"Simon Van Winkle" by Robert Werden (Time Fest)

[robertwerden]

Direct link for re-edited film http://vimeo.com/1261395

[robertwerden]

Cast and Crew

CAST:

Simon Van Winkle - David


Ally - Janson
http://replicaprops.com/SVW/janson1.jpg

Jen - Amber

http://replicaprops.com/SVW/amber1.jpg







CREW:
Written by - Robert Werden
Everyone did boom work

[robertwerden]

4-20 First production meeting and script read through
http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/production1.jpg

We got very little work done, but the Kids in the cast had fun

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/production2.jpg

[robertwerden]

screen grabs
http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image8.jpg

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image6.jpg

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image2.jpg

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image0.jpg

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image4.jpg

http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image1.jpg

[Matthew R. Rodwell]

Good luck Robert! Just let me know if you need anything.

[Drew Ott]

Good luck. This should be interesting.

[robertwerden]

Thanks guys, feel free to jump in the water is fine

[robertwerden]

Just added a poster.

[robertwerden]

Uploaded

[Matt Sconce]

Uploaded
Congrats!! It looks like you had a ton of fun and I am sure we will have fun watching it!

[robertwerden]

Congrats!! It looks like you had a ton of fun and I am sure we will have fun watching it!
We did. We did'nt start shooting until 4 days ago. We got the whole thing done the first day, then realized we needed to do it again, then again, and yes then again.

I figured since this was my first film, I would consider it practice. I messed up during editing a few times and only realized it after I uploaded that my audio track was off a bit. Hopefully everyone will find the story cute, and appreciate the effort.

[robertwerden]

Uploaded screen grabs

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

screen grabs


http://www.replicaprops.com/SVW/Image4.jpg



Ummm.... nice breast.

I mean grabs!!

Seriously though. Nice framing.:D

[conrad_johnson]

Thank god it's still in the action safe zone. Don't want to lose that thing on a television.

:)

[Tom Marshall]

Ummm.... nice breast.

Can't wait to see this one... :thumbsup:

[kurtmo]

Wonder what that is that you keep blotting out....inquiring minds.

[Mattykins]

Haha,

Looks like an interesting film. And no worries about the first film. Everyone has to start somewhere. It will be great to premier the film here. Big accomplishment.

And at least you got some of these guys excited here. haha.

[ZazaCast]

And at least you got some of these guys excited here. haha.


I think some of these guys need to get out more!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I think some of these guys need to get out more!Married with children. Got out plenty. :happy:

Just having some fun.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Another Texan, damn we're getting close to out numbering the LALA land kids...welcome and gl

[robertwerden]

Another Texan, damn we're getting close to out numbering the LALA land kids...welcome and gl

I noticed that my self. It is surprising since the friggen heat made me change my script to do many shots indoors.

[Mattykins]

Going a little out of order here, but I just say it, so I am really curious to see how this came out. And I know Mike, only teasing. :grin:

And rolling and reviewing...

Really really soft image at first look. This is with a Redrock? Interesting. Dialog was definitely ADR I assume. It sounded really distant from the actors. And the rack focus in the beginning seemed to be off a little. Actually that happened a few times. I take it you aren't using ... HAHA! 1:35 good line...totally sounds like a teenager type deal.

Anyways, I take it you aren't using an AC. Since the focus pulls seem to be just a little off. You light also want to watch the framing of the girls. There was some...unintended cleavage I think. And (3:16) makes the framing make much more sense. Just a little heads up. I would also really make sure to measure between focus plane and subject. Since focus did seem really soft throughout. The adapter is nice, but can also mess things up pretty decently.

I would also try to work on dialog a little bit more recording wise, like I said, it seemed distant. Also, high lights seemed to get blown out.

But over-all, nice film.

[robertwerden]

Going a little out of order here, but I just say it, so I am really curious to see how this came out. And I know Mike, only teasing. :grin:

And rolling and reviewing...

Really really soft image at first look. This is with a Redrock? Interesting. Dialog was definitely ADR I assume. It sounded really distant from the actors. And the rack focus in the beginning seemed to be off a little. Actually that happened a few times. I take it you aren't using ... HAHA! 1:35 good line...totally sounds like a teenager type deal.

Anyways, I take it you aren't using an AC. Since the focus pulls seem to be just a little off. You light also want to watch the framing of the girls. There was some...unintended cleavage I think. And (3:16) makes the framing make much more sense. Just a little heads up. I would also really make sure to measure between focus plane and subject. Since focus did seem really soft throughout. The adapter is nice, but can also mess things up pretty decently.

I would also try to work on dialog a little bit more recording wise, like I said, it seemed distant. Also, high lights seemed to get blown out.

But over-all, nice film.


The whole film was shot in 4 days. I was the only crew for everything, and my actors were just my daughters friends. Being my first film I really was overwhelmed trying to remember everything I had read. Not having a expert near by I kinda winged it. The whole experience was a good learning one, and hopefully next time i'll have learned more and maybe have some help.

The biggest problem we faced was the light. We only had sun light to deal with since I have no lights at all. So as the hours ticked on we ended up scrapping shots and waiting till the next day.

Framing was hard because of the room we shot in. I had 5 feet from the talent if I wanted them in the sun light coming through the window. We had intended on shooting the whole thing in the garage and out side, but the kids complained about the heat, and so did I.

I had just gotten the M2 a week before the shoot so I was basically learning on the fly. I understand 10 times more now than 10 days ago with it. My biggest mistake was not getting enough lenses. I only got a 50mm and I should have gotten a 28 as well.

The most important thing is we had fun and the kids want to do more movies. So I think in all it was a great experience and a small step into the industry.

[Mattykins]

I hear you there. Its great you got it done. I enjoyed the story.

And that is what these fests are for you know? Have fun most importantly. And learn a thing or two in the process. My film didn't come out as I intended...but we had fun. My brother (was grumpy) and his friends had a blast. It's great shooting something and having people on set have a good time. And no worries with the shoot. I call it as I see it while watching. Just some things to keep an eye on. :)

Interested to see what you come up with next. And at least you know how to use that adapter now right? Learning experience and fun experience, that's all that matters here.

-Matt

[conrad_johnson]

OOh, your daughter wasn't the boob girl was she?

Kinda weird.

I don't want you to beat me up over objectifying your daughters chest.

[robertwerden]

OOh, your daughter wasn't the boob girl was she?

Kinda weird.

I don't want you to beat me up over objectifying your daughters chest.

UH no, my daughter was the one in the red shirt.
We wanted Janson to show the bra, so it would be remembered at the end of the film. That is why there was so many boob shots. Janson was great about it, she really took one for the team, embarrassing as it was for her.

The funny part was out at the last shot we had actually shot the final scene the day before, but when we got on location we realized the tree had huge roots sticking up and the shots would not match. So Janson took off her bra in public to make the shot complete.

[ZazaCast]

Good film...good story. Audio was out of sync here & there for me. And for me (having daughters) I think you could have used something else beside sex as the motivation.

Nice job.

[robertwerden]

Good film...good story. Audio was out of sync here & there for me. And for me (having daughters) I think you could have used something else beside sex as the motivation.

Nice job.

I wish I had fixed the audio. I noticed that after I had uploaded. Even after uploading I tried to fix it, and it was a sony vegas glitch that I just could not figure out.

I was hesitant about using sexual references, however the fact remains that teen agers tend to be thinking about that all the time and as a motivation goes, it is a pretty strong one at that age.

[pauly_the_hitman]

Not bad for your first time out. I kinda thought the story was cool...What teenage boy wouldn't do just about anything to see a girls boob. Funny and well thought out.

[robertwerden]

Not bad for your first time out. I kinda thought the story was cool...What teenage boy wouldn't do just about anything to see a girls boob. Funny and well thought out.

Appreciate that, thanks.

[krestofre]

When editing try to be a little faster on your cuts for dialog's sake. When people are talking in real life there isn't a few second pause between replies. You can fix this by either cutting faster or by starting the dialog early and having it overlap some. Experiment with it, but I think this one little fix would make the film come across as a lot more polished.

Good luck in future projects.

[robertwerden]

When editing try to be a little faster on your cuts for dialog's sake. When people are talking in real life there isn't a few second pause between replies. You can fix this by either cutting faster or by starting the dialog early and having it overlap some. Experiment with it, but I think this one little fix would make the film come across as a lot more polished.

Good luck in future projects.


Yes, that is a very good point. I'm noticing the major flaws in my film are centered around editing. I need to allow more time for that on future films.

[Blaine]

For your first time out and a one man crew, I'm impressed.

I couldn't help thinking, there's no way he could just stand there for 1000 years...where were his parents? But that's just too damned logical where it's not called for.

I love that fact that you have the geeky teenage boy inventing a time machine to get girls. Wouldn't it have been easier for him to start a band? :grin:

This really was a cute story and I'm betting that we're going to be seeing some great things from you in the future.

Criticisms: You really need to do some lighting for the interior shots. You ADR was a bit hollow, take a little more time on it and do it in a location where you can control what you're getting. (It's a major plus that you even thought of doing ADR on your first piece...:thumbsup:)

Thanks for sharing. :beer:

[robertwerden]

For your first time out and a one man crew, I'm impressed.

I couldn't help thinking, there's no way he could just stand there for 1000 years...where were his parents? But that's just too damned logical where it's not called for.

I love that fact that you have the geeky teenage boy inventing a time machine to get girls. Wouldn't it have been easier for him to start a band? :grin:

This really was a cute story and I'm betting that we're going to be seeing some great things from you in the future.

Criticisms: You really need to do some lighting for the interior shots. You ADR was a bit hollow, take a little more time on it and do it in a location where you can control what you're getting. (It's a major plus that you even thought of doing ADR on your first piece...:thumbsup:)

Thanks for sharing. :beer:

We are already getting ready for our next film. I'm learning so much from you guys and ladies already. I'm really glad everyone liked the story. The technical can be improved, but if the story does not capture your imagination then all the technical can not compensate.

I've got a feature length story i'm wanting to film, so all these shorts and interacting with you guys are getting me ready for that day.

[sean90291]

Hey, the production values were terrible and yet I still liked it! I mean that's a good thing man, because as you say you are already working on improving your techniques, and I'd rather watch a film with interesting ideas and a fresh take on things than watch something really slick but unoriginal. You had a really neat take on your story, with a very teen point of view, and I did want to know how things were going to turn out. I loved your ending. I really look forward to seeing your next film when you start bringing your talent together with some solid technical skills!

[robertwerden]

Hey, the production values were terrible and yet I still liked it! I mean that's a good thing man, because as you say you are already working on improving your techniques, and I'd rather watch a film with interesting ideas and a fresh take on things than watch something really slick but unoriginal. You had a really neat take on your story, with a very teen point of view, and I did want to know how things were going to turn out. I loved your ending. I really look forward to seeing your next film when you start bringing your talent together with some solid technical skills!

Thanks, that was very encouraging.

[Matt Sconce]

Interesting story. Sometimes the acting did not work for me and other times I thought it was endeaing. It definitely had a teen perspective. Boobs are worth risking my life for...wait, maybe that is not just a teen perspective.:cheesy: I thought the character at the end needed to be covered in cobwebs or something to make us feel he had been there a long time. Look forward to the next one.

[Gary Sconce]

Just watched the film and thought it was entertaining. Good effect on him freezing with the clouds speeding up.

Just a few thoughts from a scientific and cultural point of view: If a guy was frozen out in public like that and couldn't be touched or moved due to some sort of time bubble effect, wouldn't those left moving build something akin to a roof to protect him and place signs around him? :cheesy: He would be a serious tourist attraction.:happy:

Also the letter and its container could have been aged to match the amount of time they sat by him... Nearly 920 years after the girls died. A metal box, rusted and aged would have fit the shot better.
Still, you did very well! Thanks for the hard work. :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

[Existentialist]

That was fun. Editing could be tighter.

Did you shoot this on an HVX?

[robertwerden]

Interesting story. Sometimes the acting did not work for me and other times I thought it was endeaing. It definitely had a teen perspective. Boobs are worth risking my life for...wait, maybe that is not just a teen perspective.:cheesy: I thought the character at the end needed to be covered in cobwebs or something to make us feel he had been there a long time. Look forward to the next one.

The original script called for a visible bubble around him, and a montage of time passing. I'm sure if I had done it there would have been a better feel to the shot.

[robertwerden]

Just watched the film and thought it was entertaining. Good effect on him freezing with the clouds speeding up.

Just a few thoughts from a scientific and cultural point of view: If a guy was frozen out in public like that and couldn't be touched or moved due to some sort of time bubble effect, wouldn't those left moving build something akin to a roof to protect him and place signs around him? :cheesy: He would be a serious tourist attraction.:happy:

Also the letter and its container could have been aged to match the amount of time they sat by him... Nearly 920 years after the girls died. A metal box, rusted and aged would have fit the shot better.
Still, you did very well! Thanks for the hard work. :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

I wanted to put a stone plaque at his feet, describing him as the first time traveler and giving the date he would be there. There was supposed to be a character that handed him the box while executing the will of Ally (boob girl), but he could not make the shot and it was the last day before the film was due, so we changed the script to do the ADR.

[robertwerden]

That was fun. Editing could be tighter.

Did you shoot this on an HVX?


Yes it was on an HVX. I also used the M2 with a Zeiss 50mm for the whole shoot.

Editing was one of my biggest issues. I rushed through it the morning the film was due. I also did the sky replacement shot in AE (thanks Andrew Kramer) and the time travel effects at the same time. Had I planned better, I would have scheduled editing with at least a full week to work.

[Will Clegg]

I don't know if there is a prize for best first film (I guess that would be hard to verify), but if so, I nominate you. Especially given that it was done in one week.

Other have touched on some of the technical flaws, so I won't rehash. It sounds like you already learned so much. The important thing is that the story was clever and coherently told - much easier said than done. Looking forward to your next film.

[Moojangles]

This was my final movie to watch, i thought it was good. The acting wasn't perfect but good enough to get the idea across (similar to my own film).

The effects were decent and the story too but as i imagine most people also figured out how this one would end from the title.

Would have been nice to give it a bit more of a twist or something fun. Good work though, especially for a first entry.

[robertwerden]

I don't know if there is a prize for best first film (I guess that would be hard to verify), but if so, I nominate you. Especially given that it was done in one week.

Other have touched on some of the technical flaws, so I won't rehash. It sounds like you already learned so much. The important thing is that the story was clever and coherently told - much easier said than done. Looking forward to your next film.



Thanks, that was really nice

[robertwerden]

This was my final movie to watch, i thought it was good. The acting wasn't perfect but good enough to get the idea across (similar to my own film).

The effects were decent and the story too but as i imagine most people also figured out how this one would end from the title.

Would have been nice to give it a bit more of a twist or something fun. Good work though, especially for a first entry.

The twist was actually supposed to be the contents of the box at the end.

[Moojangles]

There is that, haha. At least you didn't have a massive beard... beard's are creepy.

Nice work.

[kurtmo]

I agree with others, good first entry!

Keep making films!

[Susanne G.]

What a funny story - and the end was very good. I particulary found the main character very sweet. Sometimes I like to be back in the teenager time!!!! Compliments.

Susanne

[Mark Johnson]

Ha ha ha..... that was great. Though I thought there'd be a pic of her boobs in the box!

Very nice and you show real promise, my friend!

[robertwerden]

Ha ha ha..... that was great. Though I thought there'd be a pic of her boobs in the box!

Very nice and you show real promise, my friend!
Thanks

[Gary Sconce]

I wanted to put a stone plaque at his feet, describing him as the first time traveler and giving the date he would be there. There was supposed to be a character that handed him the box while executing the will of Ally (boob girl), but he could not make the shot and it was the last day before the film was due, so we changed the script to do the ADR.

Aw, isn't it a pain when those scheduled to help with a shot don't show up? We went through some of that on Impossible Race. Still, you sure made a neato film! GREAT WORK!

[iSTy]

Ha ha ha..... that was great. Though I thought there'd be a pic of her boobs in the box! Me too, I liked the idea and anotther film I'd like to see extended. :)

I noticed that the picture appeared to keep 'jumping' though.

[Danielleus]

Hey,

Just caught the flick. I must say, I dig your idea. People have already pointed out the technical issues so I'll skip that.

The effects worked for me. I like that you cut back to the two shot on the girls when he travels the first time and there's a flash of light on them. Good attention to detail there.

I think this would have been a stronger piece if the characters were fleshed out better. Are these girls he wouldn't normally talk to? Or talk with him? I kinda got that vibe when he saw them, but then it got lost because they just seemed like awkward friends. Also, it's hard to see how the motivations work here. Does he help with the silver dollar thing to improve his chances with them (if we're talking about the guy trying to pick up girls he doesn't really have the chance to). Whatever the characters are like and how they relate to each other I would have liked to see it fleshed out. I like the story, but for my money it would have been stronger had it somehow worked into some character developement.

All in all a decent first attempt. Looking forward to what you do in the future.

[robertwerden]

Hey,

Just caught the flick. I must say, I dig your idea. People have already pointed out the technical issues so I'll skip that.

The effects worked for me. I like that you cut back to the two shot on the girls when he travels the first time and there's a flash of light on them. Good attention to detail there.

I think this would have been a stronger piece if the characters were fleshed out better. Are these girls he wouldn't normally talk to? Or talk with him? I kinda got that vibe when he saw them, but then it got lost because they just seemed like awkward friends. Also, it's hard to see how the motivations work here. Does he help with the silver dollar thing to improve his chances with them (if we're talking about the guy trying to pick up girls he doesn't really have the chance to). Whatever the characters are like and how they relate to each other I would have liked to see it fleshed out. I like the story, but for my money it would have been stronger had it somehow worked into some character developement.

All in all a decent first attempt. Looking forward to what you do in the future.

Thanks. I wanted to expand on the story in so many areas, but the 6 min were really working against that. I actually have 60 min of cuts that probably would have made the story work better. There was a 3d animation sequence as well that showed the house crumbling around him that I just could not get rendered in time.

Simon was supposed to be just that, an awkward friend that is attempting to get the girl. The scene when he asked Ally for the kiss was where you see his teen hormones striking the deal. After the coins, Ally realizes that his motivation is sex, and offers up the treat she thinks he will do anything for.

Because Ally then feels guilty for him being stuck in time, she gives him the opportunity if he is able to come back to her and eludes to something more. If that is to be for her own gain or his was something I wanted to be left to the viewer to decide.

This is really where thinking as a 16 year old comes into play. They are at the gray area between innocent and the things we adopt as an adult.

[Edgen]

Simon, you hound dog you… Going back in time only to give the girl a kiss on the cheek…

Music worked well with the film.

Congrats on entering the fest.

[totitefilms]

Cool story! This movie has the hottest scene in this fest. I had to rewind just to watch it :shocked: Great job!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow, is this really your first film? If so, I would definitely nominate you for 'Best First'. Out of curiosity, how old are you?

Technically its accomplished and the general idea wasn't that bad. Couple o things. If he time travels to 1921 and retrieves five coins for a kiss, it better at least be a good frencher and not a cheek peck :-).

Was the second girl your wife/sister/gf? (judging by last name).

Oh yeah, nothing like the promise of underage nudity to keep a timefest entry intersting :-D (i kid, I kid)

[robertwerden]

Wow, is this really your first film? If so, I would definitely nominate you for 'Best First'. Out of curiosity, how old are you?

Technically its accomplished and the general idea wasn't that bad. Couple o things. If he time travels to 1921 and retrieves five coins for a kiss, it better at least be a good frencher and not a cheek peck :-).

Was the second girl your wife/sister/gf? (judging by last name).

Oh yeah, nothing like the promise of underage nudity to keep a timefest entry intersting :-D (i kid, I kid)

Yes it is my first film. I just got my camera last year and up till now have only shot landscapes and family events. I know this will probably sound bad, but im 37. The girl who played Jen is my daughter who is 16. Janson who played Ally is also 16 and David who played Simon is 14. None of them are actors and this was also their first film.

[robertwerden]

Now that round 2 has started, I figured Id show the film with some of the technical parts fixed.

http://vimeo.com/1261395