Beginning Middle End Productions Presents...

[Mike Manning]

A Work Of Art

A comic book artists finds himself on the brink of insanity as his drawings of a woman he's never met seemingly come to life.

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/sebastian_one_sheet.jpghttp://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/mara_one_sheet.jpg

The Crew.
Mike Manning (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=12529) - Producer/Writer/Director/Visual Effects
Dayn Naimy - Producer/Editor
Wes Barker - Producer/Editor/First A.D.
Tory Weisz - Executive Producer (http://fictitiousfilmsinc.com/
Kevin Zanit (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=7249) - Director of Photography (http://kevinzanit.com)
Frank DiPaola - Gaffer
Mark Margossian - Camera Op.
Jamie Yukich - Script Supervisor
Jason Fields - Script Supervisor
Sergio Rodriguez - Key Grip
Mario Valladares - Grip & Electric
Jeremy Cisneros - Production Design (http://jeremycisneros.blogspot.com/)
Angel Herrera - Production Design
Dan Walter - Composer (http://danwaltermusic.com)
Jackie Mantel - Second A.D.
Eric Capella - Production Mixer
Jackie Cruz - Sound Department
David Beaty - Artist (http://hachiman1.deviantart.com/)
Juan Carrillo - Artist (http://85original.com/)
Morgan Blair - Artist (http://morganblair.com/)
Rachel Raleigh - Artist

The Cast.
Arthur
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/sebastian.jpg
Sebastian Stenhøj

Dr. Waneka
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bryan.jpg
Bryan Chesters

The Girl
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/mara.jpg
Mara Herbkersman

Rick Reynolds
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/john.jpg
John Kyle Grady

[Mike Manning]

Production Blog.

Aug 4. First official Production meeting. Dayn, Wes, and I locked down our story (it only took ALL night). By next Monday, each of us will have drafted our own version of the script. At our next meeting, we'll shop each script and take the best elements from each to create the uber-script. We're all very excited.

Aug 11. Production Meeting. We accomplished a lot; locking down our script, are crew, and most importantly, our shooting schedule. Production will be September 19-22. By Wednesday, we should have our locations locked and our "Girl" cast.

Aug 12. Just completed the third draft of the script. It's pretty solid. I think we'll probably stay with "A Work of Art" as the title. Tomorrow night we're meeting with the DP to talk equipment and budget. Should be a good meeting...

Aug 13. Production Meeting. We met with Kevin to discuss the style and logistics of the shoot. Are budget is sky-rocketing and we need to find a way to get it back down. Two of our four main locations are locked. We're waiting to hear back from the other two. Wes and I did a script breakdown and it looks like our movie will clock in just under 6 minutes... that was a big sigh of relief (given the 7 page script). We still haven't nailed down our actress yet, but that should (better!) be resolved by this weekend. Josh needs to be able to start drawing her, like NOW! Other than that, we're pretty much on schedule...

Aug 18. Well, we've hit some bumps that need to be worked out in tonight's production meeting. But essentially we lost one of our locations (though it has subsequently been replaced by my apartment) and we lost our artist. Though the good news is, I've already gotten some good responses on Craigslist regarding an replacement.. so thing's are already starting to look up. We also might have FINALLY found our actress. Stay tuned...

Aug 18. Production Meeting. We've finally cast our female lead! It's a huge weight off our shoulder's, especially now that we have to find a new artist for Arthur's drawings. We've already locked down one artist to draw Arthur's comic book, entitled "Cyborg Assassins." His name is David Beaty and he's ridiculously talented. Check out his Deviant Art (http://hachiman1.deviantart.com/) page to see some samples.
Today, Dayn submitted Kevin's equipment rental list to Wooden Nickel for a price quote. We're trying to figure out an alternative to renting a truck for 6 days as that would seriously jack up our spending. Once we have that, we'll have a better idea about what our budget will be.
I forgot to post earlier this week, but we've also signed up to make the film a co-production with Fictitious Films Inc (http://fictitiousfilmsinc.com). They've been gracious enough to attach themselves to our project so that we can use their 3 million dollar production insurance policy for all 4 days of shooting. Big shout out to Tory for the help!
Lastly, I handed my most recent draft off to my friend, Tom, for some input and he had a lot too offer. Thus, we have a 4th (and hopefully final) draft of our script.
More to come this week...

Aug 19. Locked another artist! The very talented Mr. Juan Carillio! Check out his site: http://85original.com

Aug 19. We have our third (and final) artist! Working long distance from across the country, we have Ms. Morgan Blair. PLEASE check out her site (http://morganblair.com) as she is EXTREMELY talented in the market for more freelance work.

Aug 23. Production Meeting. Getting close to locking down a budget. Met with Juan and he had an amazing piece for the one sheet. Check it out! Wes and Jackie did some AD stuff; worked out call sheets and schedules. Juan did a little photo-shoot with Mara to get as many poses as he can for his art. Riley dropped off the HVX and tomorrow we're doing a camera test to figure out VFX and our general Post-Production Workflow.
We locked a location to use for our hospital set.. I added pictures to the BTS section. We just need to lock an Art Gallery and then we're all set.

Aug 24. We had our camera test today... Dayn and I met with Kevin and we went over the Wooden Nickel quote to see how we could get it down. Kevin showed us some cool ideas and tricks using the HVX that sparked my fancy. And we did a VFX test shot that will prove whether or not I can do what my script says I can do... keep an eye on the VFX test section below. I already put up a very crude animation of what will be comped into the two test shots. Check it out! Now I'm off to go see Radiohead at the Hollywood Bowl... hehe

Aug 26. Might have found a gallery to shoot in. We are meeting with them on Thursday to discuss specifics. Check out their site, http://cellagallery.com. And, randomly, while I was looking for a gallery location, I stumbled across a possible hookup at this location, http://huronsubstation.com. I sent the owner an email, if she's down, I want to use it as the Studio Loft Set (instead of my apartment). Tomorrow is a busy day, two tech scouts at the Office and Hospital sets, and a production meeting where Juan will present us with some more art. Check back tomorrow evening... I'll post his latest art.

Aug 28. We've locked a Cella Gallery (http://cellagallery.com) as or final location. Damn, it feels nice to say that. We have all 4 locations locked now. I've also got some good and (kind of) bad news. The bad (but good in another way) news is that Dayn was offered an assistant editing job in Alaska for 6 weeks. Of course, our shooting dates happen to be during this time, so we'll lose Dayn on set and in the editing room. The good news is, this prompted us to find a new Production Designer, and we got the talented Jeremy Cisnerors (I added him to the crew list).
Juan Gave us some more artwork last night. That fool is f*cking talented! Check out his latest in the art section below.

Aug 29. Script copyrighted.

Aug 31. Big Production meeting. I worked with Juan and Dayn's friend Nick and we knocked out all the storyboards. Jeremy and Angel worked out some more specifics of the production design. They had some great ideas. Riley had to drop out as Rick Reynolds dude to scheduling conflicts, so we've recast him with the talented John Kyle Grady. Jackie and Wes pretty much finished all the scheduling and crafty situations. All that's left is to finalize the budget and reserve our rentals. Right now I'm taking all these storyboards and cutting them into an animatic to give to the composer, so he can start working on the score. Things are moving along very nicely, we're all REALLY excited.

Sept. 1 Completed the animatic (see below) for the composer. I'm anxious to see what he comes up with!

Sept. 2 Got my first look at David's CYBORG ASSASSIN cover! It's awesome, check it out below!

Sept. 3 Script Supervisors Jamie and Jason added to the crew. Budget's closer to be locked down. May have some really good news tomorrow...

Sept. 5 New art from MORGAN BLAIR!!!! See below...

Sept. 6 Dayn left for Alaska... we wish him luck on his project and we're sorry he wont be here for production. Jeremy, Angel and i painted the Garage in Hawthorne. Check out the pics!

Sept. 8 Okay, so some crazy sh*t happened this weekend. Our lead, Liam, dropped out due to some personal problems, leaving us without a star, and with a grip of useless artwork. With less than two weeks until production, you can see how I pretty much had a heart-attack. After going crazy, we got our act together and found a replacement actor, Sebastian Stenhøj (http://sebastianstenhoj.com). We also brought on another talented artist, Rachel Raleigh, to help handle the art load - as Morgan has to start over from scratch. Anyway... it looks like the storm has settled, and everything is back on track. Though, I have to figure out a new poster.... and what to do with the t-shirts I had made with that image... sigh... Check back soon!

Sept. 15 So we're getting down to the wire here.... about to spend A LOT of money. But it's good. I'm pumped. Production starts on Friday. I've got rehearsal with my cast on wednesday. Just stressing about that one thing I'm forgetting. You know that thing... that thing that's like really important, but easily overlooked. I'll figure it out... haha. Stay tuned!

Sept. 18 Whoaaaa it! Lots of money being spent today! Haha! Truck = $375. Equipment = $756. Call sheets just went out... anyone in the LA area is welcome to come by and check out the shoot tomorrow! Download the call sheet HERE (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/APOA_Call_Sheet_9-19.pdf).

Sept. 19 Woot! Woot! Day 1 was a success! We had a bumpy start (problems with Edison and sound) but the footage is looking great! I have an amazing team! Check out the screen grabs by clicking this one...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_03.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1407695&postcount=92)

Sept. 20 Day 2 = Wrapped. Couldn't have gone smoother! Check it out!
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_01.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1410444&postcount=102)

Sept. 21 Wrapped Day 3.. it was a bit of a nightmare. Don't EVER shoot where you live! I've learned my lesson... check out the grabs...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_06.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1409831&postcount=100)

Sept. 22 And... we're a wrap on Production! (Sort of... guerilla-style pickups on Sunday)
Click for more grabs...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_11.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1410537&postcount=103)

Sept. 25 Not much to report in the aftermath of production... Wes returned the truck and the equipment... it looks like were gonna be about $1000 over budget... ouch... I FedEx'ed one of the drives to Dayn (in Alaska) so he can start editing.. dont worry.. we're backed up - Wes has a drive and I have a drive. Pickups in downtown LA on sunday. That'll be fun. Should be a nice change of pace to do some guerilla shooting after the madness of a full blown production. Stay tuned.. I'll update when there's more to report..

Sept. 29 Sundays shoot had to be postponed until next weekend.... no big deal... we're on schedule so have this done fairly soon so I'm not stressed (yet). Dayn's gotten started editing, He's gonna have something for me to see tonight... and I just got an email from my composer who had a first draft of the main characters theme to show me. It's pretty F-ing sweet! Check it out... http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/music/arthurs_theme_take_1.mp3

Oct. 1 Just locked down a date with Cella Gallery to have our premier (post Twilight Fest) screening/fundraiser/art exhibition on Sunday November 9th! Once the details are worked out, invites will be sent out.... you know you wanna come!

Oct. 5Filmed the pickups today. It went great. Shooting on the subway is a little sketchy, but it ups the production value. The stuff looks cool! Rough cut should be done tomorrow... I'm excited!
Click for a few grabs...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_5/day_5_01.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1410537&postcount=133)

Oct. 8 Wes and Dayn got a full rough cut done! It looks and feels great! The only problem is that it clocks in at 9mins... there's gonna be some MAJOR frame-f*cking...haha!

Oct. 28 Wow I have been neglecting this blog. Basic recap of the last 20 days. Both cuts of the film are finished. The DVX cut clocked in at 5:40... so I had time to add my production logo and some ridiculously quick credits. The full cut runs about 6:50 and we haven't done the credits yet. I'm anticipating about a minutes worth of credits, so call it 8mins total for the full cut. The DVX cut has been uploaded and already approved and this week I'll be passing the full cut off to Kevin to do some REAL color correcting. Danny's also revamping the score to fill up the added time. We've also locked down all the specifics regarding our premier screening on Nov. 9th. I PM'd Larry asking him if it's okay to post the open invite... once I get the good word I'll get a thread started for that. Can't wait to see what everyone else has done!

[Mike Manning]

Behind The Scenes

INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL ROOM
Production Designers, Jeremy Cisneros and Angel Herrera, hard at work!
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/painting.jpg

INT. ART GALLERY
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/location_gallery.jpg

INT. ARTHUR'S STUDIO APARTMENT
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/location_apartment.jpg

INT. RICK REYNOLD"S OFFICE
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/location_office.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Storyboards
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/storyboards.png


Concept Art
(Click the images to see more)

Morgan Blair
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_sebastian_01.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1405093&postcount=78)

Juan Carrillo
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/nude_back_2.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1405109&postcount=79)

Rachel Raleigh
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_1.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1404584&postcount=75)

David Beaty
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/dave_01.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1401843&postcount=73)


VFX Tests
Animation Test Part 1 (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/head_turn.mov)

Animation Test Part 2
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/animation_test.png (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/animation_test.mov)
Please ignore the stick figure guy and the red tracking dots. Otherwise, you'll get the idea....

[Matt Sconce]

Sweet Poster. I really am intrigued by what this will become! Welcome!

[David Jimerson]

That's a little creepy already.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Dang I was freaking out about the poster design man... that's AWESOME. - Can't wait to see what you come up with for the poster using that as an inspiration.

[Simon Höfer]

Welcome to the fest!

[Mike Manning]

Thanks everyone! Stay tuned as I'll try to update regularly...

[pauly_the_hitman]

Cool this will be my second entry and I wish you as much luck as we had with our first one. The poster kicks ass.
Pauly

[clarkage]

dayyuum! Nice poster cannot wait to see more! It looks great and best of luck on your first entry!

[Drew Ott]

I'm excited to see this one. Kevin Zanit knows what he's doing.

[Mike Manning]

yeah he's pretty spectacular...do you know him?

[Kyle Stebbins]

So I'm confused. Did you make this poster yourself or did you steal it from deviant?

[Mike Manning]

I found the art on Deviant and it inspired my story. Once I'm finished casting and do a photo shoot and lock down the title, I'll post an original poster design.

[Kyle Stebbins]

I found the art on Deviant and it inspired my story. Once I'm finished casting and do a photo shoot and lock down the title, I'll post an original poster design.

Aaahhh got it! Very cool!

Deviant is a great great place!

[jasonthewho]

This sounds really cool. Definitely my type of film. Do you have some kick-ass artists working on this?

[Mike Manning]

Indeed I do. Tonight I'll post some concept art for the illustrations. Unfortunately we can't really move forward on the artwork until we cast our actress. But that should happen this week... So I'll have lots of art in the coming weeks to share with you guys.

[Matt Sconce]

That sounds great! I look forward to the art!

[Susanne G.]

This seems an very interesting project. It makes me curious! Welcome, good luck and best wishes.

Susanne

[Mike Manning]

Thank you very much!

[Mike Manning]

Yo...updated cast, crew, blog, concept art and new (working) title. Check it out!

[Troy Ruff]

wow great poster! I can't wait to see how this comes out. Good luck. :)

[Mike Manning]

Update: Two locations locked... Two more yet to be determined. No actress yet. And sky-rocketing budget. See blog post...
Anyone know any model/actress brunettes with big blue eyes in Los Angeles? I'm trying to avoid nowcasting.com and lacasting.com....

[Mike Manning]

Woot! Woot! First early script review is in!!!

Wow! Excellent work. I really enjoyed it. It reads so easily and smoothly and the story is fantastic. And the end caught me be surprise, I didn't anticipate it until I was mid way through the last page.

Thanks Larry!

[hazelwould]

This sounds great! I can't to see it! I'll be checking the blog regularly.

[hazelwould]

Btw what are you guys shooting on?

[Mike Manning]

Btw what are you guys shooting on?

HVX200, 720p

[Mike Manning]

Blog update...

[Mike Manning]

Blog, cast, crew, and location updates....

[hazelwould]

Wow, you guys are making progress...

4 shooting days! That's great.

[Mike Manning]

Yeah... It's actually 5 days... we have a day of 2nd unit guerilla filming scheduled all around downtown LA. Should be fun...

[Mike Manning]

Updated Crew and Blog...

[Mike Manning]

UPDATE! NEW ONE SHEET DESIGN!!! Drawing by Juan Carrillo..

[Neal Buconjic]

Nice progress, Mike! Looking forward to this.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Morgan Blair is a phenomenal artist. You've got some impressive stuff going on here, man. DEFINITELY the project that has me the most excited and interested.

I'll be checking this one daily.

[Mike Manning]

Morgan Blair is a phenomenal artist. You've got some impressive stuff going on here, man. DEFINITELY the project that has me the most excited and interested.

I'll be checking this one daily.

Wow thank you! The pressure's on now... I hope I don't disappoint!

[hazelwould]

Great poster! I'm really excited about this entry!

[teresadecher]

Good work on the poster! It looks like you have some cool locations and a good cast. Good luck with production and I'm excited to see how this one turns out :)

[Mike Manning]

Great poster! I'm really excited about this entry!

Good work on the poster! It looks like you have some cool locations and a good cast. Good luck with production and I'm excited to see how this one turns out :)

Thanks guys... I really appreciate it. We're excited too... just want it to be time for production already!!!


Oh... and I updated the VFX Test and blog... check it out!

[Marlon Ladd]

Man, that poster's great! Looks like you're makin' progress. Hey, did you get my PM about the poster you did for me?

[Mike Manning]

Yeah I did. and I saw you're poll. Glad you liked it!

[Mike Manning]

Blog = updated.

[Chrisjolsen]

Oooo nice nasty mental hospital room you found there. I'm looking for a similar room for the same purpose. Good luck on this Mike, looks like it's shaping up well.

[Mike Manning]

UPDATE!!!
- Gallery location
- More Art
- New Production Designer
- Animation Test
Check it out!

[Mike Manning]

UPDATE:
- Cast and Crew
- More Art
- Blog

Story boards coming later...

How freaking talented is Juan??

[hazelwould]

This is moving right along! I've got a feeling this is gonna be a top film...

I'm effing jealous you got to see Radiohead!!! Didn't they play with Grizzly Bear or Liars? Either of them would be amazing!! Let me know how the show went...

[Mike Manning]

This is moving right along! I've got a feeling this is gonna be a top film...
Thanks man, i really appreciate it. I hope it's a top film too! :)

I'm effing jealous you got to see Radiohead!!! Didn't they play with Grizzly Bear or Liars? Either of them would be amazing!! Let me know how the show went...

Radiohead was dope, but was even cooler was who was sitting near us. I had the hook up on some nice seats, so we were in the company of the likes of..
Leo DiCaprio
Justin Timberlake
Diane Lane & Josh Brolin
Seth Green
Jason Bateman
Shannon Sossamon
Tim Roth
and a couple others I can't remember. My girlfriend was so star-struck, she like, barely watched the show!

[gabrielflorit]

Whoa, that's a seriously cool poster. And the concept art is great too! You guys are really talented. My storyboards are stick figures.

[hazelwould]

Dude that's amazing!! Only in LA :)

[Mike Manning]

Whoa, that's a seriously cool poster. And the concept art is great too! You guys are really talented. My storyboards are stick figures.

Thanks, man. I'm glad you like it. I'll have some storyboards up for you guys to see tomorrow. They came out great. I'm cutting them together in Final Cut so that the composer can start doing a rough score.

Dude that's amazing!! Only in LA :)

I loooooooove LA! :)

[hazelwould]

Yea I bet you do! ...One of these days, maybe I'll have a real need to move there (or Austin with their huge lot of studios their building).

[Mike Manning]

Animatic removed.... sorry. Don't wanna spoil it for everyone!

[Jason Miller]

nice, now I know what Movie I'm going to make HAHAHAHAHa

no really it looked cool, very impressed. I like the actual animation ofthe girl turning in the middle.

[Chrisjolsen]

Good work on the animatic. Makes everyone's life a whole lot easier to see it in this form. Love that Jesse James soundtrack - good luck on the shoot.

[Mike Manning]

Uploaded storyboards... no more animatic... you'll just have to wait!

[Ryan Jones]

Holy cow!!! very artistic. The compositions look amazing!

[Mike Manning]

WHOA! Got David's CYBORG ASSASSIN cover sketch... it looks SICK! I posted it in the concept art section. Check it out!

[Mike Manning]

Update - Scripties added to the Crew. This movie is going to be EPIC!

[Mike Manning]

WHOAAA...check out what Morgan's been working on!
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_1.jpg

[hazelwould]

That's awesome!

[Mike Manning]

Here's a VFX test... Please ignore the stick figure guy and the red tracking dots. Otherwise, you'll get the idea....
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/animation_test.png (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/animation_test.mov)

[Mike Manning]

BIG UPDATE!!

Some ridiculous sh*t happened this weekend. Our lead actor dropped out and put us in a serious bind. That was Saturday. Since then, we've recast and put Morgan to work on new art...and we've also brought on another artist to share her workload. Check out the updated blog, cast and crew...

[hazelwould]

That sucks ASS man!! What was he thinking?!?!

[Tim Joy]

I have high hopes for this project. Love the artwork!

Seems like you guys could really use a motion-control rig. Too bad they're so $$$.

Too bad about your lead, but you'll find someone better than that JERK anyway. :)

[Mike Manning]

That sucks ASS man!! What was he thinking?!?!
I dunno. I'm just glad he said something now, and not a day into shooting!

I have high hopes for this project. Love the artwork!

Seems like you guys could really use a motion-control rig. Too bad they're so $$$.

Too bad about your lead, but you'll find someone better than that JERK anyway. :)

Thanks man. No need for a motion control rig... I have After Effects! The effect I'm doing is simple.. check out the animation test.

We already re-cast too... back on track. It's too bad Liam had to drop out, but no hard feelings. I wish him well and hope the best for him. I know he's going through a hard time, and the last thing he needs is to feel like he derailed my film.

[hazelwould]

I know he's going through a hard time, and the last thing he needs is to feel like he derailed my film.

[Cough]...Which he did! ;)

Dude, I feel bad for your artists!! I'd be PISSS'd. But I bet the other guy turns out even better...

[Mike Manning]

I think it's going to work out okay. I brought on the help of ANOTHER artist (4 total, now) to share some of the workload. At this point, the film can only benefit from more talent, so I don't feel like I've made any compromises or that I've been creatively stunted. That's now... we'll see what happens on set next week! Haha.

[Mike Manning]

New poster...

[Maximus]

I like.

Look forward to seeing your film.

[Simon Höfer]

Looking good! Keep it going!

[Matias Caruso]

Wow, cool animation test... Looking forward to see this finished.

Good luck!

[Mike Manning]

The Art of David Beaty
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/dave_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/dave_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/dave_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/cyborg_sketch_1.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/cyborg_sketch_2.jpg

[Mike Manning]

So we're getting down to the wire here.... about to spend A LOT of money. But it's good. I'm pumped. Production starts on Friday. I've got rehearsal with my cast on wednesday. Just stressing about that one thing I'm forgetting. You know that thing... that thing that's like really important, but easily overlooked. I'll figure it out... haha. Stay tuned!

[Mike Manning]

The Art of Rachel Raleigh
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_1.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_2.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_3.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_4.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_5.jpg

[gabrielflorit]

I really like these posters - you're extremely talented.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks man, but I can't take too much credit. Gotta give it up to Juan for drawing the AMAZING pics. I just laid them out.

[Mike Manning]

The Art of Morgan Blair


http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_sebastian_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_sebastian_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_sebastian_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_sebastian_04.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_liam_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_liam_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_liam_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_liam_04.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/morgan_liam_05.jpg

[Mike Manning]

The Art of Juan Carrillo


http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_04.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_05.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_06.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/juan_07.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Alright, seriously... how did I get so lucky? Did you see all of the (above) artwork that was DONATED to my film? Holy SH*T! I'm in awe...

[John LaBonney]

Looks like this is going to be amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing the final film.

[Horncastle]

Wow!!! This is getting VERY interesting.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks guys. I really hope I can live up to the standard these guys have set. We're shooting on friday!

[hazelwould]

This is coming together nicely! Good luck Friday!

[Mike Manning]

Whoaaaa it! Lots of money being spent today! Haha! Truck = $375. Equipment = $756. Call sheets just went out... anyone in the LA area is welcome to come by and check out the shoot tomorrow! Download the call sheet HERE (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/APOA_Call_Sheet_9-19.pdf).

[gabrielflorit]

The link doesn't work.

[Mike Manning]

right click and save.. it's a pdf

[John LaBonney]

Nice looking call sheet. Considerably more detailed than mine. Best of luck on the shoot, this looks like it could be a great movie.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks, yeah I got a pretty solid AD. She cooked up those nice call sheets... its gotta be detailed.. i got a lot of people on set... I can send you the Xcel file if you wanna use it as template.

[Susanne G.]

We're shooting on friday!

Very much luck for tomorrow! It seems that this one will be a really cool film. :thumbup:

Susanne

[John LaBonney]

Yeah, I have a bunch of people too. After looking at yours, I'm a little embarrassed to show you what I sent out.

[Mike Manning]

DAY 1 WRAPPED!!!!!!!

Screen caps (no color correction)

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_05.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_08.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_09.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_13.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_14.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_15.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_1/day_1_17.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Day 1 BTS photos...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_1_bts_1.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_1_bts_2.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_1_bts_3.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_1_bts_4.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_1_bts_5.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

Congrats for the first shooting day! Screen grabs look great! And your BTS pictures show that you've got a damn professional set and crew! Have fun!

[Mike Manning]

Thanks man! Yeah my crew is amazing, a real good group of guys. A lot of them are actually pros, so I'm really grateful they're so willing to help me with the shoot.

Now... I'm off to set for DAY 2!!!!!!

[Mike Manning]

Days two and three WRAPPED!
ONE MORE TO GO...

[Kyle Stebbins]

Go team!

[gabrielflorit]

Nice BTS shots!!!! Let's have some more!!!

[jasonthewho]

Sweet action! Great grabs and BTS. Excited about this one!

[Mike Manning]

Here's some grabs from Day 3...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_10.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_14.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_11.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_06.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_07.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_08.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_3/day_3_09.jpg

[Simon Höfer]

Man, looking good! Truly a work of art :D

[Mike Manning]

Some day 2 grabs... can you spot the ball?

..PS...Wrapped Production today!

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_04.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_05.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_06.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_07.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_08.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_2/day_2_09.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Day 4 Screen Grabs..
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_03.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_04.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_07.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_09.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_10.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_11.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_4/day_4_12.jpg

[John LaBonney]

Awesome looking grabs!

[Simon Höfer]

Congrats for the wrap!

[Tim Joy]

Talk about production design! Sweet. Nice lighting all around too!

[ZazaCast]

Really great looking shots! Can't wait to see this one too...damn.
Congrats.

...and what ball?:grin::thumbsup:

[Mike Manning]

Thanks guys... I'll try and find some more BTS photos... I know someone was taking pictures!

[Mike Manning]

Here's some BTS from day 3...
I got in trouble with my landlady for this sh*t... she was SCREAMING at me! Haha..

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_3_bts_1.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_3_bts_2.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_3_bts_3.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_3_bts_4.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Some more BTS...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/dolly_move.jpg (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/bts_dolly.mov)

[Mike Manning]

Some more BTS from day 4

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/dolly_move.jpg (http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/bts_dolly.mov)

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_1.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_2.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_3.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_4.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_5.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_6.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_7.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Hey I added some more pics of Rachel's paintings...
Check 'em out!

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/rachel_4.jpg (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1404584&postcount=75)

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey I've just scratched the surface of this thread for the first time, today but seems like a very interesting project and certainly a great thread.

we go back and forth on allowing the thread before competition, the argument for not having them would be to keep the fest focused on the films rather than hype.

but we come down on the side of having them ultimately for two reasons: 1) pimping is part of being a filmmaker and good to have experience with 2) at their best these threads are an exchange of hard information about filmmaking itself.

Your thread definitely seems like a great example of the latter - will definitely be coming back when I have a little bit more time and will catch up in depth!

Looking forward to seeing your work!

[Susanne G.]

Your BTS looking very interesting, but this paintings giving your film a very particulary note! This one where one of your actors, I think it is the main character, makes the same expression like the painting of himself behind him, is really my favourite one. :thumbup:

Susanne

[Mike Manning]

Your BTS looking very interesting, but this paintings giving your film a very particulary note! This one where one of your actors, I think it is the main character, makes the same expression like the painting of himself behind him, is really my favourite one. :thumbup:

Susanne

Haha yeah that's a REALLY funny pic! Definitely one of my faves!


Hey I've just scratched the surface of this thread for the first time, today but seems like a very interesting project and certainly a great thread.

we go back and forth on allowing the thread before competition, the argument for not having them would be to keep the fest focused on the films rather than hype.

but we come down on the side of having them ultimately for two reasons: 1) pimping is part of being a filmmaker and good to have experience with 2) at their best these threads are an exchange of hard information about filmmaking itself.

Your thread definitely seems like a great example of the latter - will definitely be coming back when I have a little bit more time and will catch up in depth!

Looking forward to seeing your work!

Wow, thanks for the kind words, Jack. Yeah, please! Check it out.. we've put a lot of work into the film and there's A LOT of amazing talent behind the project. Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with.

[Mike Manning]

Blog update...Sept. 25
Not much to report in the aftermath of production... Wes returned the truck and the equipment... it looks like were gonna be about $1000 over budget... ouch... I FedEx'ed one of the drives to Dayn (in Alaska) so he can start editing.. dont worry.. we're backed up - Wes has a drive and I have a drive. Pickups in downtown LA on sunday. That'll be fun. Should be a nice change of pace to do some guerilla shooting after the madness of a full blown production. Stay tuned.. I'll update when there's more to report..

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Blog update...Sept. 25
Not much to report in the aftermath of production... Wes returned the truck and the equipment... it looks like were gonna be about $1000 over budget... ouch... I FedEx'ed one of the drives to Dayn (in Alaska) so he can start editing.. dont worry.. we're backed up - Wes has a drive and I have a drive. Pickups in downtown LA on sunday. That'll be fun. Should be a nice change of pace to do some guerilla shooting after the madness of a full blown production. Stay tuned.. I'll update when there's more to report..$1000 over budget! :eek:

I may crack $350 in total! :)

Great BTS info! Looking good.

Mike

[Mike Manning]

Yeah our budget ended up being about $2500...

once it's all finalized, I'll post it for you guys to see the breakdown...

[Mike Manning]

Hey guys!
I just got the first draft of Arthur's theme song from my composer... take a look (er...listen) and tell me what you think!

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/music/arthurs_theme_take_1.mp3

[Susanne G.]

Hi Mike,

I like the music - it takes me away in an other world of fantasy and dreams! I don't know if it is that what you need in your film, but it is that what I feel hearing this music.

Susanne

[Mike Manning]

Yeah it's a little too grandiose at the moment.. he's gonna bring it down a notch.. make it a littler darker and subdued. He does good work though, huh?

[Susanne G.]

Yeah it's a little too grandiose at the moment.. he's gonna bring it down a notch.. make it a littler darker and subdued. He does good work though, huh?

Yes, the first idea was realy the score of "Amélie" - and this is a very romantic film! :happy: Probably it isn't what you like to have?

Susanne

[Mike Manning]

Yes, the first idea was realy the score of "Amélie" - and this is a very romantic film! :happy: Probably it isn't what you like to have?

Susanne

Haha... maybe, maybe not! You'll just have to wait and see!

[Kyle Stebbins]

your synopsis is fantastic. this one hits home with me.

[Mike Manning]

Seriously?

Do tell...

[ZazaCast]

What a production... the thread alone could be a movie! I can't wait to see this one in it's complete form. Then I guess you should auction off all the art! Very cool stuff.

[Mike Manning]

What a production... the thread alone could be a movie! I can't wait to see this one in it's complete form. Then I guess you should auction off all the art! Very cool stuff.

Thanks! It's coming along.. I think you guys will like it.

We're actually going to have a screening/premiere thing in November at the Art Gallery we filmed at. Along with a presentation of the film, we're gonna have all the art on display... and as the artists will be present, hopefully they might be able to sell some pieces off. That would be awesome!

[ZazaCast]

Thanks! It's coming along.. I think you guys will like it.

We're actually going to have a screening/premiere thing in November at the Art Gallery we filmed at. Along with a presentation of the film, we're gonna have all the art on display... and as the artists will be present, hopefully they might be able to sell some pieces off. That would be awesome!

Yeah... seems like a no-brainer to me. You have a really talented crew.


... I, on the other hand, have to deal with a bunch of MonkeyBoys!!
(Thus...the company logo)

[Tim Joy]

Yeah... seems like a no-brainer to me. You have a really talented crew.


... I, on the other hand, have to deal with a bunch of MonkeyBoys!!
(Thus...the company logo)


Hey! Who you callin' MonkeyBoy?

[Mike Manning]

Just locked down a date with Cella Gallery to have our premier (post Twilight Fest) screening/fundraiser/art exhibition on Sunday November 9th! Once the details are worked out, invites will be sent out.... you know you wanna come!
Those in the LA area, let me know and I'll kick you an invite... there'll probably be some press, free booze and definitely some people to shmooze with! I'll remind you guys again as we get closer to the date...

[MOVIE MASTER]

A WORK OF ART! SOUNDS VERY aRTSY BEST OF LUCK!!! 666

[Mike Manning]

A WORK OF ART! SOUNDS VERY aRTSY BEST OF LUCK!!! 666

Thank you! Likewise..

$1000 over budget! :eek:


Mike

So we just finalized out budget....

Total: $2946

...only $1546 OVER budget! Haha...

My wallets gonna be hurtin' for a LONG time...

[Mike Manning]

Filmed the pickups today. It went great. Shooting on the subway is a little sketchy, but it ups the production value. The stuff looks cool! Rough cut should be done tomorrow... I'm excited!
Some grabs...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_5/day_5_01.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_5/day_5_02.jpg
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/day_5/day_5_03.jpg

[gabrielflorit]

Yeah our budget ended up being about $2500...

once it's all finalized, I'll post it for you guys to see the breakdown...

My budget ended being slightly over $2K... oh well.

Hey! Your editor is in Alaska?! Who? Where???

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nice grabs! Looking good...

Cheers,

Mike

[Mike Insane]

yeah we shot something on the trains 2 years ago. They don't like cameras on there. The rule is, as long as the camera is not a pro camera and you never place it on a tripod, then you are fine. Then again we almost got shut down by a curmudgeon of a security guard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZbX3T0NQyQ

and a commercial for XM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ljf-57dTGk

sorry to hijack the thread. Yeah, the subway really up production value.

Good looking shots.

[Kyle Stebbins]

I think I'd be more concerned about getting the camera stolen.

--

$3000!?!? Holy shit.

Divide that by 300 for us. ;)

[Ryan Jones]

The grabs look great! awesome job man!

[Mike Manning]

Hey! Your editor is in Alaska?! Who? Where???
My friend Dayn - He's editor and Producer... He's from Los Angeles and he's only in Alaska because he was hired for an assistant editing gig on a 6 week shoot in Talkeetna. So after we wrapped I cloned the hard drive with all the media on it and FedEx'ed to him so he could start editing. The other Producer, Wes, is also editing (from LA) and so the three of us can email each other our FCP project files and they all sync up because our drives our identical. It's pretty cool. But yeah, he comes back to LA on the 14th.

I think I'd be more concerned about getting the camera stolen.

$3000!?!? Holy shi*.

Divide that by 300 for us. ;)

Naw it was cool. No one really messed with us. Though one guy came up to Sebastian and tried to sell him some weed...haha!

..and yeah, our budget's a little ridiculous.

yeah we shot something on the trains 2 years ago. They don't like cameras on there. The rule is, as long as the camera is not a pro camera and you never place it on a tripod, then you are fine. Then again we almost got shut down by a curmudgeon of a security guard.

I hate that kind of sh*t... But whatever, you just get off the train and go to the next station, right? Haha..
Luckily no one bothered us and we got what we needed.

Nice grabs! Looking good...

Cheers,

Mike

The grabs look great! awesome job man!

Thank you! I should be getting a rough cut today.. I can't wait to see it!

[pauly_the_hitman]

Looks good Mike I dig the subway scenes. Man divide your budget by 3000 and that is what I had for my mine. Luckily I am a good talker huh. I need to try this sometime with a little money it might be easier to get stuff done.
Pauly

[Mike Manning]

I need to try this sometime with a little money it might be easier to get stuff done.
Pauly

This is true... though there's a trade off that will occur when your spending more money... I think the chart below illustrates it the best...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/chart.jpg

[John LaBonney]

So we just finalized out budget....

Total: $2946

...only $1546 OVER budget! Haha...

My wallets gonna be hurtin' for a LONG time...

Yeah I know the feeling. We spent a pretty penny on Barn Dance, even though we were able to get quite a few things low/no cost. My empathies.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

This is true... though there's a trade off that will occur when your spending more money... I think the chart below illustrates it the best...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/chart.jpgLOL! :grin:

Nice! :beer:

[Simon Höfer]

This is true... though there's a trade off that will occur when your spending more money... I think the chart below illustrates it the best...

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/chart.jpg

Haha, thats a good one! :D

EDIT: Posted at the same time as Micheal :)

[KevinZanit]

Train stuff looks good Mike, sorry I couldn't make it!

K.

[Mike Manning]

KEVIN ZANIT IN DA HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...thanks Kev.... glad you approve!

[Mike Manning]

Wes and Dayn got a full rough cut done! It looks and feels great! The only problem is that it clocks in at 9mins... there's gonna be some MAJOR frame-f*cking...haha!

[Mike Manning]

Hey Hey!

So we're picture locked on the DVX Cut!

Honestly, though, I'm not as happy with it as I'll be with the director's cut. Not that my film is epic, or anything, but we frame-f*cked it to death to get it under 6 minutes... and it really shows in the pacing. I'm sure the addition of the score will help ease my mind with this one, but I really think the film benefits from an extra minute-thirty to get the pacing right. Because right now, the film zips along to make it in under 6 minutes.

We'll be working on the final cut next weekend so we can have it ready for the big screening on November 9th. I invite all of you in the SoCal area to come down and check it out that night. It's gonna be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet some cool/talented people.

I just had a thought...
I'm gonna lay down some temp music to the DVX cut and I would love to get some feedback on the pacing... if you're interested in checking it out... PM we'll talk. I need an objective opinion...

Oh... and someone let me know if this could disqualify me before i show it to anyone.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Hey Hey!

So we're picture locked on the DVX Cut!

Honestly, though, I'm not as happy with it as I'll be with the director's cut. Not that my film is epic, or anything, but we frame-f*cked it to death to get it under 6 minutes... and it really shows in the pacing. I'm sure the addition of the score will help ease my mind with this one, but I really think the film benefits from an extra minute-thirty to get the pacing right. Because right now, the film zips along to make it in under 6 minutes.

We'll be working on the final cut next weekend so we can have it ready for the big screening on November 9th. I invite all of you in the SoCal area to come down and check it out that night. It's gonna be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet some cool/talented people.

I just had a thought...
I'm gonna lay down some temp music to the DVX cut and I would love to get some feedback on the pacing... if you're interested in checking it out... PM we'll talk. I need an objective opinion...

Oh... and someone let me know if this could disqualify me before i show it to anyone.

Nope. You are bringing someone on board to join your team. They are going to be working with you on the project just the same as the guy that did your edit, the person that lit your set, etc etc. I'd be happy to take a look at it, if you'd like.

I love Morgan Blair, dude. Her work is phenomenal. What an inspiration she's been for me.

[Mike Manning]

Nope. You are bringing someone on board to join your team. They are going to be working with you on the project just the same as the guy that did your edit, the person that lit your set, etc etc. I'd be happy to take a look at it, if you'd like.

I love Morgan Blair, dude. Her work is phenomenal. What an inspiration she's been for me.

Well consider yourself part of the team! Haha... you've been PM'd..

PS... I sent Morgan a link to this post... It'll mean a lot to her to know she's got a growing fan base!

Right now she's literally a starving artist, living off of peanut butter sandwiches in Brooklyn. I just paid her airfare to come out here to LA for the premier. It's the least I could do for all the free art she's done!

[hazelwould]

Hey Mike I'd like to take a look at it... And give you my feedback.

Also, we're still progressing on Plastic Perfect. Hopefully it'll be done early Dec.

[Mike Manning]

Oh what? you're not gonna make it in time for the fest? that's too bad man, I'm sorry!

...oh and you've been PM'd

[Danielleus]

This looks awesome. Can't wait. Good luck finishing and stuff. Intrigued for sure.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks!

A little update...

Danny is working on the score... we have picture lock for the Twilight Fest cut, VFX are locked... CC on the way...

Gonna have Sebastian do a quick ADR session this week..as a couple of lines have some weird electrical hum over it that I can't get rid of.

But yeah, everything's solid!

[Mike Manning]

Hey.. so I need some opinions on some color correction.

Ideally, I'd like to have Kevin go through and CC the final cut, but for the sake of this festival (and the deadline), I dropped the Twilight Fest cut in After effects and did a CC run of my own.

Here are some side-by-side comparisons... what do you guys think? Feel free to grab them and do your own CC on them... I'd love to see what you come up with.

Kevin - if you're lurkin' around... what do you think? Dayn and I will have picture lock on the full cut this weekend and we'll pass it off to you if you have time to go through it.

http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/cc_01.jpg
http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/cc_02.jpg
http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/cc_03.jpg
http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/cc_04.jpg
http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/cc_05.jpg

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I have to say.... I kind of prefer the before shots. I especially like the green backgrounds. :thumbup:

I'm terrible at grading though.

[Mike Manning]

Hmm... generally for each shot I upped the contrast... crushing the blacks and pushing the whites a tad. And in some cases, I added some blue.

It's interesting that you prefer the greener look...especially considering that the walls are actually painted blue.. and not green..haha!

http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/painting.jpg

[Mike Manning]

Update:

Made a last minute change to the edit.. Kyle.. I think you'd be happy with the cut we made! Hahah...

We've also locked picture on the full cut... which only ends up being about a minute longer than the DVX cut.

Danny's been hard at work with the score... it sounds AWESOME.

We're also in the midst of setting up our screening/artshow/fundraiser on November 9th. Because of the outside promotion rule, I wont make the invitation public until next week.. but I hope to see all you Angelenos there! It's gonna be a very cool event, free drinks, raffle, silent auction... good times.

Anyway, we're on track to upload this weekend... can't wait to see all of your entries!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I have to say.... I kind of prefer the before shots. I especially like the green backgrounds. :thumbup:
....

I agree for the most part or I'd try somewhere in between. Just a touch more contrast than the raw maybe.

I miss the green in the table scene too.

They look great though - were you shooting with a filter to get that glow off the shoulders?

[Mike Manning]

I agree for the most part or I'd try somewhere in between. Just a touch more contrast than the raw maybe.

I miss the green in the table scene too.

They look great though - were you shooting with a filter to get that glow off the shoulders?

Yeah we netted the front of the HVX lens with pantyhose...real make shift but it worked! Kevin said that the pantyhose he used for the effect come from a very specific brand of pantyhose, poplar amongst photographers and DP's (like Janusz Kaminski). You're supposed to net the back of the lens for the desired effect, but since the HVX's lens is not removable, he made it work with some snot tape on the front of the camera!

[Danielleus]

Hey man,

It all looks pretty. Like the grabs, the cast, the poster rocks, the boards, the whole thing looks like good good fun. Can't wait to see the product. Good luck pulling it together.

[KevinZanit]

Hey Mike,

Color correction looks pretty good, I'm not looking at it on a good monitor though, so its hard to call. I do like the green personally as well. When there is more time we should put it through Lustre, have my friend really tweak the look.

Yeah, there was a net stretched across the front of the lens for some of the stuff. Combine that with really "hot" top light against a dark background and you get the glowing look we have there.

Kevin Zanit

[ZazaCast]

I have to agree... I like the looks of the green.

[armisiano]

I am so looking forward to this one! All the work that went into it is fantastic. Best of luck, this should be very good.

[Edgen]

I agree.. watching the thread and anxious to see your short.

good luck!
/j

[Tim Joy]

Can't wait to see all this wonderful artwork come to life.

PANTYHOSE! Never would've guessed that. I love the look.

The images are so good already, do you even need color correction?

[Mike Manning]

I am so looking forward to this one! All the work that went into it is fantastic. Best of luck, this should be very good.
I agree.. watching the thread and anxious to see your short.

good luck!
/j

Thank you so much guys! I'm really anxious to show it to you all. I really hope you enjoy it!

Can't wait to see all this wonderful artwork come to life.

PANTYHOSE! Never would've guessed that. I love the look.

The images are so good already, do you even need color correction?

Yeah, Kevin's good. I do think a little CC is necessary... at least to up the contrast a bit... Here's the new look. Due to popular request, the green stayed, haha!
http://aworkofartmovie.com/images/cc/new_cc.jpg

[jojopop]

This looks really cool. Love the art! Looking forward to it!

[Bryce A]

Congrads on posting out some of the best behind the scenes goodies for us to munch! great poster, story boards, stills, etc... love it. looking forward to the film.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks guys, I'm uploading now (WAHOO..FIRST DVX FEST!!)

I look forward to hearing what you think about it... I hope you enjoy it!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Congrats, Mike!! This flick is going to ROCK!!!!

BTW: I like the color grading. You've got a nice grasp on it.
Green or not green, I agree with the contrast.

Crush those blacks, baby.

K

[gabrielflorit]

I must say I'm not a fan of the CC on this one. But that's probably because I have no, I repeat, no experience with grading. Using Looks doesn't count.

[Mike Manning]

Crush those blacks, baby.
K

Damn Kyle, zombies are one thing, but white supremacy? Gotta draw the line somewhere pal...

..HAHA! jussssssssssssst kidding!

But yeah thanks dude, You'll like the cut we mad to Mr. Reynolds... it flows much better while keeping what's necessary form the scene. Can't wait to se yours too!

I must say I'm not a fan of the CC on this one. But that's probably because I have no, I repeat, no experience with grading. Using Looks doesn't count.

I got you... I have no experience with color grading either... Kevin's images look so beautiful as they are... it probably wasn't even neccessary. But I am a fan of higher contrast, so as Mr. Stebbins above said, I "Crushed those blacks!"

I think you'll dig it when you see it and I look forward to hearing what you think!

[gabrielflorit]

I think you'll dig it when you see it and I look forward to hearing what you think!

Now that I finally finished a film my criticisms are going to be much more useful - "didn't like your cut", "should have lit better", "no need for music there", instead of "i loved it", "nice, good work". I hope other people do the same to me. Only now do I realize the ridiculous amount of work that goes into making a film. It's really ridiculous. And oh so much fun.

[Simon Höfer]

Yeah, it IS and ridiculous amount of time and fun :) Took me 4 months to get to this point and I am really happy now!

[MrKilloran]

Looks awesome man, good luck

[Mike Manning]

Yeah, it IS and ridiculous amount of time and fun :) Took me 4 months to get to this point and I am really happy now!

I'm AMAZED at how quickly this was all done. 4 months is a extremely short amount of time to make a film... so much planning...I can't believe I pulled it off so quickly. Having a deadline really helps keep you focused.

[Mike Manning]

BLOG UPDATE:

Oct. 28 Wow I have been neglecting this blog. Basic recap of the last 20 days. Both cuts of the film are finished. The DVX cut clocked in at 5:40... so I had time to add my production logo and some ridiculously quick credits. The full cut runs about 6:50 and we haven't done the credits yet. I'm anticipating about a minutes worth of credits, so call it 8mins total for the full cut. The DVX cut has been uploaded and already approved and this week I'll be passing the full cut off to Kevin to do some REAL color correcting. Danny's also revamping the score to fill up the added time. We've also locked down all the specifics regarding our premier screening on Nov. 9th. I PM'd Larry asking him if it's okay to post the open invite... once I get the good word I'll get a thread started for that. Can't wait to see what everyone else has done!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Should be interesting to compare the two cuts. Good luck with the premiere as well!

Cheers,

Mike

[Mike Manning]

Should be interesting to compare the two cuts. Good luck with the premiere as well!

Cheers,

Mike

They aren't that different... like, nothing substantial was cut... the pacing is just a lot slower at the beginning. I just thought the DVX cut moved a little too quickly...cuz in that version, half the movie is the third act! Haha

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

They aren't that different... like, nothing substantial was cut... the pacing is just a lot slower at the beginning. I just thought the DVX cut moved a little too quickly...cuz in that version, half the movie is the third act! Haha
I get you. Not much will change in mine either. Just the pacing and a little more character development. :beer:

Still, it will be fun to look at the two of them and compare.

Cheers,

Mike

[mark_Cray]

wow man.. this really looks like a kick ass concept, love the art and the grabs. cant wait to see it when the viewing begins.

[Mile Bozicevic]

Amongst all those thread I read (and there isn't small number of them), this looks hmmm...

Me and friend talked a lot about movie (which was never made) about strip maker and his chars coming to life...
Cannot find the right words, but let's just say I REALLY want to see the ending of this one. And the whole film, of course. :D

Good luck!

L

[ZazaCast]

Finished, uploaded, verified & approved! It a GO. I think the 'waiting for open viewing' is killing me more than the 'waiting to upload'. Really looking forward to your film. Congrats to cast & crew!!

[Mike Manning]

Mike - I will definitely make the longer cut available for your viewing pleasure..
Mark & Mile - Thank you! I look forward to hearing what you guys think..
Zaza - Me too... how long does it usually take for them to get through it all?

[Marlon Ladd]

I just read over all the production notes and checked out the stills. Looks like you put alot of work into this - looks like it'll be a fantastic film.

[Mike Manning]

Thanks! It was a lot of work and I'm really happy with it. I just hope it lives up to the hype!

[gabrielflorit]

Oct. 28 Wow I have been neglecting this blog. Basic recap of the last 20 days. Both cuts of the film are finished. The DVX cut clocked in at 5:40... so I had time to add my production logo and some ridiculously quick credits. The full cut runs about 6:50 and we haven't done the credits yet. I'm anticipating about a minutes worth of credits, so call it 8mins total for the full cut.

I'd recommend against that. I doubt anyone wants to sit through a minute's worth of credits for a short film, unless you're adding more shots in between.

[Mike Manning]

Usually I would agree with you as it sometimes seems inappropriate to have longs credits in a short. And I NEVER think it's appropriate to have opening credits for a short, that just seems like a waste of screen time.

But the truth of the matter is, I'm listing over 50 names in the end credits and it doesn't seem appropriate to short change their credit because people can't sit for longer than 30 seconds reading text.

I also imagine that all of those 50 people will be at the screening and would enjoy seeing their name on the screen. Plus we're also doing some cool animation with all the art that was done... so I'm not really worried about anyone having to "sit through" anything.

[gabrielflorit]

Usually I would agree with you as it sometimes seems inappropriate to have longs credits in a short. And I NEVER think it's appropriate to have opening credits for a short, that just seems like a waste of screen time.

But the truth of the matter is, I'm listing over 50 names in the end credits and it doesn't seem appropriate to short change their credit because people can't sit for longer than 30 seconds reading text.

I also imagine that all of those 50 people will be at the screening and would enjoy seeing their name on the screen. Plus we're also doing some cool animation with all the art that was done... so I'm not really worried about anyone having to "sit through" anything.

Ah, I see your point. If all those 50 people are going to be at the screening I agree with you, for sure will get a kick out of seeing their names on the big screen.

[Brian Parker]

Amazing BTS and grabs. Digging the story concept. Love the posters as well. I will definately be looking forward to seeing this one. :beer:

[Robbie Comeau]

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.

My favorite so far. Crazy, wow.

I loved the intro montage.

The story in this was dead on, PERFECT. You nailed the theme and kept me interested the WHOLE way.

Beautiful actors, beautiful images, and the score was tremendous.

One thing that bugged me was the lighting in the doctors office. I guess it was just kind of harsh.

Other than that, you really made an amazing twilight/love story, with a cool twist in the end.

This is will do fabulous.

Robbie

[disjecta]

This was a great short. The cinematography was really top notch, a real pleasure to watch.

Nice score, kept the mood and pace very well. Nicely acted. I can't say enough good things about this film. Really nice job.

Did you use an adapter for the shoot? Was this an HVX200?

Sorry, I didn't want to go through all the posts again.

[Mike Manning]

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.

My favorite so far. Crazy, wow.

I loved the intro montage.

The story in this was dead on, PERFECT. You nailed the theme and kept me interested the WHOLE way.

Beautiful actors, beautiful images, and the score was tremendous.

One thing that bugged me was the lighting in the doctors office. I guess it was just kind of harsh.

Other than that, you really made an amazing twilight/love story, with a cool twist in the end.

This is will do fabulous.

Robbie

Robbie, glad you liked it!
The lighting in the hospital was definitely a choice... you aren't the first to not really agree with it. We were going for kind of a surreal vibe.. and we really wanted to make use of the net on the lens.

This was a great short. The cinematography was really top notch, a real pleasure to watch.

Nice score, kept the mood and pace very well. Nicely acted. I can't say enough good things about this film. Really nice job.

Did you use an adapter for the shoot? Was this an HVX200?

Sorry, I didn't want to go through all the posts again.

Yes sir! We used an HVX200 with the stock lens. I'm glad you liked it!

[J.R. Hudson]

I really enjoyed this. A great story and loved the ending.

Awesome.

[Kholi]

Really good story in this one. Another one that fits the theme. And, a LOT of work went into it obviously. It's all really great.

Congrats on a well turned out piece.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Very nice work! I really liked the gradual build up towards the end. Very well paced.
The artwork was also exceptional and really helped you sell the movie.

I'm going to watch it again soon and get back to you with more.

Very solid work!!

Mike

[Mike Manning]

Gotta try and keep up with all your comments here...

I really enjoyed this. A great story and loved the ending.

Awesome.
Thank you! I'm REALLY proud of the ending... definitely the best thing I've ever done so far. This might seem odd. but the ending is very much inspired (stylistically) by the ending of The Dark Knight...haha!

Really good story in this one. Another one that fits the theme. And, a LOT of work went into it obviously. It's all really great.

Congrats on a well turned out piece.
Thank you, I'm glad you dug it. There was definitely A LOT of hard work that was put into the movie. I just made claim that "The ending was the best thing I've ever done so far," but the truth is, it wasn't just me who made that ending. A lot of credit goes to the actors for hitting those looks out of the park. In fact, I can hardly take any credit for that, I had my amazing crew set up those dolly shots, Kevin and Frank lit that sh*t beautifully and Mark with his amazing focus pull. Some really good stuff there. And last, but certainly not least, that scene is golden cuz of Danny's score.

Very nice work! I really liked the gradual build up towards the end. Very well paced.
The artwork was also exceptional and really helped you sell the movie.

I'm going to watch it again soon and get back to you with more.

Very solid work!!

Mike

Thanks man, can't wait to hear what else you got!

[AJ Brooks]

Enjoyed your film! The subway shots were beautiful. Great color.

[Marlon Ladd]

Good job, Mike! Especially considering all you had to go through to get it finished. This was a very solid and intriguing story with some really good cinematography. I thought your actors all did very well and the actress has a really engaging look about her. This, I think is what indie filmmaking is all about. Good stories.

[Mike Manning]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

Yeah, Mara is incredible. I want to work with her again and actually give her something to say. She nailed the looks and hit it out of the park! What was really impressive, is that we did 5 takes of that dolly push, and we kept fudging the focus pull, but Mara was 100% on the look every time, and we never had to worry about her performance. Finally on the fifth take, Mark nailed the focus pull, and Mara looked amazing! Imagine what she can do when she has more to work with...

[mark_Cray]

I REALLY liked this film.. I gotta admit, I've never been a fan of "love stories" but this one really grabbed me and held me. there was sort of an "Altered States" feel to it that I really appreciated as well. wonderful work.

[smashedburrito]

My favorite so far. Great work. I was happy with the direction it went in that it became a love story. I hope you kept all those paintings and drawings. Great art direction.

[Rodney V. Smith]

wow man. wow. I gotta watch it again.

wow.

[Mike Manning]

I REALLY liked this film.. I gotta admit, I've never been a fan of "love stories" but this one really grabbed me and held me. there was sort of an "Altered States" feel to it that I really appreciated as well. wonderful work.

Haha yeah! That's my favorite part about the story... the twist is that it IS a love story...hehe. Glad you liked it!

My favorite so far. Great work. I was happy with the direction it went in that it became a love story. I hope you kept all those paintings and drawings. Great art direction.

Thanks! Yeah.. we have the art. We're actually gonna be auctioning off the art in a silent auction at our premier screening on the 9th. Since the Cella Gallery (the location we filmed at) is hosting the screening, it only seemed appropriate to showcase and sell some art too!

wow man. wow. I gotta watch it again.

wow.

Wow is good, right?

[Rodney V. Smith]

According to how many "wows". You got three. Now shhh! I'm watching it again.

[galbach]

Great work, and I'm sure there was a lot of work on this film... I was locked in begin to end...

on a side note the music may have over powered just a tad... I missed the last line..

[Noel Evans]

Really interesting story, and the use of art was very well done. Actually after the opening minute I wasnt getting much from it, but then it turned around and I really liked the way it played out. Was a good ending.

Visually there were moments that were great, and a couple that were OK. Sound wise I felt like thered been a low cut applied to the dialogue and it sounded a bit tinny.

A great concept, that scored well for me. You had a lot of varied locations which was nice, well done on the pre side as well.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Like how the sound design was integrated / seemless through the DVXleader, the Prod Company logo, to the film itself.

Like the shot choices and compositoins in the opening montage.

The glow on the shoulders in the doctor scene - I think you posted a raw grab and that was there in the raw footage? How did you do it - a filer I assume? If so what filter? I'm not totally sure how I feel about the look though in context of the scene. Almost too much maybe? But I don't know. Maybe it's spot on. Anyway, how did you do it?

SPOILERS (highlight to read)

The drawings coming alive worked well. I see those big eyes looking down at him, could be particularly effective if they moved to look at him as well? But pretty cool moment in the story here.

The gallery scene is well done particularly the reveal of his own portait when he steps out from in front of it there. Nice extended moment of dramatic irony and classically structured here where we know before he does what's on her paintings.

Nice push in with his declaration of love.

Now this is one of those fine line Twilight Zone ones. In terms of the ending ... I think I'm about 50/50 on whether I would have preferred to have it be rationally dismissed, as you have it, or have it be possible or implied that it could have actually happened. Especially in the context of this fest it might be better if there was no rational explanation. That's the way Serling preferred the series to go as well. The Twilight Zone pilot dealt with man in an isolation chamber that thought he went to see the movies in a deserted town with a beautiful young woman. Ine the pilot he's hauled off raving - his situation is completely explainable, he went mad under isolation. Serling didn't like the episode however, and when the Twilight Zone books were later published he changed the story so that the man found a movie ticket stub in his pocket as he was hauled away raving.

Here with your piece the doctor says "she's not real" or something and the main character says "I know". OK. completely rational explanation. He's mad and choosing to indulge the fantasy. But I think ... and emphasis on the word think ... it might have been cool to suggest that this actually happened. No he's not mad, his soul mate was out there obsessed with and drawing him and they finally found each other.

END SPOILERS

All in all I really liked this and thought it was really strong, as I suspected it would be. It was cut really well and told an interrestin story. In the beginning it's one we've seen before in some sense - the guy /artist /photogrpaher obsessed with a real or imaginary woman hopelessly drawing sketch after skectch, but you took that starting point and really went somewhere cool with it.

Very nice work
:beer:


You could I guess have your cake and eat it too and come down as evenly between the two choices as possible. Maybe don't have teh doctor say, she's not real you know, or have him say it but don't have the guy answer - dunno, just spitballing here.

[Rodney V. Smith]

i have to gather my thoughts here before i watch this one again. just wanted to add one more wow.

wow.

[Jim Montgomery]

Holy crap! Nice piece of work

[Brandon Rice]

Enjoyed the film a lot... great prod. value, good cast, good story... when the girl on the drawing came to life, I jumped... hehe. Nice ending too :) Really enjoyed this short.

[KOHR]

Hey, loved the film. I've been keeping an eye on this one since you posted the first grabs... I'm definately impressed. I don't have much to critique... So I guess I'll just say that this one had my favorite story so far. My girlfriend and I watched half the films together and she stated that she enjoyed yours the most out of all the ones we watched. I always find it important to hear the what the non-film crowd thinks of a film... whether they boo or clap and all. We clapped for your film. :D

[Mike Manning]

Actually after the opening minute I wasnt getting much from it, but then it turned around and I really liked the way it played out. Was a good ending.
Interesting... what particularly didn't work for you? We struggled with the scene in the comic book office and the boss... it was originally a lot longer... was it that scene? I'd like to know...


The glow on the shoulders in the doctor scene - I think you posted a raw grab and that was there in the raw footage? How did you do it - a filer I assume?

Now this is one of those fine line Twilight Zone ones. In terms of the ending ... I think I'm about 50/50 on whether I would have preferred to have it be rationally dismissed, as you have it, or have it be possible or implied that it could have actually happened.


Great review man, I really appreciate the time you spent to give me notes.
Kevin (my DP) put a piece of pantyhose over the lens to achieve that glow. Normally you're supposed to put it behind the lens, but seeing as how it's not removable on the HVX, we had to put it in front. It worked out pretty well - it was definitely a stylistic choice we were mimicking from a scene in the film "Clockers"... check out this clip here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVDOFfDssxE).

As for the ending, I think you might have to watch it again, because it ends exactly how you suggested it should end - not the way you initially interpreted. The return to the doctor's office during the gallery scene is meant to be a flashback... it's used as a device to accent the catharsis that's reached when he sees the paintings. I understand that it causes confusion (and you're a case example of that) and it was something we struggled with in editing. Take a look at it again. "When the Doctor gives the line, "She's just a work of art," Arthur's response is meant to be as though he's answering simply to placate the doctor and leave the institution. It also is an acknowledgment about his feelings for her.. "She's a work of art!" That that doesn't register is my fault and it's been something I've had to explain numerous times. Take another look and let me know if it makes sense to you...

i have to gather my thoughts here before i watch this one again. just wanted to add one more wow.

wow.
Haha I'm really glad you like it so much! It mean a lot to me!

Enjoyed the film a lot... great prod. value, good cast, good story... when the girl on the drawing came to life, I jumped... hehe. Nice ending too :) Really enjoyed this short.
Thanks Brandon! I'm glad you watched it... I was secretly hoping you would after I read your review for Picture..hehe.

Hey, loved the film. I've been keeping an eye on this one since you posted the first grabs... I'm definately impressed. I don't have much to critique... So I guess I'll just say that this one had my favorite story so far. My girlfriend and I watched half the films together and she stated that she enjoyed yours the most out of all the ones we watched. I always find it important to hear the what the non-film crowd thinks of a film... whether they boo or clap and all. We clapped for your film. :D

Yay for girlfriends! I just watched bunch with my girlfriend as well... they really are the end all be all critics aren't they? It's either, "Ooo I like this one!" or "I'm BORED...NEXT!"

[Brandon Rice]

Thanks Brandon! I'm glad you watched it... I was secretly hoping you would after I read your review for Picture..hehe.


Well, I'm only able to comment on the shorts that really stand out to me... not enough time for every single one.... congrats again on a kickin' film :beer:

[ZazaCast]

Loved this film! Every step of the way... the story is solid as is the acting. Great camera work, just the right amount of movement. Diggun' the dolly shots. Wonderful score and mix that only made the film that much better. Perfect pace.

This is easily one of the best films in the fest! Congratulations on a job well done.

[Tim Joy]

I liked the journey you took us on. The art direction was fab- of course. Lot's of great shots, the Pantyhose shot, the intro dolly shots, the artwork CU's...
The music didn't work too well for me. It was more the sound of it, than the actual music. Mostly it was the chimes in the cue where he tears the pictures down, and again at the end cue.

I love his sly expression at the end when he says, "I know"

Really well put together and I thought the inter-cutting style worked beautifully.
Superbly done!

[MrKilloran]

Exceptional, not much more needs to be said.

[darkrequiem1134]

wicked cool idea, very different

[Steve Strickland]

Very nicely done.

Amazing production value. I loved the framing and subtle camera movements. The shot of him looking closer at the artwork in the gallery was phenomenal. I dug the score as well.

Maybe the only thing that stood out was the overly glowing effect on the interview shots. Otherwise, this film really well shot and paced with a good story.:thumbup:

[Zim]

Awesome! One of the best so far.

[Mike Manning]

Forgive me for shortening your quotes... trying to keep the post from being too long...

...This is easily one of the best films in the fest! Congratulations on a job well done.
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked it!


I liked the journey you took us on. The art direction was fab- of course....
...The music didn't work too well for me....
I love his sly expression at the end when he says, "I know"

Thanks... I've realizes I haven't been giving it up to my Production designers, Jeremy and Angel. Those guys did PHENOMENAL work. It was my first time actually using production designers, and let me tell you, you can't make a movie without them!

Interesting that the music doesn't sit well with you. Originally I had asked Danny to tone down the bells, but then I wanted them back when he was doing the final score! Haha. When we did the first rough cut, we used music from the film "Assassination of Jesse James"... there's lots of bells and chimes in that score.. I guess it's a matter of preference really, I'm sorry you didn't dig it as much.

And yeah... Sebastian is awesome!


Exceptional, not much more needs to be said.
Thanks!


wicked cool idea, very different
We were definitely going for different. A little love twist in the twilight mix! Haha..


Very nicely done.

Amazing production value. I loved the framing and subtle camera movements. The shot of him looking closer at the artwork in the gallery was phenomenal.
Yes! That is my favorite shot as well!


Awesome! One of the best so far.
Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[Mike Insane]

WOW Mike. I rated yours higher than I rated mine. Good short. The only think I didn't dig was the over done back light on the doctor and Arthur. But I really had to look for something that i didn't like. I think this project is going to go to a lot of festivals and win some nice acclaim for you guys. Great job.

[majikfraug]

Yay for girlfriends! I just watched bunch with my girlfriend as well... they really are the end all be all critics aren't they? It's either, "Ooo I like this one!" or "I'm BORED...NEXT!"
That's SO true! My wife is the same way. Lisa and I both loved yours -and we look forward to seeing you at the Art Gallery next Sunday.

[Susanne G.]

Fantastic - for sure 10 stars. The acting was incredible good, the story intelligent, excellent lighting and photografie, lovely score and these drawings are a very good aesthetic detail. What a hight quality of production! Absolutely perfect. It was really a pleasure to see this one - I adore it! Thank you for have done it! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Susanne

[mattspat]

Wowwwwww that was so sickkk! best I've seen yet!!! Put me in your next film!! haha You can check me out...I am in Divine Intervention. Actually I think you have seen it already, it's by Robbie Comeau

[mattspat]

actually now that i think about it, it reminded me somewhat of the series on global called Heroes in season one when that one character could predict stuff through his paintings. Amazing job though I am really really impressed haha more than I can type.

[alex whitmer]

Title is fitting for the craftsmanship of the film as well. A work of art. Very well done.



SPOILERS


Didn't like the dot.com at the beginning. You could lose that.

This was superbly filmed. I liked the torment, but in one scene we see him freak out and rip stuff off the wall, but when he collapses most if not all is still there. Somehos the action and the aftermath didn't match.

Really like the one-on-one with the doctor. Nicely done, framed, lit. Didn't like the performance of the boss. Felt pulled off a shelf.

At first I wished we had seen even one scene of the girl in a similar torment, but in the end glad we did not. I guess one could assume she was somewhat troubled by her obsession with an unknown face - course the end leaves us to wonder if that exhibition ever happened, or was just in his mind.

Lots of variety of spaces and textures. Brick walls, glass, paper-filled walls, unfocused interview room. Very nice.

Artwork is very nice. Loved the live animation. Maybe the reaction was a tad over-acted, but great just the same.

Overall really good acting. The girl did a nice sin-dailogue role of object of affection. great smile, nothing girlish - just down to earth natural beauty.

Still not sure what was real and what was not, but I'm okay with that.


Great film.


aw

[Mike Manning]

WOW Mike. I rated yours higher than I rated mine. Good short. The only think I didn't dig was the over done back light on the doctor and Arthur. But I really had to look for something that i didn't like. I think this project is going to go to a lot of festivals and win some nice acclaim for you guys. Great job.

Wow! I really appreciate that, man. That's really cool of you. I really hope you can make it out to the screening too!

That's SO true! My wife is the same way. Lisa and I both loved yours -and we look forward to seeing you at the Art Gallery next Sunday.
Awesome! Make sure you RSVP.. http://aworkofartmovie.com

Fantastic - for sure 10 stars. The acting was incredible good, the story intelligent, excellent lighting and photografie, lovely score and these drawings are a very good aesthetic detail. What a hight quality of production! Absolutely perfect. It was really a pleasure to see this one - I adore it! Thank you for have done it! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Susanne

Thank you Susanne, I'm really happy you liked it! My first German fan!

Wowwwwww that was so sickkk! best I've seen yet!!! Put me in your next film!! haha You can check me out...I am in Divine Intervention. Actually I think you have seen it already, it's by Robbie Comeau

Awesome man, really glad you dug it. Come to LA man, I'll put you to work!

Title is fitting for the craftsmanship of the film as well. A work of art. Very well done.

At first I wished we had seen even one scene of the girl in a similar torment, but in the end glad we did not. I guess one could assume she was somewhat troubled by her obsession with an unknown face - course the end leaves us to wonder if that exhibition ever happened, or was just in his mind.


Thank you! Surprisingly you are the first to comment on whether or not I was true to my namesake - something I was worried about seeing in repeated posts! Haha.. it's like naming your film, "Disaster Movie" ... oh.. wait ... Haha

Yeah about showing the Girl's torment... when we came up with the story, I thought it to be ironic that while Arthur was tormented by something he didn't understand, The Girl capitalized on it and had an art show. I always found that kind of humorous and decided never to pursue developing her character.

Thanks for the feedback!

[bosindy]

What a nice surprise this was. You have a good sense of pacing and the story unfolds nicely. The story was constructed well through to a nice reveal. Nice performance by your lead. great score.

My only criticism would be that the lighting in the institution scene felt a bit over the top. Everything else looked natural and that felt out of place.

nice art work too btw. Really made the obsession feel authentic.

all and all top noch and one of my favorites. kudos.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

The story was excellent and original, the editing/cinematography was superb. I thought the acting was believable and the compliance with the theme and requirement was well done. I actually had to go back through to find the ball because I didn't notice it during my first viewing - this is good because it means you didn't just throw (no pun intended) it in there for the sake of throwing it in there. The art pieces were lovely, by the way, did you do them yourself?

Now for some things I think could use some work. Mostly petty things, not enough to drastically effect the score. I thought the lighting in the institution scenes was too harsh and the score was a bit overpowering in certain areas (I am not sure if it was the music itself or just the volume, though).

Overall, I really enjoyed this piece quite a bit. It is one of the best I've scene thus far. Good job and good luck. :)

---
PENGUIN DISCLAIMER: The Penguin has not read any other reviews before writing his own. Further, any and all criticisms are based solely on the opinion of The Penguin and, thus, may differ from that of other commentators; said comments are provided purely for the constructive use of the filmmaker and can be embraced or ignored at his/her discretion only. Lastly, please be aware that it is NOT penguin season. In fact, it is NEVER penguin season.

[jojopop]

Very cool. Story and its structure worked really well. I could see where things were leading but I was still sold by the time it got there. Nice job.

There were a few rough patches I felt with the acting -- namely the editor and the doctor, however overall it was pretty solid.

The sequence where the drawings come to life was sufficiently creepy -- pretty well executed. I was wondering at first how your test animations were going to fit into the film but after seeing it in context they fit and are totally believable in that scene. Which leads me to the editing between the mental breakdown and the institutionalizing - that all flowed smoothly. Good job there.

I'll echo some thoughts on the institution lighting -- I also felt it to be overdone and on the melodramatic side. Apart from that the lighting was nicely done.

Overall cool flick! Great work!

[Danielleus]

Hey,

Just caught the flick. Really dug this story. Teh concept was great and I dig the use of the paper medium you have here. The artwork IN the piece is really nice too.

I'm a little confused about the structure. For the most part I like the editing, with the story unfolding as your lead's telling the doc about the girl and the events that transpired. I really like that and I think it's a unique way to tell the story. However, I'm thinking the way the story unfolds, narratively, is works of art go crazy, he commits himself, he gets better, and then he runs into the girl and realizes the twist at the end. However, the way it's laid out, even IF you wanted to have the doctor stuff still edit into the rest of the film (as it does now) it doesn't explain his sudden happiness. Did I miss something? Because he seems to come out of the hospital ready to trash the images of her and move on. Then he sees her and has the realization. But he still has the "work of art" and look of contentment? Did he recommit himself somewhere? Otherwise, are we to assume that the session went on past that moment of contentment, to the point where the doctor "fixes" him out of his obsession?

Just would like to have that clarified. Otherwise, I had some issues with the music here and there but overall, a nice piece. I echo jojopops idea about the acting but I think the storytelling, editing, lighting, and overall the piece is nice. But the story is fantastic. I really dig it. Thanks for sharing.

[Bryce A]

Great film. Got off on the wrong foot with me. I’m not a big fan of the interrogation cop/doctor “tell me what happened” exposition device. Other than that personal quirk, the film was great. It had a very sincere and heartfelt tone at the end. Nice and refreshing in a fest-o-death. Really really solid film. I didn't have much problem with the institution lighting. And i looooved the ending. Great work.

p.s. I think my ego would have been bruised if my name went zooming by in the end credits after the writer/director and story credits got such ample size and time. :D

[Noel Evans]

Interesting... what particularly didn't work for you? We struggled with the scene in the comic book office and the boss... it was originally a lot longer... was it that scene? I'd like to know...



Sorry for the delay in replying, for some reason I couldnt get onto DVXUSER all morning.

What I meant, I felt it took a awhile for the hook to come.

[Mike Manning]

What a nice surprise this was. You have a good sense of pacing and the story unfolds nicely. The story was constructed well through to a nice reveal. Nice performance by your lead. great score....all and all top noch and one of my favorites. kudos.

Thanks! I appreciate it!

...Now for some things I think could use some work. Mostly petty things, not enough to drastically effect the score. I thought the lighting in the institution scenes was too harsh and the score was a bit overpowering in certain areas (I am not sure if it was the music itself or just the volume, though).

Overall, I really enjoyed this piece quite a bit. It is one of the best I've scene thus far. Good job and good luck. :)


Glad you dug it! The lighting in the doctor's office seems to be hit or miss with a lot of people. And I agree, the sound mix still needs a some work. The music can be a little overpowering...

Thanks for watching!

The sequence where the drawings come to life was sufficiently creepy -- pretty well executed. I was wondering at first how your test animations were going to fit into the film but after seeing it in context they fit and are totally believable in that scene. Which leads me to the editing between the mental breakdown and the institutionalizing - that all flowed smoothly. Good job there....Overall cool flick! Great work!

Thanks I'm glad. Not a lot of people have commented on the special effects, I'm glad they aren't so bad they take you out of the film. I think I coulda done a lot more and gone a lot bigger, but I chickened out and didn't wanna risk not being able to pull it off the way I wanted to.

I'm a little confused about the structure. For the most part I like the editing, with the story unfolding as your lead's telling the doc about the girl and the events that transpired. I really like that and I think it's a unique way to tell the story. However, I'm thinking the way the story unfolds, narratively, is works of art go crazy, he commits himself, he gets better, and then he runs into the girl and realizes the twist at the end.

Yes.

Haha.. I've been having a pretty length dialogue with Jack Stanley about this.. and I understand that it become unclear as there is a return to the doctor's office during the ending. At the end of the day, I'm starting to wonder... does it matter? People have been interpreting the ending different ways.. some how I intended... others, not so much. But whether or not they're certain about the ending doesn't seem to change their opinion about it, which leads me to wonder if I've done one better... you know? Perhaps ambiguity was the smarter result... I'll leave it to you to decide Arthur's fate..haha. Thanks for watching!

...Nice and refreshing in a fest-o-death. Really really solid film....p.s. I think my ego would have been bruised if my name went zooming by in the end credits after the writer/director and story credits got such ample size and time. :D

Yeah I thought Love might be a nice change of tone amongst you sickos!

The credits are temp.. just through them in there cuz i had some extra seconds available for the submission. My final cut is going to have really nice credits... haha

I felt it took a awhile for the hook to come.

Glad it won you over in the end !

[Maximus]

Great job! I really liked the ending. I didn't see it coming and it worked like a charm. One of my favorites! :beer:

[mjjason]

I didn't quite get the ending. Was the girl real or imaginery in the end? Was she some ex-girlfriend that he still loved or was she someone he never met but somehow they had this connection that led them to drawing each other? I might have missed something but to me that wasn't clear at the end.

Also, I echo the comments about the sudden change in his demeanor from scared to happy. He changes to fast. Maybe if it was over several sessions with the doctor than I would buy it but if it was one session than it seems like a quick change. I think the 'Three weeks Later' part didn't help because it seemed like that part was after the doctor scene but you went back to the structure so I was confused about the overall time line.

I did like the look of the film. Very clean images and great framing. Especially loved the art pieces. They worked well.

Overall, strong film with good shot composition. I felt the story could be structured better to make it clearer though.

[FDL film music composer]

Great film ..very impressive quality and great score

[Troy Ruff]

Wow man, this is a great film. I love the story, your camera work and the actual art on the walls. You are very talented. I really like that the girl in the picture starts moving and wanting him. Very nice touch. Good job man, and good luck :)

[Mike Manning]

Great job! I really liked the ending. I didn't see it coming and it worked like a charm. One of my favorites! :beer:

Awesome, glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting!

I didn't quite get the ending. Was the girl real or imaginery in the end? Was she some ex-girlfriend that he still loved or was she someone he never met but somehow they had this connection that led them to drawing each other? I might have missed something but to me that wasn't clear at the end.

Also, I echo the comments about the sudden change in his demeanor from scared to happy. He changes to fast. Maybe if it was over several sessions with the doctor than I would buy it but if it was one session than it seems like a quick change. I think the 'Three weeks Later' part didn't help because it seemed like that part was after the doctor scene but you went back to the structure so I was confused about the overall time line.

I did like the look of the film. Very clean images and great framing. Especially loved the art pieces. They worked well.

Overall, strong film with good shot composition. I felt the story could be structured better to make it clearer though.

I think you might be over analyzing it..
He's drawing her, she's drawing him, they meet at the end, love blossoms, everyone lives happily ever after... or Arthur's just out of his f*cking mind and needs some serious help that the doc seems incapable of providing. haha! In the end, I guess, it's up to you..

As for his changed in demeanor... I'm not sure if I agree that it's unmotivated or too quick. I mean, the last 3 minutes of the film are all dedicated to that transition - and also, wouldn't you be pretty happy if you literally met the woman of your dreams? I dunno, I see what you mean though.

Thanks for watching!

Great film ..very impressive quality and great score

Yeah! thanks, Danny's the man! Check out his site... http://danielwaltermusic.com

[tykrusch]

Enjoyed this film a lot. Thought the characters were awesome. Nice lighting in the interview room. Very good work!

[pauly_the_hitman]

Mike,
I loved it man dead on with this one so artistic. I liked the animations and the story was great.
Well done.

I am hoping to make the art gallery showing but it is a school night and not sure we will make it. I may have to catch a ride with my brother and Lisa. See ya son I hope.
Pauly

[stinkpot]

Wow! What a great film (as stated several times prior). Perfect in almost every area. I would literally have to watch a couple more times to maybe find a flaw. As for the story... top of the line.

My hat is off to you.

:beer:

[Kyle Stebbins]

Been meaning to come give you my final thoughts! Sorry it's taking so long!! =)

[Mike Manning]

Enjoyed this film a lot. Thought the characters were awesome. Nice lighting in the interview room. Very good work!
Wow! What a great film (as stated several times prior). Perfect in almost every area. I would literally have to watch a couple more times to maybe find a flaw. As for the story... top of the line.

My hat is off to you.

:beer:
Thanks for the kind words, glad you liked it!

Mike,
I loved it man dead on with this one so artistic. I liked the animations and the story was great.
Well done.

I am hoping to make the art gallery showing but it is a school night and not sure we will make it. I may have to catch a ride with my brother and Lisa. See ya son I hope.
Pauly
Glad you liked it Pauly! You're on the guest list regardless, I understand if you can't make it, but I hope you can!


Been meaning to come give you my final thoughts! Sorry it's taking so long!! =)
Well out with it already!

[Mile Bozicevic]

That was one work of art.

Naah, didn't sound cool as I wanted. But anyway, I like this film, in pretty much every segment. Regards to music, it holds the whole story and is very carefully put into whole piece. Those bells kinda sounded odd, but that's just me, some critical hit WAS needed there.

Some lighting was overexposed (at least I think it was), audio is pretty good, acting in it's place (that part when Arthur falls and gets in fetus-lke position was kinda weird though), the story itself, hmmm...

I guess it could be judged in a couple od ways. First, both of them aren't real, but that is way too impossible in this case. Second, it's just love and everything around her. : )
In the end, I simply love this film-maybe there's just too little animation of the girl.

[WayneB]

Mike,

Fantastic Story, excellent production work. My only disconnect was the doctor and his dialog. Thes rest was superbly written and executed. The animations were a nice touch with a haunting motion to them which fit the story perfectly.

I'm asking here. Would a scrim outside the Gallery window just in front of the palm enhanced shots on girl and Authur as they entered the building?

This was an excellent film and I would put it in the finalist list.

Side bar: As I get older romance films seem to make me feel good. This one did too even if it did have the Twilight twist to it..

Wayne Beck

[Mike Manning]

That was one work of art.

Naah, didn't sound cool as I wanted.
Valiant effort! Haha... I'm glad you liked it!


I'm asking here. Would a scrim outside the Gallery window just in front of the palm enhanced shots on girl and Authur as they entered the building?


The short answer is yes... but there are a number of issues with that... the main one being that the scrim would have been in the shot for it to be useful.
Lighting a shot like that is particularly difficult... our focus is the actor, and she needs to stay bright enough outside and inside in the same shot..without stopping down in the middle of the shot. The only real option is pounding enough light on her inside so she stays lit through the whole shot. Check out the setup below...
http://beginningmiddleend.com/twilight/images/bts/day_4_bts_4.jpg

[John LaBonney]

Very well conceived and shot.

Loved the opening sequence, I was drawn (no pun intended) in right away.

One thing I thought was really great was the sequence in which the story was told. Masterful reveal all the way through. And I'm still not sure of a couple of things regarding the sequence of events in the story, but I do follow the whole story (I think).

Great cinematography. Great music. Great casting. Sign me up for a DVD of this one.

Masterful!