16 AM): on her right .... boob
happygobo (11:04:26 AM): oh, that's it
spesliker (11:04:29 AM): ZOOM OUT
happygobo (11:04:39 AM): there it is
happygobo (11:04:41 AM): saw it
spesliker (11:04:53 AM): unless it's a necklace
happygobo (11:05:04 AM): oh, it is.
happygobo (11:05:16 AM): a necklace.
spesliker (11:05:28 AM): yeah ... i'm stupid.
spesliker (11:05:50 AM): poo pooing rollercosters
happygobo (11:05:52 AM): I believe you
spesliker (11:05:57 AM): i hate rollercosters ... especially ... of emotion
spesliker (11:06:16 AM): OH SNAP
happygobo (11:07:04 AM): RACK THAT shi* ROBBIE
happygobo (11:07:23 AM): little unmotivated tho.
spesliker (11:07:26 AM): wow ... that was poo pooing sad. ben is a sad panda right now.
spesliker (11:07:39 AM): she was hiding, like a ninja.
happygobo (11:07:57 AM): that's the interpretation I'll always have in my heart of hearts.
happygobo (11:08:54 AM): NEXT SONG out of thyme
spesliker (11:08:55 AM): he he
spesliker (11:08:59 AM): ok
spesliker (11:09:02 AM): wait
spesliker (11:09:06 AM): gotta give robbie a score

Robbie, good stuff man, I'd like to echo some of the thoughts everyone else had, you are really building your chops, and I'm looking forward to your future projects. :thumbsup:

[alex whitmer]

I am not really sure if I found enough of the time subject in it - perhaps this was a little bit weak.

MAJOR SPOILER









He missed his chance to marry her, and now instead of going to the church for a wedding, it's for a funeral instead. Too late.

a

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

SPOILERS


He missed his chance to marry her, and now instead of going to the church to get married, it's for a funeral instead. Too late.

a
Damn, I messed this up. I thought he was going to get married to someone else. Hence the call from his Mom.

The card with her picture on it also states that she died in 2006! I figured that this was present day.
The church sign doesn't mention a funeral or a wedding so I'm not sure what to think?

Alex, I know you didn't write the story but you did help edit it so I'll take your word for it. The phone call really threw me though since I already knew she was dead.

Mike

[Rodney V. Smith]

Como's been awfully quiet. where the heck is he?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Como's been awfully quiet. where the heck is he?
He hasn't posted since April. His choice I think.
You could PM him?

I've been talking to him about the movie via PM myself.

Mike

[alex whitmer]

Damn

Sadly there were some logistical issues that nixed a few important visuals in the final scene.

SPOILER




Robbie ...

I noticed a faux pas ...

When Jessica vanishes, she takes the rose with her. As she never really existed, the rose should have somehow ended up back with her beau.

Also note ...

Yellow Rose: A yellow rose is one of friendship and freedom. Unless you are already seriously attached, this rose signals a desire to keep things on a more platonic level, or even to send a message that one is ready to be free.

Technically he's free, just not the way he wanted.

a

[ABSteel]

The card also says 2006, but I think that's been pointed out.

Would a church really announce a funeral? There should probably be people waiting by the door... Either a pastor or the mom.

But that's only small details. I'm still thrilled with it. I've probably watched it a few dozen times.

[Matt Sconce]

I thought this was nice and could have been even better with some tighter and faster cut shots, and a stronger reveal (for some reason I saw it coming). It would have been great if the rose fell or something or he still had it in his pocket. Good job!

[Horncastle]

I liked this the first time round, time to watch it again: Great opening sequence, nice score though it pulled me out of it a little when he turns back from the door to get the rose. Actor playing the lead character is very good, he turns out some really great facial expressions. I liked the "small town America" setting which seemed to fit the story very well. Cinematography was excellent. Like many others I saw the end coming. Overall I liked this very much, though somehow it just lacked something - maybe the ending seemed a little cold?

[Mark T. Aro]

Well I got through with all the voting and some of the comments and I realized that there were a few that somehow I had overlooked? "Last Date with Jessica" was one of them and I must say it was worth the wait.

I felt that this film was a GEM! What a tender portrait. The only thing that I had an issue with is whlie he was on the phone with his mom, there was a very jarring jump cut that took me out of the moment. Some of the comments that I saw said to tighten it up and normally, I am PREACHING PACING AND A TIGHTER EDIT... but there was something quite special... lamenting if you will that this walk really shouldn't have been any faster. Clean up the cuts yes... speed... I liked it just the pace that it was. (MODIFIED: I just watched again and although the phone call cut was the most jarring, it was not the only jump cut, there are a few).

If you are not familiar with there work (I can't see how you couldn't because your film SMACKS of what I like best about their work), I would suggest that you look at the POLISH brothers films. Again, I imagine that you are already acquainted with there stuff. When I first saw Idaho Falls I was getting annoyed by the speed in which they lumbered along but it after while I just let them take me where they were going to. By the time I saw Northfork and then Astronaut Farmer I was already in the groove and the pace that they go. Again I can't tell you how charming and heartfelt I thought your film was.

The music box in the beginning was so haunting and forlorn and then the keyboard just smacked it around... I like the music overall, but I really would suggest a tweak on it to keep the feel that the first part had (my two cents). (MODIFIED: I just watched it again I think the biggest thing is the cimputerized strings, just takes it down a notch; About 4:34 the music is subtly starting up again, It would be nice to have something like this in the walking portion, to give it a little more).

I am quite greedy with 10 star ratings and if the edit was a little cleaner and the music a little more refined, I would definitely put it in the 10 star category. Mainly because you made me feel sad and you took me to a place that was bitter sweet.

Thanks so much for you and your teams efforts and I just want to tell you again how much I enjoyed this film. No VFX, no Flash... just all heart. Best of luck to you all!

(MODIFIED: Yep, second time even better)

[Danielleus]

Hey guy,

I think most people have mentioned that things that went wrong here. But it all seems to be constructive, as mine would be had it not already all been mentioned.

I love your shots. I liked the compositions and the really loved this story. It felt right, the looks was right, the pacing right. I commend you on taking this route and think you've done a wonderful job here.

Good work. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see more from you.

[Marlon Ladd]

Robbie, nice film. Man, you really stepped up your game. I enjoyed your last film, but you had some really great shots in here and I liked the story. The pacing seemed a little slow, but that's about it. Very nice.

[artofsuntzu]

Tender & sincere.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Robbie,

I don't know if I am qualified to even comment given the number of times I read the script (in all its different edits) and seen the rough cuts. I guess that only disqualifies me from commenting on how the story was played out. t any rate, I know you've been waiting for me to drop in here and I purposely waited to until your film popped up next in line in the zip folders. :evil:

Like I have told you multiple times, I like the story. I think your title is way too revealing (I told you this a while back, actually!). Another thing is that the idea is for the audience to think they are getting married, right up until Jessica dissapears, but I don't get that idea until he says "I should have married you the first time you asked." Even still, once that occurrs, it does a good job of setting us up for the twist.

The acting is less than perfect (but she makes up for it because she is quite pretty, especially in that photo he carries around.) I thought the score was really good except at the point wher he almost leaves the house but turns back to get something - I think the flower. At that point it didn't really mesh and kind of took me out of the story.

I liked most of the shots. During the bench scene there were a couple of fast cuts to different angles that pissed me off a little bit :D but it wasn't too big of a deal. Also, the audio was choppy in a number of places, especially during their walk.

Overall I think you did a good job. Most of the shots were very nice. I know I said I can't really comment on the story, but screw it. I think I would have changed the title and added a few dialogue pieces that would push the audience into thinking they were getting married. They seem more like a couple on an awkward first date or something in some parts.

Great work from you, thank you for asking for help along the way. I am always willing to assist. I think you did a good job with this script (even though you threw me to the curb to take this one, you bastard! :grin:) Good job and good luck!

PS: I will read that other script for you, I keep forgetting. I feel so bad about that. Maybe you are on MSN right now and I will read it and act like I read it last night. Hopefully you are as lazy as I think you are and won't read this far into this post, that way my plan will work!

[iSTy]

I liked this, the acting was good and the shots were clear, emotional.

[Mark Harris]

Teh Como!

I thought this was really well done. I've seen a lot of the things other people have posted.

The only big beef I had was that the music was kind of overpowering. But honestly, I didn't see a whole lot that won't improve just by making more films. This is a huge step up from last fest and shows that you're really paying attention to your craft, listening, learning, and applying.

I enjoyed this a lot and really look forward to the next one. So enter the next fest!!!!

[alex whitmer]

Hey Robbie,

I finally managed to get the whole film to play.

Seems everyone is in agreement that you have improved by leaps and bounds. I need to go back and look at your LoveFest entry.

A few things ...

I think I mentioned the rose already. Now that the whole film has played, I see he magically has the rose again as he heads for the church.

As concerns the twist ...

He walks by the marquis yet there is no mention of the funeral. What might have been nice was to have Both Jess and Jerry stop in front of an out-of-focus marquis, then as Jessica dissipates, the marquis comes into focus, with a mention of the funeral.

The date on the eulogy card was 2006. What's up with that?

When Jerry says 'Hell of a way for our families to meet, Jessica follows with 'It's a shame they never last', but it seems she missed her que a little. That comment seems to apply to the families, when it's for the rose, like her mind is somewhere else. This would help show they are really in two different worlds.

The line 'first time you asked me' somehow didn't play out as planned. Oh well, I live and learn.

There is a lot to be proud of here. Hats off to A.B. Steel for a great story, and to you for a great interpretation.

Alex

[Edgen]

Strong opening, great shots, and the character seems real to me. Music really drove me through the film. When the character talks, be sure to bring that music volume down in the mix. It’s hard to make comments on the score when the sound quality is pretty poor samples. It had potential.

Sorry to see the mic hanging from the girl’s dress. I would have like to see more close ups of her. What is that audio from the ADR? Was that ADR? What was she looking at 4:15 4:20?

I saw the ending coming earlier in the film. Not that I wanted a better twist, but something other than him looking to the church with a line, ‘I wish I could go backwards’ unfortunately for me left the film hanging high and dry. That was kind of a cop out an end.

I liked the look of the film. Just not too sold on the story and its execution.

Congrats on entering the fest.

[PK Gillock]

Robbie - Your last two film fest entries have had a certain style to them. There's something wholesome and pure about your films. Please don't ever change that. While some filmmaker keep trying to get more edgy and extreme, there needs to be filmmakers that keep things simple and pure so we never lose touch with what is real. I guess it's like a balance in the force. lol

This was a very nice story that was told very well. Once again you should be proud of what you have created.

P.S. How did you do the effect with the opening credits? Very cool looking.

[Drew Ott]

Robbie - Your last two film fest entries have had a certain style to them. There's something wholesome and pure about your films. Please don't ever change that. While some filmmaker keep trying to get more edgy and extreme, there needs to be filmmakers that keep things simple and pure so we never lose touch with what is real. I guess it's like a balance in the force. lol

This was a very nice story that was told very well. Once again you should be proud of what you have created.

P.S. How did you do the effect with the opening credits? Very cool looking.

You should read the scripts Robbie writes himself. :)

[Chuklz]

I pm'd you when I first watched your movie. I really enjoyed the camera movement in the first scene. Even though you didnt know where the rest of the production was doing, you were very productive. I think your camera moves really gave this piece a highly cinematic quality and added to the production value.

I wasn't so hot on some of the editing and filler you used in the opening sequence but the short was worth it for your moves.

One thing in the second part was there was a huge distracting jump cut. Whenever you cut like that you need to move the camera at least 30 degrees or we really will get taken out of the moment. Probably a coverage issue.

Finally I think it fell flat at the end, which means there was something lacking in the build up of the story. Something was missing and I know when you have a shoot that is falling apart at the seams you can miss the good stuff like building the interrelationships. I think the only thing that can solve this is to add more planning and more reliable crew.

All in all a very good piece, I enjoyed it. Thanks for making it.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

You should read the scripts Robbie writes himself. :)

You're totally right, Drew! The original script Robbie was going to shoot was one that I wrote after he gave me a loose first page. I took it and finished it and polished it, and it was not wholesome in the least! :grin:

[Christiaan de Jong]

happy you liked the music!
Christiaan de Jong (composer)
www.christiaandejong.com (http://www.christiaandejong.com)

[krestofre]

Sorry it took me so long to get to your film. I really liked this one. There was some unmotivated cutting, and a few too many rack focuses, but there's a lot of talent on showcase here. The story brought everything together and made a very nice, subtle film.