Norm Sanders (fka "Envision") Presents ....

[Norm Sanders]

"Last Touch"


Story is locked, and beginning to slowly assemble key crew members, as well as location(s), and will script this week.

Get ready boys & girls, we're going to have fun! :beer:

[Norm Sanders]

7/27/08 - Story locked. Steven Dempsey (DVXuser's Disjecta) is confirmed as DP. Herman Witkam confirmed as composer with Sid Barnhoorn set to co-score with Herman.

7/24/08 - In talks with a few key people about crew, settle on new story idea/direction.

7/22/08 - Begin tossing around story ideas with Father-In-Law, have come up with story idea/location.

7/21/08 - Officially tossed hat in the ring to enter TwilightFest. No idea on story, script, cast, crew, locations, et al.

[Norm Sanders]

Future posts for BTS Shots

[Norm Sanders]

Never know when you'll want just ONE more section to post on in the front page ....

[Simon Höfer]

Oh oh, tough competition joined the festival :D Welcome to the fest!

[Larry Rutledge]

Woo Hoo! Sweet http://www.day7studios.com/nrestudios_archive/images/smilies/emote_woo.gif

Welcome to the competition ..... oh wait, snap, what was I thinking. I should be thinning the competition, not increasing it http://www.day7studios.com/nrestudios_archive/images/smilies/emote_headwall.gif

[Tom Marshall]

Norm!! Welcome to the fest, buddy... :beer:

[Mark Harris]

welcome Norm, long time no fest

[Herman Witkam]

Good to see you're entering, Norm.

Welcome to the fest!

[Ki-Ki]

Oh wow, am I glad your entering. Your Drama-Fest was awesome.

But out of curiosity (I know your old username) what does 'fka' mean?

[Simon Höfer]

formerly known as? From the non native english speaker :D

[Blaine]

Well it's about TIME...no that was the last fest...it's about Twilight.

Welcome, Norm, looking forward to seeing what you're bringing to the party.:beer::beer:

[Tom Marshall]

formerly known as? From the non native english speaker :D

Just because he's supposedly a native English speaker doesn't mean a thing...

For example (from another thread):


there any filmmakers reading this that hate being on camera, or feel uncomfortable about it - for bts? just me?

can't be assed to do punctuation, who invented this english shi* anyway

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks, everyone. Yep, Simon, great job ... AKA (Also Known As), FKA (Formerly Known As), etc. Since I can't recall if my name was changed to Norm Sanders from Envision before the last fest I was in (SpyFest), thought I should do the FKA thing.

Oh, and just informed my wife that I'm doing this fest, which she smiled & got kind of excited about, so now that I've actually got permission to play..... :evil:

[Tom Marshall]

Is Rebecca going to be in it?

[Norm Sanders]

Um, the short answer is NO.

[Blaine]

Is Rebecca going to be in it?:lipsrseal

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Um, the short answer is NO.Hmmm... what's the long answer? :huh:

Welcome back. Norm!!
I was hoping that you would come back into the ring a throw a few. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Mike

[Tom Marshall]

Hmmm... what's the long answer? :huh:

Welcome back. Norm!!
I was hoping that you would come back into the ring a throw a few. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Mike

The long answer is NOO. :)

[Geoff_R]

Nice :) Always a fan of your work, Norm.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

The long answer is NOO. :)LOL! :grin:

[Norm Sanders]

Ahem, moving on ..... ;)



Nice :) Always a fan of your work, Norm.


Thanks, Geoff, that's huge coming from you! I'm embarrassed to say I just saw Ghost (your banner - must have missed it before in LoveFest due to non-compete) ... really enjoyed it. Loved the camera work & performances ... FINALLY got the story at the end, which is when I think you intended the audience too, so solid work. :)


EDIT:
As for the story, I've got leads out to a few people now to see what ideas they come up with. I was talking to my wife's father last night (HUGE Twilight Zone fan), and I have high hopes on ideas he may come up with, which will likely be on the darker side ....

For example, for anyone who's familiar with WHERE SILENCE FALLS, which took 2nd in DramaFest (Behind Geoff!) ... I was telling this story to my father-in-law, of a story that can have 3 acts in 6 minutes or less, and when I finished he goes "You know what would have been an even bigger twist at the end, would have been to have the father hauled away by the cops, and the bloodied neighbor goes back into his house, looking sad & defeated .... then goes to his basement, walks downstairs and approaches ANOTHER child he had gagged and bound down there the whole time." I about fell out of my chair, as that ending would have really rattled people's cages, I think. The audience would have hated him based on what they presumed, then felt sorry for him when Ryan was found okay, then go back to hating him even worse in the end in utter shock! Also, to know that the father, and the cops were SO close to possibly catching this guy, only to have things turned upside down by another matter.

So again ... high hopes for a solid story here in the next several days to week. :)

[Tom Marshall]

Ahem, moving on ..... ;)





Thanks, Geoff, that's huge coming from you! I'm embarrassed to say I just saw Ghost (your banner - must have missed it before in LoveFest due to non-compete) ... really enjoyed it. Loved the camera work & performances ... FINALLY got the story at the end, which is when I think you intended the audience too, so solid work. :)


EDIT:
As for the story, I've got leads out to a few people now to see what ideas they come up with. I was talking to my wife's father last night (HUGE Twilight Zone fan), and I have high hopes on ideas he may come up with, which will likely be on the darker side ....

For example, for anyone who's familiar with WHERE SILENCE FALLS, which took 2nd in DramaFest (Behind Geoff!) ... I was telling this story to my father-in-law, of a story that can have 3 acts in 6 minutes or less, and when I finished he goes "You know what would have been an even bigger twist at the end, would have been to have the father hauled away by the cops, and the bloodied neighbor goes back into his house, looking sad & defeated .... then goes to his basement, walks downstairs and approaches ANOTHER child he had gagged and bound down there the whole time." I about fell out of my chair, as that ending would have really rattled people's cages, I think. The audience would have hated him based on what they presumed, then felt sorry for him when Ryan was found okay, then go back to hating him even worse in the end in utter shock! Also, to know that the father, and the cops were SO close to possibly catching this guy, only to have things turned upside down by another matter.

So again ... high hopes for a solid story here in the next several days to week. :)

Wow, your father-in-law has some issues... :huh:




(kidding!)

[Larry Rutledge]

That would have be a fantastic twist to WSF!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

That would have be a fantastic twist to WSF!I agree! I love it. Great idea.

Can I run my script by him?? :)

[DJ Lewis]

Can I run my script by him?? :)

Yeah me too!

[DJ Lewis]

BTW: I was blown away by Berlin, and I can't wait to see what you're cooking for this fest....

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Ahem, moving on ..... ;)





Thanks, Geoff, that's huge coming from you! I'm embarrassed to say I just saw Ghost (your banner - must have missed it before in LoveFest due to non-compete) ... really enjoyed it. Loved the camera work & performances ... FINALLY got the story at the end, which is when I think you intended the audience too, so solid work. :)


EDIT:
As for the story, I've got leads out to a few people now to see what ideas they come up with. I was talking to my wife's father last night (HUGE Twilight Zone fan), and I have high hopes on ideas he may come up with, which will likely be on the darker side ....

For example, for anyone who's familiar with WHERE SILENCE FALLS, which took 2nd in DramaFest (Behind Geoff!) ... I was telling this story to my father-in-law, of a story that can have 3 acts in 6 minutes or less, and when I finished he goes "You know what would have been an even bigger twist at the end, would have been to have the father hauled away by the cops, and the bloodied neighbor goes back into his house, looking sad & defeated .... then goes to his basement, walks downstairs and approaches ANOTHER child he had gagged and bound down there the whole time." I about fell out of my chair, as that ending would have really rattled people's cages, I think. The audience would have hated him based on what they presumed, then felt sorry for him when Ryan was found okay, then go back to hating him even worse in the end in utter shock! Also, to know that the father, and the cops were SO close to possibly catching this guy, only to have things turned upside down by another matter.

So again ... high hopes for a solid story here in the next several days to week. :)

Holy crap thats good!! You'd have needed 2 more minutes MINIMUM for that, so an 8 min total. But damn thats a nice way to f*ck with the audience :-)

[Ken K]

That would indeed rock!

If you like that kind of messed up movie, you guys should watch Nicky's Birthday Camera (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497420/). Some similarities there. :)

More info on it here: http://www.tooniceguysproductions.com/films/nickysbirthdaycamera.htm

Still haunts me... <shiver>

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks, DJ, on the kudos for BERILN! Did you buy a copy?? :grin: I've still got to move as many of those as possible! I'll be bringing a case with me to the cast & crew party tomorrow night, which so far looks like an attendance of 42 people. I'll have extra copies there for anyone that wants to buy them on discount on the spot.

Speaking of which, Shawn & Ken, look forward to seeing you guys there! Screening in the restaurant will simply be a HD version of the film from the laptop, via projector, and then some Klipsch 2.1 set up I just got at Best Buy to pump out the sound (surprisingly crisp & loud set up).

Oh, and as far as story, I'm onto something ... ran it past my father-in-law tonight, and think I'll keep pushing down this path I'm on right now. Has a good creep factor to it & lots of potential. He had a great idea as well, but was going to involve way too much costume, set design, and locations (i.e. WAY more money than I want to spend or can).

[Ken K]

I'm looking forward to finally seeing Berlin! That's cool you're showing it in HD. :) I'm also excited about trying one of the famous Spanish Coffee's at Huber's. I never got around to going back after the shoot to get one.

As far as Twilight fest, I'm happy to see you're jumping in with what sounds like a cool script! This is going to be an exciting fest for Portland... I've heard murmurings of maybe some other locals jumping in. :) And it's my goal to help them all out. So, if you need a smartass on set to hold a boom pole, let me know!

[Norm Sanders]

Ken, you're ALWAYS a joy to work with, and utmost professional. You also manage to help get good sound every time. :) So yeah, I'd work with you any day you want to!

As far as the HD, I COULD crank out a really high bit rate of the film, but then I'd be afraid of the laptop possibly choking on it, etc. ... so I'll just play from the standard 4.8MB/second one that's included into the DVD Rom section of the DVD, so people can also see what they've got on their discs. I'll probably also play some of the blooper stuff, and just show them all the content they've got in there. I think they'll be impressed ... or at least I hope so!

[Ben Sliker]

good luck norm. it will be fun to once again do epic film battle. Ah, nostalgia.

[Edgen]

welcome to the fest norm! anxious to see what you come up with. :)

/j

[Norm Sanders]

Hey Ben, thanks! Looking forward to it as well, though not sure how I'll fare against the powers of what you tend to pull out of your sleeves!

Thanks, Justin. You in this one too yet? Your graphic work always simply amazes me ... your banner is uber cool, and really dig the blues/glows coming off of the sheet music!

[Edgen]

yup! I'm in this round. stepping it up hopefully this round too.

/j

[Norm Sanders]

Let me know when you've got your thread up, so I can keep up on what you're doing! Just looked, didn't see one for you ... as compared to mine when I don't even have a locked story or title yet, lol, but started one anyway (helps me to commit)! :grin:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Get ready boys & girls, we're going to have fun! :beer:

Norm rocks!! Really getting excited, man. How have you been and what is the very latest with Berlin?

[ZFarms Productions]

Norm, looking forward to your entry. Best of luck to you.

[pauly_the_hitman]

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with...
Pauly

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks, guys, and Kyle you're too kind! :)

I just updated the BERLIN thread, so you can see updates on it here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1350789&postcount=255


Had the Cast & Crew party last night for BERLIN, and informed everyone there that I would be entering this fest as well ... had a lot of people already tell me they want to be involved any way possible. It's a VERY heart warming feeling to know people enjoy working so much on a project with you.

[gabrielflorit]

I might as well give up now. :)

[Norm Sanders]

Yeah right, you're going to pull an ace out, you know it! :)

[Norm Sanders]

C-R-A-P ! ! !

Just spoke with my father-in-law, and now have three solid ideas/story lines now, one complete with twist ending and everything, but locations are a concern.

Trying to decide between emotionally gripping, or everyday stuff with an interesting twist, or horror/suspense.

Sigh.....

[Matt Sconce]

Trying to decide between emotionally gripping, or everyday stuff with an interesting twist, or horror/suspense.

Sigh.....


Do all of them at once! There's nothing better for the soul than ridiculously stressful movie shoots happening simultaneously! Yeehaw!!

On a serious note. Do the one that gets you the most excited when you think about it. The one you are most passionate about will turn out the best.:beer:

[Norm Sanders]

Story is selected now, going with the more emotionally gripping, social one. :) Two possible endings, trying to decide between now.

Should have a title up by tomorrow, and will begin working on a concept poster/design.

This will also be CRUCIAL for the right locations, but I've got a peace about it that it'll be all right.

Casting ... wow, that's going to be a tough one. The part(s) are going to be VERY desirable to serious actors, so hopefully it'll attract some good ones. :)

[Matt Sconce]

That sounds great!!!!!! I am quite excited!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

The part(s) are going to be VERY desirable to serious actors, so hopefully it'll attract some good ones. :)

Oh come on Norm, dont be so humble! ;-)

Craiglist is a good way to net a wide range of people., especially if you explain who you are.

Btw, had a GREAT time at the wrap party! Hubers Spanish coffee is indeed something else!

[Norm Sanders]

Yeah, those things are strong (their famous Spanish Coffees). Glad you had a good time, Shawn, and thanks again for coming, as well as lending us your audio gear for the film in the first place! Hope you enjoy the DVD & Poster! :)

Yeah, I know, I probably sound a little too confident in the character/role, but it's going to be a commanding part, and I'm going to have to be more careful than I've ever been about who to cast in it. One thing's guaranteed, I'm staying BEHIND the camera on this one.

[Blaine]

One thing's guaranteed, I'm staying BEHIND the camera on this one.Does that mean you'll be keeping your shirt on? :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

[jeremytuttle]

Great to see you in this one Norm. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with.

[Norm Sanders]

Yes, Blaine, shirt will stay on. Sheesh, take it off for ONE film, and forever type cast! Lol.

Thanks, Jeremy! Are you in this one? Say, I just realized I didn't get to see RED MOON RISING in the Time Fest, and went to look for it (think I downloaded all of them), and still don't see it. Can you post a link so I can check it out? Didn't see one in your thread either.

[jeremytuttle]

Thanks, Jeremy! Are you in this one? Say, I just realized I didn't get to see RED MOON RISING in the Time Fest, and went to look for it (think I downloaded all of them), and still don't see it. Can you post a link so I can check it out? Didn't see one in your thread either.

Welllll.... it's still in production. We bit off a little more than we could chew and to top it off we had three different schedule problems to add too our all ready complicated shooting schedule... we need a few more shots and we will be done. Don't worry you'll be one of the first people I send a rough cut to, to get your opinion.

[Tom Marshall]

Casting ... wow, that's going to be a tough one. The part(s) are going to be VERY desirable to serious actors, so hopefully it'll attract some good ones. :)

I wish I could come up there and audition for ya!!

[Norm Sanders]

Well, heck, Tom, I wish I had the funds to cover your travel! :) But alas, we're both cash poor I'm sure. At least we should be able to afford a few brews next week!

Ah, so THAT'S why I couldn't find it ... thanks for the explanation, Jeremy, and look forward to seeing that rough cut when you get it done!

[Norm Sanders]

Title decided on "Last Touch".

Story locked, scripting this week, as well as locations secured this week.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Looking forward to this one BIG time!

Sounds like you are moving right along.

Cheers!

Mike

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks, Michael, wish I was moving a long a little more smoothly than I currently am. This script is KICKING MY BUTT ... very tough to write, and I'm having some road blocks. My problem is I'm extremely linear in the way I do things (write, edit, etc.), so I try to have it perfect every step of the way vs. just throwing it down roughly on the page & refining from there. Just don't know how to break that habit. On the plus side, once I get something done, it's 90% complete & solid, but it's a longer process to that 1st draft.

Also, strongly considering at this point to do TWO entries, as the other idea I initially had has fleshed out even further on it's own, and I think could be an awesome contrasting entry to this one.

[Tom Marshall]

Hey Norm, it was great to meet you the other day, man. Next time you're in town, let me know and we'll hit up a few more pints of Guinness.


Two entries? That would be very cool man. I say do it! :beer:

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow! Teresa's entry, AmyO's, AJ's and yours! Four so far from the PDX area! And that doesnt even factor in if Patrick LaValley, Steen&Buxbaum, or Ken lead an entry!

[AmyO]

Well, I'm 6 pages late to the party, but I'm glad your back in Fest mode, Norm! I always like to see entries from my neck of the woods pop up here.

[Matt Sconce]

Yep, expecially after seeing Berlin. I have high hopes for this movie!

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks, Amy and Matt. These (still on the train of thought that we may do 2 - very different from each other) will be much more indie than BERLIN was, but should prove to be very cool visually.

I SOOOOO need to do a comedy some day, however. All of my stuff has this dark tone to it, which as a writer I just can't seem to shake out of. Seriously, EVERYTHING I've ever done, with the exception of those Heins spec commercials, revolves around some kind of tragedy, despair, or death.

I'm positive, after this fest, that the only way I'll be able to do a comedy is to have someone else write it. For some reason, anytime I think of these festival themes, my mind goes to the darker side, lol. Then again, it tends to be the more dramatic stories that fair better in competition....

[Brandon Rice]

Very excited about your films Norm!

[Gary Sconce]

Hey, Norm... Just get a few of those Category 5 Hurricanes... You'll get a comedy written real quick! Hehehe! :)

[Larry Rutledge]

Hey Norm ... looking forward to these. Let me know if you want help on those scripts.

Definitely looking forward to having you back in the competition

[Norm Sanders]

Finished what I believe is a solid 1st draft of one of the scripts. The super cool thing about these shorts, is that IF we do both, we can shoot the same exact locations for each film, but having totally different stories ... so ideally, use the location to film one scene for one film, then pull in different actors & change the lighting, etc. for the other film.

That is, if we have time to shoot both. Right now it's questionable, and if we only do one, I think it'll be this draft/script I've completed, as it's more commercially viable and could actually have applications outside of this fest.

Locked in the shooting date(s) with Steve Dempsey. Will need to acquire our gaffer now, which will be critical due to the required lighting.

Hope to have posters, etc. up sooner than later, and really get this thread going.

[Mike Insane]

It always exciting when accomplished filmmakers throw their hat into the ring.

[Susanne G.]

Good luck and best wishes!

Susanne

[Norm Sanders]

SO behind on updating this thread.

Production set for weekend of the 20th. Script is pretty well set now in the solid 2nd draft. Have put ads out in Craigslist for talent, and have several solid propositions I'm looking forward to auditioning, as well as a couple I've found via MySpace. Will also see about contacting a couple of the local talent agencies, though I'm surprised at the potential quality I've already had contact me from the ads/bulletins.

DP is set, with Steven Dempsey (disjecta), and have a gaffer, Steve Waters, onboard, whom I've worked with before (SPARROW, WHERE SILENCE FALLS,etc.).

This will be a SMALL crew, as including myself it'll be a total of 5, with a cast of 3. Possibly the smallest cast/crew I've worked with, save my first ever short film, and WITHOUT PROVOCATION.

This will be a one day shoot. Compelling script, and have rec'd great responses from all who've read it so far. Getting excited. :)

Ummm, what else? Oh yeah, just going to do this one short, LAST TOUCH, and not going to try & tackle the other idea as well. Although it was cool, it truly was more of an event vs. a story ... going to put our effort into the story only.

[teresadecher]

Norm! This is super exciting! :)

I would love to read your script if you get a chance to send it. Best of luck with production!

[Norm Sanders]

Hey Teresa, shoot me a PM with your email address (I've been working from my laptop lately, and I don't have it on here), and I'll get it to you. :)

[Norm Sanders]

Anyone in the Portland, OR area want to work crew with us on the 21st of this month (Sunday)? All day shoot, and needing a boom operator (all equipment provided) with a good ear & experience acquiring dialogue on set.

[Ted Arabian]

Hey Norm, Looking forward to your entry. You know that I am a big fan of your work!

I have been gone for quite a while... I hope that all of your projects are evolving. I'll have to go check in the User films and see your latest updates.

Best to you man,

-Ted

btw, congrats on all of those "laurel leafs" under the Berlin banner! Good for you!

[Norm Sanders]

Ha, thanks Ted! Interesting Signature ... I clicked on it just so I can find out what the hell Ted has been up to! :) I've got to update the leafs, as BERLIN has also won BEST HISTORICAL FILM in another festival.


Now, back to "Last Touch" ... I need a boom operator! :) Anyone? Anyone.....?

[Ted Arabian]

Hey, congrats on the latest award! Awesome.

Good luck on the boom op.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

So how did the shoot go Norm? How goes post?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Yes, updates please! :)

[Brandon Rice]

updates!

[Norm Sanders]

Ah, yeah .... about that ....

Our location is an actual hospital, more specifically an ICU room. Needless to say it's the most difficult location I've tried to secure. It looks like it's FINALLY going to happen (couldn't secure it in time for the 21st, as planned), but the exact date is still elusive due to the hospital staffing requirements that have to be on hand for us to be there, etc.

Unlike BERLIN, where if a location fell through I could quickly adapt the story & replace it with something different, I can't really do that here.

Also, with the script, I can't positively say we would even have it within 6 minutes, as it could easily go 7-8 minutes plus if paced well. So, if there's a solid chance that this would end up exhibition only, then this may even just get filmed EARLY November, depending on availability/scheduling ... though I'd prefer to get it in for the fest for the additional feedback, etc.

There's the update. I apologize for not getting this in before.

All cast & crew secured, except a small doctor role, which I've got two solid men to choose from ... just haven't been in a rush on that issue, due to the rest.

[Brandon Rice]

mhm makes sense... locations are tough.

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Ah, yeah .... about that ....

Our location is an actual hospital, more specifically an ICU room. Needless to say it's the most difficult location I've tried to secure. It looks like it's FINALLY going to happen (couldn't secure it in time for the 21st, as planned), but the exact date is still elusive due to the hospital staffing requirements that have to be on hand for us to be there, etc.

Unlike BERLIN, where if a location fell through I could quickly adapt the story & replace it with something different, I can't really do that here.

Also, with the script, I can't positively say we would even have it within 6 minutes, as it could easily go 7-8 minutes plus if paced well. So, if there's a solid chance that this would end up exhibition only, then this may even just get filmed EARLY November, depending on availability/scheduling ... though I'd prefer to get it in for the fest for the additional feedback, etc.

There's the update. I apologize for not getting this in before.

All cast & crew secured, except a small doctor role, which I've got two solid men to choose from ... just haven't been in a rush on that issue, due to the rest.

That sucks dude, does this mean you're out of the fest?

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

NORM. I had no idea you were in. Awesome dood.

Hey - check out Hudson's DISSONANCE. I think they faked a hospital or faked it in a podiatrists office or something.

So depending on what you need you can look for things other than an actual hospital, like pediatricians etc.

Once you get the steel gurney then you can mask anything else with some blue hospital screens.

Hey when was the last fest you were officially in? Mine was Spy - have we been in every one together?

[Norm Sanders]

Hi Jack, cool to see you're in this one! I can't wait to see it, but unfortunately this will be the ONE fest that we don't make it in together. Yes, we've been in every fest together, even SpyFest (I replaced BERLIN with last minute entry WITHOUT PROVOCATION, and had some fun with it to test/try things out).

This hospital room really has to be as close to an ICU as possible, and can't be faked very well with a typical clinic ... most specifically (I believe) because of the additional equipment that would be required in there.

Also, it's gotten too close to the deadline now, and the final weekend for me to shoot & still have time (next weekend), our lead actress is out of town for her anniversary.

Soooo, you add all that, with the fact that it'll be a solid 7-8 minute piece when properly paced out, it would have been exhibition only anyway.

It'll likely be shot beginning of November, and I'll have it wrapped up by Thanksgiving ... my goal at least.