"u"

[Marlon Ladd]

After having to skip the Timefest, because of "time" constraints, I'm finally back in (partly due to the death threats from Michael Anthony Horrigan - LOL)! Thanks, Mike.





http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/U_poster1.jpg



http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Ucover2rs.jpg



"U. . ."

Synopsis:
In the year 2028 a desperate group of rejects escape the new "accepted" American government regime in hopes of finding others like them.

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Caraheadshot.jpg
CARA BLACK

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/bellheadshot1.jpg
JACQUELINE BELL

[Marlon Ladd]

A couple of grabs! This is all I could give without giving too much away.


http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Upicbell.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Upiccara.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/UpicZach.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/UpicMurk.jpg

[Marlon Ladd]

REserved for BTS.

[Marlon Ladd]

Bts.

[Marlon Ladd]

Reserved for more Death Threats! :evil:
Dang, Mike! You're quick! I was just gonna' PM you to tell you I was up and runnin'!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Reserved for more Death Threats! :evil:

I deleted it to give you an extra spot.
Now get to work on that poster!

[Matt Sconce]

Sound interesting. Welcome!

[Marlon Ladd]

Sound interesting. Welcome!
Thanks, Matt. Saw your film in the Timefest - nice!

[Susanne G.]

Welcome and good luck!

Susanne

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks, Matt. Saw your film in the Timefest - nice!
Hey thanks! So what do you have planned next for the pre-production?

[Marlon Ladd]

Welcome and good luck!

Susanne

Thanks, Susanne. I appreciate you stopping by. Are you in on this one?



Hey thanks! So what do you have planned next for the pre-production?

Well, right now I'm trying to take some photos this weekend to get the poster together. I'm also looking at wardrobe and costume design. I know the theme style of clothing I'm looking for, but finding the clothes will take some digging (especially on a no-budget budget). I also plan to scout the location this weekend. Already pretty much have everybody cast (except for 3 or 4), so once the location is a lock then I'll coordinate schedules, set the date and get 'er done. I wanna' get this one done (shot) early, so if I wanna' go back and reshoot something I can. I also want plenty of time to edit and tweak it.

Oh, I guess I didn't mention this, but I wrote and finished the script a week or so ago. I wanted to wait to post my thread after I got the poster done, but I just couldn't stay away from all the phone.

I got some ?s for you, but I guess I'll just get on over to your thread and catch up. I saw from your last film that you seem to be an action guy though - we may have that in common.

[Susanne G.]

Thanks, Susanne. I appreciate you stopping by. Are you in on this one?


I am not in this time - I am only part of the audience! (Explanation for this reason: message no. 71, thread from Pauli the Hitman!) But, thanks for asking! I will watching with great interest all the films of this fest.

Good luck

Susanne

[Marlon Ladd]

I am not in this time - I am only part of the audience! (Explanation for this reason: message no. 71, thread from Pauli the Hitman!) But, thanks for asking! I will watching with great interest all the films of this fest.

Good luck

Susanne
Okay, well catch you on the next one then!

[pauly_the_hitman]

Sounds cool I can't wait to see it.
Pauly

[Simon Höfer]

Welcome to the fest! :)

[Marlon Ladd]

Welcome to the fest! :)
Thanks, Simon. Checked out your thread too. You've got some really scary locations - looking forward to yours too.


Sounds cool I can't wait to see it.
Pauly

Thanks, Pauly. I checked out your thread and looking forward to yours too.

[Justin Kuhn]

I'm also looking at wardrobe and costume design. I know the theme style of clothing I'm looking for, but finding the clothes will take some digging (especially on a no-budget budget).

I don't know exactly what your situation is, but Goodwill did the trick for us!

[ZazaCast]

Does this have anything to do with my new hero, John Titor?
http://www.johntitor.com/ (http://www.johntitor.com/)

...now he could tell you a thing or two about the year 2028! :)

Looks like another great film. I'll be watching for updates on this one.
Best of luck.

[Marlon Ladd]

I don't know exactly what your situation is, but Goodwill did the trick for us!
Yeah, my situation is like everybody else's here, or rather most folks - I'm broke!! LOL. Thanks for the Goodwill advice - we actually found some good stuff there. The thrift stores were my favorite place to get stuff when I was working on an old west film a few years back. You just have to know what you're looking for I guess.

[Marlon Ladd]

Does this have anything to do with my new hero, John Titor?
http://www.johntitor.com/ (http://www.johntitor.com/)

...now he could tell you a thing or two about the year 2028! :)

Looks like another great film. I'll be watching for updates on this one.
Best of luck.
Nope, John's got nothing to do with this. . .at least I don't think so. Thanks for checking out my thread. I just finished one poster (may do 2 or 3 more depending on time) and will post it, like right now. Are you doing two films for this fest??

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Love the poster! I didn't catch the U right away. Very cool! :thumbup:

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks! Yeah, I wanted that "U" to kind of blend and be different. We shot the photos on Sat. We were out there for about an hour and got some really good shots with my friend's camera.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks! Yeah, I wanted that "U" to kind of blend and be different. We shot the photos on Sat. We were out there for about an hour and got some really good shots with my friend's camera.Cool, looks good!

[Matt Sconce]

Thanks for stopping by the Thirst thread! Things look good over here!

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Matt. I'll be watching your project closely, because I'm interested to see how you pull it off.

[Horncastle]

You have a great poster. I look forward to the film.
Jason

[Marlon Ladd]

You have a great poster. I look forward to the film.
Jason
Thanks, Jason. I think I'm going to do another 2 or 3 sometime this week. Got some cool pics and some other ideas as well.

[Marlon Ladd]

New posters added! Check 'em out and let me know what you think.

[Matias Caruso]

I like all the posters, but my vote goes for poster 4.

Looking forward to this one. Good luck. :thumbup:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I voted 2. It was a toss up between 2 and 3. I really like both of them.

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate you stopping through!

[Maximus]

Hey Marlon,

Glad to see you're back in the game!

Great job on all the posters! But for me, no question... Number 2 is the best. The clean uncluttered design and the silver and black palette... it's da bomb! :)

I look forward to seeing your film.

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey Marlon,

Glad to see you're back in the game!

Great job on all the posters! But for me, no question... Number 2 is the best. The clean uncluttered design and the silver and black palette... it's da bomb! :)

I look forward to seeing your film.
Thanks, Maximus. So good of you to stop in. Haven't talked to you in a minute. Hope all is going well. Are you in this one too? I wanted to get in the timefest, but too many things to do and so little time. Had to get back in this one though.

Oh, and thanks for the vote, I appreciate it!

[Kyle Stebbins]

2 and 3 rock. my vote was for 2.

though i think this thread belongs elsewhere. =)

[Marlon Ladd]

2 and 3 rock. my vote was for 2.

though i think this thread belongs elsewhere. =)
Hey, Kyle. Thanks for voting. I've seen your work, so thanks. Am I doing something wrong??

[Matt Sconce]

I think I like Poster 1 I like the look!

[Marlon Ladd]

I think I like Poster 1 I like the look!
Thanks, Matt. Wow, I'm getting good responses on all of them. I sure didn't expect that.

[jasonthewho]

I picked Poster 3. I like it the best, however, if you go with it, I suggest you make the title more prominent.

[Kyle Stebbins]

Hey, Kyle. Thanks for voting. I've seen your work, so thanks. Am I doing something wrong??

I would just put this thread in the rendezvous section or somewhere other than the Coming Attractions section. Might not need to be, just was a thought that's all. =)

Which of these did you design!? I really like them!! :thumbup:

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Jason. It's so funny, because I struggled a little with where to put the title, because I didn't want it to cover anything. That seemed to be the only place to put it, but yeah, I can agree with that - it does need to be a little bigger.

[Marlon Ladd]

I would just put this thread in the rendezvous section or somewhere other than the Coming Attractions section. Might not need to be, just was a thought that's all. =)

Which of these did you design!? I really like them!! :thumbup:
Oh, I see what you're saying. I didn't think about that, because I saw where another guy in this fest. did it. He didn't do a poll though.

Thanks for the compliment. Means alot. I designed 1, 3 and 4 and Mike took what I gave him from poster 1 and did #2. I've been working on DVD covers and posters for my own films for a couple of years and it's always been a big struggle, but now I think I'm getting to the point where I know a little better what I'm doing.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Hey man, got a guy that is drinving to audition for my movie from the OKC, i'll pass along his email to you via PM.

Good Luck with the shootage!

Rogan

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey, Dustin. Wow, you gotta' guy from here coming all the way down there to audition? That's cool and def. shows dedication. Got the PM. Thanks.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm a little late to the party but welcome. #2's got my vote. clean effective, good marketing.

[Marlon Ladd]

Thanks, Rodney. That's the one Mike (blindbuzta) designed for me. 2 and 3 seem to be the most liked so far. I sort of got the idea for posting all the posters from your thread. I still remember the poster you had up with the chick in the bikini. I liked that one!

[Kyle Stebbins]

Definitely #2 man. It rocks.

[Rodney V. Smith]

you did one better: you actually used the poll.. that helps with votes from people too lazy to post :grin:

[Marlon Ladd]

Yeah, I actually had a few vote and not post, so maybe you're right on that note.

_


Kyle, did you vote again?? LOL.

[Marlon Ladd]

Yes, it's been awhile since I've been on my own thread. "U" was almost dead in the water, because I've been really busy doing alot of other things (different obligations and work). I really wanted to do this film though. I wrote and finished the script way back in August and planned on shooting it in Sept. and having plenty of time to go back in case I wanted to do some reshoots. Two things I wanted to do with this film:
1. Shoot it a month early
2. Shoot it on HD
Well, I did managed to shoot HD, but I just want to give a shout-out to Jeff Anderson. He's an executive producer on the film and I just really don't know what I would have done without him. I had decided last week to see if I could put togther everything for the film to shoot this weekend (yes, a 1 week pre-prod.). I had to check people's schedules, find the locations (I had some ideas for those), get the rest of the wardrobe together and get the camera. As soon as I started checking peoples availability, Jeff got in contact with me and offered his services. This is a very selfless individual that drove down from Tulsa (1 1/2 - 2 hour drive from OKC) on only a couple of days notice, brought me some P2 cards, ran the camera for me, worked the reflector and any and everything else I asked him to do. Then he stayed an extra excrutiating 7-8 hours after the second shoot trying to help me figure out how to dump the footage to my mac and he didn't ask for anything in return. We finished shooting the film and I think it will turn out great and Jeff is a huge reason for that. He is what this forum is all about and what indie filmmaking and indie filmmakers are all about. We're family.

I can't say enough about your help, Jeff. Thanks, man!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

That's great, man! I was wondering what was going on with this one.

Thanks for the update!

Mike

[Jeff Anderson]

And now I kinda know these macintosh things work! Marlon and his crew were a pleasure to work with and I definitely look forward to working with them all again. Good to have some Oklahoma connections like this. This shoot was a blast to be a part of and I know for one and am anxious to see the end results. Thanks again for having me out Marlon - now go get busy in post! :)

Oh and still no ticks - perhaps the prickly thorn balls kept them away? :)

[Marlon Ladd]

Yeah, Mike. You know how these things go, but it all worked out. Now I'm editing like an SOB. I've been spot checking your thread too, but it's hard to keep up. LOL. I had a comment to make, but I'll get over there and do it.

[Marlon Ladd]

Can't thank you enough, Jeff.

Yeah, no ticks, but I'm still gettin' stuck with those darn stickers. Oh, crap, let me get back to editing! LOL.

[Danielleus]

Very curious to see how the title works into the piece. Welcome back. Can't wait.

[Marlon Ladd]

Very curious to see how the title works into the piece. Welcome back. Can't wait.
Thanks, man! Glad to be back. Hope everybody enjoys what we put together.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks, man! Glad to be back. Hope everybody enjoys what we put together.Looking forward to it! :beer:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Grabs? :)

[Marlon Ladd]

Yep, I'll definately put some up tonight. What are the rules on the grabs again, because I read something that said you can't post unless the grab does not appear in the final product. Is that right?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

No. That's a mistake. You can't post any footage that you are using, but frames of used footage is allowed. :thumbup:

[Simon Höfer]

Yeah, show us some grabs!

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Hey I missed the poll but I like the non-sepia poster. It's really great actually. The sepia one, with the cross that looks like a "T" sort of, is muddled and the one letter title is really obscured by the general business and the cross that looks like a "T". But the first one kicks but. Could totally see that infront of a movie theater or on a box at blockbuster.

Really, lookin forward to seeing your entry,. :beer:

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey I missed the poll but I like the non-sepia poster. It's really great actually. The sepia one, with the cross that looks like a "T" sort of, is muddled and the one letter title is really obscured by the general business and the cross that looks like a "T". But the first one kicks but. Could totally see that infront of a movie theater or on a box at blockbuster.

Really, lookin forward to seeing your entry,. :beer:
Thanks, Jack! Mike (blindbuzta) did that one for me. Now that I've done the film, it's funny but that one seems to fit the concept, but I also wanted to incorporate a few actors that really dedicated time and helped me out.

Now, back to editing!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Now, back to editing!

And posting those grabs! :)

[Jeff Anderson]

And posting those grabs! :)
but after the editing! and the grading! and the effects! :)

only kidding! looking forward to seeing the final edit on this one.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Yep, I'll definately put some up tonight. Where are my grabs!?? :crybaby:

[Marlon Ladd]

but after the editing! and the grading! and the effects! :)

only kidding! looking forward to seeing the final edit on this one.
Jeff, working on one part of the flick that I just got done and it looks pretty sweet! I'll send you and email about which one.

[Marlon Ladd]

Where are my grabs!?? :crybaby:
Okay, Mike, they're comin'. Working on it right now.

[Marlon Ladd]

A couple of grabs! This is all I could give without giving too much away.
http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/U20grab11a.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/U20grab21a.jpg
Okay, here's a couple! That's all I could give for now without giving it away.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Cool, man! Is she going to slap that guy around? :D

[Simon Höfer]

Cool, man! Is she going to slap that guy around? :D
haha, that would be something :) Looking good!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

haha, that would be something :) Looking good!
Yup! Looks good. Can't wait to see it!

Cheers,

Mike

[Marlon Ladd]

haha, that would be something :) Looking good!
Looks like she might be able to take 'em, huh? Well, boys, I can't say. You'll have to tune in and see. He-he!

[Bryce A]

got my fingers crossed for this one! takes guts to tackle what you state in your synopsis. a little ambition can go a long way. good luck! :beer:

[Marlon Ladd]

got my fingers crossed for this one! takes guts to tackle what you state in your synopsis. a little ambition can go a long way. good luck! :beer:
Thanks, Bryce! I hope everybody enjoys it. Keep those fingers crossed, cz I finally got a decent file - good quality and I'm uploading as we speak. YAYAAAAA!!!!!!

Did you upload already??

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Thanks, Bryce! I hope everybody enjoys it. Keep those fingers crossed, cz I finally got a decent file - good quality and I'm uploading as we speak. YAYAAAAA!!!!!!

Nice! :thumbsup:

[Bryce A]

Did you upload already??

yeah. we got an upload in last night (26th) and just got in an update this morning! director was making some audio level fixes. exciting. man, looks like there's gonna be about 68 entries this fest. nuts...

[Marlon Ladd]

yeah. we got an upload in last night (26th) and just got in an update this morning! director was making some audio level fixes. exciting. man, looks like there's gonna be about 68 entries this fest. nuts...
68???? Man, that's nuts!!! I can't wait. So many I wanna' see.

[Marlon Ladd]

Uploaded an approved!!!! Yeah!!

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Uploaded an approved!!!! Yeah!!
Awesome! Good luck in the Fest, man.

[Maximus]

Uploaded an approved!!!! Yeah!!

Can't wait to see it!

[gabrielflorit]

Uploaded an approved!!!! Yeah!!

Congratulations! I'm excited to watch this one. Let's have some BTS please!

[Marlon Ladd]

Congratulations! I'm excited to watch this one. Let's have some BTS please!
Okay, now that I'm done editing, I'll post some more stuff with the quickness.

[Marlon Ladd]

A couple of grabs! This is all I could give without giving too much away.


http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Upicbell.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/Upiccara.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/UpicZach.jpg

http://mywebsite.register.com/db1/00076/recoil-movie.com/_uimages/UpicMurk.jpg
Added grabs and a couple of headshots! Finally, I know!.

[Brian Parker]

Hey Marlon. Had to swing through and check you out. Posters and stills are looking really good. Gald to see you'll be in this one as well. Looking forward to it! :beer:

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey Marlon. Had to swing through and check you out. Posters and stills are looking really good. Gald to see you'll be in this one as well. Looking forward to it! :beer:
Yeah, I just posted to your thread. Glad to see you jumped in. Yours will be one of the first I watch!

[Tim Joy]

I like the blurry running grab. Looks like there will be some action in this one. Cool.

Can't wait! Maybe today? Tonight?

[Marlon Ladd]

I like the blurry running grab. Looks like there will be some action in this one. Cool.

Can't wait! Maybe today? Tonight?
Oh yeah, there's definately going to be some action. I hope tonight, because if it happens today I'll have to wait to get off work to start watching. I don't want anybody to get a jump start on me. He-he! Are you satisfied with how yours turned out?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Great action sequence and sound effects during that scene. Love that cool shot down the barrel as well. Very well put together!

Like the quick movement as well. Well done.

Cheers,

Mike

[Richard J. Johnson]

Enjoyed it. Good action and SFX.

[Zim]

Nice fight scene. I always enjoy a end of the world film. Good short.

[MrKilloran]

Some good action, interesting idea. Nice work, enjoyed it.

[ZazaCast]

No wonder I don't play tennis... I always knew that could happen!. Good flick. I liked the pace of this (after the very beginning text...). The score worked too. Great fight scenes. Some of the acting could have been better, but all in all I really enjoyed your creation! Keep up the good work.

[pauly_the_hitman]

I really liked the story i think if it actually has the message i think it did. Anyway an exploding tennis ball where do I get one of those. I think had the acting been slightly better this would have been a much stronger entry. Good job.
Pauly

[Marlon Ladd]

Great action sequence and sound effects during that scene. Love that cool shot down the barrel as well. Very well put together!

Like the quick movement as well. Well done.

Cheers,

Mike

Thanks, Mike! I appreciate all your encouragement to jump back in.


Enjoyed it. Good action and SFX.

Thanks for checkin' it out.


Nice fight scene. I always enjoy a end of the world film. Good short.

:thumbup: thanks, Zim.


Some good action, interesting idea. Nice work, enjoyed it.

Thanks alot. I really like the idea of the story. It'd be nice to turn this into a feature.


No wonder I don't play tennis... I always knew that could happen!. Good flick. I liked the pace of this (after the very beginning text...). The score worked too. Great fight scenes. Some of the acting could have been better, but all in all I really enjoyed your creation! Keep up the good work.

Thanks, for a good critique, Zaza. That's what the fest. is all about. Now I can see what I could have done better.


I really liked the story i think if it actually has the message i think it did. Anyway an exploding tennis ball where do I get one of those. I think had the acting been slightly better this would have been a much stronger entry. Good job.
Pauly

I appreciate your critique, Pauly. You're the 2nd person to mention the acting and I was really wondering what was going on with the film, because I hadn't had any really in depth critiques. So, now I know I can maybe go back and try and fix some things. I really appreciate the review.

[jefflebowski]

Good action in the begining, nice fight scenes. The voice over was sometimes difficult to hear. I'm not seeing a twilight theme but overall, the story seems sound.

[Marlon Ladd]

Good action in the begining, nice fight scenes. The voice over was sometimes difficult to hear. I'm not seeing a twilight theme but overall, the story seems sound.
Thanks for the review, Jeff. I felt the story was more twilight-outer limits. They said The Outer Limits and some other shows would be along the lines for what they were looking for, but I think everybody just really thought "twilight" because that's the name of the fest.

Yeah, I've heard that the VO wasn't loud enough in some spots, but I think I've since fixed the problem along with a few others. He-he! But thanks again for the review, I really appreciate it.

[clarkage]

Hey great job! Just some technical things....
If you had brought up your iris a tad bit i think it really would have helped. There seemed like there was some shots that were a little bit overexposed. Also, I noticed the light on the faces of the actors flickered on the shot where they were all standing in a circle, I'm guessing that was the reflector? Try and keep it steady. And sorry too keep nagging but color correction i think would have really made this look cool! Especially since it was action packed and everything. All in all, i thought you did a good job! Keep up the work and dont give it up!

[Dick Campbell]

enjoyed watching this, but didn't quite get the ending. and a post-apocalyptic tennis ball?

[stinkpot]

The ball was great! I liked what you did with the story and your intro shot tilting down from trees worked very well. I would have liked to have seen some color grading for effect and maybe some more OTS shots during the dialog though. Ambitious work!

:beer:

[Marlon Ladd]

Hey great job! Just some technical things....
If you had brought up your iris a tad bit i think it really would have helped. There seemed like there was some shots that were a little bit overexposed. Also, I noticed the light on the faces of the actors flickered on the shot where they were all standing in a circle, I'm guessing that was the reflector? Try and keep it steady. And sorry too keep nagging but color correction i think would have really made this look cool! Especially since it was action packed and everything. All in all, i thought you did a good job! Keep up the work and dont give it up!

Thanks, Clark. Yeah, we had some rough wind out there and there were alot of shots I had to take out, because the reflector was moving too much. I agree some of the shots were overexposed. We had a problem, because there were so many trees where we were shooting and sometimes there was not enough light through the trees to reflect, but then too much sneaking between the trees to overexpose that area. I'm sure a matte box would have helped on that. I did do color correction and used a magic bullet "basic" filter. What would you have suggested? I wanted to go for more of a greyish look, but I welcome all ideas. I'm no genius with the CC - at least not yet. :thumbup:


enjoyed watching this, but didn't quite get the ending. and a post-apocalyptic tennis ball?
Well, you have 2 groups of the Unaccepted. The group of 3 was really looking for the larger group, because they (the larger group) were working for the government. So, the group of 3 take out (blow up) the other group, so that the Unaccepted can continue to live and eventually one day take back the government. There was alot more dialogue in the script that really explained everything, but I had to take some of it out. It probably would have made it alot clearer. And this is pre-Apacolypse, not post. Think about it. A tennis ball is not threatening at all, so if you see one that somebody tossed at you, you're more likely to walk over and pick it up and then "boom!" :) Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment! Glad you enjoyed it!


The ball was great! I liked what you did with the story and your intro shot tilting down from trees worked very well. I would have liked to have seen some color grading for effect and maybe some more OTS shots during the dialog though. Ambitious work!

:beer:

Thanks! Now talk to me about color grading, because I am still learning and perfecting. What's OTS? The dialogue scene to me could have been better, but I feel like I rushed through a bit on this side of it and I really didn't have it all set up like I wanted. In the script they are not all standing, but instead a few standing and some sitting, like a group would be if they were huddled around a fire. I was a little too focused on getting all the shots in and getting it finished (this was the weekend b4 the deadline) and once I started editing I could tell that part didn't stand up quite as well as the beginning. I'm still working on the Director's cut though.

[stinkpot]

Thanks! Now talk to me about color grading, because I am still learning and perfecting. What's OTS? The dialogue scene to me could have been better, but I feel like I rushed through a bit on this side of it and I really didn't have it all set up like I wanted. In the script they are not all standing, but instead a few standing and some sitting, like a group would be if they were huddled around a fire. I was a little too focused on getting all the shots in and getting it finished (this was the weekend b4 the deadline) and once I started editing I could tell that part didn't stand up quite as well as the beginning. I'm still working on the Director's cut though.

Here is Wikipedia's definition of color grading - " Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture or television image, either electronically, photo-chemically or digitally. The photo-chemical process is also referred to as color timing and is typically performed at a photographic laboratory. Modern color correction, whether for theatrical film or video distribution, is generally done digitally. "

You, of course, would do this with your software. Basically, you are manipulating the color of you image to give it a more artistic or fantastical look. If your leave you video flat it comes across as just that... video. A good place to start is with Magic Bullet filters (I know many people here think they suck and are a cop-out but like I said, it's a place to start).

As for OTS, it stands for "over the shoulder". Typically, during standard non-action dialog, you will frame your subject (talking) and a piece of the other person (being talked to) in the same shot. Grab a good cinematography book and they will likely touch on many of the standard shots like this.

Hopefully that's useful. Also, dvxuser is probably the number 1 resource for teaching yourself filmmaking so you will definitely pick this stuff up the more time you spend here.

:beer:

[hoz]

very ambitious short! liked the action. liked the tennis ball, damn, don't want to know what a football does in your world.

acting was tough to watch though. the lead wasn't that bad but some of the others were off. some editing can help here, like have one character start talking and then skip right away to the next character who speaks. have em cut each other off. the story is confusing but i think 6 minutes prob has a lot to do with that. maybe cut out some action for story? my 2 cents...

keep filming!!

[Marlon Ladd]

Here is Wikipedia's definition of color grading - " Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture or television image, either electronically, photo-chemically or digitally. The photo-chemical process is also referred to as color timing and is typically performed at a photographic laboratory. Modern color correction, whether for theatrical film or video distribution, is generally done digitally. "

You, of course, would do this with your software. Basically, you are manipulating the color of you image to give it a more artistic or fantastical look. If your leave you video flat it comes across as just that... video. A good place to start is with Magic Bullet filters (I know many people here think they suck and are a cop-out but like I said, it's a place to start).

As for OTS, it stands for "over the shoulder". Typically, during standard non-action dialog, you will frame your subject (talking) and a piece of the other person (being talked to) in the same shot. Grab a good cinematography book and they will likely touch on many of the standard shots like this.

Hopefully that's useful. Also, dvxuser is probably the number 1 resource for teaching yourself filmmaking so you will definitely pick this stuff up the more time you spend here.

:beer:
No, I understand what you meant by color grading, but I was looking for maybe some suggestions, because I did color-correct to get that look and I thought that it fit. I used a magic bullet (basic) filter and used a CC in FCP to desaturate the colors to give it that greyish look, because the original footage is really colorful. Like I was wondering what you would have liked to have seen with that.

Oh, OTS. Gotcha'. Yeah, I know exactly what type of shots you're talking about. Normally when I have one-on-one dialogue, that's exactly what I do. I thought the dialogue in this one would have been easier to do than it actually was and so I didn't put enough thought into it and we were operating with P2 cards and a limited amount of time, so I wasn't able to get some of the shots I should have.

Thanks for the insight!

[Marlon Ladd]

very ambitious short! liked the action. liked the tennis ball, damn, don't want to know what a football does in your world.

acting was tough to watch though. the lead wasn't that bad but some of the others were off. some editing can help here, like have one character start talking and then skip right away to the next character who speaks. have em cut each other off. the story is confusing but i think 6 minutes prob has a lot to do with that. maybe cut out some action for story? my 2 cents...

keep filming!!
Thanks for the review! Yeah, I keep hearing about the acting. This is the first time in one of my films that this issue has come up. And I hope the lead wasn't too bad, because that's me! And I've been doin' this for a while. LOL. Yeah, I have been doing some additional editing with the director's cut, kind of like what you're talking about. I think there's a combination of also a not greatly directed dialogue scene that attributed to some of the acting not coming off as convincing and that would be my fault on that.

Thanks for watching and leaving an in-depth review.

[gabrielflorit]

This got much more interesting once you introduce why they're fighting, an explanation that comes very near the end. Up until that point there's very little to get us involved, except scenes of running and fighting and gun pointing. I wonder if there would have been any way for you to introduce the plot earlier - that would have pulled us in, I think. My opinion.

[Bryce A]

I enjoyed the flick. Like Gabe says above, it would have been nice to know a little bit more earlier on, but it kept me in the story. It's a really ambitious tale you have here. I have to say I was impressed with how effective the sci-fi action angle was. The actors were pretty solid. Some other reviews have touched on teh technical aspects and I agree. Man, if you could ratchet those up and approach your next project with the same level of talent and ambition as 'U' you'd be a force to be reckoned with. Very fun! Keep it up!

[Brian Parker]

Hey Marlon. I know it took me forever but I said I was going to vote for and review every film on the list in order so I'm finishing up. This is an ambitious piece man and once it is all revealed a cool concept.

You went all out for the action scene and I have to commend you on that. I still haven't tried an action scene yet because of the logistics of it and becasue of what I know it'd take from talent so the fact that you went all the way on that one gets you props.

Like I said before, the concept of the "accepted" was an interesting one. I think for the most part the acting works. Some people seemed a little stiff but nothing that was unbearable. The audio was a little low so I had to rewind at some parts to try and catch what was said. Other than that, again it was well done. I really liked the temporary loss of hearing except for the ringing after the bomb went off as well as quite a few of the cuts during the fight sequence.

This movie came together well man and I'll be checking for the stuff you drop in the future. Good job! :beer:

[Marlon Ladd]

This got much more interesting once you introduce why they're fighting, an explanation that comes very near the end. Up until that point there's very little to get us involved, except scenes of running and fighting and gun pointing. I wonder if there would have been any way for you to introduce the plot earlier - that would have pulled us in, I think. My opinion.

Thanks for the review, man. What I wanted to do was to pull the audience in with what was going on with the world and from that point on let the audience try and figure out (keep up) with what they saw. In the director's cut I do have a slightly different opening that kind of lets you see a little more of what might be happening (there's an additional scene and a little more text), but the story is so big and quickly comes to such an abrupt stop that I thought this was the best way (in 6 minutes) to get it out. In the original there's more dialogue and interaction within the group, but I had to rewrite the script, because some actors couldn't make it. Having said that though, it probably would have made the film around 10-12 minutes. I'll think about maybe introducing more though. Again, thanks for the review, Gabriel.


I enjoyed the flick. Like Gabe says above, it would have been nice to know a little bit more earlier on, but it kept me in the story. It's a really ambitious tale you have here. I have to say I was impressed with how effective the sci-fi action angle was. The actors were pretty solid. Some other reviews have touched on teh technical aspects and I agree. Man, if you could ratchet those up and approach your next project with the same level of talent and ambition as 'U' you'd be a force to be reckoned with. Very fun! Keep it up!

Thanks, Bryce! Glad you liked it and it worked for you! I appreciate the review.


Hey Marlon. I know it took me forever but I said I was going to vote for and review every film on the list in order so I'm finishing up. This is an ambitious piece man and once it is all revealed a cool concept.

You went all out for the action scene and I have to commend you on that. I still haven't tried an action scene yet because of the logistics of it and becasue of what I know it'd take from talent so the fact that you went all the way on that one gets you props.

Like I said before, the concept of the "accepted" was an interesting one. I think for the most part the acting works. Some people seemed a little stiff but nothing that was unbearable. The audio was a little low so I had to rewind at some parts to try and catch what was said. Other than that, again it was well done. I really liked the temporary loss of hearing except for the ringing after the bomb went off as well as quite a few of the cuts during the fight sequence.

This movie came together well man and I'll be checking for the stuff you drop in the future. Good job! :beer:

Thanks, Champloo. I liked your film as well. Yeah, I fixed the audio problems for the director's cut of the film. I think it was some of the voiceover that was probably a little low. Yeah, I'm a big action guy, so I love to do it and love to see it. It seems to be getting easier and easier for me to do, but that just makes me want to do more and more and continue to raise the bar. You just have to work everything out in your mind and go with it and make sure you get as many angles as possible. Plus, good and believable sound effects are worth their weight in gold. If you ever need any help on anything like that, holla'.