KEEPER OF THE LOST - Flyin' Monkey Films & MattSpat Films

[Rodney V. Smith]

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234999239.jpg
WATCH KEEPER OF THE LOST (http://www.dvxfest.com/lossfest/index.php?id=2900454)

TAGLINE: Even the lost have a home

Synopsis: He finds the lost toys, the lost rings... anything that is lost he finds and takes care of. Sometimes he even finds people...




http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234997621.jpg

KEEPER OF THE LOST - TRAILER
309cdabf1a1deac3be
http://www.motionbox.com/videos/309cdabf1a1deac3be
Starring: Robert Nolan, Jessica Sinclair, Matt Spataro
Directed by Matt Spataro
Filmed and Edited by Rodney Smith
Music by Damian Sanchez

FEATURING THE MUSIC OF:
Sarah Daly "Out of Time"
http://www.myspace.com/meandmy4track


PRODUCTION CREW
Story by: Rodney Smith
Directed by: Matt Spataro
Gaffer/Key Grip: Anthony Ranieri
Grip: Aaron Peever

POST-PRODUCTION CREW
Composer: Damian Sanchez
Visual F/X: Eric Bray
Editor: Rodney Smith
Post-Production Sound Mix: Anthony Jackson
ADR, Foley and SFX: Rodney Smith

Production Date: February 14-15
Production Co: Flyin' Monkey Films & MattSpatt Films
Location: Toronto, Canada

[Rodney V. Smith]

CAST
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234981932.jpghttp://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234982002.jpg
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234981868.jpg
Starring:
Robert Nolan as "Anthony"
Jessica Sinclair as "the Girl"
Matt Spataro as "Scruffy Punk"

and featuring:
Evan Andrew Maguire-Smith as "the baby"
Allison Maguire as "the Young Mother"
Amanda Newsom as "Girl on the Phone"
Sam as "Hot Dog Guy"

[Rodney V. Smith]

In which we drive a lot. Action is called. Shooting guerilla at the University.
PODCAST #3 (http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309cd8b21514e2c2be)
309cd8b21514e2c2be
http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309cd8b21514e2c2be

In which we go shopping for Jessica's costume. Queen Street's Black Market. Canada is still cold. No snow.
PODCAST #2 (http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309dd1bc1314e6c6be)
http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309dd1bc1314e6c6be

In which we meet the director and cast. random fact. who are we.
PODCAST #1 (http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309edbb21517e1c3be)
http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309edbb21517e1cc

[Rodney V. Smith]

Screenshots, no color correction:

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper5.jpg
Robert Nolan as "Anthony"

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper4.jpg
Matt Spataro, Robert Nolan and Jessica Sinclair

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper2.jpg
Robert Nolan and Jessica Sinclair

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper1.jpg
Jessica Sinclair as "the Girl"

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper6.jpg
Robert Nolan and Jessica Sinclair on Spadina Ave, Toronto

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper7.jpg
Broadview St, Toronto

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper8.jpg
Robert Nolan as "Anthony"

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper11.jpg
Jessica Sinclair as "the Girl"

http://flyinmonkey.com/keeperofthelost/images/keeper14.jpg

[Rodney V. Smith]

A NOTE ABOUT COMPOSERS
DAMIAN SANCHEZ (http://www.damiansanchez.com) on Keeper of the Lost
www.damiansanchez.com (http://www.damiansanchez.com/)
Check out Damian's music here: http://ghennek.001webs.com/music.html

Scoring for Lossfest: Keeper of the Lost, Falling Up, Mr Stupendous, A Safe Place To Be, The Sudden Realization of a Long-Time Believer in the Mundane

I've had Damian working overtime just perfecting this score, and everything he's put out has been phenomenal. He actually ended up writing separate music for the trailer that still kept the theme of the movie. The original music I had used on the podcasts was his as well, but it was a potential theme for a separate project we were working on together. When "Keeper" started coming together, I immediately tried out that theme, but it just didn;t fit with the movie itself.

So Damian had to start from scratch. He'd actually had the script for a couple of weeks before we started shooting so that had given him some time to come up with some ideas. When I wrapped on day one, I edited and immediately uploaded the roughcut to him so he could start getting the theme together.

The immediate edit at the end of Day One actually helped on more fronts than just helping move Damian along in the compostion stage. It also allowed us to see what he had in the can and what scenes were working... and if something was missing, due to either lack of coverage or whatever. So we were abel to tell exactly what pickup shots we needed to fix any particular scene from Day One.

Anyway, Damian had been tremendously flexible throughout this project. He returned the main theme to me almost immediately and I absolutely loved it. When we did the 6 minute edit though, a lot had to be trimmed from the front of the film, so the original opening music can only be heard on the 10 minute version of this film. The strains are still there, but Damian had to rework it to fit within the new timespace.

Working with a composer is challenging, but finding the right composer to work with is extremely rewarding, especially when he can interpret what you;re saying into music. I'm not sayign everything was perfect. Of course there were times we had to rework and then rework a scene again and again, but when it clicked and it felt right... that was awesome.

Herman had better watch out: Damian is pretty damned good, and with more work and exposure, he'll do some great things.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

About time. :)
Great poster!

[Rodney V. Smith]

So this film is all Matt's fault. He said he needed a script and I told him I'd see what I came up with. Now this is an idea I'd been kicking around since December, and had so far only existed as a series of "what ifs" with no real story behind it. It was kind of percolating and just getting ripe. So when Matt requested, Ithis is what I came up with and I said: "Damn. I'm producing this even if Matt doesn't want to." Turns out that he does, so here we are... with my second entry for Lossfest.

I'll be producing and Director of Photography on this one. Matt will direct and I'll try to guide him as best I can.

[Rodney V. Smith]

About time. :)
Great poster!

Thanks Mike. I just wanted to be able to throw my full commitment behind this story and the actual production. Didn't want to go into it half-cocked and then fail to meet the deadline. I REALLY like this script.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

I reserve this spot just to reserve it, cuz i can. that is all for now.

Rogan

(btw this is by far Rodney's greatest writing I've read, no pressure Rodney) :D

[mattspat]

Woooo! Awesome poster Rodney. Can't wait to get going on this!

[Lawsuit_Boy]

This sounds like a great idea that could be turned into a fantastic film if done with the right amount of finesse, honesty, and sensitivity. I'm looking forward to it. :beer:

[Rodney V. Smith]

This sounds like a great idea that could be turned into a fantastic film if done with the right amount of finesse, honesty, and sensitivity. I'm looking forward to it. :beer:

Well honesty we have in spades. As for sensitivity and finesse... well no promises there! :grin:

The script is a very strong one and think it would take a serious amount of mucking about to screw it up. And since that's not going to happen....

[stinkpot]

Great poster! Looking forward to your film(s).

:beer:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Well honesty we have in spades. As for sensitivity and finesse... well no promises there! :grin:

The script is a very strong one and think it would take a serious amount of mucking about to screw it up. And since that's not going to happen....

There will be no mucking about...

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

there will be no mucking about...

Rogan

sir! Yes sir!

[Mark Harris]

Dude, I was kidding about doing two entries. Way to make a guy feel like an under-achiever...

[mattspat]

HAH! Mark I saw that post where you were joking about doing two entries. Funny thing is...We had already planned on doing this entry before you said that. I just laughed to myself when I saw that :P

[alex whitmer]

December? Hmmm. :huh:

Nice poster, Puckster.

a



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

.

[Tom Marshall]

Wait. What?

[Rodney V. Smith]

Thanks guys. And sorry Mark, but this was one film I couldn't pass up making.

Oh Tom: you;re in this one right?

[Mark Harris]

Between you and SABI, we might have to start calling this "Twofer-Fest."

[Rodney V. Smith]

Between you and SABI, we might have to start calling this "Twofer-Fest."

That's right: blame Zak! it's all his fault!

[alex whitmer]

I believe ZaZa is a two-fer as well.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I believe ZaZa is a two-fer as well.

I still blame Zak.

[jasonthewho]

Can't you just, like, kick back and relax for a few minutes?

Take a break, you've earned it.

In other words, stop making us all look bad.

[Rodney V. Smith]

But if I take a break, what am I supposed to do between now the deadline? That's still a whole month away and the industry right now is dead. No actual shoots til March...

[ZazaCast]

...no more coffee for you my friend!

[Rodney V. Smith]

...no more coffee for you my friend!

Need... my... coffee... need to make... movies!

[jasonthewho]

What I mean more is, can't you take like a two month break and only submit one film so we have less Rodney to contend with?

[Rodney V. Smith]

you cut me deep Jason. You cut me real deep.

[Tom Marshall]

Thanks guys. And sorry Mark, but this was one film I couldn't pass up making.

Oh Tom: you;re in this one right?

Oh, is this the one you want me to do the thing that you asked me to do? :D

[Rodney V. Smith]

Yeah definitely. We want you to do that thing that you do that I asked you to do.

Actually, this is another one. I still need that thing that I asked you to do which is not the thing you do.

[Jeff Anderson]

Oh, is this the one you want me to do the thing that you asked me to do? :D
wow whats that costin ya? :Drogar-Love(DBG):

[Rodney V. Smith]

wow whats that costin ya? :Drogar-Love(DBG):


only my soul

[alex whitmer]

Oh, is this the one you want me to do the thing that you asked me to do? :D


I think ZaZa already has 'losing your virginity' covered.

a

[Rodney V. Smith]

I think ZaZa already has 'losing your virginity' covered.

a

context matters.. i'd only read your response in my email and shrugged it off.

And yes: Tom will definitely not lose his virginity in this movie. Or any other movie. Please spare us the imagery.

[Rodney V. Smith]

We've cast Robert Nolan in the lead as "Anthony". Still searching for the perfect actress to play "the Girl". Robert is going to send a few people my way, people he's worked with and is impressed by, so we should have some replies and more auditions soon. maybe we can schedule rehearsal or two in the week i have left before I head down to Atlanta.

This is going to be a tight schedule.

[mattspat]

Great! I'm glad everything worked out with Robert.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Matt Spataro is going to play one of the roles in this film as "Scruffy Punk". He gets to play a bad guy this time around. most of you will remember him from Robbie Comeau's Twilightfest entry.

[Robbie Comeau]

This time around? He was the bad guy in my film as well! ;)

Robbie

[Rodney V. Smith]

This time around? He was the bad guy in my film as well! ;)

Robbie

I dunno... he was kind of on the fence. Definitely not a "bad guy" per se. Here it's a lot more definite that he's just all bad.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Rehearsals are scheduled for tomorrow night. I will take my camera and i will be podcasting so you guys can meet Robert Nolan and Jessica (again, but this time she's gone red).

Gotta plan all of the shots with Matt and see how we can enhance some scenes with props, additional background actors etc. Lots of places here seem pretty cool with quick location shots as long as there are no identifying marks etc and we don;t interrupt business. Since most of the shots are set out of doors, our footprint is going to be quite small, so no huge light set-ups or dolly shots.

Most of this is planned to be shot on my shoulder mount (HVX w/ Brevis Flip and Proteus Rails), so there is a bit more of a reality feel to it. I'm thinking of taking a page out of Zak's book for this shoot with the rawness and reality of the characters, how they look like real people so it should be interesting in terms of shooting style.

Looking forward to getting everything else lined up and good to go.

So far we're shooting on Yonge Street, an alley in Downtown Toronto, a great view just off Bloor where there's a great shot of the city, and then in Matt's Grandmother's garage and a few bits in North York.

Should be a good shoot. Just gotta finalize everything and try to travel as light as possible.

Oh yeah, even with a good sound guy, I'm still planning to ADR everything. So I gotta schedule that in for the day after the shoot, as well as any pickup shots. Gotta make this one clean and organized.

[Rodney V. Smith]

rehearsals at 7;00pm tonight. little hiccup and we're going to end up at the Starbucks around the corner. taking the HVX along so we'll have some footy to show tonight.

[Rodney V. Smith]

now that's what i call a rousing success. we just had a great rehearsal and managed to flesh out the characters a hell of a lot beyond what's on the page.

we delved into the motivations of each character and the subtext of each scene and that's always valuable, because it raises questions that effects the possible blocking of the scene, as well as how it's shot. we got to the real emotional core of the scenes and what's really going on there.

great chemisty between robert and jessica and they've developed a bit of a rapport, so now we have a good comfortable working relationship that will translate onto screen quite effectively.

one of the valuable things about rehearsals is the gelling of the story and hearing that dialog said outloud, because it really makes you question your perception o the scene. i pretty much threw away the script unless i was making notes on it, or drawing a teeny tiny storyboard. that way i got to listen to the actors. really just listen.

infortunately matt is out of town so he was unable to make it. but i took the hvx and recorded most of it until the battery ran out. don;t ask. i just ran out, okay? geez.

anyway, i'll be posting the first podcast for Keeper of the Lost, later.

looking forward to next week when we do costuming, makeup and go directly into production.

[Rodney V. Smith]

podcast #1 for KEEPER OF THE LOST is now open for viewing on page 1.

Random fact: The first lost and found office was organized in Paris (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris) in 1805. Napoleon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon)[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_and_found#cite_note-Napoleon-0) However, it was not until 1893 that Louis Lepiné, then prefect of police, organized efforts to actively track down the owners of lost items.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_and_found#cite_note-Napoleon-0)ordered his prefect of police to establish it as a central place "to collect all objects found in the streets of Paris", according to Jean-Michel Ingrandt, who was appointed the office's director in 2001.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_and_found

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Great podcast! Very polished. I'm really looking forward to this. :thumbup:

[Rodney V. Smith]

trying to set the mood a little with this series of podcasts. will make for some great additional material for the DVD as well (eventually). now i gotta go create the website and recruit a photographer...

going out to look at some locations tomorrow.

[Loki]

Oh yeah, even with a good sound guy, I'm still planning to ADR everything. So I gotta schedule that in for the day after the shoot, as well as any pickup shots. Gotta make this one clean and organized.

Why make more work for yourself.. if it isn't windy as f*ck then and your sound guy is good.. ADR is just overkill.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Why make more work for yourself.. if it isn't windy as f*ck then and your sound guy is good.. ADR is just overkill.

Practice. I mostly view these shorts as practice for real production. A chance to get it right and work out the bugs in my workflow. Good consistent sound is an issue with a lot of short films or even indie films, and most of them turn people off by the bad sound. I'm at least trying to combat that by making sure we have crystal clear recordings that can be mixed properly without bring up a lot of background noise or hiss.

if you take a look at most big productions with budgets, whether its television or film, most of what you hear has been layered and mixed the hell out of with foley, ADR and other methods to sweeten and enhance the sound. I want to see how much of that I can approximate with my zero budget, and truthfully, see how far I can push it. While I don't follow the studio system like at all, I still want my movie to have a lot more latitude.

besides i like being able to pull my M&E tracks. :grin:

edit: and maybe I just like to torture my actors.

[mattspat]

beauty...one of the best podcasts yet this fest!

[Robbie Comeau]

I talked with my sound guy for my upcoming loss fest shoot, and he nearly shat his pants when I asked about ADR if the weather is bad. I to, agree.

If the sound guy is good like you said, he'd have the proper equipment to eliminate the sound.

Nice podcast!

Robbie

[Rodney V. Smith]

I talked with my sound guy for my upcoming loss fest shoot, and he nearly shat his pants when I asked about ADR if the weather is bad. I to, agree.

If the sound guy is good like you said, he'd have the proper equipment to eliminate the sound.

Nice podcast!

Robbie
your sound guy assumed you wanted him to do the ADR for you.

I really don't get why so many people are scared of ADR. It's a process like any other in filmmaking that helps to enhance sound. If you don't want to do any ADR that's entirely up to you. However I personally refuse to remain scared of any of the processes involved and I will actively seek to learn more about every aspect that I can.

I know the level of control (complete) over sound I'm going to have in this film since sound will play such a huge part of the effect, so I'm not going to leave anything to chance... or having a good take ruined by the fact that a train passed at that point.

[warau]

Nice podcast, would have liked more from Starbucks... batteries...

Hey Rodney, if you get a chance I would like to know more about your workflow involving ADR, I know absolutely NOTHING about it but agree it would be a good skill to have.

[Rodney V. Smith]

My workflow has actually changed with "Falling Up" and I think it's one I'm going to keep for a while, so I'll definitely share.

I'm at a bit of a disadvantage this time around since my gear is scattered throughout 3 cities, so I've had to be flexible in how I can pull off certain things. if you've seen pictures of my 'soundbooth' then you know what i'm talking about. in this case i was only trying to deaden the sound and isolate stray noises in the house. funny how much louder the refrigerator always seems to get when you're recording sound.

anyway, I recorded straight into Adobe Audition 3.0. Audition has a multi-track mode which allows you to arm one or more tracks for recording. it also allows you to import your video file so you can view the rendered movie at the same time.

I set up one track with the original sound from the movie and locked that into place, then located the dialog i needed and did a playback for the actor. you get 8 tracks upon opening, but more can be added. i think it goes up to 48 tracks or something beastly like that.

http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234159128.jpg

Here's where it comes down to technique and working with different actors. Some people are natural mimes and after hearing something a couple of times, they know the beat, the cadence, the rhythm of the words, and they can nail it almost instantly. Some people are not, and they work better with a visual aid. personally I've found that the actors focus on listening. I get better results that way. plus it means i don't have to set up an LCD monitor for them, cuz that can be a pain in the ass.

In anycase, just make sure your actor can hear what's going on. Normally, i can tell almost instantly if they've nailed it. The waveform for how a person says a particular word is almost identical every time, and you can see how they line up. Since you're lining up with the original audio track and you can see the movie as well, it makes it easier for you to tell that they've gotten the line.

Oh yeah: I do this one line at a time. even the long sentences. I cut those down to a mouthful.

One of the biggest issues you may find is performance. Some actors will overact a little or just end up 'reading' and you as the director, have to coax them back into character, so they retain the emotional intensity of the original scene. This is a hard one, so take your time with it.

EDIT: I forgot this bit. get them to do every sigh, stutter... anything they vocalized during the original scene. you might not keep it, but at least you have it.

Anyway, that's the hard part there. match up the audio, recording one line at a time until it's perfectly matching. You can do instant playback in Adobe Audition. so i never just leave the recording going. I stop the recording when I think I've gotten it, line it up and play it back. When there is no echo, then you know that you've gotten it absolutely perfect.

It's not really that hard, but I do advise you that after you've place it and confirmed the track, LOCK THE SOUNDBIT into place. If anything gets nudged, you have to go and realign everything and that can be a pain in the ass. so lock it down and you're good.

One thing you can really benefit for with ADR is the ability to change some lines, especially if the character speaking is not on screen or has their back turned to the camera. I've actually added in additional lines for emphasis, or to "fix" a scene, and from what I hear, that is not an uncommon practice.

After all of that, you can add effects to the vocal or compression or whatever. one of the benefits of working in a good audio program is that you can now layer the sound and mix, but you can also add the effects to the track itself without damaging your original recording. Believe me, do not do anything to your original recording. also do it to the track,but preserve those recordings. take them all and burn them onto a CD or DVD if you have to, but you'll need them for mastering, especially if you hire someone else to do the mastering and mixing for you.

Hope this helps. have fun with it. I'm still learning the process, but this is simply what I've come up with after a bit of trial and error.

A LOT of trial and error.

Hope this screenshot helps:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/16643/1234159374.jpg

[armisiano]

Oh sound editing, how I love it and all it's complexities. Looks like a nice full workload there, keep up the good work.

[warau]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I will have to try that sometime, hopefully BEFORE I actually HAVE to do it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

For the first time this winter I actually find myself wishing for snow.

We're currently going through a bit of a "warm spell" and it looks like we'll have a nice sunny day for the shoot on Saturday. The problem is that the snow is now all melting. Right NOW. For those of you who live in snow, you'll be familiar with this. But for the rest of you here's why this is a problem: under that top layer, which is replenished by some intermittent snowfall, there is a layer of dirt and crap and buildup. A few days of thaw and the prettiness all goes away.

What we're left with is a city of mud and slush.

All of those nice wide shots that I've been checking out- the ones with a nice wide expanse of snow on the hills and on the ground - those shots are now looking a little patchy and not as cool as before. And here I was ready to take a page out of Shawneous's book (Aetus) and try for some really wide shots of an epic scale. Granted, this may still be possible, but with temperatures edging up to the the 6 degree (Celsius) mark over the weekend, after a little rain and then a light snowfall... well the beautiful snow shots that I was lookign forward to are all gone.

I think I'm going to sulk for an hour or two before I get back into pre-production. Still got my shotlist to finish.

It's gonna be a busy friday night when Matt gets in.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

For the first time this winter I actually find myself wishing for snow.

We're currently going through a bit of a "warm spell" and it looks like we'll have a nice sunny day for the shoot on Saturday. The problem is that the snow is now all melting. Right NOW. For those of you who live in snow, you'll be familiar with this. But for the rest of you here's why this is a problem: under that top layer, which is replenished by some intermittent snowfall, there is a layer of dirt and crap and buildup. A few days of thaw and the prettiness all goes away.


I just finished pushing the slop off my driveway. Dirty bloody mess.
I feel your pain.

Best of luck!

[Rodney V. Smith]

I just finished pushing the slop off my driveway. Dirty bloody mess.
I feel your pain.

Best of luck!

And it looked so pretty before. I was actually getting excited. I know the actors are relieved. But I got my hand warmers, portable coffepot and everything. I was READY for this.

Damn weather. It's FRAKKING with me.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Texas misses Rodney....

Come Back to Texas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45DFVyriVI0)

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

I miss Tejas. Actually I miss the food the most. And the lack of snow thing is a plus.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

The Mexican food sucks north of here anyways....

Rogan

[jasonthewho]

The Mexican food sucks north of here anyways....

Rogan

I don't know, there was a Mexican restaurant in North Carolina that could kick all the Waco Mexican restaurants' asses.

But there are a lot of Mexicans in NC...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

lol it was a line in the song that was on that link. We'll keep our kolaches...hmmm now i'm hungry...

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

die frakker! die! die! die! (this means YOU Dustin)

[Dustin R. Rogan]

MUAHAHHAHA!!!

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

Gaffer and Grip extraodinaire Anthony Ranieri has just agreed to come on baord to help us make this movie. Luckily for me he has a light weekend with nothing planned, so he's going to come out for the good food and to make sure we get this looking good.

Anthony has worked with me in the past on a music video shoot as well as a spec commercial shoot for "Mr Ricochet". He's also very good at making sure I don't electrocute the hell out of myself. Or the cast...

[Rodney V. Smith]

Just called in another favor. :grin: I'm helping out some friends next week with a couple of short films, so they'll be helping me out this weekend, particularly with the city shots in downtown Toronto. Aaron Peever and James Dalzell with whom I worked on "Tomfoolery" almost a year ago will be assisting Tony Ranieri with grip work. Most likely one of them will be manning the boom pole if Jake's sound guy Shaun doesn't get back to us soon about the gear he's managed to snag this weekend and is looking for a short film to use it on. Fingers are crossed for that connection.

Walkie Talkies are charging, adpater is charged up, batteries good to go, although I should pick up another 12v battery for the monitor, and gotta go make arrangements for the generator. Also supposed to meet Jessica and take a look at costumes this afternoon.

Busy, bsuy day. Maybe I'll actually podcast some of it...

[Rodney V. Smith]

It's official. We're going to be shooting over the course of 2 days. I'm definitely not going to rush this shoot and although we could conceivably get it all done tomorrow, I'd prefer to have more time to focus on the main set pieces.

The alley shoot is going to take place tomorrow at the University and we're going to work up to that through some other "wandering" city shots. We wont be shooting in order like we did for "Falling Up", so the schedule is a little scattered because of locations.

The other main set piece is in the Garage/Storage room and we'll be shooting that on Sunday along with any pickup shots. We should be able to get the garage set up on Saturday night after the main shoot and go over the shots that we need. One of the shots I envisioned, had the door wide open and outside completely blown out, so we'll need sunlight for that effect, since we don't have the amount of light we'd need for that scene.

Tomorrow we'll be all over Downtown Toronto and shooting some fairly iconic and beautiful buildings and scenery... as well as down Queen St for the grungy side of things. So it should be a full day, doing a bit of run and gun with a couple of nice set-ups on location.

No snow yet. You won't even believe it's winter.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Met with Matt, Jessica and Robert last night for beer and wings. Had a bit of a conversation and general get to know you. I thought we'd do the whole getting-to-know you a bit more privately, so did not podcast it. Podcasts however resume today.

Today we shoot. Off to do last minute pickups of equipment.

[J. Erik Reese]

Where can I find podcast two!? i want to see more!

[jasonthewho]

Good luck shooting! Can't wait to see grabs from this puppy!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Day 1 is wrapped. Woo hoo!

We had a full day of shooting, but not as much podcasting as I would have liked. The photographer bailed on us completely, so we're not too impressed with him. I did a little at the beginning, but once we got going it was hard to keep track of the camera since it was constantly switching hands.

I picked up Tony at 7:30 and made it back in time to intercept Matt so we could load up his car. Headed over to the Don Mills sunway station to meet Jessica, Robert and Aaron and suss out the location a little. Now this was a little after the sun had properly risen so it was kinda peeking out from behind the buildings. As predicted and feared there was no snow on the ground except the few random spot, so scenery was mostly nasty looking. After sussing out the steps on the subway we found a good spot and Matt went over some blocking with the actors. A little nervous but who wasn't on their first directing gig, especially under the intense scrutiny of me.

We got through the initial scene and got the shot all wrapped up and with a bow. All coverage completed. And I didn't even have to look at the shot list yet. That would come later.

From Don Mills, we headed around the corner to a park just down from my house and after wrestling the toy dog from my son Evan, (and my wife's disapproving gaze) we got the first shot in the script off. It was kinda cool to see how well that shot played and how well Robert was playing the character. Next up was the wide shot with my wife Allison and son Evan (gotta ue my own kid in here, right?), and we got that done along with close ups. The sun was playing up around this time, so Tony and I built a quick 3x3 silk out of Ikea curtain rods, some copper pipe corners and light white curtains that had been kicking around for a bit. We DIYed the hell out of that and totally killed the glare. So into the trunk that went, in case we has any other issues.

Walking shots, down some street were next and then we headed down to the University (which will go unnamed) for the alley shoot. Once again the sun as nice to us, and was behind the buildings as well as totally overcast, so we had AWESOME even light all day. I took direction of this scene since Matt was in the scene and got all the shots we needed, including coverage, in about 3 hours. We did have one incident where this dude walks right past us, right THROUGH the scene, and as he's gone in the distance (I'm thnking it adds a little reality) I call action. We start to roll the dolly and Matt and Jessica start their little fight scene, she goes down and Robert is doing his thing... and in the camera, I see doofus headed right towards Matt like a guided missile. Right into the middle of the scene.

Now there is my big ass HVX + Brevis + Mattehbox, on my dolly, which is being pulled across 10 feet of track with me sitting on it, and Aaron pulling, while Anthony is standing at the side. So it's kinda obvious what we're doing. Especially since he'd just walked right through the set!

Dude demanded to know what was going on and if Jessica was okay. We say :"uh, were shooting a movie", and he nods and exits. Maybe he wanted a closeup. Whatever.

Anyway, we wrapped that scene and moved on to Casa Loma, then down to Chinatown, me whining about wanting to shoot infront of a one of the murals, all the way down.

Lunch sucked. The chicken was very suspicious and about 3/4 of the way through the meal I admitted that despite my best efforts, I hated my meal. And that it was quite possibly NOT chicken. At all. Seriously.

I shoulds taken a picture of that.

Anyway, went and shot the mural and while we were there got a little inspired and shot some more street walking shots, 2 of which we're particularly proud of...

Will post pics later and get the 2nd podcast up sometime tonight. 3rd podcast will deal with the shoot, but tonight I'll be editing to make sure we have enough coverage.

Oh I gotta go back out: left 2 of my P2 Cards in Tony's bag. urgh.

[Rodney V. Smith]

screenshots are up for your delectation.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Day 2: Here we go!

[Mark Harris]

Now there is my big ass HVX + Brevis + Mattehbox, on my dolly, which is being pulled across 10 feet of track with me sitting on it, and Aaron pulling, while Anthony is standing at the side. So it's kinda obvious what we're doing. Especially since he'd just walked right through the set!

Dude demanded to know what was going on and if Jessica was okay. We say :"uh, were shooting a movie", and he nods and exits. Maybe he wanted a closeup. Whatever.



Ha ha, now I know, if you want to assault a woman in public, just make sure you have an HVX with an adapter and a dolly and tell everyone it's a movie! :)

[Richard J. Johnson]

Grabs look good. Watching your podcasts and detailing the time and effort you put into your films is making me change the the way I do things when I shoot.

Thanks for taking the time.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Looks like things are going pretty well for you Mr. Smith. Can't wait to see this come to. I expect great things, don't let me down or the dolly gets it...

Rogan

[Mark Harris]

I think you'll have time to work in another one before the 6th...

[jasonthewho]

Like the 3rd and 5th grabs a lot! Her hair is great.

[Rodney V. Smith]

thanks guys. We're having fun on this one despite the cold and the fact that we lose all feeling in our toes and fingers. Turns out that not having snow is not the same as it actually being WARM. ALl it means here in wonderful Canadia is that we're not WET and cold. Just really fucking cold.

My thanks goes out to Jessica and Robert for having such patience while I hauled their asses all around Toronto.

I think the highlight of today was the instant re-write of a scene that had been written for the subway. Apparently they really crackdown on cameras in the subway here, so since we were running short on time, we were brainstorming on how best to represent the scene. Enter the extremely helpful and friendly Hot Dog Vendor guy at the SkyDome. So the scene changed a little in location, but the intent and heart is still there. Not bad for a guerilla shoot in the heart of Toronto.

I'll post details and pictures of Day 2 later on.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I think you'll have time to work in another one before the 6th...

You're hilarious Mr Harris. I just may consider it though, if I can get ADR and Foley out of the way by the end of the week...

Kidding. Or am I?

[mattspat]

Oh how good it feels to be wrapped. No more cold!!! As fun as it was :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

first edit is in at 8:12, and that's without credits and the pickup shots we need with Robert later this week. Oh and there's a snow storm coming, so gotta shoot fast.

Editing this one is seriously going to hurt, since I hadn't planned for it running long. And there I was editing for emotion and padding scenes as well, and now I gotta trim.r the first time I'm thinking I need an objective editor who can be more cruel than myself.

[Robbie Comeau]

If you need any notes, I can take a look at the draft at a later date.

I'd love to help with this one in some way. Just might be real busy with mine.

I'll see though.

Robbie

[Rodney V. Smith]

Podcast #2 is up!

In which we go shopping for Jessica's costume. Queen Street's Black Market. Canada is still cold. No snow.
PODCAST #2 (http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309dd1bc1314e6c6be)
309dd1bc1314e6c6be
http://www.motionbox.com/video/player/309dd1bc1314e6c6be

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Wow! You guys are flying. I've still yet to shoot a single frame. :)
Really looking forward to this one.

How did it go not directing your own film?

Mike

[Rodney V. Smith]

it was an interesting experience. Day one was a little more relaxed since we had more crew and I could really just focus more on the shots. So Matt did a great job on day 1. Day 2 I went into full on "get this completed" mode, since Tony got called into work and Aaron also had to work, so we were essentially crewless. Plus we got off to a late start, so I helmed day 2 since most of it was run and gun and a few pickup shots.

Editing the same day is such a great help, cuz by the first night, I knew exactly what pickup shots we needed to complete the scenes.

With the time crunch i ended up being more along he lines of "here's what we need: i set up the shots, you rehearse the actors". Not optimal but a good learning experience, especially asking random people for favors.

Kinda strange yes. Next I wanna try shooting someone elses script and hear the plaintive cries of "you screwed up my script" from the writer. :evil grin:

[Dustin R. Rogan]

great stuff rodney!

now answer your IM's!!!

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

Did Matt's ADR today. He got officially introduced to my basement and my unorthodox sound treatment. Bit of an eye opener for him the way I do ADR. I think he now appreciates it more than he thought he would.

May be flying out to Atlanta tomorrow for a last minute job. Waiting on confirmation, so that means Jessica's and Robert's ADR sessions will have to be pushed back til next week.

Damian already has the movie so he's started to work on a score. Really looking forward to see what he comes up with.

[mattspat]

Bring on the podcastss!!!!! haha as if you dont have enough editing on your hands already!

[Rodney V. Smith]

new podcast coming today actually. thinking about how to present it is all... plus trying to figure out this Atlanta job that I'm supposed to fly out for.

[mattspat]

Sweet man. Can't wait. Hope the ARD'ing is going smoothly

[Rodney V. Smith]

new screen grabs have been posted on page one

[mattspat]

Spiffy! I like, I like.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Podcast #3 is now up for viewing

309cd8b21514e2c2be

[Rodney V. Smith]

New posteris uploaded. comments are appreciated.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Keeper of the Lost now has a home on Facebook. Feel free to check it out for exclusive contents and downloads... which will be announced on Facebook but probably made available here as well.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51332942825&ref=mf

[mattspat]

Just heard a sample of the score...I think it will fit the film very nicely! Stay tuned for a directors diary podcast later tonight/tomorrow!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Update: the score got me so excited I got hopping on the trailer for the movie.

So TRAILER COMING SOON!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Doing ADR with Robert today. The session is going pretty well so I think we're going to have all of his lines today. Love ADRon a clean microphone! No hiss!

[J. Erik Reese]

wow!! you guys are on fire! I love the podcasts!

[Rodney V. Smith]

ADR is all done with Robert. Now it's Jessica's turn. I;ve started adding basic sound effects, like street noise and cued noises, like a cellphone ringing, so the sound scape is really starting to come to life. Some parts I'm not even using any sound at all, just leaving for the score to carry it through.

The mix is where we really get into the heart of it and decide what sounds tells the story best.

Hope you guys will enjoy listening to it. I may even take bets on which scene I left intact, with no ADR at all... bet you can't spot it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

wow!! you guys are on fire! I love the podcasts!

Thanks dude. We've got the trailer coming soon, so hope you dig it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Okay, so I found a bunch of shots that didn't make the movie, even the long cut. These were bits from the ends of scenes or in one case a shot that we simply didn't use. None of these shots are actually in the movie.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Awesome mang! can't wait to see this! now its time to pull a 3rd out of left field! You can do it!

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

I gotta finish these 2 puppies first. Only way I'm doing a third is if I crew on someone elses film.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

BOOO!!!

jk

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

Jessica is on her way. We'll be doing her ADR today. Yay and Hooray.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Nice teaser!!

[mattspat]

Beauty. hope the ADR isn't stressing you out....too much! Still working on the directors diary. Stay tuned

[Rodney V. Smith]

hah! stress if for other people.. or for after the fest.

[Rodney V. Smith]

ADR for Jessica is wrapped. We actually added a few lines here and there and used the opportunity to really shape her performance. So Jessica is now officially wrapped.

Now time for the rest of the Foley. I may have to revisit some of the locations to get accurate sound and add footsteps. The way I;ve done that before is to export the movie onto DVD or a portable file format, and take it to the location. There I was able to get any sounds particular to the environment. We're doing the same thing here, although with some of the street scenes we're going to have to add traffic noises and then just insert passing car sounds when cars actually do pass closeby.

All in allm should be a fun way to spend a Sunday. Hoping to have SFX and Foley locked by Monday.

[jessicalsin]

You guys are crazy!...Oh...wait...I guess that includes me too...but I already know I'M crazy...

[Rodney V. Smith]

And Jessica joins the party. Welcome to the forum Jess. Good to see more actors interested in what's going on with production and the crew side of things.

[jessicalsin]

I'm not interested...I'm nosy. There's a difference you know. Heh.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I'm not interested...I'm nosy. There's a difference you know. Heh.


oh yeah: i forgot. anyway, there's an actor's thread a little ways down. check it out and keep an eye out for Tom.

[jessicalsin]

Erm...I'm new 'member?...plus you know what happens to computers when i go near them...you'll need to give me the "Dummies" version of stuff on here....

[Rodney V. Smith]

there you go: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?f=140

[Rodney V. Smith]

And closely beating Alex Whitmer to the finish line: we just secured the track "Out of Time" by fellow member Sarah Daly, for the soundtrack of the movie. Info on Sarah and links will be available soon on the first page.

Sarah ROCKS!

[Sarah Daly]

Aww shucks :)

No - YOU rock!!!!!

[mattspat]

Nice nice...are you working it into the score? Or is the song for something else I don't know about :P

P.S Where can I hear this song?

[Rodney V. Smith]

sent you an email with the song. it's a great one.

[mattspat]

Sweet song. Really fits our film well. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[kevinkshah]

I dig this teaser fellas. Keep up the great work.


Okay, so I found a bunch of shots that didn't make the movie, even the long cut. These were bits from the ends of scenes or in one case a shot that we simply didn't use. None of these shots are actually in the movie.

So with that said, I present the trailer for Keeper of the Lost

KEEPER OF THE LOST - TRAILER
309cdabf1a1deac3be
http://www.motionbox.com/videos/309cdabf1a1deac3be

[Rodney V. Smith]

I dig this teaser fellas. Keep up the great work.

thanks kevin. hoping to see a teaser of your film too. any chance of seeing one?

I know I made an effort to film some shots specifically for the teaser(s) for my films.

It would be cool to start seeing other teasers popping up. We could really bombard facebook and youtube with them.

[Susanne G.]

Hi Rodney,

I am watching your work since TimeFest and I only want say - I love your beautiful cinematography and your choice of very interesting and charismatic actors. Both trailers ('Falling up' and 'Keeper of the lost') making me curious to watch your films. Especially I adore the humor of the 'Falling up' trailer :)

All the best

Susanne :bath:

[Rodney V. Smith]

Hi Rodney,

I am watching your work since TimeFest and I only want say - I love your beautiful cinematography and your choice of very interesting and charismatic actors. Both trailers ('Falling up' and 'Keeper of the lost') making me curious to watch your films. Especially I adore the humor of the 'Falling up' trailer :)

All the best

Susanne :bath:
thanks suzanne. glad to know you're watching my work and that I've made you curious about the films. You'll like them I hope.

both very completely different films... at least so I hope... All I know is that I've had fun making them and definitely tried a few new things,

[Sprocketboy]

I like that camera move around the actor in the last shot of the trailer. Nice job on the trailer overall.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I like that camera move around the actor in the last shot of the trailer. Nice job on the trailer overall.

thanks dude. pity you won't see it in the short version. You'll have to see the super long festival cut to see that particular shot. lots of really cool stuff got cut for the DVX Fest edit.

You gonna shoot something for your movie? We'd love to get inside your head for a bit, even if it's only 30 seconds....

[Sprocketboy]

You gonna shoot something for your movie? We'd love to get inside your head for a bit, even if it's only 30 seconds....

Do you mean a trailer? I'm thinking about it. For my particular short I'm not too sure how to go about it. It may have to be 1, 2 or 3 shots at most.

What's cool about your trailer is that you obviously used footage associated to the storyline without giving much of the story away. All you reveal is the basic concept. I have no idea it will play out.

A job well done.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Do you mean a trailer? I'm thinking about it. For my particular short I'm not too sure how to go about it. It may have to be 1, 2 or 3 shots at most.

go for it. a trailer can be any number of shots. It would be cool to peek into the concept of the movie without seeing what's there. It's a good exercise anyway.



What's cool about your trailer is that you obviously used footage associated to the storyline without giving much of the story away. All you reveal is the basic concept. I have no idea it will play out.

A job well done.


Thanks. It helps that I shot the shit out of it. We got more coverage than we ever needed. Even for the long version, so it was nice to be able to use some shots that we would never see otherwise.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Somehow I;ve managed to extend the running time of the short. with the new clips that are going in running time is now at 9:42. I really have to get started on the short edit... Mainly it was fixing story problems based on some feedback.

I'll be shooting a couple of pickup shots with Robert on wednesday and an addendum to the ending (or rather a whole new ending that works better than the one we currently have) Hopefully I can work this ending into the 6 minute version... I just don't know where to cut right now...

[Sprocketboy]

I've never did anything like this. My first time in this festival. I find it fascinating how the rigid 6 minute rule can force you to re-examine your ideas and cut out the things that do not push your story forward. I like it. Its a great education. I "loss" some great scenes that the crew and I spent a lot of time on, but the story seems to be holding up in a creepier way.

Use whatever is relevant to the story. Tie it up really pretty in the end. :)

[Mark Harris]

I've never did anything like this. My first time in this festival. I find it fascinating how the rigid 6 minute rule can force you to re-examine your ideas and cut out the things that do not push your story forward. I like it. Its a great education. I "loss" some great scenes that the crew and I spent a lot of time on, but the story seems to be holding up in a creepier way.

Use whatever is relevant to the story. Tie it up really pretty in the end. :)

The problem I keep running into is pacing. I like things like elongated moments in film. So even though it's one sentence on the page, it can be half a minute of a single "elongated" moment.

[Rodney V. Smith]

The problem I keep running into is pacing. I like things like elongated moments in film. So even though it's one sentence on the page, it can be half a minute of a single "elongated" moment.


that right there is almost the exact same problem i'm running into. I knew immediately when cuttign together the scene in the alley that pacing was going to be an issue, especially since the real time of that scene was 30 seconds... and the movie time ended up being 01:24. anything less felt rushed.

That was the first scene I shaved off and now looking at the entire story, I may have to shave off the character building montage (30 seconds total) in order to tell the rest of the story. there is almost literally no fluff in this film and that's how we wrote it. to be sharp and concise... but then actors step in , characters are created and something happens to the scene. scenes that have 3-4 lines of dialog are now longer.

I may have to throw in the towel and get someone to help me make the hard cuts. I'm usually very good at this, getting right into the heart of the edit, but right now it feels as if one scene is excised, then a vital bit of information or character is missing and the viewer is left wondering why.

[Rodney V. Smith]

6:38. without credits. i'm going to bed and tackle this again tomorrow.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

6:38. without credits. i'm going to bed and tackle this again tomorrow.Not to worry, you'll get there. :thumbup:

[Rodney V. Smith]

just installed digital juicer. can;t believe i waited so long. makes finding sound fx so much faster. pity it doesn't plug in to adobe so you can drag and drop.

[Rodney V. Smith]

00:06:33:22

WTF? and i've been trimming all morning

[Rodney V. Smith]

00;06;10;00 including the DVXleader. and the shortest credits ever.
now have to do a test screening to make sure it still works.

[jessicalsin]

Bwhahahahahahaha....so can we submit the 9 minute version to the Toronto Film Festival?..Hehe... I have high hopes for this little magical number!

[Rodney V. Smith]

why the hell not? lets do it. except by the time i'm done it's gonna be the 12 minute version. so much padding happens in production... i blame the montages.

[jessicalsin]

I blame them too. I'll get the submission info...I don't remember the guidelines and we mighta missed the cutoff...eep.

[Sarah Daly]

Ooh can I come?? I miss Canadia :(

[Rodney V. Smith]

Canadia loves you and wants you back to wrap you in its icy embrace.

[jessicalsin]

Join us on the cold side Sarah...we have frozen waffles...

[Dustin R. Rogan]

You've out done yourself sirs and ma'ams, good jobs all around

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

You've out done yourself sirs and ma'ams, good jobs all around

Rogan

doing the final mix tonight. feeling good about it. mike horrigan offered some input as well so i'm applying that feedback towards fixing any outstanding issues.

[Sarah Daly]

Join us on the cold side Sarah...we have frozen waffles...

Why thank you both for your frosty welcome!! I hope to return to your shores when things get a bit toastier :) Who knows...I may even pitch up there for a bit!

[Rodney V. Smith]

when it's warmer, our waffles are no longer frozen. you sure you dont wana come and catch the tail end of a little frost? it's nice out... if you;re a snowman

[Sarah Daly]

when it's warmer, our waffles are no longer frozen. you sure you dont wana come and catch the tail end of a little frost? it's nice out... if you;re a snowman

Well then it's lucky I AM a snowman - how did you guess? Was it my ice-cold lyrics? Or perhaps my carrot nose...that always gives me away...

[Rodney V. Smith]

I KNEW there was something strange about you. Hey I know you write great couple stuff, but how are you with romantic comedy?

[Sarah Daly]

I'm awesome :)

Ha - I've dabbled! My screenplay is kind of an irish Rom-Com and so is my other feature...which is as yet entirely unfinished...but yeah - one's kinda like Garden State and one's kinda like Groundhog Day.

What you got in mind length wise?

[Rodney V. Smith]

Fellow DVXUser and filmmaker Anthony Jackson (http://vimeo.com/user218821/videos) has agreed to help me out with some of the sound mixing on "Keeper". We've been talking for a bit and at some point he had mentioned that he did sound recording and mixing on a professional level.. but somehow that fact slipped my mind.

Anyway we were talking today and I showed him a rough cut of "Keeper of the Lost" and got to talking about some of the audio mixing challenges that I was facing. So now we have a new crew Post-Production Sound Mixer to add to the crew list.

Things are looking nice for this film and it's going to sound GOOD! woo hoo!

[armisiano]

Up till now I just looked forward to seeing your movie, now I look forward to hearing it too! Before I was planning to just stuff my ears with cotton pre-viewing, ah well, plans change. I love good audio.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Well for those who aonly wanted to watch, we're selling specially branded "Keeper of the Lost (TM) NEarPlugs(R)(TM)" which guarantee an almost complete loss of hearing while watching my movie. We're now taking orders. And you get a free T-shirt when you agree not to sue us for said loss of hearing...

[armisiano]

Oooh. T shirt.

[Rodney V. Smith]

ooh. victim! uh.. i mean: customer!

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Good job sir...even though you hate me...and would rather watch the talking box all night and not answer me...HMP

Rogan

[Will Clegg]

Just got around to reading through this thread - looking very good, my friend. I wish I had some music that would work for a trailer. Having trimmed my film from 10:15 to 6:00 (not including the leader), I have plenty of decent stuff that I could use... I am jealous of your teaser.

Really looking forward to watching this - Toronto is a beautiful city and I can't wait to see how you shot it.

[Rodney V. Smith]

A NOTE ABOUT COMPOSERS
DAMIAN SANCHEZ on Keeper of the Lost

I've had Damian working overtime just perfecting this score, and everything he's put out has been phenomenal. He actually ended up writing separate music for the trailer that still kept the theme of the movie. The original music I had used on the podcasts was his as well, but it was a potential theme for a separate project we were working on together. When "Keeper" started coming together, I immediately tried out that theme, but it just didn;t fit with the movie itself.

So Damian had to start from scratch. He'd actually had the script for a couple of weeks before we started shooting so that had given him some time to come up with some ideas. When I wrapped on day one, I edited and immediately uploaded the roughcut to him so he could start getting the theme together.

The immediate edit at the end of Day One actually helped on more fronts than just helping move Damian along in the compostion stage. It also allowed us to see what he had in the can and what scenes were working... and if something was missing, due to either lack of coverage or whatever. So we were abel to tell exactly what pickup shots we needed to fix any particular scene from Day One.

Anyway, Damian had been tremendously flexible throughout this project. He returned the main theme to me almost immediately and I absolutely loved it. When we did the 6 minute edit though, a lot had to be trimmed from the front of the film, so the original opening music can only be heard on the 10 minute version of this film. The strains are still there, but Damian had to rework it to fit within the new timespace.

Working with a composer is challenging, but finding the right composer to work with is extremely rewarding, especially when he can interpret what you;re saying into music. I'm not sayign everything was perfect. Of course there were times we had to rework and then rework a scene again and again, but when it clicked and it felt right... that was awesome.

Herman had better watch out: Damian is pretty damned good, and with more work and exposure, he'll do some great things.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Just got around to reading through this thread - looking very good, my friend. I wish I had some music that would work for a trailer. Having trimmed my film from 10:15 to 6:00 (not including the leader), I have plenty of decent stuff that I could use... I am jealous of your teaser.

Really looking forward to watching this - Toronto is a beautiful city and I can't wait to see how you shot it.

Thanks Will. There were some great shots of Toronto that I'll just have to get into another film, but I hope we captured the heart of the city from a different view point.

The rather lengthy post just above this one was supposed to be in response to you, but I kinda got carried away.

With all of the footage you have, all of that extra stuff, you can easily make a trailer. I have some other music knocking about (original) that you can use if you want. Or you can just ask one of the composer to see if they knock off something cool and thematic for you... never know until you ask!

I'm really looking forward to seeing your film too dude.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Dammit, I'm beginning to think I'm going to have to expand my desk or something. So much audio stuff going on right now... heading out in a bit to go pick up some M-Audio Studio Monitors for my setup so I can do proper sound monitoring. PC Speakers, even surround sound, will only take you so far.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Anyone who wants to hear some of Damian;s music can check it out here: Check out Damian's music here: http://ghennek.001webs.com/music.html

In "Twilight Fest" he scored Armisiano's entry "Sixty Seconds"

[armisiano]

Damian composed the score for my TwilightFest entry, "Sixty Seconds", and he did a fantastic job. He also helped out with the very minimal amount of music used in "Stupendous". I love his work, he's very talented and takes notes VERY well.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

Damian rocks! he did my score for my film this fest!

Rock on Damian!

Rogan

[Rodney V. Smith]

Damian rocks! he did my score for my film this fest!

Rock on Damian!

Rogan


Told you he was good. Glad it worked out for you so well.. and so quickly. I think it took longer for you to get the film to him than it did for him to get the music back to you.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Finally finished all of my SFX for this film and adding the final touches to the audio, making sure that everythign is synced right. Or as close to perfect as we can get.

[jessicalsin]

Yay! So Exciting!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Oh sorry Jessica: didn;t I tell you? I cut all of your scenes out. Now it's just Matt and Robert. Matt looks really weird in the stockings and miniskirt though...

[mattspat]

Finally! Always wanted to be on camera in stockings and a mini skirt!

[Rodney V. Smith]

Still regret having to shave your legs? And I thought wearing the wig would have been more objectionable..

[Rodney V. Smith]

Uploaded, but gotta do it again. fixing one last issue.

Prepping the last podcast this weekend and it's gonna be a doozy. seriously.

[Marlon Ladd]

Glad to see you uploaded. Good luck, man.

[Rodney V. Smith]

thanks marlon. you're not entering this time around? no action packed extravaganza?

[Sprocketboy]

Wow! You manage to get both films upload before the deadline. Excellent.

[Rodney V. Smith]

i'm still tweaking though. damn audio. i've already got a line out on a sound guy who can work with me on new projects, hopefully in production and in post-production. I've got a couple of lavs and a new shotgun on the way, so even if he doesn't have sound gear, he'll be equipped. Hope this makes it easier to find someone...

[Postmaster]

Great to see that you made it - lot´s a guys seem to drop out - looking forward to watch them.

Frank

[vnguyen972]

This is awesome... can't wait to watch both of your films!!!

[Rodney V. Smith]

I just got the news from Damian that he's been nominated for an award for "Best Music". THe film is a feature he worked on last year called ZHAO.

The festival is the "Premis Tirant 2009" and it's kind of like a mini-oscars for Spain from what I can gather. Anyway, great news for our "Award Nominee" Damian Sanchez.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.premistirant.com/&ei=U4WxSd7IL4qcMtulpN8E&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DPremis%2BTirant%2B2009%26hl%3Den

[vnguyen972]

That's awesome... it just gets better and better... congrats!

[Marlon Ladd]

thanks marlon. you're not entering this time around? no action packed extravaganza?
Yessir!! I hope so. I hope to finish up this weekend, but didn't want to start a thread until I knew I was going to be finished. Determined not to rush on this one. Want it to be perfection when it's finished, instead of continuing to edit and re-edit weeks and/or months after the fest.

[MrKilloran]

Can't believe I've overlooked this thread for so long,

2 Entries from you? You're a madman! haha, looking forward to it though.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Can't believe I've overlooked this thread for so long,

2 Entries from you? You're a madman! haha, looking forward to it though.


yes. I am now certifiably insane after 2 weeks of editing audio. what the hell was I THINKING??????????? argh!

sounds good now though... sanity returning eventually...

[Rodney V. Smith]

Soundmix is complete thanks to Damian Sanchez. He did the final touches and did a much smoother and more subtle mix than I accomplished. The touch of the composer I guess.

Much thanks to Damian, and now: time to do the final upload.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Cool concept. Good Luck
I find myself not believing you anymore dude. And I thought we had something special!

Way to go racking up the posting count though.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I hope Matt is ready for the onslaught... I gotta go buy beer!

[mattspat]

the countdown beginss!! DUN DUN DUN

[Postmaster]

Lovley plot Rodney.

For a moment I thought he locks her in his garage of lost stuff.

Some lip sync and focus issues aside, great cinematograpy and acting.
One of my favourites so far.

Frank

[lordambrai]

I'm really starting to dig your stuff Puck. You're like a modern day Sergio Leone (with his really strange clean dubs). I loved the casting, the shots, the story... damn... I think this is my favorite so far.

Just... a little criticism. Add more nat sound please? The uber clean voices kinda creep me out for some reason... maybe it's Iono... I don't know what good sound is anymore...

[vnguyen972]

Honestly, this one doesn't do much for me... I mean the story is ok, not so touching but maybe it was just me... Jessica is so awesome... she should be in your every movie from now on... I mean it!!!
I also have problems with ADR ... and also yeah like lordambrai said, the lack of natural sound really feels ..well... unnatural...
Great effort though... I think you did a wonderful job as a whole!!! I definitely want to watch your movies in the long run!!!

[Kegan]

I had a couple issues with this one - primarily being sound as others have said. I happened to like the lead actor better than Jessica in this one, because I thought her role felt a little hollow. I liked your shots for the most part - some were too soft for my liking and your use of multiple locations.

The story ended a bit abruptly and its hard to accept that it was that easy...

SPOILER


I thought the missing signs were initially to make you think he was bad in some way, but if this "keeper of the lost"'s intent is to reconnect lost things with their owners, why did he not just call the number on the sign? I understand that smell and sight are very important to remembering from short term amnesia...but THAT quick?

Just my thoughts on this one,

Kegan

[Rodney V. Smith]

The story ended a bit abruptly and its hard to accept that it was that easy...




...if this "keeper of the lost"'s intent is to reconnect lost things with their owners, why did he not just call the number on the sign? I understand that smell and sight are very important to remembering from short term amnesia...but THAT quick?



You kinda answered yourself on this one Kegan. And there's a difference in returning things and letting them be found or in some cases, pointing them in the right direction. All comes down to interpretation I think.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I really liked this one. The male lead was pretty good and I liked how everything was wrapped up in the end. Having her find it for herself was very well done. Loved some of the shots as well, nice work. The colour was also very good, nice look.

The Director played the thug quite convincingly. :)

I won't touch on the other stuff that's been mentioned.

Nice work!

MAH

[seductivepuppy]

some very nice compositions. though i could see the glass element form the adapter in a couple shots and that irks me. and ADR stuff. but no redundancies. nice work.

[Marlon Ladd]

Good story, man. I liked how you wrapped it up. I could tell the voices were adr and I know that had to be alot of work. I think it'll be just fine though if you just add city background sounds and if you need any, I've got plenty, so let me know. Other than that, everything was very nice. You had some cool shots in there and like I said, it was a very good story. Nice, simple and quiet, but powerful.

[Richard J. Johnson]

I loved the story. The audio has issues but the story was nice. Both of the actors were just great.

[Chris Messineo]

Great story.

I noticed the 35 adapter glass and the ADR at times, but it didn't really distract from the film which was very good.

I really liked your actors and I thought your shots were great, particularly your compositions.

Lastly, great music - both Damian and Sarah.

Very well done.

[Dustin R. Rogan]

MEH...


lol jk buddy, you know i love this film. Thanks for letting me be apart of it!

Rogan

[Zak Forsman]

okay. first let me say this one managed to generate some mild tears here. i really responded to some of the more sincere moments. that jessica sinclair is so good, i want to steal her from you and write a whole feature around her.

here's what i'd like to suggest you guys try if you want to keep shaping this... drop the score. i imagine it's nice on its own but married to these scenes it turns authentic, at times heartfelt, moments into scenes from a Lifetime movie of the week. it's like a delicious steak covered in ketchup. second, sound design. i'd love to feel the environment of the streets these characters inhabit, really feel it. make the city a character thru sound. in the future, see if you can't incorporate a wireless kit at s minimum to capture the dialogue live.

those are my thoughts.... you guys rocked my face off!

[mattspat]

Thanks man. Really appreciate it. Thanks everyone!

[jessicalsin]

okay. first let me say this one managed to generate some mild tears here. i really responded to some of the more sincere moments. that jessica sinclair is so good, i want to steal her from you and write a whole feature around her.

here's what i'd like to suggest you guys try if you want to keep shaping this... drop the score. i imagine it's nice on its own but married to these scenes it turns authentic, at times heartfelt, moments into scenes from a Lifetime movie of the week. it's like a delicious steak covered in ketchup. second, sound design. i'd love to feel the environment of the streets these characters inhabit, really feel it. make the city a character thru sound. in the future, see if you can't incorporate a wireless kit at s minimum to capture the dialogue live.

those are my thoughts.... you guys rocked my face off!


I'm IN Zak!...Ummm...could I crash at your place though...? I don't know anyone on the West Coast....also I have a rather large dog. Is that cool? BWhahahahahah!
Totally sweet comment, I'm truly honoured and touched!

:dankk2:

[Mark Harris]

Hey guys,

It feels like you didn't have the ground glass on for some of the outdoor stuff. Esp around the 3 min mark at the hotdog stand. Am I insane? Or is it compression?

You have a lot going on here, buddy, but the ADR is killing you. Or maybe not so much the ADR itself, as not mixing it into the rest of the sound well enough. It's pretty glaring. I try to do it as little as possible because it's hard to get right. I know you wanted to practice it on these, but it might be worth getting a pro mix done, or at least conning a pro into helping you out. The only time I ADR'd a whole film, Herman did the mix.

[Rodney V. Smith]

You caught me on the ground glass at the hotdog scene. the ONE time i forgot to switch the adapter on... that was in front of the Roger's Center (formerly the Sky Dome) and there were 5 cop cars literally 50 feet from us. We were expecting to get busted at any second, so we swooped in, asked the hotdog guy for permission, got the shot and got the hell outta there.

Sadness. You're right about the ADR though. I don;t have enough patience to mix it properly and Damian only did thae mix at the last as a favor. So hard to get it to sound right. My Shotgun Mic and lavs arrived from Atlanta this afternoon, so I at least have sound again, but way too late for anything... oh well.

Guess it was too glaring to get into the story?

[Loki]

Again,

I must ask.. why is this completely dubbed. The sync is very off in a lot of places as well. I can't get into this. It's like watching a film in a complete vacuum.

I wanted to get into it.. but the sound (or lack thereof) really just takes me completely out of the film.. makes me very disconnected.

Again, I am interested to know why this was all ADR work? surely you must have gotten some decent sound on location you could use?

I liked this story. It's sweet.

You need to hook up with a good sound designer or sound recordist. The sound really brings this down. I feels too artificial. The music is quite distracting as well. With some solid sound work, I don't think you'd even need music in this.

peas.

[jessicalsin]

As this shoot was done ENTIRELY OUTSIDE there was to much background noise to get accurate audio. Toronto is a busy city at almost all hours of the day and night. As we were focused on getting a great landscape for our film and the progression of our moving through the city was integral to the story, it was necessary to ADR the film in this manner. Not to mention that having a sound crew with us would have made our production far more obvious, thus creating more unwanted attention and as we were shooting as Rodney affectionately refers to it 'guerrilla' style we had to on and off of our selected locations quite quickly.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

One thing that I've noticed about both of these films is that you've created a bunch of characters that we, as viewers, can genuinely care about. They're intriguing, charismatic, and charming. I really enjoyed where this film took me and the type of friendship that it established. I really liked the performances from the leads.

My critiques of this film run along the same vein as Falling Up, much like what others have already expressed. But honestly, unlike what some others have said about being taken out of the viewing experience, after the initial shock of obvious ADR work, I stopped caring and enjoyed the story.

Is it a perfect film? No. Are any of the films in this fest? Of course not. Are they at the Academy Awards? Nope. Sure, they have technical proficiency that some of us just can't get on our own, but this film has a heart, and I appreciate that the most.

Thanks for the pleasurable viewing. :beer:

[Zak Forsman]

yeah, that's what i responded to... the heart.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

You need to hook up with a good sound designer or sound recordist. The sound really brings this down. I feels too artificial. The music is quite distracting as well. With some solid sound work, I don't think you'd even need music in this.

peas.

I've got to agree with Loki here. I think that with proper sound design, a film like this wouldn't even have needed music. It's strong enough on its own.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Again,

I must ask.. why is this completely dubbed. The sync is very off in a lot of places as well. I can't get into this. It's like watching a film in a complete vacuum.

I wanted to get into it.. but the sound (or lack thereof) really just takes me completely out of the film.. makes me very disconnected.

Again, I am interested to know why this was all ADR work? surely you must have gotten some decent sound on location you could use?

I liked this story. It's sweet.

You need to hook up with a good sound designer or sound recordist. The sound really brings this down. I feels too artificial. The music is quite distracting as well. With some solid sound work, I don't think you'd even need music in this.

peas.


Okay Loki, you were proven right from your post a few weeks ago. Feels like you were just waiting to say "I told you so" though. The ADR mix isn't perfect, and the reasons for doing the ADR was completely out of necessity since our sound guy bailed on us at the last minute to work on another paid project. We went ahead and we shot it anyway and we got it done.

We'll work on tweaking the ADR for the longer edit after LossFest is over.

Glad you liked the story and were at least able to watch it.

[Lawsuit_Boy]

yeah, that's what i responded to... the heart.

"All ya need is love," eh Zak?

Heh, or something like that. Beatles felt right for the moment.

[jessicalsin]

One thing that I've noticed about both of these films is that you've created a bunch of characters that we, as viewers, can genuinely care about. They're intriguing, charismatic, and charming. I really enjoyed where this film took me and the type of friendship that it established. I really liked the performances from the leads.

My critiques of this film run along the same vein as Falling Up, much like what others have already expressed. But honestly, unlike what some others have said about being taken out of the viewing experience, after the initial shock of obvious ADR work, I stopped caring and enjoyed the story.

Is it a perfect film? No. Are any of the films in this fest? Of course not. Are they at the Academy Awards? Nope. Sure, they have technical proficiency that some of us just can't get on our own, but this film has a heart, and I appreciate that the most.

Thanks for the pleasurable viewing. :beer:

Just a beautiful comment! Thank you so much! :happy:

[Rodney V. Smith]

"All ya need is love," eh Zak?

Heh, or something like that. Beatles felt right for the moment.

Beatles will work anyday. Thanks guys. Who would've thought I actually HAD a heart?

[Lawsuit_Boy]

Beatles will work anyday. Thanks guys. Who would've thought I actually HAD a heart?

I know! Shocked me too! Eh, not really. You've always seemed like a great guy to me.


Just a beautiful comment! Thank you so much!

You're perfectly welcome! Meant every word.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I know! Shocked me too! Eh, not really. You've always seemed like a great guy to me.

You're perfectly welcome! Meant every word.

No flirting in the thread guys. This isn't that kind of movie. :P

[Geoff_R]

Echo what some others have said about the sound... for me, sound is the most important aspect of the production, moreso than a camera. I'd take sound over picture any day. So it was hard for me to get into this one, but the performances themselves had some nice variety and moments.

Your Anthony character had a warm, shy quality about him that was hard to dislike; he's just a guy doing the right thing, the noble thing-- and that's something easier said than done. I'm not sure about his performance... not that he didn't do anything in particular right, but I didn't attain sincerity through it, as if he believed what he was saying, but wasn't sure why he believed or felt that way... hope that makes some sense...

Jessica Sinclair did a nice job, moreso towards the end, some very touching little beats. Some of her stuff felt a little forced to me, as did some moments with Robert Nolan, but I think that is more from the writing. It just didn't feel natural, too movie-like at times. There is a lot of talking going on in the movie, not sure if it was all scripted or if there is some improv in there... but there were times when it just felt scripted to me. That could also be the ADR though... infliction and tone are never the same as the real thing, ADR always removes some of the reality of the situation.

Thanks for sharing.

[MrKilloran]

St. Anthony was very calming, peaceful and yet towards the end there seems to be a sadness to his character. Could just be me.

Jessica has done an excellent job in both your films, she's wonderfully consistent and very impressive. You're a lucky s.o.b. for having such a talented actress at your disposal.

Again you create endearing characters that attach themselves to the audience emotions and we care about what happens to them, they really pull us into the story. The immediate connection between the characters is done exceptionally. Great work, your actors did a great job. I'm not gonna pester you on the ADR, you know it, everyone knows it, you made two entries and from what I can tell were putting a lot of time and effort into two films, something was bound to go awry. The story is enjoyable regardless just make sure to work on it. Good job!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Really gorgeous piece! Nice acting and ... finally... a happy ending from a Lossfest piece :-)

I think the quality of what you've done here warrants a new ADR and sound mix, really polish this up well!

[Ki-Ki]

Perfectly executed film, i found it real... good, just real perfect story and cast. Perhap's some audio issue's? But grand film, nice score. Really loved it guy's. High Five. :)

[warau]

I really liked this one. The color throughout was just beautiful, really worked for me. Fascinating story really held my attention.

[Zim]

I think you have a very good Lossfest film here. Great idea and the acting was good too.
The only real problem I had was she seemed to old to have a doggy and a blanket.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I think you have a very good Lossfest film here. Great idea and the acting was good too.
The only real problem I had was she seemed to old to have a doggy and a blanket.

Doggy??? Blanket???? Huh????

pardon my confusion, but: huh?

[alex whitmer]

Hey Puckster,

Much to like here.

Really enjoyed Jessica's performance. Nice authentic character. Nice balance with Robert. Didn't see enough of Matt to make a judgment call.

No issues on your camera artistry. None of that 'paint-by-camera' feel.

Story-wise this has some holes. Maybe I missed it. Insomnia plays tricks on the mind.

First up is motivation. Not enough info on why this guy does what he does, and if indeed he reconnects people with lost items, and he has a warehouse full of them, he's not doing a very good job.

Didn't really buy the mugger (who is also a friend??) going for the 'shiny trinket' like an infant might. He's a mugger, or worse. Violence against women has very different psychoses and motivations than material greed. That didn't work for me.

Also, by seeing her jacket, she suddenly remembers who she is? Way too clean of a wrap up.

There were some really great teasers with the poster that never paid off, and I felt let down that a damn cell phone solved the mystery. For a guy who finds things, how was he not aware of the poster?

Maybe I missed some clues here with the muddled dialogue?

Was he an angel of sorts? What's with the coin? Business card?

Cinematic-wise, this is a strong piece. You know what you're doing with a camera. Story-wise it needed a little more 'devil's advocate' before locking it.

Overall, a vary enjoyable watch.

alex

[mattspat]

Hey Alex,

Yes. Anthony in the film is actually Saint Anthony, the individual who reunites people with their lost stuff. And as for mugger leaving the girl he was beating up, this was because that pocket watch was his! and Anthony reunited me with it (it was a valuable thing that he lost and it attracted his attention right away)


Hey Puckster,

Much to like here.

Really enjoyed Jessica's performance. Nice authentic character. Nice balance with Robert. Didn't see enough of Matt to make a judgment call.

No issues on your camera artistry. None of that 'paint-by-camera' feel.

Story-wise this has some holes. Maybe I missed it. Insomnia plays tricks on the mind.

First up is motivation. Not enough info on why this guy does what he does, and if indeed he reconnects people with lost items, and he has a warehouse full of them, he's not doing a very good job.

Didn't really buy the mugger (who is also a friend??) going for the 'shiny trinket' like an infant might. He's a mugger, or worse. Violence against women has very different psychoses and motivations than material greed. That didn't work for me.

Also, by seeing her jacket, she suddenly remembers who she is? Way too clean of a wrap up.

There were some really great teasers with the poster that never paid off, and I felt let down that a damn cell phone solved the mystery. For a guy who finds things, how was he not aware of the poster?

Maybe I missed some clues here with the muddled dialogue?

Was he an angel of sorts? What's with the coin? Business card?

Cinematic-wise, this is a strong piece. You know what you're doing with a camera. Story-wise it needed a little more 'devil's advocate' before locking it.

Overall, a vary enjoyable watch.

alex

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Hey Alex,

Yes. Anthony in the film is actually Saint Anthony, the individual who reunites people with their lost stuff. And as for mugger leaving the girl he was beating up, this was because that pocket watch was his! and Anthony reunited me with it (it was a valuable thing that he lost and it attracted his attention right away)
Yes, I actually thought you sold that scene quite well. You could tell that he had some sort of connection with the watch.

[alex whitmer]

Hey Alex,

Yes. Anthony in the film is actually Saint Anthony, the individual who reunites people with their lost stuff. And as for mugger leaving the girl he was beating up, this was because that pocket watch was his! and Anthony reunited me with it (it was a valuable thing that he lost and it attracted his attention right away)

Being Zen, I'm not really up on what Saint does what. Guess I missed that. Why was the mugger, who was also a friend, beating up the girl in the first place?

I'm going to watch this again, see if I can see the watch deal.

Then, back to my vow of silence!

aw

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

[mattspat]

We actually worked a long long time on the back story of that one. We really researched into how pseudo families (pimps and hookers) function. Well actually I already knew as I am in criminology at university. But anyways, what it was, was that I was the man (or pimp in this case) and she was one of the girls i had been trying to get to come in to join the pseudo family.

It is long to explain how the pimp goes about recruiting women to join his family. But in short: the pimp starts out by making the women fall in love with him, through being genuine, loving, paying for their house bills, etc... However, he is not genuine. Once these women have fallen in love with the pimp the guy tries to play on that to force her to join the family.

I hope this helps clear some stuff up. Let me know if you want some more info on it.


Being Zen, I'm not really up on what Saint does what. Guess I missed that. Why was the mugger, who was also a friend, beating up the girl in the first place?

I'm going to watch this again, see if I can see the watch deal.

aw

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

[Rodney V. Smith]

I actually had concerns about some people not getting the fact that the character was an incarnation of Saint Anthony. Especially those non-catholics out there. Myself I'm not Catholic and actually had to go ask the name of the saint, but the idea of some force out there anthropomorphic or otherwise, being in charge of specific elements of human activity is one that resonates across a lot of cultures, if not all cultures. I definitely knew OF Saint Anthony and tried to imbue the story and characters with some sense of that, so just his action SHOWED us who he was and everyone could get that and connect it.

SPOILER
As for the coin, it was just a payoff from the scene where he found it where she says that "it's supposed to be lucky..." he answers the question of "For whom" by leaving it for her.
END SPOILER

Some people will read that. some people won't. Depends on what resonates with you and what experiences you've had I suppose.

[armisiano]

I quite dug the mood of the piece. The music all worked very well, and the colors and lighting too, it all seemed to work together toward the same "vibe" if that makes any sense. Technical note, need a little work with following focus (unless it was intentional, then nevermind) and like Falling Up which I really enjoyed, I wish the dialogue audio could've been recorded live on set. Otherwise quite interesting and nicely done.

[Robbie Comeau]

I like this, but really, the sound just ruined it.

ADR is drag, and it really never works out.

It's a shame, cause if you have a sound recordist on set, this film would almost be a ten.

The camera work and film look, 10! Great job on that.

Loved the crane shot in the garage.

Acting was cool as well. Matt's preformance was good, and so was Anothony's. But the lead actresss (Jessica?) I'm not to sure of her acting.

Overall, I want to say I really liked this, but the sound just brings it down for me. Really sucks that way though, having a big part in a film bring down the rest.

Thanks for sharing!

Robbie

[Rodney V. Smith]

Thanks for your review Robbie.

[Robbie Comeau]

Ya, I mean, I feel bad but I was honest with you.

Really, you did the job you do well, (Camera, and directing) Although Matt directed this right? Or were you both in on it?

After seeing this film, I'd hire you for my next shoot. Stunning images, and camera work.

No I'm not sucking up or being nice..It's all true :)

Robbie

[Noel Evans]

I really dug it. I thought of all the stories thus far, this was he most touching piece Ive come across. At first the ADR ripped me straight out of it, but after awhile I was able to get back into. Would be much more potent without that - not only is it hard for actors to hit the words right, but also harder in a room sitting to recreate the right emotion in the words.

Now I am gong to be spectacularly picky with you, but I will restrict it to three. The opening shot - dirty lens. When they were coming over the in the long shot at 2.24 the constant erratic focus changes were distracting - auto focus here? At 3.52 major bump on the dolly/camera. Now the reason I picked these is theres some really nice shots in this piece, really nice composition and a lot of hard work put into those - these small things are so easy to fix.

Nice work.

[KTOOFRESH]

punkthemad... i really liked the idea of the story(what he does for those who have lost, almost like he brings them back to that very piont in time where they in someway lost themselves) i did like your story telling++ but.... it was a little drawn out... i do like your still:thumbup:

[ZazaCast]

What are the chances...I just watch LaBonney's "Saint Anthony", then this? Really beautiful shots & camera work. Nicely graded too. I didn't think the acting was as good in this one as in "Falling Up"...and the ADR just bugs me. I feel like I'm watching an old Bruce Lee film dubed in English.

Story, images, music....all well done! Thanks for another enjoyable flick from the Puck-Man!

[ZazaCast]

I am in criminology at university.

Matt... I develop criminal justice training for Pearson Education...you have to checkout this project, we're almost done with it.
http://www.allthingsmedia.com/pearson/CJI/demo/

[jessicalsin]

Just out of curiosity...does anyone read the previous threads? I feel like we are constantly beating a dead horse here with the ADR critiques... Criticism is always welcomed, because how else are we supposed to grow as filmmakers? But after how many posts is it really necessary for everyone to comment about the exact same issue? Really?

[Zak Forsman]

Just out of curiosity...does anyone read the previous threads? I feel like we are constantly beating a dead horse here with the ADR critiques... Criticism is always welcomed, because how else are we supposed to grow as filmmakers? But after how many posts is it really necessary for everyone to comment about the exact same issue? Really?

if it's okay with you, i'm going to beat another dead horse.... jessica sinclair rocked this!

[Noel Evans]

Just out of curiosity...does anyone read the previous threads? I feel like we are constantly beating a dead horse here with the ADR critiques... Criticism is always welcomed, because how else are we supposed to grow as filmmakers? But after how many posts is it really necessary for everyone to comment about the exact same issue? Really?

I rarely read the other comments. Maybe only the one above my post.

[jessicalsin]

Hah...thanks Zak. You're silly.

[Rodney V. Smith]

I really dug it. I thought of all the stories thus far, this was he most touching piece Ive come across. At first the ADR ripped me straight out of it, but after awhile I was able to get back into. Would be much more potent without that - not only is it hard for actors to hit the words right, but also harder in a room sitting to recreate the right emotion in the words.

Now I am gong to be spectacularly picky with you, but I will restrict it to three. The opening shot - dirty lens. When they were coming over the in the long shot at 2.24 the constant erratic focus changes were distracting - auto focus here? At 3.52 major bump on the dolly/camera. Now the reason I picked these is theres some really nice shots in this piece, really nice composition and a lot of hard work put into those - these small things are so easy to fix.

Nice work.

Noel, thanks for the honest review. I knew someone would pick up on the fingerprint on the glass. Believe me, those shots are on the top of my list for reshoots. However with the weather being decidedly schizo here in Toronto.. snow one day and then nothing on the ground almost the very next day, getting the opportunity to do pickups on those shots was extremely difficult. Hopefully i can get those shots in before the leasves start sprouting on the trees.

I'm glad you were able to get nbacj into the film and enjoy it. I'll be sure to share the sheer potency when we fix it up all purty-like.

[Lost Skies]

I really enjoyed this one- Nice job! My wife said this was her favorite, so you got points there :)

[Rodney V. Smith]

I really enjoyed this one- Nice job! My wife said this was her favorite, so you got points there :)

Score! Kiss your wife!

[Spear670]

Really enjoyed this one. The over all quality is impossible to ignore and the acting is subtle and sophisticated. The mood was very calm through out, but that actually almost lost my attention.

I think this was a great entry into the festival.

[SMarston]

good story but id really like to know what happened to the young woman that ruined her memory. although im sure its not relavent to what you're going for with this film its the only thing i could think after watching.

[Norm Sanders]

GAH! Two for two on the ADR/audio issue. :( Really curious to know what was causing the audio issues you had for BOTH Films?

That said, I can again tell that there are some good performances here .... unfortunately lost within the ADR to a large degree. You've got a great eye/sense for story, flow, look/feel, direction, etc .... just DESPERATELY need to fix the ADR/audio, as it's such a massively important piece of the film.

I dug the subtle undertone here, that to me at least had some biblical reference/implication.

BTW, your music in this had a pretty powerful theme melody to it (loved it), and there was something about this that has feature to it, if you wanted to explore that futther, since you could have some beautiful character arcs & development in the story.

Lastly, your colors were absolutely beautiful as well ... I liked how this was shot better than FALLING UP ... looked more pro, though it's tough to compare to VERY different feeling films.

[singleframe]

great addition to LossFest!
the focus issues were distracting, unless intentional (not sure). story was great, as was the directing.
not going to delve into the audio issues.
but over all, i enjoyed the feel, scenery, lighting, coloring of the film. nice one!

[Sprocketboy]

Rodney, you have to do me a big favor. No matter what you do from here on in... use a boom pole with a mic or a wireless lav to capture sync sound. You must never do ADR again. Find a sound guy who is a pro. Someone who eats and drinks sound.

Anything you make has such potential that to see it hampered by a sound problem kills me. You are possibly one of the most talented members in this group. Every decision you make to create one of your films is fantastic, except sound. Forget everything else for now, you have a camera, lens, actors and talent... now get sound. If you shoot nearby in southern CT, I'll do it for you. I want to see you soar dude.

Right now, I don't want to give you any nit picky, constructive criticism on this flick because I think you already know what your priorities are next time around.

A nice job. My best to everyone involved.

[Rodney V. Smith]

Rodney, you have to do me a big favor. No matter what you do from here on in... use a boom pole with a mic or a wireless lav to capture sync sound. You must never do ADR again. Find a sound guy who is a pro. Someone who eats and drinks sound.


I solemnly swear never ever to do ADR again.